Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Grumpy Crow Fun Time

At first I thought it was the deer slowly hacking at my garden, now I see things in a new light. You see, I highly doubt that the deer think it would be fun to pull all of my plant labels out of the ground every night. These crows on the other hand might do just that. I'm not talking about the odd tag that might have been trampled on. No, instead, every single tag gets rooted up in the night by these birds partying in the night (most likely in the early morning light) in my garden, leaving droppings all over the place and trying to uproot my plants. Some of them have been replanted a few times and they are tough little buggers. I'm concerned though, when these plants really take root... this kind of tomfoolery could really damage them. I lost another buttercup squash plant on account of this business... a cucumber as well. My scarecrow is going to be one scary fellow.

Oh mischievous crow family, this morning I stood in my garden plot, watching the tree in which you nest. Listening intently as you banter amongst your brood, taunting me with your caws of laughter. I yelled at you and your family to let you know that I'm watching you and your crow friends. I don't appreciate you leaving stool everywhere. Your day will come you grumpy little pranksters! 

Is this why my grandmother chased things out of her yard with a broom? 

Body Luxe Bath Salts Review and Giveaway

Not only can you choose from a wide selection of unique and interesting scents, at Body Luxe they can also help you design your very own signature scent.

I had the privilege of reviewing the Ocean Breeze Bath Salt Detox and let me tell you I was captivated long before I crawled into the tub. The aroma is pungent, powerful and so true to the description. The combination of the salts and the wild roses made me feel as though I was having a lovely evening stroll along the beach. The bath was luxurious. I will say this, the flower petals make it a little messy, so I would recommend a filter of some sort. Aside from that, WOW! A very romantic scent.

Kasia at Body Luxe also threw in a sample of her body butter, in a scent called Meadow. Wow, the smell of wildflowers is beautiful. It reminds me of running through open fields as a child. It smells much milder in the little blue jar (excellent for protecting those wonderful ingredients from sunlight!) As soon as it is applied to the skin the scent matures. It moisturizes too.

Kasia also has a blog where she features some of her photography, poetry and has an occasional giveaway!

Buy:
Kasia has offered a 10% discount to readers of Music and Mommies: The Scattered Mind Fragments of a Musical Mommy! Just mention our blog when you purchase. 

Win:
Your choice of bath salts from Body Luxe

To Enter:
Go to Body Luxe and look around, comment back here with your favorite item!

Bonus Entries:
1. Follow Kasia's blog on GFC
2. Follow Music and Mommies on GFC
3. Follow Body Luxe on Facebook
4. Follow Music and Mommies on Facebook
5. Follow me on Twitter
6. Tweet the giveaway (can be done daily)
7. Subscribe by email to Music and Mommies.
8. Grab my button and put it on your blog (+3)
9. Blog about the giveaway and link back here (+5)

Giveaway Rules:
Open to Everyone! Giveaway ends July 14th, 2010
Winner will be selected via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email before a new winner is selected.


Disclaimer: I received this product for free to review for my honest opinion. See my disclosure page :) 

528 HZ Water Healing Meditation

Monday, June 28, 2010

Catnip Nighttime Tea

You can make tea with catnip. Yes, I'm absolutely serious. I didn't know you could make tea with catnip. I didn't know it could be ingested by humans. I did know it was a member of the mint family. I guess I just never made the connection. My associations with catnip, had everything to do with my cat rolling around on a sewn fortune cookie that was stuffed with catnip and stored in more catnip. In my search for answers. I discovered that mice who had been given catnip extract experienced longer sleep times and a reduction of overall activity. I also found out that catnip had great respiratory benefits and can aid with infection and cold and flus. Interesting, indeed.

Fantastic, now my cat and I can enjoy this wonderful herb together while the hubby so loving teases and makes up little song jingles about me and my cat and catnip! Good times.

I did find a great catnip recipe for a Nighttime Tea to help sooth all you restless sleepers!

1 cup boiling water
1 part dried chamomile flower
1 part mint
1/2 part catnip

I read somewhere else that if you are using fresh catnip to cover the tea while steeping for 5-10 minutes so that the natural oils do not evaporate.

PS: People who are sensitive to ragweed, might also be sensitive to chamomile.

Rosemary-Ginger Tea

This is a wonderful "feel good" remedy for colds and flu!

