Country Christmas at Panacea!

Have fun with your holiday shopping in the festive and gentle atmosphere of Panacea.  Decoration and gift options abound with beautiful candles, soaps, scarves, gloves and baubles in every color of the rainbow.  There are choices for the cook on your list:  cutting boards, spice racks, kitchen towels, festive wine stoppers, salt and pepper shakers, cookie cutters, salad spinners and every new gadget your cooking enthusiast could want.  Rugs, table runners, wall hangings and ceramic tiles offer an easy solution to sprucing up your guest room in preparation for holiday travelers.

We are open everyday of the week to accommodate your shopping schedules, with late nights on most Fridays through the holiday.  And if the hectic season finds you a little under the weather, remember to visit our supplement section with a full line of vitamins, cold & flu remedies and helpful supplements to keep you healthy year round.  Happy Holidays from Panacea!

Fall shopping for fun

Enjoy your fall shopping at Panacea.  We have a great new product, Thoughtfulls.  These are unique small cards, each carrying a different and thought provoking sentiment, packed in a delightfully decorated gift box.  Give the entire box as a present or use the individual cards to tuck into lunch boxes, flower arrangements or simply display on your desk as a daily inspiration.

Our fall jewelry line includes the popular new colors and trends.  We have a wonderful array of cobalt blue accessories  in purses, scarves and jewelry choices.  Stop by for your shopping inspirations.  Or simply to indulge yourself - we always look forward to seeing you!

Bracelets galore!

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 Stop by Panacea in Spring Green, WI to enjoy our wide selection of interesting and unique bracelets in a very affordable price range. 

The new offerings from Two's Company are a delightful combination of leather and cloth with beadwork and crystals, adding a sparkling accent to your wardrobe.  You will find something for every outfit from casual to dressy.  With the adjustable sizing they fit everybody on your list. 

 Our great selection of beaded multiple strand bracelets come in a wide variety of eye catching colors and combinations.  The perfect gift for your friend or yourself, they add a sophisticated and whimsical touch to your wrist. 

As always, we are here seven days a week with lots of great new merchandise to decorate your home or yourself and we are always happy to answer your questions or help you with fashion decisions.  Stop by for a relaxing experience in a lovely shop with lots of great merchandise to appreciate.  Kitchen, bath and body are our specialties.



The banded bracelets with yellow gold accents are a must have for your fall wardrobe.  Sparkly and colorful, they add polished look to your outfit every time.   

Tart Cherry Season is now - enjoy Cherry Compote!

Tart cherries are in season here in Wisconsin and if you need a quick way to process the tasty morsels, stop in at Panacea for our zyliss cherry pitter.  Many customers can attest to the ease and time saving qualities of this device.  Just plunk the cherries in the holding chamber and in one easy squeeze you have fresh cherry fruit separated from the pit.  Even if German tradition holds that finding a cherry pit in your dessert is good luck, your guests will be happier with your cherry dishes if they don't bite into a random pit.  This handy tool eliminates all worries about any strays and it makes your kitchen work a simple task. 

Tart cherries are high in Vitamin C and iron.  They are also becoming highly prized for their anti-inflammatory benefits which help reduce pain from gout and arthritis.  A good source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, tart cherries are tasty eaten out of hand but often too tart for many palates.  Take advantage of a simple recipe that will allow you to enjoy the healthful benefits of tart cherries while controlling your calories.

Tart Cherry Compote

Pit as many cherries as you are lucky to enjoy.  For every cup of cherry fruit and juice combined, stir in two teaspoons of cornstarch until well dissolved.  Add about 1/8 cup of sugar, more or less according to taste.  This is where your personal health tastes dictate:  adjust sugar and substitute honey or Stevia as desired.  Wait until the cooking process is almost complete to finalize sweetener amounts.

Place fruit, juices and sweetener in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring along the way.  Boil until thick and bubbly, about 3 minutes after boiling begins, and adjust for taste.  Cool and store in fridge up to a week or freeze for six months. 

