I saw these two a few weeks back and will be my next project.

After the Yule tide presents are done, of course and my faerie lamps are finished. The one would make a great necklace or talsman for the feminine aspect of life
and the other a beautiful reminder of the wilder side of us all (a creative steampunk piece). All I need now is the old watch.

Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup

2 cups broccoli flowerettes
1 medium to large potato (al purpose)
1 small onion, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
water
 salt and pepper

In a sauce pan put the broccoli, 1/2 teaspoon oil, and water and bring to a boil. Turn off oven and allow to sit 25-30 minutes. take out and refrigerate. Reserve the water.

In the same water add the potato (diced or chopped) and the onion. Just use enough water to cook the potato and not a lot extra. Cook until Both are done. add the cheddar cheese a little milk and the broccoli and heat through. you can add corn starch if you used to much water. Serve hot.

Mabon Incense by Pamela Jean De'Sherlia II

As the Wheel of the Year turns with each season, you may wish to use different types and scents of incense for your ceremonies and rituals. While incense isn't mandatory for a good ritual, it certainly can help to set the mood. To make your a blend of incense for Mabon, the autumn equinox, we'll be using scents that remind us of the fall season, and the second harvest of the year.
You can make incense with sticks and in cones, but the easiest kind uses loose ingredients, which are then burned on top of a charcoal disc or tossed into a fire. This recipe is for loose incense, but you can adapt it for stick or cone recipes if you wish.

As you mix and blend your incense, focus on the intent of your work. In this particular recipe, we’re creating an incense to use during Mabon. It’s a time to celebrate the season of balance and harmony, as well as the gratitude and thanksgiving of the harvest season.

You’ll need:
2 parts sandalwood
2 parts pine
1 part rosemary
1 part cinnamon
1 part dried apple
1 part dried oak leaf

Magical and Personal essential oils

Create these by using 5 parts alcohol and 1 part essential oil and allow it sit for a month shaking daily before using

Sun - Frankincense Oil
Moon - Jasmine oil
Mercury - Lavender oil
Venus - Rose oil
Mars - Benzoin oil
Jupiter - Sandlewood oil
Saturn - Musk oil

Use these for perfume to invoke magical things into your life, to anoint candles, talismans, athame, and for healing.

To bring someone or something into your life anoint the wick part.
To banish someone anoint the bottom of the candle

From Candle Magic by Phillip Cooper

Zucchini Augratin

Just in time for Mabon harvest.

2 zucchini sliced thin
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic minced (jar)
1/2 cup milk
sprinkle of Italian seasoning
1 cup cheese (I used both Mozzarella and mild cheddar)
1 tablespoon butter

In a saucepan sauté both the garlic and onion with the Italian seasoning until onion is opaque. The add the milk and zucchini and simmer 10 minutes until the zucchini is almost cooked.

Transfer into a baking dish and mix 1/2 the cheese into the zucchini mixture and top with the rest. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes until it is hot and bubbling and cheese is a golden brown.

Serve hot. makes 4 servings

Breakfast Crescent Loaf.

My husband made me this for breakfast today. It was like going out to a fancy restaurant.


2 tubes crescent dough
1/2 package frozen spinach, defrosted and drained and squeezed to get out all the extra liquid
1 - 8 oz - package shredded mozzarella cheese
3 eggs scrambled
1 ham slice cubed (3/4 cup)
2-3 cooked sausages or cooked crumbled bacon

Spray a cookie sheet. Sauté ham add the other meat to get warm.

Lay out and press together the crescent dough. fill with the spinach, eggs, ham and sausages. cover with cheese and fold over the loaf.

Bake in a low (300 - 325) degree oven until the outside is brown and cooked.

Slice and serve.

serves 4-6 people

Crochet or knitting lovers take note

A decent day is when no one gets hurt or sick a great day is when I have encountered enough to learn something new.

Today I discovered  a new way to join ends of yarn. My usual tying the ends and hiding the result within the afghan is now over.

