Domestic Witch

The Coin Laundry

2012-01-24T23:50:00.000-05:00

I ♥♥♥ love ♥♥♥ this shop! I can't say enough about how fun and cool her products are!

Shop Profile: The Coin Laundry
About Jennifer's Shop:
Things to make your days a little brighter. Handmade in the Coin Laundry workshop using biodegradable inks and solvents and 100% cotton because we like to keep it clean.

Palm Reader Screen Print Cotton Canvas Throw Pillow {buy me}

Bee Trio Screen Print Cotton Canvas Throw Pillow {buy me}

I Only Appear To Be Dead Screen Print Pillowcase set {buy me}

Searching

2012-01-11T18:02:00.000-05:00

I am currently searching for Etsy shop owners interested in sponsoring an item, product, or gift certificate for their shop in a giveaway on this blog. Domestic Witch has an average of 300 hits a day and almost 1000 followers. If you are interested, please contact me by January 31st at dawnATpagancenterDOTcom.

*Photo Credit: Light Witch - an absolutely charmed vintage clothing shop.

Peanut Butter Buddy Bars

2012-01-04T20:31:00.000-05:00

Buddy Bars

3/4 stick butter

1 cup peanut butter

1 1/4 c. sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In large bowl beat peanut butter and butter until smooth.

Add sugar, eggs and vanilla extract; beat until creamy.

Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips.

Spread into ungreased 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until edges begin to brown.Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips over cookie layer. Let stand 5 minutes until chips are shiny and soft. Spread chips evenly over top. Cool and cut into 1 1/2 inch bars.

January To-Dos

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

5 things to-do this January

• Make hearty Baked Cavatappi & Cheese.

• Adopt a FurBaby.

• Create a list of Things That Make Life Special and hang it where you will see it often.

• Take a Snow Hike.

• Create a Blizzard box to prepare for winter first big storm.

The Secret Symbols of Travelers and Thieves

2011-12-21T18:15:00.001-05:00

What witch doesn't love symbols? Here is a really neat article on Etsy about The Secret Symbols of Travelers and Thieves. Click the image to purchase the print!

Pin Witch

2011-12-20T06:06:00.000-05:00

Got Balls?

2011-12-12T19:31:00.003-05:00

Welcome to my 3rd annual Christmas Balls blog party!

We've got balls!

Round balls

White balls

Chocolate balls

Peanut buttery balls

Sticky balls

Tangy balls

Juicy balls

Creamy balls

Little Balls

Big Balls

Nutty Balls

Sweet Balls

Crunchy Balls

You name it - we've got balls for Christmas! Help me compile the yummiest collection of Christmas balls this side of the Santa's naughty list. As long as they are round and editable, you can add them!

Add your recipe link below. Type the direct URL to your recipe on your blog. The post can be old or new. Add as many as you like!

Naughty and dirty comments are not only appreciated, they are expected!

Add the button to your blog.

Cunning Jayne Hat

2011-11-22T20:14:00.001-05:00

My Ya-Ya Rowan made Angelus a Cunning Jayne Hat!!! My little hero of Canton! Check out Rowan's Etsy shop here.

And don't you just love Angelus' JFK jr. coat? Got that @ Kissing Cousin Etsy Shop.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales on Sightly!

2011-11-22T20:07:00.001-05:00

Here's the scoop on my Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales on Sightly!!

Free Shipping on all orders over $100. Coupon code: "TASTESLIKECHICKEN"

PLUS - Every $20 you spend at Sightly earns you a $5 Sightly Gift Certificate! For example, spend $60 and you get a $15 certificate with your order! In order to receive your gift certificates, you must mention this super secret phrase in customer notes: "Super Flock".

Sale starts at midnight on Black Friday and ends at 11:59pm on Cyber Monday!

Also, my girly-friend is having a sale in her shop too! Free shipping on all knits and ties! Coupon Code: "SHOPFREESHIP". Click the image below to go to her shop.

5K

2011-11-22T19:53:00.001-05:00

Ed did his first 5K! So proud of him!

Is it my turn??

Halloween Highlights

2011-11-15T20:42:00.001-05:00

Bow Ties Are Cool.

2011-11-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Overstock Special

2011-11-02T20:22:00.000-04:00

I'm having an overstock special at my Etsy shop Sightly - Free shipping on orders over $100 (before shipping). Coupon code: "TASTESLIKECHICKEN". Offer ends soon!

Chocolate Pumpkin Cookie Sandwiches

2011-10-24T07:30:00.000-04:00

Chocolate Pumpkin Cookie Sandwiches

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 large egg, room temperature

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Into a medium-size bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg; beat to combine. With mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture; continue beating until dough is well combined.
Drop dough onto a greased baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake until cookies are firm, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Place a spoon full of cream filling onto the flat side of half the cookies, in the center of each cookie. Place remaining cookies on top, and gently press on each to squeeze filling to edges.

Vanilla Cream Filling

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon pure pumpkin

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and cream cheese until well combined. With mixer on low speed, gradually add the confectioners' sugar, and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin, and beat to combine. Set aside at room temperature until ready to use.

Turning Orange

2011-10-19T13:31:00.000-04:00

Instead of a kitchen garden this year, I planted 3 pumpkin plants that sprouted where last year's jack o' lantern decomposed. To keep it low maintenance and weed free, I covered the garden bed with cardboard, then created small holes where I squeeze in the plants.

This is one of my favorite gardens yet.

Just wait until he's a jack o' lantern!

Montessori

2011-09-21T17:45:00.000-04:00

Thank you all for the warm welcome back! I'm so touched and honored ♥♥♥

Guess what? Our family has entered a new chapter...

Angelus' first day of preschool!

We choose an accredited Montessori education, and we are in love with his school! One of the first things that sold me was the teacher said, "Angelus has his own personal lesson plan. We are going to see if he knows his numbers, letters, etc., before we guide his growth." It made so much sense. Why have my child sit in a classroom bored while everyone is taught the same thing at once, material he already knows? Or lost in the sea of his peers because he isn't ready to learn what he is "supposed" to be learning.

What is a Montessori education?

"Montessori education is characterized by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological development, as well as technological advancements in society. Although a range of practices exists under the name "Montessori", the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the American Montessori Society (AMS) cite these elements as essential:

• Mixed age classrooms, with classrooms for children aged 2½ or 3 to 6 years old by far the most common.
• Student choice of activity from within a prescribed range of options.
• Uninterrupted blocks of work time.
• A Constructivism or "discovery" model, where students learn concepts from working with materials, rather than by direct instruction.
• Specialized educational materials developed by Montessori and her collaborators.

In addition, many Montessori schools design their programs with reference to Montessori’s model of human development from her published works, and use pedagogy, lessons, and materials introduced in teacher training derived from courses presented by Montessori during her lifetime." ~wiki

If you would like to learn more...
Association Montessori International
American Montessori Society

Miss Me?

2011-09-17T12:33:00.000-04:00

I'm back!

I hope you've all had a great summer, I have!

I used this sabbatical to ponder....
• Where does my new Sightly Etsy shop fits into my life?
• How do I run two blogs at quality level that represents my work as Domestic Witch and a new entrepreneur with Sightly?
• What does this Domestic Witch blog mean to me now?
• How many lattes can I consume in a day?
• Does duct tape really fix everything?

You'll be happy to know that Duct tape really does fix everything, really I tried it on everything. And I can consume 15,000 lattes a day.

During sabbatical, I considered a life without Domestic Witch, I could devote more time to Sightly and crafting, but I missed it too much. I hope you missed me too and I look forward to many more years of blogging with you! I may not be blogging as often, but you can still find me here with household mysticism and mundane magic to share.

Now let's say good-bye to summer

and hello to the Season of the Witch!

Summer Sabbatical

2011-07-16T23:40:00.001-04:00

"Sabbatical or a sabbatical (from Latin sabbaticus, from Greek sabbatikos, from Hebrew shabbat, i.e., Sabbath, literally a "ceasing") is a rest from work, or a hiatus, often lasting from two months to a year.

In recent times, "sabbatical" has come to mean any extended absence in the career of an individual in order to achieve something. In the modern sense, one takes sabbatical typically to fulfill some goal, e.g., writing a book or traveling extensively for research." ~ wiki

I'm going to take a summer sabbatical from Domestic Witch to expand my horizons. See you all in the fall!

{Photo of Angelus was taken by my friend FlowerChild.}

Giveaway!

2011-07-06T10:19:00.000-04:00

Win these Magnets! Follow the coc....err.. roosters!

Sightly

2011-07-04T16:00:00.000-04:00

I've created a separate blog for my Sightly Shop, this will allow me to keep this blog focused on domestic witchery.

Stop over and enter my giveaway!

http://dawnmariehoward.blogspot.com/

Prosperity Workshop

2011-06-17T09:06:00.006-04:00

At a recent Pagan Center workshop on Prosperity, I learned a new mad skill from Ya-Ya Hex: Sigils!

A sigil is a symbol created for a specific magical purpose. A sigil is usually made up of a complex combination of several specific symbols or geometric figures, each with a specific meaning or intent.

The term sigil derives from the Latin sigillum, meaning "seal", though it may also be related to the Hebrew סגולה (segulah meaning "word, action, or item of spiritual effect"). A sigil may have an abstract, pictorial or semi-abstract form. The current use of the term is derived from Renaissance magic, which was in turn inspired by the magical traditions of antiquity.

