January 31: The Coca-Cola trademark was recorded on this day in 1893

February 1: Women's Heart Health Day

February 2: Candlemas Day, Imbolc, and Brigit's (or Brigid's) Day

February 3: Today is the feast of St. Blaise, the patron saint of sore throat sufferers.

Good for the throat: Honey, sugar, butter with a little salt, liquorice, to sup, soft eggs, hyssop, a mean [moderate] manner of eating and drinking, and sugar candy. Evil for the throat: Mustard, much lying on the breast, pepper, anger, things roasted, lechery, much working, too much rest, much drink, smoke of incense, old cheese and all sour things are naughty for the throat. —The Kalendar of Shepheardes, 1604

It's that time of year when everybody seems to be plagued by sore throat and coughs. For centuries, sore throat sufferers have eased their pain with herbal candies, often made at home. Strong teas were brewed from medicinal herbs, honey or cane sugar was added to make a syrup, and the syrup was cooked into a hard candy that could be held in the mouth until it dissolved. READ MORE

Plan to join Susan and friends at Stories From the Heart VI Women's Memoir Conference, April 13-15, Austin TX. If you've been wanting to tell those family stories, write about your life, or record your memories for your grandchildren, this is the conference for you. (We've arranged a special showing of Texas bluebonnets, too! They're at their very best in mid-April.)

Speaking of hearts... Women's Heart Month is a good time to educate yourself about women's heart disease and find out from a noted cardiologist and a holistic pharmacist how to improve your cardiovascular health.

From the Incas of Peru to Dr. Pemberton's kettle: Read about the world's most popular herbal drink, Coca-Cola, in the May 8 entry in The China Bayles Book of Days. (Planning a Valentine's gift? This book would be a special treat for a friend.)

Win a cameo appearance in one of Susan's 2013 mysteries: the China Bayles series or the Darling Dahlias! Raffle details here.

Learn how the pagan feasts of Imbolc and Brigit became the Christian celebration of Candlemas. Bring out your best candles for Brigit, or do as the Romans did and burn a mullein taper to the goddess Februa. And if you haven't yet taken down your Yule decorations, February 2 is definitely the day to do it! For several views of this important holiday, go here, here, and here.

Enter this week's China Bayles quiz—you might win a free copy of Cat's Claw (coming in March)! But hurry—quiz closes Sunday, February 5, at noon. Your knowledge of herbs is less than perfect? That's okay: we give you all the help you need. Be sure to check out our "hints" page.

Wintertime is a good time for a pot of stew. This savory stew (with thyme, curry, and apple juice) cooks in the crock-pot while the cook is taking the day off to go sledding or ice-skating. (Don't we wish!) The applesauce dumplings are extra nice—add minced fresh or dried rosemary and a shake of nutmeg for a special touch.

	Stories From the Heart VI Women's Memoir Conference You're invited! Join Susan and friends for shared stories, fun, learning. Austin, April 13-15

For more about herbs and the passing seasons, read China Bayles' Book of Days.

To find out what's going on in Susan Albert's life in the Texas Hill Country, read Susan's blog.

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