Check out this great way of doing it

http://blog.lionbrand.com/2012/06/19/how-to-russian-join-yarn-in-7-easy-steps/

Samhain Spider Chip Cookies

Great Grandma's Pasta Sauce

I have to try this recipe

1 lb. 80/20 ground beef OR 90/10 ground beef
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
6 oz. water
1 24 oz. jar tomato puree
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
Pinch of dried oregano
Pinch of onion powder
Pinch of garlic powder
Handful of fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large stockpot, saute garlic until soft and fragrant in 2 tbsp. of olive oil, about 2 minutes.
Throw your meat in with the garlic and brown until meat has been thoroughly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour in the tomato paste, tomato puree, and seasoning, including the fresh basil. Stir to mix well. With the 6 oz. can from the tomato paste, fill that with water and pour it in the stockpot as well.
Let mixture simmer, uncovered, for 2 or more hours (the longer the better, but minimum 2 hours), stirring occasionally.
Serve hot over fresh pasta

Delicious Recipes photo.

Best times for each spell

Update: Things I have learned through my loss of my companion Raptor

It is with great sadness that I write the following. My Raptor died a few days ago. WE had to put her down because of renal failure due to acute diabetes. My vet wasn't very clear in what that meant until after her death. My heart goes out to anyone with animals because what I found during her last few months.

1st: if your animal shows signs of diabetes like frequent urination or urination while sleeping accompanied with extreme thirst or an increase in water intake. Your animal is a diabetic and diet will not help at this point. Your decisions are either to start shots and hope or make the decision to put them out of the pain of what will follow. Their liver and kidneys will fail and it is a slow very painful death. This was not conveyed tp me when it was going on with my dog.

2nd: Diet will help and even prevent this if you start now before any signs are there.

Diet is such a tricky thing. They can't take sugar. Not in any form. The sad part is it is everywhere. In most dog foods, almost all snacks and even in things you might give them a bit of while you are doing things like making a sandwich as it is in all lunch meat we eat and in jerky. Remember the food and drug administration are one unit. Food insures they sell drugs and drugs require food.

My best advice is read your labels all of them. Both canned and dry foods most likely will have sugar. If so put them back on the shelf and try another until there is no sugar, corn syrup, honey, or any other form of sugar in their ingredients. These are a few of the ones that are okay.

http://bluebuffalo.com/ingredients/

http://www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com/products/ingredients/

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/canidae-dog-food-grain-free-dry/

There are others also. If you know of any please include in the comments so others will have a choice. Also shoot for grain free because we all know what GMO's are doing to our bodies.

Last night I lost my baby girl (My husky)

This is what I posted on FB to pay a tribute to her. This is my girl in happier times.

 This is her hours before she passed.

The last weeks I have had dreams of the passing of my loving and trusted companion Raptor Lil-Lady. Although we both spoke different languages, she being a Siberian husky, we had long ago crossed over into an inter-knowing. Many days, not a word was said and yet, each felt the ties that instinctively conveyed as they washed away any fears the other might have. Where I went, she was following right behind me. If I was gone very long she would show signs of depression. It was the same for me. I was always worried about her when I was gone.

Today I had to put my best friend to rest. They called it “end stage renal failure” but they might as well of called it limbo, for that is where I have been ever since hearing those deafening words. Renal failure! I would rather they had taken my life than having to hear those words but what I wanted didn't matter. If it had, she would have been given a miracle drug and she would be chasing butterflies as we speak but, instead, I am crying and she is gone.

I saw her deteriorate throughout the day until finally she couldn't even hold down water. I held out hope because she was still urinating. When she couldn't keep from vomiting water, I knew there was nothing I could do. She would die unless I got her help. Help is what I went for. Help is what I wanted. What I got was a kick in the face. She was dieing and it was up to me how she went. Calmly or in great pain. I wanted time - only years I told myself -but there were only minutes to make the decision.

I couldn't see through my tears, nor could I catch my breath. My head was swimming through a sea of what ifs. Now there was no time left for what ifs, only that decision to take her life or watch her suffer. A painful death. Contemplating such a decision would take me years and yet my time was up, so I leaped, without a safety net into a large dark crevasse. You might say I took the cowards way out but I pray it was the right decision for her. I was there when she took her last breath, with my loving husband close by. They might not of always gotten along but in the end she welcomed his gentle touch as we both worried over her.

