Angels Have Bird Wings and Fairies Have Butterfly Wings

Last week, I posted a blog describing how to use essential oils to very easily make hydrating atomizer misting sprays using essential oils. I bought the supplies at a great herb and gift shop in Somers, CT called Kassandra, It’s About Thyme, Herbs Unlimited, and had mentioned that I would be introducing the owner very soon. Well, yesterday, I met with Katherine (Kassy) Mashiak at her shop. Kassy has been studying herbs for about three decades and spoke about her interest in herbs. You can meet Kassy in the video below:

Kassy began gardening and wanted to learn more about preparing teas, and a lecture many years ago on herbs got the ball rolling for her. She incorporates herbs into her everyday life and uses them medicinally and her shop carries over 200 herbs and herb related items in bulk for health and wellness as well as for cooking. Kassy is also a founding member of the Connecticut Herb Association (CHAI), a group that brings an amalgam of information to the table about everything herbs, from growing to harvesting to using medicinally or in foods or extracting essential oils; a member of CHAI will have extensive knowledge and expertise. CHAI also hosts an annual Herb Fest of CT, that happens the first Saturday in June. This year, it will be held in Somers, CT and for anyone interested, please check the CHAI website for more information.

Back to Kassandra, It’s About Thyme, Herbs Unlimited; what I didn’t mention yet, is that Kassy’s shop is set in a circa 1830 post and beam barn, a very bright, pink barn! Walking in the front entrance, I fell in love with the rustic setting that was softened by the flood of the sun’s rays beaming in through the windows and that made so many of the items sparkle. This front room was a feast for the eyes. It has an array of jewelry, loose leaf and bagged teas (and bags to make your own bagged teas), books, diffusers, ornaments, stones and crystals, beautiful scarves, wind chimes, and a section dedicated to a beautiful collection of angels and fairies (which are her favorites).

She pointed out that angels have bird winds and fairies have butterfly wings. I had never thought about that before yesterday! In fact, she told me about a favorite illustrator of hers, Cicely Mary Barker, who was fascinated with flowers and used them to design her fairies. Venturing into her back room, you’ll find her extensive selection of bulk herbs, supplements, homeopathic remedies, natural cosmetics, more jewelry, essential oils and clays, and gourmet foods. I’m sure I’m forgetting something; in fact, I’m sure of it because I bet I’ve still only seen half of what she has to offer. Kassy's shop is the type of place where you discover something new each time you visit.

It’s always fun to meet new people. Everyone has a story to tell and a wealth of knowledge to share and you just never know what you’ll learn. Yesterday, I learned some things about herbs I didn’t know (and yes, there’s so much more for me to learn if I choose) and was introduced to a artist whose love of flowers inspired a beautiful collection of fairies.

So, if you’d like to treat yourself to something fun or are looking for a unique gift, visit Kassandra, It’s About Thyme, Herbs Unlimited, 53 Springfield Road, Somers, CT. It’s like dessert without all the calories : )