out of the broom closet, why yes I am

I've been avoiding blogging for a while.  Not by any particular design, I just did not really feel comfortable talking about the state of presidential politics, thinking about Trevon Martin just makes me feel hopeless and clutch my babies.  So I've been quiet. I don't particularly like the way the world is turning out at the moment. 

So I'm going to change the world.

I'm starting with the Omaha Witch Walk which (hehe, get it... which...witch....) is going to be out on again this year on October 24th and will benifit the Osteigenisis Imperfecta Foundation.  Last year we raised over $750 and I want to double that AT LEAST this year.  We're hoping to work with the Zombie Walk this year to really make it phenomenal. (Note to self... call the ZW guys and site up coffee....)

Next is National Donate A Pagan Book Day April 14th.  This is the firs year for this awesome idea that was cooked up between me and Mrs B from Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom. Its all about exactly what the name says, donate a pagan book to your local library if they take them, and ask why not if they don't.  I'm hoping this will become very very big in the next few years.  We already have the biggest metaphysical book store here in Omaha that is going to be a drop off point.  Awesomeness.

VinLand Foundation. This is the foundation that started after last years OWW, and its going to help a  lot of people.  My partner Jen ans I have been working on this for a while.  Our original mission was to help Pagan (and non Pagan) with gift cards for groceries, and assistance with mortgage and rent payments.  We've changed that up a little.  Our new goal is to help for groceries, but also to help with knowledge and supplies for making your own garden, thereby creating their own sustainable food source. And to me, that is a truly AWESOME goal. 

So yes, the world kind of sucks at the moment, and a lot of us feel helpless. But you're not.  You can help.  Do something.  Anything that helps.  I am. 

Now I need to find a grant writer.....

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Sarcastic Sunday - Crunchy Confessions

there seems to be a small number of people in the natural community that love to be 'crunchier than thou'.  so i'm going to set the record strait.  you are much more of a hippy than i am.  you just are.  and here is why:

tonights dinner is made from a box.

i'm not sure that the meat we're adding to said box was humanely killed.

in fact i'm pretty sure that it wasn't.

my walk today.... Bubby was in a stroller.

the felt i've used to make Bubby's hand made busy books was not 100% recycled.

i throw away toilet paper tubes.

my milk is regular whole milk.  

i drink diet pepsi.

i buy organic foods - some times.

i shop at walmart.

i don't own a bike.

Bubby wears disposable diapers.

i consistently forget my re-usable bags.

i have been known to knit things that are not made of wool.

i let my subscription to Mother Earth News expire.

try as i might, i HAVE to shampoo my hair at least every other day.

my last tube of lipstick was probably not cruelty free.

i haven't put my raised garden beds together, though i have all the stuff to do it.

my lawn mower is a gas powered, black smoke spewing, monstrosity of an antique.

so see?  i said it.  you can rest easy.  there is at least SOMEONE that is less crunchy than you.

**no, this isn't aimed at anybody.  it started as a random thought that popped into my head and i wen't with it.  so no, i'm not being made to feel bad or anything.  you're good.**

Spring is in the air

it was beautiful yesterday.  went to the museum, then to the zoo.  grilled out on the patio while Princess and i kicked around a soccer ball and Bubby dug in the dirt.  and we started planing out our back yard.

more fence to hide the weirdo-fence-hitting neighbor across the alley. a line of evergreen bushes to shield from the other neighbor (whom we have nothing against, just want a little more privacy).  at least two raised garden beds.  possibility of a concrete/brick grill.  sandbox.

today was scheduled to be our 'lazy day', but i'm already planing out a trip to lowes and home depot.  it may not be so lazy after all

Guaco-Taco

we've been playing around with food here at the Hippy Household, and here is one of my new favorite recipes.... Guaco-Taco:

2 avocados
2 roma tomatoes
1tbl Cajun seasoning
1tsp lemon juice
1c cooked brown rice - cold
4 taco shells

mash up the avocados, dice the tomatoes.  mix the two together and add the lemon juice and seasoning.  mix in the brown rice and stuff into the taco shells.

that's it.  you're done.  it's really easy, super tasty, and best of all, the only thing you don't make yourself is the taco shells (unless you make your own taco shells, then i tip my hat to you).

i made these as an experiment the other day as a way to use up the last of my home made guacamole, and was really super pleased with the results.  

essential oil blends

Last time I blogged abut lotions and balms. And there awesome. But the basic recipes are just that.  Basic. Wonderful to use, yes, but somewhat lacking in the 'oomph' department. So how do you up the wow factor?

Essential oils.

EO's have a huge list of benefits. So many that I'm not even going to get into it here.  Just Google it, and you'll get more than enough information.  Just remember, fully research the oils you use! Some shouldn't be used topically, and some should not be used by some people at all (pregnant women, etc).

Here are some of my favorite oil blends:

Meditation

   3 drops lavender

   2 drops sandalwood

Purification

   2 drops lavender

   3 drops frankesence

   3 drops jasmine

Drawing Love

   3 drops rose

   3 drops lavender

   1 drop vanilla

Troubled Mind

   2 drops Rosemary

   2 drops eucalyptus

   2 drops myrr

   2 drops sandalwood

Happiness

   1 drop lime peel

   1 drop lemon

   2 drops rose

   2 drops lavender

Belly Bump

   1 drop rose

   1 drop lavender

Feel free to experiment with your own blends, just remember to do your research!

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

balms, and lotions, and scrubs... oh my!

Please enjoy this photo of BamBam as an apology for my long absence. 

I love  natural beauty products.  I know, you're shocked.  I love using them and I love making them. I love the fact that I'm in control of the product from start to finish, and that no harsh nasty ness is absorbed in my skin.  Plus, with the zombie apocalypse looming over our heads, its good to know how to make your own stuff for when the supply lines have been cut off.  Cause of, you know, the zombies.  (Or the fact that the country has been broken up into 13 districts and the Capitol following the inevitable demise of our  current political muck-up.  What? Yeah, so I love  the Hunger Games.  So? Doesn't make it any less true)

I found a recipe for a lotion on Pintrest that I absolutely love.  I don't remember if I linked it here before so I'm just going to type it now.

    

     Basic Lotion

3 tsp bees wax

3/4 c oil of choice

1c cold water or tea

Essential oil

     Melt the wax in the oil using the double boiler method, when the wax is completely melted, let cool for about 2 minutes.  While you're doing this, put the water or tea into a blender and start er up.  Slowly pour the oil/wax into the blender and put on its highest setting.  The blender will emulsify the two together. Scoop into sterile jars. Add any essential oils during the blender phase. 

     Basic Balm

1 1/2 tsp bees wax

1/4 c oil of choice

Essential oil

     Melt the wax in the oil using the double boiler method.  Once the wax is completely melted, add your essential oil.  Stir with a clean stirrer. Allow to cool slightly, once it starts to solidify, stir again, and put in a clean tin or jar.

     Sugar Scrub

Sugar

Oil

Mix the two till the sugar is moist, but not soup like.  Rub onto your skin while in the shower ( don't forget to clean the shower later, or Hubby someone might slip and fall later)

So there are my three favorite recipes. Later I'll share my favorite essential oil blends. 

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

wow. think i took a break there

it's been over a month, i've just been out of a blogging frame of mind.  but don't worry,  i'll be 'back on track' here soon,  in fact, i'm looking for a bunch of new recipes to try out here soon.