1 cup (250 ml) boiling water
1 tablespoon fresh Ginger, grated
1 teaspoon dried Rosemary, or 2 teaspoons fresh Rosemary
Honey (optional)

Important: Due to its stimulating properties, rosemary should be used as an internal infusion for a maximum of 2 cups a day  for no longer than a week at a time. People with high blood pressure should avoid rosemary in other than culinary uses.

The Rain helps things grow / Out darn Crows

I finally got everything planted in the garden a couple days ago, on the night of the full moon. I have been putting saving my coffee grounds and tea leaves and giving those to the plants too. The plants like that a lot, coffee grounds release nitrogen into the soil. Hubby graciously brought home some veggie plants in dire need of a good home. I questioned if some of them would make it. Most of them are thriving beautifully right now. There are maybe a couple squash plants that were starting to die but they look a little more lively today.

A couple days ago, the morning after all the veggies were planted. I strolled out to check on them (fortunately) and found that one of my green pepper plants had been uprooted. It appeared as though a deer ate one of the leaves and in the process I believe they unintentionally lifted it up. So I planted it again and it is doing well. It has a large bit mark on a leaf at the bottom. I believe a fence is in order.

I don't mind the animals eating the crab apples, blueberries or the blackberries. There is more than enough to go around but I am afraid I have to draw the line at my garden. OH! Did I mention that we have a family of crows living here? They are lifting up the lid to our compost bin and having a feast. Which would have been alright if they didn't call their friends. Now there is a community of them living in a tree at our tree line. I hear them caw all the time. I don't mind the noise because it is kind of funny listening to them communicate with one another. I just know that if we don't manage this problem that it will grow out of control.

Anyone know how to make some effective scarecrows? :)

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Two Little Blackbirds Handmade Soap and Facebook Contest

Two Little Blackbirds only launched at the beginning of June and she is currently running a contest on her Facebook page to celebrate! Please, stop in and pay the lady a visit. If you "like" her on Facebook before the end of June you are automatically entered to win "Soap of the Month" for an entire year. That's two different bars of soap, each month for one whole year, a value of $125. The winner will be announced July 1st.

I had the privilege to try out the Wheat Germ Oil soap and I must say it is rather amazing. It is made with good wholesome ingredients, having no added colors or fragrances other than the colors and scents found naturally in the ingredients used.

The Wheat Germ oil soap contains: Wheat Germ Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Natural Spring Water and Sodium Hydroxide.

For those of you who have used soap containing Coconut Oil as the primary lathering agent you will know that while it can be a little tough to get the lather going in the first place it lathers very well. The Wheat Germ Oil Soap left my skin feeling clean and fresh without that squeaky dried out feeling that you get when you use commercial soaps. This lady knows how to make good soap!

Lets show Cathy from Two Little Blackbirds some love. Follow her on Twitter. Like her on Facebook. Visit her website and buy her wonderful soaps!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Acupressure, a tiny history

Touch heals, it makes us feel good. It comforts us when we are feeling down, and if touch is applied to specific areas of the body, it can unblock the flow of energy so it is evenly distributed throughout the meridian pathways in our bodies. The technique is called acupressure began centuries ago in China, a practice that originated from Taoism. Chinese physicians and philosophers discovered 12 defined paths (or meridians) in which life energy flows throughout the body. Doctor Kim Bong-han, professor of medicine at Korea's Pyongyang University later found that variations in the skins electrical resistance could be traced along the meridians as they had been illustrated in the ancient texts. The skin cells were structurally different along the meridians and at certain points these"meridian cells" were found in clusters. These points found on the meridian are identifiable by a name and number. When pressure is applied to these points not only are you directly influencing the energy in that meridian, you are also relieving associated symptoms. 

Essentially, disease can very well be a sign that the energy within those meridians is out of balance.

Physical symptoms are "hints" for us to pay attention to our thoughts and our lifestyles as both of these things have the potential to be destructive or healthy.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

The Benefits of Aloe Vera

With about 200 different varieties of Aloe it can be a gardeners delight and not just because it can be fun to grow. Aloe has lots of healing benefits and can be used directly from the plant to treat a burn, insect bite or a wound. Aloe can also be found in the form of a juice and when taken internally it can sooth the entire digestive track. It does wonders with cases of gastritis, heartburn, acid reflux, colitis, diverticulitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. So next time you are in need of some antacids, try going on a mini regime of Aloe and see if that helps!