In modern uses, the concept was mostly popularized by Austin Osman Spare, who published a method by which the words of a statement of intent are reduced into an abstract design; the sigil is then charged with the will of the creator. ~ Wiki

As taught to me by Hex.....

Statement:
Enter With Love

Remove the vowles:
NTRWTHLV

Remove duplicate letters:
NTRWHLV

Write the first letter and then build the remaining letters off of the first letter.......

Welcome to My Garden

2011-06-06T08:52:00.001-04:00

"Spanish colonists noted the use of the hammock by Native Americans, particularly in the West Indies, at the time of the Spanish conquest. The word comes from a Taíno culture Arawakan word (Haiti) meaning "fish net". Early hammocks were woven out of bark from a hamack tree, and later this material was replaced by sisal fibers because it was more abundant. One of the reasons that hammocks became popular in Central and South America was their ability to provide safety from disease transmission, insect stings, or animal bites. By suspending their beds above ground, inhabitants were better protected from snakes, biting ants, and other harmful creatures. Hammocks were introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus when he brought several of them back to Spain from islands in the present day Bahamas." ~wiki

Reading Elizabeth and Her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim. You may remember I read the her other garden journal last summer The Solitary Summer. What are you reading?

Country Nest

2011-06-03T19:29:00.001-04:00

The official introduction of my latest collection: Country Nest, a rustic mix of homespun and vintage items.

My Inspirations...

Works in progress, with a little help from Angelus...

The Country Nest Collection:

Like what you see? Need a Fathers Day gift? Blog followers can use coupon "BLOGFOLLOWER" for 25% discount until June 10th!

Glory! Glory! It's June!

2011-06-01T10:35:00.001-04:00

Try these in June...

• Plant a Moon Garden

• Read Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

• Take a summer Bath: The Enchantment

• Make Pasta Salad

• Create your own Summer Soundtrack

Memorial Day Sale

2011-05-27T23:25:00.002-04:00

Memorial Day Sale! 25% off my entire shop on May 30th. Coupon code: THANKAVET

Detroit Public Library

2011-05-25T10:39:00.003-04:00

The Detroit Public Library was opened in its present location on March 21, 1921.

Got Stache?

2011-05-25T10:15:00.001-04:00

This Stache is from a lovely Etsy shop I stalk: CuddleCanvas. I've made several purchases from her, no regrets :) Next to the stache, I'm particularly fond of her Alice prints ♥

Main Street

2011-05-25T09:35:00.005-04:00

☞Introducing my line of banners, avatars and graphics

Main Street

Lacemaking

2011-05-25T08:32:00.000-04:00

Fascinating ♥

Lacemaking in Lefkara, Cyprus from Etsy on Vimeo.

The Other Witches Familiar

2011-05-15T00:00:00.012-04:00

After the black cat, you'll surely see a fat bumpy toad next to the cliché witch and her cauldron. Not for nothing, toads and witches go way back. Back to the times when the wise old woman with desperately sought remedies was called healer, not witch...

"Frogs and toads since ancient times have been highly regarded for possessing medicinal properties. Pieces taken from a frog’s body were used as aphrodisiacs to aid impotence and boost fertility. A frog’s liver was believed to be an antidote to all poisons, while a toad’s lungs provided the means to the “perfect murder of a wayward husband”. In many Shaman traditions of the Americas, hallucinogenic compounds derived from toads are used in religious rituals for communion with the spirit world and for self-transcendence. In many cases, these myths have some foundation in truth, as some species contain compounds both poisonous and hallucinogenic.

Frogs and toads go through at least one major transformation during their lives, that from tadpole to adult. Many also shed their skins regularly as they grow, and some even eat their discarded skin. These transformations may explain why many cultures saw frogs and toads as symbolic of re-creation, or as keepers of the secrets of life after death. Members of the Olmec tribes of early Mesoamerica created images of a toad as the ‘God of rebirth’, reborn after consuming itself and thus caught up in the never-ending cycle of life and death. (source)"

"Mommy! Look what I found!"

The Great American Toad
(Bufo americanus)

Angelus is sporting handmade cargo shorts and an appliquéd tee shirt from RubyBeanToes, I'm very happy with my purchase from her. If you are in the market for cute children's clothes and the most adorable bow-ties ever, shop her.

3 Etsy Announcements

2011-05-06T23:50:00.007-04:00

1. I have a new Etsy team for getting products into really cool treasury ideas!
Join here: http://www.etsy.com/teams/9085/treasury-building-blocks

2. Winner of the CraftyThersea's Mod Bird case is Spiritrunner! Congrats! please contact me via e-mail with your shipping address at dawnATpagancenterDOTcom

3. I have a new Etsy Shop: Sightly

New Announcement!!! I made the front page of Etsy!

Jelly Belly Bark

2011-05-05T08:06:00.000-04:00

Spread Jelly Belly Beans (they are the best) over parchment or wax paper on a cookie sheet.

Cover with melted white chocolate. This recipe is very sweet, so if you want to add some savory throw in a few pretzels.

Put he tray into the fridge until it the chocolate hardens, about an hour.

Break the bark into smaller bite-sized pieces. Sweet and chewy!

May Bedlham

2011-05-04T17:06:00.001-04:00

5 Things Todo in May...

• Make Pasta with Spring Herbs

• Start a Compost Pile

• Hunt Plantain

• Give Your Child a Blessing

• Plant a Herb you've never grown before

Baby Lamb.....Minutes Old

2011-05-04T09:52:00.006-04:00

Welcome to our wonderful world, little lamb..

Mod Birds Mod Birds Mod Birds - GIVEAWAY

2011-04-22T20:08:00.003-04:00

CraftyTheresaD has one of the coolest job titles around: papercrafter. Her papers are simple, stylish and unforgetable! Prepare to go paper crazy: CraftyTheresaD on Etsy

Mod Birds Vinyl Debit Credit ID Business Card Case - Giveaway!

The giveaway winner will win this Mod Birds card case.
(You must be a follower of this blog to win.)

• To enter, cut over to CraftyTheresaD's, come back here and comment below with your favorite items found in her shop.
• Receive 1 extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog (Include URL on your comment).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you "like" the Domestic Witch Facebook page (see sidebar).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you share a link in a comment below about a papercraft you created and blogged about.

- Please make each entry a separate comment or they will only be counted as one.
- I must be able to contact you through your blog or e-mail in order for you to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen using a random number generator, enter by May 10th.

Lately you might find me...

2011-04-15T22:40:00.000-04:00

Lately you might find me...

• Eating pistachio ice cream from Cold Stone

• Voting for Casey and Haley on Americal Idol

• Becoming addicted to Etsy BNR's

• Planning hubby's 40th birthday dinner (OMG - 40?)

• Stopping to smell the hyacinth

Mademoiselle Petal

2011-04-07T19:18:00.020-04:00

I'd like to introduce my new Etsy collection, Mademoiselle Petal. A feminine, whimsical, but mature, assortment of lovelies. I hope you enjoy!

Oh please, please, please tell me you enjoy!

All of my collections are homespun, with a wide assortment of materials, from yarn and fabric to scrap and junk. Most of the items I make are OOAK (one of a kind), not to be made again. You will also find the occasional antique or vintage item tucked among the shelves.

While the items may come and go, the collections will still grow! Check back for new additions added frequently.

Did you miss my first Etsy collection, Little Monster?

Going with the Flow

2011-04-06T21:02:00.001-04:00

The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie is a book of daily meditations that I read most nights in bed before slumber. Reading in bed began as an antidote to insomnia I was suffering from last summer. It worked and I discovered this wonderful book in the process.

Excerpt...
Go with the flow.

Let go of fear and your need to control. Relinquish anxiety. Let it slip away, as you dive into the river of the present moment, the river of your life, your place in the universe.

Stop trying to force the direction. Try not to swim against the current, unless it is necessary for your survival. If you've been clinging to a branch at the riverside, let go.

Let yourself move forward. Let yourself be moved forward.

Avoid the rapids when possible. If you can't, stay relaxed. Staying relaxed can take your safely through fierce currents. If you go under for a moment, allow yourself to surface naturally. You will.

Appreciate the beauty of the scenery, as it is. See things with freshness, with newness. You shall never pass by today's scenery again!

Don't think too hard about things. The flow is meant to be experienced. Within it, care for yourself. You are part of the flow, an important part. Work with the flow. Work within the flow. Thrashing about isn't necessary. Let the flow help you care for yourself. Let it help you set boundaries, make decisions, and get you where you need to be when it is time. You can trust the flow, and your part in it.

Today, I will go with the flow.

April Showers

2011-04-04T09:03:00.000-04:00

5 ways to rock April:

• Review the art of massage

• Consider planting Lemon Balm, one of my favorite herbs

• Try this easy trick to stimulate your local economy

• Learn how to make a new cocktail

• Host a garden tea party

Homekeeping Playlist

2011-03-30T08:23:00.001-04:00

Armed with a little bit of lemon, a spray bottle of vinegar and the right songs, I take on spring cleaning.

Homekeeping Playlist
Snow White - Whistle While You Work
Alan Silvestri - Amas Veritas
Doris Day - Whatever Will Be, Will Be
George Strait - The Fireman
Jully Black - Seven Day Fool
Feist - Mushaboom
Jungle Book - The Bare Necessities
Chuck Berry - Ces La Vie
Alabama - Song Of The South
Queen - Another One Bites The Dust
They Might Be Giants - Birdhouse In Your Soul
Amy Adams - Happy Working Song
Christina Aguilera - Dirrty
Beauty and the Beast - Be Our Guest

Spring Cleaning Magical Checklist
√ Let Mother Nature air out the house.
√ Warm and charge linens under the sun.
√ Wash windows with lemon water to remove physical and metaphysical muck.
√ Sprinkle carpets with baking soda and basil before vacuuming, to freshen and protect.
√ Clear mental clutter by removing physical clutter.
√ Use the powerful force of water to spray garbage cans and screens, with intent to cleanse.

