the Magickal Cauldron

ten and a half weeks

2012-03-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

So I am ten and a half weeks into the New Year... ten and a half weeks of learning to live healthier – and all is well – I haven’t jumped from the train yet – though it has crossed my mind many a time. My weight this week is at a steady 218... Which yes I know is up from last week -- but to my surprise - is very deceiving… because even though I am at 218… I can fit into my jeans even better now than when I was at 216… I didn’t need to wiggle or squirm to get into them… didn’t even need my “helper” (you know what it is - it helps to “contain” the fat around my middle)

This morning, I fit into my jeans with almost no fuss – that’s amazing!!! And that’s when I decided to step on the scale and was shocked to see my weight was up! Conclusion: I am gaining muscle weight – while apparently losing some of that flabby luggage I have been carrying around on my behind and in my thighs. I couldn’t be happier!! So what if my weight is up… it will eventually come down – but right now for the first time in a long time I am seeing progress - in only TWO weeks. Now of course if it were possible to stick to the dietary suggestions to lose weight faster - than yes, I probably would see more dramatic weight loss… but that’s just not an option right now… but when I slipped into my jeans I felt, for lack of a better phrase … sexy! … And I actually said for the first time, “I am beautiful!”

The exercise program is the Shawn T, 15 minute workout (seen on the Dr.Oz show) that I mentioned about three weeks ago, and I have been giving it a go for the last three weeks now … except that I have only maintained to do it every weekday for the last two weeks!! And it has only been in the last week that I have begun to conquer my appetite to have a second helping at dinner!! Then again, I have been trying to find a balance with our family dinners. I don’t agree with making separate meals for me just because I am trying to lose weight – I think that sets a bad example for my boys. So I am trying to make a family meal plan that works for everyone… well at least 90% of the time… because you can’t please everyone all the time… it’s based on the idea of more carbs at lunch and less at dinner… it’s still a work in progress…

Anyways, after two continuous weeks I can tell you that his workout is not for the weak!! But it is for the determined!!! Those of us making excuses about not having enough time to get our metabolism up to burn off enough calories efficiently! And I am more determined NOW – then ever to conquer this!! Especially when I had my BMI calculated and it told me I was OBESE!! WHAT!!??? Someone is seriously screwed up – there is no way I am OBESE! But for my height and weight apparently I am… just one problem with that formula it does not take into consideration - BONE size … after all I am a big boned woman… in contrast of course to some of your smaller framed people… it’s not an excuse to be overweight… just a reason to state that my healthy BMI says I should be around 145 or so… WHAT!!?? I was that way in High school and I have seen those pictures… my skin was clinging so tight to my bones that I am insulted – I can’t believe no one asked me if I had an eating disorder!! So don’t let your BMI determine your Happy Weight!! Losing weight won’t make you any happier about your body… you have to be happy with you - from the inside out. Remember: “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind!”

Thanks for Reading.
Blessed Be

From Fruit Stand to Plant Stand

2012-03-02T07:09:00.000-08:00

Last year i was gifted a beautiful stand... A fruit stand - which is a wonderful idea - except that its not countertop size - it actually stands about four feet off the ground - that's a lot of fruit!! More than i can imagine being eaten in my house before it rots...

Anyways, I put it together to see how it would look... and it was even more beautiful than the picture on the box... and it was then that i realized that the baskets were perfect for some of the hanging baskets i have seen around in the spring... the moss baskets... but I didn't have any and it wasn't spring - so what does a Crafty Witch like myself do - i improvisded... using a saucer plate, some grippy shelf liner, three small tera cota pots and some baby plants from other larger pots... i balnced them inside the baskets.

I am hoping in the spring to find the right sized baskets and use it as an indoor herb station! i've already got the parsley on top... just need some basil, oregano ... rosemary and thyme ... won't that look nice and smell fragrant!!

I hope you are inspired to turn something not so functional (for your lifestyle) and turn it into something wonderfully functional!!

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

Sewing Station

2012-03-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

I thought i would share one of my favorite organizers in my cramped little room... this is my thread and bobbin holder that i have attached to the wall - up and out of the way so i can find just what i need - when i need it.

Years ago i found this old wooden spice rack at a garage sale for $1... and picked it up to use for my kitchen - i though, “great i can attach it to the wall and have all my spices on hand” ... well that was the plan until i realized that many of my spice containers were either to fat or too tall to fit on this older rack... crap!

But because i knew it had a useful purpose i held on to it hoping to run across a matching set of containers that would fit in it that i could use to store my spices in... and when i did... the spice containers came with their own rack... now what to do with it?

Well it was then too - that i was having an issue with my threads on my desk... which doubles as a writing table and craft table... the tread was unraveling from their core and getting caught up in things... they were rolling around on the desk and were apparently now “free game” for the cat to play with... OH MY! That's when it dawned on me to put my threads in the spice rack.

Eventually i plan to sand it down and re-paint it to say THREADS, but for now it keeps it all organized! I can get about 20 spools per shelf ... spools i have been "collecting" for nearly 10 years now. As for the bobbins i attached two clothespins to the top wrung and added a narrow dowel this keeps all my bobbins from going anywhere and i can see just what shade i need... they slide on and off easily. I keep 13 separate bobbins (one is in my machine now) ... just cause i hate to waste thread when i need a new color of bobbin.

Now i also included a picture of my "sewing station" ... i did mention it was a cramped room right? ... well it’s also multi-purpose too! My machine sits on an antique/family heirloom 4 drawer (the knobs are decoratively deceiving) stand. Next to my machine is a little container that stores my machine parts, pieces, and needles... plus scissors, tools and pins too.

The top drawer of the cabinet has all of my pattern books for sewing and any iron-on's i have. The next two drawers contain purchased patterns... which i keep in zipper-lock bags. That way everything stays neat and tidy …. and water proof too. I squeeze out all the air from the bags and it keeps them flat and un-crinkled.

The very bottom drawer is where i keep my own original or my modified pattern pieces. I use craft paper to make patterns, i store most of them in zipper-bags too... so that i can mark on the bag what the pattern is and any other notes i need to remind myself of later.

Hopefully my suggestions will help anyone looking to organize their own sewing space!

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

start of week 9

2012-02-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

YEAH!! I am happy to report that i am down to 216!!! That exercise link that i posted last week, for the 15 minute workout with Shawn T is paying off... plus that - i picked up another tip along the way... since i LOVE carbs - all day long ... i don't have to starve myself from them i just need to eat them sensibly and in the reverse order. i know what your thinking, "what??" Well, that means i need to eat more carbs in the morning and decrease it every time i eat in the day. That way my body has a chance to burn them before i go to bed and they hunker down - on my hips... so at lunch i can have a cup to a cup and a half of mac and cheese but then at dinner i have a very small portion and i mean like 1/2 cup or less of whatever has the carbs in it... which so far has been working well! As long as my body doesn't feel like i am starving it of the wonderful pasta's and pototes in life - then i don't find myself binging through the fridge at 9pm... and i like that... if i am aggitated or whatever at night i choose to eat a string cheese instead ... peeling it apart in tiny pieces so it takes me a while to eat it.

Anyways, if i don't falter... i should be down below 215 next week. See you then! :)

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

start of week 8

2012-02-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

So two months into the new year...

and i log in at 219... so, though i have lost really nothing at all in my weight ... i have gained in learning to eat better and make better choices... because i didn't gain any more weight in the last 8 weeks.

My biggest struggle - past the learning to eat healthier on a budget - has been exercise. I am not walking any more... i know it's sad... i would like to get back into it (it was a walking meditation) and i am sure i will get back into it but for right now i am swamped. Amogenst everything else i already have on my plate - I have taken on a new responsibility... i am volunteering at my kids school in the reading program… which I didn’t realize was going to throw my schedule so much… I feel a little disoriented about the schedule change – but on the other hand the fact that I am leaving the comfort zone of my home as often as I am… it’s been a very good oost for my mental well-being.

In addition, since I can be easily swayed to change course for different reasons… I am no longer relying on my previous attempts to exercise. I would like to recommend the following suggestions…

This link is TRANSFORMATION NATION with Dr. OZ. Join others in a nation wide attempt to be healthier.... http://doctoroz.sharecare.com/ i am signed on, i am hoping it works for me... but even if this attempt doesn't work for me, it doesn't mean it work for you... and it doesn't hurt to try.