While best straight from the plant, you can find Aloe Vera in many different skin-care products both natural and chemically laden. It's can be used to heal acne, cuts, sun burn, psoriasis, dandruff, cradle cap and MANY more ailments. Remember to read the ingredients when choosing your skin-care products. Even natural products aren't always best for your body!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Blog Tour - Scars and Stilettos by Harmony Dust

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fear of being abandoned keeps nineteen-year-old Harmony Dust trapped in an abusive and cruel relationship. She thinks she has hit bottom-tens of thousands of dollars in debt, struggling to get by, and so controlled by her boyfriend that she doesn't protest when he begins openly sleeping around. Things can't get worse . . . until someone tells her how much money she can make as an exotic dancer. For the next three years, Harmony lives a double life as Monique, a dancer in a fully-nude strip club.
Scars and Stilettos is Harmony's stark, honest, and ultimately hopeful story of how God found her in that dark, noisy place and led her out. She has since married, completed an MA in social welfare, and now leads Treasures, an organization helping women in the sex trade discover their true worth.


"Harmony wrote her story so that you and your friends may get help out of whatever dark tunnel you find yourself in. . . . once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down and you will want to get a copy for every person you know." -Holly Wagner, from the preface


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  
Harmony Dust is founder of Treasures, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that reaches out to women in the sex industry to show them they are loved, valued, and purposed. Find out more about Treasures, Harmony, and her book at I Am A Treasure or Scars and Stilettos. Check out Harmony's Press Page for magazine articles and videos about her work with women in the sex-trade industry.



MY REVIEW:
Harmony has had a difficult journey. Early on in her life she was sexually abused and eventually raped. She grew up without the influence of a fatherly figure so throughout her life she had no real male role model to teach her the difference between love and lust. In her teens she grew so attached to a man whose nature was that of a parasite. Harmony was unable to see herself separate and became so afraid to loose him that she essentially allowed herself to be indirectly pimped by him. Harmony eventually turns towards stripping to pay their bills and support him and his excessive spending. 


There were so many instances in this book where not only did my heart go out to Harmony but I really wondered why that little voice of reason didn't speak up sooner. I then remembered that each of us come from different unique sense circumstances and trauma can silent that inner voice of reason. Unless you are in that person's shoes, at times it can be difficult to empathize with them because of our own set of circumstances that brought us down a different path entirely.  I found myself immersed completely as people arrived in her life showering her with love and light. These people not only did not view Harmony as an object for sale but viewed her as a wonderful loving real person. Harmonies perceptions slowly began to change and she was able to let go of the things that were keeping her in her own dark prison. Her triumphant journey began and I cried tears of joy. This Christian tale of transformation is perfect for anyone who feels an emptiness in their life and for those who are on the cusp of their own great transformation. It will give you strength.




Disclaimer: Thank you to Litfuse Group Publishing for supplying me with a review copy.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

My Son turns 11 tomorrow

As each situation presents itself, our children guide us to become better teachers. 

Tonight Jeremy will have a few friends over for a bonfire/camp out
and he will make many fond memories. Years from now, he will reflect upon those memories with a tender heart. I hope this fathers day baby gets everything he needs... Happy birthday sweetie :)

It's hard to believe.
Eleven years old.
It passed by so quickly. 
Where do the years go?

Friday, June 18, 2010

Featherheart Trading Co. Shop Feature and Giveaway (CLOSED)

Not since childhood television have I had any memories of a trading post. The show was Canadian and it was called Mr. Dressup, it was broadcast on the CBC. As with the show, the memories tied with that trading post were pleasant and warm.

On Etsy, there is another trading post that makes me feel pleasant and warm. It's called Featherheart Trading Co. and it is run by a kind soul who goes by the name of Featherheart. The shop features her many vintage items and a lot of her homemade blends of teas, perfumed oils and a wonderful patchouli salve! All of her body products are made with organic ingredients whenever possible. Something that I really enjoy about Featherheart trading company is the amount of love that went into the creating the products on every levels, from the ingredients use right to the beautiful and filled with love product branding. It speaks of a quality that you cannot find in any department store. It speaks of home.

