Mushroom Foraging, Fungi, Wild Food, Medicinal Mushrooms, Fermentation and Herbal Medicine
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This photo was taken at Dulra at the Permaculture Design Course where I have been a speaker for the past 4 years in Glenealy, Co. Wicklow. This was June 2020.
With so much gratitude to all of my connections and customers who allow me to live out the dream of working with sharing my greatest passions. Thank you!
You can click the link below to read the reviews directly on Facebook or some of them have been added below.
https://www.facebook.com/hipsandhawswildcrafts/reviews
Had a wonderful time at Courtney’s workshop learning about wild food and medicines. Fun, informative and inspiring. Beautiful blend of stories, science, skills and plant magic. Evidently rooted in both experience and study, very grateful for the knowledge and skills she shares, which makes forging seem way more doable than I thought!
-Lauren Owens
I spent several hours today in Kindlestown Woods in the company of Courtney of Hips and Haws Wildcrafts on a wild mushroom ID walk, and came away deeply impressed by her generosity in sharing so much knowledge and lore. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she brought every species we found to life with anecdotes and back-stories. That dozen or so fellow attendees were friendly and sociable and we were blessed with a delightful bright autumn day. We broke up for foraging for a 10 minute “Forest Bathing” mindfulness exercise which left me feeling very up and relaxed. All in all, a super day and I would gladly recommend any similar activity by Hips and Haws to my friends.
-Norman Darlington
I went to a wild plant foraging outing with Hips and Haws Wildcrafts last Friday and I can safely say I am bewitched! It was so so enjoyable. Courtney’s passion for wild plants is so contagious. She makes the whole experience very accessible and so enriching. I also really appreciate how respectful and considerate she is with the wild. I am hooked and will be back for more! Thank you.
-Sophie Rieu
Brilliant day with Courtney she is an amazing person so knowledgeable and interesting. Gourmet healthy food in the sunshine on the beach, it was a gift to be lucky enough to experience. Thank you Courtney you exceeded expectations keep up the great work.
-Emma Strain
What an amazing day today. This is my second course with Courtney and Hips and Haws Wildcrafts and I could not recommend them highly enough, her knowledge and passion is infectious. An amazing amount of information, how to use and fantastic recipes to use at home. Thank you also for the beautiful food prepared, delicious. Love spending time with the wonderful like-minded people on the walk today also. Looking forward to attending more.
-Fiona Byrne
Cannot recommend one of these events enough! Courtney is so knowledgeable and easy-going. I could walk and listen to her talk about plants and mushrooms all day. Even if you think this isn’t your cup of tea- give it a try- I am certain she will change your mind! This is my second event with Hips and Haws Wildcrafts and I can’t wait for the next.
-Julie Taylor
I cannot recommend Courtney’s walk in the woods “Wicklow Spring Greens and Wild Garlic Forage” workshop enough. It was a wonderful experience and what really shown out was Courtney’s passion for passing on her knowledge of the woods. Being a country boy myself I thought I knew a lot about the plants and what they can be used for but I soon learned how little I really knew. How to tap the birches for sap and what was not safe to eat. Of course nettles now take on a whole new life far from being something that stings you but a venerable whole food source in it self. The main purpose of course what the wild garlic growing in abundance. The flowers soaked in vinegar became a dressing and the leaves are added to all sorts. Who would ever think that combining honey with garlic would produce such a wonderful accompaniment for a fresh green salads or pasta. So as you can tell I’ve got the bug from Courtney for all things foraging. I must admit the following day we went back again to collect some more wild garlic. Thank you Courtney for igniting my new found interest in eating what is available in the woods. In the words of Nike “just do it’- foraging with Courtney.
-Brendan Looney
Wow wow wow! Hips and Haws Wildcraft events are a special opportunity to connect with beautiful people in an amazing space. I was fortunate enough to have the privilege to attend a Fly Agaric event hosted by Courtney and Fergus the Forager. From the moment I arrived I felt an instant inspiration and warm welcome. We foraged in the nearby woods in fun filled explorations, while learning and connecting with the many species of fungi available. The preparations and dishes we were treated to after our journey in the woods was a unique blend of heartwarming tastes and enjoyable community spirit set outdoors. For a revitalising experience amongst a vibrant loving group a Hips and Haws event is the place to be.