In the final moments of her ten year life, she was quiet and seemed at peace. When the shaved her arm, my whispers started in her ear. “I am so sorry. I love you. It will be alright.” They rang through her ears for the next few moments and until it was over. My final words were, “I am so sorry. You will be alright now.” She went hard. It wasn't a peaceful passing and my heart ached for her.

On the way home Eric tried so hard to comfort me and show me there was still a future, but I am ashamed to say I really do not remember a thing he said. Still he seemed comforted by my crying tapering off into sobs and finally into deep exhales that felt as if each were my last. The car ride had given me time to close off the world and shut down inside.

As I walked back in the house wanting nothing more than to see her face peer around the kitchen table, but she didn't. I walked into the den, where she would spend her time with me, and all that was left was the last of what she had thrown up as we were leaving to take her to the vet. Being the next thing to do, and all I could think was do the next thing so, I wiped up the mess as I broke out once again into a full fledged cry. Then I sprayed some rug cleaner and with each scrub, those cries came a deep exhales, reminding me of her dieing breaths. As I scrubbed in a now almost robotic motion, sobs filling the air. I swear I could see me from slightly above, watching, sharing the pain of loosing my little girl. At that second, I think I could of taken my last breath and let go happily, but I didn't. I must of made a decision because suddenly I was pushed back into my body as I scrubbed away,

To me, Raptor was the child that never left home. The old woman I could tell anything to, knowing my secrets were safe. My best friend and my biggest worry. She had filled my life every day for as long as I care to remember. We had always worried about each other, cared for each other and in her final hour I venture to say she was as worried about me as I was about her. Rest in peace Raptor Lil-Lady. She died at approximately 4:45 on the 12th day of August, in the year 2014. You will be missed.

In happier times she left me with these pictures

 This last one is of her famous snub that she did when she was up set with me.

Magick and the hours of the day

DAY OF MISFORTUNE SPELL

Voice

Use this to cast misfortune over somebody for a day.

Go to the person. Whisper, but not that they can hear,

"Misfortune all day, Misfortune all night. Bring bad luck to [person's name], but only for a mite. Mote it be."

The person affected will probably have bad luck for the rest of the day.

THIS WILL NOT AFFECT:
Life (Anyone dying)
Injuries


By  Sam Fallecker

Home Made Maraschino Cherries by Jen Smallwood

Maraschino Cherries that taste like cherries with out food coloring and all of the other nasty things that are in those store bought jars!
Plus they are so much more affordable.
Servings: 1 quart

1 Sweet Cherries, washed & pitted (reserve the pits)
1¼ cup Sugar
2¼ cups Water
1 tsp Ascorbic Acid or Fruit Fresh
¼ tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Almond Extract
½ Vanilla Bean, split & seeds scraped
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice, fresh works best
¼ cup Maraschino Liqueur, preferably luxardo**
Directions:
1) Sprinkle the ascorbic acid over the cherries and place them in a 1 quart container with a tight fitting lid.
2) Place pits in a plastic ziploc type bag, cover the bag with a kitchen towel, and smash the pits with a hammer.
3) In a small saucepan place the smashed pits, vanilla bean pod & seeds, sugar, salt, water & lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat.. boil until the sugar & salt have melted. Remove from heat and let steep for 40 minutes, until it cools to room temperature.
3) Use a fine mesh strainer over a medium container with a spout to strain the syrup. Reserve the vanilla pod. Be careful to strain out all of the cherry pits, discard the remaining solids. Stir the almond extract & and maraschino liqueur into syrup. Syrup should be fairly thick & sticky.
4) Tuck the vanilla pod into the center of the container and pour the syrup over the cherries. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 5 days before using.
5) Cherries can be stored in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 3 weeks.
** If you prefer non-alcoholic cherries use 1/4 cup water in place of the cherry liqueur.
Plus, Leave The Stems On If You Want To Use Them In Drinks &, for garnishing.

