Lunar Earth Mama

Mini Cuteness

2009-04-23T19:29:00.003-04:00

The other day I received my HP Mini! It's perfect for someone like me, who only needs an extra computer for going on the internet, chatting and writing without having to bother someone to get off the main computer (or wait for them to get off the computer). The keyboard is 92% the size of a full one, and I honestly have no problem at all with feeling comfortable typing on it. I got one with the screen size of 8.9" diagonal. And that size is comfortable as well for me.

I love how super portable minis are. And you gotta love how affordable they are too. I got mine in the $280 range, would have been cheaper if I didn't have to pay tax! I took an extra photo of it beside my kindle to better give a perspective of its small size.

My friend Sherry inspired me to get a mini when she mentioned she was thinking of getting one to do her writing on. And that is the main reason why I wanted one but now I am seeing that it's also comfortable for almost everything else I did on the desktop computer.

Getting a mini/netbook was definitely a good buy!

Kindle Kindle Kindle

2009-03-16T22:14:00.010-04:00

The Kindle. An amazing reading device. My new best friend. My new obsession. It takes me away to unlimited worlds. It teaches me unlimited things.

So yeah, I pretty much LOVE Amazon's Kindle 2. I think everyone should have one. The e-ink technology is pretty cool with how it's gentle on the eyes and refreshes nicely from page to page and having free wireless service (the same type used for cell phones) to get online right from the device and download books makes one feel like they own the world in one little skinny device.

I recently revamped my Kindle with the Mora skin from decalgirl.com and I also revamped the cover (additional cost) made exclusively by Amazon that takes advantage of the hinge holes on the side of the Kindle. I didn't want any fabric tabs covering the corners on my Kindle. I just don't like the way that looks, so I opted for the Amazon cover instead of the (expensive) Cole Haan.

So this is my bare white Kindle before:

And the cover before:
And this is the Kindle after, with Decal Girl's "Mora" skin applied, along with the revamped cover of red faux crocodile/snake fabric wrapped over the outer shell:

See the hinges that fit in the 2 holes? Love it. That's the only way for me. Velcro or corner tabs just aren't my thing.

It was pretty easy to revamp the cover or rather maybe I just chose to go the easy route. The inner soft part is just glued on so I carefully pulled that apart making sure I didn't bend anything too much. After that I just covered the outer part with my red fabric, using fabric glue and making sure everything was snug and smooth which was really easy to do. Then I reglued the soft inner part back on and voila!, a revamped Kindle case that fits my style more.

I had bought a whole yard of the red faux crocodile/snake fabric so I have plenty left. I may see what kind of handbag I can make with it and be all matchy-matchy with the Kindle case.

Snowy Night In Carolina

2009-03-01T21:46:00.005-05:00

We've been waiting all day for the scheduled snow and it is finally here. Gavin's school has already called to inform parents that school is canceled. I am just hoping the UPS man will still be able to deliver me a very special package tomorrow. But for now I will focus on how snowy nights are so beautiful.

Cleopatra Sofa

2009-02-24T07:21:00.003-05:00

An absolutely beautiful sofa, available from Victorian Trading Co.

I've always wanted a couch like this, and recently I've become aware that I'm into furniture that has a silver painted over wood look to it so I would definitely want to see how that would turn out on this piece. I am certain it would look stunning.

The price is a bit high on this piece, but I think it's expected for something like this. A little give and take may make the price not seem so bad with getting other pieces to complete a living room with it that are cheaper in prices. I'm on the lookout at gathering up furniture to finally have my dream living room (different from our den which is basically our real living room). If I can acquire this sofa, it would definitely be a great start and set the tone off right for an amazing dramatic look.

No Stress Chess

2009-02-05T21:53:00.004-05:00

My son's birthday was on the 28th of January--he is now 7 years old! We gave him a Super Mario Bros. themed birthday party that following Saturday. My parents sent him an Amazon e-gift certificate which part of it I used to order him No Stress Chess. Gavin and I played this together tonight and it is such a neat way to get kids to remember the chess pieces' names and how they move on the board. Gavin was delighted and excited all throughout the game. We played 2 rounds before I noticed it was past his bedtime. He wanted to keep playing.

The game uses cards which show how the pieces move. It is called No Stress because with the beginner style game you just abide by which card you draw. If you draw a knight card, then that is what you must move if you can. The game is still quite exciting even though it allows you to be able to take more risks. And you don't have to use the cards to play but it IS a fun alternative style along with it being a great learning aid for kids (and even for adults!).

Gavin has set his alarm to wake up earlier tomorrow morning because he wants to play when he wakes up before school! I am so happy he is enjoying this chess game so much because he really likes playing Monopoly and I think this outshines Monopoly for him by far. I must say I hate Monopoly so much. To me, having to sit and play Monopoly is like being forced to sit through torture. I just get so bored and restless with that game, so much so that I feel like jumping out of my chair, screaming and running out the door. So I am ecstatic about my boy learning all about chess now! Chess is a game that keeps me engaged.

One day I will buy Gavin a really nice chess set for his room. I still want one of those Alice in Wonderland ones for myself. Brian has one that I bought for him some years back that is really cool. I think everyone should have a chess set that really reflects their own style.

In Carbonation Heaven!

2009-01-21T23:06:00.005-05:00

Today I received my main birthday present from the hubby and son (I have to mention Gavin since he makes sure I know that he is included in who got the gift for me). I'm just now receiving my gift because the company was closed for the holidays and New Year inventory. Oh the things I have to deal with in having an early January birthday.

But all is well now because I now have in my hands a soda maker - a lovely beverage carbonator. I got the simple looking one but there are others available like the very sleek penguin styled one. We couldn't justify spending that extra money though, but it really does look nice. What I did do though is make sure I had those beautiful glass carafes that are made for the penguin one. I have 3 in all. You cannot use the glass carafes with the other models during the carbonation process but you can use them to pour your soda or seltzer water in for a more beautiful look. It feels and looks very sophisticated to store and pour from them. But it is good to know that the plastic ones that come with the basic model are BPA-free!

I must admit, I asked for the soda maker in high hopes of being able to make "raw sodas" and carbonated lemon green tea drinks like the expensive ones they sell in stores. You are only suppose to carbonate pure water and then add the flavorings afterwards but I attempted to carbonated a mixed berry juice and it turned out so good! You do have to watch and wait carefully though when carbonating to make sure the juice/foam doesn't expand and spill out. But omg, I made sparkling juice that was so bubbly and nice! I know I need to make sure the juice I'm using is pulp-free since carbonation goes smoothly with pure clear water.

I'm completely loving my new soda maker! I just love devices that help make eating healthier so not a big deal AT ALL whatsoever!

It's been awhile...

2009-01-13T07:31:00.003-05:00

So it's been awhile... and I'm not talking about updating my blog but rather it's been awhile since I've worked out with either weights or resistance.

I recently got the Pilates Power Gym which I am completely loving! But oh boy, it has really been awhile. Take heed in starting up a new workout program with ease. I'm starting to think that I may have some strained muscles in my rib cage area! It may be my diaphragm! It's been awhile since I've used lots of pulling twisting motion with those muscles.

But other than that, I'm in total love with the Pilates Power Gym. I call it a girlier version of the Total Gym, which I use to workout on in my late teens. The Pilates Power Gym is also very portable from room to room. I'm really enjoying the convenience of it not being a hassle whatsoever to just roll it into the living room to workout on while watching TV.

But what I love most about the Pilates Power Gym and pilates in general (do I sound like an infomercial?) is that it makes you workout and engage your core and abs in ways that you wouldn't think certain moves would require your abs to become active.

I bought mine from HSN.com with the flexpay, free shipping and a 10% off coupon I got from playing their spin game. As of now, I have a 15% off coupon if anyone is interested. These coupons can be easily won by playing their spin game every so often though.

Dreaming of this bed...

2008-12-28T20:12:00.004-05:00

Oh, the wonderful dreams that could be dreamed sleeping on this bed...

Manifesting time!

New Year's Resolutions

2008-12-19T07:24:00.011-05:00

So it's about that time again to achieve and stick to some new things to do.

Here's mine:

1. Condition myself to run up to six miles. (This was my resolution last year!)

2. Get highly into reconstructing old clothes into new clothes.

I got these books just for this:

Along with all my old clothes, I think I'm going to find it fun and exciting to find stuff at thrift stores to turn into something new and creative.

3. Eat or drink one chlorophyll rich meal at least once a day. (I've already started and it's way easier and yummier than I thought. Can we say 'kale chips'?)

4. Work more on filling up my Book of Shadows.

5. Spend money more wisely to save more.

I may add to the list if I think of anything else.

"Santa Claus looks different."

2008-12-17T07:35:00.003-05:00

This is a photo of my son Gavin at about 11 months - his very first photo with Santa. The other day he found this photo in a drawer and looked at it confused. Recently, his school had Santa Claus visit them for photos. Gavin asked me why the Santa in the photo looked different from the one that visited his school and then continued on to say that this Santa in the photo was not the real Santa. He did say the Santa that visited his school was the real one though.

We have a couple more photos of him with different Santas each year.

Our Golden Yule Tree!

2008-12-06T23:48:00.005-05:00

I finally have photos to share of our golden Yule tree. The funny thing is that I had to go really cheap with the ornaments (bought today at the last minute) but hopefully next year I'll have some ornaments that I really like and adore.

I took like 87 photos!!! I didn't know I took so many until I plugged my camera into the computer to upload. It's like a vortex you go into where you just lose time I guess taking photos, because 87 photos of a tree just doesn't make any sense at all! I picked out 8. I think the photos really don't do the tree any justice but here they are:

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine

2008-12-03T22:17:00.004-05:00

I'm in love with the book Fairest, by Gail Carson Levine. I am loving reading it. I see now that I must read all the books she's written because her imaginative world is quite lovely. She wrote Ella Enchanted (which was made into a movie starring Anne Hathaway). Fairest is set in that same type of world.

Anyone else prefer to stumble upon books not knowing whatsoever what the book is about? I love total surprises. I remember the very first book I read like that, not knowing anything about the book and how much I loved what a complete adventure it was (The Eyes of the Dragon, by Stephen King). I think it's sort of sad to know what a fiction book is about - everything should be a discovery - it makes picking up the book and reading it all the more fun and exciting. Descriptions totally take away from that. Try it and see what you end up with! Pick up a book on total blind faith without even reading the back cover. Let EVERYTHING be a surprise.

The most recent movie I happened to not know anything about before watching it made for an amazing watch! It was No Country For Old Men. It was only because of Brian that I watched it, and wow, that movie was a total delicious shock.

Play-Doh PacMan

2008-11-29T13:36:00.005-05:00

Brian and Gavin made this neat little thing today together: a PacMan game scene out of Play-Doh!

