Sips from the fire hydrant...

I want to scream this at the top of my lungs...

2011-11-16T06:18:00.003-05:00

Mmmmm...chicken soup...

2011-11-15T07:00:00.055-05:00

Let me start off by saying that Paula Deen is one of my heros. I would love to spend a weekend hanging out with her in her kitchen!

Why you ask? BUTTER! She still cooks with butter and heavy cream and all the yummy goodies that taste so good! I want her to adopt me... or at least make this soup for me!

This chicken soup recipe is from her restaurant The Lady & Sons. It looks scrumptious! This and some nice crusty bread and I will be a happy girl...

Of course, I will need this set of pots and pans to make it! I want, I want, I want!!!

Back to work....

2011-11-14T07:00:00.058-05:00

Although I was bored to tears being in bed and sick all weekend, I have to admit... I am craving my bed now that I am up and dressed and facing work! I love my job, don't get me wrong, but I am still feeling much like a bag of crap. If I had my way...

I would hop in my car...this also comes in traditional black but I opted for the wow factor here. (www.carstache.com). Those who ride a bike to work, have no fear, there is also a bike version available.

Once home, it's in to pajamas and warm socks. There are many, many variations on the pjs available here.

The socks come from The Joy of Socks and are for men but I couldn't resist argyle AND mustaches all rolled into one!

Time to grab an extra pillow and climb into bed. This pillow from Amanda Jo Handmade is perfect! Even in my favorite color!

Of course, the bed is all comfy and ready to snuggle in to... complete with sheets from Urban Outfitters.

Last but not least, a snack to munch on... (feed a cold, starve a fever...lol). These cookies have been floating around Pinterest and I tracked them down to Sugarbelle.

Still sick...

2011-11-12T09:28:00.000-05:00

...but I have to get out of bed. I cannot STAND being in that bed one more minute! Not sure how I found this, I think I follwed a FB link to a page and then...well, the point is I found it and I want it! I have followed The Anticraft sporadically for a few years now. It's one of those sites that I forget about and then all of the sudden it dawns on me to check it and BAM! I am floored. They have a FB page too so it makes it easier to keep up.Anyway, I love elephants and freak shows and this is the best of both worlds! Someone HAS to make this for me!

It's a set of conjoined elephants! Aren't they sweet?

The bottom side is even cuter! I don't crochet... much to my chagrin, but I know someone who does... and all of the directions are on The Anticraft site!

Check out their back issues too... the crafts are great and there are all kinds of drinks, music etc.... LOVE this site.

Okay... I admit it... are you happy now?

2011-11-11T10:14:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to pretend for days now and last night, I finally had to come clean. I am sick. I went to urgent care and they gave me antibiotics and sent me home to rest. I always get the "You are a nurse and should know better!" talk. Pffft. Whatever. So it's nasal spray, cough syrup, Tylenol and antibiotics for me today . I am going to watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail because it will actually keep my attention long enough to rest in bed. Damn I hate being sick. I get all whiny and there's no one here to listen!

Craftiness.....

2011-11-10T07:00:00.027-05:00

LOVE this idea...

...and this

...chairs too...

...and finally,

a "book" shelf !

Wordy Wednesday...

2011-11-09T07:00:00.007-05:00

That is all...

Mmmmmm...cake.....

2011-11-08T07:00:00.066-05:00

So, I saw this weeks ago...and had to save the pic! It is just so pretty.... I had to go back and find the info on it. It was posted on Babble.com. It's a Rainbow In a Jar! While looking for it, I found a milliondy-billion other cake in a jar recipes.

How about Monkey Bread in a Jar? Is that cool or what? I love Monkey Bread!

Peanut Butter Cup Cake in a Jar!!! Dear gods help me.... ok...one more.... then I have to wipe the drool off my keyboard...

Oreo Freaking Cheesecake in a Jar!!! For the love of all things holy.... I need to make these!

(ps- the giveaway items are starting to roll in from the HUGE giveaway I won at Laughing Vixen Lounge . It's like Yule everyday! I can hardly wait to post a pic of all the goodies! Yesterday I came home to find a bracelet, lip balms, perfumes, and nail polish! I have already gotten earrings and tons of digital art! I am indeed a lucky girl! I will post pics soon!)

Greetings my followers....

2011-11-07T07:00:00.022-05:00

Mondays can be rough... but have no fear...blame it on the moustache! If anything goes wrong.... just tell them the moustache made you do it!

Don't have a moustache? (at least a visible one? Menopause sucks!) I've got you covered!

Too cute for words....

2011-11-06T07:00:00.013-05:00

I used to love Pez candy dispensers when I was younger... but always seemed to pinch my tongue while using one. I know...I know...I should have had a helmet. Anyways... LOVED this pic when I saw it.....

Enjoy your Sunday!

Happy Saturday...

2011-11-05T10:12:00.000-04:00

I've worked only weekends for so long that it seems odd to be home on a weekend without playing hookey! I love my new job but have to admit, the five-days-in-a-row thing will take some getting used to! When the alarm sounds on Wednesday, all I can think is "SRSLY??? ... NOT AGAIN!" Things are going well at work, I think, and I am a bit amazed that I am capable of doing the job. I keep expecting someone to knock on my office door and escort me back to my med cart because a grave error in judgement has been made...lol. My name was posted on the Nurse Manager plaque yesterday and that tickled me beyond all belief! Simple pleasures...

The weather is chilly.... Fall is here and Winter is on it's way... UGH! The Halloween decorations are half price, turkey stuff abounds and the shelves are beginning to fill with Christmas decorations! TOO SOON! I personally boycott anything Yuletide related until after Thanksgiving..... there is a sacred order.... it must be adhered to... don't you think?

Happy Dance....

2011-11-02T05:53:00.000-04:00

I cam home after a hectic day at work and a very emotional appointment to find an email from Kris at Laughing Vixen Lounge... I WON THE GIANT GIVEAWAY! OMG OMG OMG!!! I will post more when the goodies arrive! She did an amazing job with her Halloween Moviethon... so many movies and trivia... you have to check it out! I am elated!

Please excuse my lack of posts....

2011-11-01T06:13:00.001-04:00

I apologize for not posting lately.... things have been hectic, to say the least. I have been trying for the last few months to gain some new direction at work and then BAM!!!......everything happened all at once! What started as a plea to be trained further on the computer side of nursing has blossomed into a position as Nurse Manager of a 42 bed unit! I am honored that my administration has deemed me capable of this position..... and a bit scared as well...lol. This certainly fits into the category of Be careful What You Ask For. I am loving the job... but it is mentally exhausting. I am trying to sleep extra to avoid a fibromyalgia flare-up during this stressful time. Stick around.... I am coming back slowly but surely.... meanwhile...

Happy Oneth of November!!!!

I am alive.....

2011-10-14T06:08:00.000-04:00

Not that anyone noticed I was missing.... BUT it has been a crazy week. I started in a new position at work and have come home everyday mentally exhausted. I am hoping to return tomorrow with my ramblings... Until then...

The Mother of all Giveaways!!!

2011-10-07T19:58:00.000-04:00

Run...do not walk, over to Laughing Vixen Lounge.... this giveaway is just too good to pass up!

"We have gathered an amazing selection of creepy goods from 17 of the most spooktacular shops around. One lucky winner will walk away with one big goodie bag! And, because we love you all so much, we'll offer a little something for second place too. So what are you waiting for? It could be you!"

Truly..... this is the biggest giveaway I have seen in ages online... sure it takes a bit of work but you are sitting at your computer anyway! Go.... NOW....stop reading my blog and enter!

