Happy July 4th! our July Newsletter!!!

News from the homefront... Happy Independence Day from all of us at MountainsDreamz! You'll find us out and about this month at several area Farmer's Markets.  Eagle River---Sundays from 10am - 2pm Wabeno---July 2nd, 16th and 30th from 9am - 2pm and... we're researching several other locations--depending on how my back holds out you may see us in at least one other location! Stay tuned for more updates! Through July 4th--Freedom Sale!!! purchase 3 soaps for $15 Good only at Farmer's Markets July 2nd & 3rd can't get to our Farmer's Markets? Call us or stop by our Etsy store today!

Talk about a busy month!  We started joining forces with several area Farmer's Markets and are looking at the possibility of doing more.  Stop out to see us this weekend and sign up for our Monthly Giveaway Drawing.  (this month we're doing the Giveaway in person vs. online--so make sure you stop by to sign up!) Also we're exploring the opportunity of presenting classes on herbalism and/or soap making.  Any interest out there?  Before we commit to a date and location we'd love to hear from you!  If you were to go to a soap making class---would you want herbal blends?  romantic blends?  spa blends discussed?  Keep in mind you'd be creating your own soap and bringing some home for yourself or a gift.  What about creating herbal tinctures?  Balms and Salves?  Let us know your thoughts!  Once I get your feedback I'll set something up and send out an invitation. In the meantime---take a look at our new blends for the month. New Products for the month--you'll find these out and about at our Farmer's Markets so stop by today!  Not all of these are found on our Etsy Site as some are made in limited quantities.  Just give me a shout out and I'll save you some!  We've added creams, massage oils and an Amish black drawing salve along with a specially created Dandelion salve and several pain relief formulas for you to choose from.

Coconut oil & Shea butter soap created with the healing properties of Northwoods' Cedar Tallow based soap with the healing properties of Dandelion and Sunflower oil--Lavender Moon! Rich and moisturizing for your skin!  Also beneficial for headaches and migraines with added Peppermint oil Unisex Massage oil made with Spring Spruce.  A wonderful up north scent that can be used all year long! Our version of the famous Amish Drawing Salve made with Activated Charcoal, honey and medicines to draw out splinters, boils, infections etc! PAIN Our signature pain relief recipe in a massage oil you can use to rub on sore muscles , aches & pains. Several hours of pain relief gauranteed with our Cayenne and Ginger based Salve.  Same great recipe in a salve! Coconut oil & Shea butter soap--Unscented, all natural, no dyes or added ingredients for sensitive skin Another Tallow based soap with Dandelion infused olive oil and a creamy citrusy scent! Wonderfully romantic and incredibly moisturizing for your skin!  Handy travel size container too! If you've had the pleasure of waking up in the Northwoods' you will know what we're talking of!  Beautiful first blush of morning in a massage oil! Sunshiny Salve made with Dandelion infused Olive oil to help your skin heal from sunburn, itchiness or scratches.  Gently scented with Chamomile and Ginger! RELIEF Our signature pain relief recipe in a lighter version for the hikers and bikers out there! Pain Relief Tincture that goes a long way! 3 - 5 drops as needed of our signature pain relief recipe in an Everclear base.  Shelf life of 10+ years!

