OH SO RIGHT ON!!!

I HAD to steal this from Sugar's blog....http://thewhitings-sugarwhiting.blogspot.com/


She's probably going to beat me with a stick for snitching it.... but it will be worth it!!!!


13 reasons to become a witch

13. I live for persecution.

12. I'm a night person at heart.

11. We respect our elders... and alders and willows and oaks...

10. I just love explaining that a pentagram is NOT evil.

9. We do more after midnight than most people do all day.

8. Being burned at the stake is a great way to roast marshmallows.

7. We can talk to Elvis (and he is dead).

6. You live, you learn, you die, you forget. Then you come back.

5. Double the deities, double the fun!

4. We get more holidays.

3. Brooms get great mileage.

2. We were here first.

1. BELTANE!!!!

And can I add, in my own opinion, the best thing about becoming a witch is HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

Drinks

I really don't drink. The only time I do drink is at shore leave, and that's coming in 10 days!

My dilemma is, with my allergies to oranges, lemons and limes.... what drinks do I drink?

Now, I like "foo foo" drinks, creamy, unusual, and with cherry's in it! GIGGLE

So I'm going on bartender sites to see what I can order, that doesn't have my allergy stuff in it!

Boy, does that suck!

I think I'm going to be stuck with Rum and Coke, or 7 & 7..... definitely NOT a cool creamy foo foo drink!

So this may be the first convention I don't drink at!

I'm gonna grumble about this for a loooooong time! GIGGLE

Mother Moon

http://mothermoonsmessage.blogspot.com/

Mother Moon is having a give-a-way. Go check out her blog! It's one of the great ones!

Making Poppets

Pattern for a poppet! I know it looks like a gingerbread man.... giggle.... be sure to sew it by hand, adding embelishmets like eyes, heart, and so on.

A POPPET SPELL

First you will need to form a bond between the person and the doll.
Use this simple naming ritual:

"Little one, I made you and now I give you life
I name you (persons name)
Her body is your body
Her breath is your breath
Her passion is your passion
Her blood is your blood
Though separate you were
Now you are one."



SPELL TO BIND AN ENEMY

A poppet to represent the person you wish to bind
Patchouli leaves
Frankincense
Charcoal block
Black candle
Red ribbon
White cloth


Make a poppet to represent the person you wish to bind.
Burn patchouli leaves and frankincense on a charcoal block.
Light a black candle and pass the poppet through the incense smoke saying:

Hecate, great Goddess of life and death,
I ask you to acknowledge that this Creation of cloth be known as Flesh and blood of.(name).

Wrap the poppet tightly in red ribbon, paying close attention to the area you wish to bind,
i.e.: the genitals of a rapist, the mouth of a slanderer.

As you wrap, say:

Between the worlds in Hecate's eyes you (name) are bound powerless.
In the eyes of this world, you are harmless.

Imagine a heavy net made from a white light.
Imagine the net clinging to the poppet.
Wrap it in a piece of white cloth and bury it close to the person's house
(or by the ocean and bid the sea to bless it).



MAGIC POPPET

Grave dirt or earth
Rosemary Sage
Piece of smoky quartz
Piece of amethyst
Some item from the person

A poppet can be sewn to represent the malicious person.
Fill it with earth (grave dirt if you can find it), rosemary, sage, a piece of smoky quartz and a piece of amethyst.

Also enclose a piece of the person's fingernails, a lock of hair, or
another personal item. Handwriting can be enclosed if you have nothing else.
Photos can be used also.



POPPET HEALING SPELL

Take a poppet and sprinkle it liberally with blessing oil.
Rub a perfume oil all over your hands and hold them over the dolls head, palms open and say:

You are very ill-be healed
You will recover-be healed
Heal! Heal! Heal!

Now blend equal amounts of Rosemary perfume oil, Violet perfume oil, (also,Voodoo oil and Damnation powder, can be used if you know where to buy it!). Mix thoroughly until you have a paste.

completely coat the doll from top to bottom with this mixture and repeat the words given above.


After several times, carefully wrap the coated doll in a piece of red cloth and hide it away,

it must not be seen for several days. Then take the doll and burn it and scatter the ashes to the wind.

Stone Magic

MAGIC HEALING WATER-HOLED STONES

Take a holed stone (naturally holed stones often found in or beside running water or the ocean, they are not easy to find, but well worth it!)and put it in a vessel of clear water.
Remove it and the water is possessed of healing vibrations which can be used in healing baths, to anoint a healing charm, and so on.

Perform this on the New, waxing, or full moon with the focus on healing and getting better.

Place the bowl of water with stone out under the moon to collect Her energies and blessings.

Say three times:

Lady Luna, Bless this water with your healing energies.

Then leave it outside under the light of the moon for nine minutes, nine being a healing number.

You might also sit before the water and meditate over it, collecting and projecting healing energies into it.

Then bring it indoors, store it in a glass container such as a mason jar and use.

You could also drop a bit of blue food coloring into it and keep it in a vial to carry as a talisman.

Use some of it in bathing waters along with a healing herb or oil.

You could also anoint your forehead with it or afflicted are and then go deep into a
meditative state concentrating on healing the disease/illness/problem.