Wednesday words.....

2011-10-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

This is a picture I took while at a sale with my Mother and sister... I guess rude and/or aggressive behaviour at a sale is nothing new. The news is filled with stories on Black Friday about how many people were crushed when the doors opened at Walmart... sad, but true. But I didn't take this picture at a Walmart,, a mall, or a toy store... This picture was taken at a Library Used Book Sale...... hosted by the "Friends" of the Library!!! True story.... what has this world come to?..LOL

Tis the Season...

2011-10-04T07:00:00.001-04:00

Many of the blogs I follow are gearing up for the Halloween season and they have gotten me in the mood for all things spooky! Today's tastiness will have a vampire twist! I saw the recipe for these and thought they were so clever... especially with everyone being so into True Blood and Twilight these days. I am more the Interview with a Vampire or Nosferatu type, but to each their own!

Anywho....the treat of the day....(drum roll)...

VAMPIRE COOKIES!

These buttery raspberry jam filled cookies would be perfect for this season... movie night, party or just a scary treat for you!
I found the cookies on many sites but they all seemed to stem back to one post (complete with pictures) on Baking Bites.

Vampire Cookies
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp almond extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
approx 1/2 cup red jam (raspberry/strawberry)

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and extracts.
Add flour and salt to the bowl and mix them into the butter-sugar mixture at low speed until dough is just combined. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 325F.
Divide dough in half and keep the portion you are not using in the refrigerator.
Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out 2-inch rounds.
Place rounds on a baking sheet, put a teaspoon of jam on each of them and cover with another round of dough. Press edges down lightly, pinching the edges onto the cookie sheet. Use a toothpick and poke two small holes (like a vampire bite) in the top of each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are set.
Cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dip a toothpick in some extra red jam and re-insert in the “bite” holes you made before baking to emphasize them, if not already red. Draw a blood trick down from one of the bites with the jam, if desired.
Cookies are best the day they are made.
Makes 2 dozen.

The vampy mood continues with this adorably simple idea from Martha Stewart . A small pumpkin or gourd and some Dollar store teeth and you have a cute decoration for the house! LOVE these... she even has a cutting template so you dont have to guesstimate! That Martha thinks of everything!

Got a boo boo?

2011-10-03T15:42:00.000-04:00

MOUSTACHE TIME!

Welcome to Monday! These band-aids are great.I have to have them! My kids used to use up band-aids just for fun when they were little, I think I would do the same now with these!

Available here at Amazon... or here at Archie McPhee. If you have never seen that site go NOW! I will wait.... NOW!

Srsly...you have to look.... there are also Crime Scene band-aids, Toast band-aids, and Pickle band-aids. But... back to moustaches...

ACK!!!!! This, or a reasonable fascimile, will hang from my tree this year... buy it here and wrap it with moustache wrapping paper...lol. I am thinking polymer clay, paper clay, maybe even fun foam.

Happy Oneth of October!!! ( a few hours early)

2011-09-30T20:16:00.001-04:00

This month begins with many countdowns in blog-land and ends with the celebration of Samhain; which for me means the beginning of a New Year! I personally have decided to begin this month with a challenge offered by Serenity at The Domestic Pagan. It's called Get Off Your Broom!
The challenge will last three months and begins officially tomorrow but I am sure it's never too late to join. Check it out and join in! I am excited to be a part of what looks to be a very supportive group of ladies (I think they are all ladies). Saturdays are our check in days but since many work on Saturdays, including me, I am posting this tonight... onward.....

Mini Challenge #1
Okay, I will take a "before" photo but it will not be published here.... at least not for now. Instead, I offer these two cuties as stand-ins... trust me.... there is virtually no difference...LOL!

Mini Challenge #2
The measurements were also taken but will remain locked in my jewelry box.... it was NOT pretty. My goal? I would like to lose 25 pounds during this challenge. Its not a lofty goal, but one I believe I can accomplish.

Mini Challenge #3
The Plan.... Okay... my plan will begin simply. No more fast food, no matter how convenient. I will pack my lunches for work and stay away from the evil cafeteria food. I will drink 8 glasses of water a day. I will begin exercising in the gym downstairs 3 times a week. This plan may change.... but this is how it begins....

To my fellow challengees....We Can Do This!

Demotivational Friday!

2011-09-30T07:00:00.030-04:00

I have decided that on Fridays I will feature those very funny demotivational posters that we all come across on the interwebs... I just love them and they are a perfect way to end the work week! (Although my work week rarely ends on Friday, but go figure!) TGIF and all that Jazz! Happy Friday!

At first I thought this was Sister Wendy, the art nun...but upon further examination and a bit of googling ( I LOVE Google) I discovered that her name is Mother Angelica of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. How did I figure this out, you ask? I googled... "eye patch nun" ....SRSLY.

Enjoy your weekend! ARGH!

Crafty Thursdays?!

2011-09-29T13:09:00.000-04:00

I have been trying to come up with a theme for each day of the week to ke4ep my blogging on track.... so.. I guess Thursdays will be Craft day!

Today's inspiration comes from this pic I found on Pinterest... no one was tagged (which I hate) but here it is...

Isn't it cool??? I have seen these at stores and they want a FORTUNE for anything "recycled" or "green". Screw that! I am making my own! (as soon as I finish my other projects that I have been putting off..lol)

So far the best site I have found for info is Craftster. I know these aren't rocket science but I always try to look up a tutorial to learn form others mistakes.They have an ass load of info about crafts of all types made with rolled magazine pages...HERE.

I have tons of magazines and if I ever run out, my local library has a magazine share.... Step One: Cut the pages into 2 or 3 inch strips.

Step Two: Starting at the corner of the page, roll it up on a knitting needle or similar dowel... when you get to the last few inches, use a glue stick to adhere it to itself!

Use as is and glue to frames, boxes....anything really OR.... Step Three: use the rolling rod to flatten the tubes and then wrap the flat tubes around it, into spirals and glue the last few inches closed with a glue stick.

The rest is up to your imagination.... This is kinda cool too! I'll roll up a few next week and let you know how it goes... if you've ever done it... share!

A funny...

2011-09-28T19:45:00.000-04:00

Goodies alert! Halloween mugs...

2011-09-28T13:13:00.001-04:00

Check out this giveaway at Raeven Fae's Creations... you all know the drill... follow me, blog me, win these!

Love the Halloween mugs but cant post a pic because they are copy protected (sad face). Trust me...they are cute and spooky and FREE!

"The winner of this week's giveaway will receive a complete set of ceramic goblets in matching gift box. The deviously fun designs will surely dispense just the right amount of spook for your fright night fare!"

Her Etsy store rocks too.....

Tasty Tuesday...

2011-09-27T13:20:00.000-04:00

Okay... Tuesdays.... for now, will be reserved for feats of epic yumminess!! I saw this treat on Pintastic and traced it back to Betcha Can't Eat Just One .Katie gives the original credit to Amanda at Kevin {&} Amanda. Katie tweaked the recipe a bit by adding dulce de leche... Mmmmmmm. When I read the ingredient list, I almost fell over in a sugar coma! I will try this the next time I have to bring a snack somewhere... Thanks Katie!

Introducing..... (insert drum roll here)

Chocolate Chip Cookie n’ Oreo Knock Your Socks Off Brownie Bars (wild applause)

LOOK AT THEM!!! (drool)

That's chocolate chips cookie dough, Oreo cookies, caramel, and brownie mix.... the recipe suggests topping each piece off with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge... " (Then eat nothing but green vegetables for a full 24 hours!)". Don't you just want to lick the screen?

