Business & Lifestyle Expo

Hi everyone!

Last night we attended the Black Tie Gala for the opening night of the Business and Lifestyle Expo. We were happy to be a sponsor and to be involved with some of the vignettes and décor for the event.

We had a “Farm to Fork” display set up.

The main theme in the foyer was to show that Urban Farming is a viable business. DTL Herbs is classified with the State of Michigan as an Urban Farming business. So, naturally we were thrilled to be part of this.

Urban agriculture is the practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around a village, town, or city. Urban agriculture can also involve animal husbandry, aquaculture, agroforestry, and horticulture. These activities also occur in peri-urban areas as well.

Urban farming is generally practiced for income-earning or food-producing activities, though in some communities the main impetus is recreation and relaxation. Urban agriculture contributes to food security and food safety in two ways: first, it increases the amount of food available to people living in cities, and second, it allows fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat products to be made available to urban consumers. It decreases food deserts. A common and efficient form of urban agriculture is the biointensive method. Because urban agriculture promotes energy-saving local food production, urban and peri-urban agriculture are generally seen as sustainable agriculture. 

Source: Wikipedia

Anyone can create a full garden in a small place.

This produce bed was created from scratch on site. It is very easy to take a small part of your yard and grow a decent amount of fresh produce.

Another area create was a Aquaponic lettuce garden.

Aquaponics  or pisciponics, is a sustainable food production system that combines a traditional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as snails, fish, crayfish or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. In aquaculture, effluents accumulate in the water, increasing toxicity for the fish. This water is led to a hydroponic system where the by-products from the aquaculture are broken down by nitrogen fixing bacteria, then filtered out by the plants as nutrients, after which the cleansed water is recirculated back to the animals.

As existing hydroponic and aquaculture farming techniques form the basis for all aquaponics systems, the size, complexity, and types of foods grown in an aquaponics system can vary as much as any system found in either distinct farming discipline.

^{Source: Wikipedia}

And of course a fresh flower bed.

Here are some pictures of other vignettes using live plants. These are displays created by the students of the Roosevelt High School Agriculture program. Items were donated or loaned.

We had a fun evening and heard lots of wonderful feedback on the foyer displays. Everyone involved did a fantastic job!

Kicking Off the Farmer Market Season!

Hi everyone!

We are soooo ready for the market season to start! We have spent these past months getting ready for a busy Farmer Market season!

We have a couple of new products to add to this year’s lineup as well.

For example, we will now be offering a “Reduced Salt” version of our number one seller, Chive and Dip Vegi dip.

We plan to be at 7 to possibly 10 Farmer’s Markets a week this year! It is going to be a busy, busy, busy season!

And Tomorrow, Sunday April 14 we will be at the Kickoff for the Lincoln Park Farmer’s Market!

Here is the info:

LINCOLN PARK: Farmers market kicks off Sunday

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Park Restaurant Hall, 1681 Fort St

We hope to see you locals there!

Rosemary Easter Trees

Hi!

We have a show this weekend and have some 2 year old rosemary plants ready to be sold. I just wanted to Easter them up a bit.

Glued some foil wrapped chocolate bunnies to floral picks.

Grab a few other little things.



Just some fun Easter Rosemary plants.
We are at the:

Spring Spree in Allen Park, MI

Friday (Today) and Saturday.

Friday from 2 to 7:00 and Saturday 10 to 5.

Salad Burnet? Oh Deer!

 

When we do classes and presentations people often ask how to keep deer out of their herb gardens.

It usually isn’t much of a challenge.  Most of the herbs that we enjoy have a very strong smell and deer generally don’t like herbs that have a strong smell.

An exception to that general rule, that we have known about for some time, is Basil.  Deer actually like Basil.

Also, we discovered in our tests garden in northern Michigan last year, the deer cropped the Anise Hyssop off right at the ground, and completely ignored the other herbs in the garden. So there was another exception.

Today we learned about another one.

We live across the street from the International Wildlife Refuge, so it isn’t unusual for us to see deer out the front door, and every once in a while they come over to our side of the street, but when I went outside today, the deer tracks were 8 feet from our front door.

It was clear that the deer had come right up to the herb bed, and found the Salad Burnet buried under the snow.

It made a nice dinner I’m sure.

Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor) is hardy herbaceous perennial native to Europe Asia and Africa.  Unlike many herbaceous perennials in this area, it grows year round and is often alive under the snow long after the other herbs have expended themselves for the year.