We also have a CBD Oil from Regalabs that works incredibly on pain!  I've used this myself for several years and have had amazing results with no side effects.  The miracle medicine you've been reading about online that is legal in all 50 states.  Helps with pain relief, nausea and vomiting, reducing inflammation, stopping the spread of cancer and healing forms of epilepsy.  2 oz bottle for $37.50 Up for some Travelling?!?! This month we're including several seminars and/or walks that are on our radar to attend.  If you haven't made plans, we'd love to see you there!  First up is the 33 Days on Twin #66 Walk going on now through July 10th in the State of Wisconsin.  Find out what you can do to help stop the growth of the Enbridge Pipeline and all of its activity through our great State!  Then early August join our area Elders as we gather at the Women & Water Coming Together Symposium in Hayward, WI.  Both Josephine Mandamin and Mary Ellen Baker will be hosting this phenomenal gathering!  Sign up today and don't forget to bring a friend. 33 Days on Twin #66 Walk The Sacred Water Sacred Land sponsored 33 Days on Twin #66 Walk is an ad hoc group of concerned individuals from around the state who are coming together to show soliderity and strength to protect the diminishing precious natural gifts of Wisconsin. We care deeply about living in ways that preserve clean water, air and land. Our walk includes numerous stops where communities will be invited to share their actions and ideas on how to live on the land in a good way. Various speakers will be invited to share their expertise on a wide range of sustainable future subjects. THE WALK ROUTE It is primarily an educational walk that will begin at the entry point of Enbridge pipeline systemat the southern state border just south of Walworth, and follow it northwest to the Superior Terminal transfer station in Superior. It's purpose is to raise awareness of the existence and expansion of the Enbridge pipeline system and stimulate conversations about sustainable energy practices and reversing resource depletion. Daily consecutive legs, averaging 10 to 15 miles, are punctuated with overnight rest camps staged on private properties, first nation lands and state parks. Click on the walk route button to see the path. If you decide to join us after the walk begins AND WE ABSOLUTELY ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO SO!, go to the Live Location page to see specifically where we are at any given moment. You can also give us a call at HQ or text us to arrange a rendezvous. 33 DAYS ON TWIN#66 We're pleased to have a number of very talented musicians on board at many locations along the way. Event times are 6:30-9:00 pm unless otherwise specified. Schedule dates and locations  July 1 - 10 7/1  Sheldon, WI 7/2  Ladysmith, WI 7/3  Imalone, WI 7/4  Meteor, WI 7/5  Stone Lake, WI 7/6  Hayward, WI 7/7  Gordon, WI 7/8  Solon Springs, WI 7/9  Hillcrest, WI Check the website for details, RSVP or any questions you may have. You still have time to stop by our favorite shop in the Northwood's if you hurry!  This weekend thru 7/2 and again at the end of the month 7/28 - 30th.  Stop by and let them know Sandy sent you!!!! Recipes:  following you'll find some of the incredible recipes out there for all things herbal!  From Chai Ice Cream to herbal Ice Cubes--there are ways to keep healthy and cool the whole Summer long.  HOMEMADE CHAI ICE CREAM RECIPE JANUARY 18TH, 2016   Here’s what you’ll need to make your own homemade chai ice cream… Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups of whole milk 4 tablespoons of chai concentrate 1 cup of heavy cream 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon of salt 2  1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch Directions: 1) Combine 2 tablespoons of chai concentrate with corn starch and stir until the cornstarch has dissolved in a bowl. 2) Next, combine the milk with the rest of the chai concentrate, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and salt in the sauce pan. Set aside. 3) In a bowl, prepare an ice bath for the sauce pan. This will be used to chill the ice cream base afterwards. 4) Move the sauce pan with the milk mixture to the stove and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Once the mixture is at a steady simmer, heat the mixture for 6 minutes, stirring with a whisk. 5) Reduce heat to low and, while stirring, add corn starch mixture. Then, increase back to medium heat and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. 6) Remove from heat and submerge the sauce pan into the ice bath. Keep stirring! This will help cool the ice cream base more quickly and evenly. 7) Once the mixture has cooled down place in an airtight container and let refrigerate for an hour 8) Then add the mixture to the ice cream maker and turn it on. (Make sure you follow the directions of your ice cream maker) It took about 20 minutes for my ice cream to churn and set up 9) Scoop the ice cream into freezer-safe pans, and cover with airtight lids, and freeze overnight. I like to serve it with a sprinkling of crushed up waffle cones, for an extra crunch. And a teeny tiny bit of loose leaf tea for fun. Not necessary, but super good (in my opinion). Yum! Recipe by Anissa Saxton Styling by Brittni Mehlhoff Photography by Amelia Tatnall from Paper & Stitch blog found here: http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4957191717&blog=489613 To cool down on those hot summer days---try freezing some herbs or fresh fruits in your ice cubes!  