-Riain O’Táth
I love passionate people. I believe that if you want to try something in your life, it’s best to learn from people who are passionate about it. Last year I started reading a lot about plants herbs and how what we eat has a huge impact on our body spirit and well-being. I remember that as a child, my grandfather often took me on trips to find herbs, nettles, mushrooms, wild fruit and buds and everything that nature gave. Unfortunately, as a child, I wasn’t interested in what was edible or not was not, because that’s what my grandfather was for. Courtney reminded me a lot of the facts and stimulated my desire to learn more about using what is seasonal and at our fingertips, for which I thank you very much and recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more. This woman can infect positive energy. With a person like her you can easily develop your interests. I made wild garlic in olive oil in yoghurt topped salty and sweet pesto and thanks to this activity and knowledge I discovered a new favourite delicacy for my children. I never would’ve thought that nettles crisps could be so crunchy and the vinegar oxymel is perfect for salads and as a side dish. I am glad that I could take part in the classes and it will certainly not be the last time. I love learning new things through interesting classes and these were such. Courtney I know that your classes will be the perfect gift for my friend from me for her next birthday. Learning, practising and relaxing in nature in good company.
-Roksana Grubba
Such a great experience. Courtney has lots of knowledge and is a wonderful guide. The location is immersive and the mushrooms we collected and ate were absolutely delicious! A feast for the senses!
-George Edgeworth
If you have any interest in foraging and mushrooms this is the place for you. Groups are small which helps as you don’t get lost in the crowd. Everyone has the opportunity to explain they’re interested in what they’re looking for on the day. Courtney is such a lovely person with a wealth of knowledge and is not afraid to share it. Happy to help ID and discuss. It was probably the guts of three months ago and I still bang on about this day and how much fun it was. If you’re not it’s like I am it’s perfect for you. If you’re an expert it’s perfect for you too. Thanks Courtney
-Houdini Galahad
Had a great day wondering around Avondale Forest Park, I learnt loads about the types of mushrooms I have no experience with and it’s given me the confidence to go and identify the species with a little more ease.
Courtney is very knowledgeable and an excellent guide and speaker and I would recommend it to anyone who has no experience and would like to start and likewise I would recommend it to anyone who has knowledge and would like to refresh. I will definitely be back.
-Kastro Freeman
What a fantastic day in the woods hunting for mushrooms. Learnt so much in the five hours. And at the end Courtney cooked for us a gorgeous meal and shared with us for home-made brews and food. Thank you so much.
-Nadine Fitzgerald Selby
I went on a very fun and informative mushroom foraging trip with Hips and Haws Wildcrafts in August this year I definitely recommend their foraging trips anyone with an interest in this area. I had a splendid day looking for and learning about mushrooms, both edible another wise.
-Farah Imran Shams
I have had the pleasure of being on a both a mushroom foraging and a fermenting workshop with Hips and Haws Wildcrafts and both have been delightfully informative. Courtney’s passion for what she does fills you with enthusiasm to get pickling and fermenting- highly recommended.
-Clare Griffin
Just after my first class with Courtney and what a day she orchestrated for us, a lovely lunch included. I can’t imagine the work that went on behind the scenes. So happy to share her methods and resources and all things fermented not to mention her fantastic kefir starter. Very excited to continue the strains on at home. This fermentation masterclass was hands-on and Courtney really lives up to her wonderful reputation, so passionate about passing on this knowledge and practice. I can’t wait for my next day out with her.
-Sarah-Lou Malone
Excellent knowledge, clear passion for the subject and warm welcoming approach to passing that knowledge on. And a huge amount of work done behind the scenes to make the day such a wonderful experience. Many thanks Courtney
-Mike Hibbett
I am very honoured and grateful to be a part of this association.
I cannot describe how amazing it feels to have found one’s ‘tribe’ of people and amongst these people I am inspired by and feel a sense of belonging that is very special.