1 cup unsalted butter, room temp
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups chocolate chips
1 package of oreo cookies (she used double stuffed, I opted for the “diet” version and used regular )
1 package of brownie mix (to be prepared as directed on the box) I used Ghiradelli
dulce de leche (totally optional, I threw it in because it was in my fridge and I figured this recipe could use a bit more sugar?!?)

Preheat the oven to 350 and line a 9X13″ pan with parchment paper

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs followed by vanilla and mix well.

Add the flour, baking soda and salt and continue to beat until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Press the cookie dough evenly into the pan.

Now place the oreos on top of the cookie dough. Surprisingly enough, there are just enough oreos to top the whole thing!

Dollop the dulce du leche on top of the oreos.

Prepare brownie batter as directed (I didn’t even wash out my mixer bowl…just scrape the cookie dough clean and move on!)

Pour brownie batter on top and smooth it around with a spatula.

Bake for 40-50 minutes. They should look slightly under baked. The edges will likely puff up and dry out a bit but you can trim them off afterwards and still have way more than enough gooey chocolatey squares to go around!

The absolute BEST part of the posting for this recipe was the ad that appeared at the end of the post.... ready? It's TOO funny!!!!!!! Irony at it's best...

Gotta laugh... enjoy your Tuesday!!!!!

Moustache Monday.....

2011-09-26T09:55:00.000-04:00

Going to start theme days on this blog o' mine... Welcome to Moustache Monday! I don't know where the obsession started but I am glad it has continued... there are some CUTE moustachey things floating around out there... and I intend to share them all!

Here's a few to kick things off! (collected these from everywhere...so no credits...sorry) ENJOY!

I NEED THIS!!!

Cuteness!

For My Car!

Another project...

What every baby needs!

So simple... I am easily amused...

Must make...


WANT!

Dark Shadows...... revistited

2011-09-22T12:29:00.000-04:00

I was meandering through my local library the other day and came across the DVD collection of Dark Shadows. I hadn't thought about the show in years until last week when i found out that Tim Burton is making a new movie starring.... Johnny Depp !!!

For those of you who aren't familiar... here's a bit of info from Wikipedia ...
"Dark Shadows is a gothic soap opera that originally aired weekdays on the ABC television network ... The series became hugely popular when vampire Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) appeared a year into its run. Dark Shadows also featured werewolves, zombies, man-made monsters, witches, warlocks, time travel, and a parallel universe".

The Collinwood stand-in mansion used for the TV series is the Carey Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. It was originally built in Washington, DC and later moved to Rhode Island. Imagine coming home to this every night.

Ghosthunters just aired an investigation (Season 7, Ep 713) of the Carey Mansion and found some awesome stuff!

I will have to keep my eye out for this game while I am perusing the Thrift Shops..... better yet, I will put my friend Lisa, from The Thrift Gift, on it. She is a thrift shop guru! This Barnabus Collins Dark Shadows game from 1969 "has the spooky distinction of being the only Milton Bradley board game whose pieces include a coffin, tiny wooden stakes, scaffolds, and plastic bones". Twilight be damned!

Perhaps you are more of the action figure type. How about these figurines of Barnabus Collins and Angelique Bouchard, his former lover? I found Halloween costumes, dolls, comics, audio books that continue the saga.... you name it! Imagine what it will be like when the new movie is finally released?!?!

I really need no reason to post a Johnny pic.... you will learn this about me... but here's the two of them side by side... Barnabus then and now. I have been semi-following the news about the new movie on the Dark Shadows News Blog. There are tons of stories about the old cast members, the show, old set pics and news about the new movie. The Dark Shadows journal Online has more info and even information about the Dark Shadows festival! By the time I get through the 1000 ish episdoes, I may very well need to go!

I am three episodes in and already loving it! i will keep you posted!

Friday's Ramblings....

2011-09-16T18:03:00.000-04:00

Okay...this is by FAR, the cutest miniature cake I have ever seen...if you have seen cuter, please blog and link me! Afterdark Miniatures is the name of the blog and they are for sale on Etsy here. I have always had a fascination with dollhouses and miniatures.... someday... someday...

Ohhhh....and before I forget... the back to school liquor store pic I posted the other day was from one of my fave blogs to read... Can We Have a New Witch, Ours Melted? Just wanted to give credit where credit was due....

In my travels around the web...I found a blog that made me almost piss myself... SRSLY! This is the pic that first caught my eye.... and I had to read on.... (WARNING: FESTIVE ASS PHOTO)

Dark Mother, a Jersey girl with a penchant for rough language (a vice we have in common) writes the blog "Too Much Sass in my Ass" and I laughed through every post. It's not for the easily-offended. She has a second blog, which I also enjoyed. I can barely keep up one without wanting to stab myself in the brain...I dont know how she does it.

Til next time....

Minimalist Intro to The Society for Creative Anachronism....

2011-09-15T11:58:00.057-04:00

Welcome to my newest hobby/interest/obsession... the Society of Creative Anachronism, Inc.... from now and forevermore referred to as the SCA. As a bit of introduction I shall quote form their website... why reinvent the wheel?

"The Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA, is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts, skills, and traditions of pre-17th-century Europe. Members of the SCA study and take part in a variety of activities, including combat, archery, equestrian activities, costuming, cooking, metalwork, woodworking, music, dance, calligraphy, fiber arts, and much more. If it was done in the Middle Ages or Renaissance, odds are you'll find someone in the SCA interested in recreating it. What makes the SCA different from a Humanities 101 class is the active participation in the learning process. To learn about the clothing of the period, you research it, then sew and wear it yourself. To learn about combat, you put on armor (which you may have built yourself) and learn how to defeat your opponent. To learn brewing, you make (and sample!) your own wines, meads and beers. You will frequently hear SCA participants describe the SCA as recreating the Middle Ages "as they ought to have been." In some ways this is true – we choose to use indoor plumbing, heated halls, and sewing machines. In the dead of winter we have more to eat than King's venison, salt pork and dried tubers. However, a better description is that we selectively recreate the culture, choosing elements of the culture that interest and attract us."

That's it in a nutshell and if you haven't deserted me yet and have more questions, their website is full of info! I joined last year and attended my first event last month in California. This is a photo of me in "garb" relaxing after a lovely afternoon at the Crown Tournament in the Kingdom of Caid., , Barony of Gyldenholt. I had a fabulous time and everyone was so welcoming and friendly. Hopefully I will get involved in my own area (Kingdom of Aethelmarc, Barony of Thescorre) soon.

Stay tuned for frequent posts about period clothing, heraldry and other such stuffs. Anyone else ever been to an event?

Perusing more websites.....

2011-09-14T11:56:00.000-04:00


This cake is amazing.... the detail is fabulous!

Greetings everyone! How about this cake????? I found this on Cakewrecks along with a bunch of other crafty cakes. Click the link to see them all! I love that site!

I have a few other pics to share and maybe later this week I can bring myself to actually write about something. Trying to start out slow...lol.

This cartoon was drawn by Harry Bliss, an artist from upstate NY, who is currently a political cartoonist for New Yorker magazine, among other things. I am not much of a political person but this cartoon made me laugh out loud.

A lovely back to school display.....for parents! This made me chuckle.... don't remember where I found it, had it on my desktop.

Last, but not least, it is coming upon that time of year when we are all thinking about costumes. This one is priceless, isn't it? The things we do to our children when they are too young to argue..lol.

Random Coolness....

2011-09-13T13:55:00.000-04:00

Spent some time online this morning harvesting awesomeness from other blogs...

This was my favorite 9/11 tribute.... simple, to the point.... effective...