This link i also got from Dr.OZ - this is my new exercise workout - http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/shaun-ts-miracle-15-minute-workout - i am desperately trying to find 15 minutes a day do the workout. Which seems to be easier said than done. I missed yesterday… and though I haven’t lost any weight in the last week of doing it… I have noticed a considerable change in my energy level… Now I do want to note that this is NOT EASY… you can make slight modifications to his routine and build yourself up… but it will really work you and you just need to push through. I love the workout… I love the challenge… I love that its only 15 minutes… my only issue is finding 15 minutes of private time to sweat like a pig. but that's life - accept it, deal with it, and move on.

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

Handfasting Basket

2012-02-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

I was looking through some of my older files on my computer and came across some pictures of projects i had created in years past and thought i would share them with you from time to time.

This project was a gift for our firends who were getting married, it's a Handfasting Basket.

Inside the basket i included 3 specialty soaps, a tri-Candle set, a Handfasting Certificate, a braided Handfasting cord and a matching Casa satin bag. Everything was handmade, except the candles... i ran out of time.

This was my candle set. In the bag was 1 red Hearth Candle, two white candles and a large candle plate. I also included some "come hither" essential oil... though i can't remember which oil i included i think it was rose... and some "put me in the mood" sea salts, which was a container of fine sea salt mixed with more essintial oil and i don't remember what oil i used here either... i asked them what their favorite scents were and used that.

For the soaps i made three different kinds using goat milk as my soap base ... i even created the packaging too. The first one was a Brown sugar and Oatmeal soap for a little prosperity, the second was Rosemary and Mint (my favorite) for shedding negativity, and Lavender and Chamomile for some relaxation.

Finally, this was the frosting on the cake. Using cording that you would find on window tassels i braided their wedding colors and a hearth/love color together... weaved into the braid was a beautiful "make your own" necklace chain that was very earthy and i loved the "tree of life" charm... as did they.

start of week 7

2012-02-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

i have nothing much to report this week. I have gained back two pounds... but that's because my husband and i celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary and i enjoyed my dinner... every last bit of it. But i am - who i am. i will continue to try and eat right and exercise too... and i know that one of these days when i least expect it ... it will start to actually burn off.... but today was not that day.

This whole process of doing it "the hard way" is better in the long run... because i know that the lessons i learn now... will carry with me... and the hard work that goes into losing weight will eventually be the only thing that sticks with me and will remind me not to go for seconds... and not to order the fries on the side if i am having bacon on my sandwich.... and most importantly the one lesson that i have learned very well is that the longer i sit on my ass ... the bigger it will be when i stand in front of the mirror!!!

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

God-Parents

2012-02-09T16:34:00.000-08:00

In keeping with who I am... and who is that you might ask... well I am one who has a tendency to take Christian things and make them Pagan... it's the same ideals that were used way back when - when the Christians first began converting Pagans... by blending traditions and aspects.

So here is one of my “blended” traditions: GOD-PARENTS

(Depending on our own personal beliefs as solitaries or the beliefs of the coven, adjust this theory/ideal as you see fit)

I wanted to choose (or maybe your children could help choose) a God and Goddess to be there “second” set of parents, to help look after them. Not that they aren’t already… but that like many “tools” up a Witch’s sleeve… it never hurts to have a more “physical” focal point.

Seeing as I was lacking in that "Parental" aspect of life as a child and seeing as that we are never too old to need advice from someone we respect and honor… I even choose a set of God-Parents for myself. Since Thor has actually been with me since I was a child, even though I didn’t know who he was by name… I chose to ask Thor and Sif to act as my God-Parents using a basic and simple ritual... but you can make it as elaborate as you see fit.

Because I don’t know all the different traditions out there… this may reflect that of a similar ritual you already have in practice, in some form or another and that’s good… but maybe you haven't chosen a set for your children?

I happen to know that Bast has visited my oldest son - numerous times in his dreams… as both a cat and as a woman… So I will ask that she be his Goddess-Mother… and….Ra his God-Father… as he tends to suffer from “Littlest God Syndrome” ((you might laugh, but this is a serious 'disease' that he and many other children are plagued with at and around his age (age 9)… it’s the attitude you get from them when they think they should be worshipped, that they should get whatever they want, that they can make new rules – their own rules… oh, and they are brave enough to tell you NO!)) Anyways, I think that Ra might be perfect to teach him how to harness his energy instead of throwing it about. As for my 6 year old… I think I will have to do a bit of meditating on that one… he’s a very unique child…he loves bugs and reptiles… and they love him...)

Anyways, I have included for you a God-Parent’s Certificate for your children (and you if you choose): God-Parent Certificate

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

start of week 6

2012-02-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

Actually it started yesterday, week 6 that is, but I was swamped with other things and got busy and then well… the day was gone.

But today is here and so I want to start with a weigh in: (drum roll please) … 216 … finally now I am making progress… with no help from anyone but ME. Even though I highly value the offerings from Dr. Oz… and his show… I have to throw most of what I have taken from his show… regarding weight loss… and throw it in the trash.

First of all, if it wasn’t already hard enough to buy groceries on a tight budget when you have two small children… who are like piranhas at dinner time (sometimes picky piranhas)… I just couldn’t afford to buy five little meals for me – especially when they are made primarily of fruits and veggies. Not that I don’t want to eat them - I love them… but I would rather give my portion to my children and go without then go over my food budget for the month. It’s fine if you don’t have to worry about money but I am a stay-at-home-mom, that means we have one income… So, would I rather eat not as well and remain a stay home mom and actually raise the children I gave birth to… or would I rather take a job (that’s if I can even find one in our economy and area right now) – just so I can have more money to live on? Yeah like that’s a tough decision…

What I have decided to do is to basically wing-it! In the morning I am eating one piece of toast with a bit of Peanut butter on it (I’m just not a breakfast eater) … for lunch, I am having a granola yogurt or a half a sandwich or tuna and crackers with celery… then for dinner I will have a smaller meal than what I have been allowing myself to indulge on… (actually my husband is helping my intervening… he takes my plate after one helping and puts it in the sink so I can’t have another… He’s a very brave man and I love him) And then, because I have a horrible habit of snacking at bed time – I have some little pretzels poured into a bowl – not from the bag… Pretzels that I lick the salt off – then eat.

As far as getting up and moving, I am still walking most mornings… my schedule has changed – I am doing some volunteering at the school in the mornings. BUT, I have buddied up with a friend of mine from high school who is eager to lose weight too! I have convinced her to take an hour a week and join me in my Zumba class. Not only will she get a workout but some free time away from the kids and the house… and who wouldn’t work out for that… an hour away is always a blessing no matter how it’s spent. I plan on increasing it to twice a week… but I don’t want her to get to tired and discouraged… but me, well I am a different story… So on Monday I did Zumba and then today I opted for a 40 minute tae-bo routine! And Friday I think I will do something with my Jillian Michaels DVD… that way, me and my body don’t get bored. So far it seems to be working… I’m just a few days in and I finally dropped below the 217 mark without going back up!! YEAH!

Let’s see if this formula is the winner. See ya in a week.

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

Two Familiar...

2012-01-31T09:40:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce you to our family familiars...

Algonquin is our 2 year old cat... who has a 'slight' weight issue (but we are working on it) and now thanks to PETCO and our local SPCA we have adopted a one year old sister for him to play with... we call her Pocahontas... (she has a bit of a weight issue too - perfect!) ... they are still getting accustom to each other... but i know they will be lifelong friends...

POCHAHONTAS

(shh! she's looking for him so she can play with him - he just doesn't know it yet!)