And here is the home page where you’ll get a greater sense of what its about: https://foragers-association.org/
Was very honoured to take part in this conversation. Sorry that I had serious trouble with my sound quality which I lament really detracts from the listening experience. Here we discuss Fergus Drennan and my famed Fly Agaric event, we talk about the food and medicine of the Fly Agaric mushroom and in particular many people contact me about having listened to the segment where we discuss using the alcoholic extract as an external remedy for pain relief and in particular against sciatica pain.
A foray coming up in Kent, UK with, interestingly, an emphasis on Amanita muscaria. “So you think you’re changed, do you?” said the Caterpillar.“I’m afraid I am, sir,” said Alice; “I can’t remember things as I used—and I don’t keep the same size for ten minutes together!”
What: Fly Agaric and Friends: Explorations in medicine, food, and magic with Fergus the Forager and Courtney of Hips & Haws Wildcrafts, and guest mushrooms
Where: Kent UK and a local native woodland with diverse flora, fauna and fungi
When: Saturday 29 October 2022 10am until 9pm (11 hour day)
There is a fantastic array of wild food and fungi in October, prime mushroom season! We will enjoy a long ramble in a beautiful woodland in Kent interspersed with wild local seasonal food to drink and eat and a forage for wild mushrooms including Fly Agaric.
We will learn about the allure of the iconic Fly Agaric mushroom and how to safely use it as medicine and as food. There will be demonstrations including lacto-fermentation of mushrooms. We will also learn about any other wild fungi that we come across.
We will provide lunch and an elaborate three course wild food dinner with some exciting ingredients for the meal, as of course Fergus is incredible talented and experienced as a wild food experimentalist. He has over 30 years experience as a wild food forager, so your more advanced questions can be answered too.
We will be starting and ending the day in a location later to be announced to ticket holders. You must dress appropriately for a day spent outdoors, hiking boots and rain gear could be helpful. Sorry for this event no young children or dogs. You must be physically fit for a day spent wandering the wilderness with hills and uneven ground. Please bring snacks and or food to share if you would like. And a foraging basket or knife (if you have one).
How Much: €220 (Euro) £190 GBP (but payment is taken in euro) Early Bird/ €220 (Euro) £195 GBP Full Price/ Elaborate Wild food Lunch and 3 course dinner are included.
To Book this event please click here: https://hipsandhawswildcrafts.clr.events/event/131802:-uk-fly-agaric-and-friends-explorations-in-medicine-food-and-magic-with-fergus-the-forager-and-courtney-of-hips-haws-wildcrafts-and-guest-mushrooms-saturday-29-october-2022-kent-uk
We will be in touch with you before the event takes place to share further relevant details with those that have booked their place.
Here is a link to a podcast with Robin Harford after our last event:
https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/ep32?fbclid=IwAR2g9N17GLqp0fPCwCBYxxPIK0KCU9SRbodS9E0rWFQghS6JThabLp8i5o0
Here’s another podcast with me speaking about this incredible mushroom with Manchan Magan on RTÉ
And a longer interview with Courtney on Welcome to Mushroom Hour: https://www.welcometomushroomhour.com/blogs/podcasts/ep-98-hips-haws-wildcrafts-irelands-wild-mushrooms-herbal-medicines-explorations-of-amanita-muscaria-feat-courtney-tyler
Here are some reviews after last years event:
“Wow, wow, wow!!! Hips & Haws Wildcraft events are a special opportunity to connect with beautiful people in an amazing space. I was fortunate enough to have the privilege to attend a Fly Agaric event hosted by Courtney and Fergus the Forager. From the moment I arrived I felt an instant inspiration and warm welcome. We foraged in the near by woods in fun filled explorations, while learning and connecting with the many species of fungi available. The preparation and dishes we were treated to after our journey in the woods was a unique blend of heart warming tastes and enjoyable community spirit set outdoors. For a revitalising experience amongst a vibrant loving group a Hips and Haws event is the place to be.”-Riain O’Táth
“I was lucky enough to join Hips and Haws Wildcrafts on the amanita forage day yesterday. It exceeded all expectations I ever had. Right from the beginning the communication before the event was so helpful and made the whole day run smoothly as it ran like clockwork. I arrived and was warmly greeted and welcomed to the space along with the group. We spent the day covering so much foraging information but it felt so relaxed fun and full of adventure. I’ve attended a good few similar themed foraging events in Ireland at this point and this was possibly my favourite due to the amount of work and effort Courtney and Fergus put into the packed schedule. It was more than just an ID and forage day… it was so much more! We not only learned about identification/ foraging but then info how to cook/preserve in many different kinds of ways like: lacto-fermentation, sweet dishes, ice cream, rice balls, savoury dishes, dumplings, pasta sauce, soup and more.After learning all that we had a big feast in all the mushroom themed foods.I cannot wait for the next course it was truly out of this world! Thank you for the most incredible day. -Ashleigh Connors
************************************************************
FAQ’s /Terms and Conditions:
************************************************************
All ticket sales are final, we do not offer refunds or rescheduling.