Make your lemonade or iced tea with an added flavorful surprise! How to Make Herb-Infused Honey What You Need Ingredients Basic formula: Use about 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs per 1 cup (8 ounces) of honey. Honey: A light, mild flavored honey generally works best. (Use the Honey Locatorand support your local bees and beekeepers.) Herbs: Use a single herb or a combination. Rosemary, sage, thyme, mint, lemon balm, lavender, chamomile, rose petals, and pine needles all make lovely infused honeys. You can also use spices like vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Herbs should be dry; see instructions below. Equipment Clean, dry jars and lids (half-pint and pint mason jars work well) Chopstick, wooden spoon handle, or other stirrer (avoid metal, which can scratch jars) Clean cloth for wiping jar rims Strainer Instructions 1. Prepare herbs: Herbs should be dry (see safety note, below) and may be in the form of whole sprigs or separated leaves, buds, and petals. Chopped herbs may infuse more quickly, but they may also be harder to strain out. (To dry fresh herbs, use an air or oven drying method, dehydrator, or microwave.) 2. Combine herbs and honey: Place herbs in the bottom of a jar and fill the jar almost to the top with honey. Using a chopstick or other implement, stir to coat the herbs with honey. Top off with more honey to fill the jar. Wipe the jar rim with a clean cloth and cover tightly. Tip: Label the jar with the contents and date so you don't forget! 3. Infuse: Let the herbs infuse for at least 5 days. If the herbs float to the top, turn the jar over a few times to keep them well coated. For a more intense flavor, infuse for another week or longer. 4. Strain: Strain the honey into a clean jar. Depending on the volume of honey and herbs and the size of the strainer, you may need to do this in stages. (Tip: Use the leftover herbs to make a tisane.) 5. Store: Store the honey in a tightly covered jar in a cool, dry place. It will last indefinitely. A Note on Safety: Although some people make infused honeys with fresh herbs, this process calls for dried herbs in order to limit water activity and the growth of Clostridium botulinum spores. For more details, see Clemson Extension's Is herb-infused honey safe to prepare at home? Natural Room Scents By Monica at the Yummy Life Ingredients Citrus, sliced -- lemons, oranges, limes (may use peel only, if preferred) Herbs -- rosemary, thyme, & bay leaves Spices-- whole cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice (optional), anise (optional); may substitute ground/powdered spices Ginger (fresh or powdered) Extracts--vanilla, almond, mint Pine twigs (or other fragrant twigs) Directions Use a pint (2 cup) jar, container, or pot to combine scent waters. Add ingredients to container, cover with water, and choose from these options: --simmer on stove top, topping off with more water as it evaporates --add heated mixture to a slow cooker, fondue pot, or something similar that will keep mixture heated. Preheat waters to a boil (in microwave or on stove top). As water evaporates, always top it off with HOT water to keep the temperature as high as possible. Higher heat = more fragrance. FRAGRANT COMBINATIONS: 1. Orange, Cinnamon & Spice. 1 orange, 2 cinnamon sticks (or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon), 1/2 tablespoon whole cloves (or 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves), 1/2 tablespoon whole allspice (or 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice), 1 anise star (optional) 2. Lemon, Rosemary & Vanilla. 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 2 lemons, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 3. Lime, Thyme, Mint & Vanilla. 3 limes, 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme, 1/2 teaspoon mint extract, 1 teaspoon vanilla. 4. Orange, Ginger, & Almond. 1 orange (or peel from 2 oranges), one 4" finger of ginger, sliced (or 1 tsp ground ginger), 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. 5. Pine, Bay Leaves, & Nutmeg. Handful of pine twigs or needles, 4 bay leaves, 1 whole nutmeg, outer layer grated into mixture. Scented waters may be refrigerated between uses. Reuse for 2-3 days, or as long as they still have a pleasant fragrance Have a fantastic July 4th!  Enjoy the time you have with family and friends and stay safe out there! Love and blessings today and in to tomorrow too!!!! MountainsDreamz  ~Hold on to what is good, even if it's a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe, Even if it's a tree that stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do, Even if it's a long way from here. Hold on to your life, Even if it's easier to let go. Hold on to my hand, Even if I've gone away from you.~ Pueblo Indian Prayer