ALGONQUIN

(he's watching her sleep in HIS recliner! The nerve of that kitten - right?!)

start of week 5

2012-01-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

So i have to say … admit ... that even though i thought that putting up my information about trying to eat healthier and living healthier was a good idea… it was to encourage me not to disappoint myself “in front” of others… in the end I have done just that…

I expected to be down at least 6-8 pounds by now… and yet I have floated down and spiked up again and again… so many times over the last few weeks that I have only lost a total of 2 little pounds…

I find it interesting that I have over-come everything that has been thrown in front of me… it wasn’t always easy or without tears and hard work… but I have managed to over-come so many obstacles … EXCEPT my weight L …

However, I have accomplished one thing in the last few weeks – it is to be motivated to walk one mile every weekday (most of them anyways – due to weather)… it is my time-out from the world and my family… it is my meditation! I listen to the birds chatter in the trees about how cold it is… and I see the little scurry trails of field mice along the embankment of the road… and I shiver as the giant metal monsters, (the power lines) above me hum an eerie tune of their own… but it’s still my space… my peaceful place.

In addition, I have been using the food journal (the one I created) to track my habits… but they don’t tell me anything else that I don’t already know… when I am upset… (Whether I want to admit it or not) …I feel obligated to heal my suffering … by eating… I DO start with the good foods… like veggies… but they don’t quench that ache of misery deep inside… it’s only when I satisfy it with something comforting (almost always; starchy and/or fatty) that I feel a little better… it’s like the psychology behind that first cup of coffee in the morning… it really can make or break the entire day…

* I just want to make a short note here… I am unique because unlike many others (I won’t name you – but you know who you are) I am not a chocoholic… I really don’t care for the stuff… and I don’t like ice cream but on rare occasions in the summer… (and then I only eat one flavor)… my issues are of moderation of the stuff you are supposed to eat… like your carbs (pasta) and your dairy (cheese)… hence mac and cheese… *

So, you see I am in a dilemma of sorts… I am not giving up on losing weight… no one should… but I am going to have to do something different again… really get to the root of the issue… I knew this wasn’t going to be easy – if it was anyone could eat what they want and never worry because there would always be a simple solution to fix it later… so what do I do…

I need to resolve my issues… why do I keep turning to comfort foods… like the bowl of macaroni I have ‘waiting’ for me in the fridge… (really I do! right now as a matter of fact) I planned ahead last night and made extra to have on hand in the fridge to eat if I needed to… and of course you know I was thinking I WAS going to need it or else why would I do it… to explain this, let me just say that my van was on its last leg as it was… she served me very well… but our winters are harsh… she only had a few more trips in her before the motor was destined to go up anyways… and then yesterday on the way home from town I lost my brakes… I had NONE … right to floor and absolutely nothing… so now I have cancelled an appointment for today… and hopefully I won’t have to cancel any more this week… but even when they fix the breaks… she doesn’t have much left in her anyways… I hate feeling trapped… and I feel trapped to the house because I have no vehicle… but then again my dad says that’s the reason why my van was ill … because I have it in the driveway to use when I need it… and it just doesn’t get driven enough… well I can’t help that… I live in the middle of nowhere… and there is nowhere I want to go or be…

Anyways, I am getting away from my point… when life gives me stress… the fridge provides me with food… Now I know, I’ve heard it before… if you eat cause you are bored – the next time you are bored find something fun and active to do… if you are upset, don’t look to the fridge as being your best friend… call up a good friend who is a good listener…. Ect.. ect… ect… I know… I know… I know… and yet… knowing isn’t everything… it’s doing that is the challenge… I can find things to do to distract me… and I can meditate to calm me (temporarily) … but the truth is I am not dealing with my real emotions and until I learn to acknowledge and deal with them… then I will be forever fighting my weight… at least I can say that for the first time I have truly begun to work this out…

So that having been said (written down)… why am I hungry today… because I am alone at the house (except for the two cats – who are both napping) and not that I want to go anywhere but… if I decided to – I can’t… so I am not in control of my life… Oh My Goddess! I just solved my issue… that’s it! No really, just writing it down – being honest not only with myself but to you my reading audience too … I am hiding nothing… and the truth is… and I only know this cause I keep coming back to this issue… I don’t have control over it! No I’m not obsessively controlling… but there are areas of my life that I feel I need to have a strong grip on or else… I will slip from reality and everything will fall apart… (if you don’t know what that feels like – it’s downright terrifying!!) … I have done reading and meditation on this issue… ‘what do you have to loose… if you let go?’ and the truth is… I don’t know and that’s what scares me the most… the ‘what if’s’ in life…

So let’s apply this with a little self-talk… “what if, everything is ok?” … “what if, you don’t need to eat ‘such and such’ because everything is ok?” … “what if, everything will be ok?” … “what if, it’s ok to let someone else handle the situation… even if it’s not perfect?” … “what do you have to loose…?” That which you want to lose… WEIGHT!!!

In that case… (using a little more self-talk) … “then, its ok that the van isn’t here… everything will be ok… the van will be fixed… you will make your other scheduled appointments this week… and what’s a little quite time… OMMMMMM … seriously, you should be grateful that you have the house to yourself… take full advantage of the peacefulness… (even if the dishes have to wait till later) … there is no point in wasting those valuable peaceful moments worrying and eating – just because you can’t control the situation!”

You know I am already feeling better… and less hungry… I think, I will find myself a good book, a cozy blanket and either read or take a nap… but both are ok… because everything is OK!

Thank you for helping me

And, Thanks for reading.

Blessed Be

p.s. If you struggle with your weight... like myself... try writing it out... be totally honest... strip yourself of each and every protective layer and look to see what it left... that's the real issue(s) that keep you from loosing weight!! I wish you the best of luck!

My Herbal Journal

2012-01-26T10:30:00.000-08:00

In keeping with the Healthy Living Journal pages I posted the other day... i thought i should share with you My Herbal Journal. I use this sheet to keep track of my herbal supplements and my multi-vitamin. I suggest that you check over your Journal Page(s) over every month or so to keep the information current. If you have changes to make... print off a new sheet!! Why? So you can keep track of benefits, side effects, active ingredients and/or manufacturing changes.

I have a mult-vitamin that I am happy on but one time when I needed a new bottle it was out of stock… so instead of waiting a day or two for it to come in, I just bought a different brand... after a few days I was feeling awfully tired so I reviewed my supplements…it was then that I realized what the problem was - this other brand had HALF the amount of Iron I needed... which is why it helps to keep track and pay attention to your supplements or anything you are taking.

In addition, it’s a good idea to keep track of your supplements because of current aliments you are being treated for ... and aliments they may arise in the furture… you should be very careful when mixing herbals and prescriptions. Always discuss with your doctor any herbals/supplements you are taking, how often you take them and what the dosage is. I also recommend getting a copy of “A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions” – Edited by Alan R. Gaby, M.D. and the Healthnotes Medical Team. (I purchased mine through amazon.com). Use the book as a strong suggestive guide, of course everyone reacts to things differently… and there is a reason why the FDA hasn’t approved supplements…. Because they are too hard to control per every different personal situation… above all - always take care and use your intuition!!

So with that all being said, here is my Herbal Tracker: MY HERBAL JOURNAL

And here is a example of how it can work for you: EXAMPLE of MY HERBAL JOURNAL

** just as a side note; when it says Active Ingredient(s)... i am not refering to the ingredients that go into making the product ... i am referring to the main and other suppliments used in the product... for example my Omega-3 Fish Oil has this listed in that column: EPA, DHA, Omega -3 Fatty Acids **

If you have an interesting combination of herbals/suppliments... use a black perm. marker to mark the caps... if you take them once a day - all at the same time, just mark the lids with the Qty number... if you break them up in the day i suggest marking the caps with M-1, D-1.

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

Hello!

2012-01-25T11:05:00.001-08:00

This is very new to me, not the writing, but the blogging. So forgive me as i start by sticking my toes into the water... I'm sure it will feel a bit cold to start, but then again we all have to start somewhere.

So where to start... maybe i should introduce myself... after all that seems customary. I am one of many in a increasingly growing faith of Pagans. Specifically though, i refer to myself as a Hearth Witch, because much of what i do revolves around Home and Earth. And even though, i am considered to many as a solitary witch, I feel that everyone's first coven, is their family coven.

I am a very creative person... and have been referred to many times as a Pagan Martha Stewart... (only better if you ask me) ... since i don't have any interest fame... a little attention and appreciation is always welcomed.