It comes from a rather surprising place...

Mod Podge Rocks Blog

Well done!

This beautiful little trinket box caught my eye. It's a recycled green chile peppers can. I haven't worked in polymer clay in ages. Marie from ART from my HEART did a great job with all the intricate detail.

This next pic is from Judith at Merlin's Magickal Mistress and all I can say is.... I WANT!! Check the blog out...the interior pics are awesome sauce! Some people are so freaking crafty!

I am ending this post with a pile of puppies.... an online friend raises Great Pyrenees mixed with Newfoundlands. He trains them as water rescue dogs. These are a few of his newest cutiepie faces!!! Just in case you are interested... his email is
vincentkulengosky@yahoo.com. Tell him, m_grrl sent you...but dont ask details...lol.

Return of the Prodigal Blogger......

2011-09-08T14:30:00.001-04:00

I have been gone a very, very long time. I may not even have any readers left...but nonetheless, here I am!


Get this off my head...NOW!

I saw this pic on Craftzine, I think...and it made me laugh out loud. LOVE the look on the dog's face!

The weather here has gotten substantially cooler and Autumn is on it's way. Where did this year go? It has been a year of self discovery for me and truth be told, I like what I am finding

Here are a few websites that interest me at this point in time. I will probably be discussing these things at some point....

Society of Creative Anachronism

Roberts Weslyan College

Menopause

Kayak

Six months later.....

2011-05-18T12:25:00.000-04:00

It has been forever since I have posted on this blog....and not one thing in my life remains the same. I don't even know where to start... maybe this is the best way....

A - Age: 47 and holding still.... a bit scary to be staring 50 in the face!
B - Bed size: Queen... (dog couldn't move with us...so very sad) cat takes up more than half!

C - Chore you hate: Carrying groceries up three flights.
D - Dog's name: see B.....poor baby
E - Essential start your day item(s): Morning California text message
F - Favorite color: can't name just one
G- Gold or Silver: Silver for sure

My next purchase!

H - Height: 5' 4
I - Instruments you play: CD player
J - Job: Registered Nurse in long term care facility

K - Kids: three boys 19, 21, 24
L - Living Arrangements: apartment
M - Music you love: Varied taste..... NIN.... never listened to them much before
N - Nicknames: Grrl...Sus..... maybe some I don't know about!
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: None
P - Pet Peeve: Angry People

Q - Quote from a movie: "Hey Chavez...how come they ain't killing us?" "Because we're in the spirit world asshole, they can't see us." Young Guns
R - Right or left handed : Right handed for almost everything
S - Siblings: 2..... no longer involved with them though
T - Time you wake up: 5 am on weekends.... later during the week (I am on Cali time during the week..lol)..
U – Underwear: Yes! granny panties (have all been discarded.... prefer lace now....lol) ftw!
V - Vegetable you dislike: Okra
W - Workout Style: Slowly typing.....lol
X - X-rays you've had: Many many many.
Y - Yummy food you make: Anything I can follow a recipe for (making teriyaki chicken and fried rice for the first time tonight!)
Z - Zoo, the best place to visit: Elephants and monkeys! (do they have hedgehogs at the zoo?)

So maybe some things are unchanged but I sure feel different..... hoping to post again...frequently...

Blog Candy Update......

2010-11-17T09:29:00.000-05:00

Wow...wow...wow...... this giveaway is almost too good to be true..... SRSLY! I have been in a self-induced hibernation thanks to a fibromyalgia flare all week...but this woke me up for sure! Susan at Pieces of Fate blog..... has posted more pics of the (so far) 100 items she is giving away on November 24th... I am giddy at the thought of winning.... love her blog too...check it out!

Blog Candy Update......

2010-11-10T15:53:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday again and that means that Susan at Pieces of Fate blog is adding to the suspense of her HUGE giveaway! She has added yet another photo of her blog goodies and I am getting so excited with just the CHANCE of winning! Love her blog too.... her post today touched me...

Alphabetical Blogging.....

2010-11-09T15:18:00.000-05:00

Challenged by another blogger (Leeana) I shall recite the ABC's of me....

A - Age: 47 and holding.... a bit scary to be staring 50 in the face!
B - Bed size: Queen... but the dog and cat take up more than half!

Jackie Chin !!!

C - Chore you hate: Gardening
D - Dog's name: Jackie Chin....or Bosco... Pocahontas...etc
E - Essential start your day item(s): Coffee and computer for email and chat
F - Favorite color: can't name just one
G- Gold or Silver: both.... but usually silver
H - Height: 5' 4
I - Instruments you play: CD player
J - Job: Registered Nurse in long term care facility
K - Kids: three boys 19, 21, 24
L - Living Arrangements: in a house...lol.
M - Music you love: Varied taste..... from R Carlos Nakai to Gogol Bordello
N - Nicknames: Grrl...Sus..... maybe some I don't know about!
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: None
P - Pet Peeve: Angry People

Young Guns....yummy!

Q - Quote from a movie: "Hey Chavez...how come they ain't killing us?" "Because we're int he spirit world asshole, they can't see us." Young Guns
R - Right or left handed : Right handed for almost everything
S - Siblings: 2..... no longer involved with them though
T - Time you wake up: 5 am on weekends.... later during the week...
U – Underwear: Yes! granny panties ftw!
V - Vegetable you dislike: Okra
W - Workout Style: Slowly typing.....lol
X - X-rays you've had: Many many many.
Y - Yummy food you make: Anything I can follow a recipe for.
Z - Zoo, the best place to visit: Elephants and monkeys!

Okay...now it's your turn to spill the beans! Come on...you know you wanna do it!

A very generous blogger.......

2010-11-08T16:07:00.000-05:00

Leeann, who writes the ever-entertaining blog, Can We Have a New Witch Ours Melted.... has reached 100 followers or as she so fondly refers to us..minions... HUZZAH! Imagine... 100 people hanging on her every post..... amazing!

To celebrate this momentous occasion..... she is generously giving away TWO...... count them TWO!!! Amazon gift cards..... $150 in all! Run...... do not walk over to her blog and check it out!

Funny stuff.....

2010-11-08T11:07:00.000-05:00

Saw this on a friend's page and it made me laugh.....

Go to Google maps
Go to Get Directions
Start location is Japan
End location is China
Go to direction #43
Laugh !!!

This is where the magic happens......

2010-11-07T23:34:00.000-05:00

Forgive me followers..... it has been several days since my last post.... this will be a quick one since I had a horrendous weekend at work and am just a bit homicidal at the moment. I thought I would post my art table and would encourage any of you other artists/crafters to do the same...and no fair cleaning it first...lol

I am sure there are no less than six projects going on at once here....lol. On the far left in the shoebox are the edge pieces to a witch hat table runner that never got finished.... the teal and yellow fabric is a free form curvy thing I saw on a blog somewhere and started at a friend's house.... still a work in progress... I had the gesso and watercolor pencils out for a journal page for a class I am taking over at willowing.org . The bag of butterfly buttons on the far right are for a bug jar quilt (not in picture) that needs to be backed and quilted... stamp pads are from the Samhain cards that I worked on that next day...... I have both self-healing mats on the table (one for fabric, one for messy projects). I have the ipod on the base and the DVD player out on the table... what a mess! Oh...and an old cup of coffee in my spotted mug! Do share your messes......

I know, I know...... so many giveaways!

2010-11-03T14:24:00.000-04:00

But this one is amazing... and as the giver states in his own blog headline... It's not Shit! This is a new blog to me... it's called Rune Soup ... it looks like a good one to follow....