Her acclaimed Harold and Maude Tea is made with Oat straw which according to Featherheart contains high levels of calcium, iron, phosphorus, B vitamins, potassium, vitamin C and many amino acids. Oats strengthen and nourish the nerves and nervous system, making this a great tea to drink during times of emotional stress, breakdowns and breakthroughs. In addition, it’s good for the heart, clearing your blood vessels of fatty deposits, lowering cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar. And don’t be surprised if a tea of oatstraw makes you want to hug and kiss and more – it’s an aphrodisiac! I appreciated learning about the benefits of oat straw and found it explained why such a wonderful couple like Harold and Maude was selected to represent this tea. Classic, romantic and good for you.


The Giveaway:
My dear Featherheart has offered a wonderful prize to one of my readers! A jar of Patchouli Salve and a bag of Harold and Maude tea! With gratitude and appreciation, thank you :)

To Enter:
Visit the Featherheart Trading Company and comment back with your favorite item! That is all you have to do and you are entered.

Bonus Entries:
Follow @Featherheartxo and @Glittercinnamon on Twitter 
Follow Featherhearts Blog via Google Friend Connect
Follow Music and Mommies on Google Friend Connect
Like Featherheart Trading Co on Facebook
Like Music and Mommies on Facebook
Tweet the giveaway "Enter to Win a Patchouli Salve and Harold and Maude Tea from @glittercinnamon and @featherheartxo http://tinyurl.com/38axhwe #giveaway"
Subscribe to my blog via email or RSS
Grab my button and place it on your blog (It works now!) (+2)
Blog about the giveaway and leave the link (+5)
Purchase something from Featherheart Trading Co (+10)


Giveaway Rules:
Open to residents of the US and Canada. Giveaway closes on July 10th, 2010. Winners will be selected via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to the confirmation email before a new winner is selected!


Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post. I do have a neat little disclosure policy page now :)





Thursday, June 17, 2010

Win a Pendant from Dichroic Creations (CLOSED)

Mandy makes beautiful creations out of dichoroic glass. Before I stumbled upon her shop I knew very little about dichroic jewelry making. The intriguing, interesting and beautiful pieces that she has in her shop inspired a deep curiosity within me. How were these pieces crafted? The colors are brilliantly vivid and the designs are gorgeous. When I asked Mandy how she came to work with the glass, this is what she told me:

 

"first started creating when my youngest was just a baby..more then 3 years now. I had bought a dichroic pendant and absolutely fell in love with the glass...I thought it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. I was then determined I wanted to learn. I searched the Internet for information no end and then eventually found a local glass artist who gave me 2 lessons - one on basic fusing and one on grinding and shaping. From there I guess you could say I learnt from trial and error as you do as an artist, it all comes back to your own creativity really and experimenting with colours and different fusing temperatures."


Giveaway:
Mandy has so generously donated to 1 winner a pendant of choice from her shop Dichroic Creations

To Enter:
Visit Dichroic Creations and pick out your favorite item and then comment back here with the link!

Bonus Entries:
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to my feed via email
Subscribe to my feed via RSS
Follow me on Twitter
Tweet about the giveaway using the button below (daily)
Follow me on Facebook
Grab my button and put it on your blog! (It works now) (+3)
Blog about this giveaway and link back here and to Dichroic Creations (+5)

Giveaway Rules:

Open to Everyone!! Giveaway ends July 7th, 2010.

Disclaimer: Honest opinion, no compensation. Did you know I have a disclosure policy page now?

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Behold, I have pages now.

I added a couple pages to my blog! It is my attempts at making things organized. A small effort to speed up load times every so slightly. Does anyone find it makes a difference?

The blog roll has been moved to the blog roll page. If you want to exchange buttons I have no problem doing so and I would be more than happy to add your button to the page!

On the PR Friendly page I also have some groups and review companies that I associate with. They were all taking up too much room as well and I thought that was a suiting place for them.

I am always interesting in hearing the views of you lovely folks! Everyone has their own method of doing things and I'm certain that each and every one of you has something to teach me :)

Some Winners

The winner of the Ocean Complete Sinus Irrigation System is...

 #13 Valerie2350

Also, 1 of the 10 winners of 101 Things I learned in Film School never responded to the email I sent. That gives me a sad face :(

So, it is time to select a new winner and that winner is #33 Diana
I have emailed you both and you have 48 hours to respond :)


C O N G R A T S ! ! ! !