Warm Baked Cherries with Havarti-Granola Streusel By Jen Smallwood

Servings: 6

1 1/2 cups oat/nut granola (such as Quaker natural granola with oats, honey and almonds)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup Wisconsin Havarti cheese, shredded and divided
5-6 cups (1 3/4 to 2 pounds) sweet cherries*, pitted
2/3 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Place granola, cinnamon, cloves and butter in bowl of food processor. Pulse until small crumbles form. Place in bowl and add 1/2 cup Havarti. Reserve remaining 1/2 cup.

Spread cherries in 8”x8” baking dish. Add sugar and toss to coat cherries. Sprinkle granola mixture evenly over cherries. Bake 25-30 minutes, until cherry liquid bubbles. (If granola browns too quickly, lower oven to to 350°F.) Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining Havarti over. Bake an additional 5 minutes, until cheese melts. Serve warm.

Blueberry bake variation: Use 5 cups blueberries and 2/3 cup sugar, or to taste, depending on sweetness of fruit.

Oatmeal Chip Cookies.

A light and chewy oatmeal cookie with just the right amount of chips so as not to over power them

1 stick butter softened
1 large egg
2/3 c brown sugar, firmly packed
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c oatmeal (i used rolled oats non instant)
1 1/4 c flour (more if needed to make a firm batter)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 c assorted chips (i used milk chocolate and peanut butter)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix egg, butter, baking powder, vanilla, salt, and sugar together until fluffy. Mix in the oatmeal and flour then fold in the chips.

Drop by spoon fulls onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges start to brown. Do not over bake.

CANDLE PROTECTION SPELL TO STOP HARASSMENT

Timing: During the waning moon. Use a brown candle (an image candle, if you can) to represent the person who is harassing you.
 
Write the person's name on the front and back of the candle.
 
On a small piece of parchment paper, write:
 
'From now on, (name) will say nothing but sweet words about me and to me.
By the power of Aradia, so mote it be!'
 
Put a drop of honey in the middle of the paper and roll it into a ball.
 
Heat a knife, pin or your athame, make a gash in the candle (in its mouth, if it's an image candle) and stuff the paper ball into it.
 
Let the candle burn a little while every night for an odd number of nights, to a maximum of nine nights. Throw the remnants into flowing water, but save some candle drippings or ash to sprinkle in the path of your oppressor.

By Fortune Teller

Michigan Fizz

Michigan cherries give this drink a tangy twist....
Servings: 1

3 Tbsp Frozen Cherry Juice Concentrate
1 cup Vernor's Ginger Ale Soda
2-3 Michigan Cherries
Directions:
Measure concentrated cherry juice into a tall glass. Fill glass with ginger ale and stir gently. Drop in cherries and enjoy!
**note**
for an interesting adult version -you can add 1oz vodka.

Found on Mixing bowl exchange  on FB. Recipe and photo by Jen Smallwood

Moist Strawberry Snackin Cake

This wonderfully moist cake can be ate alone, with ice cream, or with whip cream as frosting. Reminiscent of a jello poke cake but with real fruit and lots more flavor.

1 cake mix (I used Duncan Hines French vanilla)
3 eggs
1/3 cup oil
2 (10 oz) jars Polar Strawberry in light syrup (Glass jars on shelf at walmart)

Beat all together and put into a sprayed 9x11 baking dish. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 28-30 minutes.

Cool and cut.

Tarot Spells

Tarot spells are similar to other spells. Basically, cards are selected from the deck which are significant to the spell in question. For example, a love spell would more than likely include the lovers card, perhaps the magician to show the power in a situation, maybe the wheel of fortune, to represent the topsy turvy world of love, etc. You are limited only by your imagination and none of the spells are set in stone. Spells are most effective when they are created by you, with your particular situation in mind. There are basic steps that you can follow, but again, these are not necessarily set in stone.

Steps for spells

You really should be familiar with the basic meanings of
the tarot cards in order to choose the cards which have the most to do with your particular situation. There are several books which can help you to familiarize yourself with card meanings.

