Crystal Candle Shop Newsletter
March 2011 http://www.crystalcandle-shop.com
Welcome March, month of the Spring Equinox! Spring is a very rich and fertile time for all beings upon our earth. Spring is a time in which wonderful positive and healing changes in consciousness can be born. Spring is a time of new life when seeds burst forth from Mother Earth and blossom in all their glory. It is the time when the Sun returns bringing Light and warmth to all life. With love in our hearts, in our thoughts and in our actions, may each one of us plant seeds of transformation that will lead to the healing of our Mother Earth and all of her children. We at Crystal Candle Shop send you blessings for a fertile and joy-filled spring!
Stop in today and check out Crystal Candle Shop’s Spring Candle and Candleholder sales! Great savings on selected new arrival items just in time to bring the warmth and new life of spring to your home!
Article of the Month:
Spring Gardening
Do you want to create a wholesome food producing garden that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is productive? If so, you must first discard the idea of a square patch of tilled Earth with linear row after linear row of neatly organized plants marching stoically across it. Instead begin to think creatively about the space you have available and develop a design for maximum beauty and productivity within that space. Imagine different shapes, multi-levels, and maybe even some decorative features such as a fountain in the center. If you are really motivated you can even Feng Shui your garden. Creating beauty in your design will enhance your pleasurable gardening experience and create for you a space that is relaxing and soothing.
Raised beds and multiple bedding plans as the interior design are ideal. Raised beds of even a scant 6 inches above ground level provided significantly better drainage than a bed built at ground level. Raised beds heat up faster in spring, adding days (or even weeks) to your growing season. Building up a bed 12 or 18 inches aboveground level gives you the ability to fill it with the ideal mix of topsoil and other planting mediums. And when your garden is at a raised level, weeding and harvesting are less of a strain on your back.
Vegetable garden beds built no broader than 4 to 5 feet and separated by paths, allow you to work the middle of each bed without stepping into it. This keeps you from packing the soil and crushing plants underfoot. An additional benefit of separating your garden beds is that you can work with your feet in a clean path rather than in the middle of a muddy garden bed.
Forget about planting in rows and instead plant in patterns. Maybe consider planting a combination of garden vegetables, flowers and herbs within your space. Thinking of plant size, color and texture you can create a garden that is a work of art!
Some garden plants will require trellises or cages to grow well, such as tomatoes and beans. Consider creating these from bamboo or other decorative material rather than the traditional poles, stakes and wire cages. You can also hang some wind chimes through your garden to discourage uninvited guests from feasting on your produce.
The main thing is to have fun, enjoy your gardening and in return your garden will provide you with plenty of fresh, wholesome foods for your family as well as many hours of pleasure!
Recipe of the Month
Garden Pizza
Garden Pizza is one of our favorites here at Crystal Candle Shop! This recipe has changed and evolved over time. Feel free to be creative and add your own ingredients!
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough, preferably organic whole-wheat
- 1 medium yellow summer squash
- 1 medium zucchini squash
- 1 cup fresh asparagus, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 3/4 cup sliced onions
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2-3 diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp diced or crushed garlic
- 1-2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 tsp crushed red peppers (optional)
- 1 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet or pizza pan with cooking spray.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about the size of the baking sheet. Some prepared dough resists being stretched. If your dough is too springy, let it rest for about 15 minutes, then try rolling it out again. Transfer to the baking sheet. Bake until slightly crisp on the bottom, about 8 minutes.
- Cook asparagus, squash, onions, oregano and garlic in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until beginning to soften.
- Spread the vegetables and tomatoes over the crust. Slowly sprinkle salt, pepper and red pepper over the vegetables. Sprinkle the pizza with cheddar cheese and top off with parmesan cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted, 8 to 10 minutes. http://www.crystalcandle-shop.com
Company Mission Statement
To always supply our customers with only the highest quality products at the lowest prices available, while continuing to provide the best customer service possible. To assist spiritual seekers with knowledge, education and tools to enhance in the most positive manner their spiritual and personal growth.
Many Blessings—
Crystal Candle Shop
