Dreamcatchers for a better night's sleep

One of my favorite things to do on a cold winter night is sit by the fire watching a movie while I make dreamcatchers. I start with round wreaths made from my own wild grapevines, harvested and wound in the fall. Then I take natural sinew and weave it around the circle clockwise, periodically adding stones and feathers until I reach the center.

Dreamcatchers are an old tradition in the Americas, originating with Native Americans. They have been used for centuries to help "catch" bad dreams and let the good dreams come safely through to us.

I especially like to give them as gifts at baby showers to help protect the newly born and bless their room, and I believe they help young and old alike have pleasant dreams. We have one in every window in the bedrooms in our house (some windows even have 2 or 3!). Hang one by your bed or in the window for best effect.

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Scenes of the fall

 L's new pet

Greyledge Farm, foxhunting jumper's gate

Sharon Audobon Society

Really comfortable leather shoes

You know how sometimes you try something on in the store and it feels great, just to get home and be worn for a few hours and feel horrible? This happens to me mostly with shoes and bras. Sometimes other things, but these are the main culprits. Bras I have figured out that if I just stick to a couple brands that I know feel good, that helps tremendously. And shoes? Well, I am pretty careful now about buying expensive shoes -- I walk around the store in them for as long as I can get away with, and after 35 years I seem  to finally know which styles bring me the most joy. But still, sometimes I fail. Recently I bought a pair of beauitful Liz Claiborne shoes. Usually her shoes fit so nicely, and these felt great in the store, but now I realize they are uncomfortable in a few places.Luckily, they are leather, and I have a few tried a true tricks to stretch them out.

First, I tried walking in them with thicker socks to stretch them out. Ouch! They needed help. So I moved on to step two: I moisturized them with some great beeswax shoe paste, all over the outside (which will waterproof them too) and a bit on the inside where they hurt, and I stuffed some plastic cups in the to strech right where they hurt. If that didn't work I could spray 1/4 alcohol and 3/4 water solution on the spots that hurt and walk around in them until they are dry -- this would get me a great custom fit. If I needed some all over stretching, I could fill some baggies with water and stuff the shoes with them. Then, freeze the whole thing, which results in gentle expansion of the water as it turns to ice, and a good all over stretching!

Flea Control

Though it's September we are still experiencing warm, dry weather here in the Northeast, and with it the flea populations continue to multiply throughout the region. Vets say that many people are experiencing infestations and general irritation with the little buggers. Our own home has been no exception, as well as that of my mother's. We have bathed the animals, used flea collars, diatomaceous earth, garlic, sprays for bedding, and even bombed the homes multiple times. My mother has sprayed the areas just outside the house, too. 

All these chemicals make me nervous. Obviously, they aren't working, and layering them on one after the other, powder on top of spot treatment on top of collar seems very dangerous for the enture household, but most especially for the animals themselves.

I am especially wary of yard treatments: isn't this part of the reason why there are less bees and praying mantis and such? I usually just stick with diatomaceous earth, a safe inseect killer, and lots of vacuuming though in an infestation situation I have done what I have to keep the home safe. I am ill at ease with the concept that we humans have the right to kill ALL insects outside the house. I mean, I hate the ants that come in my home every year and I do put out traps in the kitchen and spray the base of the house to keep them away, but they are more than welcome to inhabit all space oustide of my home. I have similar distaste for Roundup, and will only use it on persistant poison ivy which refuses annihilation by pulling up (yeah, you know who you are, you, you plant in the back!)... 

There are tons of safe alternatives for flea control out there -- beneficial nematode spray will decrease flea larvae in the yard by 90% within 24 hours. D.E. can be put around your home and rubbed safely into your pet's fur. Nylar is a safe chemical that you can use indoors with a lot less fear of toxicity than other products -- try I.G. Regulator. Flea collars are less toxic to animals than the spot on treatments, but not as effective, and a bit more hazardous to your humans...try natural neem oil or repellants. 