Domestic Witches on Etsy

2011-03-27T10:01:00.002-04:00

Wanna join my team?

We help each other with cross-selling, BNR, trouble shooting, marketing and more. You do NOT have to sell witch related items to join.

Etsy!

2011-03-27T01:11:00.001-04:00

I'm honor of my grand opening, I'm giving my blog readers free shipping (in the U.S.) until April 8th. Use free shipping coupon code: "GrandOpenFreeShip". Also, the reader to place an order first is getting an extra special gift with their order.

I have a many items lined up to be listed, so pardon the dust while I set-up shop!

Etsy
domesticwitch

Winter's Last Potion

2011-03-23T10:47:00.000-04:00

I live right smack dab in the middle of a very special and unique area, an area that has the correct constitute to produce a magnificent potion. This potion needs a climate that dips below 40 degrees in the winter and begins to warm over 40 degrees during the day at the end of winter, lastly this potion needs Maple Trees.

Taught to us by Native Americans, extracting sap from a maple tree is an easy but long process. A tap is inserted into a mature tree, which allows the sap to drip out into a container. The sap, which is mostly water, is boiled until it reaches 66.7% sugar content at 7.1 degrees above boiling. Once that happens, the magical sap has become Maple Syrup. Maple syrup, a healthier alternative than sugar, contains a trace mineral called manganese which helps energy production and antioxidant defenses. The zinc supplied by maple syrup, in addition to acting as an antioxidant, helps to prevent damage caused by LDL cholesterol and other oxidized fats.

This morning was enjoyed eating blueberry pancakes with our fresh batch of maple syrup, and we topped them off with something new (to us), Maple Cream.

Maple Cream
• 2 cups fancy grade-A pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon milk, cream or butter

Directions:
1.Prepare an ice water bath: Fill a large bowl with a 1/2 inch of water and ice. Pour the maple syrup into a small, high-sided saucepan and stir in the milk, cream or butter.

2.Set a candy thermometer in the syrup and place the pan over medium heat.

3.Cook, without stirring, until the temperature reaches 232 degrees F., about 10 minutes.

4.Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the maple syrup into a cold, clean saucepan placed in the ice bath. Do not move or disturb the cream in any way while the syrup cools: If the maple syrup is jiggled, the cream won't form properly. Let stand, adding ice as needed to the ice water bath, until the syrup radiates a gentle warmth to the back of your hand when held about 1 inch above or a candy thermometer measures 140 degrees F.

5.Once the mixture reaches the correct temperature, use a wooden spoon to slowly stir the mixture until it forms a light color and thickens to the consistency of peanut butter, about 12 minutes.

6.Working quickly, transfer the maple cream to a jar or plastic container. Store, covered in the refrigerator, for up to 6 months, or in the freezer up to a year.~ source

Etsy?

2011-03-22T17:55:00.002-04:00

Do you have an Etsy shop? I'd love for you to post your shop url below.

New Look

2011-03-22T07:02:00.001-04:00

You like?

Cow of Plenty

2011-03-21T08:25:00.002-04:00

"Kamadhenu, also known as Surabhi, is a divine bovine-goddess described in Hindu mythology as the mother of all cows. She is a miraculous "cow of plenty" who provides her owner whatever he desires and is often portrayed as the mother of other cattle. In iconography, she is generally depicted as a white cow. All cows are venerated in Hinduism as the earthly embodiment of the Kamadhenu. As such, Kamadhenu is not worshipped independently as a goddess, and temples are not dedicated to her honor alone; rather, she is honored by the veneration of cows in general throughout the observant Hindu population." ~ Wikipedia

Homespun Hullabaloo Comes to an End

2011-03-20T13:52:00.004-04:00

And the last Homespun Hullabaloo winner is .....

SushiQ! Congrats you Practical Magic lovin', margarita drinkin', Crazy with a capital C, magical momma! SushiQ, contact me with your shipping address at dawnATpagancenterDOTcom and by-the-way, I think you are cool too.

I leave you all to enjoy your first spring day with the Law of the Camp Fire Girls. Have a great day!

Happy Spring!

2011-03-20T07:21:00.001-04:00

Magic is a foot! Between the Supermoon, the Vernal Equinox, warming sunshiny days and my eerily accurate daily horoscopes, life has me charmed and alert. How about you?

Mandy Lynne, photographer, works spring's enchantment in her photos below. I adore the authentic magical worlds she creates, imagine your life in a perfect dream where no simple beauty is overlooked; and her color choices are beautiful! Find more of Mandy Lynne at her Etsy Shop. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do.

P.S. Did anyone else notice that the Supermoon turned people into Super Assholes? (Supermoon Assholes is an offical trademark of my super cool sister Jessica. All restictions apply.)

Hanger, The Professional Monster

2011-03-16T10:31:00.004-04:00

By day, Hanger promotes macabre, craft snobbery for The AntiCraft. By night, he secretly Yarn Bombs the city of Detroit. Yarn on!

Tough Little Boy

2011-03-14T20:14:00.002-04:00

Still loves his Mommy.

Ravel Me

2011-03-13T12:25:00.003-04:00

Find Me: domestic-witch

Winning.

2011-03-09T08:03:00.002-05:00

Ahem...

The winner of Magick Maker's Gemstones and Pendant is Emi Brade.

The winner of Divine Lotus Healing's Aura Spray is Crystal LunaRouge. Laura at Divine Lotus Healing was so generous and gifted a bottle of Om Spray, I adore it! Thank you kindly Laura ::smooch::

To all who entered, if Lady Fortuna did not smile upon you this round, don't miss out on the treasures you found. Purchase your favorites and support homespun goodness.

Winners.... Charlie Sheen is ready to hang with you two smoking hotties and fly privately around the world. Please e-mail me with your address at dawnATpagancenterDOTcom. Boom, crush. Night, losers. Winning, duh. Warlocks out.

::wink::

Got Chalk?

2011-03-06T13:58:00.000-05:00

My little future Olympian.

Van Gogh

2011-03-06T10:53:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the family.

Angelus was gifted a Red-Eared Slider for his birthday, from his Aunt Julie and Uncle Joe. We have named him Van Gogh; his coloring is beautiful and then there is the ear thing.

Many Native Americans believe the thirteen moons are represented on a turtle’s shell, at least many of the breeds in North America. There are thirteen large segments which represent the thirteen moons which make up the lunar year, the 28 smaller segments around the lower edge of the shell represents the 28 days between new moons.

Just as we said hello to a new family member, we had to say good-bye to our fish Quadling. He was given a "burial at sea" in a private bathroom ceremony. Now, whenever Angelus wants to talk to Quadling, he yells down the toilet to him. Touching.

Beware the Ides of March

2011-03-05T11:53:00.002-05:00

How to Survive the Month of March!

• Perfect your Deviled Egg recipe.

• Get sloshed, stewed, stoned and tanked on Irish Cream.

• Even though safety in numbers did not pan out to well for Caesar, you may have better luck. Try hosting a Spring Tea.

• Ready your Red Brick Dust and Graveyard Dirt.

• Once Spring Fever cleaning fully sets in, gather your friends for a FreeCycle Party.

The Birthday Party that Almost Wasn't

2011-03-04T10:57:00.001-05:00

One calamity after another almost robbed Angelus of his 4th birthday party, but finally the Gods smiled upon him and granted his Super Hero bowling party birthday wish!

Friends color their treasure bags and fill them with goodies of their choice from the treasure chest. I bought items for the kids that were useful or educational, like lip balm, crayons, magnets, science beakers, bubbles, toothbrushes and magnifying glasses. By golly, the toothbrushes were the first to go!

Moving Angelus' party out of our little home was the best idea ever, The space and freedom raised every one's spirits. I off set the extra cost by not serving a meal, only snacks, drinks and cake. Invitations we're digital, through Facebook, and the kids treasures and decorations were purchased at the dollar store. Super hero themed party decorations are so expensive! Instead of Spiderman plates and Batman cups, I bought all plain decorations and Super Hero stickers (cheap!); Angelus placed the stickers all over the table cloths and we rounded out the decorations by bringing a few of his Super Hero toys from home as table centerpieces. My only splurge was a Batman cake.

The kids are adorable bowlers!

It went so well, I may do it all over again next year, but with one addition - ask the kids to come dressed as a Super Hero! Real or imagined :)

Homespun Protection

2011-03-02T10:10:00.005-05:00

Our next Homespun sponsor comes from White Moon Witchcraft, what an enchanting Etsy shop! She does a wonderful job presenting her products in beautiful, artistic photos - her 'craft style shines through, truly a testament to her work.

Shop Announcement
"A wee witchcraft shop carrying hand made magickal wiccan and pagan treasures! White Moon Witchcraft creates a wide range of products using as many natural, materials as possible under the appropriate moon phase for the strongest empowerment. Created with love, harmony, strength and intent, all you have to do is enjoy! I spend much time on, and pour lots of love into each and every item I make, and that is what makes them truly powerful."