Monday, June 14, 2010

Art Pod Studios, Etsy Shop Feature and Giveaway Fun! (CLOSED)


Tucked away in its own little corner of Etsy is a wonderful little shop called Art Pod Studios and it is filled with beautiful custom made plant markers and organizational tags. These little markers are quite versatile. Not only can they be used to mark garden rows, herb boxes and planters but they can also be used to help label your preservatives. It doesn't stop there though, these little tags can really be placed anywhere.

Think of how unique it would be to use them as a gift tag in a floral arrangement or even a rustic looking personalized door hanger. The different organizational uses are endless!

The shop owner Carolee is a very creative individual whose emotional responses to life inspire the artist within. It shows with the clever uniqueness of this product! I was also pleased to see a reference to the caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly on her blog. That transformation is something that I can personally relate to and it made me smile.


The Giveaway

Carolee has offered a set of 4 Copper Garden Markers with words of the winners choosing. Carolee also has a blog called Visions of Bliss (there are some lovely examples of custom orders that she has recently filled)

How to Enter:

To enter stop by Art Pod Studios, take a look around and come back here and tell me what you would have printed on your garden markers if you won! This must be done in order for additional entries to be counted!

Extra Entries:
  • Follow Art Pod Studios on Network Blogs and let her know you came from here.
  • Follow Carolee's Blog via Google Friend Connect
  • Heart Art Pod Studios on Etsy
  • Follow Music and Mommies on Google Friend Connect
  • Follow Music and Mommies on Facebook
  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet the giveaway "Art Pod Studios on Etsy is giving away 4 Copper Garden Markers @glittercinnamon http://tinyurl.com/36wy34j"
  • Subscribe to my blog via email or RSS
  • Comment below with a creative use for Carolee's markers/tags
  • Grab my button and place it on your blog (+2)
  • Blog about the giveaway and leave the link (+5)
Giveaway Rules:

This giveaway ends on July 5th, 2010 is open to the residents of the US and Canada. Sorry everyone else!

Disclaimer: All graphics were created and contributed by Art Pod Studios! I received no monetary payment for this post! I just really love the uniqueness of the products in this shop and wanted to share it with all of my readers. Thank you so much to Art Pod Studios for sponsoring this giveaway and donating such a wonderful prize! 

Sunday, June 13, 2010

The Knight Life - Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

What is the Knights Life? First and foremost it is a collection of comics by cartoonist Keith Knight that is actually loosely based on both the real and imaginary aspects of his life. Instant appreciation, just like that. It took me a while to get this book out of my almost 11 year olds tween's grasp, he loves comic strips and he was all over it as soon as it arrived. So, my first interactions with the book was a hearty little boy laugh, followed by "mom, come here!" while he shared with me a couple strips with a character wearing a Darth Vader mask one of them had a neat little comment about how some of his strips are pinned up in the cubicles at Lucas Arts. Come to find out later that the book is filled with little comments like that.  I loved reading the comics alone and the added personal feel that came with those little comments was just dandy. This book is filled with laughter.


I have 2 copies of the Knight Life to giveaway.

Mandatory Entry

Comment below with your favorite comic strip from childhood.


The Knight Life: "Chivalry Ain't Dead"Bonus Entries:
1. Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect
2. Follow me on Twitter
3. Tweet daily using the button below
4. Follow me on Facebook
5. Subscribe via RSS
6. Grab my button +2
7. Subscribe via email +2
8. Blog about the giveaway +5

Giveaway ends June 30, 2010 and is open to the US and Canada, no P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be selected via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of The Knight Life to review in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to Hachette Book Group for giving me this opportunity. I am an Amazon Associate so I might earn a small amount if you make a purchase. 

Saturday, June 12, 2010

The Healing Properties of Jasmine

The following is an excerpt from page 131 in the book Natural Healing Wisdom and Know-How. 

"Made from the plant's blossoms, the fragrance us fruity, floral and sweetly exotic and is found in many expensive perfumes. The synthetic version is so harsh it demands a touch of the true oil to soften it. 

Jasmine is a nervous-system sedative that reduces menstrual cramps and is sometimes used to treat prostate problems. Good for sensitive and mature complexions, jasmine also sooths headaches, insomnia and depression, dissolving apathy, indifference and lack of confidence by increasing the sense of self worth. Jasmine is an aphrodisiac and also increases receptivity. The most prized oil comes France and Italy, although about 80 percent is Egyptian."