This is in order to care for our energy in organising and running events as well as due to the fact that otherwise this place could have been offered to someone else.
*******************************************************************
**COVID precautions in relation to ticket sales: all ticket sales are final according to the policy above. However if you are exposed to Covid or in quarantine, you may choose to gift your ticket to someone else in your place.
*******************************************************************
If we have to change the date of an event due to severe weather warnings or government guidelines, or for any other reason- we will issue you with a voucher which can be used on a future workshop.
A foray coming up in the Wicklow mountains with, interestingly, an emphasis on Amanita muscaria.“So you think you’re changed, do you?” said the Caterpillar.“I’m afraid I am, sir,” said Alice; “I can’t remember things as I used—and I don’t keep the same size for ten minutes together!”
Where: Co Wicklow, Ireland
When: Thursday 29 September 2022 10am until 9pm (11 hour day)
AND/ OR Sunday 31 September 2022 10am until 9pm (11 hour day)
There is a fantastic array of wild food and fungi in Co Wicklow. We will enjoy a long ramble in a beautiful woodland in the Wicklow Mountains interspersed with wild local seasonal food to drink and eat and a forage for wild mushrooms including Fly Agaric.
We will learn about the allure of the iconic Fly Agaric mushroom and how to safely use it as medicine and as food. There will be demonstrations including lacto-fermentation of mushrooms. We will also learn about any other wild fungi that we come across.
We will provide lunch and an elaborate three course wild food dinner with some exciting ingredients for the meal, as of course Fergus is incredible talented and experienced as a wild food experimentalist. He has over 30 years experience as a wild food forager, so your more advanced questions can be answered too.
We will be starting and ending the day in a location later to be announced to ticket holders but we may be car-pooling or driving to a nearby local woodland for some of the day. You must dress appropriately for a day spent outdoors, hiking boots and rain gear could be helpful. Sorry for this event no young children or dogs. You must be physically fit for a day spent wandering the wilderness with hills and uneven ground. Please bring snacks and or food to share if you would like. And a foraging basket or knife (if you have one).
How Much: €220 Early Bird/ €245 Full Price/ Elaborate Wild Food Lunch and 3 course dinner are included.
Bookings for all of our events will close 6 weeks before the event takes place. In this case, the event will close to all new bookings on the 18 August 2022. We will be in touch with you before the event takes place to share further relevant details with those that have booked their place.