This compote is delicious on its own, spooned over ice cream or enjoyed on your morning waffles and pancakes.  Don't forget to pour it over hot oatmeal or on top of crumbled cookies with a little blob of vanilla yogurt for a delicious, quick and elegant dessert.  Have fun in the kitchen!

Fair Trade Jewelry at Panacea!

You will be delighted with the new addition of Altiplano jewelry in that wonderful shop, Panacea, 248 E. Jefferson Street, Spring Green, WI.  Stop in anytime to see our wide selection of lovely jewelry including the intricately designed and handcrafted items from Altiplano. 

Altiplano jewelry is handcrafted in a fair trade workshop in the highlands of Guatemala.  Modern design and rich tradition are blended to reflect the universal expression of beauty.  The Altiplano workshop is a quiet place which honors the spirit, dedication and skill of each artisan with appreciation and respect.  Altiplano is a family business that has supported fair trade and social justice since 1988.  The company is based in southern Vermont and Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. The bracelet in this photo is designed with multiple leather straps, beautiful beadwork and warm earth tones that will coordinate with most anything in your wardrobe.

Panacea is also a family business that supports fair trade, local economy, free spirit and joy in living.  Every item available at Panacea has been carefully chosen to reflect this mission and to give everyone who walks through the purple doors a quiet moment combined with a fun shopping experience.  Come see us today!

Curly Girl Designs

 Next time you are looking for a card, poster or trinket that will lift your spirits or those of someone you know, head in to Panacea - that wonderful shop located in the yellow Victorian at the center of Spring Green, WI - and take a look at the exciting array of Curly Girl Designs.  These whimsical and lovingly designed originals are the creation of Leigh Standley, the owner of Curly Girl Design, Inc., founded in 2002 and growing ever since.

Ms. Standley is an artist and writer who started her
artful collection of clever and insightful designs with a small offering of just twelve greeting cards.  She has a BFA from the University of Kansas School of Design with two Louie Awards for greeting card excellence and has been nominated for five other awards.  She is originally from the Midwest and is now living in Boston with her husband and favorite mutt, Lucy.  The artist's love of dogs is reflected in her delightful renditions of our devoted
companions as well as her words of love regarding
our four footed friends. 
                                                                                     
 Leigh Standley believes in the power of creativity and community to unlock our truest selves.  She claims to find great delight in living imperfectly but her creations are a perfect comment on the joys of happy details and thoughtful introspection about life.  Her drawings are eye catching and clever, simply fun to observe as you see new details every time you look again. 

  Stop by Panacea anytime to browse our extensive collection of Curly Girl merchandise.  We stock fridge magnets, plaques, wine stoppers, wall hangings, cutting boards and decorative pins in a variety of themes from personal potential to the loving devotion our pets deserve.  You will easily find something to express the mood you want to reflect.  Perfect for gifts or as that special boost to your own little part of the world. 

Spring Green Art Fair

 Art Fair in Spring Green is this weekend!  Stop by Panacea while you are in town and browse our wonderful selection of summer fun.  The Pouchee organizers come in a wide variety of colors and are the perfect solution for you "purse changers".  Simply place your cell phone, credit cards and all those other can't live withouts in the streamlined organizer, and it is ready to switch to your favorite purse anytime. 

Our in shop tree is always bursting with lovely choices for your outdoor decorating needs including feeders and houses for your feathered friends.  Check out the interesting and beautiful hummingbird feeders always in stock.  A delightful selection to sparkle your eye and satisfy your hummingbird's hungry appetite.

Pam has another great selection of unique and comfy summer T's.  With sizes from XS to XL you will find something for everybody on your list, including yourself.  From fancy to whimsical the choices are simply fun.

Eye Candy for the Soul!

Sally Jean is an acclaimed artist who will get your creative juices flowing with her happy inspirations.  These high quality charms are displayed suitcase-style in a lovely jewelry box that will make you feel like you are looking through your own treasures as you pick the right baubles to create the jewelry you want.