White Moon Witchcraft is offering a Protection Spell Vial Pendant Necklace

"This little vial holds a tiny but powerful protection runescript, combined with gemstones and herbs believed to guard the wearer from negativity and harm, be it physical, emotional or spiritual. Wear it in situations where you feel vulnerable or when you want bad people or influences to keep their distance. The combination of materials and runes are meant to surround the wearer with positive, shielding energies. Necklace measures 19" end to end, made of black "silk" rattail cord with dark blue beads."

Ummm...Lovely.

_____________________________________________________________
The giveaway winner will win one Protection Spell Vial Pendant Necklace.
(You must be a follower of this blog to win.)

• To enter, cross over to the world of White Moon Witchcraft. Comment below with your favorite items for sale.
• Receive 1 extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog (Include URL on your comment).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you "like" the Domestic Witch Facebook page (see sidebar).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you have the Homespun Hullabaloo button on your blog sidebar (see sidebar).

- Please make each entry a separate comment or they will only be counted as one.
- I must be able to contact you through your blog or e-mail in order for you to win.
- Winner must reside in the U.S. or Canada only please.

Giveaway winner will be chosen using a random number generator, enter by March 16th.

Chicago

2011-02-27T15:44:00.000-05:00

"It's a 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes; it's dark and we're wearing sun glasses. Hit it!" ~ The Blues Brothers, 1980

"Chicago was a town where nobody could forget how the money was made. It was picked up from floors still slippery with blood." ~ Norman Mailer, 1968

"I give you Chicago. It is not London and Harvard. It is not Paris and buttermilk. It is American in every chitling and sparerib. It is alive from snout to tail." ~ H. L. Mencken, 1920

On October 7, 1997, the Chicago City Council approved a resolution which absolved Mrs. O'Leary's cow of all blame for the Great Chicago Fire of 1871

"Chicago has a strange metaphysical elegance of death about it." ~ Claes Oldenburg

"It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago-she outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them. She is always a novelty; for she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time." ~ Mark Twain, 1883

"Let the worthy citizens of Chicago get their liquor the best they can. I'm sick of the job -- it's a thankless one and full of grief. I've been spending the best years of my life as a public benefactor." ~ Al Capone, 1927

And We're Off!

2011-02-19T09:50:00.003-05:00

To Chicago that is!

Due to outrageous circumstances (influenza B hit the whole family, I had a major deadline at work, preparing for our trip and planning Angelus 4th birthday party), I'm extending the current giveaways until next week. If you haven't entered, you have a second chance, don't miss out dovies. The Hullabaloo will continue when I return from the windy city with more new giveaways. Thank you for joining in and supporting the homespun arts.

Despite the domestic madness and puppy comforts, I do have a lot of fun pictures and stories to share. Alas, it will have to be later, Chicago calls.

Crown

2011-02-13T19:37:00.002-05:00

Worn at my wedding and, touchingly, Amanda wore it for hers too; my tiara has seen many happy moments. I was wearing it when I won Queen at The Witches Ball and now I pull it out for you new Queens!

Ahem...

The winner of the Green Fairy Board is Shell.

The winner of the Slippers is Danni.

Long live the Queens! Ladies, please contact me with your shipping address at dawnATpagancenterDOTcom to redeem your treasures.

Snow Day Cookies

2011-02-07T07:43:00.000-05:00

These cookies are perfectly hardy for a good old fashion snow day. Soft and chewy, but the oats allow for ample milk absorption when dipped. Who wouldn't dip these?

Oatmeal & White Chocolate Cookies
1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 & 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1 cup white chocolate chips

♥ Heat oven to 350°F.

♥ Mix butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats and chips; mix well.

♥ Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

♥ Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown.

♥ Makes 48ish

Independence, Freedom & Gratitude

2011-02-06T08:17:00.001-05:00

The correlation between gratitude and increased well being is pretty amazing; powerful and fundamental magic. Kelly first turned me on to Gratitude Stones; using a object to spark grateful thoughts and improve your life.

Elect small, beautiful items, like stones or coins, as gratitude items. Slip them into places your cross often; your coat pocket, make-up bag and cookie jar to name a few. Anytime you meet one of your gratitude items in daily life, take a moment to think of something you are grateful for. Incorporating gratuitous exercises like this has been proven in multiple studies to produce positive effects.

My 1959 Mexican Peso depicts José María Morelos, an important Mexican historical figure from the 1700-1800's. He was been a Catholic priest who took up the cause of the Mexican Independence movement. The rim of the coin is inscribed with the words "independencia y libertad". Independence and freedom are two things I am very grateful for.

February Blues

2011-02-05T14:20:00.000-05:00

Beat the winter blues with this February 5!

• Make a list of things that make you happy. Really, just sit down and do it. Review it when you feel out of sorts.

• Stock up on potatoes, butter and cream.

• Curl up near the biggest, brightest window while you make a scarf.

• Observe a time of quiet reflection.

• Watch Chocolat and eat chocolate. Try these recipes: Chocolate Macaroons, Death by Chocolate Balls, Triple Chocolate Cake.
Eating chocolate increases the levels of endorphins released into the brain, giving credence to the claim that chocolate is a comfort food. The endorphins work to lessen pain and decrease stress. Another common neurotransmitter affected by chocolate is serotonin. Serotonin is known as an anti-depressant. One of the chemicals which causes the release of serotonin is tryptophan found in, among other things, chocolate. ~ Wiki

Depression....
If your feelings of saddness are more than fleeting, please seek help from a medical professional. You are not alone and you have done nothing wrong, you can not just "snap out of it". Please do not let shame, fear or anixity stop you. Don't suffer needlessly, asking for help is what is best for you. How to get started? Call your doctor or visit a free clinic.

Finding a free health clinic:
•Log onto the federal government website for the United States Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration. http://www.hrsa.gov

•Under "Find the Health Center" enter your zipcode. These health care facilities must treat you whether or not you have health insurance and whether or not you can pay for the healthcare.

Get Your OM On

2011-02-05T08:43:00.008-05:00

Ready for more Homespun Hullabaloo? Great! Divine Lotus Healing is sponsoring this giveaway of one Aura Spray, any size and any kind of spray! The Dalai Lama gives it thumbs up...Way up! I love this man---->

About Divine Lotus Healing

Aura sprays are hand crafted by my professionally certified healing hands. Made from 3,500 year old Vedic lineage. Finest quality metaphysical supplies: Palo Santo incense & eco mined crystals. Discover more at: http://www.divinelotushealing.com

About Our Sponsor, Laura West, M.Ed.

Namaste. I am Laura West, owner and sole proprietor of Divine Lotus Healing, LLC., located in Cambridge, MA, USA. I am certified as an educator, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Crystal Energy Practitioner & Aura Spray Practitioner. I'm also a psychic, medium & channel for the divine. Much of my training comes from the Tibetan Vedic lineage.

My mission is to bring Eastern health practices to Western culture. I do this through my metaphysical classes, holistic supplies, client sessions & aura sprays.

My aura sprays are made with organic, locally sourced materials, contain no chemicals & have a touch of Reiki energy added during their creation. Thank you for visiting my shop!

Om?

Om or Aum is a mystical or sacred syllable in the Indian religions, i.e. Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism.

Aum is commonly pronounced as a long or over-long nasalized close-mid back rounded vowel, though there are other enunciations pronounced in received traditions. It is placed at the beginning of most Hindu texts as a sacred incantation to be intoned at the beginning and end of a reading of the Vedas or prior to any prayer or mantra. The syllable consists of three phonemes, a, u and m, which symbolize the beginning, duration, and dissolution of the universe and the associated gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, respectively.

H.H. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama's definition of the popular buddhist chant "om mani padme hum"

"It is very good to recite the mantra Om mani padme hum, but while you are doing it, you should be thinking on its meaning, for the meaning of the six syllables is great and vast... The first, Om [...] symbolizes the practitioner's impure body, speech, and mind; it also symbolizes the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha[...]"

"The path is indicated by the next four syllables. Mani, meaning jewel, symbolizes the factors of method: (the) altruistic intention to become enlightened, compassion, and love.[...]"

"The two syllables, padme, meaning lotus, symbolize wisdom[...]"

"Purity must be achieved by an indivisible unity of method and wisdom, symbolized by the final syllable hum, which indicates indivisibility[...]"

"Thus the six syllables, om mani padme hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha[...]" ~ Wiki

<----- Click speaker to hear OM

_____________________________________________________________
The giveaway winner will win one Aura Spray, any size and any kind of spray! Items other than sprays excluded from the giveaway.
(You must be a follower of this blog to win.)

• To enter, meditate over all the wonders at http://www.etsy.com/shop/divinelotushealing. Comment below with your choice of Aura Spray to enter the giveaway.
• Receive 1 extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog (Include URL on your comment).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you "like" the Domestic Witch Facebook page (see sidebar).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you have the Homespun Hullabaloo button on your blog sidebar (see sidebar).

- Please make each entry a separate comment or they will only be counted as one.
- I must be able to contact you through your blog or e-mail in order for you to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen using a random number generator, enter by February 25th.

Queens!

2011-02-04T13:45:00.001-05:00

I have a couple of Queens to announce.

Ahem..

The winner of Oshun's Love Salts is Spirit Phoenix!

The winner of Queenie's County Fair Apron is Xylia!

Lovely Queens, please contact me with your shipping address at dawnATpagancenterDOTcom to redeem your treasures.

If you entered and didn't win, don't fret. Join the Homespun Hullabaloo Lovefest by supporting the artists; purchase gifts for yourself and others!