The young tender leaves are often used in salads, and have a flavor that resembles cucumbers.

It can be used in a tea to treat diarrhea, and was a favorite herb of Thomas Jefferson and Sir Francis Bacon. Thomas Jefferson grew is specifically because it grew so quickly and could be used to control erosion.

The species Latin name, sanguisorba, translates as "blood-drink," referring to a medieval traditional use of salad burnet to stop internal bleeding and hemorrhages. Soldiers of  that period would drink tea made from the herb before going into battle, as well, because they believed it would make any wounds they received less severe and they would be less likely to bleed to death.

Salad burnet was also thought to be a cure for the bubonic plague and was one of 21 herbs combined and dissolved in wine to make an anti-plague tonic.

The leaves blend well with rosemary and tarragon for chicken or fish and  can also be used in any casserole dish, dip or soup that calls for dill, oregano or basil. They should be used fresh or frozen, but don’t have much flavor when dried.

A mature plant resembles a fern and can grow up to 20 inches high and 20 inches across.

 

And as we learned today, deer like it too!

Wonder how it would taste on venison?

 

Herbs for Hangovers

We really want  to focus on the internet, social media, and electronic communications this year as a way to share hints tips and ideas about herbs, how to grow them and how to use them.

What could be more appropriate for the first tip of the year, on New Years Day, than some ideas on how we can use herbs to combat hangovers.

Now, for those of you who like myself, aren’t drinkers, it is important to note that we aren’t really treating a hangover per se, but the symptoms, so these same remedies can be used to treat any hangover type symptoms.

** Disclaimer.  I am not a doctor.  I have no medical training.  Please do not rely on Tips, Hints, or Ideas you find on this blog as a replacement for medical care.  If you are pregnant, nursing, or have serious health issues, you should consult a doctor before using any herbs medicinally.  All medical treatment should occur under the guidance and direction of a medical professional.

OK, now that we have that out of the way, for those of you who were making merry last night, and are feeling a bit out of sorts today, lets explore some possible options that may help you feel better.

Peppermint
Peppermint is a natural stomach soother,  taken as a tea it can calm nerves and improve digestion.   Tea drinkers can add a teaspoon of dried peppermint or a Tablespoon of fresh peppermint leaves to their regular  cup of tea. 

Non tea drinkers can make an herbal tisane  by adding a cup of boiling water to 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint, allowing it to stand for about five minutes and sweetening to taste.  When I do this I like to add a tablespoon of lemon Juice and 2 Teaspoons of Honey.

As an added benefit, inhaling the steam produced while brewing peppermint tea can help to relieve headaches

** Note, do not attempt to treat a hangover with Peppermint Schnapps.

Fennel
1/2 teaspoons of  fennel seeds in a hot cup of tea can help improve liver function. Fennel is a restorative herb, and can help bring your liver back into working order.

Ginger
Ginger is a stomach soother; Ginger snaps, gingerbread cookies, can often provide partial relief for minor stomach upset.  Candied or pickled Ginger root may be as effective, provided the sugar or vinegar are not overpowering. 

** Note, Vernor’s Ginger Ale is actually made with real ginger and can be used to settle an upset stomach.  Other brands may not be as effective.

Thyme
Thyme leaves  brewed into a tisane  with a spoonful  of honey can help soothe tense and tired muscles, and can help with any stomach troubles too.

Lemon Verbena
A tisane made from adding 2 t dried Lemon Verbena leaves to a cup of boiling water can help to calm the nervous system and relax jittery nerves as well as help relieve anxiety. Lemon Verbena Tisane is so effective that people are actually cautioned not to drive or operate machinery after drinking this as it may affect alertness. 

Wintergreen/Teaberry
Also known as 'nature's aspirin,' Teaberry leaves were brewed into a tisane by the Native Americans to treat headaches.   If you can’t find the leaves, wintergreen oil, and gum or candy made with natural wintergreen oil and not artificial flavoring can also be effective.

** Important Note**Teaberry actually contains salicylic acid which is the active ingredient synthesized to produce aspirin.  because of this, teaberry or Wintergreen oil should not be used by anyone with an allergy to aspirin, as the same reaction may result.

Hopefully in just a few hours you will be feeling as good as new and ready to help us enjoy the fact that a new year has dawned. 2012 is no more.  Lets have a fun 2013.

 

Watch this space for regular Herb Hints, Tips, and Ideas.