The Vertigo Tarot, Again

2008-11-28T15:58:00.005-05:00

I received the new copy/edition of The Vertigo Tarot by Dave McKean. I have an old copy but a few years ago I foolishly believed it was safe in my suitcase on one of my trips to Austin. Airport security managed to make a very prominent bend in one of the cards while they went through the deck. And of course, that bend has always bothered me.

But now I have a new copy and all is well! I'm so glad they decided to publish it again. I thought that would never happen.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2008-11-27T08:34:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving EVERYONE!! I hope your day is filled with lots of love and joy and many reasons to be thankful!!!

Cucumber Noodles!

2008-11-23T22:20:00.004-05:00

I am in love with cucumber noodles!

Yesterday, after trying to decide what to do with the rest of the cucumbers in the fridge before they went bad, I FINALLY made noodles out of them. I used a julienne peeler that I bought from a lady who sold Pampered Chef. Love it! The little handheld one is very convenient and quick for servings for less than a few people. Cucumbers peel nicely into noodles. And of course making noodles out of fresh whole foods is just FUN and fun to eat!

So yeah, this was my dinner tonight (and last night) - cucumber noodles with spinach cream sauce. YUMMY!

Tomorrow I am off to the grocery store for more cucumbers!

Fireplace Blues

2008-11-21T23:42:00.005-05:00

I am so tired right now and my back hurts. Just got through putting the logs back into the fireplace after trying to figure out how to relight the pilot in there. Earlier Gavin rushed to me saying he had to tell me something, that he "blew out the fire". It was the fireplace pilot light he blew out. I cannot believe he did that when he knows not to mess with the fireplace at all and all of a sudden he can't help himself but to BLOW at the little pilot fire. He now knows that things like that can be very dangerous, that gas can lead to houses being blown up and people dying. I could have sworn I told him it was dangerous before, but now I really had to let him know how morbid things can get. Hey, it's the truth. He seemed to really get the message.

I AM glad that he felt the urgent need to tell me though.

I called the gas company and the lady I spoke to said everything was fine as long as I didn't smell gas (which I don't) and for me to call tomorrow to find out when someone is available to come relight it. I called my dad, and of course he said lots of "Oh shits", he doesn't even like candles being lit in his house for fear of a fire being accidentally started. But he made sure also that I didn't smell any gas. They have a fireplace that needs to be relighted too!

Looks like I'm waiting for Brian to come home to see if he can manage to relight it. We spent much time on the phone with each other on the internet looking at how to fix this mess. Our fireplace does NOT have that little red ignite button. Things would be so simple if it did. And honestly I cannot specifically find the pilot light area anyway! I even took photos to send to Brian to see if you could see something I couldn't see. Nothing. I guess we have to wait until he gets home in a few days.

He did have me turn off the gas valve in there though.

I wonder how much it costs to have the gas company come relight it. I'll find out tomorrow. I bet it's a ridiculous price, though I hope I am wrong.

Green Soul Challenge - Day 7

2008-11-19T08:38:00.006-05:00

I haven't updated in a bit but I am doing well on my challenge, having my daily green including getting in some spirulina that I'm mixing with fresh orange juice. Last night I cut open the most beautiful grapefruits for juicing. I just love grapefruit juice! The grapefruits didn't look like much on the outside but boy were they beautiful when I cut them in half. You know that feeling you get when you cut open a beautiful watermelon? I get that same feeling when I cut open a beautiful grapefruit. So very luscious. I had a hard time deciding if I wanted to juice them or just pour a little agave on them and eat it with a spoon.

Speaking of cutting, I don't think I ever blogged about my favorite knife. I love this knife. It's a 7" santoku, but most importantly it's rainbow! Having a favorite knife I feel is nice a nice touch when making and caring about the food you make.

So, all this green has been very cleansing for me. A couple of days ago I started detoxing something fierce in the right gland near my throat/jaw. It is a lot better today though. I'll be sure to get my circulation going more to help it finish clearing out. I wish I had a rebounder though!

It was 17 degrees out this morning! I really need a new winter coat.

Green Soul Challenge - Day 3

2008-11-15T23:11:00.003-05:00

I'm starting to type this at 11:11, awesome spiritual numbers. It's amazing when you really focus on eating cleaner to rid the body of unwanted things, outer things follow that show itself in needing to be rid of. There is a true connection with treating your inner life well and your outer life wanting to reflect that and I feel so blessed in experiencing that, it's very freeing.

Why yes, I did have my daily green today. Lots of salad still. We went to the grocery store to pick up some more stuff, so I was able to get the usual mixed greens. I didn't do the green smoothie today but hopefully soon. I just seem to be on this salad kick and I am really enjoying it.

I may just make a spirulina drink before I go to bed though.

Brian says he has birds too!

2008-11-15T00:27:00.003-05:00

Brian sent this cell phone video to Gavin of some seagulls on his truck. The caption he sent along with it is what's funny. It said, "I got birds too.", in reference to my new birds. Silly Brian! What's also funny is that Gavin took him serious at first, thinking his daddy had some new birds! Silly Gavin!

Green Thoughts and Raw Packages

2008-11-14T22:38:00.005-05:00

It feels good to be back in the green mode. This is day 2 for me in my Green Soul Challenge. All these leaves are filling me up! I only have lots of baby spinach left though. Depending on the weather tomorrow, I may go pick up some more variety of greens, if not I'll just make a banana mixed berry green smoothie with the baby spinach. I've actually been eyeing all those damn dandelion leaves in my backyard, I think I'll check tomorrow for some immature leaves if it isn't too wet outside, which it probably will be.

More raw agave nectar came today, I almost ran out. I am so thankful for Amazon on selling cool raw food staples like that at a more affordable price. I remember a few years back when agave nectar was ridiculously expensive. I mean, it really was robbery. Also recently from Amazon came my order of goji berries. For over 6,000 years, the Goji berry has been used to help protect the liver, help eyesight, boost the immune system, prevent cancer, and promote longevity amongst other benefits. Goji Up! I really need to make some sort of chocolate goji recipe soon. Mmmm.

Read more on goji berries.

Green Soul Challenge - Day 1

2008-11-13T22:39:00.005-05:00

So I actually started yesterday, making sure I ate lots of leafy greens but I'm counting today as the starting point hoping my friend Sherry also started today. I had a nice salad of mixed greens - baby romaine, baby spinach, tango and a few leaves of radicchio. I don't really care too much for the purple leaves, they are awfully bitter to me, but when it's just a few leaves of it in the salad, it isn't bad at all and actually gives a nice contrast in taste.

The creamy salad dressing I make is really good (saving the recipe for my book). I love that my son loves it as well, he specifically asks for it whenever he has salad. Instead of water as the base, I use coconut water (along with nuts), it doesn't have a coconut taste whatsoever for those that are wary in using it. Coconut water is highly refreshing with loads of electrolytes. I swear I get a zing from it! I can feel its energy. Coconut water is awesome!

So yep, I had my green for the day! Yay!

I currently have some cucumber and lemon water marinating for tomorrow. I'll be sipping on that throughout the day. I meant to make it earlier today but totally forgot!

My 30 Day Green Soul Challenge

2008-11-11T12:41:00.007-05:00

I am inviting anyone who wants to join to a 30 Day Green Soul Challenge.

What does this challenge entail?

The daily consumption of raw chlorophyll-rich foods - at least one meal having lots of good chlorophyll. The easiest and best way in my opinion are raw Green Smoothies - fruit smoothies with added leafy greens in them. This blended form allows for better absorption thus more nutrition.

I will eat salads as well some days and count that towards the "daily green". The salads must consist of dark leafy greens and no, iceberg does not count. You can eat iceberg salads of course, but it does not count towards this challenge. What we are aiming for here are the lovely dark greens, such as spinach, kale, swiss chard and collards. These have a higher content of chlorophyll and nutrition all around.

Also counting towards this challenge are supplements like adding spirulina to raw juices and wheatgrass of course is included. Let me know if I should add anything else to the list.

The benefits of "green sunshine" are enormous and foolish to ignore. Chlorophyll is chemically similar in composition to that of human blood, except that the central atom in chlorophyll is magnesium, while iron is central in human blood. This, and the fact that chlorophyll is central in plant metabolism, had prompted scientists to find out if chlorophyll can offer similar benefits to humans.

Overall, chlorophyll has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties but here are some details of the benefits:

• It has been seen to help in the growth and repair of tissues.

• Chlorophyll helps in neutralizing the pollution that we breathe in and intake everyday - a good supplement for smokers.

• It efficiently delivers magnesium and helps the blood in carrying the much needed oxygen to all cells and tissues.

• It is also found to be useful in assimilating and chelating calcium and other heavy minerals.

• It had been seen to have a good potential in stimulating red blood cells to improve oxygen supply.

• Along with other vitamins such as A, C and E, chlorophyll has been seen to help neutralize free radicals that do damage to healthy cells.

• Chlorophyll is also an effective deodorizer to reduce bad breath, urine, fecal waste, and body odor.

• It may reduce the ability of carcinogens to bind with the DNA in different major organs in the body.

• Chlorophyll may be useful in treating calcium oxalate stone ailments.

• It possesses some anti-atherogenic activity as well.

• It can be used to treat infected wounds naturally.

• It has antimutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties so that it may be helpful in protecting your body against toxins and in reducing drug side effects.

• These are only a few of the multitude benefits that chlorophyll can do to the body.

http://www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com/chlorophyll-benefits.html

Hopefully, this can be a great jump start for a continual love of raw green foods after experiencing and feeling the benefits for some. If you are joining, join whenever you can, we don't all have to be on the same days. Wishing you lots of yummy health!

Fire Over Fire - New Candlesticks

2008-11-09T11:55:00.007-05:00

I finally don't have to look at an empty space above my fireplace anymore. The mantle now displays those very cool candlesticks from my wish list! I used the $100 gift certificate I got in return from FrontGate for buying that Gold Xmas Tree to buy them. And let me tell you, these candlesticks are larger than life! Brian and I were in awe at just how huge they were. The tallest one is 24 inches in height.

It has taken awhile (ever since we moved in this house) for me to figure out what to put there above the fireplace. I had ordered a Goddess Kwan Yin painting for the area awhile back, but the dimensions weren't right for the space. Now all I have to do is find some cool candles! I think I already know which ones I want though.

White Java Finches

2008-11-05T22:36:00.004-05:00

My java finches came today! They are so pretty! I absolutely adore their beaks, it has got to be the main factor on why I like them (other than their birdsong of course!). I have a male and female couple. Only the male of the species actually sings a tune though the female does make a noise. My male was already singing a bit after he got use to being in his new surroundings, which I was extremely happy about. I have new and more natural branch perches coming soon to replace the ugly bulky perches that came with the cage. That'll really add a more natural look to the cage and better suit the birds.

Female on left, male on right.

Female.

Male.