Copyright © 2016 MountainsDreamz, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2560 High Point Rd., Eagle River, WI 54521 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

MountainsDreamz is heading to Eagle River today!!!

Today at Eagle River Farmer's Market!!!

Getting ready to set up at the Eagle River Farmer's Market today! Stop by to see us, say hello and get some amazing herbal health care products--sign up for our Farmer's Market giveaway! We'll be downtown from 10 am - about 2 or 3 pm...Herbal soaps, tinctures, balms, salves---diffusers, massage oils and liniments! We've got a little bit of everything to help you get back to the healing ways of Mother Nature.

Happy Summer Solstice!!!

Full Moon Solstice
Herbal Remedies are in full swing!

• we've replenished our Yarrow, Calendula & Lavender and Pain Relief Tinctures
• started our Summer Stinging Nettle Tinctures & Infused Oils
• extended our Immunity Bath Salts--we'd utilized a large amount of medicines and they were seeping with oils!  Added more Dead Sea Salts and Baking Soda and voila!  11 vs. 8.
• and even had time for our Plantain Infused Oils!

getting ready to create MountainsDreamz version of an Amish Drawing Salve just in time for all the yard work this Summer will bring.

And?  For those of you with Ultra Sensitive Skin?  An incredibly rich Coconut & Sunflower Oil and Shea Butter Unscented Soap!  Rich, creamy, loads of lather and incredibly healing for all skin types.  No scent, No color and All Natural!

Sitting for a moment during the late afternoon sunshine and breeze, enjoying our custom blend of incense and preparing for tonight's festivities.  Faela hasn't been feeling well (which is why you didn't see us in Eagle River at the Farmer's Market today) so we're continuing our prayer of protection and blessed dreamtime for our Baby girl.  Dog's have been fed--Sheamus is off to band camp for a week and it's just you and I and what seems like hundreds of Women preparing for tonight's Ceremonies.  Sweat lodges are starting, Sundances are underway and those of us keeping the World in Balance are busy at work while the vast majority of you are doing normal things.  Thanks be to training and guidance.  The World is still revolving isn't it?

What are you doing this Summer Solstice?  There's still time to get out there and enjoy the longest day of the year!  What ever you are choosing to do--remember to give thanks for that heat.  We learn more sometimes thru the heat, the harsh elements that wear us down to the very bone sometimes---than all the other elements combined.  Pray for the fires raging in the Southwest---for the critters and the trees, the forests that are downed--and for our Firefighters! 

Bee well, Bee Blessed & Bee Mindful~

our love

MountainsDreamz 

Here are a few places we're thinking of today...

Solas Festival

17 – 19 June 2016

This family friendly festival set in Perth, marks the Summer Solstice with a weekend of music and art. With an eclectic mix of entertainment on offer including Celtic Rock, late night DJ sessions, author events and political debates, the Solas Festival is set to be an inspirational way to cherish summer.

• The Bield, Blackruthven, Tibbermore, Perth

Orkney Solstice Festival

The Stones of Stenness, Orkney

The week-long Orkney Solstice Festival is the perfect place to reconnect with summer. This annual event, set on the picturesque island, is a free do-it-yourself festival that encourages all of its visitors to contribute something. Whether you bring along a song, a story, a question, or just a useful skill, you’ll help bring the festival and all of its participants together to celebrate. With food, live music, dancing and theatrical productions all taking place, this event is sure to be a spectacular way to spend midsummer.

Egilsay, Orkney 16 – 23 June 2016

or...

Midsummer Tales Guided Walk

Faskally Wood, Pitlochry ,Tuesday 21 June 2016 - 8pm – 10pm 

Squeeze every last bit of sunlight out of the longest day by taking an evening stroll through the enchanted woods of Faskally. This guided walk, organised by the Forestry Commission, takes place in the beautiful picturesque town of Pitlochry and is a must for all nature lovers. Admire Faskally’s stunning loch and keep an eye out for the kingfishers, herons and golden eye ducks that inhabit this mystical forest.

Read more at http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/7-magical-ways-celebrate-summer-8186943#LggrsRI7BwmVboYs.99

Spring Harvest Opportunities...from glifwc

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Summer

Fall

Winter

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Spring harvest opportunities