Disclaimer: I was not asked to endorse this book, I own a copy and there is a massive amount of information in it that was compiled by this woman named Amy Roast. I wouldn't even know where to begin compiling this much information. This information is worth sharing, I encourage everyone to buy a copy, not because I am an amazon associate but because this book has information that is highly valuable. In my opinion, many of the old natural ways were better and the world can learn a lot from the ways of the past

Babushka's Beauty Secrets - Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

My mother always said that the old ways work. Many of the old ways have been forgotten as we struggle to be everywhere at once and are bombarded with advertising telling us that these miracle products will helps us look picture perfect all at the expensive of our pocket book which costs us more of our precious time. Before all of this chaos, people turned to their kitchens for beauty aids.

The author Raisa Ruder is an Esthetician to the stars and she learned her time-tested beauty techniquees from her Ukrainian grandmother or babushka as she so lovingly calls her.

Since our skin is so absorbent, I believe that what we use on our body should not be any different that what we put inside our bodies. The recipes in this book are all made from everyday grocery items like eggs, honey, vegetable oil, strawberries, carrots and much more. This is a very practical book to own and I am very excited to try out some of the soufflé masks and temporary hair color boosters found inside this wonderful book! There is even a mustard wrap that is supposed to smooth the thighs and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Recipes aside, there is a lot of practical tips in this book from soaking sweat stained clothing in powdered aspirin and warm water. Yes, I said aspirin. I was quite surprised as well.

Giveaway:

I have 3 copies of Babushka's Beauty Secrets to giveaway!

Mandatory Entry:

Comment below with your very own "Old World Tip" or some random advice that your elders passed on to you!

Babushka's Beauty Secrets: Old World Tips for a Glamorous New YouBonus Entries:

1. Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect


2. Follow me on Twitter
3. Tweet daily using the button below
4. Follow me on Facebook and say hello!
5. Subscribe via RSS
6. Grab my button +2
7. Subscribe via email +2
8. Blog about the giveaway +5

Giveaway ends June 30, 2010 and is open to the US and Canada, no P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be selected via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Babushka's Beauty Secrets to review in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to Hachette Book Group for giving me this opportunity. I am an Amazon Associate so I might earn a small amount if you make a purchase. 

Friday, June 11, 2010

SoyNSuds, Etsy Goodness, Candles, Tarts and More

SoyNSuds is an Etsy shop with a very large selection of Soy Candles, Soy Tarts and a few odd bars of Cold Processed Soap! I do love handmade soap! Before I go off on a tangent speaking about soap (it doesn't take much) I should talk about these wonderful Soy Candles. I am a fan of soy candles, something about the texture pleases me greatly. Roxane has been making candles since 2001 for personal use and by 2006 it expanded into a business! Her Apothecary scents sound delicious and I would love to try them out. Doesn't your mouth water a little bit when the words Blackberry Sage Tea float off your tongue? What about Mango Papaya? Sunflower is another scent I can't say I come across very often. A very dear friend of mine loves Sunflowers. There are a lot of wonderful gift options in her shop. Never too early to start stocking up for the holidays. If you are a last minute shopper, why not take the time to purchase something for yourself in the meantime.

In this moment

In this moment,
I appreciate all those who worked with the land in the generations before me.

In this moment,
I appreciate the beauty of the earth mother.

In this moment,
I appreciate the laughter of those we call our future.

In this moment,
I appreciate all the sounds of life.

In this moment,
labors are not work but instead joy.

This moment,
I give to you.

LOVE this moment

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Giveaway Winners

I have a whole bunch of winners to announce!

101 Things I learned in Film School
#06 -  Kinsey
#49 - Tina Renalds
#23 - Eileen Wise-Owl
#19 - Tracy
#09 - Benita
#35 - Johnny
#26 - Marjorie
#48 - Trishden
#13 - Rae Reads
#01 - Debbie




101 Things I learned in Fashion School

#07 - Susan
#11 - Ashley
#02 - Elise


I've emailed all of the winners and you have 48 hours to reply with your information! Thank you so much for entering!

We currently have 1 giveaway ending tonight with a couple more that will be posted this week :)

The little garden that could.