...for an explanation of the goodies.... go here!

....and the winner is.......

2010-11-03T09:57:00.000-04:00

...drumroll please......... comment number 3.... Celtic Dragonfly from Following the Path as a Thrifty Pagan!!!!!! Congrats... you won the Midnight Margaritas candle! I just need your address and I will send it out asap! Thanks everyone for playing along.....and keep watch for a new Giveaway for November.... soon!

Giveaway Updates....

2010-11-03T08:56:00.000-04:00

Susan at Pieces of Fate has added another update about her 1-1-5 Giveaway.... check it out and sign up! One hundred gifties go to one lucky winner and 15 to another! Cool, huh?

My giveaway is now closed and the winner will be posted soon....thanks to all who joined and good luck to all! I will have a winner posted by 10 am!

I am humbled...

2010-11-02T14:45:00.000-04:00

First of all I am in shock that anyone besides my irl friends has read this blog and if read... that they have followed... thanks you so much! Now another award? Wowsers! Thanks to Leeanne from Can We Have a New Witch..Ours Melted has honored me with a Clucking Great Blog Award! Thanks so much Leeanne... I just love your blog too! Now on to the passing of the baton....

TEN Blogs I love to read.... (that you may not have heard of)

Bob & I

Diamond Health Network

Diary of a Crafty Chica

Following the Path as a Thrifty Pagan

Crap I've Made

To these I pass the Award baton.... and thank you one and all for hours of reading, laughing and housework avoidance!

Tuesday is here....

2010-11-02T13:18:00.000-04:00

I am feeling renewed and alive this morning. I gathered at The Ushered Path with friends last night for Samhain...and it was a lovely ritual as always. Meddy is a wonderful speaker and it seems that she is always speaking directly to my heart when she leads a circle.. she and her husband Jeff have been a major support for me this last year and a half.... I count them as family. The circle was cast.... the old swept away to make room for the new and we honored our beloved dead.... the altar was beautiful.... this partial picture, taken afterwards, doesn't do it justice... but I wanted to share.

When the circle was opened... and I left the physical building, I felt a release... a renewal... as if my path has just taken a new turn. My journey continues...

Monday, Monday...

2010-11-01T10:40:00.000-04:00

Let me begin by wishing everyone a Happy and Joyous Oneth of November! My how time flies....

Today I am missing my dearest Robert... it seems impossible that he has been gone for 19 months. This afternoon I will choose a photo to place on the altar for our community Samhain circle.... perhaps he will join us in Spirit. Fall was his favorite season and he would Ooh and Ahh over the bursts of color with child-like excitement as Mother Earth showed off her lovely coat of colors... this picture is from one of our Excellent Adventures... I miss his face!

For today I will seek out joy in the beauty around me.... JOY and not sadness....

A few more last minute giveaways....

2010-10-31T22:10:00.000-04:00

Giveaway from Rain's Stitchery: The winner will receive a Witchy Towel Trio!! Value: $30A set of 3 witchy kitchen towels.... AND Giveaway from The Diary of a Bald Girl!:The winner will receive a Garnet and Amethyst Goddess Necklace: and a Halloween HOBO Sheik pathches skinny scarf!

Happy Halloween!!!!

2010-10-31T13:05:00.000-04:00

Today is the last of the giveaways from Mrs B....and I was so excited that I had to run to the computer room at work on my lunch break to blog! The first giveaway is from October Farms, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite blogs.... the pictures are fabulous and I just love Teddy! This basket of Salem goodies is just SCREAMING out my name!!!

Isn't it great?!?!? The next prize just BLOWS me away...... it is from Weiser Books and it... (drumroll please....)

The winner will receive a full set of the Weiser Field Guides!!! Can you believe it??????? The whole set! AHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

This month has been so much fun to blog about....whatever will I say after today???

Don't forget about my giveaway that is open until November 3rd at 9 am. Now back to work for me.... six and a half more hours and I will be home to wait for the winners to be announced!!!

Cute crafts....

2010-10-29T20:00:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note before I pass out....

...am loving all the cool Halloween crafts I am finding this year...such creative bloggers!
This jar/vase craft from Bubblegum and Duct Tape is great and the tutorial is well done! Definitely a blog to follow...

Also some cute crafts at Mod Podge Rocks! It;s one of my favorite blogs actually..... and last but not least a recipe from Cattra's Magickal World.... for stuffed pumpkin...YUMMY!!!

Testing...

2010-10-28T12:41:00.001-04:00

Day 28 and all is well!!!!

2010-10-28T11:39:00.000-04:00

Mrs B continues her mission to make October the best month of all for bloggers! I don't know how she does it....and she is so organized! Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom has introduced me to so many new wonderful bloggers.... I am eternally grateful (the prizes are nice too) !!!

Today's first giveaway is form one of my favorite bloggers.... Laughing Vixen Lounge. Her blog and Etsy shop always make me smile... and I want want want today's prize.... (WANT). It is a Vintage Witches Charm Bracelet and even though Mrs B tried to subliminally persuade her readers to win it and send it to her... I am not falling for her witchy tricks! I also love her Zombie bracelet.... (christmas hint)!

Giveaway 2 is from Judy's Photos...and the winner will receive a box of 10 photo notecards with your choice of her prints on the front! Cool, huh?

I have been enjoying October Farm's trip to Salem on her blog.... since my trip had to be cancelled this summer (sad face).... I will go next year! Check out her blog HERE... I wanna kiss her dog on his fuzzy lips! Since I wasn't able to go in person... my dear friend Lisa from Poetcharms took a Flat Susan and she made it to all the sites! Here she is visiting Samantha....

There are more..... many more..... LoL. Don't forget to visit my giveaway post HERE to sign up...and enjoy a tune... from me to you!

Okay....this takes the cake....

2010-10-27T20:46:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe the giveaway I just found..... it is HUGE and makes my little candle look pitiful!
Susan, at Pieces of Fate blog is giving away an enormous pile of stuff..... and her blog is great to boot! Check it out....

All these goodies.....

...and this bag.......

... and these too..... and there are more to come! Is this crazy!?!?!? The giveaway isn't until the end of November.... but hurry over and look!

GIVEAWAY TIME.........

2010-10-27T18:33:00.000-04:00

Okay...so I don't have many followers but I am thankful for each and every one of you!!!!! To show my thanks and to drum up some more new followers, I am giving away a Midnight Margaritas candle from Autumn Mist Candles. It is an all natural soy, carbon neutral, eco-friendly and made in the US candle! It smells wonderful.... even without lighting it!

To qualify to win this prize, you must comply with all of the following requirements:

Have an accessible blog or leave an email address with each entry (this does not count as an entry, just as a requirement).
Live in the continental US or Canada!
Leave a comment on this blog telling me what you look for in a blog that you follow.... and a link for one of your favorites!

For extra entries you may do any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each):

1 entry - Blog about this giveaway, leaving the URL to your post in comments
1 entry - Be or become a follower of my Sips from the Fire Hydrant blog

I will draw the winner on November 3rd early morning.... just to give you all some time to spread the word. Practical Magic is one of my favorite movies.. and I just love the midnight margarita scene from it!

	Harry Nilsson - Put the Lime in the Coconut .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Yay!

2010-10-27T11:24:00.000-04:00

I just found out that I won another giveaway! Look at this set of handmade runes from Divine Gifts from Iris!

I am especially happy because I wanted to win this for a friend... and I did! Look Brit.....these are for you!
Thanks Iris!!!!

Slept late ....