Gavin is excited about having pet birds. He wanted to stay up later to be with them. I told him he could get ready for school near them in the morning and he looked at me like I was crazy and said, "They'll see me naked!"

Anyhow, I still need to name them. I usually name animals Asian names and words, so more than likely I'll go that route.

Barack Obama - Our Next President

2008-11-05T00:23:00.003-05:00

How happy am I? EXTREMELY happy!!!!

America is on her way to positive change and growth. I feel very relieved about that, for America and the world.

A Grim Reaper Halloween!

2008-11-01T17:36:00.008-04:00

Gavin had a blast being scary for the first time for Halloween. He chose this costume himself. I ended up inverting the colors of some of the photos I took of him and I think they turned out good - a perfect vibe for Halloween photos.

Click to enlarge this inverted closeup. It's freaky good!

Hope everyone had a nice Halloween! Sadly, I didn't have any trick-or-treaters come to the house, and Brian bought GOOD candy. We would have been considered one of the "good candy houses", but alas, no faeries, witches, or monsters stopped by.

Brian took Gavin across the street to explore the neighborhood over there for Gavin to trick-or-treat at, and I was really surprised when they came back with his bag full of candy. Supposedly, the houses that were giving out candy were so happy that someone actually stopped by to trick-or-treat that they gave Gavin handfuls!

I'm glad he had fun.

Oh, something really tacky but funny, someone handed out pink wrapped "It's A Girl" mints.

Sitar, My Soul

2008-10-30T01:16:00.005-04:00

So I finally took my sitar out of the garage and out of it's case and into the living room. I haven't played it since before we moved and that has been way too long for someone that claims she's determined to learn how to play it well. I love the sitar - everything about it - from the way it looks to the way it sounds. If an instrument ever could represent the sound of a soul, it would by far be the sound of a sitar. Holding and playing the sitar I find to be such a spiritual experience, it's hard to describe really... But it's so meditative and soothing. I've never gotten that feeling from other instruments I've played.

Here's my sitar set up in my living room. I just recently got that floor pillow from World Market. It is officially my sitar pillow just for when I play - my official "ass pillow." Hahaha!

I love the upper large Lotus Pegs, they add such beauty.

The removable toomba that's behind. It's hollow with a hole underneath and adds extra resonance when you play.

A shot of the various carved detail and decoration.

Tinker Bell - The Movie

2008-10-25T17:22:00.005-04:00

I preordered Tinker Bell on Blu-ray. I'm excited!!! It comes out on video on the 28th, so I should have it on the Thursday or Friday after that. I just love faeries! And I'm excited about a movie that has a black faerie! You don't see that all that often which makes me so sad. In the movie, Arthur and the Invisibles, I absolutely loved the part where the dreadlocked Jamaican-like Minimoys starred. That was extremely cool!

I actually only recently got into "Tinker Bell" when my friend Liz lead me to the Disney website where you can make your own faery and decorate her room along with other neat features. Check it out!

Smoothies and Berries: Blended Goodness

2008-10-22T20:23:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite smoothie flavors to make is banana-berry (shown above). It consists of bananas, mixed berries (blueberry, blackberry, strawberry and raspberry), lemon juice (for a zing), and agave nectar to sweeten. Smoothies are a great way to absorb more nutrients from your food since we tend not to chew our food properly and no chewing is needed with smoothies - the blender has done all the work!

Maybe I am lucky in that I just simply love eating berries but they are amazing superfoods with many health benefits such as preventing cancer and heart disease, keeping your eyes healthy, controlling your blood sugar and of course keeping you looking young - you can't go wrong.

I love being blessed with berries!

Gavin's Fall Festival

2008-10-18T22:50:00.007-04:00

Today I took my son to his school's Fall Festival. It was fun seeing him enjoying himself so much, the school had some cute games available including a hay ride with a tractor. Supposedly the girl he likes was there as well but he didn't even point her out to me! I so wanted to see! He assumes I know who everyone is when I really don't. It was cute seeing kids come up to him to say hi though. I'm just glad he's made new friends coming from a different school. His teacher was there selling ice cream and his bus driver was there helping out with the bounce house (which by the way Gavin was way too cautious in). Below are some photos from the festival.

Getting his hair dyed.

Curly polka dotted colored hair!

Smile!

With the Chick-Fil-A Cow! Haha!

Car Bash!

I think it's so funny the Car Bash was so popular. People love hitting things!

O.J. Simpson Can Help You! Informerical

2008-10-18T00:05:00.007-04:00

This video is freakin' hilarious! They took the actual audio clips from that stupid idiotic stint he did trying to get his memorabilia back and made an infomercial out of it. It's about it helping you be assertive and getting your family's respect! Haha!

Caution! This includes cussing, so don't have any kids around while you watch.

The video is done by Lisa Nova. She has plenty of HILARIOUS videos on her YouTube channel that she does and most she stars in (not in this one though). She is very talented and oh so funny.

Best Barack Obama Impersonation

2008-10-14T10:32:00.003-04:00

This is the best Obama impersonation I've seen yet. I think that guy on SNL who does Barack completely sucks at it. They should hire this guy here!

Astrology Drinking Glasses

2008-10-09T23:28:00.005-04:00

Check out these Astrology Drinking Glasses from Urban Outfitters. They are awfully mean, but funny.

I'm a Capricorn and mine says:

The Capricorn constellation is a goat. When was the last time you saw a goat pay too much for an apple or miss out on a good sale? Goats never get ripped off and you don't either. You are so tight-fisted you can barely pick up this pint. With all the money you save, you should be buying everyone the next round but the only full drink is your own. p.s goats don't have friends.

OUCH!!! Haha!

Fall Flowers

2008-10-03T15:39:00.005-04:00

I just recently started to buy cut flowers for the dining table. This is what's currently on there. I really love the fall color.

As you can see, I'm new at this! I didn't realize until after I put the flowers and lotus pods in a vase that I really should have bought more for a fuller look! Next time will be better.

Delicious Raisins!

2008-10-02T07:04:00.005-04:00

Raisins that are delicious? Before yesterday I would say that was completely an oxymoron. I rarely buy raisins, the main reason being is that they aren't anything special, but another reason being is that if they aren't organic you are taking in a concentrated from of pesticides being that they are a concentrated form of grapes. Concerning mass, you are eating more of the grapes in dried form compared to eating them in their fresh juicy form.

Well, last night I finally opened up a box of organic raisins I bought from Harris Teeter, the raisins are their store brand. I bought them mainly for when I make a Waldorf Salad type of meal. I am very rarely in the mood for just straight raisins, only when it seems I want something sweet but there really isn't anything around at the moment. I didn't have high expectations in the raisins, I mean they ARE just raisins.

But when I ate few I noticed their texture was different from what I was use to, seemed to have a little sugary slight crunch to them while still being moist. And then WOW, it was a total pleasant surprise - it tasted like candy! I quickly looked at the ingredients on the box to make sure what I was eating didn't have any "added sugar" or anything, but nope the ingredients just listed "organic raisins".

So there I was just eating away at this newly found delicious taste making me so content at the world at hand and in comes my son. Of course he wonders what I am eating and has to have some. The same reaction comes from him as well, he finds them so good! Then he gets even more excited when he learns they are organic! He is so cute.

So it looks like after 28 almost 29 years, I finally like raisins. Maybe all this time they just had to be organic. Organic food does seem to taste better.

Afro Samurai - One Badass Anime

2008-09-30T07:27:00.007-04:00

Afro Samurai (voiced by Academy Award® nominated Samuel L. Jackson) is an epic tale of a black samurai's hunt for Justice (voiced by Ron Perlman: Hellboy Alien Resurrection ) who murdered his father. With music score by The RZA ( Kill Bill, Wu Tang Clan), Afro Samurai blends traditional Japanese culture, funky technology and hip hop to create a brutally fresh entertainment experience.

Plot Summary:

The TV anime series is set in a "futuristic, yet feudal Japan," and stars a samurai named Afro for his hair. The story follows Afro as he tries to avenge his father's murder. In the world of Afro Samurai, it is said that the one who becomes "Number One" will rule the world, wielding powers akin to a god. Someone becomes Number One by killing the previous Number One and taking his ceremonial headband. However, the only rule in this world is that only the "Number Two" (also designated by a sacred headband) is allowed to fight the "Number One." The downside of this is that anyone (and typically everyone) can challenge and try to kill the Number Two, to gain the right to move forward and challenge Number One. Afro Samurai's father was the old Number One, until he was challenged by a gunman named "Justice" (who was then Number Two), who fought him in a duel to become the new Number One. At the time Justice challenged his father, Afro had only been a child. Justice severed his father's head right in front of the young Afro. Now an adult, Afro Samurai is the current Number Two and a master swordsman; he travels the road seeking revenge on Justice, the current Number One.

Lengthy flashbacks interspersed throughout the story detail how Afro rose from frightened boy fleeing the death of his father, to master swordsman, and eventually to become the current "Number Two", while the story in the present deals with the adult Afro making his way to the mountain top keep of the "Number One" to duel Justice, while at the same time the mysterious cult known as the "Empty Seven Clan" sends various agents to kill Afro and take his Number Two headband.

A new season (referred to as "Afro Samurai: Resurrection") has been announced for 2009 on Spike TV.

Afro Samurai Wikipedia Entry

We just bought this on Blu Ray (the photo at the top is linked to the Amazon page). I haven't had the chance to watch it but I am excited to watch it over in HD. Even for cartoons/animations, it being in high definition looks amazing, so vibrant and crisp!

Palin Is Ready? Please.

2008-09-29T16:09:00.006-04:00

Written by Fareed Zakaria - Editor of Newsweek International, columnist

Will someone please put Sarah Palin out of her agony? Is it too much to ask that she come to realize that she wants, in that wonderful phrase in American politics, "to spend more time with her family"? Having stayed in purdah for weeks, she finally agreed to a third interview. CBS's Katie Couric questioned her in her trademark sympathetic style. It didn't help. When asked how living in the state closest to Russia gave her foreign-policy experience, Palin responded thus:

"It's very important when you consider even national-security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the airspace of the United States of America. Where--where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border. It is from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to--to our state."

There is, of course, the sheer absurdity of the premise. Two weeks ago I flew to Tokyo, crossing over the North Pole. Does that make me an expert on Santa Claus? (Thanks, Jon Stewart.) But even beyond that, read the rest of her response. "It is from Alaska that we send out those ..." What does this mean? This is not an isolated example. Palin has been given a set of talking points by campaign advisers, simple ideological mantras that she repeats and repeats as long as she can. ("We mustn't blink.") But if forced off those rehearsed lines, what she has to say is often, quite frankly, gibberish.