Through The Looking Glass

2011-02-04T10:10:00.000-05:00

February 2nd has come and gone in illuminated glory. The date is lit with various customs, hard to pronouce names and mysterious origins. Most practically, marks the traditional midwinter day roughly halfway between the first day of winter and the first day of spring...nice. Here are some additional assoications, via Wiki.

Titles include Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, Imbolc, St. Brigid's Day, Groundhog Day and Lupercalia

In Poland the feast is called Święto Matki Bożej Gromnicznej. This name refers to the candles that are blessed on this day, called gromnicy, since these candles are lit during (thunder) storms and placed in windows to ward off storms.

Misconceptions...
The tradition of lighting a candle in each window is not the origin of the name "Candlemas", which instead refers to a blessing of candles.

Modern Pagans believe that Candlemas is a Christianization of the Gaelic festival of Imbolc, which was celebrated in pre-Christian Europe at about the same time of year. The exact date of the Imbolc festival may have varied from place to place based on local tradition and regional climate. However, a connection with Roman polytheism is more plausible, since the feast was celebrated before any serious attempt to expand Christianity into non-Roman countries.

February Fairies

2011-02-03T21:18:00.000-05:00

Flutter over to The Whimsical Cottage for a fairy good time! Danni is hosting a fantastic series, February Fairies, filled to the wings with fancy free fay frolic.

In honor of this fun folly, I'm extending The Green Fairy Divination Board giveaway. You now have until February 8th to enter.

Bonus! Fly over to The Whimsical Cottage to find a secret poem and learn how to use it for an extra chance to win the The Green Fairy Divination Board.

Fly I tell you, Fly!

Blizzard

2011-02-01T18:50:00.001-05:00

It's Coming!!!

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for the Detroit area from 7:00 p.m. Tuesday until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. I'm so excited!

Provision Supply List:
Beef Stew √
Espresso √
30 Days of Night √
30 Blankets √
Candles (it is Candlemas after all) √
Duct Tape √
Cute Sweater for Ruby √
Board Games √
Chewing Gum √
New Crochet Patterns √
TP √

We are all set!
Ed's workshop closed for the day, in anticipation of the storm, so we have all day to cuddle on the couch watching snow fall and the wind howl. awoooooooo!

Remember the Blizzard of 1888? Fun times.

Palmistry

2011-01-30T10:40:00.005-05:00

Time for more Homespun Hullabaloo. This giveaway is sponsored by Magick Maker's Shop.•:*¨♥¨*:•. Gemstone, Candle, and Herb Magick Supplies. Details on how to enter can be found below.

About the giveaways items..
These vials are great for gemstone magic; keep them at home or carry them with you; they are the perfect size for your pocket, pocket book or alter box. Vial comes to you tucked neatly in a lovely organza bag.

This lovely little pendant is made from a Scrabble© Tile (.75" x .83") and an image that is printed on Premium Plus Photo paper with pigment ink for archival quality. It is then sealed with a resin, creating a glass like finish. A Silver Bail is secured to the top of the tile.

About Palmistry...

Palmistry or chiromency, is the art of characterization and foretelling the future through the study of the palm, also known as palm reading, or chirology. The practice is found all over the world, with numerous cultural variations. Those who practice chiromancy are generally called palmists, palm readers, hand readers, hand analysts,or chirologists.

Palmistry can trace its roots back to India in (Hindu) Astrology (known in Sanskrit as Jyotish), Chinese Yijing (I Ching), and Roma (gypsy) fortune tellers. The Hindu sage Valmiki is thought to have written a book, whose title translates in English as "The Teachings of Valmiki Maharshi on Male Palmistry", comprising 567 stanzas. From India, the art of palmistry spread to China, Tibet, Egypt, Persia and to other countries in Europe. From China, palmistry progressed to Greece where Anaxagoras practiced it. However, modern palmists often combine traditional predictive techniques with psychology, holistic healing, as well as alternative methods of divination. ~ Wiki

You know what would be fun? Gather your friends for a Palm Reading Party! Oh, do it on a full moon! Print off cheat sheets (like the one above), light candles and help each other learn the art. Serve tea, herb scones, fruit and Devonshire cream.

End the evening with Van Horny's under the full moon, for maximum memory retention. :)

_____________________________________________________________
The giveaway winner will win one large gemstone vial and one scrabble tile pendant with silver ball chain - winners choice!
(You must be a follower of this blog to win.)

• To enter, shoot over to Magick Maker's Shop. Comment below with your pick of gemstone and pendant to enter the giveaway.
• Receive 1 extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog (Include URL on your comment).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you "like" the Domestic Witch Facebook page (see sidebar).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you have the Homespun Hullabaloo button on your blog sidebar (see sidebar).

- Please make each entry a separate comment or they will only be counted as one.
- I must be able to contact you through your blog or e-mail in order for you to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen using a random number generator, enter by February 25th.

Raven

2011-01-26T00:14:00.007-05:00

My Ya-Ya Raven (frequently featured on this blog) has been in ICU since her husband found her unresponsive and barely breathing on Sunday morning. She started to regain consciousness yesterday. Dear readers around the world, If you have a moment please light a candle or say a prayer for my friend; may the doctors figure out what is ailing her and she come back to us whole and healthy.

Update: Make that two candles please. My other Ya-Ya Amanda was just admitted to the hospital for emergency gallbladder surgery! WTF?!??!! Seriously? no really, seriously? Phew. Whole and healthly, Amanda love.

UPDATE! My ladies are both home and doing better. Thank you for your help pulling that off.

To Whirl About

2011-01-25T23:44:00.004-05:00

Giveaway Alert! Keep reading..

Ballet enchants me.

The grace and romance, breath and form, delicate ruffles, tulle and femininity reminds me to stand tall with my head high, for there is beauty in the world.

I like to assimilate this beauty into my life by learning different positions and incorporating them into my exercise routine. I have no formal training, you might be wondering. Does that stop me? L'enfer non! Oui, I'm gonna be real ennuyer with the entry, C'est la vi. hee hee

So here is what I know, a pure novice perspective. Description of the positions can vary depending on the method - Russian, French, ect.

Premiere (First Position)
In this position the feet are placed heels together and the legs are turned out so that the feet are as close to 180 degrees as the dancer is able.
The arms are held in front of the body slightly curved so that the tips of the fingers almost meet, resting on the thighs.

Second (Second Position)
Again the feet are in line like first position but this time they are spaced apart, sometimes it is described as being shoulder-width spacing and sometimes a foot's length apart.
Both arms are held out to the side slightly below shoulder level, curved.

Troisième (Third Position)
In this position the legs are turned out and the feet are placed so that they overlap, the heel of one foot is placed in front of the instep of the other foot.
The hands and arms are kept in the same shape as first position but raised up in front of the body to just below shoulder height.

Quatrième (Forth Position)
This position is similar to fifth position but instead of the feet being tight together, they are spaced apart to the front and back.
In this position, one arm is in fifth position and the other in second. The choice of which arm is in fifth position relates to which foot is in front.

Cinquième (Fifth Position)
The feet are turned out and overlapping each other, tight together.
The hands and arms are again in the same shape as first position but are raised above the head.

Adding steps and jumps, oh là là!

Pirouette (French for "to whirl about")

Pas de Bourrée

Italian Fouetté

Grand Fouetté

Grand Jeté

I hope you enjoy whirling about, but to make this ballet motif even more lovely I have another Homespun giveaway for you.

These extra warm, handcrafted ballerina slipper-socks are stitched up with love with premium quality worsted weight lambs wool. Machine washable and dryable. Slightly felted and totally seamless - for a lumpless, comfortable fit. They have a wooden button on each side.

Our sponsor, Chainone, has the cutest little Etsy shop! Look at those socks! Mon amour! I have a pair of socks that would go great with these slippers ::wink::

_____________________________________________________________
The giveaway winner will win one pair of the ballerina slippers featured above.
(You must be a follower of this blog to win.)

• To enter, Jeté over to Chainone's shop, Drôle. Wipe you chin. Comment below with your favorite items to enter the giveaway. Also include you shoe size, in case you are the winner. Your slippers will be made in your size!
• Receive 1 extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog (Include URL on your comment).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you "like" the Domestic Witch Facebook page (see sidebar).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you have the Homespun Hullabaloo button on your blog sidebar (see sidebar).

- Please make each entry a separate comment or they will only be counted as one.
- I must be able to contact you through your blog or e-mail in order for you to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen using a random number generator, enter by February 8th.

These are a few of my favorite things...

2011-01-24T08:22:00.000-05:00

Curators
Patina
Beauty Sleep
French Doors
A Farmhouse Sink
Reading Nooks
Pied-a-Terre
Biscotti
White
Mosquito Netting
Old Typewriters

..for being here!

The Green Fairy

2011-01-22T20:00:00.009-05:00

No, not that Green Fairy. This Green Fairy..
Our next Homespun giveaway is magnificent. truly.
Brynn McCullough has been kind enough to sponsor one of her Pendulum Divination Boards, learn how to enter to win this piece of beautiful art below. Remember to keep track of current Homespun Hullabaloo giveaways on the side bar. Enter as many giveaways as you would like.

About the Green Fairy Pendulum Divination Board

"This is a truly unique divination tool. Combining the use of a pendulum with the ouija creates a board with a lot of versatility. The pendulum is often used as a tool to contact one's 'higher self' or spirit guides. Using one with a board allows the user to go far beyond the typical yes or no questions. In addition, these boards can be used like traditional ouija for spirit communication.