HEMATITE HEALING SPELL

Hold a Hematite stone, feel it's vibrations and channel healing energy into the stone.

Chant:
Stone of Hematite
Stone so black
Give me the healing energy
That I lack
Stone of Hematite
Stone of Hematite
Heal me now
With the speed of light!



MAGIC STONES & METALS USED FOR LUCK

ORANGE stones have some of the fire of red but are gentler in their effects.
They have often been seen as symbols of the Sun and are thought to be luck attracting.

L-SHAPED stones are thought to bring good fortune,because this form
suggests the conjunction of the spiritual with the physical.
They can be carried as good luck pieces or placed on the altar.

APACHE TEAR, a globule of translucent obsidian, is carried as a good-luck charm.

AVENTURINE is an all-around luck stone.

COPPER is a lucky metal,because of its past solar attributions, and so can
be used in combination with any luck-bringing gemstones.

LODESTONE is carried in pairs -- one to protect and the other to bring good luck.

TIN is carried as a good-luck piece and can be shaped into talismans to attract money.



LUCKY SEVEN SPELL

Gather 7 small pieces of turquoise.

Place the stones under a full moon, to soak up the light for seven hours.

Take the stones into your hands, and say:

Luck be quick, luck be kind,
By lucky seven, good luck be mine.

Place stones into green bag, & carry with you wherever you go.

Throw a stone into a moving body of water, stating your desire, anytime you feel the
need for a little good fortune.

Unhappy

Sorry I haven't been posting much, but it's totally HORRIBLE HERE!!!!

Today the temperature reached 101 degree's!!!!!!! It's freaking JUNE!!!!

I have a terrible case of cabin fever. I can't go out and work in the garden, except for really early in the morning.... and even then it's so humid that you can bearly breath!

Storms have been sweeping past us. 3 times this week we have gotten thunder and lightning, but NO RAIN! So nothing has had a chance to cool off.

Now I have central aircondioning, but I HATE having all the doors and windows closed all the time!!!!!! It make me feel so claustrophobic, and then I get depressed, and so on and so on.

The last two weeks it's been sunny and over 90 degree's each day.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!! IT'S NOT FREAKING AUGUST!!!

Weird weather, great garden!

New Jersey has been suffering through some incredibly weird weather this summer. 90 degree temps started in May, and most days are 90 and above. This is not normal for New Jersey.... last year I only used my aircondioning for like 5 days!!! This year, every day is a hot day in august!!!!

But that's New Jersey, she never gives you what you expect!!!! Even our weather doesn't like to be pigeonholed! giggle

But my garden is loving it! My fig tree's are doing fantastic!




And my gooseberry crop is out of the box! I have no idea what to do with all of them!!!



I made a cute fairy garden in my herb planter. A little house, and stone walkway, with my herbs growing all around it!



The blueberry's are getting ripe! Nice and big this year!



Although I only planted one tomato (after the tomato blight last year, I didn't want to bother with more in case it happened again!) but no blight, and I have some nice tomatoes forming!



The tiger Lily's are talking over my arbor in the front of the house! I've never seen them grow so TALL!!! And the honeysuckle is Finlay covering most of the arbor, and blooming away like mad!

I did it!

I know your probably saying.... so what? But for me to spend the day in my PJ's is a biggggggggg deal!

I don't like breaking from routine.

It was really hard, and more then once during the day I was tempted to get dressed!!! I always, always get dressed first thing in the morning, after one cup of coffee, but before the second!

Instead, I stayed in my PJ's, I gave myself 2 facials, trimmed my hair, painted my toe's and fingers, sat around watching TV, made some doll clothing, and even had time to make some cute ankle bracelets for myself!!!!

I feel relaxed, but at the same time I feel bad cause I did it! GIGGLE

Sometimes there is NO pleasing myself!!! GIGGLE

New Sunday Tradition

Tomorrow is Sunday, and I'm starting a new Tradition!

I fully intend to stay in my Pink Pussy Cat Pajama's ALL DAY!

I will not put on a bra

I will not put on makeup

I will not put on pants

I will stay in my pink pussy cat pajama's for the whole day!!!

I will give myself a facial

I will do my nails

and I will be a lazy daisy all day long!!!!

WHO WANTS TO JOIN ME??????

Hay, how do you like my tan???? I'm good and golden!!!! Yes, I will not look like the underbelly of a beached whale at Shore Leave!!!

Insane doctors!!!!

OK, I'm pissy this morning! Have to admit I am, no real reason for it, but I am! I mean, there is a reason, but I shouldn't be bothered by it, but I am!

My friend Brenda is married to Alan.... super guy, super Dr., Love him to pieces..... except for last night!

Seems, since we all hang out together, and gab, and talk about EVERYTHING.... the "Doctor" in Alan has been putting the puzzle pieces about me together

I don't like people who think I'm a puzzle!!!


Last night Alan preceded to tell me, that after hearing all about my childhood and such.... that he talked to another Dr. friend of his... and BOTH of them have diagnosed me as AUTISTIC!!!!


OK, I'm like almost on social security... WHO GIVES A FUCK!

And yeah, when you look at all the symptoms, I am a high functioning autistic.... knew something was always a bit off, but I cope, I'm good, I'm OLD!!!!