Couric asked her a smart question about the proposed $700 billion bailout of the American financial sector. It was designed to see if Palin understood that the problem in this crisis is that credit and liquidity in the financial system has dried up, and that that's why, in the estimation of Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and Fed chairman Ben Bernanke, the government needs to step in to buy up Wall Street's most toxic liabilities. Here's the entire exchange:

COURIC: Why isn't it better, Governor Palin, to spend $700 billion helping middle-class families who are struggling with health care, housing, gas and groceries; allow them to spend more and put more money into the economy instead of helping these big financial institutions that played a role in creating this mess?

PALIN: That's why I say I, like every American I'm speaking with, were ill about this position that we have been put in where it is the taxpayers looking to bail out. But ultimately, what the bailout does is help those who are concerned about the health-care reform that is needed to help shore up our economy, helping the--it's got to be all about job creation, too, shoring up our economy and putting it back on the right track. So health-care reform and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to accompany tax reductions and tax relief for Americans. And trade, we've got to see trade as opportunity, not as a competitive, scary thing. But one in five jobs being created in the trade sector today, we've got to look at that as more opportunity. All those things under the umbrella of job creation. This bailout is a part of that.

This is nonsense--a vapid emptying out of every catchphrase about economics that came into her head. Some commentators, like CNN's Campbell Brown, have argued that it's sexist to keep Sarah Palin under wraps, as if she were a delicate flower who might wilt under the bright lights of the modern media. But the more Palin talks, the more we see that it may not be sexism but common sense that's causing the McCain campaign to treat her like a time bomb.

Can we now admit the obvious? Sarah Palin is utterly unqualified to be vice president. She is a feisty, charismatic politician who has done some good things in Alaska. But she has never spent a day thinking about any important national or international issue, and this is a hell of a time to start. The next administration is going to face a set of challenges unlike any in recent memory. There is an ongoing military operation in Iraq that still costs $10 billion a month, a war against the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan that is not going well and is not easily fixed. Iran, Russia and Venezuela present tough strategic challenges.

Domestically, the bailout and reform of the financial industry will take years and hundreds of billions of dollars. Health-care costs, unless curtailed, will bankrupt the federal government. Social Security, immigration, collapsing infrastructure and education are all going to get much worse if they are not handled soon.

And the American government is stretched to the limit. Between the Bush tax cuts, homeland-security needs, Iraq, Afghanistan and the bailout, the budget is looking bleak. Plus, within a few years, the retirement of the baby boomers begins with its massive and rising costs (in the trillions).

Obviously these are very serious challenges and constraints. In these times, for John McCain to have chosen this person to be his running mate is fundamentally irresponsible. McCain says that he always puts country first. In this important case, it is simply not true.

PostGlobal co-moderator Fareed Zakaria is editor of Newsweek International, overseeing all Newsweek's editions abroad. He writes a regular column for Newsweek, which also appears in Newsweek International and often The Washington Post.

Click here for website.

Tina Fey Does Sarah Palin Again

2008-09-28T15:39:00.005-04:00

The ending is especially hilarious.

Wish List - Gold Tree

2008-09-25T17:29:00.004-04:00

I'm amazed by this tree. It's stunning! I would totally do the feather decoration with it as in the photo because that looks SO GOOD! I did always want a white tree and to decorate it with silvery things but this golden tree is like a pure dream and fantasy.

Meet Mr. Legs

2008-09-24T21:20:00.006-04:00

This was hanging out near my front door. I thought it was weird this "spider" didn't have the 2 different body parts like other spiders, the cephalothorax and abdomen. Because of the legs, I googled it up as a daddy long legs and found out that this thing isn't a true daddy long legs or a true spider for that matter. It is called a Harvestman, belonging to arachnids but the Dromopoda sub class and the Opiliones order. They only have one pair of eyes and are not venomous.

But if you ask me, if it has 8 legs then it's a freakin' spider! But that is probably why I'm not a scientist. It IS good to know they aren't poisonous though.

Wish List - Chill Vases and Decorating Gems

2008-09-23T10:39:00.007-04:00

Chill Vases. Absolutely beautiful! Love the ice look. This would really help set the silver and ice tone of my table! It seems I really like Crate and Barrel!

These look delicious! I'm glad I don't have anymore babies in the house, would be a hazard! I would like to use these in flower vases and also scattered around the table in some creative organic way.

I especially loves these Silver Ice pieces. I want to also scatter this around the table but use them in little candle holders as well.

My Wish List

2008-09-21T15:35:00.021-04:00

I'll be editing this every so often but will make a new post of any new additions. The photos are linked to the places that sell them, so click away if you find something you like as well!

I would love to have this set placed above the fireplace on the mantle.

2.
Very sleek and chic. Perfect for an altar as well.

3.

I love modernized Asian furniture.

4.

I love the table but don't really care for the chairs, maybe if it had different cushions... I can't decide which dining set I like better out of this one or the first one.

This is a part of the same collection as the dining set above.

5.
Glass is so simple yet so pretty when it includes a little texture! I'm on a mission to decorate my dream table setting and that would be something that compliments my raw vegan food well with a shimmery silver and ice theme, reminiscent of what maybe an Ice Fairy Queen would have her table to look like.

6.
Still on the silver and ice table setting theme - this is exactly what I am talking about!

Yes, I most definitely need that bowl as well from the collection. It's a sign, there's raw food in there!

7.
I think this particular set as a whole is a little bit TOO textural and noisy for my tastes, but just having the bowls would be a nice contrast to the above glass dinner plates. Plus the dinner plates that I like don't seem to offer any smaller bowls except the huge one.

8.
Absolutely beautiful! Love the ice look. This would really help set the silver and ice tone of my table!

9.
I'm amazed by this tree. It's stunning! I would totally do the feather decoration with it as in the photo because that looks SO GOOD! I did always want a white tree and to decorate it with silvery things but this golden tree is like a pure dream and fantasy.

...

To be forever continued...

The School's Neighbor

2008-09-19T20:21:00.004-04:00

Next door to my son's school lives this horse. I now realize that I really need to start bringing my camera with me wherever I go - you never know what you could run into! This photo was taken by cell phone. I really wanted to get a great zoomed in high quality photo. Maybe next time!

Scholastic Closes Book on Bratz Dolls Line

2008-09-18T21:21:00.007-04:00

I never did like them skanky looking dolls...

Children's book distributor drops brand from roster.

The largest distributor of children's books to Canadian schools has decided to yank all Bratz books from its roster after parents and psychologists complained that the controversial dolls promoted "precocious sexuality."

Scholastic Inc. distributes its products through school-based book fairs and clubs, selling books to students and teachers at discounted prices. But after a persuasive North American campaign spearheaded by the Boston-based Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, the company has relented and pulled books and products featuring the popular Bratz dolls.

The company confirmed yesterday that its fall product line for schools no longer includes the Bratz brand -- a switch from last year, when Scholastic said the books appealed to "reluctant readers" and its job was to "offer materials that appeal to children where they are, not where we would like them to be."

In a statement yesterday, Scholastic declined to comment on Bratz books, saying "the books we offer have been selected by an experienced team of editors who consult with our teacher and librarian advisors and review thousands of titles from all publishers.

"Our goal has been and continues to be to provide quality, affordable books that meet the wide range of reading levels and interests of today's students and help every child develop a love of reading."

The Bratz book line is a spinoff of MGA Entertainment Inc.'s top-selling fashion dolls, which have gained notoriety for their skimpy wardrobe of miniskirts, high-heel boots and feather boas.

A New Yorker article about the powerhouse of marketing behind the brand described the appearance of the dolls as being akin to "kept girls," "pole dancers on their way to work at a gentlemen's club," and, most critically, wearing "the sly, dozy expression of a party girl after one too many mojitos."

The brand has become so popular that it has spun off into a full product line. In addition to books such as Lil' Bratz Dancin' Divas and Lil' Bratz Catwalk, Scholastic last year also offered the Bratz: Rock Angelz computer game so that girls can create their own fashion magazine and the Bratz Fashion Designer stencil kit for elementary students to design "the perfect purse."

Since February, 2007, Scholastic and its Canadian subsidiary received more than 5,000 e-mails as part of the anti-Bratz campaign.

"We're just really thrilled and it really attests to the power of people working together to try and make change," said campaign co-ordinator Susan Linn.

"The Bratz are a highly sexualized brand and when a brand is marketed in a school, it has that school's endorsement. Essentially, schools were saying to their students, 'This is a good way to portray girls, these are models that you should strive for.' "

Ms. Linn, a psychologist and author of The Case for Make-believe: Saving Play in a Commercialized World, said she was particularly troubled with Scholastic's apparent tacit endorsement of the Bratz brand.

"Scholastic has such a stellar reputation with parents and with teachers and for Scholastic to be supporting and promoting this kind of sexualization, it was very troubling."

Edmonton mother Wendy Boyko was among the thousands who flooded Scholastic with their objection to Bratz books for sale in schools. She said she's "very, very impressed" by the book distributor's decision.

"For me, my main concern was just the appearance, the makeup and the clothing being more suggestive than necessary ... and targeting that to little girls who don't need to be looking like that," said Ms. Boyko, whose daughters are ages five and eight.

MGA Entertainment, based in California, was not available to comment.

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=798101

Proud Momma of a Super Reader!

2008-09-18T21:21:00.004-04:00

Today we went to Gavin's Open House to talk with his teacher in his classroom. I've always known Gavin was an amazing reader for his age but it was nice to hear a confirmation of it from a teacher. She told us that he was actually taken out of class to be tested for his reading and the lady who was testing him came back to the classroom to tell her that she needed another book because Gavin knew all of the words. He passed the 1st and 2nd grade levels, so in all Gavin reads on a 3rd grade level and he is only in the 1st grade. She let us know that not everyone gets picked to be tested like that! I'm so proud of him!

Probiotics - The Good Bacteria

2008-09-15T19:31:00.016-04:00

Soon after I ventured into raw vegan foods for nutrition, I learned more about "good bacteria" to help with digestion and overall health. I still have yet to get fully into making my own sauerkraut and other fermented foods like nut cheeses, but I did have a go at making my own kombucha tea with a scooby awhile back. I don't really care for the taste, but I may try again and add in some different flavors like the kombucha tea sold in health food stores.

But until then I find the Pearls probiotics by Enzymatic Therapy extremely convenient. I got a hold of the Intensive Care kind from Lucky Vitamin. What's cool about the Pearls is that the "shell" shields the friendly bacteria from being destroyed by stomach acid so it can arrive safely in your intestines!

What's on the box: The power of yogurt - intensified. The Smarter Probiotic. Gets where you need it, when you need it, fast. Just one daily - take anytime. No refrigeration. More strains for deep intestinal care. Long term colon health. Maximum control of gas, bloating, and occasional constipation. Dairy free.