And if you still want to believe all those chemicals are good for your animals, or you, here is this excerpt from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association’s newsletter:

In response to more than 44,000 potential adverse reactions to spot-on flea and tick products reported in 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency is intensifying its evaluation of these products. No recalls have been issued at this time. The AVMA will continue to maintain contact with the EPA and monitor the situation, and updates will be posted as they come to our attention. To see the EPA’s statement, including a chart of products, go to www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/flea-tick-control.html. For information about reporting adverse events, go to www.avma.org/animal_health/reporting_adverse_events.asp.

And this from the EPA itself:

U.S. and Canada to Increase Scrutiny of Flea and Tick Pet Products
Release date: 04/16/2009

(Washington, DC - April 16, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is intensifying its evaluation of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for pets due to recent increases in the number of reported incidents. Adverse reactions reported range from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and, in some cases, the death of pets. . . . Incidents with flea and tick products can involve the use of spot-on treatments, sprays, collars and shampoos. However, the majority of the incidents reported to EPA are related to flea and tick treatments with EPA-registered spot-on products.

For more info check out this great site:
http://www.alt4animals.com/flea.htm

Smoother Legs, More Free Time, Less Resources: A Product Review!

I'll just start this off by saying that I am a hairy girl. Thank you, mom, for the black Spanish hair that grows in furry profusion  :)  Over the years I have tried waxing, cream depilatories, razors, sugaring, bleaching, tweezing and it was all a losing battle...until my sister-in-law let me try her epilator. This is not the epilady (OUCH!) of the 1980's. These little machines have come a long way, and while not pain-free, are not all that bad. The first time was the worst, and each time after hurts less and less. Most parts of the leg don't really hurt at all after the first time! And, being that VERY hairy girl whose hair also grows incredibly fast (can you say 5 o'clock shadow... on your legs?) I can vouch that the results are long lasting. I only use it once a week. The best part is that my machine (the Revlon RV565 Gentle 2-in-1 Hair Removal System) comes with an electric razor on the other end that actually works!! It shaves really, really close. I never used one that worked on leg hair before, and am ecstatic that this one does. It is perfect for the bikini area and for any hairs that the epilator misses.

So, not only am I more hair-free, but I have more time, and am saving precious resources. I use less electricity and water epilating my legs for 20 minutes than I did shaving each day since I had to take incredibly hot, long showers and shave in the shower to prevent razor burn. I use 100% green energy in my home, so I am good with using an electric machine. Before, I could only use high-end razors like the Venus, so this saves me money (one time price for my epilator/shaver 18.95 on Amazon.) I also save money and resources by not needing to buy shaving cream anymore. After years of experimentation, only hair conditioner would work to prevent razor burn afterwards on my sensitive skin. I used VO5. Amazingly, the epilating doesn't cause me any skin irritation, I just moisturize afterwards as I did with shaving, and I am good to go. I haven't even had a single ingrown hair!

I wish I had owned one of these earlier. I'd probably be leg-hair free by now, since every time you epilate or tweeze or wax you damage hair follicles a bit, and there's always some that simply don't grow back. Ever. And that, in itself, is enough incentive for me :)

Today is.

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a beautiful day!  The dogwood leaves are starting to turn colors, and the air is crisp and bright.

Life is always beautiful after you've had a full night's sleep and you and your children are all feeling better after a fall cold.

Perhaps that is why we have illness. So we know what  feeling better really feels like.

Today my daughter is dressed in one of my favorite outfits of my son's, and it brings back such fond memories. She has little pigtails, and has made the outfit all hers, complete with drool and bits of wet paper stuck all over her. Enchanting :)

Holly Flower Essence: Hurricane Holly #9

I've been having some crazy dreams about the number 9 and various herbs, and Holly came up as a good flower essence to create this week. Flower essences are wonderful healing tools: basically you imbue pure water with the healing, energetic imprint of a flower by setting the water and flower out in the sun or the light of the moon. Then you preserve this essence with an equal amount pure alcohol or vinegar and make a dosage bottle according to homeopathic dilution principles. 