When I was a kid, no one even heard about Autism. I was just a good kid! I didn't bother anyone, played well alone, didn't talk much, lived in my own little world, and managed some social (not much) interaction.

But still, I got through school, tested Genius level, passed school with D's.... got married, had kids.... got old.

Yes, I do form attachments to inanimate object... like them better then people most of the time!

And, NO, I don't like being touched, and I don't touch other people either. Huggers drive me insane, I don't even want to shake hands, let alone hug!!!

I did have friends, but they had to work hard at making me be friends with them, and doing stuff with them, cause I didn't want to!

Yes, I am super happy when I'm alone, by myself, and I don't have to work so hard with interactions with other people.

Yes, loud noise, or repetitive noise's drive me INSANE! So, I never went to dances or clubs, and totally avoided crowds.

While my few friends were out having fun... I was happier sitting home with a good book. And yes, I could read before kindergarten.. and no one actually taught me to read, I just knew how!

See, the thing about Dr.'s is they like to butt into your business, even when you don't want them too!!! So, I'm going to be pissy to Alan for a while.... COPE!

Where's Merlin????

AHHHHHH SUMMER VACATION!

6 pm and I was wondering why it was so quiet! And where is Merlin?




As you can see, nap time isn't just for Kitty's!!!!

Merry Cemetery in Sapanta,Romania

Not all Cemetery's are dark and scary!!!! This one is fun!!! Not only colorful, but each tombstone portrays the person as he really was!!! They talk about the persons drinking, fooling with other men's woman, and even showing pictures of how they die!!!! LOVE IT!!!

Sad about what they are doing.....

I'm SOOOOO UPSET ABOUT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING!!!!

And no one seems to notice or care enough to stop them!!!

By "Them", I of course mean the government.

First they told us the sun was BAD!!

And slather our kids with 50 or more sunscreen.... the result..... "Rickets" is back in kids, a serious bone deformity caused by the lack of sunlight...

and the ones that don't develop it... are growing up, sitting inside, playing games, and never having the wonderful childhood outside that we had growing up!!

So keeping them out of the sun, causes them to be couch potatoes.....

So now the government says "YOUR TOO FAT!"

So they stopped letting company's use the old fats to fry food.... hay, use this new improved, genetically altered one!!!!! Not the old, natural one!!!!!

But with out long term testing.... (nice of them to use our kids as Guinea pigs, isn't it?) how do you KNOW it's better for you..... down the road it may turn out all kinds of physical problems from it.... but the government doesn't give a fuck!

Just like they said..."don't eat eggs!!!" Now they say... "oh sorry, eggs are actually good for you!" duhhhhhh

And because people are just sheep, and go along with everything the government says.... because you KNOW, they are always right!..... they are getting away with it!!

Now, McDonalds can't put toys in the Happy Meals.... not because they are a choking hazard, but because it makes kids eat the happy meals, and that makes them FAT!!!

I WANT MY HAPPY MEAL TOYS!!!!!!

But you know there is always a reason behind the government's workings.

Like the new Cigarette thing. I used to by my Cigs from an Indian tribe.

Cheap, all natural... no chemical fillers... and by buying them I'm supporting the Indian tribes!!!!

Now the president passed a ban on getting your cigs thru the mail!!!

when I talked to the tribe last time... over 5000 Indian's are being let go!!!!

No more work for you... no more income.... and that's just one tribe!!!!!!!

Hundreds or other tribes are losing work and income.... because the President (WHO FUCKING SMOKES, BY THE WAY) says we can't get cheap, natural cigs anymore.

When are people going to say.. ENOUGH!!!! THESE ARE OUR KIDS!!!! WHEN?????

STEVIA

I had heard so much about the sweet plant, used for a natural sweetener, that I had to get one to try it out. I was totally shocked to find one at Home Depot!!!! I grabbed it up, and took it home!


Stevia has been used for century's as a natural, safe, sweetener!

WOW!!! I plucked a tiny piece of leaf.... to check out the report of sweetness, and popped it in my mouth..... SWEET!!!! REALLY SWEET!!!! STRONG SWEET!!!!

I was amazed! and happy. So I checked up on how to raise this little sweetie, and how to harvest it's leaves.

First the ticket on the plant says "full sun", nope tried that and almost killed the baby. It actually likes morning son, and light, but no direct sun in the afternoon. Works fine on my patio table.

I checked the web to figure out how to use this plant.... besides popping a leaf into my coffee.... by the way.... NEVER USE A WHOLE LEAF!! the sweetness was waaaaay toooooo muuuuuch!

So drying it seems the better idea.

Harvesting should be done as late as possible, since cool autumn temperatures and shorter days tend to intensify the sweetness of the plants as they evolve into a reproductive state. While exposure to frost is still to be avoided, covering the plants during an early frost can give you the benefit of another few weeks' growth and more sweetness.


When the time does come to harvest your stevia, the easiest technique is to cut the branches off with pruning shears before stripping the leaves.

As an extra bonus, you might also want to clip off the very tips of the stems and add them to your harvest, as they are apt to contain as much stevioside as do the leaves.