I enjoy creating projects and crafts for kids that are Pagan themed. And have the tendency to look through Christian project magazines to see how i can make the same project - Pagan friendly. I know it's horrible... not that that i am changing the projects... but that i feel it necessary to do so. I feel it is only right to give my children (and other pagan children) the same opportunities as other belief systems. Projects that i know, from my own experiences, Pagan parents will feel comfortable doing with their children.

Please check out my site: www.theMagickalCauldron.com be sure review MY TERMS before downloading or printing off material. I offer it up free - but i expect it to be respected. Next week i will be posting up my Yule story and a new project sheet... plus, (as you will notice) the site hasn't been updated in a while... i will be getting on that THIS week... i have been so busy with my books, that i have just neglected the poor thing... but i have plans to freshen it up a bit - and make it a bit easier to use... and like i said, i plan to start it this week and hope to have it completely done by Jan 1... but you will still have access to all my material. So please enjoy!!

And don't forget to sign up with my blog so that when i add new material to the site - you will be first to know about it... i have many new wonderful surprises coming this year... YEAH!!!

Thanks for reading!

Blessed Be

About Me

2012-01-25T11:02:00.000-08:00

I am a Proud First Generation, Eclectic Hearth Witch and Stay-at-Home Mother of two. Much of my work centers around family and children. Though I am considered to be a solitary witch, I believe that every family is their own coven.

I have lived nearly all my life in the northern most region of New York, along the Canadian border. Though I was born Kourtnee Danielle in 1980, I tend to use Rayne Storm for anything related to my Magickal Workings.

As a child, I have always had a closeness with the Earth and the Gods, even before I knew that my beliefs had a place. Then, as I began to explore my beliefs, many years later, I thought I was one of a very small group of individuals who wished to walk along an ancient path. Instead I found that there were many believers like myself, those of us just looking for our place in this world, a place they could come home to.

For me, home was at the Heart and Hearth of Family and of the Earth. As I was learning, I was also teaching by writting stories and creating activities to help Children and beginners make their way along, on their own, Earth-based Spiritual path. ---

Healthy Living Journal (worksheet)

2012-01-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

Since it is a proven fact that when we write things down -- we learn, what we need to learn, a bit easier and faster... having stated that, i have designed a "Healthy Living Journal" worksheet for you to download. Normal Food Journals only track your food... but this worksheet also tracks your exercise and your meditation plus other things - things that you might find influence your daily life for eating and exercising. Plus, that when we are diligent and HONEST about what we write in our Healthy Living Journals... the more we can see the root of the problem we need to fix.

Originally i had been asked to keep a food log, in order to really pin point not only my absentminded eating habits but my emotional eating too... Since i like to be "unique"... i created my own worksheet... of course there are many other sites out there with Food Journal Pages you can download... use what feels right for you -- after all, in most cases eating isn't the only reason for weight and/or health issues.

So after trying out my worksheet and its design i feel this is the most efficent:

Healthy Living Journal pages

There are plenty of pages to choose from. Choose by design or Sabbot... use the plain one or add your own image to each page.

I have also included an example (a rough one) of how to fill out your Journal worksheet... I made this up -- but you'll get the idea: EXAMPLE: Healthy Living Journal (worksheet)

Thanks for Reading.
Blessed Be

start of week 4

2012-01-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

OK so today is the start of week 4... and my weight is 217. Not bad, down 2 pounds from last week... I'm right on track... or rather back on track with my goal of 2 pounds per week. I am still walking just about every day and trying to balance my eating... nothing new there... that's what i account the 2 pound drop from... but this week Zumba evening classes are back in my area so i have teamed myself up with an old high school friend (and mother of 4 - all girls) to take an hour a week out of our lives to have a little fun and break a little sweat. I can't wait to get back into these classes.... and i am so glad i've talked her into going with me.

For those of you who don't know what Zumba is you can google it, like i first did... but a Zumba class isn't like what you might find online. In our area they are mainly (or only) women participants. They don't teach you how to Zumba... you learn by doing and don't worry if you don't think you are that good because there are only a handful of die-hard spot on people in the class (at least around here anyways). These classes are great for grabbing a few friends and for $5 - you have a great time with other women of all sizes and ages; from 18 to 64 (yes, 64).

Zumba is (basically) Latin dances meant to be invigorating exercises. And jsut so you know, i can't keep time and i don't have any real rhythm but i enjoy myself, as does everyone else. You work up a great sweat... get those endorphins all revved up and when you are done -- you just feel refreshed... like opening a window on the first day of spring! It's only an hour class... but it doesn't feel it!

I would recommend checking out these classes if you have them in your area...they can really help with those winter time blues.

Until next time, Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

2012-01-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

Here’s a quick featured project: Unfortunately I can’t give you instructions on making it, but I can lead you in the direction of it. The book is “one-yard wonders” by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins. (I purchased my copy through Amazon.com) The book has 101 different sewing projects in it for just one yeard of fabric and some notions and such. And yes, the patterns are included with the book. There are projects in there for home, helpful uses, girl’s tops, toys, and pets too. It’s great book to have on hand if you have totes of scraps lying around that you’re not sure what you will use them for … and yet can’t throw them out either.

Anyways, I made two of these little fireman hats, one in Dutch “Brandweer” and one in English (not shown) “Fire Chief”. I made them at the same time and one was going to be for my son and the other one is going to be a gift for the son of a very good friend of mine in Holland… however, the hat was too small for my 6 year son… so now her son will have two dress up fireman hats for his birthday. The instructions in the book don’t give a size but my 6 year old was slightly too big for it… so it should fit perfectly on her little one.

Flower Pen Vase

2012-01-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

This project comes from my sister, who picked up the idea while living in Germany.

You'll Need:
( ) A Little Duct Tape
( ) Wire Cutters OR pliers with the ability to cut wire
( ) Sissors
( ) Floral Tape (in the craft department) or Frog Tape (but its more expensive)
( ) Fake Flowers of your choice
( ) Stones, Beads, Glass Gems ect.
( ) Vase
( ) Pack of Pens

Please view the video below for instructions on putting this project together:

the start of week 3

2012-01-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

Today starts the 3rd week of changing habits to living healthier... and already I have learned an important lesson... but let me tell you what happened over the last five days of the last week.... everything was going good until we had an ice storm followed by *power outage* a heavy, wet snow storm...... *power back on* followed by the weekend... followed by a holiday... so the kids have been home from school for the last 5 days... today was their first day back... i was down to 215 - six days ago... and now i am back up to 219. Not only am i ashamed to have to confess that i failed ... but i am frustrated and discouraged with myself... again! But, rest assured I will pick myself back up and start again…

So what happened?? well that has been my question all morning... let me count the ways i strayed... i haven't been able to talk my morning walk because if the roads are so bad that there is no school - than it's probably not safe to walk them... and i could have probably did my regular exercises and had my kids participate with me... but i neglected to... i am at fault for that.... AND i strayed from my meals... i was eating five small meals in sync with carbs, protien and veggies.... but... with the kids home i went back to my 2 main meals... lunch and dinner and then eating before bed again .... that's actually where i failed!!! because of my metabolism...(as I am learning) I should have stayed on my small meal plan... maybe even invited my kids to join me in fruit and veggie snacks... but i failed to do that ... actually it was more that they have a schedule of eating - because of school - and i guess i didn't want to stray them from their routine... even though it wouldn't have hurt them to have more fruits and veggies during the day.... and now because i opted not to include them... i am paying the price for it!! …I will not make that mistake again…hopefully!

So this week my agenda will include; walking whenever possible ... even take the kids ... i know it sounds obvious but i like the sweet silence of walking alone... but i also want to instill good habits for my children, don't I? duh! .... I need to exercise... even make the kids to it... maybe make them their very own...weights ... hmmmmm... maybe using a paper towel roll or little plastic bottles and filling them with a cup of rice??? i don't know... i'll get back to you on that one if i can make it work. Anyways, and most importantly ... i must not --- I repeat, for the sake of my metabolism... I MUST NOT STRAY from my 3 meals and 2 snacks per day...

oh, and i must continue to work on the "deeper issues" of my eating habits.... my emotional rampages that have me raiding the kitchen more often than I should be.... though I have been doing very good lately about not doing that… emotional eating that is… what I think (and I’, 99% sure on this one) … what put on my weight back on was that that my metabolism was so weak – with less and somewhat larger meals spaced out farther … I wasn’t burning off the calories I needed to – to maintain my weight over the last five days…

So here I begin again… having learned an important lesson… or two … or three….. I will be one step closer to conquering this mountain and being able to maintain that balance once I reach the top!!!

p.s. in case you are curious -- the cat has luckily maintained his weight. Whew!

