Hot Fun in the Summertime

School is out. The temperatures are going up. The kids are getting bored. Midsummer or the solstice is time to try some new things. From ancient times, we have marked the solstices with celebrations. The summer solstice is the longest day, and a perfect opportunity to spend time in the sun.

Go bird watching

Go berry picking

Leave out milk and honey for the fairies

Watch the sunrise on the solstice

Have a breakfast picnic on the solstice

Decorate house in red & orange

Make sun catchers

Make solar tea

 

 

Solar tea

 

Needed:

Mason jar

Sprigs of thyme

3-4 tea bags

Water

 

Put tea and thyme in mason jar. Cover with water, put lid on it

 

Put in direct sulight for at least 3 hours

 

Drink and enjoy

Sleep the clock around

I have had a nightly routine for years that helps me wind down and get to sleep. I do moon salutations, write in my gratitude journal, rub on magnesium oil and have my herbal tea.

It's a beautiful way to wind down, especially if it's been a hectic, crazy day. I love transitioning from my awake time to getting a good nights rest.

I used to buy boxed teas, but they aren't always pure or even contain the real deal. My local health food stores (and in Sioux Falls, I'm pretty lucky because I have a few great choices) carry loose herbs in their bulk foods section. I bought chamomile

nutmeg

and valerian

, all of which promote sleep. 

I add them to a tea ball and let it steep in boiling water for 15 minutes. You can either drink it as is

or add milk and honey.

Then lay down for restful sleep.