If you live in a relatively frost-free climate, your plants may well be able to survive the winter outside, provided you do not cut the branches too short (leaving about 4 inches of stem at the base during pruning). In that case, your most successful harvest will probably come in the second year.

I was told you can bring smaller plants inside for the winter, so I will harvest leaves to prune the plant, and see how it does in a sunny window, over the winter.

Three-year-old plants will not be as productive and, ideally, should be replaced with new cuttings.


In harsher climates, however, it might be a good idea to take cuttings that will form the basis for the next year's crop. Cuttings need to be rooted before planting, using either commercial rooting hormones, and potting soil.

After dipping the cuttings in such a preparation, they should be planted in a rooting medium for two to three weeks, giving the new root system a chance to form. They should then be potted -- preferably in 4.5-inch pots -- and placed in the sunniest and least drafty part of your home until the following spring.


Unlocking the sweetness in your harvest


Once all your leaves have been harvested you will need to dry them. This can be accomplished on a screen or net, or like I do, just hang them in a cool dry place with the rest of your herbs.

The drying process is not one that requires excessive heat; more important is good air circulation.

On a moderately warm fall day, your stevia crop can be quick dried in the full sun in about 12 hours. (Drying times longer than that will lower the stevioside content of the final product.)

A home dehydrator can also be used, although sun drying is the preferred method.


Crushing the dried leaves is the final step in releasing stevia's sweetening power. This can be done either by hand or, for greater effect, in a coffee grinder or in a special blender for herbs, or just use a mortar and pestle.

You can also make your own liquid stevia extract by adding a cup of warm water to 1/4cup of fresh, finely-crushed stevia leaves. This mixture should set for 24 hours and then be refrigerated.

I can not recommend this plant more!!! It's such a treat, to have something sweet, with no after taste, and all natural!!!

I should also report that the government is trying to stop the import of these plants. Since sugar is a big part of our economy, they don't want this one to get out. So, check your gardening catalogs and store, and buy them while you can!

Awwww

I got an award passed on to me!!! So cute! by http://thewhitings-sugarwhiting.blogspot.com/

Thanks!!!

Baking Soda

Most of us know that baking soda can be used for more than just making homemade cookies and other dough rise. It's not uncommon to see an open box of this leavening agent deodorizing refrigerators, for example. But did you know that there are at least 40 different ways to use baking soda?

Baking soda makes a perfect stand-in for many personal care, cleaning, and deodorizing products. The list of benefits is long: It is inexpensive, free of toxic chemicals, versatile, and effective.

Wondering how baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, works its magic? It helps regulate pH — keeping a substance neither too acidic nor too alkaline. When baking soda comes in contact with either an acidic or an alkaline substance, its natural effect is to neutralize that pH. Beyond that, baking soda has the ability to retard further changes in the pH balance, known as buffering.

This dual capability of neutralizing and buffering allows baking soda to do things such as neutralize acidic odors (like in the refrigerator) as well as maintain neutral pH (like in your laundry water, which helps boost your detergent's power). It's a simple reaction, but one that has far-reaching effects for a number of cleaning and deodorizing tasks.

And so without further ado, here are some of the many creative ways you can use baking soda.

Personal Care
1. Make toothpaste
A paste made from baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes. (Or here’s a formula for a minty version.) You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.

2. Freshen your mouth
Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit, and rinse. Odors are neutralized, not just covered up.

3. Soak oral appliance
Soak oral appliances (like retainers, mouthpieces, and dentures) in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water. The baking soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors to keep appliances fresh. You can also brush appliances clean using baking soda.

4. Use as a facial scrub and body exfoliate
Give yourself an invigorating facial and body scrub. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use.

5. Skip harsh deodorant
Pat baking soda onto your underarms to neutralize body odor.

6. Use as an antacid
Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and/or acid indigestion. Refer to baking soda package for instructions.

7. Treat insect bites and itchy skin
For insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower.

8. Make a hand cleanser and softener
Skip harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or 3 parts baking soda with gentle liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean.

9. Help your hair
Vinegar is amazing for your hair, but baking soda has its place in the shower too. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly — baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.

10. Clean brushes and combs
For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.

11. Make a bath soak
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration. It also makes your skin feel very soft. Or just focus on soothing your feet. Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub.



Cleaning

12. Make a surface soft scrub
For safe, effective cleaning of bathroom tubs, tile, and sinks — even fiberglass and glossy tiles — sprinkle baking soda lightly on a clean damp sponge and scrub as usual. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. For extra cleaning power, make a paste with baking soda, coarse salt, and liquid dish soap — let it sit then scour off.

13. Hand-wash dishes and pots and pans
Add 2 heaping tablespoons baking soda (along with your regular dish detergent) to the dish water to help cut grease and foods left on dishes, pots, and pans. For cooked-on foods, let them soak in the baking soda and detergent with water first, then use dry baking soda on a clean damp sponge or cloth as a scratch-less scouring powder.

14. Freshen sponges
Soak stale-smelling sponges in a strong baking soda solution to get rid of the mess (4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water). For more thorough disinfecting, use the microwave.

15. Clean the microwave
Baking soda on a clean damp sponge cleans gently inside and outside the microwave and never leaves a harsh chemical smell. Rinse well with water.