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

Charity - Spending - Savings Boxes

2012-01-15T11:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a Craft Project perfect for the New Year!

It was featured in the Yule 2011 edition of Pooka Pages (www.PookaPages.com)... its a FREE on-line magazine for kids... but the craft is for any age!!

Please read and understand my terms (see below) before downloading my file. Thank you!

If you are a parent, then you understand that money is always tight. I am always working hard on a budget too, and yet still trying to encourage my children to have a hands-on-learning experience with our Earth-based Spirtuality. I want others to have a place to get affordable ideas for FREE and maybe exchange ideas with other parents as well. My ideas are FREE but you have to get your own supplies... most of which you will have around your house or you can get at any wal-mart or craft store. Some activites just require that you print them off your computer... most have a B&W version (to be printer ink helpful) and a COLOR version too. I don't mind if you save ONE copy of each of the PDF's to your hard-drive... but you can't sell them or pass them off as your own. I don't mind if you like my ideas - matter of fact i think that's Great!! - but if you want to share them, Please use one of the links from my website - to show them the way to my site. You CAN NOT create my items and turn around and sell them - not even if you put my name on it... (yes, i know i already said this - but it deserves to be repeated) I could easily sell any of these products / projects, if i so choose to ... but i don't (at least not at this time)... i don't want to sell them because we pay for everything in life and its nice to get something for free once and a while. Everything on this site (including my blog), all of its ideas, projects and patterns... anything on its subsequent pages; the images, the text... the pdf's and video's... EVERYTHING will remain FREE and openly available as long as everyone follows my terms. Thanks for understanding! Blessed Be

~~~ Click here to download the file from my website ~~~

BOE part I

2012-01-13T05:50:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and amongst all the "other" goals I have set for myself... I have also included a re-vamping of my BOS/Grimoire. Right now, there is so much material in it to sift through when I am looking for something it's like trying to find a toothpick in Tornado alley... so I have decided to remove ALL my pages that aren't in my hand writing and ALL the pages that I just don't use often enough. BTW: All the pages I will be removing will be stored in a box... just in case - because you never know!

Now, I know there are a lot of sites out there with information about how to set up a book of shadows... but me being me - well I had to throw my thoughts into the cauldron too. First off, I actually refer to my book as my BOE or LBOE which means Little Book of Everything... but little it is not! What it is though – is a little bit of everything. When I started my first BOS (as it was back 10 years ago)... I had a hard time trying to organize it... because I would study this today and organize under this heading and then in a month or so later I would be copying more information down... but it didn't quite fit here or there... and so I would make a new section for the information... when all was said and done - I swear I have more dividers than I do all the pages in between them... and I was constantly having to re-write my contents page... because my sections where changing... And yet I was never really happy with it. I wanted that "Charmed" book look; clean, classic, hand written and with a flowing consistency to it... so that is my goal…will this work? I don’t know – but at least I will get the clean look and better organization that I require.

I'm sure that there are many people who prefer to keep their BOE on a computer, and that’s fine, but it never hurts to have a back-up file, a hard copy of your work – just in case the impossible becomes possible one day…. Though you can print off those pages for your Book, I find that hand-writing the majority of it helps you to retain and learn the information that you are consuming - so that is my preferred and suggested method.

To start you of, and me too! I have created some simple page layouts to work with. Print them off on your choice of paper, to begin working with them... there are multiple options to choose from; some with margins, some with none... some with areas for notes, pictures, titles or headers etc... [Click here for the downloadable file] If I come up with more options (or someone has suggestions for me - I will post a separate file to add to the original set of blank pages).

Here is my suggestion of what you will need:

-- (1) fat 3 ring binder

-- Sheet Protectors* (optional: add one piece of card stock to each sheet protector for support)

-- Pen, Pencils, Colored Pencils, markers ect

-- Seed Packets, Magazine Cut outs and other embellishments

-- Photo Corners (for your contents page – these are a necessity - believe me!)

-- Colored Paper or Scrapbook papers (and other scrapbook supplies)

-- LBOE BLANK PAGE print outs [Click here for the downloadable file]

* I don’t recommend hole punching or loose leaf paper, unless it is for a short term – you’ll get to it and fix it, because they have tendency to wear down over time and usage and then rip out… then you’ll have to re-write the page to insert it back in… save yourself the time now. Plus that, now you’ll worry less if you accidently spill tea or candle wax onto your page! Just change out or clean your sheet protector and you’re good to go!

The pdf file has many different page options to choose from… just download the file, and print off just what you want in the quantity you need. Some pages have room for notes on the side, images in the top or corners… places to attach images or other embellishments. Some pages have a margin to keep text and such neat and tidy. Many of the pages are reversible so once you print them off - turn them around (so the top is at the bottom and the bottom is at the top). The first few pages of the file can be used for your contents pages or any other need to move around content. Place photo corners at inner - intersection corners of each rectangle (page 1) … then cut out the rectangles that fit into that area, of the file (page 2). Write the section title on the rectangles and slip the corners into the photo corners on the page. Then slip your contents page into a sheet protector. This method, thou tiresome at first, will be helpful as your book grows and you find yourself updating information, adding information to pages or just moving pages around in your BOE.

Here are just some of the sections I use in mine;

Seasonal Festivals: Sabbots

Lunar Festivities: Esbats

Celebrations and Traditions

Tools and Supplies

Deities and Pantheons

Divinations

Crystals, Gems & Stones

Invocations

Goals and Aspirations

Clothing, Cloaks and Robes

Prayers and Blessings

I have listed only a portion of them and they are out of order because you should decide what order feels right for you.. after all, you’ll be working with your book, not mine.

From my experiences of searching around (web and books) trying to get the best advice about how to divide up my sections I have come across - more than once; "Divinations and Dreams” and "Symbols and Runes"... but I don't choose to divide mine up in that manner... and one of the best parts to being a Witch is remembering that there are no "rules" when it comes to this (unless of course you are in a coven or such, that mandates a certain structure). Instead, I see Divinations and Dreams as separate sections... but that is my personal opinion. Though, I list Runes under Divination - I also include just the runic symbol to my section on Symbols… your choice.

In other words, your personal interpretation is what will guide you to building and expanding your book... Your personality will also help you decide how you choose to embellish your pages. You can use magazine cut outs, you can scrapbook your BOE pages, you can draw or paint images to go along with your text... the possibilities are endless... and each book becomes a bit more like you; unique and one of a kind.

Anyways, your first step should be to set up a Cover page, the first page of your book. Mine is a Scrapbook page... nothing on it - the decorative paper does all the talking. On page two I wrote a “Book Blessing”... and on page 3 I have a “Book Binding” (a protection spell for my Book). The Blessing is meant to bless your book – for it has been chosen and dedicated to hold your most valuable and sacred information. I have chosen, as many seem to too, to add a book protection spell, written words protecting your book from the wandering eyes of trouble... but just because you put a protection spell on your book does not mean that you can leave it out where others can thumb through it. Other's intentions can leave a very bad energy residue on your book and I don't think you want that.

*on a side note: you really should create your own blessing and spell… but if you can’t seem to grasp one to write yet, there are plenty of others in books and on-line but PLEASE… I repeat PLEASE give credit where credit is do!!*

At this point add your Contents page to your binder... because the next step you will need to do is make divider pages ... or you can buy them... I use both. I have just plain scrapbook paper (in sheet protectors of course) for my main dividers and then the sub divisions within the sections I use store bought dividers to fit the tabbing I need. But back to the main dividers... using store bought business cards (the blank ones you use in your printer) and your photo corners... lightly mark out where you want your business card to go - or rather the title for your divider, then use the photo corners to "attach" it to the page. Well, attach the photo corners to the page, the business card should remain moveable just in case you change your mind about how you will divide up your sections. If you (like I once did) attached a label to your divider page that said, "Divinations and Dreams" - but then later decided that you only wanted it to read "Divinations" - well then you have to re-make your entire divider… but if you make it a removable card… than you just change it out for your new title card.