Continued on back: You know when you need serious support! When your digestive system is calling out for intensive relief, go beyond basic and turn to Pearls IC. Intensive care probiotics provide more strains to promote deep intestinal care and long-term colon health. Pearls IC features True Delivery Technology which guarantees active cultures SURVIVE stomach acids, ARRIVE in your intestines and THRIVE to provide exceptional support. The essence of better health - delivered. 1 Billion CFU Proprietary Probiotic Blend: Lactobacillus (acidophilus, rhamnosus) and Bifidobacterium (bifidum, lactis, longum, breve).

This one I bought for my son - Buddy Bear Probiotic by Renew Life. It's chewable with natural orange flavor. 1 Billion CFU Probiotic Blend: Lactobacillus (acidophilus) and Bifidobacterium (bifidus and infantis). I haven't seen if my son can swallow the Pearls yet but will let him try soon. For someone who hates swallowing pills and tends to always gag and choke, I personally find the Pearls extremely easy to swallow and totally not a big deal at all.

So why take probiotics anyway?

Digestive health

Active live cultures supply relief from occasional gas, bloating, constipation, sensitive stomach and lactose intolerance.

Immune health

Ensures your body is not weighed down by toxins which may limit your immune defenses.

Skin health

Fights free radicals and environmental toxins which can have negative effects on your skin.

Here is also some useful information about the benefits of probiotics.

Full Moons and Spiderwebs

2008-09-15T02:07:00.009-04:00

Trying out my new tripod outside. I love seeing the craters on the moon, but then it makes me ponder about huge asteroids hitting Earth.

Caught in the act of web spinning.

It's underbelly is kind of interesting. Take a closer look.

Yep, it's web is monstrous. It must go! I guess it got tired of that spot on the side of the garage. My front yard is a little bit too in my face though!
(The grass is being mowed soon! Leave me alone!)

My New Besom

2008-09-13T15:02:00.006-04:00

I've been waiting for years to find a besom (or witch's broom) that I really like and I think I have finally stumbled upon it. Meet my new besom!

One of the things a besom is used for is to cleanse and consecrate, a very important step in creating a sacred space. Though this particular artistic broom isn't meant for "housework", it will do just fine for my rituals. Anyone have any ideas of a cool name for it? I tend to name the things I use for rituals and this one seems to fit the bill as well. My Book of Shadows is named Sarah - a name that seems to have a mysterious connection with me concerning magic in a past life. But for the besom, I am looking for something a little more... cool?

I am leaning towards names like Twitch or Twilight.

My Wii Fit Age!

2008-09-09T23:08:00.000-04:00

I am so terribly embarrassed to say that when I started out using the Wii Fit, my "Wii Fit Age" was an astounding 38 years (I'm 28!). This is based on a couple of tests that you have to do. I am happy to announce that TODAY my Wii Fit Age is now an impressive 21! What a huge improvement a daily routine can deliver!

I truly love doing yoga with the balance board. Because of it, I am able to specifically see if I am balancing myself properly with the poses. Since I don't go to yoga classes, this is the next best thing in being critiqued in your poses. For a majority of the poses, I am considered the full rank of a "Yoga Master" while the others I am one star/notch down at a "Yoga Trainer".

There are 2 yoga poses that I totally suck on though but I am getting so much better, at least I'm not only one star with them anymore. One star is "Unbalanced". I struggle really hard just to get 2 stars, but before even if I struggled really hard, it just wasn't happening! I still haven't even unlocked all of the yoga poses though, but my son has for his account. He's a monster!

Strength training is not my forte. If you look at my color coded graph of the types of exercises I'm doing every day, the color for strength is barely there! My upper strength has always sucked. My wrists and ankles have always been so weak! Seriously, just attempting one push-up makes my wrists feel like they are about to BREAK! I kid you not! I am slowly starting to do more and more strength exercises though. I hate being weak, about time I do something about it.

In The Fairy Garden

2008-09-07T17:25:00.011-04:00

These are the newest addition to my potted flowers. I completely messed with the color levels to create a fairy essence. The flowers are really purple with green leaves. I quite like how the effect turned out. The top photo especially looks like something out of a fairy world and it begs to be clicked to enlarge for full effect.

Wish Upon a Moon

2008-09-06T22:59:00.007-04:00

Ever since I was a child, I've always said my prayers and sent my wishes up to the Moon as a sort of amplifier for it to reach God/dess. I can remember having to have the Moon in view in my window as I knelt down to say my prayers. If it wasn't in view, my prayers felt a little empty and weak. Looking back on what I know now, I think I instinctively knew the Moon meant more to my soul. I definitely think I have a past life connection that considered the Moon an important aspect of spirituality to have such a strong connection to it as a child.

Taken tonight. I'm very impressed that my little camera managed to get the details so nicely without any special lenses.

"Please Stay Around"...

2008-09-06T09:28:00.006-04:00

I told her, and she agreed (at least for now).

Crinkle and Lace Boots

2008-09-05T16:30:00.002-04:00

My new boots that I absolutely LOVE.

Loving the Wii and Wii Fit

2008-09-03T23:38:00.003-04:00

The Wii Fit if so neat! It's a great way to set fitness goals and visually keep track of how you are doing with graphs and test results. Silly me, it didn't even register in my head that the Balance Board weighs also! I think I associated all fitness games with Yourself Fitness and other fitness games where you have to weigh with your own scale and manually enter that information in each time. I feel like the Balance Board is magic! Ha!

I haven't done much at all of ALL that is available to do, but the hula hoop game really makes me sweat! I try my best to get as many spins in as possible and then all of a sudden, you are sweating! You get to make your own little character beforehand (to use with other games as well) and doing that is really fun and cute. Gavin made his character with a beard! I think because of that cartoon The Misadventures of Flapjack - because men with beards are the TRUE ADVENTURERS!

This is my "Mii", aren't I cute in the Wii World? And to the right is Gavin's "Mii" with his beard, funny!

So "cute" seems to be my word for the whole Wii thing though. The graphics are very kiddy with it being more of a kiddy system, but of course that is why we bought a Wii in the first place for Gavin. But for the more "beautiful" games that can be played in High Definition, if available on the PS3 we are definitely going that route. It just seems a shame to downgrade on the quality of how a game looks if you can see and play it in yummy HD.

But I love the whole cutesy thing, so Wii Fit is wonderful to me! Gavin enjoys the Wii Fit as well, today in all he racked up a whole hour worth of "working out". Somewhere in there, the game told him to take a break and to make sure he drinks enough water! Ha!

I'm off to rack up some more minutes in my Wii "Fit Bank"...

My Silly Sweaty Boy

2008-09-02T01:46:00.007-04:00

Seeing Green (and Purple)

2008-08-31T21:51:00.011-04:00

Outside around the house...

Mossy mossy! Did you know moss is faerie carpet?

No 4-leaf, I checked!

I don' t know why I really like this one.

Can you believe I wanted to get rid of these grasses? That was before their blooms came, showing me how neat they looked. They are all around lining the front, side and back of the house.

Cutest Witch in the Neighborhood?

2008-08-30T00:24:00.007-04:00

This is my outfit for Halloween (Samhain)! It's one of those Indian wrap skirts that you can wear in an unimaginable number of ways - as skirts and dresses and even as capes. I've gathered up a collection of them, all very beautiful, but this is the one that screams HALLOWEEN! Screams - get it?!

Above is the way I'll wear it for Samhain, including a Witch's hat (but of course!).

I will always and forever love long skirts.

This way looks so Earth Mama. Love it!

As I stated before, there are so many ways to wear this, it really is amazing. These types of skirts usually have two layers of different colored fabric so you can twist and turn and flip and tie in so many styles and combinations that there is just no room for boredom!

I'll be gradually showing off my other pieces! I love them so much! And I love my husband for buying them for me!

McCain chooses Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for V.P.

2008-08-29T11:25:00.008-04:00

John McCain tapped little-known Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate on Friday in a startling selection on the eve of the Republican National Convention. - more.

What are your thoughts about this woman (if any)? Why do you think McCain chose her?

I Snagged a Wii Fit

2008-08-28T13:41:00.008-04:00

I finally was able to order a Wii Fit just now! Looking back though, it hasn't been long at all since I've made it a mission to get one. But since I wanted one so badly, every day seemed to be filled with long anticipation of my cell ringing with a Wii Fit Alert!

And I finally received an alert today! Amazon had it in stock - and now it's back out of stock in a flash (what a shocker), but I snagged one up in time!

I actually had to hurry up and cancel a Wii Fit Bundle order I made from New Egg late last night. Fortunately, the cancellation was accepted and went through really quick. I'm glad I managed to buy just the Wii Fit without a bundle package. I'd rather spend less money ($89.99) than more ($149.99)!

I am so excited about getting a Wii Fit! Oh yeah, we decided NOT to save the Wii for the holidays but concentrate on buying more games for it during that time, haha!

For those looking how to get those convenient cell text alerts, Amazon has a form right on their Wii product page here. And for the Wii Fit, I went to WiiAlerts and signed up to get alerted for the specific product and specific stores that get it in stock. It works!

Deadly Incense

2008-08-27T07:37:00.004-04:00

Burning incense may create a sweet scent, but regularly inhaling the smoke could put people at risk of cancers of the respiratory tract... - more.

This article only makes complete sense. I mean, it IS smoke you are creating. We get enough of that outside.

A Better (and Fun) Second Day

2008-08-26T21:27:00.008-04:00

Gavin was quick to get off the school bus today - he didn't fall asleep! Now that's how I like it! The bus driver praised him and so did I and he came home very excited about school. All seems well now. Good thing, because I was starting to think that rainbow from yesterday morning was lying to me!

He and I started playing Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock yesterday (first day of school gift). We played some more today and OMG, that game rocks (literally huh?)! Brian and I ordered another guitar with a game bundle so we could play against Gavin and because the Guitar Hero games from GameFly weren't available so we decided to just buy one.

I cannot stress enough how fun this game is! I don't even listen to rock music all that much but I find myself really feeling the music while I'm playing - too funny! And it's so cute how Gavin gets into the music as well, trying to make sure he hits each note on time. He's excited about getting a real guitar some day.

Seems like the song "Slow Ride" is going to be stuck in my head for the rest of the night, it's echoing in my head as a type!

First Day of First Grade - Bus Incident!

2008-08-25T21:38:00.006-04:00

The day started out great. Right when I opened the door to walk with my son to the edge of our driveway to wait for the school bus, we were greeted with this lovely rainbow.

What a nice thing to see right when I opened my door!

And here are some "First Day of School Photos".

Wanting to battle!

Looking a little lost.

For Daddy. You like?

Ready for school!

So Gavin caught the bus and was on his way to 1st grade! Mission: Accomplished! I get a nap in since I really didn't get much sleep the night before being so anxious about my son starting a new grade in a new school and making sure I had everything ready that he needed. After the nap, I head back to the grocery store to pick up a few things I had forgot on my recent trip there.

The time comes to wait for my son to be dropped off from school. The bus pulls up, and the bus driver opens the door and calls out my son's name. Nothing... she calls it again... nothing... the other kids call his name... nothing. Then it seemed like everyone was calling his name!!!

