Carpe Florem

Carpe Florem 🔥Wildness
🍃Wilderness
🧘‍♀️Wellness

This beauty took a hit from one of our many wind storms this year. The tree had seen better days, but was bursting with ...
04/08/2026

This beauty took a hit from one of our many wind storms this year. The tree had seen better days, but was bursting with fragrant, sticky, resinous spring buds that I recognized as either Cottonwood or Balsam Poplar - both which contain salicin, a compound similar to aspirin that acts as an anti-inflammatory.

I counted its broken branches as a blessing, gathered the sappy buds, and started a Populus oil infusion - something I’ve read about for years, but never made time to create.

Often called “Balm of Gilead,” this preparation has gentle antimicrobial and pain-relieving qualities, making it an option for minor wounds, sore joints, or fussy skin. I’m really excited to give this a try when finished!

If anyone can help me clarify if this is Cottonwood or some kind of Poplar (and how to ID the difference) I’d be so grateful!




Any tips?!

Woooooooowhoooooooo! See you at .farmersmarket in less than two months! 🥬🌼🌱🪴Gosh, life is good.
04/01/2026

Woooooooowhoooooooo! See you at .farmersmarket in less than two months!
🥬🌼🌱🪴
Gosh, life is good.

Winter Sugar Maple ID: Brown, three pointed terminal bud. Opposite growing twigs on branches, terracotta colored bark, p...
03/15/2026

Winter Sugar Maple ID: Brown, three pointed terminal bud. Opposite growing twigs on branches, terracotta colored bark, palmate veins and u shaped sinuses.

Thank you for being here, sugar maples - Acer saccharum. The syrup turned out 💣

Small victory, big reward.
03/15/2026

Small victory, big reward.

Thank you and for organizing this year’s Wayne County Hiking challenge! Wooster Memorial Park ✅Barnes Preserve ✅Oak Hi...
03/14/2026

Thank you and for organizing this year’s Wayne County Hiking challenge!

Wooster Memorial Park ✅
Barnes Preserve ✅
Oak Hill Park ✅
Johnson Woods ✅
William James Robertson NP ✅
Walton Woods Wildflower Sanctuary ✅

Discipline with DietFood was my first addiction. It can be one of our greatest healers or one of our biggest enemies.Whe...
02/17/2026

Discipline with Diet

Food was my first addiction. It can be one of our greatest healers or one of our biggest enemies.

When it comes to food, I won’t shy away from sharing my perspective. I believe much of what we consume today is working against us. I believe our food system often prioritizes profit over health. I believe it’s intentionally difficult to conveniently access real, nourishing food in an attempt to keep us stuck in cycles of feeling unwell. I believe it’s only getting worse.

Do I think this is the only reason so many people are feeling unwell? No. But I do believe it’s a major contributor and one that deserves more awareness and intention.

Over the past few months, I’ve intentionally eliminated most seed oils, processed foods, and added sugars (including high fructose corn syrup). Instead, I’ve focused on nutrient dense meals high in protein and fiber. I haven’t put much focus on calorie counting, because my goal isn’t just weight loss - it’s fueling my body so I feel energized and properly nourished.

And let me tell you - I feel so much better when I’m not eating garbage. Like, life changing amounts better.

My approach isn’t about perfection, but about awareness and choosing foods that support healing, clarity and feeling better. Food is a delightful and powerful tool - not punishment, not comfort, but fuel for the life I want to live.

PSA: If you eat whatever you want and feel good physically and emotionally - that’s great! This is in no way a criticism of how anyone else chooses to eat. This is simply me documenting my own experiences with addiction and mental health, and recognizing what most impacts me while I’m working to stay sober, unmedicated, and mentally well.

As an alcoholic and someone who struggles with their mental health, winter can be a dangerous time of year. This year, I...
02/05/2026

As an alcoholic and someone who struggles with their mental health, winter can be a dangerous time of year. This year, I decided to approach the cold weather more intentionally and make it a season of discipline.

Discipline in creativity
Discipline in finance
Discipline in diet
Discipline in movement
Discipline in faith
Discipline in commitment

Today I want to ramble about my relationship with creative discipline.

I’m not naturally artistic, so, for me, creativity isn’t about inspiration or talent. My creativity shows up as resourcefulness, learning practical skills, and choosing work that is grounding and useful. I want to create from nature and make things that serve a purpose - gifts that can be used, repaired, or relied on. This form of creativity keeps my hands busy and helps turn my angsty energy into intention. In a season that can feel isolating and heavy, making useful things becomes a creative outlet, a form of self-sufficiency, and a natural anti-depressant.

ANYWAY, here are some fun pictures!

Tagging along with and for their Today, the critters and I had to ourselves! Spangler never disappoints.
01/28/2026

Tagging along with and for their

Today, the critters and I had to ourselves! Spangler never disappoints.

This month, I said goodbye to a handful of clients as my work continues to transition away from cleaning. Professionally...
01/24/2026

This month, I said goodbye to a handful of clients as my work continues to transition away from cleaning. Professionally, it’s a sign that my time and efforts are paying off in new and unexpected ways, but, it’s hard to step away from the relationships that develop.

When I first moved back to Wooster, I was a shell of a person and had no idea what I was doing. The only work I felt confident doing was bartending or food service, but I didn’t trust myself to stay away from alcohol in those environments. So I pivoted.

I hustled delivery apps and actually did pretty well — but more importantly, I fell in love with the freedom. Controlling my own time, answering to myself, building something on my own terms.

Through those deliveries, I began making connections with people. Eventually, I took a leap and started offering cleaning services. It was my first time putting myself out there publicly, and my self-esteem was at an all-time low, but I did it anyway.

Over time, I built a small circle of clients. What they may never fully realize is how much they helped me. Their kind words, notes of appreciation, thoughtful gifts, and genuine encouragement played a huge role in my emotional growth during a season when I needed it most.

I’m super grateful for the relationships that have encouraged me while searching for my footing—and especially for the women who unknowingly help me figure it out.

Shout out to Sheri for the precious “goodbye” card ❤️

01/21/2026

It may be a wintery day out there ❄️, but we know even now gardeners and farmers are planning ahead for the Spring. This makes it a perfect time for learning about seed saving from a local farmer! 👩🏻‍🌾🌱🥕

🌱Seed Starting & Seed Saving Class with Mary Gnizak from Adonai Acres 🌱
📆 Sunday, February 8th
☕️@ Boo Bears Brew
🕐 3pm

📝 Plan ahead. 🧠 Grow smarter. 🌿 Save seeds.
With the rising cost of food and seeds, learning how to grow your own and save seeds for future seasons has never been more important. The skills are easy to learn!

What you’ll learn:
🌱 Why to grow your own or buy fresh seed
🌱 How to pick varieties to save from catalogs
🌱 What seed you need to get started
🌱 What to observe for saving seed
🌱 Drying the seed
🌱 Storing the seed
🌱 Q and A

This class is FREE for Local Roots co-op members
Non-members: suggested $5+ donation in support of our Campaign for A New Building to Call Home
(Members are welcome to enjoy this class as a benefit of membership, no donation expected.)

Sign Up in store, by calling (330) 263-5336, or online at localrootswooster.com/seed-saving-class

Melting winter buds - The lilacs smell courageous.Don’t rush the process.
01/10/2026

Melting winter buds -
The lilacs smell courageous.
Don’t rush the process.

01/02/2026

Our big February sales has a few openings if any plant or plant themed or related vendor is interested!

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West Salem, OH

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Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

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