So at this point, you should have (if you choose to) your Cover page, Your Book Blessing, a Book Protection Spell, your Contents Page (or pages), and the Main Dividers to match your contents page….

….And next time I will start giving you some ideas and tips on how to simply enhance the pages in your book…

…Later I will put a section up about creating an exterior cover for your book… but for now let’s focus on getting it started by getting it organized…

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

Day Eight

2012-01-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

So today marks the first day of week number two, and I thought I would give a progress report of my attempts to change to a healthier lifestyle.

First off the cat, who if you remember, needed to lose a few pounds too, he has now lost a total of 3 pounds… he’s at 18 pounds… only 10 more to go for him. His new diet and laser light exercise routine is working very well. Yeah for him!

Now on to me… I can say honestly I have lost a total of 2 pounds so far!!! YEAH!!! It’s working or rather I am working hard at accomplishing my goal… but then again I REALLY want to stand in a mirror and feel confident… I want to have my picture taken and actually display it – not tuck it away or replace it with a different picture in the frame.

I know what you are thinking, 2 pounds may not seem like a lot – but really you aren’t supposed to lose more than that in a week – because it’s just not healthy … and … because I know in the end… a little will add up to a lot, later on… figure it this way – if I behave and work hard then, in about two months I will have lost about 16 pounds… that’s about 2 or so pant sizes… and I will also have curved my lifestyle and learned how to live healthy so that I won’t make the same mistake of gaining weight so easily and so fast.

Using my own common sense and some sensible tips from Dr. Oz (doctoroz.com)… I am well on my way - transforming not only my life but my family’s too… cause if you think I am making separate meals for each person in this family just because we all have different needs… you are wrong! I make one meal… the difference is in the portion size… The kids are growing boys so they get a good helping for their size… as for my husband and I – I measure things out so that we get exactly 1 serving size or slightly (and I mean ever so slightly) about that. Here’s a tip… since I have a bad habit of returning to the crime scene (the kitchen) for a second helping… I divide up the serving sizes into halves… so I plate everybody with a half portion… then I can go back for seconds without feeling guilty… other than the guilt of having scarfed down the first plate way too fast… plus this method keeps me from putting too much food on the youngest plate – and then feeling guilty that he can’t finish his plate so I help him. As Dr. Oz “wrote” as part of the ten FOOD commandments, “though shall not eat from thy neighbor’s plate!” … and I am notorious for eating … or rather finishing plates for my boys… but that stems from being raised to believe that they are, “starving kids in China” … so we were MADE to finish everything on our plate even if we didn’t like it.

I do make my boys eat everything on their plates but I tell them that if they want to grow up big and strong they need to finish their plates.... or I tell my youngest that if he wants to be bigger and taller than his older brother he better get eating now cause he has a lot of catching up to do… and in return I will notice that the older one will begin to eat more too… it would just be terrible if his younger brother grew up to be bigger than him.

Anyways, to sum things up … I am walking (leisurely) about 40 minutes a day – Mon. thru Friday… in the early morning before I get too tired and convince myself not to. I am literally eating 2 small meals (snacks), 2 medium meals (lunch and breakfast) and a Moderate plate of Dinner - every day. I try to balance my Carbs and my Protein… and get as much Veggies as I can into me… when I want a snack - any veggie will do… but when I am hungry I go for a more fiber filling veggie. For example… at 8am I have breakfast… either toast with a bit of Peanut Butter or a hard-boiled egg and an orange. For Lunch at 11 (they say you should eat every 3 hours) I like tuna fish with just a little bit of mayo and sweet relish... and I have it on crackers with a side of celery sticks… or I have a salad with 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 low-fat string cheese cut up, carrots, celery and whatever else I have cut up for veggies in the frig. (I have a very plain/simple food palette) For my 2pm snack… I have an orange and a string cheese or I have a yogurt with granola (with live and active cultures)… then at 5 we have dinner… anything I would normally make only a much, MUCH smaller portion – that’s divided in half so I can go back for seconds… than at 8pm (3 hours before bed) I like a handful of crackers and/or a string cheese… so that’s my meals for this week anyways… last week I was still trying to make it work into my schedule… but I am determined to change my life for the better… so hopefully this week will bring bigger and better results.

As for exercise… they say you should have a good cardio 30 minutes a day – 3 times a week… but I can’t seem to fly with that …yet!… but what I can do is a 6 minute routine – Once a day – 5 times a week. It is built on the principle I saw on Dr. Oz and from my Jillian Michaels DVD. The six minute workout contains 3 sections… a 3 minute strength, a 2 minute cardio and a 1 minute Ab routine. (For beginners this can be helpful; 30 reps of strength, 20 reps of cardio and 10 reps of abs… keep repeating for desired lenth of workout; 5 minutes to whatever.)

For the strength I choose from forward, back or side lunges, push-ups or side-kicks. For cardio I choose from jump rope (pretend), jumping jacks, butt kicks, knee changes or squats. For the 1 minute of Abs… to get rid of that baby floatation device around my middle… I just do a form of crunches; plain sit ups or bicycle crunches. These exercises are simple and easy to do – just make up your mind to do it and then DO IT! I do mine while watching a favorite tv program… like I said its only 6 minutes long… then when I want to further myself I will do another set to increase my route to 12 minutes… and so on.

Here’s an idea if you want to try this form of exercising ("3, 2, 1: shed the weight" as i call it) which I find keep me from getting bored … get some index cards… on the back of a couple write the number 1… and on the other side list one AB exercise per card. Now on a couple more cards write the number 2 on them and then flip them over and list one cardio exercise per card. Then finally on a few more write the number 3 on the back and flip them over to list a strength exercise, one per card. Now lay them out with the numbers facing up… draw a 1 card, a 2 card and a 3 card… flip them over to see what you drew out… that’s your routine for the day. Now you just have to get moving!!!

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can start doing today… because tomorrow will soon be today – and yesterday will be just one more day you wasted!”

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

Day Four

2012-01-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

Ok so, i realized last night that I never mentioned what my original weight was... not that i like to announce it to everyone … but for the sake of showing progress … When I started this blog section on Healthy Living, I was 218… so three days in and I was 216… now according to the “medical world” you really aren’t supposed to lose more than 2 pounds a week… but does water retention count as part of those two pounds?? … anyways, it doesn't matter today because I found those missing pounds in the soda used to have a couple of drinks last night… oh it can be such a cruel world…

Did you know that other factors, other than food can account for a higher weight when you step on the scale… even if you didn’t eat anything out of the ordinary… like being stressed and/or angry!! The more stressed out you are and/or if you are angry, mad, grumpy -- all these moods can retain in the upwards of 5 pounds … no this is no joke… I have seen this before on myself especially… if I have had a really rotten day… the next day I will be heavier…even if I only ate 1300 calories on that particular day.

It helps that I keep a control for my weight… I weight myself exactly the same way every morning… now it is a bit deceiving, I know, weighing yourself first thing in the morning cause it is usually the lowest weight for the day… but for me it makes the best control for recording my weight… if today you weigh yourself after you had a large meal and then tomorrow weigh yourself first thing in the morning… you will be jumping for joy cause it will look like you you’ve lost a small chunk of weight… but however, if on day three you weight yourself after lunch you will begin to question why you gained so much weight, in such a short period of time… I struggled with stupidity until I realized just what I was doing… and here I thought my scale was just messing with me…

And for the last two days I have been able to get out and walk. YEAH!! the good thing is its lightly snowing (I love the snow!), its warmer and I can always use a little fresh air. However, what I am realizing is that my walking is more of a meditative thing… I walk slow (course I have too – I can’t see myself running with that many layers on)… and I just enjoy the walk – talk with the horses in the fields that I pass… pray everyone has their dogs tied up and listen to the chatter of the birds in the trees… “ommmm”