Here is a link to a podcast with Robin Harford after our last event:
https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/ep32?fbclid=IwAR2g9N17GLqp0fPCwCBYxxPIK0KCU9SRbodS9E0rWFQghS6JThabLp8i5o0
Here’s another podcast with me speaking about this incredible mushroom with Manchan Magan on RTÉ
And a longer interview with Courtney on Welcome to Mushroom Hour: https://www.welcometomushroomhour.com/blogs/podcasts/ep-98-hips-haws-wildcrafts-irelands-wild-mushrooms-herbal-medicines-explorations-of-amanita-muscaria-feat-courtney-tyler
Here are some reviews after last years event:
“Wow, wow, wow!!! Hips & Haws Wildcraft events are a special opportunity to connect with beautiful people in an amazing space. I was fortunate enough to have the privilege to attend a Fly Agaric event hosted by Courtney and Fergus the Forager. From the moment I arrived I felt an instant inspiration and warm welcome. We foraged in the near by woods in fun filled explorations, while learning and connecting with the many species of fungi available. The preparation and dishes we were treated to after our journey in the woods was a unique blend of heart warming tastes and enjoyable community spirit set outdoors. For a revitalising experience amongst a vibrant loving group a Hips and Haws event is the place to be.”-Riain O’Táth
“I was lucky enough to join Hips and Haws Wildcrafts on the amanita forage day yesterday. It exceeded all expectations I ever had. Right from the beginning the communication before the event was so helpful and made the whole day run smoothly as it ran like clockwork. I arrived and was warmly greeted and welcomed to the space along with the group. We spent the day covering so much foraging information but it felt so relaxed fun and full of adventure. I’ve attended a good few similar themed foraging events in Ireland at this point and this was possibly my favourite due to the amount of work and effort Courtney and Fergus put into the packed schedule. It was more than just an ID and forage day… it was so much more! We not only learned about identification/ foraging but then info how to cook/preserve in many different kinds of ways like: lacto-fermentation, sweet dishes, ice cream, rice balls, savoury dishes, dumplings, pasta sauce, soup and more. After learning all that we had a big feast in all the mushroom themed foods.I cannot wait for the next course it was truly out of this world! Thank you for the most incredible day.” -Ashleigh Connors
************************************************************
FAQ’s /Terms and Conditions:
************************************************************
All ticket sales are final, we do not offer refunds or rescheduling.
This is in order to care for our energy in organising and running events as well as due to the fact that otherwise this place could have been offered to someone else.
*******************************************************************
**COVID precautions in relation to ticket sales: all ticket sales are final according to the policy above. However if you are exposed to Covid or in quarantine, you may choose to gift your ticket to someone else in your place.
*******************************************************************
If we have to change the date of an event due to severe weather warnings or government guidelines, or for any other reason- we will issue you with a voucher which can be used on a future workshop.
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If you’re interested in sustainability, foraging, local wild food, herbal medicine, fermentation and food preservation processes- we will offer you a full day educational experience in a beautiful outdoor rural location.
The group will split into two and half will go with Michael from Rural Courses for an in-depth exploration of wild greens, safe foraging practices, and a dive into the wealth of edible tasty wild greens, salad greens, shoots and sap options in March.
We will forage for an array of fantastic seasonal greens, salad leaves and edible shoots. The local wild superfoods: Nettles, Cleavers, Dandelion, Garlic Mustard, Alexanders, Wild Garlic, Common Hogweed among many others. We will also learn about any dangerous look-alikes and things to avoid.
Of course we never stop looking for edible or medicinal fungi and we might come across these if we are lucky: Turkey Tail, Birch Polypore, Oyster, Velvet Shank, Artist Conk, Jelly ear.
You’ll swap over and have a wildcrafting and preservation demo with Courtney of food preservation methods including fermentation, vinegars, oxymels, dehydration, salts, honey and alcohol etc. We will learn and sample methods to help preserve the harvest in ways to enjoy throughout the year.
There will be plenty of wild food tasters, a light lunch and drinks to sample and share together on the day.
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What: the Foraging and Wildcrafting Series: Wild Garlic and Edible Spring Greens
Where: Co Wicklow- the location will be disclosed closer to the date. You may need a car to travel, but we can arrange collection from a nearby train or bus if needed.
When: 2 dates are available:
Saturday 26 March. Time: 1030-1630
-OR-
Sunday 27 March Time: 930-1530
*PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE ON SUNDAY STARTS EARLIER
How Much: €110 Early Bird/ €135 Full Price
Early bird tickets are available until the 9th February and are full price of €135 after that date.
To book your place- click here: https://hipsandhawswildcrafts.clr.events/event/131817:foraging-and-wildcrafting-series-wild-garlic-and-edible-spring-greens-26-27-march-2022
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You must dress appropriately for a day spent outdoors, hiking boots are helpful. Sorry for this event no young children or dogs. You must be physically fit for a day spent wandering the wilderness with hills and uneven ground. Bookings for all of my events will close 2 weeks before the event takes place. In this case, the event will close to all new bookings on 12 March 2022. We will be in touch with you before the event takes place to share the location with those that have booked their place
.____________________________________________________________________________
************************************************************
FAQ’s /Terms and Conditions:
************************************************************
All ticket sales are final, we do not offer refunds or rescheduling.
