Ab Rab Blab

The soul of the rose lingers in these places. But how much longer will you be able to smell it? For more than 400 years, since the time of the Mughal emperor Jahangir, the Indian city of Kannauj has been distilling flowers to make perfume.But the industry is in decline. Synthetic perfumes are pushing the distilleries towards closure - and these exquisite scents may soon be lost forever. The Soul of the Rose proclaims Attars are based on nature, not chemicals. "Attars are not cost-effective products. They are expensive to make and few people understand this. Even fewer appreciate their value." -...

My Fairy Tale! I would love to share this with you. Click to watch the illustrated video. Love, Stephaney   In the heart of a small island, hidden behind the white pickets lies a seaside cottage where magic and mystery reside. Under the moonlight, an eternal yellow rose blossoms, flower petal cookies are nibbled, and fragrant heart-opening potions are sipped. In a stolen moment of misfortune, a friendship is formed that would forever change the life of a woman and young girl, as they learn that flowers can heal and even the deepest cut can be forgiven.

The first time I remember tasting Wassail was at an art sale in September in Iowa. This spiced hot beverage was self-serve out of one of those vintage electric coffee percolators with a lift handle. Only it wasn't vintage at that time. I filled what was no doubt a styrofoam cup and brought the steaming hot liquid to my lips. On first sip I was hooked. It was like sipping the holidays. Autumn and Yuletide wrapped up into one special moment.  The term “wassail” can trace its origins to pre-Christian Britain. Anglo-Saxon tradition included a New Year celebration in the halls...