You would probably choose anywhere from 3 to 7 cards. However many you think would be needed.

A tarot spell is a form of meditation. A way to concentrate on what it is you really want. You would be surprised to find the sort of things you come up with. They will work, because your attitudes will guide them, your thoughts will help you make the right decisions. Most spells or meditations rely on rituals which make the meditation exercises more effective by helping to set the mood. The right mood can be set in many different ways. Do you
want to gather beautiful things around you? Flowers, scented candles, a picture of a loved one? Or do you want to get down to basics. (A white sheet on a bare floor, perhaps one small candle, or no extra lighting at all)
It really all depends on you and your own particular personality. You have made things happen before. Remember the times when you were a child and could believe in anything? Try to regain that faith. It is unfortunate that as we grow up, we begin to lose our child-like wonder and expectations. We can regain those things, the world has not changed that much, and you CAN make a bad situation better. You have only to believe. Believe that you can do it, that those around you can help, and above all, that there is someone, or some being looking out for you, but you must act.

STEPS
1. Find anywhere from 3-7 cards to represent what you'd like to accomplish.

2. Choose a time to work the spell when you won't be interrupted, where you might meditate in peace.

3. If you'd like, choose some props to help in your meditations. These can be as simple or as ornate as you'd like them to be.

4. The best way to begin is by sorting through the cards you have chosen. Try to put them in order of importance, the first card being the least important one. Lay that card down and say out loud, something along the lines of.
"I have chosen this card, the ace of swords, because for me, it has always represented power and accomplishment, and I want to accomplish many things." (you would then proceed in this same manner)
Next, I have chosen the fool, because it represents a worry free spirit and I know I must not worry about what I cannot change" Next, I choose the lovers, because I know that there is someone for everyone out there and I want to find my "other half".
"Finally, I choose, what is most important to me, the death card, because I need to put to an end, all the negative in my life and have a re-birth of ideas and feelings."

5. Once you have finished meditating, you may close the spell by blowing out a candle, thinking quietly, doing a little dance, whatever you feel like doing to end it.

*NOTE, Look through the cards and choose the cards that stand out in your mind, don't analyze why you are choosing them until you get to the point in the spell where you are ready to declare your reasons. The very spontaneity of the situation may prove a pleasant and eye-opening experience

Cinnamon Oat Bread (Made from left over oatmeal)

2 cups leftover oatmeal
1 stick softened butter
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray and flour a large bread pan and set aside. Mix everything except the cinnamon together until well blended. add the cinnamon and mix softly so it is not all incorporated.Place in the bread pan and cook 45-55 minutes until center comes out clean and is lightly browned.

NOTE: My leftover oatmeal had crasins and pepitas in it.

Sausage Breakfast Bake

1/2 package simply shredded potatoes
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 a red pepper, chopped
1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked, chopped and cooled
4 large eggs
1 cup medium sharp cheddar cheese, Shredded

Mix together and place in a oven safe baking dish. I made mine ahead to be baked in the morning.

A BANISHING SPELL

This spell can be used to banish afflictions of all sorts and to renew one's strength following an affliction. It is most powerful when worked in the late evening.

You will need:
•Three cups of fresh rainwater
•A large bowl
•Two small bowls
•A silver knife
•A lock of lamb's wool
•Pure, virgin olive oil
•Red wine vinegar
•A 7" x 7" square of white, cotton cloth
•Seven blades of green grass
•A candle (any color, but white or natural beeswax is best)

Pour the rainwater into the large bowl. Light the candle. Take the silver knife and write with its point on the water's surface, the name of that which afflicts you.

Pour some olive oil in one of the small bowls and soak the lamb's wool in the oil.

Next, pour some red wine vinegar in the other bowl and soak the lamb's wool in the vinegar.

Remove the wool from the vinegar and drop it into the water. The contents of the other bowls, containing the olive oil and vinegar, should be emptied out onto the ground.

Extinguish the candle.