A little girl in the front seat pops her head out at me from out of nowhere and says, "He's not on this bus." And she says this all creepy-like! Like she was telling me news I did not want to hear and she knew this. Something told me to just ignore this strange young (demented) soul - I had to concentrate of figuring out why my son was not coming off the bus!

So it took awhile but Gavin finally WOKE UP! Yes, he was asleep!

Walking back to the house, I had asked, "Are you sure you can handle the bus? You fell asleep." Of course, he said 'yes'. We'll see about tomorrow!

Despite the bus incident, he says he had a great day! Falling asleep on the bus didn't seem like a big deal to him so I had to remind him that it wasn't okay. He did have a tough night last night though complaining of a stuffy nose so hopefully tomorrow he'll be more rested.

The Day Before 1st Grade

2008-08-24T21:22:00.012-04:00

My son Gavin and I spent the day watching Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow, playing Dance Dance Revolution, flying his SpongeBob kite and taking pictures. I must be an irritating photographer, because he sure was getting tired of me. I really wanted to get some photos of him though before his official initiation into 1st grade.

Click to enlarge all photos, but especially for the vertical ones - click AND ZOOM if possible to see them clear. The vertical ones always look so pixilated in thumbnail form.

He spotted a helicopter in this photo, tried to get me to look at it so he could run away from taking anymore pictures. Didn't work.

This was his photo idea, not mine - posing with sticks! It seems to be a theme with him.

This tree and little bench is in our front yard. When the tree is full of blossoms, it has hoards of bees all over it. This is was the perfect time to take advantage of the situation.

He loves flying that thing.

All done. Tomorrow is 1st Grade!

Jillian Michaels - Wii Style!

2008-08-23T20:57:00.009-04:00

Click image for Amazon page.

I spotted this on Amazon for the Wii Fit! Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2009. A very serious title, wouldn't you agree? It's due to come out in late October, but you can pre-order. I really want this--I just have to make sure I snatch up a Wii Fit!

Jillian Michaels is best known as one of the trainers on The Biggest Loser, the show where contestants have nothing but time to exercise all freaking day (and get counseled on how to eat healthy) and lose mind blowing amounts of weight.

I haven't found much information about this game (would love to see screenshots) but here is a quick description:

Enroll as a new recruit in Jillian's Boot Camp and join the Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2009! This is the first game to combine a celebrity trainer with the innovative Wii Balance Board. Choose from 4 types of workouts in motion based fitness activities. Input personal data to track your progress while you unlock lifestyle and fitness video tips from Jillian.

Uses the Wii Balance Board
Four workout types: Strength Training, Weight Loss, Intervals and Hill Climb
Motion based fitness activities such as ladder climb, rowing and monkey bars
Track personal data and progress
Unlock lifestyle tips from Jillian

I'm very excited about this "game". Jillian Michaels is known for being tough to get results and I expect this game to be a gem. I've tried fitness games before and I really love the idea of them--Dance Dance Revolution, Yourself!Fitness and EyeToy games. Some are more fun and game-like than others but all get you really active!

For more about Wii Fit, visit the website here. It looks very cool indeed!

Green Tea Mega Boost

2008-08-22T22:34:00.010-04:00

I really enjoy using matcha, whole green tea in a fine powdered form. I usually use it as a superfood boost to my recipes. Recently I've been making Green Tea Vanilla Milkshakes. So delicious and creamy!

Yum! It has fresh vanilla beans in it too!

Green tea has amazing benefits, but matcha is the whole form of it, so you are getting so much more of the benefits compared to straining and discarding the leaves. Studies show that matcha contains nearly 10 times the polyphenols and antioxidants of regular teas, twice the amount of antioxidants of red wine, 9 times the beta-carotene of spinach, and 4 times the amount of beta-carotene in carrots! Amazing! It makes you wonder why more people don't choose to consume green tea in the whole powdered form. Pass this information along!

I buy my matcha from TeazOnline.com - I think the prices are fair and the shipping is fast. I still have some oolong (or wulong) tea that I bought from them as well that I still need to try. Oolong is suppose to be great for the metabolism. I'll post more about that once I've tried it.

What a gorgeous green hue! It radiates health! Click image for website.

Since I've gotten highly into matcha, I recently ordered some green tea seeds to grow my very own green tea plants. I have this vision in my head of me simply taking off fresh green tea leaves from my own personal plants to drop into my blender concoctions and life being oh so green tea great.

Bought from Whatcom Seed Company.

I was surprised at the size of the seeds. I guess I was expecting something smaller and dainty. That paper is a regular sized computer sheet. But reading up more on green tea, I discovered they actually grow into trees, but farmers keep them trimmed small. In the wild they can grow up to 20 to 65 feet. I think it would be awfully neat to have a green tea tree. Let's see if I can make it happen with at least one of the seeds!

Space Rocket Drive By

2008-08-22T18:48:00.007-04:00

Brian has started sending Gavin videos through the cellphone of things on the road. Gavin has really been enjoying them and sending back video responses. Here's the video Gavin got today--Space Rocket!

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Open House at School

2008-08-21T23:13:00.005-04:00

Today Gavin and I went to his school's Open House. We met his teacher and she seems really nice. Gavin has already said that he really likes her and now he is even more excited about starting 1st grade. He was really excited about the library as well. He was the same way last year about his previous school's library. I hope he stays that way forever--loving libraries.

So it looks like Gavin will be riding the school bus now. He didn't ride it last school year because I was a little afraid for him. He had this thing about steps seeming dangerous and high and I had this thing about the older bigger kids maybe accidentally pushing him and making him fall and him hearing inappropriate things from bad kids. But last year I learned that most of the kindergarteners rode the bus and Gavin actually wished he was one of those kids.

My son riding the bus now just makes it all the more clear that he is turning into such a big boy now. It's going to be extremely convenient though, all we have to do is just wait by the road right outside our house, no walking to a specific bus stop. There's no sidewalk on our road so I am sure that is the reason but it makes walking him to and from the bus a very quick thing to do. I'm going to really appreciate that when it gets cold!

I Have Connections...

2008-08-21T19:05:00.013-04:00

or so that is how I feel right now with the Amazon Text Alert feature that I signed up for last night to be informed when any Wii's got back in stock. Earlier today I got a text message on my cell from Amazon that they had them back in stock.

I knew I had to rush to buy it before they were all gone, so I called Brian to see if he felt the same way and now we have Gavin's main big gift all set for Christmas! Lately, only the bundles have been for sale and we weren't willing to pay over $500 to almost $600 for one thing. After submitting my order I returned to see if the Wii's were already back out of stock and YEP! Gone like the wind (for now). One has to act very fast on these things. Learn to move like the speed of light or try to time travel if you must. But at the least, sign up for those cell text alerts.

Kwan Yin - Goddess of Mercy and Compassion

2008-08-21T09:28:00.012-04:00

Her full name translated means: One who hears the cries of the world.

I had this painting done for me of Kwan Yin (Guan Yin), the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. I am excited about how it turned out. I had paid for it to have something cool to hang above the fireplace but now I see it will look totally disproportionate there (I need something more horizontal). Currently I need to see where this painting will best be. I would really love for it to be shown in one of the more public rooms but our bedroom seems to have the perfect wall for it, having 2 doors that will frame it nicely on each side. The front living room is also perfect because of the wall color that you can see in the photo. I'll have to think on it more to decide.

I also plan to do some white or metallic painting or gold foil on the frame currently in use. I prefer silver but then it would clash with all the hardware and fixtures in the house. I do want to eventually switch out all the house's hardware to silver-tone, but that's not really a priority right now.

Some wonderful information about why I love Kwan Yin can be found here and here.

Cirque du Soleil - Believe

2008-08-20T12:02:00.007-04:00

I need to see this show! I have always been in love with Cirque du Soleil and even though Criss Angel is a little irritating, his show BeLIEve looks AMAZING. The Wade Robson choreographed performance of the Cirque du Soleil troupe on the So You Think You Can Dance finale was awe-inspiring and completely drew me in with the costumes and music. If this performance is amazing, just imagine the actual whole production!

Take a look below:

And the website can be viewed here.

Fig!

2008-08-19T18:01:00.006-04:00

I tasted a fresh fig for the very first time. The flavor is extremely delicate but what I love about the fig is the texture! It looks kind of gross (but neat) up close (I kind of man-handled it in this photo above) but it's very interesting to bite into and feel on the tongue. And I love the tiny crunchy seeds! So fun to eat!

Why did it take me so long to finally taste a fresh fig?

Love it!

Photo Play

2008-08-18T10:39:00.006-04:00

Here a couple of photos I took around the house and played around with the coloring. For some reason I mess around in Fireworks more than I do Photoshop. Anyhow, hope you like.

Moody Bird

Surviving in the Ungarden

The Waning Moon

2008-08-17T12:47:00.009-04:00

The Full Moon has come and gone once again and now it wanes. This is the time to push negativity out of your life knowing that the Universe is giving you extra strength to succeed in doing so. The Waning Moon is an excellent time to "banish and reject" such things as negative influences, negative emotions and thoughts, bad habits and diseases. Take the time out to figure what needs to be done to take control. Purification and protection for the home and body are best done during this time as well.

During this Waning Moon, I'll be upping my chlorophyll intake by eating more greens (and continuing with my wheatgrass juice). Chlorophyll is extremely purifying and helps rid the body of toxins. I'll also be making sure I get enough purifying Sun! I've been lacking in that department lately, especially with the dreary weather. I should start meditating and doing yoga outside in the sunlight.

I need to finally clean out the car as well (even though I'm not the one who messed it up)! So along with the house and my body, I'll be purifying and protecting the car too.

Strawberry + Chocolate = Yum!

2008-08-16T14:27:00.008-04:00

click photo to enlarge

This one is going in my recipe books.

PlayStation 3 Les Paul Wireless Guitar

2008-08-15T20:23:00.004-04:00

I'm psyched! I happened upon the Lightening Deals in Amazon.com's Gold Box Deals and snatched up a wireless guitar for the Guitar Hero PS3 games for only $25!!! Amazon originally sells it for $59.99.

I had thought I missed out on the deal because at first it said it was 100% claimed, but then the next time I looked on the Gold Box page the percentage was in the 70's so I'm guessing they allowed more people to buy it up! Yay for me! Or rather 'yay' for my son because I'm going to hide it until his first day of school so he can have a "first day of school" present to make him feel special. I got the idea from one of the nice ladies at Carolina Momma who I happened to be a secret friend for (sending gifts without her knowing who it was from--too fun!!). When I thought about the idea, I realized it was a really cute thing to do for a child starting a new grade (and in my son's situation, also a new school).

I'm so glad this deal came along! Not too bad of a gift for my son for just $25! Love it! Thanks Universe!