16. Polish silver flatware
Use a baking soda paste made with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining sterling and silver-plate serving pieces.

17. Clean coffee and tea pots
Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight in the baking soda solution and detergent or scrubbing with baking soda on a clean damp sponge.

18. Clean the oven
Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the oven. Spray with water to dampen the baking soda. Let sit overnight. In the morning, scrub, scoop the baking soda and grime out with a sponge, or vacuum, and rinse.

19. Clean floors
Remove dirt and grime (without unwanted scratch marks) from no-wax and tile floors using 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water — mop and rinse clean for a sparkling floor. For scuff marks, use baking soda on a clean damp sponge, then rinse.

20. Clean furniture
Clean and remove marks (even crayon) from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.

21. Clean shower curtains
Clean and deodorize your vinyl shower curtain by sprinkling baking soda directly on a clean damp sponge or brush. Scrub the shower curtain and rinse clean. Hang it up to dry.

22. Boost your liquid laundry detergent
Give your laundry a boost by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry to make liquid detergent work harder. A better balance of pH in the wash gets clothes cleaner, fresher, and brighter. Or you can add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels or to neutralize gym clothes and odoriferous clothing.

23. Clean and freshen sports gear
Use a baking soda solution (4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water) to clean and deodorize smelly sports equipment. Sprinkle baking soda into golf bags and gym bags to deodorize and clean golf irons (without scratching them!) with a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water) and a brush. Rinse thoroughly.

24. Remove oil and grease stains
Use baking soda to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush.

25. Clean batteries
Baking soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc., because its a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and reconnecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Please be careful when working around a battery — they contain a strong acid.

26. Clean cars
Use baking soda to clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats, and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a baking soda solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs, and tar. For stubborn stains use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush. Eliminate odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.



Deodorizing

27. Deodorize your refrigerator
Place an open box in the back of the fridge to neutralize odors.

28. Deodorize trashcans and recyclables
Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay. Clean your recyclables container periodically by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge. Wipe clean and rinse. Also, sprinkle baking soda on top as you add recyclables to the bin.

29. Deodorize drains and garbage disposals
To deodorize your sink and tub drains and garbage disposal and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water — it will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. (This a good way to dispose of baking soda that is being retired from your refrigerator.)

30. Deodorize and clean dishwashers
Use baking soda to deodorize before you run the dishwasher and then as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.

31. Deodorize lunch boxes
Between uses, place a spill-proof box of baking soda in everyone’s lunch box to absorb lingering odors.

32. Remove odor from carpets
Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.) An added bonus: You'll also deodorize your vacuum cleaner.

33. Freshen closets
Place a box on the shelf to keep the closet smelling fresh.

34. Deodorize pet items
Cover the bottom of your cat box with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning. Eliminate odors from your pet's bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up.

35. Deodorize sneakers
Keep odors from spreading in smelly sneakers by shaking baking soda into them when not in use. Shake out before wearing.

36. Freshen stuffed animals
Keep favorite cuddly toys fresh with a dry shower of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off.



Miscellaneous
37. Cure all camping needs
Baking soda is a must-have for your next camping trip. It's a dish-washer, pot-scrubber, hand-cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste, and fire extinguisher, and has many other uses.

38. Extinguish fires
Baking soda can help in the initial handling of minor grease or electrical kitchen fires, because when baking soda is heated, it gives off carbon dioxide, which helps to smother the flames. For small cooking fires (frying pans, broilers, ovens, grills), turn off the gas or electricity if you can safely do so. Stand back and throw handfuls of baking soda at the base of the flame to help put out the fire — and call the fire department just to be safe.

39. Care for the septic system
Regular use of baking soda in your drains can help keep your septic system flowing freely. One cup of baking soda per week will help maintain a favorable pH in your septic tank.

40. Scrub fruits and vegetables
Baking soda is the food safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse. Here’s another way to clean your vegetables as well.

OK, so there are my 40 suggestions (with a little help from the Arm & Hammond baking soda site, thank you).

Chinese Herbs

I really recommend this catalog for those of us who wish to use alternative medication!!


The web site is great, but if I were you I'd go to the web site and order a catalog!

There is so much information, on what herbs to use, and how, that it's better if you have the catalog in your hands.

All the items inside of it have been used for century's! All natural, herbal, and fresh!

Shoe's?

Today's hard decision is about shoe's.

The hotel is long and sprawling. Walking to the dealers room, to the bar, downstairs to the exhibits..etc. can be a long and tiring walk.

Now, I have pretty feet. Well, at least I like them. Smooth, and I always have my toe nails polished... pink of course!

So it's "vanity" vs "sanity"!!

Do I bring pretty high heel sandals... that show off my cute toes, and nice feet?

Or do I bring comfy goth sneakers... easy to walk in?

Or both???

I'm not a big shoe person, so I don't have many thing to chose from.


I love my high heeled sandals, make me look tall and show off my toes, and make me feel sexy. But..... walking a long time in them are sure to make me grumpy, sore, and pissy.

Now my sneakers, I only have one pair, cute little goth sneakers... fantastic for my feet, good for walking, but NOT sexy at all!