This board was created by me using a combination of decoupage, 23k gold leafing, paint, and has a piece of Amethyst inlaid in the center. The back is covered in embossed felt to protect your alter or other working surface. It is designed to be used with a pendulum. It will aid in answering yes/no questions in addition to having the letter and number options. This is a truly unique divination tool.

This board measures approximately 9x11 inches. The wood itself is about 3/4 of an inch thick with a nice beveled edge. These boards are very sturdy and not easily damaged. It will look beautiful on an altar or shelf for many years to come.

I take great care to only put positive energy into the boards I create. They are handmade with love and have never been used. Each of them is a unique creation that cannot be found in any store. As each one is individually hand crafted there will never be another one that is exactly the same. In addition, all of the items I create are ritually cleansed and blessed before leaving my home. This helps to ensure that they are harmonious additions to your collection of magickal tools."

About Pendulums

"A pendulum of crystal, metal or other materials suspended on a chain is sometimes used in divination and dowsing. In one approach the user first determines which direction (left-right, up-down) will indicate "yes" and which "no" before proceeding to ask the pendulum specific questions, or else another person may pose questions to the person holding the pendulum. The pendulum may also be used over a pad or cloth with "yes" and "no" written on it and perhaps other words written in a circle. The person holding the pendulum aims to hold it as steadily as possible over the center and its movements are held to indicate answers to the questions." ~ Wiki

About Ouija Boards

"A Ouija board (pronounced "wee-ja" and possibly derived from the French and German/Dutch words for "yes", oui and ja), also known as a spirit board or talking board, is a flat board marked with letters, numbers, and other symbols, supposedly used to communicate with any spirits.

History
One of the first mentions of the automatic writing method used in the Ouija board is found in China around 1100 BC, and it is first recorded in historical documents of the Song Dynasty. The method was known as fuji 扶乩 "planchette writing". The use of planchette writing as a means of ostensibly contacting the dead and the spirit-world continued, and, albeit under special rituals and supervisions, was a central practice of the Quanzhen School, until it was forbidden by the Qing Dynasty. Several entire scriptures of the Daozang are supposedly works of automatic planchette writing. Similar methods of mediumistic spirit writing have been widely practiced in Ancient India, Greece, Rome and medieval Europe." ~ Wiki

Did I ever mention that I collect divination boards, especially Parker Brothers boards? I even have a board made by Fuld, whose business was sold to Parker Brothers when he died in 1966. William Fuld's boards were all the rage in the 1920's!

I collect them more as a novelty than for use. I haven't had much luck getting these to "work", in general I'm a ghost anti-magnet. Not for lack of trying! I either have a healthy dose of skepticism or an unhealthy ability to "let go". How about you? Any Ouija stories?

I adore the Crescent Moon Pendulum Ouija Board and would love to add it to my collection.

My pendulum, made by my Ya-Ya Raven.

__________________________________________________________________
The giveaway winner will win the Green Fairy board featured above.
(You must be a follower of this blog to win.)

• To enter, lollop over to Brynn McCullough's shop! Admire, "oooohhh & ahhhh", then comment below with your favorite items to enter the giveaway.
• Receive 1 extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog (Include URL on your comment).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you "like" the Domestic Witch Facebook page (see sidebar).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you have the Homespun Hullabaloo button on your blog sidebar (see sidebar).

- Please make each entry a separate comment or they will only be counted as one.
- I must be able to contact you through your blog or e-mail in order for you to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen using a random number generator, enter by ~~February 5th~~ February 8th.

Train Travel

2011-01-20T07:09:00.002-05:00

One month from today we will be living it up in Chicago! Boarding Amtrak, Detroit to Chicago, we will have about 5 hours to wear fedoras, smoke cigars and play vicious rounds of canasta. Angelus has requested a medium bodied Dominican blend cigar, while Ed prefers full bodied - obviously. Hubba Hubba.

I may be most excited about the train ride. I once traveled by train, alone, from Detroit to Tucson and I had an amazing time. 16 and awkward, I meet new friends and learned quite a few life lessons, I even had my first kiss ::smooch:: A guy named Eli, a perfect gentleman, who departed the train somewhere in Texas. I may be romanticizing train travel, but would fain choose train over plane.

Our traveling companions will be my Ya-Ya Luna and her family. Luna has some paperwork to turn in to the German consulate in Chicago (because she is a spy) and has graciously allowed my family to tag along on her trip! Let's hope she isn't deported. ::wink::

Our accommodations will be a suite at the stylish Affina Hotel and we will be calling on The Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. Posh and sophisticated darling.

Our last (and first) trip to Chicago was a day trip in 2007...

Say you're going on a train trip, where would you go? What would you see?

The Art of Domestic Witchery

2011-01-19T23:30:00.010-05:00

Get your 50's housewife groove on with whimsy and retro prints at Queenie's County Fair! The beautiful apron above is the next item sponsored in the Homespun Hullabaloo giveaways; beyond pretty fabrics, the stitching and details are adorable! Fit for a Domestic Witch!

The Art of Domestic Witchery
A brain, a home, a heart and courage are the most important qualities to have. Not to mention a great pair of shoes.

Whatever you do, do a good job. Even if you a hooker, be the best damn hooker on the block.

Dress like a lady, not a hooker. Unless you are a hooker (see above).

Stay committed to your marriage, not love. Love waxes and wanes. With years of marriage, you will fall head-over-heels in love with your spouse many times.

Just because it's natural, doesn't mean it's safe.

Take a day for yourself (a weekend is even better).

Have a place for everything.

(Kelly says...) Keep quartz on your stove to keep your food tasting good.

Always be ready to share the news, but keep family secrets.

Stop Whining.

Being positive is not pretending life is all sugar and dumplings. It's about moving on to the next right thing.

Think globally, act locally.

Never cross a picket line.

Anoint your house's casings with peppermint oil to keep the undesirables away.

Argue your limitations and sure enough their yours.

Breast is best.

(Raven says...) If you leave your cupboards open, people are gossiping about you.

Use what you have.

Keep an aloe plant in your kitchen for burns.

Let your children know it's ok to feel, whatever they feel.

Never return a tupperware bowl empty.

Measure twice, cook once (double every recipe).

Be good to your man.

__________________________________________________________________
The Giveaway winner will win the apron featured above.
(You must be a follower of this blog to win.)

• To enter, Visit Queenie's County Fair! Admire the patterns and craftwork, see yourself going retro! Comment below with your favorite items to enter the giveaway.
• Receive 1 extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog (Include URL on your comment).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you "like" the Domestic Witch Facebook page (see sidebar).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you have the Homespun Hullabaloo button on your blog sidebar (see sidebar).

- Please make each entry a separate comment or they will only be counted as one.
- I must be able to contact you through your blog or e-mail in order for you to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen using a random number generator, enter by February 2nd.

Surviving Vampires

2011-01-19T10:01:00.005-05:00

Continuing my survival kit theme for my sister (see Zombie Survival Kit), I put together a Vampire Survival Kit for her 26th birthday. I think she sleeps better knowing she is prepared for supernatural creature attacks. Wouldn't You?

Vampire Survival Kit
Wooden Stake - Right through the heart should do it.
Cross - Apparently vampires fear a bloody mangled man nailed to wood, who knew? The rest of find that image for comforting. It also has something to do with vampires being Satan's henchmen and thus fear all things mass produced in China.
Holy Water - Burns and eventually kills vampires, like tequila for humans.
Saw - To chop the vamps head off, just to make really, really sure it dead dead, not just undead.
Rubber Gloves - To preserve the manicure while doing your dirty work.
Mirror - To detect the presence of a vampire, as they have no reflection. Reflection good, no reflection bad. Also use to direct sunlight at vampires hidden in the shadows.
Duct Tape - Ya never know when you might need duct tape.
Sunglasses - Protection from vampires who sparkle.
Scarf - In case you are bitten, use the scarf to fashionably conceal bite marks.
Iron Pills - To replace iron levels after an attack.

Thanks for being born Sis.

Oshun's Love Salts

2011-01-18T19:40:00.005-05:00

ConjuredCardea is sponsoring the first Homespun Hullabaloo giveaways! Look at this beautiful medley called Oshun's Love Salts, keep reading to learn how to enter and win.

About Oshun's Love Salts

"These salts are sensational! They are visually beautiful, smell delicious, and feel wonderful! Indulge your senses and feel alive!

Oshun is the Orisha of love, who is always seen in a yellow dress with a hibiscus flower behind her ear.

These salts promote love, marriage, fertility, laughter, fun, abundance, and protection from false love. Gold, wealth, beauty, creativity, dancing, and love are Oshun's domain and she is happy to grant all of these to you for some attention and honor. She is all about life's pleasures-indulge a little bit; when was the last time you did something for yourself?!

Once you work with oshun, don't forget about her. If you ignore her, she'll assume you are content with your life. Leave her an offering of honey as well, but TASTE IT FIRST! Oshun was poisoned using her favourite food, honey, and she will not trust you if you do not taste it first.

Nothing makes Oshun happier than granting her children mates and lovers but be patient and never take love for granted, it is a special gift and should be appreciated.

Oshun can see things we can not and if the relationship is not right, she won't have you in it. So listen to her-she's your mother!

This luxurious salt is created from the finest Himalayan pink salt, rose petals, damiana (an aphrodisiac;), tiny sea shells, hibiscus flowers, anise seed, rose absolute, and epsom salts. The hibiscus flowers will colour your bath a lovely shade of pink-another way to indulge your senses!"