Rock Out Your Abs

2008-08-15T11:09:00.005-04:00

I finally retrieved my ab roller from the garage (from moving), so I started it up again the other day. My stomach is burning but I love it, because I know it's working. I have the same ab roller as in this awesome tutorial video below on how to use one properly.

There are various brands and styles of ab rollers but it's all really the same. I think an ab roller should be apart of everyone's excersie regime. It's cheap (I paid $8.90 for mine), doesn't take up space and truly targets those ab muscles! You'll feel the burn!

First Time Seeing One!

2008-08-14T18:48:00.006-04:00

While talking to my son earlier today, I was distracted by a bright yellow and black color in the backyard. I hurried and ran to get my camera, warning my son not to scare it away before I could get some snaps of it. It was a beautiful American Goldfinch! And yes, I had to look up the name! It was tearing up a clump of dandelion weeds like no one's business. Here's the best shot that I took. I had to take the photos through 2 glass doors, so don't expect much!

click photo to enlarge

And here is a shortened video clip that I managed to take, any longer and you'd probably fall asleep:

Nice looking colorful bird though wouldn't you say?

Missing My Wheatgrass

2008-08-14T00:46:00.005-04:00

I haven't had any wheatgrass juice in almost a week now and I am really missing it! I discovered that I can't do the outside wheatgrass thing, that I need to stick to growing it inside for now. Growing it inside, it grows faster, you don't have to worry about bugs and birds being attracted to it and you don't have to deal with mold. Right now I have some more wheatgrass growing that looks quite at home in front of the dining room window and it's already almost ready to harvest! Why isn't it in the kitchen window you ask? Well, this house has an add on. So when you're at the kitchen sink and look up, you're looking through the bar area (which was probably a window in its past life) to the den which is the add on. So no sunny kitchen garden for me! I'm not complaining though, this house still rocks.

So below is a shot of how I drink my wheatgrass juice:

Nope, it's not pure wheatgrass juice (do you think I'm crazy?) but more like a watered down ginger flavored version to make it easy to drink. I've been blending (and straining) my wheatgrass concoction in the blender lately and let me tell you, seeing and feeling the left over fiber all ground up really lets you see why that stuff is indigestible to us humans!

I notice a huge difference in the way I look and feel when I'm consuming wheatgrass juice. Soon my precious!

ReusableBags.com

2008-08-11T18:43:00.006-04:00

The other day I received my string and net produce bags from reusablebags.com. I must say they are very neat and stylish. The string bags stretch extremely well, even the teenage guy who helped bag my groceries commented on it. It feels really good to cut down on plastic bag use! I have 5 of the black string bags and 4 of the large net produce bags. I think my aura just got a little brighter!

Here is a photo I snapped of one of the bags:

click photo to enlarge

If enlarged, you can see one of the net produce bags in there. Also, way more can fit in the bag!

Cocoa "Buckwheat" Crispies

2008-08-10T21:21:00.008-04:00

This is delicious! So easy to make and it stays crunchy in nut milk. I also like to snack on it plain, it's THAT good! The recipe is from Raw Food Real World--an awesome raw food recipe book. A quick and simple replacement of the chocolate with cinnamon makes Cinnamon Buckwheat Crispies.

click photos to enlarge

All done and stored for convenience, cute huh?

Lovely Red and Pink Flowers

2008-08-08T21:56:00.007-04:00

Largely ignored until today, I finally took the time to take a few snaps of this red flower bush in front of the house.

click photos to enlarge

The last photo is the same flower as above but with a neat tiny spider on it. You have to click to enlarge (and then zoom in) to appreciate how clear I managed to get the spider. I tried to get an even better shot but it kept on moving.

Tiny spiders that live in flowers are the only type that don't freak me the hell out!

Why yes, I DID buy cheap soil.

2008-08-07T19:57:00.005-04:00

click photo to enlarge

Remind me to not opt for the cheap (meaning weed infested) soil next time, the weeds in this are really taking over! Or does this actually look good?

Ethical vs. Dietary Vegans

2008-08-07T13:13:00.014-04:00

An ethical vegan I am not, though the phrase of it kind of stings in that I think I am very ethical! But my beliefs restrict me from being called one of the ethical kind.

Let us go through the reasons why I cannot be called an "ethical vegan".

I love feathers and see nothing wrong with using them if the birds are not harmed by a feather being found just lying on the ground. Awhile back I needed a feather for a spell and asked Goddess to give me one and the next day a duck left a feather for me right in front of my sliding glass door. I guess the duck doesn't want me to be ethical, eh?
I see nothing wrong with using wool if the animals are taken care of and happy. Likewise, I see nothing wrong with taking an already dead animal's fur for clothing. But I would not kill an animal to take its fur, this to me is insane. There are lots of symbiotic relationships between different species in nature and aren't we humans a part of nature as well? As long as the symbiotic relationship is beneficial to all (both human and animal), I see nothing wrong.
This last reason may be the kicker in why I am not considered an ethical vegan: I will not ignore my above reasons in order to be a supposedly better example and/or having a supposedly easier strategy to convince and prevent others not to harm animals. Doing that would prevent me from being true to myself.

I love the Earth, I absolutely ADORE the Earth and all of her intricacies of life she carries but I fully believe that my beliefs are more than okay in being a great example that we should treat animals as we want to be treated and that my beliefs and actions attract good karma.

Wood Jewelry Part II

2008-08-05T17:38:00.007-04:00

click image to enlarge

I got more earthy tribal jewelry for my collection today! This time there's a ring! For some reason I'm really excited about wooden rings! It feels really nice and comfortable on the finger. Along with the ring are 2 necklaces: one that reminds me of the Spiral of Life and the other is a neat cut shell so the cool grooves can be seen. The shape of the cut shell reminds me of an arrowhead. Also in the addition are some big hoop earrings. I just love hoops, what can I say?! And when I saw that I can get hoops in wood, I had to snatch it up! There's a lot of cool energy to tap into in spirals and circles, they are very magickal shapes. I am very happy with these new pieces!

The first part of my 'earthy tribal jewelry' collection can be viewed here.

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth

2008-08-04T21:30:00.009-04:00

We saw a hummingbird moth today! It took me awhile to research exactly what this bug was but now I know. But while outside snapping shots and wondering what the heck type of bug this was, I had to double check my eyes to make sure it WASN'T a hummingbird. The nickname for these moths suit them extremely well.

I am exposing my amateur ways as a photographer with this one: It took me a few aggravating and desperate snaps of my camera before a light bulb went on in my head to switch to sports mode for a faster shutter speed. Though I think next time I'll see if I can also manually adjust the speed to get clearer shots of wings. This moth here had beautiful translucent wings, hence the "Clearwing".

This moth was so fast and active. It was going crazy for my lantana plant, flying and zipping all over that is was extremely hard to get a good shot. But hopefully these shots above best show how special hummingbird moths look. My other attempted photos are disappointing!

Wheatgrass and Flowers

2008-08-02T18:48:00.009-04:00

My wheatgrass is growing beautifully! I think it may soon be time to start another tray up so I will have a continuous supply without having to wait. Check out the lovely Green Sunshine below:

click photo to enlarge

I also took photos of more flowers around the house today:

click photo to enlarge
This is growing in the backyard (we have a tree of it in our front yard). This is called "Pink Velour" Crape Myrtle. The petals are known for looking like tissue paper. If you enlarge the photo by clicking on it, you will see the center better. It's not opened all the way yet but this stage made a neat photo opportunity. Weird but cool huh?
...

click photo to enlarge
I don't know the name of this but they are growing up from the green and white grass bunches that are all around the house. I didn't even know they made this purple thing until Gavin pointed it out to me. I thought they were just little boring grass bunches and nothing else, so I was surprised to see they made interesting pretty purple clusters. I have no idea if each purple thing is going to open up and bloom or if they are stamens. *Edited: This is Variegated Lily Turf Grass.
...

click photos to enlarge
This is the Lantana plant we bought from Lowe's. We have 3 hanging baskets of these, though 2 are currently on the ground on the side of the house so they can get better sunlight. I think the stamens of these are so very interesting! And I didn't really notice until today what exactly it looked like so close up. They look like little bowtie or butterfly pillows! I am starting to wonder if I like the sexual organs of flowers more than I like the petals!!!
...

click photos to enlarge
I believe this is ragwort. That bug was cool, I was a little nervous getting close to take a photo and I think he was too at first. He flew to me to check me out as if to say, "And you are?!" and then he flew back to the flower! I am proud of myself for not freaking out.

In the second photo, look at the immature green one. It looks like a planet.
...

With this last set of photos, I feel really bad for not giving these little flowers any credit. They are on the side and front of the house. When I first saw them, I didn't think much because they are so little and low to the ground. But now since I've taken a good close look, I think they are really special! ~~I have no idea what type of flower this is.~~ I believe these are Dianthus.

click photos to enlarge

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Raw

2008-08-01T23:39:00.007-04:00

The Complete Idiot's Guide series has now published a book on raw food! It's called The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Raw by Mark Reinfeld and Bo Rinaldi.

click image for Amazon Page

How neat is this?! I am happy that a famous book series such as this has done a book about how to start and enjoy the benefits of RAW FOOD!

Ambient Music

2008-07-31T13:57:00.005-04:00

I have some favorite new music to listen to while meditating and relaxing. All Our Ancestors by Tuu. I really do adore ambient or atmospheric music. For me this is real "soul" music.

click image for Amazon Page

You can preview the songs on Amazon. My favorites would have to be 2. All Our Ancestors, 5. Rainfall, 6. Illumination and 7. Shiva Descending, though I love the whole album! And it was nice saving $10 just by buying it all in MP3 files as well! It's been so long since I've used a CD for music for myself. I share my music with my PS3, having it stream my songs wirelessly from my computer so I can listen through the television. My husband did copy some of my songs straight on the PS3's hard drive also though, but for reason I just like how I can "stream".

There's some very calming music visuals on the PS3 as well, which fits perfectly with ambient music almost like it was made especially for it. I really love playing ambient music and having the house take on a spiritual calming vibe.

I had a previous album (on CD) by Tuu called Mesh, but I lost it! It's okay though, for now I am really digging this one by them.

A Good Package Day

2008-07-30T21:21:00.008-04:00

It was a nice surprise to see that my new ice cream maker had arrived before I even woke up to start my day off great! We made strawberry sherbert since I won't have any cashews until tomorrow to make a more creamy type of ice cream. It was delicious and so full of flavor, though Gavin is waiting on something "creamy". He'll have his creamy ice cream tomorrow (I'm looking forward to creamy too)!

click photos to enlarge

So I had ordered this Wolfgang Puck Ice Cream maker from HSN but had to cancel the order after I found it refurbished for way cheaper on Overstock.com and then Sherry gave me a discount code for even more savings. I'm glad I was able to cancel my HSN order! Speaking of HSN though, the lady I spoke to when taking my order was really nice and fun! She had to tell me that she loved my email address with the "Lunar Earth Mama" and come to find out she was Pagan. We talked about the misconceptions of Paganism with how Hollywood has warped the truth about a lovely earthy religion. It was very nice to hear someone talk about how much they love the Goddess.