... Anyways, it’s not actually fat burning exercise… I should have known it was too easy… though very beneficial to get up and walk on good weather days – it clears my mind and starts the day off right… what I really need to be doing are exercises that get rid of the “baby flotation device” – around my middle -that I have had since my first son was born almost ten years ago… now it just happens that today on the Dr.Oz show (doctoroz.com) there were some great tips to increase metabolism and burn fat with some simple exercises you can do for FREE and you can multitask by doing them while watching your favorite tv shows… I plan on starting my plan today at 11 while watching the “price is right”.

If you watch the other video that goes with today’s show – there is an exercise plan that is so simple that it’s worth trying and experimenting with. It’s exercising, easy enough for beginners, in just five minutes – that’s it? – here’s the catch its four rounds repeated over and over… for example: for Round 1….. set 1: do 5 squats – set 2: do 10 push-ups – set 3: do 15 jumping jacks – set 4: so 20 back lunges …. Now, repeat Round 1 as Round 2, then Round 3 ect… or until the timer goes off after 5 minutes. I’ll have to let you know how it goes… I hate push-ups though so I might have to substitute those out for tummy crunches. If you are going to try it… try to tailor it to your body… I need to work the hams and the doughnut so crunches are perfect for me!!

On another note, I have also had to make time to help my partner in crime, my 21 pound cat … he’s more than 10 pounds overweight… and an indoor only cat… so he also needs to get a little more exercise… So we (hehehe) got a laser light… I might not be exercising my major muscles but I am certainly laughing off a “few” calories… and that’s a plus because the happier I am therefor less likely to retain water because of a grumpy mood. J

Until next time… Thanks for reading.
Blessed Be

day one

2012-01-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

My intent this morning was to get my "healthy living" goal off to a good start by taking my one mile walk this morning... however, it was -7 degrees F this morning... Oh My Goddess that's WAY tooooo COLD!!! When it’s so cold it takes away your breath - it’s not a day to be out in the cold for a long period of time.

So, what did I do for exercise... sadly, nothing! I had an appointment and then my sister stopped by to chat... so I accomplished nothing today... crap! But there is always tomorrow...

However, on the bright side - my food intake wasn't too bad... I kept it between 1500 and 2000 calories... (as of now)... I will do my best to restrain myself from snacking tonight... I will keep reminding myself that I didn't earn any extra calories to eat because I didn't burn any today...

On a side note... I thought I would share this link: http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/montel-williams-favorite-belly-fat-blasting-supplements it is of Dr. Oz and a capsule (and other forms) to help burn belly fat... since it's affordable and herbal (since I am into more of a holistic approach anyways) ... I decided to give the GLA a try... I am in no way recommending or indorsing this product, but making others aware of other options that might be available if you are struggling with your weight and you can't afford a personal trainer and/or a personal meal delivered to you every week...

BTW: my herbal approach to life's ailments do not include those quick burning ‘weight lose drugs’ like; Phenphedrine, Alli, Xenadrine ect.... I am actually referring to supplements like Omega 3, Acai, Dandelion Root ect... a combination specifically tailored to my body.

Those so-called ‘weight lose drugs’ sometimes even say that they have green tea and/or acai berry in them... but really why take in all those other ingredients if you are really only buying it because of the health benefits you have heard that green tea and acai berry can do for you?? I ask you - why not just drink green tea... and take an acai capsule... that way you avoid any side effects or other ill effects??? why because everyone wants a quick fix to their weight problem... even me - but I have honestly never tried those so-called ‘weight lose drugs’... because deep down - I know there is no quick fix and those models in those ads have starved themselves for a week or more just to be part of the ad... that's why there is that disclaimer at the bottom of the screen or product box that reads, "results not typical!" It would be nice to find a quick fix after all most of us quickly gained our weight and it will take us three times the effort to get it back under control...

One of the first steps to losing weight (or any other bad habit) is to actually be ready to do so... and honestly I am border line falling off.... I have been trying for so long that I’m tired of it... and yet I’m also not ready to quit... I know there has to be a solution... every problem has a solution if you just keep on trying.

So anyways, I have added this GLA to my vitamin intake every day and will let you know if it does any good. And while I am thinking of it... let me mention quickly what I am working with here... I have tried many low cost options to exercise... I own a Gazelle glider (goggle it if you've never heard of it) $100, a stair stepper $50, a Julian Michaels “winning by losing” book $25, a Tae-bo DVD and weight bar $25, a Julian Michael's DVD $20, a $10 jump rope, oh and Zumba for wii $50 ... a collection of weight loss and exercise options I have been adding to for the past four years... and not one thing by itself works... because you get bored with it – so I am thinking that if I do a little of this, and then a little of that -- until I am tired of it and change to a different method... this might work best for me...

What I do know for certain are the things that don’t work for me like appointments that throw my daily schedule and my mood; feeling too tired to care... especially on gloomy days...

I guess I will have to just wait and see what tomorrow brings - I have a strong feeling that walking is out of the picture for January... it is the coldest part of the year here and it dips to 20 - 30 below 0 degree F more often than not... so what will it be tomorrow... Zumba or Tae-Bo... stair stepper or gazelle… I guess it will depend on my mood at the moment of “ok you need to work out.”

Anyways, until next time... … What Healthy Living Choices will you make tomorrow???

Just an update!!

2012-01-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

I have launched my new site... well its not new but it has a fresh new look, a new layout and new files... you can find it at: www.theMagickalCauldron.com . Please check it out! And, If you subscribe to this blog you will get updates when i upload new material to the site!!! Blessed Be

The New Year brings New Goals!!!

2012-01-02T12:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome New Year! New Beginnings... New Adventures... and those New Resolutions that we probably won’t keep…

I don’t tend to make resolutions for the simple fact that I break most of them before the first day of the New Year is out… and this year is no different. I planned it days in advance - making a pledge to begin each day “happier” – I have a particular morning routine and if it gets altered in anyway – I can well… turn grumpy (that’s putting it mildly says my husband)…. So, knowing myself as well as I do, I tried to remember to keep my calm, and not let anything get to me… but I never counted on … or rather… I forget I can be worse than a swamp troll when I don’t get enough sleep… and so my youngest and I made it till 11pm on New Year’s eve before giving into our warm beds… while my husband and oldest made it till midnight… but morning came earlier than I expected… and at 7am the house was up and moving… and I, and all my intentions apparently stayed in bed… because I came around the corner of the kitchen, before the first cup of coffee had been poured and walked straight into my youngest running through the house… those boys never had a chance… and I never really got over my royal grumpiness until… well this morning… so I tried again this morning… and all was pleasant… one day down… only 3 hundred and sixty some more to go…

You see I might make resolutions that I repeatedly break… but I don’t just throw my hands up and walk away… until that is the next New Year approaches… I dust myself up… give myself a time out if I must… and start the next day as a new day… or as the saying goes (and I don’t know where it originated), “treat each day like a blank new page” …or something to that effect. Just because it didn’t work, your resolutions that is… maybe you didn’t manage to walk 10 minutes as part of your new diet plan or you binged on yummy snack food – ultimately blowing your calories for the week… (guilty) … doesn’t mean that I’ll wait till next year … actually this morning I did very well for myself… opting to write this blog spot instead of searching the cupboard… and I was going to write this anyways… but I was going to wait till tomorrow when the kids are back to school… but right now I have them in their room – or rather trying to find their room… need I say more…

So, since every month is a new month for me to “begin again” – one of my more known goals that I continually keep trying to achieve is to lose weight, feel more energetic and overall just be healthier… and since I have technically failed so many times… I need a new plan of action… one that involves going a bit “extreme” … so starting tomorrow I will have a new tab dedicated to a healthier lifestyle… why not today? Because I won’t have time… I know I only have so long before i will need to create a new plan of action for the boys… The goal for this new tab will be to roughly track my progression with exercise, calories and other information … I don’t think I’ll write on it daily … it might be more like every other day to once a week… depending on the household schedule of “things to do” … but I figure if I don’t won’t to embarrass myself - maybe this time I will actually succeed to getting to my goal.

Now before you say or think nasty thoughts… let me tell you something … I am not obese… or extremely obese… but I am overweight by roughly 50 pounds… no joke and that won’t make me supermodel thin either… that’s just sickly looking… but it will get me where I am supposed to be for my age, weight and height….