I need comfy shoes for the drive there. Not going to drive 3 hours in heels... so the sneakers are the pick for that..............

The question is, should I pack some sandal heels too????? Or just the sneakers???

What do you guys think????

Composting, small size

This, above, is a nice plan for a compost pile... if you have a huge yard! But you can't build one like this if your yard is tiny, or if you patio plant like me..... but I still managed a nice compost pile.

I had an old planter that was cracked, It was a big one, but with the cracked side...useless for planting.

I started by putting some leaves in it in the fall, and adding some old potting soil and mixing it around.

Then I added cutting from my fall plants, and veggies from my kitchen. Every time I thought of it, I added a little more.... and when the weather was good, I watered it every day... Just a little.

After a month I started mixing it. Using a fork! No, not a pitch fork, just a large fork. Like the kind you use to move a roast out of the roasting pan.

Over the winter I composted even more in the rain and snow... and by spring I had a good batch of well rotted compost.

In the spring I added a little to each planter in my garden, before I added the plants, and there you have container gardening, organically, re-using, and all natural!

You don't always have to do things in a big way!

BUGS!!!

Even in container planting you can get bugs!!!

And to keep things natural, and pesticide free.....MARIGOLDS!!!

Yes, those pretty little flowers that come out early in spring. (humming the Inch Worm song)

Plant them around the edges of planters, put pots of them between planters, spread them out all through you garden... and you will NEVER see a bug!!!!

One year I forgot to plant them in the blueberry containers (around the edges) and I had caterpillars!!!! GROSS!!!

But as long as I remember them, my plants are bug free!!!

Also great to use in a regular garden too.

And a hint.... when the flowers dry out, harvest the seeds!!! And save them for the next year... marigolds are one of few plants the maintain their quality when replanted from seeds!

Also great if you have pets. Marigold and Mum flower petals kill flea's in your house!!!

You dry them out, and vacuum some up to kill any flea's that get in your vacuum, put the dried petals under your furniture cushions, and even rub the petals between your hands... and then run your hands into your pets fur!!!!

I've used it for years!

Cutest project!

I just finished the cutest project for my dolls!!!!!!

Since Mortica's sister, Ophelia, has moved in for a while, I needed something to show how vain and what a clothing hound Ophelia is..... so I made this!









It used to be an old gun case, all scratched up, and dented.... from the 50's that my son had.

I cleaned it out, and put some travel stickers on it, and put a pole inside to hang clothing!

Just like the old travel trunks that people used to use back in the 1900's.

I figured it's a great prop for my Doll's blog, and if I can find small hangers.... a great place to store the doll's clothing!!!

Hummm, now where can I get doll size hangers??????

Soil

Now I love the "miracle grow moisture" potting mix. Holds moisture in the soil, less watering.... but it's expensive.

So I use just regular potting soil, and I add to it, some sand. You can buy sand at any hardware store, just add the potting soil, mix in a couple of big hand scoops of sand, and your done.

You can buy these crystals that retain water, After I put my plants in, I dig a hole, and plop some of the crystals in.... just to help with the watering.

But beware, if it rains a lot, the crystals puff up, and come to the surface of the pot looking like the giant BLOB from the horror movie. Yick! But they work.

I also add some compost that I make, the how too is on the next blog, just mix it all up, water it well, let it sit, then plant your plants.

I know you all can go buy some miracle grow plant food, but unless you need an acid plant food, just use cow manure, or even horse puckies.

It's cool if you have a stable near by, that will allow you to pick some horse droppings up. But be warned, again, adding horse manure will make you plants grow HUGE!!!! And fresh horse manure has to sit for a while before you add, at least 3 weeks, or it will make the soil too hot for the plants.

The cow manure you buy in the store, is already decomposed and doesn't need to sit before adding it.

I put just one nice handful in each pot, just on top, then water the plant.

If you use a natural manure, there is no need to keep applying it all summer!!! It releases slowly, unlike the stuff you mix with water and apply. chemicals bad! Nature good!


In the fall, after I remove any dead plants... like with your veggies, I add a bit more manure.... just to get the soil ready for the spring.

Pots

I had this great idea of a patio filled with wonderful Terra Cotta pots.... so pretty, and so versatile.... yes?

NO!

The thing with those types of pots are that fact that unless they are glazed inside, they SUCK ALL THE MOISTURE OUT OF THE SOIL!! Like a giant sponge!

Meaning you have to water ALL THE TIME!!!!

And the pots with the glaze inside are UBER EXPENSIVE!!!!

So I got big pots, plastic pots, cheap pots! And they work wonderful.

I bought one, half whisky barrel, for the bigger plants, then I found ones that looked just the same but were plastic.

Less chance of the wood rotting over the years! And the plants can't tell the difference!

Those of you who are big garden aficionados, probably hate that I used plastic pots... but they have a lot going for them.

They withstand the weather, don't leach water from the soil, and can be used over and over again with out the fear of passing on bacteria from the soil. A quick wash and scrub, and they are ready to use again.

While, clay pots, have to be sanitized after each use, bleach, and anti bacterial soap!

So now you have your pots, and are ready to plant..... what kind of soil do you use???? hummmmm

I'm missing?