Yesterday I made "Hurricane Holly #9", which I really can't wait to start using. This essence was made during the buildup and approach of Hurricane Earl, with two Holly flowers, a four-petaled flower and a five-petaled flower, and with 9 quartz crystals surrounding it. This Holly essence empowers and balances all the forces of nature and the five elements within you to create the strongest clearing effects possible. Parasites, miasms, dark beings and genetic disturbances scurry and flee before it. Damaged cells are purged and you are left feeling clean and clear. If you suffer any de-tox symptoms while taking this essence, drink an 8-ounce glass of water with ¼ teaspoon salt (the higher-vibration the salt, the better: Himalayan, Pure Sea Salt, etc) up to three times a day. Traditionally, holly essence is used to heal and expand the heart chakra, and to alleviate anger and envy while generating acceptance.

Flower and crystal essences are available at www.earthlodgeherbals.com/flowers.htm

Back with a Review and a Smile

Ok, really, I'm back! My son starts school again next week, I've finally got a schedule down for my newly booming jewelry business and my baby, too, and my mind has been returning to posting. It was a busy, fun-filled, work-enjoying summer, but I am sooo ready for fall. For my first post back, I thought I would introduce you all to one of my best friends: the VeggieChop. I use it almost every day, and think it is one of the coolest, most convenient kitchen tools I've ever used (and believe me, I own way too many!)

What is the VeggieChop? It is basically a small hand-powered food processor that works a lot like a pull-geared salad spinner. It is the perfect size for a bowl of guacamole or salsa, and makes baby food in seconds from just about anything. Now, I do own a big, gorgeous Cuisanart processor that can do all sorts of things. But like I said, it's big, is kept in a cupboard making a bit hard to get to, and is harder to wash. So I save that one for larger jobs like processing nuts or making Gazpacho (mmm, summer tomatoes!) My husband bought the VeggieChop for me last year at William-Sonoma for Christmas, and I was a little confused because I had just received the Cuisanart from my mom the month before. But after the first use, I was sold! This little tool is just too cool :)

Where Have I been? Making Necklaces!

I know, I know, it's been a long time since I posted anything. I haven't forgotten you all, but I have been super busy making jewelry for babies. I started with an amber anklet for my 4 month old daughter, and it worked so well for her (she's totally stopped spitting up, and now only does so when I take the anklet off for more than an hour) that I began to make them for other people's babies and even sell them alongside my grownup jewelry on etsy. 

So what are these necklaces all about? Well, to start off I use pure Baltic amber, which has natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used for centuries in Europe to help naturally relieve teething pain, and calm and soothe colicky infants. Amber jewelry is meant to be worn close to skin, not chewed on. As baby wears the amber, trace amounts of Succinic Acid are released into the skin, a safe and effective analgesic recognized by allopathic medicine to benefit pain and boost the immune system. Baltic Amber distinguishes itself from other ambers in that it contains higher traces of succinic acid, and therefore is best for teething purposes. It is also believed to be a good source of beneficial negative ions when worn close to or on the skin.  

Fossilized resin of the giant prehistoric conifer 'Pinus Succinfera', Amber Essential Oil is estimated to be between 40 and 60 million years old, and has been credited with numerous beneficial properties both physical and spiritual. The Ancient Romans and Greeks used Amber essential oil to cure ailments such as asthma, rheumatism and internal problems. It's purported healing powers have extended to epilepsy, jaundice, kidney and bladder complaints and even the plague. It has also been used as an aphrodisiac and to guard against witchcraft. The resin is used in aromatherapy to soothe the nerves, as an antispasmodic, and general healing oil. Amber has the added metaphysical property of being considered protective and healing, and the color is believed to impart joy and confidence to the wearer and aid digestion.

I combine the the amber with beautiful gemstone beads which I pick specifically for their metaphysical healing properties, always keeping my mind on what is good for babies and small children. Most of the gems I use are geared towards soothing, calming, and healing. Finally, each piece is reiki-charged by me, a Karuna and Usui Reiki Master. Each piece is one of a kind and carries a high healing vibration. I  knot the beads at regular intervals in each piece to minimize bead loss should the necklace break, and the barrel and lobster clasps I use ensure that baby cannot take it off. Under serious tension the necklace should release at the clasp, where the rings are left unsoldered for safety.

Once I'm done with a few pieces, Baby J. gets to do a photo shoot, which she just loves. Isn't she pretty? My little fairy princess.