We've had a nice couple of days, I've finally been able to spend some time in my garden again. I haven't even been able to get anything planted. We get a lot of wind coming off the water here and don't have much along the lines of wind breakage around the property. So when the wind comes, it comes! The last couple days have been pretty nice and I managed to get most of my rows dug so with another day of nice weather I should be ready to plant. I'm getting very excited. It doesn't really bother me that it is getting late and there are some vegetables I won't be able to plant. I just appreciate being able to grow, tilling the earth and nurturing something from a seed. I have so many pleasant dreams of growth. Next year I will be blessed with an earlier start and we be able to tackled more varieties. This year, I begin.

Monday, June 7, 2010

YouTube - this drummer is at the wrong gig

This made it my way today, it is highly amusing and I recommend watching it and keeping a close eye on the drummer! Lots of skill, but... oh my hehehe

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Ancient Solfeggio Frequencies

The Solfeggio scale consists of original sound frequencies that were used in ancient Gregorian Chants such as the great medieval hymn to Saint John the Baptist. 


What makes it so interesting is the effect that this frequencies has on our brains and consciousness. When sung in Latin or in musical tones the effect of these frequencies are able to transcend the limits of our conscious thought forms and in turn effect and expand the deeper subconscious mind. Combined with modern research studies about music having a positive effect on mood disorders and you have an ancient potential healer on your hands. Vibration and sound can be used both positively and negatively. Positively it can be used to promote healing as it works in a very similar manner to color therapy and aromatherapy and combine with these other therapies or meditation. Negatively it becomes nothing more than control and manipulation. Most of the world has already been constructed on the premise of control and manipulation through common languages.


The following few paragraphs are a direct quote from Soma Energetics in regards to the disappearance of the Solfeggio Scale. The original article can be found there if your are interested in reading, the spelling is a little distracting at times but the information can be cross referenced. I would also recommend the study of Cymatics and sacred geometry if you are interested in expanding your knowledge!






"When Dr. Joseph Puleo was researching the tones, he was directed to a Monsignor at a university in Spokane WA, who was head of the medieval department. Following a 20 minute conversation, the clergyman asked what he could assist Dr. Puleowith:

"Can you decipher Mediaeval Latin?’
‘Absolutely!’
‘And you know the musical scale and everything?’
‘Absolutely!’
‘Well then, could you tell me what ‘UT - queant laxis’ means?’
After a brief pause, the Monsignor quipped, ‘It’s none of your business’
Then he hung up."1

Additionally, as Dr. Puleo researched the tones further, he came across a book on Gregorian chants by Professor Emeritus Willi Apel who "argued that the chants being used today were totally incorrect, and undermined the spirit of the Catholic faith."1 Moreover, Professor Apel reported that "one-hundred fifty-two chants were apparently missing. The Catholic Church presumably "lost" these original chants. The chants were based on the ancient original scale of six musical notes called the Solfeggio."1 Trust me, nothing is lost, it’s just neatly put away; however, they cannot hide from the masses what is energetically placed within the Soul.

According to Professor Willi Apel,1 "The origin of what is now called Solfeggio...arose from a Medieval hymn to John the Baptist which has this peculiarity that the first six lines of the music commenced respectively on the first six successive notes of the scale, and thus the first syllable of each line was sung to a note one degree higher that the first syllable of the line that preceded it. By degrees these syllables became associated and identified with their respective notes and as each syllable ended in a vowel, they were found to be peculiarly adapted for vocal use. Hence "Ut" was artificially replaced by "Do." Guido of Arezzo was the first to adopt them in the 11th century, and Le Marie, a French musician of the 17th century added "Si" for the seventh note of the scale, in order to complete the series."

Further research states that, "Pope Johannes later became a saint - Saint Iohannes - and then the scale was changed. The seventh note "Si" was added from his name. "Si" later became "Ti." These changes significantly altered the frequencies sung by the masses. The alterations also weakened the spiritual impact of the Church’s hymns. Because the music held mathematical resonance, frequencies capable of spiritually inspiring mankind to be more "Godlike," the changes affected alterations in conceptual thought as well, further distancing humanity from God." In other words, whenever you sing a Psalm, it is music to the ears. But it was originally intended to be music for the soul as well or the "secret ear." Thus by changing the notes, high matrices of thought and to a great extent well being, was squelched. Now it is time to recover these missing notes."