Conjured Cardea's Shop Announcement

"Conjured Cardea offers authentic, hand made, hand harvested, spiritual supplies for Voodou, Hoodoo, Santeria, Folk Magic, Spiritualist, Wicca, and all forms of The Craft. I live by the principle that we all overlap and inspire one another with our beliefs and practices. Religions have done this for tens of thousands of years. As Pagans we strive to learn and develop as humans and practitioners and, as Pagans, we believe that developing spiritually means following our hearts- not a doctrine, not a guru. Whether that means we choose a conglomerate of practices or choose to become an initiate of one specific path, we are all equal. You will not be judged for dabbling in something new and exciting here! We are here to support each other on our chosen paths and celebrate the diversity that teaches us and inspires us to grow.

Here, you will experience a full-service botanica full of hand crafted, hand harvested items-the way spiritual items should be! Why buy mass produced, over priced items from catalogues? Demand the best for your practice! Take a look around, my listings offer tons of tips, tricks, tidbits, and spells!

My supplies are created from the highest quality, organic, ethically harvested ingredients, following authentic, tried and true family recipes. I offer custom spell kits, paquets, oils, and prayer luminaries. I love custom work, so just convo me if you need something special! Want some details? Check out my profile, feedback, and policies."

More on Oshun

"Oshun, or Ochun in the Yoruba religion, is an Undergoddess who reigns over love, intimacy, beauty, wealth and diplomacy. She is worshipped also in Brazilian Candomblé Ketu, with the name spelled Oxum.

Ọṣhun is beneficent, generous and very kind. She does, however, have a horrific temper, one which she seldom ever loses but which causes untold destruction whenever she does. Oshun is said to have gone to a drum festival one day and to have fallen in love with the king-dancer Shango, Undergod of lightning & thunder. Since that day, Shango has been married to Oba, Oya, and Oshun, though Oshun is said to be considered his principal wife." Wiki

__________________________________________________________________
The Giveaway winner will win 4 ounces of Oshun's Love Salts
You must be a follower of this blog to win.

• Visit Conjured Cardea! Enjoy all the lovelies and mysteries with a mug of tea and time to spare. Comment below with your favorite items to enter the giveaway.
• Receive 1 extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog (Include URL on your comment).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you "like" the Domestic Witch Facebook page (see sidebar).
• Receive 1 extra entry if you have the Homespun Hullabaloo button on your blog sidebar (see sidebar).

- Please make each entry a separate comment or they will only be counted as one.
- I must be able to contact you through your blog or e-mail in order for you to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen using a random number generator, enter by February 1st.

Homespun Hullabaloo

2011-01-17T20:05:00.007-05:00

Welcome to the launch of my Homespun Hullabaloo giveaways! Are you addicted to Etsy? Do you love crafty inventions and wondrous contraptions? Are you ready to support ingenuity in both traditional artistry and experimental brew? Yes?

Then gather 'round my pretties, we have some exploring to do. Splendor in each trade shop fully, become lost in imagination and authentic desire. Giveaways and shops will be posted regular-like, use my sidebar as your compass.

Speaking of sidebars, lay a button on yours.

If you would like to sponsor your creations for a future giveaway, please contact me on Etsy or e-mail dawnATpagancenterDOTcom with the following information:
Name
E-mail
Giveaway Item
Shop URL
Are you willing to ship the giveaway item outside of the U.S.?

Fur Babies

2011-01-16T12:28:00.000-05:00

Twilight & Ruby

Not-So-Hidden Treasure

2011-01-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Just when I wasn't looking, beauty jumped right out and smacked me on the lips. When I think there's nothing new to discover, I'm given a reminder that unexpected moments will cure life's dull boredom, all that is required is the certitude to see it though.

Years ago my dad gave me this sewing machine he found in the attic. It has spend close to 10 years as a table in my sitting room, changing with each season and holiday. Not once did I open the cabinet to see the machine. Not once, don't ask me why, it's beyond me. Perhaps my unreasonable prejudice against sewing?

So today I opened and fell in love.

Although I don't know the history yet, I think it's been in the family for a few generations; I aim to find out. Until then, I've done a bit of on-line digging...

About The Domestic Sewing Machine Company, founded in the 1860's. My machine is from 1927, model #813-7. Its eletric and did I mention? It's works!
Is there anything else you can tell me about my machine? In general, I know very little about these thingamabobs.

Hello Devin

2011-01-14T14:12:00.003-05:00

My beloved Ya-Ya Amanda and her hubby make some beautiful babies.
Welcome to the world Devin Charles.

About Devin's Amber Teething Necklace

Among other things, amber is a natural analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-inflammatory. When amber is worn on the skin, the warmth of the skin releases trace amounts of healing oils on the skin. Commonly known as "teething jewelry," Baltic amber has been a natural and traditional European remedy for teething discomfort for hundreds of years. ~ Inspired By Finn website

Janus

2011-01-05T19:35:00.008-05:00

January is named after the Janus, the Roman God of gates, doors, doorways, beginnings, endings and time. His most prominent remnant in modern culture is his namesake, the month of January, which begins the new year. Most often he is depicted as having two heads, facing opposite directions; one head looks back at the last year while the other looks forward to the new, simultaneously into the future and the past. Source: wikipedia

If summer is the time to take grand adventures, then winter is the time to gather 'round the hearth and tell the tales.

• After a brisk glide over a frozen pond, warm up with hot cocoa and share stores.

• Make a list with your family of movies you remember from your childhood, take turns watching them together. Don't forget the popcorn.

• Gather your child(ren) to the kitchen while you organize your recipes, explaining recipes handed down from previous generations and keepsakes.

• Spend some time in quiet reflection while you embrace your Domestic Mysticism.

• Spend a cold winter day lost in an old book store or library.

Starting the New Year...

2011-01-01T21:33:00.015-05:00

• Feeding the birds. ^{(how to)}

• Introducing Angelus to Shirley Temple.

• Plotting the perfect pattern for a Dr. Who's scarf.

• Launching my updated Pagan Center web site.

• Reading my latest acquisition, The Journal of Countess Francoise Krasinska, she began writing it on January 1st, 1759. My translated copy is from 1896 and smells like my elementary school library! I'm so happy to have it to start my new year.

I wish you all the best in 2011!

May your tushie always be warm,
Your side never be empty,
And your head full of daydreams!

Happy New Year To You!

Christmas Memories

2010-12-26T15:36:00.008-05:00

The squeals are gone,
The egg nog is drunk.
The carpet is covered in Holiday muck.

Santa was generous,
As were family and friends.
It's always so good to see them again.

Until next year,
I'll be cleaning the house.
For no one will help me,
Not even my spouse.

Twilight helps wrap presents.

Angelus & his cousin Anicia.

Me and my baby.

(My Ya-Ya) Jocelyn's All-Purpose Holiday Cookies
2 cups of flour
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk

Preheat oven 400. Mix dry ingredients and the oil together in a large mixing bowl. Beat remaining ingredients until light and fluffy. Add to the mixing bowl with the mixture and stir together. Allow the mixture to chill for at least two hours-overnight is better. Divide the mixture into four sections for easier handling. Roll the dough out on a generously floured cutting board until it is about 1/8th of an inch thick. Cut with cookie cutter and place the cut-outs onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, until cookies are stiff and a light golden color. Do not bake until brown or cookies will become hard and brittle.

Santa Baby... just slip a bunny under the tree...for me...

Ena gets up close and personal with her and China's birthday cake.

Santa Claws

Angelus left both chocolate and white milk out for Santa, as an experiment to see what Santa likes more. In the morning Angelus found the chocolate glass empty and the white glass full. No hypothesis was needed for the reindeer, they enjoyed their oats without hesitation.

"He's making a list, And checking it twice; Gonna find out, Who's naughty and nice."

We are halfway through the darkness, on to the new year.

Bark or Brittle?

2010-12-22T07:47:00.005-05:00

When putting this recipe together for the Pagan Center annual cookie exchange, I wasn't sure if my flat, crisp creation was bark or brittle. Like divine intervention, Martha's December issue of Living magazine published an article just for me, my question was answered and all was right with the world.

A bark is chocolate based and a brittle is caramelized sugar or syrup based.

My creation is a bark!

Christmas Bark
This simple, but powerfully addictive creation, consists of 3 layers.

1. Cover stick pretzels over a 9x13 cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Cover pretzels with 24 ounces of melted white chocolate. Smooth out flat.

3. Drop chocolate covered peanut butter M&M's over the top of the white chocolate. Gently press the the M&M's into the white chocolate.

Place your cookie sheet in the freezer until the white chocolate is completely hard, about 20-30 minutes.

Gently break the solid sheet of Christmas goodness into smaller pieces.

Note: Peanut Butter M&M's are key, don't substitute.

I hope your holiday season is going wondeful! Tell me all about it! Did you view the winter solstice eclipe? What parties are you attending? Do you have snow? What do you hope Santa brings you?

Applesauce Ornaments

2010-12-19T11:25:00.000-05:00

Constitute: equal parts of plain applesauce and cinnamon.

Combine completely, place on parchment paper and roll flat. Sprinkle the paper and rolling pin with cinnamon to prevent sticking. Use cookie cutters to create shapes.

Make a hole with a straw for your tree hanger.

Lightly smooth wet finger tips over cracks or imperfections.

