The Meadowsweet Journal

An ecosystem of artist talks, nature walks, and a whole lot of herbalism.

Local Stories Elizabeth Noriega Local Stories Elizabeth Noriega

A Visit to J & P Consentino Family Farm

This year, J & P Consentiona Family Farm will be celebrating their 80th anniversary the weekend of June 20 - 22, 2025 in time to celebrate Summer Solstice. The preservation of this family farm feels like such a blessing in the midst of diminishing agricultural land in lieu of cemented roads, offices, and apartment buildings. As one of the last farms standing in San Jose, it has become a supportive community hub hosting farm kitchen pop-ups, guest pop-ups, watercolor classes, farm tours, picnics and much more.

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Handmade Elizabeth Noriega Handmade Elizabeth Noriega

The Colorful World of Earth Pigments

In a world where every color imaginable is available at your local art supply shop, why would anyone bother to make their own colors and binders? In a similar sense, there is something to be said about growing and cooking your own food rather than going through a drive-through to pick it up. It’s convenient. Sure. However, the connection between the processes is interrupted. We lose touch with knowing fundamental skills, and we consume food without intention. Artists have the drive to want to create regardless if the rest of the world tells them AI could do better. If this primitive curiosity to want to know where things come from and how things are made resonates with you, then look no further and read on!

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Herbalism, Gardening Elizabeth Noriega Herbalism, Gardening Elizabeth Noriega

Hibiscus: a decadent flower

In the world of edible flowers, few are as vibrant and versatile as the Hibiscus flower or Roselle - known for its bright red petals and tangy flavor. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day on 15 de Septiembre, I share with you five Hibiscus-filled recipes that will make the Summer transition into Autumn all the more fruitful.

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Handmade Elizabeth Noriega Handmade Elizabeth Noriega

Summer Honey-filled Soap Bars

Our cold process soap is made in small batches with intention and inspiration from the ever-changing seasons. This season, we take inspiration from our trip to Provence, France reminiscing the wide open fields of lavender; quiet and peaceful with a subtle hum of buzzing bees. In the famous Lavender town of Valensole, not only is lavender prevalent, but honey as well!

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Herbalism Elizabeth Noriega Herbalism Elizabeth Noriega

Let’s Make Tepache!

Tepache is a fermented pineapple drink from Mexico. This beginner-friendly fermentation recipe is low waste, only needs three ingredients, and a little patience. Save your pineapple peels and let's make Tepache!

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Handmade Elizabeth Noriega Handmade Elizabeth Noriega

Spring Floral Soap Bars

This Spring season, we take inspiration from 100 year-old Magnolia trees, dainty paper-like cherry blossom flowers, and golden blooms of Calendulas representing the warmer days ahead. Our cold process soap is made in small batches with intention and inspiration from the ever-changing seasons.

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Herbalism Elizabeth Noriega Herbalism Elizabeth Noriega

5 Reasons to Love Beeswax

What is Beeswax Used for? Beeswax has been around for centuries providing a multitude of uses for skin care, candlelight, time-keeping, lubricant, polish, and more. It is a substance secreted by honey bees to help build their comb for a honey-filled foundation.

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Herbalism, Skincare Elizabeth Noriega Herbalism, Skincare Elizabeth Noriega

Meet the Multitalented Moisturizer

Perfect for scars, tattoos, knuckles, lips, face, body, nails, rashes, sunburns, split ends, and an endless list of possibilities. Many Gua Sha enthusiasts love using our Everything Salve to prep the skin before getting the blood circulating with a Gua Sha stone. The Everything Salve is a daily moisturizer that will soon become your go-to lotion throughout the day.

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Herbalism, Nature Elizabeth Noriega Herbalism, Nature Elizabeth Noriega

The Magic of Pine Tree Resin

Pine trees are evergreen trees mostly known for their iconic role during the holiday season, but they were also used by the indigenous people for making incense, topical ointments, fragrances, and internal medicines, and served greatly in spiritual practices; Pine trees were givers of medicine and wisdom. Many resins such as Frankincense and Myrrh are the more well-known aromatics…

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