Gingham Baby

Kids Vine Teepee

2010-05-28T23:51:00.006-05:00

Let your kids grow their own 'playhouse' this summer! A vine-covered teepee is an easy project, teaches kids about plants, and is fun to play in.

The vine shown here is hyacinth bean vine, but there are other types of vines that can be used as well. You can even grow beans on the teepee and have the added bonus of fresh vegetables for supper.

Decide what type vine you would like to grow, then make sure the location of the teepee will get enough sun for your plant choice.

Materials you will need are: 6 bamboo poles, 8 feet long and 1 inch (or more) in diameter; about 60 feet of hemp or jute twine; 80 feet of clothesline rope; and the plant seeds.

More plant choices: climbing nasturtium has flowers in orange, gold, and burnt red. They are also great in salads!

Scarlet runner bean has bright red flowers that turn into tasty beans!

**Safety alert! Morning glories are beautiful climbers but not a good choice for children as all plant parts are poisonous.

We found a list of materials and simple instructions at Sunset that will make the planning easy. Check out the great instructions and helpful photos at Kiddie Gardens, also.

Cottage Garden Therapies

2010-01-19T02:36:00.007-06:00

Here is a wonderful store on Etsy, Cottage Garden Therapies. Here you will find luscious all natural products for yourself!

Finish off your evening with a Mineral Bath Salt Soak, Tired Ol' Ass. Just add to bath water, relax and enjoy the benefits of a variety of mineral salts and an aromatherapy essential oil blend.

Mineral salts have been used for centuries to heal dry and irritated skin, stimulate circulation, and reduce inflammation of muscles and joints.

After your soak, slather on a creamy Goat's Milk & Honey Lotion formulated with such things as goat's milk, honey, shea butter, and sunflower oil.

Choose from a variety of natural scents that will uplift, relax, or rejuvenate your spirit. Sweet Orange Chamomile, Patchouli Orange, and Lavender Vanilla just to name a few.

So hop on over to Cottage Garden Therapies and browse their products to find your new favorite bath necessities.

Rose Powder

2010-01-16T11:12:00.004-06:00

Our Rose Powder for babies is made with all natural ingredients including rosehip powder. The powder is made from ground berry-like 'flowers' or 'fruits' produced by rose plants. Rosehips contain high amounts of naturally occurring vitamin C. The powder also contains tannin and carotene.

Tannins can not only stop infections, but they have the ability to form a protective layer over exposed tissue to prevent further infection. Carotene, or vitamin A, is an antioxidant that also works to maintain normal skin health.

Along with our other natural ingredients, the addition of rosehip powder in our formula provides more than just a sweet scent... it can provide protection for baby's delicate skin.

Anti-Bacterial Neem Powder

2010-01-11T20:45:00.004-06:00

Neem is a tree that is native to India where it is known as "Divine Tree" or "Heal All". It has been used for centuries to make anti-bacterial washes and poultices.

Neem powder, made from the leaves and bark, is a wonderful ingredient for healing many skin problems including eczema and psoriasis. Neem is not limited to just anti-bacterial uses; it is also anti-fungal and anti-viral. It also has a calming effect when used in teas.

It is a beautiful green color and can be used as a natural colorant. However, the healing properties of this plant are reason enough to use it in natural skin care products.

New Size Available

2010-01-08T22:26:00.003-06:00

Our all natural Baby Butter, a customer favorite, is now available in a new size. We are offering this creamy, rich butter in a 4 ounce size and packaged in a plastic jar. This is the same rich skin butter as our 8 ounce size; made with shea and mango butters, coconut and apricot kernel oil, vitamin E, and other natural ingredients.

This wonderful Baby Butter melts on contact with skin and absorbs easily without being greasy. It is especially wonderful during cold winter months or for dry skin, but it won't clog pores.

Available in our signature scents "Blue Gingham" and "Pink Gingham" or unscented. This new size works great for traveling or for the diaper bag. Be sure to pick some up for the winter!

The Goodness of Calendula

2010-01-05T19:23:00.004-06:00

Calendula is a wonderful plant that has many uses. As a child, I knew this plant as marigolds or pot marigolds, and loved the wonderful gold and yellow flowers it produced. Calendulas are also easy for anyone to grow.

However, calendulas have long been used to sooth sensitive or irritated skin. Using calendula in soaps, milk baths, and ointments is the best way to make use of the healing properties in this plant. This ingredient can generally be used by all skin types and has many benefits.

The healing benefits of calendula include: anti-inflammatory properties, antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, plus immune-stimulating and growth of new skin cells. Salves and ointments made with this herb is soothing to skin wounds, bruises, rashes and other skin problems, including eczema.

This easy-to-grow, unassuming little plant is also one of the most versatile and widely used in skin care products.