Inscribe with a toothpick. Allow to dry by oven or air dry. By oven: place on a cookie sheet, heat for 1-2 hours on your lowest setting until dry and firm. Flip often. Air dry: leave out for 24-48 hours until dry and firm. Flip often.

String with ribbon or yarn and hang from your tree!

For shits and giggles, I created a
Voodoo Doll Gingerbread Man.

Pure Novelty.

Ouch.

I ♥ Michigan

2010-12-18T11:50:00.001-05:00

No really I do!

Peppermint Tea and Gingerbread Cookies

2010-12-17T08:20:00.001-05:00

Peppermint Tea and Gingerbread Cookies with the lovely and creative Spirit Phoenix. Over our years together as friends, I've come to admire many things about Spirit Phoenix, she has a beautiful, curious mind, a kind and generous heart, an adorable baby girl, a wonderful assortment of recipes, a proper fondness for cocktails, and most important - a beautiful collection of teacups.

Spirit Phoenix's Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
2 1/4 c flour
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 c margarine/non salted butter softened
1 c. sugar
1 tbs water
1/4 c. molasses
2 tbs sugar

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tbs sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.

3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 2 to 3 dozen

Visit Sprit Phoenix's Recipe Entry for more photos!

Reindeer Games

2010-12-14T21:56:00.001-05:00

Sporting our un-favorite ugly Christmas sweaters, my family held our first annual Reindeer Games. Playing everything from Scrabble to Texas Hold-em with nudie cards!.

Our rules:
1. Winner picks next game.
2. Angelus is a good luck charm, use him wisely.
3. Deluding your whiskey will result in immediate ridicule.
4. Zog is not a word.
5. Avoid controversial topics, like The Beatles, George Bush and Roast Beef.

One of the many highlights of the evening was the Bacon Cupcakes my sister brought. Yep, I said Bacon Cupcakes. Bacon. I don't have a recipe, but I think most any foodie could recreate this unique and delectable treat! The cake was a cinnamon or spice type of cake with maple frosting; topped with pieces of crisp, salty bacon!

Bacon Cupcake

Coffee with Meave

2010-12-12T21:03:00.004-05:00

My Ya-Ya Meave's marvelous holiday splendor!

The Popcorn String is All-American
There has been a great deal of controversy over the history of the Christmas tree. Some scholars contend that it is primarily a 16th Century German tradition, while others claim that it extends back to pagan times.

According to some legends, the Christmas tree actually has its beginnings in Northern Europe nearly a thousand years ago, when the pagans practiced a yule tradition that involved animal and human sacrifice.

The Romans used evergreens to mark the solstice. During the feast called Saturnalia, the Romans decorated their homes with evergreen plants. The tradition was supposed to remind them that winter soon would be over, and that Saturn, the God of Agriculture, would return to the fields and orchards. Roman mosaics have shown the God Dionysus -- another God representing rebirth -- carrying a conifer.

The earliest references to a Christmas Tree come from the traditions of 16th century German craft guilds. Still, the custom was confined to the towns of the upper Rhineland until the late 1700s or early 1800s. Greater Germany in those days was composed of dozens of tiny principalities, and there seems to have been an excess of German princesses available to marry the nobility of other nations. As the princesses traveled to other nations, they took their Christmas traditions with them. Britain's Queen Charlotte of Mecklenberg-Strelitz brought the tradition to England in 1761; Princess Henrietta von Nassau-Weilburg brought the Christmas Tree to Vienna in 1816.

In the United States, the Christmas Tree tradition could be found among German immigrants, but seldom elsewhere. Indeed, in many places, they were seen as pagan symbols -- something that would not be welcome in Puritan influenced America.

Indeed, the Puritans had already tried to stamp out many of the celebratory aspects of Christmas. Massachusetts governor William Bradford had tried to lead the Pilgrims in stamping out "pagan mockery," while in England, Oliver Cromwell had banned carols, decorated trees and joyful expressions."

It didn't hurt, of course, that the United States had a sizable German population. Germans, in fact, were, and are the single largest US ethnic group.

During this time, the Christmas Tree in America still was decorated in the traditional German style, with gifts, candles, fruits, nuts, lace and quilted toys -- and an American addition, the popcorn string. (source)

Holly
It did not escape the Romans’ notice that the common European holly, Ilex aquifolium, blossomed with bright red berries in December and was the perfect temple decoration for the midwinter festival of Saturnalia, a reminder of blooming life in the more fecund times of summer. Saturnalia was all about fecundity — and not just in plants.

With the fall of empire, Dark Ages Europe was more than happy to steal the Romans’ party plans and adopt them as their own. Old English Saxons used holly as a decoration for that turn-of-the-year celebration that the Christians hijacked and renamed the Big Spend.

In what is now Germany, there was an old Teutonic tradition of hanging the interior of dwellings with evergreens as a refuge for sylvan spirits from the inclemency of winter. With the spread of the new religion, holly came to be known in Germany and Scandinavia as “Christ’s thorn”, or “the righteous branch” from a verse in the book of Isaiah in which the prophet calls upon evergreens “to beautify the place of my sanctuary”.

Holly is an altogether jollier branch, although it too has its superstitions. While its berries sustain birds through the winter, they can provoke vomiting and purging in man. In some parts it is still regarded as unlucky to bring holly into the house before Christmas eve. ~ The Sunday Times

Meave's Banana-Oatmeal Muffins
Topping:
3 Tbsp. Oatmeal
2 Tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp. all purpose flour
1 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/8 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Muffins:
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 ripe mashed bananas
3/4 cup milk
3 Tbsp. butter
2 egg whites, lightly beaten

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line 12 medium muffin cups with paper liners.
• Combine topping ingredients; mix well.
• In medium bowl combine bananas, milk, butter, and egg; mix well.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, wheat germ, baking powder, sugar and pumpkin pie spice; mix well.
• Mix together wet and dry ingredients.
• Fill muffin cups almost full.
• Sprinkle topping evenly over batter, patting gently.
• Bake 22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
• Cool 5 minutes on wire rack, remove from pan.

Make the Yule-tide Gay

2010-12-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.

Lately you might find me....

2010-12-09T23:38:00.004-05:00

• Watching The Walking Dead

• Shining

• Drinking Peppermint Tea

• Wrapped in a blanket, reading and singing carols with Angelus under the Christmas tree.

• Taking yoga classes with my sister Jessica

Pumpkin Oatmeal

2010-12-08T07:17:00.001-05:00

Adding pure mashed pumpkin to oatmeal makes for a yummy autumn breakfast!

Over medium heat, cook 1 cup of oats and 1 cup of milk until the oats are tender. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1/4 cup of pure pumpkin, 2 Tbs of honey, 1 ts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Pour into 2 bowls and sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top.

Got Balls?

2010-12-07T11:45:00.006-05:00

I'm reviving last years Christmas Balls blog party!

We've got balls! Round balls, white balls, chocolate balls, peanut buttery balls, sticky balls, tangy balls, juicy balls, you name it - we've got balls for Christmas! Help me compile the yummiest collection of Christmas balls this side of the Santa's naughty list. As long as they are round and editable, you can add them!

Add your recipe link below. Type the direct URL to your recipe on your blog. The post can be old or new. Add as many as you like!

Naughty and dirty comments are not only appreciated, they are expected!

Add the button to your blog..

Roasted Autumn Vegetable Soup

2010-12-07T07:50:00.001-05:00

Before Autumn escapes us, collect it's bounty to make a hearty soup!

Chop up the veggies into large chunks.

Pile into a roasting pan, drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle on any herbs you might like, I used my Thyme herb stick. Roast, covered, at 350 degrees until the veggies are tender.

Transfer the veggies and roasting juices to a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth, adding chicken stock to achieve your desired thickness. Puree in small batches if needed.

5 Ways to Go Crazy in December

2010-12-06T17:23:00.004-05:00

Go Balls Out for Christmas.

Host a Holiday Party or two.

Organize your Hats, Gloves & Scarfs

Invest in peppermint oil and a magic red scarf; read The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen.

Learn Santa's Wisdom for Pagans

Remember Me?

2010-11-27T10:08:00.004-05:00

Where did November go?

Tillie Olsen inspired me to take "time to remember, to sift, to weigh, to estimate, to total" with a hot coffee and whip cream. Oatmeal and PJ's. Graditiude and peace.

How was your November? Your Thanksgiving?

One regret. I did not participate in Aux Demilunes' Harry Potter WitchCraft's blog party, as I said I would. So sorry, Andréann, for being disingenuous.

If you haven't evaporated over to Andréann's blog party, your missing out!

Time

2010-11-05T23:52:00.001-04:00

"Time is far stronger than magic. " ~ Puff the Magic Dragon

WitchCrafts

2010-11-03T11:46:00.006-04:00

Evaporate on over to Aux Demilunes to sign up for the 5 Days of Harry Potter WitchCrafts party!

Party starts November 15th
Monday: Magical Treats recipes
Tuesday: Wizard Wear Tutorial
Wednesday: Accessories Tutorials
Thursday: Creatures making
Friday: Crafts!!

Muggles beware, there be some 'crafts goin' on in here! holla!

November Blessings

2010-11-03T10:22:00.004-04:00

5 ways to Make November Bright....

• Prepare and plan for the upcoming holiday fests with smart and sassy diet books, so you don't have to regret and repent afterwards!

• Make your Thanksgiving Check List

• Host a Hogwarts Fest in honor of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows flying onto the screen November 19th.

• Polish your silver.

• Learn the Rules of a Domestic Goddess, and add a few rules of your own!