I have to admit since moving down here to the park, I'm missing my yards (and I mean yards, I've lived 15 places in 30 years)

Each house I've had had a big yard, extensive garden, and all the work done by ME!

My hubby had no clue how to garden.

He was good for roto tilling the soil, and telling everyone how fantastic the garden was doing.... but always forgetting that I did all the planting, caring, picking, cooking..... never once did he remember THAT! Typical male!!!

But I digress. I've always followed "Mother Earth"... the magazine that is, not the real one, but she does have a lot of say in what happens too. GIGGLE

Organic, re-use, re-use, re-use.

Since moving here I have a lot that is all gravel. Now I could have gotten a lot with grass (and you can do anything you want with your lot!) but at my age, and being a widow, who wants to mow grass???? NOT ME!! So, as in all my other places, all the grass would have been replaced by gardens.... work work work

So I picked this lot just because it was all gravel, with a big patio.

And started container planting.

I've showed you pics of my planters, but never the work that goes into them. I prefer not to show you the compost pile.... giggle... it doesn't make a pretty picture... but I should go in to some detail about container planting.

I know, I found it kind of scary when I first attempted it. Knowing that what I plant in the ground grows fantastic, I wasn't sure I could duplicate it all with stupid containers.... but I had to try... because I can't live without my plants!!!!

So the next couple of posts will be about how to do an totally organic, and re-used container garden.

And garden I do! I have 2 huge blueberry bush's, 2 gooseberry bush's, a huge evergreen tree, and then my herbs, tomatoes, and flowers.

So, If you feel like becoming an old hippy like me... and yes, I was a hippy in the 60's and 70's, check out the next few postings!

I'M SO EXCITED!!!!

TORCHWOOD IS COMING BACK TO TV!!!!

"The BBC have announced that a new series of Torchwood will be produced by the BBC Wales, BBC Worldwide, and US network Starz Entertainment.

The series will see John Barrowman and Eve Myles reprise their roles of Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen, and will comprise of ten episodes overseen by series creator Russell T Davies. Other former cast members (like Gwen's husband Rhys played by Kai Owen) have yet to be confirmed, but new faces will appear in the team, with adventures taking place around the world."

YIPPPPPPPPPIIIIIEEEEEEE!

Kitchen spices for health

Cardamom

Fruit of the Elettaria cardamomum plant in the ginger family.

Health Powers: Eases belching, flatulence and indigestion; treats respiratory conditions like coughing, asthma and loss of voice; aids in the elimination of toxins through your skin.

Daily Dose: Stir a few freshly ground pinches of cardamom pods into a shot of OJ or your morning fruit salad, or mix it with white or brown rice before you boil it.



Cayenne

Fruit of the Capsicum annuum plant in the Solanaceae family, along with chile pepper.

Health Powers: Eliminates gas from the stomach and intestines; soothes sore throat, cold and flu symptoms; increases metabolism for weight control.

Daily Dose: Stir into a cup of hot chocolate or any sweet juice drink for a contrasting flavor kick.


Cinnamon

Bark of a small evergreen tree.

Health Powers: Tames nausea and stomach ulcers; functions as a mild anti-inflammatory; increases insulin sensitivity to help focus fat burn.

Daily Dose: Stir into coffee/tea, yogurt, oatmeal or any boxed cereal.


Cloves

Flower bud found at the base of an evergreen tree.

Health Powers: Soothes digestive tract muscles and is a potent antihistamine.

Daily Dose: Mix into your nightly ice cream treat or sneak into mustard spread.


Nutmeg
Fruit of Myristica fragrans,an evergreen tree.

Health Powers: Improves digestion; eases the symptoms of menstruation; induces calm and sleep.

Daily Dose: Grate a small amount into applesauce or plain yogurt. (Note: It’s safe to grate the entire nut, which you can usually buy whole at the supermarket, but you never want to consume more than one nutmeg per day because too much of this potent spice can cause stomach pain, double vision and other uncomfortable reactions.)


Celery Seed

Seed of the Apium graveolens plant in the parsley family.

Health Powers: Flushes the liver of toxins; lowers blood pressure; combats water retention.

Daily Dose: Think salads—tuna, potato and egg all work—which can be tossed onto a bed of lettuce, eaten alone or spread onto bread.


Coriander

Also known as cilantro; the leaves and seeds of the Coriandrum plant in the aromatic Apiaceae family.

Health Powers: Acts as a diuretic; eases seasonal allergies.

Daily Dose: Cook into couscous and quinoa, which you can store and eat with leftovers.


Fennel

Seed of the Foeniculum plant in the aromatic Apiaceae family.

Health Powers: Calms bowel distress; supports milk production in nursing mothers; combats water retention.

Daily Dose: Add to canned minestrones and vegetable soups.


Oregano

Leaf of the Origanum plant in the mint family.

Health Powers: Loosens mucus; helps treat respiratory illnesses; and calms indigestion.

Daily Dose: Use in any tomato-based foods, like marinara sauces, pizza and soups.
Leaf of the Thymus plant in the mint family.

Health Powers: Relaxes the muscle tissue of the gastrointestinal tract; stimulates immune system.

Daily Dose: Toss into any meat-based dishes.