This is in order to care for our energy in organising and running events as well as due to the fact that otherwise this place could have been offered to someone else.
*******************************************************************
**COVID precautions in relation to ticket sales: all ticket sales are final according to the policy above. However if you are exposed to Covid or in quarantine, you may choose to gift your ticket to someone else in your place.
*******************************************************************
If we have to change the date of an event due to severe weather warnings or government guidelines, or for any other reason- we will issue you with a voucher which can be used on a future workshop.
____________________________________________________________________________
You can book your place for this event here: https://hipsandhawswildcrafts.clr.events/event/131817:foraging-and-wildcrafting-series-wild-garlic-spring-greens-and-fungi-26-27-march-2022
or should you prefer to gift this experience to a loved one, you can buy a voucher here: https://hipsandhaws.com/shop/
We will forage for and learn about edible, toxic and medicinal fungi. We will enjoy some grounding time in nature and some cooked edible mushroom tasters at the end of the session.
Bookings for all of my events will close 2 weeks before the event takes place. In this case, the event will close to all new bookings on the 29th October 2021.
I will be in touch with you before the event takes place to share the location with those that have booked their place.
Ps I am holding a Fly Agaric in the photo, hopefully we find one but we will not be eating it, just so you know! This mushroom is particularly rich in folklore and history.
We will forage for and learn about edible, toxic and medicinal wild fungi including the hunt for the alluring Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria. This mushroom is all of these things: edible, toxic, medicinal, entheogenic and more.
I invite you for a day spent in the Wild Wicklow hills and woodlands with me to forage for mushrooms and in particular to seek out the alluring red spotted toadstool, the Fly Agaric.
Early bird tickets are €75 per person until the 25th September and after that will be full price at €90 per person.
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This event will run from 1100-1530 and will be limited to an intimate group size.
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Bookings for all of my events will close 2 weeks before the event takes place. In this case, the event will close to all new bookings on the 23 October 2021.
I will be in touch with you before the event takes place to share the location with those that have booked their place.
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I also offer shorter events in mushroom foraging from €30 for a shorter intensive 2 hour session if this might interest you more, please see my other events.
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Here is a link to a podcast with Robin Harford after our last event:
https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/ep32?fbclid=IwAR2g9N17GLqp0fPCwCBYxxPIK0KCU9SRbodS9E0rWFQghS6JThabLp8i5o0
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Here’s another podcast with me speaking about this incredible mushroom with Manchan Magan on RTÉ:
https://podcast.rasset.ie/podcasts/audio/2020/0909/20200909_rteradio1-almanacireland-toadstool_c21832393_21833271_232_.mp3
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About me: I am Courtney Tyler. I live in County Wicklow, happiest surrounded by trees and observing the changing seasons. I am a keen forager and spend much time wandering the hedgerows and forests for wild local food to preserve as food or medicine or to add to my fermented food and drinks.
I am a proud member of The Association of Foragers. I am not a mushroom expert nor a mycologist. However I have safely foraged for and consumed about 75 wild mushrooms as food or medicine. I can identify many toxic or deadly fungi and show you what to be careful of. I have processed wild plants and fungi into herbal tinctures, teas and salves. I am passionate about the learning process and am able to clearly communicate what i know and the passion I feel for the hard won knowledge and experience that I have acquired.
I tend to dive head-long into the things that interest me and I am largely self-taught, however I also have had many teachers and many who inspire me greatly. It is not unusual for me to fall asleep each night with a mushroom book in hand. (Don’t ask me how many mushroom books I have!!)
I have just completed some training provided by Wicklow Partnership and Leader funding for a Forest Bathing Certification and plan to share some of this practice on my walks as a stand alone practice or also to compliment the wild food and foraging walks.
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You can follow me on:
Facebook at Hips and Haws Wildcrafts or on
Instagram at hipsandhawswildcrafts