Leave the lamb's wool to soak in the water overnight. At sunrise, remove the lock of wool from the water, wring it out, and set it to dry on the white cotton cloth. When the lamb's wool is fully dry, it should be sewn up in the white, cotton cloth along with the seven blades of grass. Keep the pouch under your pillow while you sleep.

Myrrh

Myrrh-(Protection, Exorcism, Healing, Spirituality)

Myrrh was burned to Ra at noon in ancient Egypt, and was also fumed in the temples if Isis.

Burned as an incense, myrrh purifies the area, lifts the vibrations and creates peace. However, it is rarely burned alone; usually in conjunction with
Frankincense or other resins. Myrrh increases the power of any incense to which it is added.
 
Myrrh is also included in healing incenses and sachets, and its smoke is used to consecrate, purify and bless objects such as talismans, amulets, charms and magickal tools.
 
Myrrh also aids meditation and contemplation. It is often added to sachets, usually with Frankincense.
 
Considering the plant's shape and the fact that its gum resin has been used as a drying stimulant, it is easy to place this incense in Mars. The thorns of the tree represent the grief of loss as well as the resin's ability to protect and heal. This is an excellent incense to help with loss, whether it be that of a loved one or a great injury (and thus loss of safety) done to one's heart, spirit, or body. It brings Martial protection to the injured and is wonderful for all sorts of purification. 

In the Kabbalah, it is associated with Binah, and it connects with Crone energy and thus the Underworld and the Abyss.

Crab Pasta Salad

This delightful summer salad will serve 2-4 people or you can use as a side to your BBQ spread.

3 cups uncooked spiral pasta cooked and cooled
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 oz cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons  any pepper jelly or Tabasco or Chili sauce (I used this one http://cronecronicles.blogspot.com/2014/04/strawberry-mango-pineapple-jalapeno.html
1 small onion diced
2/3 cup diced fresh broccoli
1/2 odf a red sweet pepper diced
1 (6 oz0 can white crab meat, drained

Mix the mayonnaise with the cream cheese and pepper jelly. Then combine everything and put into refrigerator until ready to serve.

Make your own spice recipes

Maple Harvest Bars

A great fiber enriched breakfast bar

1 1/4 sticks softened butter
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup flour
1/2 cup diced walnuts
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
6 oz peanut butter and milk chocolate chips (combo)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all together, press into a sprayed 9x11 cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until edges start to lightly brown. Do not over cook.

copy cat recipe Red Robins Found on line and made into a meme

Starbucks Copy-cat Frappuccino

Crystals and Tarot Cards by Peggy Jentoft

Many people have personal associations between specific Tarot cards and crystals, and several books and tarot traditions also have lists of correspondences.



Some people use Crystals in a form of divination with or like Tarot cards.



They may substitute crystals for the Tarot cards or read the Tarot card for chosen crystals.



You can also use the crystals to enhance or carry the energy and intention of specific Tarot card in healing or other work.



Ursula Markam's "Fortune telling with Crystals & Semiprecious Gemstones" It is out of print and I have not seen copy yet. I cannot offer any particular guidance on using crystals as Tarot cards directly.



Though one way you can use this correspondence is to choose the crystal that most attracts you or another person and consider the qualities and information of the related Tarot card.



I had used a Tarot, crystal combo in healing work many years ago but my choices were intuitive.



Below are some suggestions from several different writers and other sources.



For healing work and enhancing affirmations, you can charge or infuse or harmonize a clear quartz crystal or an appropriate stone with a specific tarot card energy.



Usually this is done by holding the card and the crystal together, or putting the crystal on the cards and using focused attention intention to request and fix the energy to be carried by the crystal.