2010-10-27T11:11:00.000-04:00

I have had such a hard time sleeping since the accident..... silly really. I was up til 2 am and finally took a Trazadone.... which means I now feel like a zombie.... UGH. I am sucking coffee like a mad woman trying to feel half human again.....

Anywho... on to the giveaways..... Mrs B has two today... the first is a set of felt runes from Carioca Witch. Her felt stuff is so cute... love love love her Hecate goddess! Bringing up Salamanders is her blog site....

The next is the book, Disneystrology... it comes from Quirk Books.... whose Irreference website has every imaginable quirky book....I could shop for days!

Another giveaway!

2010-10-26T23:01:00.000-04:00

This just in...... (LOL) an apron giveaway from a blog I just found.... Witchy Gumbo ...it is so pretty! Check it out...there are still a few days to enter!

Halloween Giveaways a plenty!!!

2010-10-26T11:55:00.002-04:00

Wow...this morning I have a plethora of free cool stuff! Besides the normal dose of Mrs Bs.... here is a link for the November issue of Pagan Moonbeams. It is a delightful resource for Pagan families and has some good info even for us oldies! The Secret Life of the American Working Witch also has a link for a great new video from explore.org on the Salem Witch Trials. It's a 30 minute video and I found it enjoyable even though I have read/seen everything on the trials.... Jon from the Me vs. College blog is giving away a $45 giftcard from CSN stores and who couldn't use $45? PLUS I just love his blog....

On to Mrs B...... The 31 Days of Halloween are wrapping up and it has been so much fun! Today's 3 giveaways are:

a set of Handmade Willow Runes from Mother Moon (which my friend Brit from Thrifty Pagan wants so bad!!!!)
a Silver Moon Herbals Samhain Herbal kit
and a silver pendant of choice from The Laughing Vixen Lounge

All great prizes as usual!!! Today must be the day to give away runes.... Iris at Divine Gifts for Iris is giving away her first set ever! Handmade from Fava beans no less!

The Haunted blog tour today took me to a post by Wendy from The Year of the Cats blog.... this post made me laugh out loud as she shared her not-so-fond memories of Halloweens Past.... I just have to post her pic....it tells the whole story!

I think we all have these memories, yes? In honor of her shameful past...she is giving away a lovely witches hat (so cute) and a Day of the Dead bracelet that MUST BE MINE! Make sure to check it out and have a laugh!

I won an award and I didn't even know about it until just now!

2010-10-25T21:29:00.000-04:00

I was just reviewing my comments and found this award from Rue at Rue and Hyssop. Be sure to check out her blog.... It's my first award and I am so delighted!

These are the rules.....
1. Post the award and link back to the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2. Pass it on to other bloggers that you have newly discovered.
3. Let the bloggers know they’ve been chosen.

These are my favorite bloggers discovered this week.....

Can We Have a New Witch, Ours Melted...

Dust Bunny in the Wind

Smeared and Smudged

I love these new blogs....and am looking forward to many more posts! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me!

Yay for Mondays....

2010-10-25T11:27:00.000-04:00

Well, it is Monday again and my work week is over. Despite the whole.... crashing my car into a running deer part... it wasn't a bad weekend. Now if the ibuprofen will kick in and the nervous shaking will stop, I should be fine!

Nothing better than a few giveaways to lighten things up, huh??? Mrs B continues her month of giveaways today... I have had so much fun blog hopping and meeting people through this... I have even won a few goodies! I hope to be part of it next year!

The first giveaway is a book I have wanted since I first went to the Weiser site....

This just looks like so much fun, doesn't it? I wanna win it so bad!!!!!!! I may just have to suck it up and buy the damn thing...lol.

I was perusing the site and found another book I have seen before that becomes more and more appropriate for me as time goes by.... Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women by Dr Jean Shinoda Bolen. I think I need to heed her advice.... I am starting to feel whinier with every birthday. Am I a juicy woman? Hmmm.....

The second giveaway is for a tiny little apron from Apron Addiction. It is cute... but so tiny...it would cover my belly button! As a juicy woman.... I think I need something a bit longer...lol.

The last giveaway is an anatomically correct heart necklace from Nytebyrd's Nest Necessary Oddities. I have heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve....but around your neck?

Interesting, huh?

A blog to check out.... Dust Bunny in the Wind .

Last but certainly not least.... is a blog that is new to me from the Haunted Blog Tour....Lost in Astral Space interesting blog and a cool tutorial for Corn Husk Broomlettes! I knew I saved those corn husks for something! She is also hosting a giveaway of one of her broomlettes.... check it out! Just make sure your speakers are turned down a bit... the music almost made me spit my coffee out!..lol.

I guess that's all for this morning... I need more coffee and to tackle this laundry mountain...

Friday already???

2010-10-22T17:19:00.000-04:00

Seems the week goes faster and faster.... it is already Friday and I worked this morning and saw the surgeon this afternoon.... the good news? I don't need surgery on my knee! Woot! Woot! The bad news? I need another injection... this time into the joint. I told him I didn't want it today, as I am working all weekend and I know it is going to hurt for a few days. I will go back and have it done on a Monday so I have a few days to recoup!

On to better things.... the giveaways from Mrs. B's......
Just two today and I will make this short since I just got home and still have dinner to make.... the first is a Hekate Art card....similar to the ATCs I make and exchange with friends.... Wishcraft Charms had many on the site... she also hosts a Goddess a Day blog for anyone interested...

Next is a lovely bar of Polyjuice Potion glycerin soap from ADK Aromatherapy. The bars of soap are lovely... and look like crystals... so pretty. There are more on the ADK Artfire site... I am amazed that these are soaps!

Just to liven up this boring post... I offer you Loafdog.... makes me laugh every time I see him!

I won, I won!

2010-10-20T16:58:00.001-04:00

I won the giveaway from The Year of the Cats blog.... Yay me! Thanks you so much, Wendy!

PS.....here's the prize....

Oh my stars.....

2010-10-20T11:38:00.000-04:00

My chat friend Brit got me thinking about the series Bewitched when she posted about it on her blog.... so I ordered a few seasons from my local library. I remembered watching it as a child.... one of my favorites.

As my luck would have it.... Season 3 and 4 arrived first.... so I started there. I am almost done with Season Three and had forgotten how much I loved the show! I remember so much from them and they have been keeping me company like an old friend while I sew. All of the characters have come rushing back.... Aunt Hagatha, Aunt Enchantra, Aunt Clara.... Endora!

The retro clothes and furniture are amazing and I wish I had some of the pieces they have... it is so funny how some of the images are stuck in my brain from those many years ago.... do you remember these?

I laughed out loud when this elephant came on....lol.

Poor Aunt Clara.....

...and who can forget Endora's flair for fashion? The dress, the hair...that makeup! LOVE, love, love!!!

I will apologize in advance.....you are all (all 6 of you..lol) going to have to relive this series with me as I watch these shows..... my trip down memory lane....

Wednesday and all is well.....

2010-10-20T10:55:00.000-04:00

Giveaways galore at Mrs B's this morning..... beginning with a Cryptozoology book by Weiser...

I love almost every book from the Weiser site... everything you would ever want to know can be found there. Number 2 is from a site called Lytha Studios.... I could get lost on that site for days... they have everything form jewelry to beads to books to markers.... they have donated a pendant as a prize.... it is quite lovely...

In perusing the site, I discovered some beautiful sterling pendants that I had never seen before.... lovely Goddess jewelry...

Intuitive Goddess is giving away a reading for Samhain.... could be interesting!

Last but not least is a pendant from Tribal Horse Designs...

Love this and love her blog too.... she made the cutest crocheted witches hats... and gave me her instructions too... now I just have to find someone to make one... (AHEM!)

