Baby it's cold outside

Here in the North GA Mountains the weather folks are calling for the lowest temps we've seen in over a decade.  Much of the rest of the country is under ice, snow, and brutal cold.

Here on the farmstead I have to think about the critters and keeping them warm and their water unfrozen.  As tempting as it may be, don't put water in the coop with chickens.   That can lead to frost bite in a hurry.  Do make sure they have unfrozen water outside the coop all day though.  You may have to make a couple of extra trips outside to keep refilling if your temps don't make it above the freezing mark.  Your flock will thank you for the diligence.

As we take care of our pets and livestock...sometimes we neglect ourselves in the winter.  Dehydration is as important to prevent in the cold months as in the hot ones. I tend to forget though.

I mean...who wants to drink a big tall glass of ice water when it feels like 130 below outside?

Not this girl!

What to do?  I KNOW I'm dehydrated...first thing I reached for this AM after waking was the lip balm.  Sure sign I'm past needing to refuel the H2O.

So again I say...what's one to do?

Herbal teas to the rescue. 

Possum Creek Herbs Apple Spice Tea with added ginger

Herbal Tea can be brewed from your favorite fresh or dried herb or blend of herbs. Some classic favorites include mint, lemon balm, lemon verbena, and chamomile.


Herbal Teas are generally caffeine free and depending on what variety you choose, can be very warming or cooling.

Let's stick with warming today...'cause baby it's COLD outside!


Ginger and cinnamon make nice warming additions to herb tea.  Ginger also helps settle upset tummies.

Once you pick your flavor, how do you brew the perfect pot or cup of tea?

So glad you asked.  :)

This is how I do mine:

• Put kettle with pure, filtered water on to boil.
• While water is coming to a boil, rinse your teapot with hot water. Fill the teapot with hot water and let it sit while your kettle with your tea water is coming to a boil. (You can skip this step...but it helps warm your pot.  A warmed pot keeps tea warm longer than a cold pot.  So you decide.)
• When your kettle whistles, boils or does whatever it does to alert you it's ready, turn off the heat. And let it sit there in the kettle for about 3-5 minutes. You want it to cool a bit so the bitter tannins from the tea/herbs are not released into your gloriously beautiful pot of tea.
• Empty the warm water from the tea pot.  Add your loose leaf tea (or tea bags).  1-2 heaping tablespoons of loose tea is to my general taste.  You may like more or less.  If using tea bags, I like 2 bags per 3 cups of water.  Again, you may like more or less. 
• Fill your teapot with the now slightly cooled boiled water from the kettle.  Replace the lid on the teapot and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.  (Rarely can I wait 10 minutes, so in reality, my wait is more like 3-5.  Just being honest.)
• Pour your yummy, warm herb tea through some sort of straining device into your awaiting tea cup, mug or other tea holding vessel.
• Sweeten with a teaspoon of raw honey if you desire.
• Drink up and enjoy!

 It's probably about time for me to go out and check the chickens' water again.

Stay warm...and hydrated.