Whether you are assembling a finished gift for that special friend, or starting a collection for someone to add to along the way, you will have fun picking the right sparkle for your mood.

 At Panacea you will find helpful staff to assist  you with this easy and fun project.  There are several necklace styles always in stock, from chains to leather necklaces, in a variety of lengths.  The charms currently available include themes about happiness, love, kitties, sisters, luck and more.  Each charm boasts worded messages along with the lovely, detailed illustrations that are uniquely Sally Jean.

Add a few of the sparkling or worded spacer beads to finish your individual masterpiece...all at a very modest price that will keep your budget on track as you finish the perfect gift for that special someone.  Come on in and browse through the interesting variety of classy yet darling charms.  We are happy to gift wrap your selections and the recipient of your creativity will be happy to wear their thoughtful gift.  Maybe it is a gift to yourself - a luxury always obtainable in the peaceful, soothing atmosphere that is Panacea!                                   

                                                                                                           

Strawberry Schaum Torte

Strawberry season is here and if you are from Wisconsin, you are ready to enjoy the spring favorite known as Schaum Torte.  Most often enjoyed by the German population in the Milwaukee area, folks from around the state will all smile when the towering spring delight makes its appearance on the dessert table.  Actually a meringue cake piled high with whipped cream or ice cream and strawberries, this lovely concoction results in an impressive presentation but you don't have to be Martha Stewart to pull it off.  All it requires is a strong arm or a good electric beater and a few common ingredients.  The most important ingredient is fresh strawberries which you should be able to find at your local farmers market very soon. 

Your preparation time will be a snap when you use the handy Stem Gem available at Panacea.  It is one of many time saving and user friendly devices found in our kitchen department.  With the Stem Gem, removal of the strawberry stem and surrounding tough core is completed in one quick and simple step.  You are left with a perfect whole berry ready for garnish, slicing or just to pop in your mouth and enjoy.  Take the work out of preparing fresh strawberries and process a bowlful in just minutes.  Add them to your favorite dessert or try our Wisconsin specialty.


STRAWBERRY SCHAUM TORTE

6 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vinegar
2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
2 cups (1 pint) whipping cream
1/3 cup powedered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 pints fresh strawberries, divided

Preheat oven to 325 ` F.  In a large, grease free bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium until foamy.  Beat in vinegar and increase speed to high.  Gradually beat in 2 cups of sugar until thick and fluffy, about 5 - 6 minutes total.  Spread in a buttered  9" x 13" baking pan and bake for 50 - 60 minutes.  The top should be crusted and golden.  Turn oven off, open door a little - leave cake in oven - and let cool completely. 

In the meantime, hull and stem all berries with your new Stem Gem.  Reserve 5 berries for garnish and thinly slice the rest.  Toss them with the reserved 1/2 cup sugar and set aside to let the juices form.  In a clean, deep bowl, beat the whipping cream until it is thickened.  Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue beating until soft and fluffy.  Hold in the fridge until serving time.

Assemble right before serving or, as many families do, right at the table:  press the center of the cake slightly in the center to about 1" from the edges to form a hollow.  Fill with the whipped cream, setting a little aside for garnish.  Top with the sliced berries and juices.  Then place the last dollop of whipped cream on top and garnish with the perfect whole berries.  Cut into great juicy pieces and enjoy.  (You can substitute slightly softened vanilla ice cream for the whipped cream if you like.)

You can vary this dessert easily.  The meringues can be piped into 8 individual nests on parchment paper placed on a baking sheet.  Bake as above and fill just before serving.  Some folks like to put the berries directly on the cake base and top with the whipped cream so the juices can soak into the crispy meringue.  A variety of fruits can be substituted for the strawberries or try using a lemon curd filling in the winter months.  Have fun in the kitchen!

