I’m a Lifestyle Blogger and Women’s Herbalist who weaves a little magic into every aspect of my life. I love to set beautiful tables and plant wonderful gardens, talk to my healing herbs and flowers and give endless kisses to my cats. I cherish living a family-centered life filled with plenty of Sunday dinners , and lots of love and enchantment. I always stop what I’m doing for afternoon tea. 

In this newsletter, I invite you into my world to share a deep love for elegant and sustainable living, sprinkled with a touch of magic. Together, we'll embark on a captivating journey where nature's wonders, the power of herbs and scents, and the joy of culinary artistry come together in perfect harmony. Oh, and let's not forget about my beloved feline companions who often grace our enchanting adventures.

For me, there's something truly magical about getting my hands in the dirt or creating artful arrangements on dinner plates and pewter platters. I believe in the beauty of repurposing, where Grandma's silver becomes not only a symbol of cherished memories but also a vessel for enjoying home-cooked, home-grown food. Join me as we explore the flavors of locally sourced ingredients and the sustainable practices that support them, from the vibrant farmers market to the bountiful garden.

In my world, every problem finds its solution in the presence of family, proper etiquette, candles, and wine. Afternoon tea, my personal religious ritual, offers solace and serenity (even if I often find myself in tea church in the morning!). As the love-in-food girl, I am on a mission to ensure that everyone can savor something delectable they've grown with love and their own hands, regardless of their living space.

Within this newsletter, I share my passion for living beautifully and healthfully, from the transformative years of motherhood to the wisdom of menopause. You’ll find recipes and ideas for nourishing lotions, soothing herbals, healing elixirs, and even special remedies for your beloved pets. I also delight in uncovering unique vintage accessories, stunning yet comfortable fashions, and elegant home goods that elevate your everyday life. From gardening tips to cultivating your inner and outer beauty, and maybe even a touch of magic with a love spell or two, this is a space for nurturing your well-being and celebrating the art of living fully.

As an author and IIN wellness coach, I firmly believe that the most elegant prescription for a healthy and satisfying life is found at the end of our forks. Good food and entertaining hold a special place in my heart, with an emphasis on gathering with family. Our collections of beautiful things should be cherished and used frequently, not solely reserved for guests. The everyday dinners we share with our loved ones and the joyous celebrations that punctuate our lives create memories that our children will forever cherish.

A passion for elegant living flows through my veins, driving me to transform every day into a special occasion. My mother's wise words—"Make everyday a day for candles and wine!"—resonate deeply within me. Life is meant to be celebrated, and every moment can be an opportunity to embrace creativity and joy. Join me in exploring local farmers markets, where the magic of living in harmony with the seasons unfolds. Together, let's discover the wild and wonderful foods hiding in our backyards, fields, and forests, cultivating a renewed connection to the world around us.

I hope this newsletter fills your life with sacredness, the rhythm of the seasons, and the sensory delights that nourish both body and soul. May each season and every day become a remarkable treat for everyone you hold dear.

Your contributions inspire and empower me to create my next book and continue sharing my magic with the world. Thank you so much for joining me on this enchanted journey. I appreciate you so very much. 

I live, love and work with Jim , my husband of 40 plus years in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I like to joke and say that my favorite job right now is that of “Fairy Granny!” Jim and I became first time grandparents in November when our son Alex and daughter in law Angie had their first child, a darling little boy named Wolfgang , aka Wolfie!

I am owned by 17 full sets of vintage dishes, hundreds of books, 3 cats, a dog, several horses, a swarm of wild honeybees, an urban garden full of herbs, fruit, vegetables and old rambling roses, too many bottles of vintage perfume and very soon, a flock of heirloom chickens!

I moved my writing here to Substack so I could offer a wider variety of content to subscribers.

I hope you'll consider joining us as a paid subscriber! You can get a 7 day free trial!

From the very beginning, I've made a commitment to keep most of my writing accessible to everyone, because I wanted it to be shared and enjoyed by all. But I also wanted to create something more—a space where we could come together as kindred spirits, united by our love for herbalism and aromatherapy, kitchen gardens, tea , our homes and families…. the simple magical pleasures of life.

And so Stirring the Senses came to life—a haven where all subscribers can delight in my regular musings. Yet, it offers an added layer of engagement for those who choose to support us financially. Paid subscribers gain exclusive access to a vibrant and collaborative community. From Motherhood to Meonopause and The Herbarium are dedicated spaces for our paid subscribers who cherish creating homemade remedies, preserves, and botanical delights. Here, I delve into the enchanting world of Herbalism & Aromatherapy twice a month, sharing specialized knowledge and techniques to enhance your connection with nature's healing & magical gifts.

This unique blend of offerings ensures that everyone can savor the essence of our society, while paid members enjoy the added benefits. When you become a paid subscriber, you'll also receive the monthly seasonal ritual that I created for myself and have shared with this group. These rituals will encompass a variety of themes, including gardening, self-care, cooking, the Full Moon and, of course, tea—all aligned with the changing seasons.

But more than that, this community is about forging connections and building friendships. It's about coming together to share our stories, our triumphs, and even our failures, knowing that we're surrounded by a group of like-minded individuals who understand and support us.

So whether you're a seasoned gardener with a green thumb or someone who's just beginning to dip their toes into the world of homegrown herbs and herbalism, I invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we'll explore the beauty of nature, savor the simple pleasures of life, and cultivate a sense of joy and togetherness that will nourish us all year round.

My fundamental belief is that people in general are generous , decent and kind hearted, and my hope is that those who can afford to support Stirring the Senses will subscribe to keep it free for those who cannot. Just like public radio, you’ll be subscribing and giving a gift to others who cannot afford to do the same. 

I’m inviting you to join me on a journey into a magical world of seasonal feasts, enchanting celebrations, and the art of tea. 

Paid membership to Stirring the Senses costs just $5.00 per month or $50.00 annually.

Wishing you a life filled with wonder and enchantment!

Beth

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Newsletters will arrive right into your Inbox. I do hope you’ll enjoy being a part of the newsletter but if you later decide that it’s not for you, it’s easy to unsubscribe using a simple link at the end of each newsletter. I will miss you, but you can come back anytime. There’s always a place for you at my table!

I’m so excited to welcome you into my Backyard, my Kitchen & my Home.

Let’s play! Let’s have fun! let’s turn our magic all the way up!

Beth