I’d heard of do, re, me, fa, so, la, ti, do. I particularly responded to it whenever I hear that song by Julie Andrews from "The Sound of Music." I literally have a "brain cell firing" as it is engraved into my brain, and I see her coming over the mountain in the movie. I didn’t realize this was actually a second, modified scale. The original Solfeggio scale was actually: UT, RE, MI, FA, SO, LA.

Looking at the definitions of each of the original syllables, using hidden entries from Webster’s Dictionary and the Original Greek Apocrypha, I have determined that these original frequencies can be used for: Turning grief to joy, helping the person connect with their Source to bring forth miracles, DNA repair, connecting with spiritual family, solving situations; expressing yourself and finally, becoming more intuitive.2 Through music these tones can assist all the channels in staying open and keep the life force (the Chi) literally flowing thru the Chakra System quite freely. Is this is what the six electro-magnetic frequencies were to accomplish that were put into "lost" hymns and Gregorian chants?
I think we are living in a tremendously wonderful time, and rather than seeing the glass as "half empty," I see it as "half full." Rather than accepting "CNN’s perspective" of the world view, it’s about finding perspective thru the vision of your own heart. It is about change and transformation of mankind to the next level of evolution. We, as Spiritual Light Workers, have made ourselves accessible at this time, by Divine Appointment, to be here to help those in humanity who choose (it’s all based upon irrevocable choice) to stay, or to go. Those who have chosen to stay will come into our lives, and we have already agreed to assist them.

It’s all about assisting other people. It’s not to be their "Healer," but to assist them in knowing who they are and connecting with their true Source. It is about providing an atmosphere of non-judgement, a Sacred Space, for the purpose of healing themselves. We should be continuously teaching while assisting people. The old paradigm teaches us to keep the information among the professionals. The new paradigm is to share the information, and empower the client. Everyone you work with—whether it’s Reiki, Massage, Tuning Forks or other modalities you are using, you should feel that you’ve empowered that person, so they can extend this information to someone else. Healing has become about our evolution by reconnecting our additional strands of DNA. Healing is also about assisting the person in restoring themselves to a state of "Spiritual Wholeness."



Saturday, June 5, 2010

Mood Lifting Essential Oils

The Following is an excerpt from page 123 of Natural Healing Wisdom & Know-How

Depression:
Certain fragrances affect brain waves in a fashion similar to antidepressant drugs, according to research by the Olfaction Research Group and Warwick University in England. At his clinic in France, psychologist Paolo Rovesti has successfully pulled many patients out of depression with the citrus scents of orange, bergamot (that citrus smell in Earl Gray tea), lemon, and lemon verbena. Sixteenth-century herbalist John Gerard said that melissa "gladdens the heart' and that clary sage counters depression, paranoia, mental fatigue, and nervous disorders. Other antidepressant essential oils include jasmine, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang.

Anti-Depressive Essential Oils
Bergamot, Lavender, Orange, Clary Sage, Lemon, Petitgrain, Geranium, Lemon Verbana, Sandalwood, Grapefruit, Melissa, Tangerine, Jasmine, Neroli, Ylang-Ylang

Do-It-Yourself Antidepressive Bath and Body Oil
12 drops Bergamot
6 drops Petitgrain
6 drops Rose Geranium
1 drop Neroli (expensive, optional...)
4 ounces vegetable oil.

Disclaimer: I am not being paid to promote this book or the contents of this book. I just really feel the information is of value to my readers. The link is above and I encourage those to purchase the book, not because I am an amazon associate who might potentially make 4-6% off each purchase, but because this book is inexpensive and valuable.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Oma Mary Handmade Receiving Blankets

The video of Oma Mary Handmade Receiving Blankets told me the story.




Oma Mary and Chantal Wiebe are blanket makers from Manitoba, Canada. They handcraft and sell 1 meter square blankets finished with a crochet edge. The proceeds of these blankets go to make blankets for tramautized, neglected, and impoverished children.

They have donated over 150 blankets to local and international organizations from Haiti to Rankin Inlet. They have also supplied 65 blankets to an orphanage in Haiti following the earthquake. It is compassionate caring hearts like this that make the world a better place to live in.

Please vote for them in the Red Rose Essay Contest. The prize is $10,000 and it will help them purchase some equipment they need to expand the organizaton and deliver blankets to children in Africa.



Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post I am compassionate about their cause and would like to see them achieve their goal.