 

Mosquito Invasion

Conditions are lining up for a mosquito invasion this summer in the Spring Green area and there are about ten million reasons to believe it has already happened.  Or perhaps ten billion...mosquitos thrive in warm, wet environments and with our heavy rains this spring, along with the recent hot spells, mosquitos are having an easy time of invading our outdoor space.  There is little question that this is a bad year for mosquitos in our town and surrounding areas. Bad for us that is, great for the whining, irritating pests!

Wisconsin is home to 53 mosquito species which are divided into four groups depending on the egg laying/water body environments they prefer: 

   -  water from snowmelt
   -  summer floodwaters
   -  semi-permanent or permanent waters such as lakes and ponds
   -  containers - such as hollow trees and old tires

Please remember to empty the egg laying environments that you can control, like those old tires and empty buckets scattered in farm dump and neglected yard areas.  Female mosquitos can lay four to five batches of eggs in their four week life span and those eggs can sit for years until conditions are ideal for hatching.  You can be sure the conditions are ideal this year!  Use the excellent, natural and Deet free preparations that Panacea offers to combat the mosquitos in your area. 

For proper mosquito care, remember that mosquitos do not actually bite - they pierce the upper layer of your skin with a proboscis - something much like a straw.  Once the mosquito finds a blood vessel, it releases saliva which contains an anti-coagulant to keep your blood flowing.  Your body reacts to the foreign substance with a mild allergic response and that is what produces the red, itchy bump.  A quick swipe with rubbing alcohol as soon as you see the mosquito on your skin will help stop the itchy reaction.   

Don't let it get that far:  prevent mosquito attacks with the natural repellants that Panacea has on hand all seaon long!  There are environmental solutions as well as direct skin applications and Panacea has an excellent selection from which to choose.   While you are in the shop, be sure to ask Pam for her expert advice on handling all of your questions about skin care in the demanding summer season.  Have fun camping, fishing, hiking, biking...whatever your favorite activities are during the wonderful, warm weeks of outdoor adventure - just remember to take care of your health and your skin.  Pam is always around to help you with your outdoor challenges!

Elly Preston Jewelry

Stop by Panacea to see our new selection of Elly Preston Jewelry.  Elly Preston designs her jewelry to showcase the natural beauty that surrounds us.  She combines skilled craftmanship with artistic talent to create sophisticated and fun jewelry at affordable prices.  Often using shells, silk threads, ribbons and leather along with genuine gemstones, the artist prides herself on offering beautiful and striking creations.  Each piece is a unique work of art that you will be proud to add to anyone's jewelry collection, including your own.  The delicate, feminine intricacy of each selection will make you feel special every time you wear an Elly Preston design.

The purple doors will open you to a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere of easy browsing.  Shop for somebody special, including yourself!  From the moment you enter Panacea, you will be soothed and stimulated by the quiet atmosphere; the wonderful choices.  Come enjoy yourself.

Gift certificates are an elegant option

With all of the exciting merchandise available at Panacea, maybe a gift certificate is the simplest way to give that special someone a special something.

Ornaments

Lovely trinkets to decorate your tabletop or hang from the branches of your houseplants.  Come in to see our perpetual tree, brimming with birdhouses, ornaments, hummingbird feeders and soothing wind chimes.

Giftware

Stop by Panacea to see our wide selection of beautiful giftware, colorful scarves, jewelry and sumptuous body care products.  We are open everyday now:  Mon. thru Sat. 10 - 5, Sun. 11 - 3.

Supplement Room

Stop by our supplement room to find everything you are looking for in the areas of natural remedies, supplements, vitamins and homeopathic care.  Shop owner, Pam Meier Hamachek has almost twenty years of experience in this field and can help guide you through your health care questions.  She always reminds you to see your physician for serious concerns. 

Panacea

Panacea - our shop at 248 E. Jefferson Street in Spring Green, WI.  608-588-2280.  Set in an older farmhouse with charming gingerbread trim, Panacea offers several themed rooms including kitchen and bath, body care, jewelry, natural supplements, vitamin and homeopathic care products.  Plus much more!