Cute....... huh????? I want, I want! Here are her instructions... they must make sense for someone who crochets...

"i dont have a pattern...i freeform crochet them.......i can tell ya kinda how i do them. .i ch 4 and then slip stitch together ,, ......then 6 triple crochets in it and join ..this makes the tip... i just go down from there .. i add couple stitches each round ......when it gets to as big as i want .for the brim i make 2 triples in each loop so the brim will ruffle..maybe 3 to 5 rows depending on how i want it to be.then take the trim yard and slip st around and tie off. I really dont have a pattern and i add and subtract if i want the top part to look bent and off balance like a witch hat "

BLOGS (only one today)....

Witchy Godmother's Tea and Tarot...

Octomew.....

2010-10-19T11:01:00.001-04:00

Ha! Isn't this cute??? This is just one of the creations by Manifested Dreams... they are providing one of the donations on Mrs B's site today.....

These are the actual giveaways...also very cute! A cauldron and a candy corn......

This is also from Manifested Dreams....from the deviantART site. I love this little pin and know someone else who will too (LISA!)

Hello and Happy Monday....

2010-10-18T09:06:00.000-04:00

It is another Monday and I am a zombie as usual..... going for an MRI later today, but for now just perusing blogs and signing up for the awesome giveaways at Mrs Bs site!

The first giveaway is from Grimdeva of Cauldron Craft Minis...they are giving away THREE prizes today of Absinthe Scented Bath Salts...

Their Etsy site has so many altered goodies.... I am going to check it out later when I have more time. I also followed the link to the What's Bubbling blog..... and WOW! Awesome miniatures... LOVE the Haunted House dollhouses.... am following this blog for sure and going back when I have hours to check it out!

Carioca Witch is giving away some more of her felt goodies...so cute! This time...keychains!

LOVE this happy bat! Giveaway number 3 is from Five Seeds..... a mini Herbal kit...with salves and balms.... perfect time of year! Last but not least is a giveaway of a fabric puzzle ball..... from Banterings of a Basketcase.

Blog to see...

My Hiding Place in Cyberspace

The Funniest Blog Ever....

2010-10-15T20:33:00.000-04:00

Also know as "It will all come out in therapy someday"...... this mother takes pictures of her child....while she is sleeping... after she decorates the floor...the results are amazing... Mila's Daydreams.

See what I mean??????? ADORABLE!

Had to work so this is a bit late....

2010-10-15T19:08:00.001-04:00

The giveaways are still rolling out over at Mrs B's blog! The first one is a free book from Weiser Books...a spellcasting reference guide....sounds fun, huh? My fave book of the day from Weiser is one by Raymond Buckland called Buckland's Book of Gypsy Magic. I would LOVE to spend an evening curled up on the couch reading all about it.....

Of course, I would love to have 90% of the books at Wesier so.......

Item number two is from Gypsy Moon Art Studios... these rings are wonderfully creepy and a must have!!!!

There are different kinds but this is my favorite! They have all kinds of jewelry, but these are groovy!

The Haunted Blog Tour continues with a cool blog with uber-spooky Halloween ideas.... The Candy Corn Chronicles is a must see! They are also having a giveaway for the season.... a handmade Halloween Faery!

Last but not least.... stop by my friend celtic's blog...she is a guest blogger today on the tour... she has a few cute craft ideas... kids will love the ghost necklace!

Day 14 and all is well!

2010-10-14T11:22:00.000-04:00

Just popped over to MrsB's blog and the first prize is a must have..... definitely going on my wish list!

These unmounted stamps from Smeared Ink are so cute! I just love them! I have to have them! They also have a cute blog called Smeared and Smudged and a forum to share techniques etc.

The next giveaway is from Shades of Midnight.... a felted goddess... what a great idea! Makes me want to get out my wool roving and get started!

The last giveaway is from Darkling Dreams and is a set of skully oven mitts.... since I rarely use my oven..lol... I perused the site and found this darling instead.... love the eyes!

I also need to share with you a recent marvel introduced to me by someone in a chatroom who lives int eh other side of this big planet of ours..... I introduce to you... dragonfruit! Isn't it lovely!!!! I want to lick it!

So many posts...

2010-10-13T13:00:00.001-04:00

Today is a day full of posts for me, I guess.... I haven't blogged about Mrs B's giveaways in days! I love this month of goodies and new blogs...so much fun!

#1 is a book from Belle's Half.com site called Moon Magic by Lori Reid. Looks interesting. Plus....the profits from her site support Operation Paperback and the Lupus Foundation of America. That's worth checking out! Giveaway #2 is a hand decorated wooden box... from Wyng'd Lyon Creations. Giveaway #3 is a clever contest from MrsB.... she is revealing her Halloween contest bit by bit.... and you have to guess what it is. Cool, huh?

2010-10-13T11:22:00.001-04:00

As blogged earlier, I am participating in the Inspiring Witches Blog Party today.... at the end of this post, I am listing all participants...some may be posted late, as mine was... but the ones I have read so far are thoughtful and inspiring indeed. Wendy S, from The Year of the Cats blog, is celebrating her birthday today and I want to extend my birthday blessings to her. Her post was lovely and she is even doing a giveaway for the day! Look at this basket of goodies!!!

I am not going to lie...I hope I win!!!!!! But you should all enter too....lol. Her blog site is fun and I love when the cursor has those little followey things....lol. I am a simple girl!

Other Participants
Following the Path as a Thrifty Pagan

Aux Demilunes

Cattra's Magikal World

e witch

Faerie Sage Kitchen

My Adventures in Sustainable Living

Ponderosa Pagan

The Whimsicle Cottage

Welcome to the Party!

2010-10-13T10:29:00.000-04:00

This is the first time I have ever participated in a Blog Party, so be kind...... I autoscheduled this to post and put in the wrong time...OOPS! Welcome to my blog.... and please be sure to follow me, as I hope it gets better and better with time! I will have my first giveaway the week of Halloween...so stay tuned!

Having to choose one witch who inspired me is a bit difficult... I am not a witch myself but can appreciate the life encompassing path they follow. I have read many books by witches, spent time with witches doing things both magical and mundane, listened to endless hours of podcasts about, by and for witches... and though not drawn to follow that path, I am enthralled.

Forced to choose one to base this blog post on, I have to chosen the first real life witch I became aware of, Laurie Cabot. She is the Official witch of Salem, Massachusetts having been given that title by the then-mayor in the seventies. She was given this honor for her work with special needs children and has carried the title proudly ever since. I am sure the other witches residing in Salem, many of them world famous in their own right, if given a chance would gladly usurp her title...lol.

I first became aware of Laurie Cabot when I picked up a copy of her book, The Witch in Every Woman. Being raised with a christian flavor, I felt positively evil looking through it's pages. Then I started to read.... it was then I realized what being a witch .... and being a woman really means. She reveals in her teachings that every woman possesses a magical side to their nature... all possess primal courage and strength.... this book, and Laurie Cabot started me down a path of self discovery... one that continues today.

Laurie remains a controversial figure in the world of witchcraft and I choose to remain neutral. I only know that her books, her website, her classes, her YouTube videos and Facebook page reach thousands, if not millions of people and for many, including myself, she is the first contact with witchcraft.

Thanks for stopping by to see my blog...I hope you come back soon!

Monday, Monday.......

2010-10-11T11:29:00.000-04:00

Ugh...back to work yesterday and it kicked my butt! I am spending Monday morning in my usual way..... drinking mass amounts of caffeine and sitting like a zombie in from of the computer! I missed a few days of Mrs B's giveaways...but I will start back up today...I will also have some pics of my latest craft endeavors to post...