Turmeric

Root of the Circuma plant in the ginger family.

Health Powers: Reduces inflammation (joints, airways); detoxifies the liver.

Daily Dose: Mix in with oil-and-vinegar-based salad dressings.

Changing my mind

I put the big coleman cooler back in the shed! I had taken it out, and cleaned it, figuring I had a bunch of people in my room for shore leave, and I promised to supply food.

But since it looks like I'm going to be alone, I took out the small one I have to see if everything would fit! And it does!!!

The Tupperware container in the bottom will hold my salad, on top of that I'll put two roast beef subs, (I don't eat the bread, but the beef, lettuce, tomato ect is cool.. I just chuck the bread) and in the top of the container I'll put my yogurts!!!

Perfect!

It's a pain in the ass when you have food allergies!

I wish I could just eat at the hotel, like I used too, expensive, but convenient. They have 2 (sat & sun) buffets, and they have a Grand restaurant, a pizza hut, and snack shop in the hotel.... but when you can't eat anything.... It isn't much use to me!

I hate going to restaurants and asking "what in there" of the food.

You would be surprised how they will sneak eggs into salads, and other stuff, and of course breading is a no no.

The bar menu? Well, I can eat the shrimp cocktail... but your paying $15 dollars for 4 freaking shrimp!!!! I can add a ton of shrimp to my salad for like $5 bucks.... why pay all that money! (Plus the fact I can't afford to eat there if I go, I nearly have enough money for the hotel, and that has to come out of my savings! sigh)

So this is going to work out good. The cooler is small enough to slip on the shoulder strap, and go!

The Hunt Valley Marriot is a long and sprawling structure, not the regular up and down hotel.

So what you do is go in, register for your room, then drive around the hotel to find what building your in, and park. Unfortunately with every single building you have 2 flights of stairs to climb up to get to the rooms. You so don't want to bring heavy stuff with you.

So my roll along suitcase, and my shoulder strap cooler is just perfect! One trip, and your in your room!

Even though I really can't afford this, I'm getting excited! I haven't been away in 2 years!!! So this will be a real treat for me!

So everyone... put out good spells and wishes for me..... that nothing happens in the next 34 days, and I'll be able to go!

Also a spell or two to send the "money fairy" to me would greatly be appreciated!


Tell the fairy, not much money, a hundred or two, or three..... would be perfect! GIGGLE

Merlin and Lavender

Merlin hates to see me coming with a camera. He was sitting on the beige rug, saw me coming and hopped on the black bedspread.... he knows that I have trouble taking his picture... after all, black cat, black bedspread.... but he was fooled by the sun this time, and the picture came out pretty good!



My lavender is doing fantastic!!! Putting it out in the full sun was just what it wanted, and it's spread, and spread, and spread!!!




Right in the middle of the lavender, this came up! Not a regular tiger lily, the kind you see on the road sides, too dark and shinny, and the stem is more like a full Lily then a tiger Lily, but it's gorgeous!

Feeling BLAH!

I sometimes think that planning to do things just for myself is a waste of time!

Some one up there, or down there, or in there, keeps fucking with my plans!

I just keep thinking about Shore Leave, well, thinking doesn't work, I'm more like Yearning for Shore Leave, but money keeps rearing it's ugly head!

I just don't know if I'll have enough for it!

It's $294.19 for the hotel for two days.... and while I'm pretty sure to have that money, it may be the only money I have! So eating, buying and drinking may be off the menu for the weekend. :(

And all those people who were going to go in with me.... they aren't... so I'm on my own.

My sister says I can share a room with her, but I really like having my room alone, or sharing it with friends.

So, I can't make up my mind. sigh

I may just say screw it, and not go at all!

Depression about not going, is a killer.... but the depression about going and having the money is a bitch too!!!!

Lets just say, either way, I'm going to be MAJOR DEPRESSED!

And the winner is.....

I'm going to make you all wait a little, and tell you how picking the name went.

Yesterday, Merlin would have NOTHING to do with the papers I wrote every ones name on.


I'd pick him up, set him by the papers, and he would run and hide.


Did this like 3 times.

IT'S ONLY PIECES OF PAPER!!! What is he so afraid of??? who knows... cats!


Today, I picked him up, surrounded him with the papers, and he promptly, with a few sniff... went to sleep. And ignored them all.


So, I get up to make a cup of coffee, come back and he is EATING one of the papers!!!!

Couldn't get him to let go of it, and even if he did, I couldn't read it cause he had chewed the living daylights out of it!!!

Short period of panic, then I realized he'd picked one, sure he ate it, but he picked one....

Then I had to go thru all the papers and see what one was missing!!!

Damn, next time I'm just going to use a hat, and pick the winner out myself!

After going thru all the surviving papers, and checking them against the people who left remarks.... I FOUND THE WINNER!!!




FROG QUEEN!!!!! (fanfare, french horns, and cymbals!!)


send me your address at witchbythesea@gmail.com and your prize will be on the way to you!


Don't worry, I'll have another give a way soon!

Tonights, the night!

Merlin is going to pick a winner tonight, tried this morning.... but he wasn't in the mood... giggle.... so we will try again tonight!

If you haven't entered, do so fast!