Fool - Herkimer Diamond, Lepidolite, Agate, Tourmaline, Turquoise.
Magician - Garnet, Quartz, Tiger Eye, Citrine, Fire Opal, Agate.
High Priestess - Kyanite, Aquamarine, Moonstone, Pearl, Emerald.
Empress - Rose Quartz, Emerald, Carnelian, Peridot, Olivine, Turquoise.
Emperor - Carnelian, Emerald, Ruby, Topaz.
Hierophant - Turquoise, Hematite, Topaz, Carnelian, Lapis.
Lovers - Blue Topaz, Ametrine, Rose Quartz, Alexandrite, Agate.
Chariot - Tiger eye, Leopard Skin Jasper, Amber, Chalcedony, Staurolite.
Strength - Citrine, Cat's Eye, Topaz, Chrysolite, Diamond, Herkimer, Garnet.
Hermit - Peridot, Smoky Quartz, Bloodstone, Sapphire, Blue Tourmaline.
The Wheel - Jade, Lapis, Aventurine, Sapphire, Amethyst, Sardonyx, Black Opal.
Justice - Petrified wood, Bloodstone, Emerald, Coral, Jade, Carnelian.
Hanged Man - Iolite, Ametrine, Beryl, Aquamarine, Green Calcite.
Death - Apache Tears, Black Tourmaline, Snake stone, Bloodstone, Amber.
Temperance - Amethyst, Kunzite, Jacinth, Amethyst, Sardonyx.
Devil - Hematite, Black Tourmaline, Black Onyx, Black Diamond, Obsidian, Square black stones, Jet, Hematite.
Tower - Obsidian, Chrysocolla, Garnet, Ruby, Lodestone, Volcanic rocks.
Star - Moldavite, Sugulite, Tektite, Turquoise, Rock crystal, Meteorite, Any star stones.
Moon - Moonstone, Labradorite, Pyrite, Milk Opal, Pearl.
Sun - Amber, Golden Tigers eye, Diamond, Heliotrope, Tiger's Eye, Sun stone.
Judgment - Malachite, Hawkseye, Fluorite, Fire Opal, Fossils.
World - Larimar, Unakite, Opal, Onyx, Jet, Lapis Lazuli, Black Pearl, Kunzite, Unakite.

Homemade Velveeta Cheese ( Copy- Cat)

1 cup boiling water
6 Tablespoons dried milk
1/4 oz (1 envelope) Knox Unflavored Gelatin
4 cups shredded cheese; equal parts colby jack, cheddar and swiss (1 1/3 cups each)


Put water on to boil. Line your selected, prepared mold* with plastic wrap, set aside. Once water has boiled, add to blender. Sprinkle in dried milk and unflavored gelatin. Pulse to blend. Add shredded cheese and blend until smooth. Immediately** pour into prepared mold. Put in refrigerator until set, about 2 hours to overnight. Take out of refrigerator, remove from mold and enjoy! Keep refrigerated. 

* I used The large box bottom that Valveeta came in and lined that.

** Can thicken very fast so work quickly.

BBQ Port Pasta

2 1/2 cups leftover cooked pork
1 1/2 cup leftover veggies (I used Chunks of potato and baby carrots cut in half)
2 cups dry noodles, cooked el-dente' (I used twists)
1 small onion chopped and fried lightly in butter
1/4 cup BBQ sauce, (I used Baby-Rays hickory and brown sugar)
1/2 of a 15 oz jar Tostitos Salas Con Queso Medium sauce
2/3 cup medium sharp shredded cheddar
2/3 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 (2.8 oz) package French fried onions (for topping)

Toss everything but the French fried onions together, if too dry add a little more cheese sauce or milk. Put in a 1 1/2 qt baking dish and cook in a preheated 350 oven for 25 minutes or until hot and onions are starting to brown. Serves 4

Three Ingredient Banana Bread

Dutch Apple Pie

Although I love baking, pie is my least favorite dessert and so I never make it. However I had some tart apples and figured I would give it a go. This is my first. It was strictly from memory of my mother making them when I was young.

6 tart apples, cored, skinned and cut in slices
3/4 cup sugar
2/3 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nut meg
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 cup warm water
2 pie shell rolls in the diary section. (I know my limits, can't do crusts)
1/2 tablespoon sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl add the water and raisins to plump, set aside. Once you have chopped up the apples drain the raisins.

in a large bowl toss 3/4 cup sugar and spices together, then add apples and raisins to coat evenly with sugar mix.