Introduction      During 2000 and 2001, GLIFWC staff interviewed tribal elders regarding non-medicinal uses of plants. With approval from the elders, we have decided to share this information in the form of a harvest calendar.      In this section, the harvest calendar is devoted to those plants that may be gathered for non-medicinal uses during the upcoming ziigwan (spring) months of onaabani-giizis, hard crust on the snow moon (March); iskigamizige-giizis, maple sugar moon (April); and waabigwanii-giizis, flower moon (May). Tree Sap  sugar, syrup, candy ininaatig wiishkobaaboo—sugar maple sap zhiishiigimiiwanzh waboo—red maple sap adjagobimak waboo—box elder sap wiigwaas mitig waboo—paper (white) birch sap wiinizik waaboo—yellow birch sap wadoop mitig waboo—alder sap   Sap Processing Utensils  boughs used to stop sap boil over; wood used for tree taps and sap stirring paddles zhingob waatigwaanan—balsam fir boughs zhingob waatigwaanan—black spruce boughs gaawaandag waatigwaanan—white spruce boughs giizhik waatigwaanan—white cedar boughs giizhik misan—white cedar wood wiigob misan—basswood wood moozo gawinzh misan—moosewood wood apaakwaanaatig misan—sumac wood Greens and Flowers  raw, sauteed, steamed, boiled, deep fried, soup waagaagan—ferns (young shoots) nessibag aniibiishan—clover leaves __waabigoniin aniibiishan—cowslips leaves doodooshaaboojiibik aniibiishan—dandelion leaves bagwaji zhigaagawinzhiig aniibiishan—wild leek leaves __shaaboosigan aniibiishan—milkweed leaves *watercress leaves *pigweed leaves *aster leaves anajiiminan—wild peas *beach peas datgaagmin inaskoon—thimbleberry stems apakweshkway inaskoon—cattail stems *wild asparagus stems apakweshkway waabigwaniin—cattail flowers doodooshaaboojiibik waabigwaniin—dandelin flowers bibigwemin waabigwaniin—elderberry flowers wazhaskwedoonsag—morel mushrooms __Must be properly prepared, see disclaimer. Fruits  raw, jams, jellies, pie fillings ode-iminan—strawberries Roots  roasted, sauteed, steamed, boiled waabiziipin ojiibikan—arrowhead (moose ears) roots oga'damun ojiibikan—yellow water lily roots bagwaji zhigaagawinzhiig—wild leeks bagwaji zhigaagananzhiig—wild onions apakweshkway ojiibikan—cattail roots anaakanashk ojiibikan—bulrush roots anaakanashk ojiibikan—rush roots doodooshaaboojiibikan ojiibikan—dandelion roots namepin ojiibikan—wild ginger roots   Miigwech to those speakers in Mille Lacs, Minnesota and Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin for their help in providing us with the Ojibwe names for these plants. *We have been unable to find the names for these plants in Ojibwemowin.

Tea  de'imin aniibiishan—strawberry leaves apakwanagemag aniibiishan—red pine leaves (new growth) wiinisiibag aniibiishan—wintergreen leaves mashkigobag aniibiishan—swamp (Labrador) tea leaves kaakaagiwanzh aniibiishan—hemlock leaves zhingob aniibiishan—balsam fir leaves giizhik aniibiishan—white cedar leaves mishkomin mitigosan—raspberry stems okwemin nagek—black cherry bark asasawemin wategwaanan—choke cherry twigs wiinzik—yellow birch bud tips wiigwaas mitig—white (paper) birch bud tips doodooshaaboojiibik ojiibikan—dandelion roots Tobacco  nessibag aniibishan—clover leaves doodooshaaboojiibik aniibishan—dandelion leaves bagaaniminzh aniibishan—hazelnut leaves datgaawanzh aniibishan—thimbleberry leaves wiinisiibag aniibiishan—wintergreen leaves *pigweed leaves miskwaabiimizh aniibishan—red willow (kinnickinnick) bark wiigob ojiibikan—basswood roots Insect Repellents  giizhik aniibishan—white cedar leaves miskwaabiimizh waaboo—red willow sap Decorations  *trailing arbutus flowers oziisigobimizh waabigwaniin—pussy willow flowers wiigwaas—paper (white) birch bark lodges, baskets, containers, canoes, caskets, scoops, cradle boards, ornaments, firestarter Disclaimer      While the list identifies those plants that can be harvested during the summer months, we strongly recommend that before you pick them, you meet with elders in your community to talk about proper ways of harvesting, times of harvesting and proper preparation of the plants before eating them.      This is important because some plants need to be harvested in certain ways to ensure that they will continue to grow, while other plants need to be properly washed and prepared prior to eating or using them. In addition, those elders can also help you in different uses of these plants.