 

Note, this post was written by Troy, but I used Diann’s computer so it says it was written by her.  Any errors in it are my fault, not hers.

First of all, I want to thank all of you once again for your support, your prayers, your words of encouragement, your positive thoughts, and for all of you who took the time to write a letter to the judge for and on our behalf.

Friendship like this is priceless, and I am amazed on a regular basis at the amount that has been shown, by people who we have never met face to face.

As any of you who read Diann's blog http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-cowardly-judge-susan-hubbard.html may know. Two days ago, we got a phone call from the judge's chambers. She was dismissing oral argument and she will issue a written opinion.

What does this mean?

It's anyone's guess.

We discussed it at length with our attorney, and we concluded that what it boils down to is that she is a coward and does not want to face us in open court and look us in the eye.

It could mean that she is embarrassed to actually admit that she was wrong publicly, and prefers to do it on paper, or it could mean that she knows that denying our motion is wrong, and she prefers to do it in private.

It could also be a knee jerk reaction to the fact that Channel 7 had requested permission to have their cameras in her courtroom today, and she balked at the idea.

So whatever the case, she has up to 21 days from today to render her decision.

Popular theory is that she will do so sooner.

My guess is that the sooner it happens the more likely it is to be favorable to us, and the longer it drags out the less likely.

But that is just me predicting the unpredictable.

We will keep everyone posted,and again, thank you so much.

It is friends like you who have carried us through these very difficult times.

Christmas Craft Show While at the Cabin

Hi friends!

I love living in a small town. I grew up and have lived my entire life in a small community. Although my hometown is small, it takes less than a half hour to get to either Detroit or Toledo. So, there is plenty of city life all around us.

At the cabin, first it takes almost a half an hour just to get “into town”. And the town itself is a very small town. And up north, the towns are at least 25-30 miles away from each other. So, when you have an event in town, the entire town shows up for it. Not to mention the so called neighboring towns make a day of it and head over.

Oh how we love these kinds of shows! You basically have a captive audience. We quite literally are “the only show in town”. This Christmas craft show is the last event that will happen here until Spring. So, everyone wants to check it out and spend their day shopping. And the folks that have driven 30+ miles to attend have money ready to spend. They want to do their Christmas shopping. And because of this, you have a lot of crafters/vendors there. The high school was packed with fun and different things throughout all the halls and gym.

Generally it is very rare for us to have any type of similar product competition. DTL Herbs is quite unique. Occasionally we will see a vendor selling spices. We don’t sell spices, we sell herbs. Big difference. People don’t realize that. We spend a lot of our time at shows educating people about herbs. And once in awhile we will see vendors selling dip mixes or dry rubs similar to ours. The big factor with them is they are generally vendors of the products. This means that there is a large company that makes these items and then you sell them for the company. Kind of like selling Avon or Tupperware.

Our company is not a big company. It is just us. We go from the soil to the table. We plant our herbs, we grow our herbs, we harvest our herbs, we dry our herbs and we create our end product. All of our recipes have been created by us and tested, what sometimes feels like a million times until they are just right in our opinion. We know exactly what goes into our growing herbs and our end product. We use no chemicals and we don’t use any artificial additives. Okay, that was just a small lie. LOL I have added food coloring to my sugars to make them pink, green or yellow. But, that is the only thing that has anything unnatural added to it. And it really stressed us out about doing the food colorings in the sugars. We test marketed it several times to see if people would be okay with it. Our customers are very loyal to us and believe in our company and products so, they give us their honest opinion. We love that!

That’s what it looks like sitting behind the table as a vendor. LOL Okay, back to the show.

Here is where you can find us this coming week….

Thursday 12/6 Redford Olde Fashioned Holiday http://www.redfordtwp.com/docs/2012/homepage/2012OldefashionHolidays8.5x11colorposter.jpg

Friday Dec 7, 1:00 pm,  Troy will be giving a fun presentation class on Holiday gifts with herbs, http://www.macombcountymi.gov/msuextension/documents/Fallherbregistration.pdf

Saturday Dec 8 River of Living Waters Ministries Annual Holiday Craft Show, 9:00-4:00 http://events.detroitnews.com/taylor_mi/events/show/295721825-annual-winter-holiday-craft-show

We don’t have a show scheduled for Sunday so, if any of you know of a local one, please let us know about it.

 

New Products ~ Limited

Hi everyone!

We have a few new products available for sale in our upcoming shows. These new items are in very limited quantities.

Pints of New Pickled treats!