First up... my friend Lisa has been working so hard to get her business up and running... I am so proud! She makes amazing purses, pillows and other lovelies... please check out her Poet Charms site on Etsy and her blog.

LOVE these screenprinted Buddha pillows... she made me a tote with this design for my birthday..I am a lucky girl!

Mrs B is giving away another book from Weiser today called The Weiser Field Guide to Ghosts. I want! Giveaway number 2 is a box of yummy bath products from The Sacred Oak... chocked full to the brim!

It is almost hot bubble bath season.... this would be great to win!

This next giveaway might be one of my favorites of the month... it is from The Whimsical Witch and is such a cute idea..I wish I had thought of it!

I have so much of this ephemera stuff in my drawers... what a cute way to use it, huh? It's a bookmark!

I am going to skip the list of blogs today.... need more coffee to coordinate that info...

Friday Giveaways!

2010-10-08T17:16:00.000-04:00

It must be fate...one of my favorite Ts I blogged yesterday could be mine (or yours) today! Crazy Dog T-shirts is giving away a free t-shirt. I want the Merlotte's Bar and Grill!

Next is the Ring giveaway from Agony's Decay.... love this one!

Apron Frenzy is giving away a half apron for the celebration.... and Talog Witch has a lovely pair of earrings to give away.

Remember, all of these giveaways are available at Mrs B's Blog..... Check it out!

Blogs for Today:

Cool t-shirts....

2010-10-07T11:27:00.000-04:00

Found a website with some funny t's...I could read those sites all day... I also have a code for $5 off any Halloween shirt if anyone is interested... enter the code HALLO5 at checkout for $5 any of their Halloween goodies! These are my favorites from the site...

Okay...enough is enough, I could go on all day... check out the site!

7th day of Ocotber...and all is well.....

2010-10-07T11:07:00.000-04:00

The First giveaway today is from sithmomma and is a lovely set of Ocean Heart pagan prayer beads. I have used prayer beads to help keep my mind occupied during meditation when my mind is really racing. I am a very tactile person and they help to keep my fingers busy. She has some cute things on her site... this is my fave... a Time for Tea ring... isn't it cute?

#2 giveaway is from Shadow of the Goddess. It is an altered slide necklace, like the many I have been going to make. I should get busy! Her site is closing on Oct 31st so everything is clearanced! #3 giveaway is a Halloween sound effects CD..... spooooky!

Blogs to check out today...

Tribal Horse Designs

Very Nearly Hippy

Mark Harvey's World

Banterings of a Basketcase

PaganDad

Hump day giveaways....

2010-10-06T10:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Wednesday! Today's giveaways start with some cool ruinic pendants from Heksebua. My favoriteis this Health and Healing pendant....

There are so many to choose from, it's hard to pick just one! Lots of other lovely stuff to choose from.... run over to Mrs B's site to enter!

There is also quite a bit of info on the site about different types of divination, etc. I will be going back to read up on candle magic and poppet magic when I have some extra time...

The next prize, and one which I really really want to win.... is a total custom blog makeover from Princess in Pigtails.. what a great giveaway! You can view her portfolio here... she has done some really cute work. Again... you have to eneter at Mrs B's site to win!

The final giveaway for today comes from a blog called Deep Inside my Broom Closet. It's a halloween fabric altar tarot cloth. So cute.

More later.... time to run for now!

OOOoooooo....love these....

2010-10-05T20:36:00.001-04:00

Found these awesome cameos at Agony's Decay on Etsy. Aren't they wonderful??? I love cameos and skulls too.... perfect! They have some cool homemade soaps too...check it out! I am hoping to win them as a part of the October Giveaway at A College Witches Experience. Go on over and enter!

A new appreciation for my job....

2010-10-05T12:17:00.000-04:00

A friend sent an email forward this morning that had pictures of people doing jobs.... jobs that would make anyone appreciate the fact that they DON'T have to do that job.... this one struck me... actually, I am having a hard time removing the image from my brain..... so many captions come to mind.....

Wow.... just ...wow.

Day 5!

2010-10-05T10:52:00.000-04:00

A lovely giveaway from A Walk in the Woods ... her site has some cool stuff... this is one of my favorites...

...it's a pocket goddess...isn't she sweet?

This next giveaway is so cool...talk about recycling.... these placemats from The Weavery are made form cotton and VCR tapes!

Blogs I peeked at....

Mommy D's Kitchen

The Secret Life of an American Working Witch

Day #4 of giveaways....

2010-10-04T10:42:00.000-04:00

Mrs. B just keeps the October fun coming on her blog with the 31 days giveaways.... today she is giving away a $40 gift certificate from Divine Lotus Healing . They have a wide assortment of Aura Sprays... and who couldn't use a little aura cleaning? I also like her feather wands for smudging... she has a crow/bluejay wand I am rather fond of...

My chat friend celtic has a blog that is sponsoring the second giveaway of the day... we share a love of crafting and thrift store shopping. Check out her blog HERE . Her giveaway is this craft loop pentagram... what a great craft project for little pagans!

Happy October 3rd!

2010-10-03T11:13:00.000-04:00

New giveaway on Lady B's site today.... a photo from Swamprat Photography. I love this one.... called traintracks...

...reminds me of Robert.

Found this pic on a blog called Trash You Up . Funny! And I thought my kids walked all over me.

This Etsy site, Frenzy Finds , was featured in the book Regretsy , and has some cool retro stuff. I like this shirt, which I would of course cut up and make something cool out of!

Also ran across this blog entry from Me vs. College which made me laugh out loud ! Reminds me of my days at FLCC.

Looking forward to this....

2010-10-02T12:03:00.000-04:00

I have heard great things about this artist from a friend...and I guess she has some great YouTube art lessons out there too...

Lovely goodies....

2010-10-02T09:50:00.000-04:00

Only the second day of October and I am already knee deep in new blogs and giveaways!
Found all these cute felty things... they are by Carioca Witch on etsy...this Goddess is adorable!

Have never seen felt runes either!!!

Oooh.... and this book... I WANT! It's an October giveaway over at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom and if I win anything, I hope this is it! Judika Iles is a very respected pagan author and I have been waiting to get my hands on this book! In her own words... "The world of witches is filled with passion, magic, high spirits and joy." I agree wholeheartedly and cannot wait to read this book!

October Farm is giving away this basket of goodies for the Mrs B's 31 days of October Tour! Lots of neato fall stuff! The blog has recipes and dog pics..... what more could a girl want? (besides this basket of course).

Today's Blog Tour....

Bringing up Salamanders

October Farm

The Whimsical Cottage

31 Days of October...

2010-10-01T08:58:00.000-04:00

I am following this blog for the month of October..... looks like it will be fun! Thanks to my online friend Brittany and her blog for showing me the link!

Extra time on my hands...

2010-08-10T11:37:00.000-04:00

I am revisitng some old sites that I haven't checked in a long time and finding inspiration...

Isn't she cute??

These have huge potential!!!

A-dorable!

Thank the gods for Mad Men Season 3...

2010-08-06T17:39:00.000-04:00

Feeling melancholy this week... might be the knee injury, might be the birthday... might be a combo of them both. Thankfully, the library called and said Season 3 was in and the kids went to pick it up for me. I wish I had some Oreos and milk.

Squeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-04T12:02:00.000-04:00

This minion is adorable!!!

A warning to my children....

2010-08-04T11:59:00.000-04:00

If any of my children choose to reproduce.... be warned. I will learn to knit just so I can make these for my grandchild!