Tutus!

I spent the day making adorable little tutus for my baby and other little girls. I have them on etsy (see link on the left) and am going to see if some nearby children's stores want them, too. Now, if it would just be warm enough to dress the wee fairy princess in it for the day!

A beautiful foggy morning

I was out at 8am yesterday driving through the sunny fog, thinking how gorgeous it all was. After I drove through town and started climbing the hills, I thought the fog had lifted: when I saw this amazing vista I realized it was I who had lifted above the fog. 

Wonderful world we live in :)

Of Wind Farms, Wind Storms and Big Oil

As most people now, I am both disheartened and perturbed by the lack of success by BP to shut off the oil hole, and the poor cleanup efforts by both company and country thus far. It is, unfortunately, not much of a surprise.

What I find most irritating is the language being used by BP employees: "We will clean it up." Not "We ARE cleaning it up." Not "We ARE fixing it," but "We plan to try to fix it." This language, in everyday speak, is harmless, but to me it is indicative of how companies like this generally tackle their environmental mishaps. Believe it, every word out of their spokespersons' mouths are carefully planned. So pay attention to their verb tenses. Pay attention to what they aren't saying.

Big companies approach the immediate disaster efforts slowly, and generally figure out that a delayed response and cleanup effort will cost them less. They always promise to cover all the cleanup costs down the line, but they never actually do. They always promise to be responsible and make sure every last bit is taken care of, but then... well, they don't.

Here in NW CT, GE still has not cleaned up or paid for the damage they caused by releasing massive amount of PCBs into the Housatonic River. Sorry folks, costs too much, you didn't want to eat those fish, anyway... Exxon did not pay for the full cost and efforts of the cleanup for Valdez that they were "required" to. These companies are allowed to get away with it, because their lawyers are better than the states' and their lobbies pay good money to Washington to hush things up.

And, meanwhile, WE THE PEOPLE are so enamored with oil and so fearful of wind and solar farms that we just can't seem to get anywhere. Really, seriously people, these things are NOT unattractive. They are NOT noisy. And while a few drunken birds may fly into a turbine here or there, the cost to wildlife is certainly minimal compared to drilling and spilling. On the cape, NIMBY (Not in my backyard) is threatening to stall real progress, because people like to sail and where the farms are. Get over it. Let the world evolve.

I think the most effective cleanup effort (certainly as much as anything being done by the officials) will be to create a giant wind and rain storm to drive the oil away from the coast and out to open waters where it can disperse more safely (b/c hey, the animals we can't see thousands of feet down don't really matter, anyway. It's not like we fish them.)

I'm putting on my feathers and starting a wind dance now.

Visioning the future now

Today I ventured out to a local shop that carries beautiful notebooks and journals made from handcrafted paper and worn saris from India to buy a new dream journal (mine is full!!) and a notebook for visioning. Everytime I have driven by in the last 2 months it as been open but I haven't had time or energy to stop with two kids in tow. Today I made a special trip, but alas it was closed.

I still had time before picking L up from school, tho, so I went to our local Goodwill, hoping to find a nice journal: they only had one, purple and girly with a fancy woman on the cover and the words: "It's all about me! Me, me, me, me, Me, me, ME."

Well. That's not really, um, me.

But then I thought: hey, if you're going to have a notebook for visioning, a place where you write your desires and wants, a place where you work on crystallizing your visions and manifesting your dreams, if you really want it all to COME TRUE, then girl, you better get comfortable with the phrase: "it's all about me". Because this is ALL about you. OK. ok. So, I'll work on it ;)

If you haven't ever had a visioning notebook, it can take many forms... You may fill a binder with clear sheet protectors in which you stick photos and cuttings from magaines of things you want or ideas you like. It might be filled completely with affirmations. It might be filled with prayers for you and loved ones. It might be filled with drawings or sketches. Ideas. Inspirations.

You might not use a notebook, but instead create a vision board that you can post on your wall and look at every day. I have done that, and it is a lot of fun, too.

The key with all visioning is to be in the moment, to be full of joy and excitement, for your strong emotion is a strong factor in the success your dreaming.

Here, here, let's have a group cheer for the NOW!