Roll out pie shells and in a sprayed pie pan place the bottom crust. Top with all the apple mixture. spread out to evenly line pan. top with the other crust and crimp edges and cut a design to allow steam to escape. top with remaining 1/2 tablespoon sugar and bake for 50 minutes in a 375 degree oven.

Focaccia Bread

 Tonight we had an easy summer meal, sandwiches. I made the facaccia this morning and we loved the aroma all day until we could stand it no more then we ate.

Finished bread

2 3/4 cup Flour
1 package rapid rise yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated black pepper

In a large Bowl mix the above and then add


2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup hot tap water

Mix well and knead until smooth and elastic. Then put in a oiled bowl and turn a couple of times to cover top and place a cloth over and allow to rise 20 minutes until double.

Spray a baking sheet and shape the dough into a oblong bread.
Top with
1 tablespoon butter
thin rings of onion
sun dried tomatoes
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese

Put in oven for 20-30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  Cool.

Bread sliced in half and used as a sandwich

Picture of Dough before it rises

Banana facts

This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER:
200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
NERVES:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniclercases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL:
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!'

Cowboy Casserole Gift in a Jar

 

This recipe is a creation of Colleen Sowa. Picture is also her's.

 

LAYER 1

1 pkg (1.5 ounce) brown gravy mix

 

LAYER 2

2 Tbsp taco seasoning mix

1 Tbsp each: dried cilantro flakes, dried parsley flakes

3 Tbsp dried minced onion

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

2 Tbsp beef boullion

1/2 tsp ground red pepper (optional)

1 tsp chili powder

 

LAYER 3

3 1/4 c wagon wheel pasta

 

1. Pour gravy mix into wide-mouth quart jar.

2. In a small bowl, mix together all the spices and the bouillon. Make a paper funnel or use a canning funnel to put the spice layer into the jar.

3. Pour the wagon wheel pasta into the jar. Place lid and ring onto jar.

4. Cut a piece of cloth in a circle that is 3 - 4 inches wider than the jar ring. (I use a pinking sheers to cut the material for a nice edging. I use a rubber band to hold the cloth in place on the jar. Then I tie a pretty ribbon over the rubber band and attach the recipe card that has a hole in it to put the ribbon through. Then tie a pretty bow.

 

The gift tag/ recipe card: 

 

Cowboy Casserole

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 

In a large skillet: Brown and cook well 1-1/2 pounds ground beef. Drain.

Add the ingredients in the jar to the skillet. Add 4 cups water Add 1 cup chunky salsa Add 1 (15 ounce) can black beans Add 1 (15 ounce) can Mexican Corn (drained). Stir together well. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Either use cooking spray or oil to put a thin layer on 9 x 13 -inch baking pan. Pour the well stirred mixture into baking pan. Cover baking pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 65 to 75 minutes (or until pasta is cooked and tender). Remove foil. Add 1-1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast casserole serves 4.

1/2 bag shredded potatoes (diary / cheese section)
1/4 onion diced
2 tablespoons butter
3 slices bacon, Cooked and crumbled
5 sausage links, Cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup shredded sharp cheese
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or dried minced garlic
5 eggs
1 tablespoon milk

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

In a bowl mix together potatoes, garlic powder and onion, set aside. In a 8x8 baking dish put the butter and warm in the oven until melted. Keep watch. Take from oven and pour  the potato onion mixture and press down evenly into the 8x8 dish.

Place that baking dish in the oven for 20 minutes. and take out.

Top that potato mix with the crumbled bacon and chopped sausage. Over that put the cheeses.

Beat the eggs with the milk and pour evenly over the casserole.

Bake for 25-35 minutes until set and cheese is starting to brown.

Take out of oven. Let sit 5 minutes and cut into fourths. Serve hot with a crusty toast. We like English muffin bread.

Pesticide cleaning spray for fruits and vegies

It’s always a good idea to minimize pesticide levels by choosing organic. Oranges tend to be grown with lower pesticide usage than most fruits

Give them a good cleaning with
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of white vinegar
in 1 cup of water

This will remove almost any pesticide with ease.

Roasted marshmallow Kahula Shots