SUPPLIES
Journal or paper
Pen

Find a quiet space for yourself…and ask yourself…”what brings me joy.” Write it down…no matter how small…big…silly…or outlandish it may seem. Don’t judge your “joy.”

After you have written your joy list…make a sincere promise to yourself…that each and every single day…you will honor yourself and your self-care by carving out the space and time to experience your “joy”…no matter what is going on in your life.

You will be amazed how much lighter and happier you feel allowing yourself more “joy.” Just a simple thing to do each day…but priceless to your soul!

SPRING DETOX BATH RECIPE
***Not recommended for pregnant women or women nursing a baby…or to replace any medical attention you may need

Our bodies need to detox in the Spring…pulling out toxins from our systems…not only from the Winter season…but from Spring allergies which builds up in our systems…especially our lymphatic system.

This simple salt bath detox soak is wonderful for your skin…boosts your magnesium levels and is an overall detox.

***Please drink a lot of water after this detox bath…to help release toxins from your body…and to help you stay hydrated. Often you may experience being lightheaded after a soak…just lay down for a few minutes if this happens to you.

Supplies…quart size mason jar
2 cups water
¼ cup sea salt
¼ cup Epson salt
¼ cup baking soda
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
10 drops Lavender essential oil

In a small pan…bring 2 cups water to a boil. Pour the water into a quart-size mason jar. Stir in the sea salt…Epsom salt and baking soda. Fill your bathtub with hot water. Pour in the apple cider vinegar. Pour the mason jar filled salt mixture in the bath water…and then add the Lavender essential oil.

Soak in this detox bath soak for at least 30 minutes or longer if you wish.

FOR MORE SELF-CARE SPRING SEASON HERBAL PRODUCTS…FOR YOU…YOUR LOVED ONES…AND GIFT GIVING…VISIT MY ON-LINE SHOPPE TO ORDER…

https://seasonstraditionsandherbs.com/shop/

SEASONAL SPRING FOODS
Cooking and eating foods in season…is just good sense. Eating in season means the food is fresher…taste better…and are more nutritious than foods out of season…and are more affordable too!

Apples
Limes
Apricots
Bananas
Cherries
Mango
Strawberries
Onions
Radishes
Spinach
Collard Greens
Herbs
Asparagus
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Peas
Salad greens

RECIPES USING SPRING SEASON FOOD

SHEET-PAN ORANGE-APRICOT DRUMSTICKS
I love sheet pan meals…so easy to make…and easy clean-up too!
Serves 4

1 pound multi-color fingerling potatoes…halved lengthwise
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 pound green beans…trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
¾ teaspoon sea salt…divided
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 large chicken drumsticks…skin removed
1 orange
3 tablespoons apricot preserves
1 table reduced- sodium soy sauce or Tamari sauce
3 cloves garlic…minced

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees

Place potatoes…green beans and onion on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt.

Grate ½ teaspoon zest from orange and squeeze it to get 2 tablespoons juice. Combine the zest and juice…preserves…soy sauce or Tamari sauce…the garlic and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper in a small bowl. Brush the chicken with half of the glaze. Roast the chicken and vegetables for 15 minutes. Stir the vegetables…turn the chicken and brush with remaining glaze. Continue roasting until the chicken registers at least 165F degrees on an instant-read thermometer and the potatoes are tender…about 20-25 minutes more. Enjoy this sweet and savory dish!

LEMON SHRIMP AND ORZO SALAD
Serves 4

8 ounces whole-wheat orzo
1 pound peeled and de-veined raw shrimp…cut into bite-size pieces
4 cups sugar snap peas…cut into bite-size pieces
¼ cup olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup finely chopped fresh organic Dill…plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon minced shallot
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook for 7 minutes. Add shrimp and peas and cook until the peas are tender and the shrimp are cooked through…2 to 3 minutes more. Drain.

Meanwhile…whisk oil…lemon zest and juice…the Dill…shallot…mustard…salt and pepper in a large bowl.

Add the orzo…shrimp and peas to the bowl and toss to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature and garnished with a bit more Dill. A refreshing salad…serve alone…or as a side.

STRAWBERRY PIE
Serves 8

I love strawberry pie…one of my favorites!

1 quart fresh strawberries…hulled
1 9 inch pie crust…baked
1 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
¾ cup water
½ heavy whipping cream

Arrange ½ of strawberries in baked pastry shell. Place remaining strawberries in a medium saucepan.

Add sugar to the strawberries in the saucepan…place over medium heat and bring to a boil…stirring frequently.

Whisk cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Gradually stir cornstarch mixture into boiling strawberry mixture. Reduce heat and simmer mixture until thickened…about 10 minutes…stirring constantly.

Pour cooked strawberry mixture over berries in pie shell. Place in refrigerator until chilled and set at least 3 hours.

Before serving …whip cream in medium bowl until soft peaks form. When serving each slice…add a dollop of whipped cream.

SPRING SEASON HOUSEKEEPING
Use pure essential oils to clean your home this Spring…they work wonderfully…are inexpensive to use…and safe for you…your loved ones…your pets…and for the environment.

LAVENDER…Is antimicrobial…antiseptic and anti-allergenic. It also refreshes your home…while creating a soothing and calming energy in your home.

LEMON…This powerhouse essential oil cleans the toughest messes…and is antimicrobial…antibacterial…antiseptic and anti-fungal. A great grease cutter.

ORANGE…This essential oil is a great de-greaser…and is also an excellent wood polish. Antiseptic and antibacterial.

PEPPERMINT…Antibacterial…anti-fungal…antimicrobial…antiseptic and anti-allergenic…this essential oil is great for making a house spray…and diffusing.

TEA TREE…This oil is fantastic for cleaning and disinfecting your home. Antiviral…antibacterial…anti-fungal…antiseptic and antimicrobial…great for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.

ANTIBACTERIAL HOMEMADE BATHROOM CLEANER
2 cups baking soda
15 drops lemon essential oil
15 drops tea tree oil
White vinegar

Mix together the baking soda and essential oils and store in a mason jar. When ready to use…sprinkle some in your sink…bathtub or toilet and spray with white vinegar. Allow the baking soda to foam up for about a minute and then wipe or scrub clean with a wet cloth or a toilet scrubber if using the bathroom cleaner to clean your toilet. Rinse any remaining residue down the toilet or drain.

Happy Spring Season To You,

Love…Victoria