So with the ice cream maker, I am so glad I don't have to wait for a freezer bowl to freeze overnight anymore. I can feed my sporadic ice cream cravings by having it soon afterwards without having to plan it out.

The other package that came today was my Dolls of the World: Princess of South Africa Barbie!

click photo to enlarge

I had tried to win her before on eBay but I gave up from getting outbid all the time and forgot all about her. It was only until the Carolina Mommas group talked about an article on a Barbie did I remember how I wanted this dark skinned one! Isn't she beautiful!? Her dark skin is gorgeous! I'm not even all that into Barbies but I had to get this one. I would really like that Secret Spells Barbie as well!

My Type of Abundance

2008-07-29T18:49:00.007-04:00

cilck photo to enlarge

This came from my grocery trip today. The corn was on sale--5 for $2! My son Gavin was excited about getting them! I love it when he is excited about fresh raw food and I love the results of my food trips, though I can't wait until the day I step outside and harvest some of what I need straight from my yard. I need to go ahead and restart some herbs in one of my AeroGardens. Along with the more common ones (like basil, mint, chives), I still have the Japanese Herb Kit that needs germinating. Hopefully I can get to that tonight.

Also today, my new tarot deck came. The Circle of Life Tarot. Absolutely beautiful and so unique. My friend Sherry thinks it's a creepy deck, which I have to admit a few of the cards are, but that's the reason why I like it! It's a circular deck which is a first for me in using so we'll see how I take to it but I don't foresee any dislikes. I'm actually looking forward to dealing with the all mighty circle. The backs are beautiful as well.

Click here to view the cards (scroll down) and read a review of the deck.

Simple Salad

2008-07-27T21:53:00.007-04:00

My dinner tonight was a simple salad, actually just bagged salad with my special creamy dressing called Dawn Light and pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top with tomato wedges to add some flare (and flavor! yum!). When you really don't feel like doing nothing much at all, a simple salad sure comes to the rescue!

click photo to enlarge

Blooming Flowers

2008-07-25T22:20:00.006-04:00

Today I was surprised with beautiful blooms from one of the plants that my mother-in-law gave to me a few weeks ago. Beautiful Tiger Lilies!

What's not to love about stepping outside and seeing beautiful plant life? When you think about it and really take a close look, flowers are very peculiar and interesting. Here are a couple of the better shots I took of some and also a macro shot. I love macro photography. I think it has to be my favorite type of photo--getting up close and seeing what's really there, what we may be missing or too busy to care to take a deeper look for.

click photos to enlarge

Gone Bananas!

2008-07-25T13:35:00.008-04:00

Bananas have absolutely no reason to go bad. I know they are cheap and won't affect the pocketbook by much at all if they have to be thrown out but they are a great source of vitamin B6. Bananas are also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. But best of all they allow for the best raw recipes like smoothies and ice cream!!! This was my setup last night while watching a movie:

click photo to enlarge

It makes chopping and packing the bananas for freezing less boring and allow for no excuse in storing those that will soon go bad (just do it while you're watching TV). Afterwards, I snacked on some cherries--they make the best movie food!

Isn't it irritating when you really need some bananas for a recipe, but they're either rotten or none in the house at all? Stock up and freeze!

Edited to add: WrenTwilight says, "Do not get so into the movie you cut off a finger!" :D

Organic Wheatgrass Growing Kit

2008-07-22T18:03:00.011-04:00

My wheatgrass kit came today from WheatgrassKits.com. After being unable to find fresh wheatgrass nearby to buy, I decided that was a sign to finally start growing my own. I'm very excited to grow it. It makes me feel good knowing exactly where and how my grass is being grown and that I have complete control over it. Wouldn't we all like to be able to say that about all of our food, especially with these salmonella outbreaks in the news?

click photo to enlarge

The kit includes:

5 Growing Trays
5 Pounds of Organic Wheatgrass Seed
2 Bags of Organic Growing Mix
Supply of Azomite
Wheatgrass: Nature's Finest Medicine by Steve Meyerowitz
Growing and Juicing Instructions
Free Growing Technical Support by Email

I can't wait to see it all start growing!

Below are "40 Points about Wheatgrass and its Nutritional Values" as stated on the Wheatgrass Kit.com's website:

Wheatgrass Juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available.
Chlorophyll is the first product of light and, therefore, contains more light energy than any other element.
Wheatgrass juice is a crude chlorophyll and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without toxic side effects.
Chlorophyll is the basis of all plant life.
Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll. The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly-oxygenated environment.
Chlorophyll is anti-bacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer.
Dr. Bernard Jensen says that it only takes minutes to digest wheatgrass juice and uses up very little body energy.
Science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of unfriendly bacteria.
Chlorophyll (wheatgrass) rebuilds the bloodstream. Studies of various animals have shown chlorophyll to be free of any toxic reaction. The red cell count was returned to normal within 4 to 5 days of the administration of chlorophyll, even in those animals which were known to be extremely anemic or low in red cell count.
Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility. (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)
Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 102 minerals from the soil.
Wheatgrass has what is called the grass-juice factor, which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive indefinitely.
Dr. Ann Wigmore and institutes based on her teachings has been helping people get well from chronic disorders for 30 years using wheatgrass.
Liquid chlorophyll gets into the tissues, refines them and makes them over.
Wheatgrass Juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables. Dr Earp-Thomas, associate of Ann Wigmore, says that 15 pounds of Wheatgrass is the equivalent of 350 pounds of carrot, lettuce, celery, and so forth.
Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.
Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.
Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.
Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.
In the American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Gruskin, M.D. recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll: to clear up foul smelling odors, neutralize Strep infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner-ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhea in many cases.
Wheatgrass Juice cures acne and even help to remove scars after it has been ingested for seven to eight months. The diet must be improved at the same time.
Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body and is used as a body deodorant.
A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet helps prevents tooth decay.
Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes will help eliminate toothaches. It pulls poisons from the gums.
Gargle Wheatgrass Juice for a sore throat.
Drink Wheatgrass Juice for skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis.
Wheatgrass Juice keeps the hair from graying.
Pyorrhea of the mouth: lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased area in mouth or chew wheatgrass, spitting out the pulp.
By taking Wheatgrass Juice, one may feel a difference in strength, endurance, health, and spirituality, and experience a sense of well-being.
Wheatgrass juice improves the digestion.
Wheatgrass juice is high in enzymes.
Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin cleanser and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Pour green juice over your body in a tub of warm water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.
Wheatgrass implants (enemas) are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls. The implants also heal and cleanse the internal organs. After an enema, wait 20 minutes, then implant 4 ounces of wheatgrass juice. Retain for 20 minutes.
Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open. It is high in magnesium.
Dr. Birscher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll "concentrated sun power." He said, "chlorophyll increases the function of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs."
According to Dr. Birscher, nature uses chlorophyll (wheatgrass) as a body cleanser, rebuilder, and neutralizer of toxins.
Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from breathing acid gasses. The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production.
Wheatgrass Juice reduces high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.
Wheatgrass Juice can remove heavy metals from the body.
Wheatgrass juice is great for blood disorders of all kinds.

(TO GET THE FULL BENEFIT OF CHLOROPHYLL IT MUST BE FROM A LIVING PLANT)

The Solar Food Dryer

2008-07-22T11:42:00.008-04:00

click image for Amazon page

Ask any raw vegan foodist and they will probably tell you their Excalibur dehydrator is their #1 choice in dehydrators. I have one myself. But I can't help but yearn for another method that doesn't use electricity, but makes good use of what is free right outside and up in the heavens--the sun! Who knows, maybe it's a past life in me that yearns to dry and preserve foods in a more ancient and even more earth friendlier manner.

I would absolutely LOVE to do this project. My heart would absolutely SING if I made this thing. I must make this happen!

On to the book description:

The Solar Food Dryer describes how to use solar energy to dry your food instead of costly electricity. With your own solar-powered food dryer, you can quickly and efficiently dry all your extra garden veggies, fruits, and herbs to preserve their goodness all year long-with free sunshine! Applicable to a wide geography-wherever gardens grow-this well-illustrated book includes:

Complete step-by-step plans for building a high-performance, low-cost solar food dryer from readily available materials
Solar energy design concepts
Food drying tips and recipes
Resources, references, solar charts, and more

Dream: White Snake

2008-07-21T17:43:00.005-04:00

I had a dream about a white snake today. I was back at our old apartment like I was cleaning up from moving away there. I noticed a white or rather an off-white snake that reminded me of just a little garden snake but just white instead of brown like the usual garden snakes. It just stared at me with its head lifted with so much attention focused in on me. Of course I was freaked out and grabbed a broom. I started to try to hit the little snake with the broom and it began to JUMP to keep out of the way. I jumping snake--how peculiar! I actually ended up hitting it one time but of course the broom's bristles didn't do much damage at all! From there I had all misses and then the snake decided to jump right at me as if to finally get me to stop attacking it and that's when I woke up and reacted in bed like I really did have a snake jump at me.

Only after waking up, did I remember a vision about a white spider that was totally harmless and only wanted to help by eating away cobwebs. Might be the same spirit...

A few dream symbol interpretations from Dream Moods:

Snake
To see a snake or be bitten by one in your dream, signifies hidden fears and worries that are threatening you. Your dream may be alerting you to something in your waking life that you are not aware of or that has not yet surfaced. The snake may also be seen as phallic and thus symbolize dangerous and forbidden sexuality. The snake may also refer to a person around you who is callous, ruthless, and can't be trusted. As a positive symbol, snakes represent transformation, knowledge and wisdom. It is indicative of self-renewal and positive changes.

White
White represents purity, perfection, peace, innocence, dignity, cleanliness, awareness, and new beginnings. You may be experiencing a reawakening or have a fresh outlook on life. However, in Eastern cultures, white is associated with death and mourning.

Broom
To see a broom in your dream, denotes that it is time to clean up your act and resolve your past issues. You need to discard what is no longer useful to you. Alternatively, brooms symbolize domesticity and the establishment of a household. Also, brooms are sometimes associated with witches and thus broomsticks may refer to the female shadow aspect of yourself.

Jewelry Material of Choice? Wood!

2008-07-19T17:49:00.009-04:00

I can't help but love how wood feels as jewelry. I find it much more loving, natural and less harsh compared to metal. I recently stumbled upon some cool tribal-like jewelry that I am completely obsessed with now, so I know my collection is going to grow. I especially love the earrings with the posts as little separate stakes (or sticks) that keep everything together in a very primitive but attractive way. I love that tribal look for jewelry!

Below is the START of my collection:

click photo to enlarge