Dill Giardiniera

Fiesta Medley

Dilly Beans

All 3 of these are labeled “Don’t Open Until Christmas” because that is when they will be at their Maximum Yummy Best!

 

1/2 Pint of Fiesta Medley

Look at how gorgeous these peppers are! I can’t wait to get into these!

We will be at the Lincoln Park, MI outdoor market Sunday November 11/18. Hope to see you there!

We are so Proud of Her!

Hi everyone!

What good is having a blog if you can’t brag a little …right? Well, I’m doing just that today!

Our little princess (she will be 5 in a couple of months…can you believe that!) spent every Tuesday last summer at the Farmer’s Market in Brownstown MI. Right next to our booth was the Brownstown Animal shelter folks. They would set up a tent, bring some animals and inform folks about the shelter. Well of course, this was the princess’s favorite vendor at the market! She spent a lot of time getting to know the people that work at the shelter, some of the animal control officers and some critters.

Now that we are doing craft shows, the princess always wants to make her own product to sell. In a couple for weeks she will be selling “Reindeer Food”. She knows that this products is her “Christmas Shopping Money”. She did it last year. A manager from one of the shows she did has already called and asked if SHE will be back this year to sell her reindeer food! She was so proud to be able to buy all “her people” Christmas gifts with money she earned. You can read the post I did about this last year HERE.

She loves animals. It doesn’t matter what kind, she loves them all. She decided to make a cat toy and give 50% of her profits to the Brownstown animal shelter. She wants to make sure the animals have enough food to keep them healthy throughout the winter (her concern).

So, she worked hard and made “Catnip Puffs”,

She took $1.00 from her “spending purse” (the money she earned helping at the Farmer’s Markets) and went to the dollar store and bought a bag of pompoms. We had dried catnip and gave her the plastic bags. She put together the bags by herself. We created labels for her and she finished packaging them herself as well.

She took them to the craft show this past weekend and set them out.

She even tried to sell Santa some!

Apparently Santa didn’t have cats. LOL But, she did inform him that she will be making some food for his reindeer very soon!

Teaching her about giving back has been a very important thing for us. For her, it is only natural because it is the way she has been taught from the get go of her life. To know that her heart is generous and giving is so amazingly special and beautiful.

I cannot even begin to tell you how much we love and respect this little girl! We are just so proud of her!

She sold 75% of her product this day! You go Sweetheart!!

Tonight we will be at the Orchard Clubhouse in Carleton, MI

It will be a fun craft show from 5:00 – 9:00 pm.

New Product ~ Packaged Teas

Hi everyone!

Wow, we have been busy lately. You can tell by the lack of post here at DTL Herbs!

I am thrilled to finally announce that we have packaged our herb infused tea and they are now available for purchase so you can take them home and enjoy them! We had so many requests this past summer after introducing the iced teas for this to be packaged for home use.

We are offering two sizes. The above is a picture of the the “Brew an entire pot of hot tea or a pitcher of iced tea” size. The flavors are all the ones we introduced this summer: Peppermint, Spearmint and Lemon Verbena.

And in the same flavors as above, we now have packaged individual tea bags for a single serving.

I hope you stop by and give them a try!

I am working on putting together a schedule of the different events that we will be at throughout the winter months. So check back so and see where we are!

Today (Nov 4) we are at Airport High School for a large craft show (Carleton, MI)

We Support…

Hi everyone!

It has been crazy busy around here the past week. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is a cause that touches us. We lost an Aunt to breast cancer not too long ago. And we have a sister in law who is a 5 year survivor.

We decided that we want our business DTL Herbs LTD to take an active part in this cause. We know we are just a tiny business but, we thought that there must be something we could do.

Click the above banner to find out more about this program!

After some research we discovered that a local hospital along with some local sponsors have set up a program for uninsured woman to get a free mammogram. After speaking with the people in charge of the program, we found out how much the cost of one mammogram is. And that is our goal amount to raise. We want to cover the cost of at least one woman to have a mammogram.

So, this week we are rolling out a couple of new products. Although we are completely 100% natural with our herb products, I made a small exception and added some pink food coloring to our new Peppermint Sugar. This product was exclusively made for Breast Cancer Awareness month. A large portion of the profits will be donated.

I have been working on creating an herbed cornbread line of products. So, to launch this new line I am going to bake up some cornbread and have them available. There will be no price on them. It will be all donation and every penny will go to the mammogram.

We will be at the Wyandotte Market today. I hope you stop by!