I have done a lot of 'scattered' research about the ins and outs of healthy eating and exercise…trying to find what is right, what is a fade… or what is a quick weight lose scam – one that you never learn proper habits from so you either starve yourself for the rest of your life or you will forever yo-yo on and off diets… sounds fun doesn’t it…

Which reminds me… I don’t want to think of this as a diet (and if you are going to “buddy-up” with me to keep better eating and exercising habits – neither should you)… this is to be a life changing goal. One that won’t happen overnight and I am prepared to fall of the horse and get back on again… and again… learning from my mistakes.

If you are wondering whether this is going to be horrible to read – with exclusions like no caffeine and no fat and no carbs and no to this and no to that… NO! matter of fact I have no intent of ever giving up drinking coffee… so there! But I have cut back… I only drink 2/3 of a whole pot instead of an entire 12 cup pot (yes, that’s by myself)… and I resist the ability to make another pot when the first one is gone… instead I make a cup of tea! Sometimes black, sometimes green… just a note though - it has taken me two months to accomplish that much… and its 50% caffine and 50% nocaffine... believe me its actually not that bad...

I am fortunate however I am not a sweet person… I mean, I don’t like a lot of sweets… they aren’t my down fall of my weight… no, my problem is starches and fats… as Paula Dean says, “everything is better with butter!” and that is so true! But I also love potatoes, pastas and Spanish rice…. Oh, and salad dressings!!! See I am normally a very healthy eater I LOVE SALADS!!! I could live on them all day long, piled high with cucumbers, celery, carrots, mushrooms, ect… but then I drown it in dressing! Whoops! Being honest with myself will help me create an honest plan of action. Like for me it’s more sauce less pasta…. More green beans and less potatoes… and look for 100 calorie snacks that aren’t all hype with no filler. Those 100 calorie snack packs are a joke!!! Those are for the birds and even they would still be hungry. But I found these little fruit cups with a granola you add to it… they are perfect for late at night… You can eat them cold or warm them up… they keep me from eating leftovers in the fridge... so that's a plus.

Anyways, enough written… too long sitting makes your butt wider… yes that is a true statement… all I have to do is look behind me to know that is a fact! I will be back tomorrow after my half hour morning walk…

Please feel free to join me on this journey, the more the merrier!! Just a final note on the matter... this will be done the hardest way... but the best way... learning to do it right the first time with no gimmicks or tricks... just have a little faith in yourself that you can accomplish anything!!

Counting your Blessings... what does that mean?

2011-12-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

I was watching on of my favorite Holiday movies with my husband the other night. I love "White Christmas." Anyways, during the movie there is a part in the movie where he sings, "count your blessings" ... and me - being me - cause my brain just never shuts down... started thinking about this phrase. A phrase i hear all the time from people... "you should count your blessings..." What does that mean -- and are we interpreting it all wrong?

No, seriously hear me out. I know that - the majority if not all of the people who recite that phrase – know it better than a meal time prayer… and basically they are referring to counting the good points you have in your life…. Like your job, your children, your health… ect. And maybe that’s why most people don’t respect what they have (their blessings) or they have already lost what they value most.

I’ll be honest, I have suffered on-and-off of depression for many years… and I have looked to that phrase to help me through some rough times… but it just doesn’t cut it… I know what I have! I know what I have is special! I know I would be devastated if I ever lost any of my most valuable treasures… meaning my children and my husband… but I can’t seem to “count my blessings” when the world is crashing down around me… because you can’t focus… you don’t think as well… and honestly a prayer to the Divine is the only reasonable solution to this type of situation - and believe me i know.

So what do I think “count your blessings” is really meant to be? Well I am glad you asked. It shouldn’t be about the present… (even though the now is a present we all share) ... but the path or journey that leads us to the present - our present. Nothing is important or special in life unless we compare it to a similar situation, event, person ect. And if you aren’t one to look to the past for a comparison … I am sure there are many now-a-day similarities that you can use…

When I need to “count my blessings” - it’s to remember where I came from… I am blessed to have a home that when I am cold I can turn up the heat… (and then turn it down later)… that I have running water and an indoor toilet, and that when I am sick or hurting I have a family that loves me dearly… so I should count my blessings and remember things are already better then they use to be… i have come a long way to be where i am today and for that i am very grateful.

As I am writing this… it’s interesting to note that I guess I always knew this theory… but I called it by another name. When things get bad and times get tough… sometimes i am reminded of my past and i gain strength - and I am one of the first to say, “it could be worse” and sometimes I will even add to it “we should be grateful for what we have!”

In the movie the song is, “count your blessings / instead of sheep” -- but I think it’s time to rethink this whole theory (as I am sure you can tell)… and as you fall asleep tonight… I want you to still count your blessings… but on the backs of those sheep!

I would love your input on this subject, please leave me a comment below.

Thanks for Reading

Blessed Be

Do you know what it means to be Pagan? ...

2011-12-12T16:31:00.000-08:00

My 9 year old son and i were sitting at the table yesterday – and he was looking at all the candle sets I was making (the rolled beeswax candles) and he asked me who the set in my hand was for… I told him it was for "Jack and Jill" and I mentioned to him that they happen to be Pagan too!

“Really?!” he said with excitement and wonderment… cause they are the only Pagans we know in person… everyone else who is Pagan,Witchy or Wiccan i know by way of e-mails, facebook or by Skype!

Anyways, after a slight pause, he looked at me and said, “I want to be Pagan.”

And as much as my heart wanted to scream out loud - YEAH!!... i quickly grounded myself. I am not a big fan of people just saying they are something – just because … so I said to him, “Do you know what it means to be a Pagan?" and he replied, "No."

So i started in with a lesson... "I am glad that you want to be a Pagan," I said to him "but just because you say you are a Pagan – doesn’t make you one.” he looked at me a bit confused and still interested in knowing where I was going with this conversation…. So I gave him an example, “if you tell people you are a good person, but turn around and do something rotten to hurt them or someone else… then it really doesn’t make you a good person.. does it?” He shook his head No.

"Well, being Pagan is the like that… you can call yourself Pagan, but I expect you to be a Pagan too. Pagan’s look out for our Earth mother, we need to respect her and honor her ... that goes for the land, the trees, the animals, the water we drink and the air we breathe. .. to be Pagan, like being a Witch or a Wiccan, is a way of life… it is how we choose to live our life… We aren’t always perfect… and we make mistakes… but we are human after all…. But the difference is that we try to correct our mistakes, and make things better, we live to follow the rule, “If it harms none (no one or thing), than do as you want.” And where other belief system allow you to ask for forgiveness from their Diety and then say some prayers… it is in our “nature” to actually ask for forgiveness from those we have hurt… and then learn from our lesson so that we don’t make that mistake again... does that make sense?" i asked him.

"Yes." He replied and then went back to his room to play with his legos.

I bet your wondering if later, I asked him about wanting to be Pagan? well truthfully... No i didn't… and here’s why – because whether he calls himself a Pagan or not – he walks this earth as one. I have taught him to respect ever person (no matter their spiritual belief), every plant, animal and even the rocks… and he has learned to ask for forgiveness when he has hurt someone… be it intentional and accidental… so, no he’s not perfect… but he is a good boy… inside and out! And honestly what more could a mother ask for?

It won't matter what path he chooses in life - as long as he can walk it proudly and with his head held high... knowing that the choices he makes in his life are the ones he believes in and are good choices -abiding by the golden rule (harm none...) even if others don't agree with his beliefs, choices, morals, ethics ect.

Thanks for Reaading

Blessed Be

Busy... Busy... BUSY!!!

2011-12-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

I have been busy all week trying to get the new web site together... and of course get ready for the upcoming holiday's --

But as promised, once my ftp was working again -- I wanted to share all my Solstice Printables and Projects with you and your families, visit my site at:
www.theMagickalCauldron.com

~ Please be patient, some of these files are large and may take some time to load ~

Blessed Be

The Winds of Change

2011-12-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

Oh Yeah!! This morning i had a meeting with the principle at my children's school... the topic: Winter Solstice / Yule!!

I decided that enough was enough... (in a firm sort of way) - it just wasn't fair. In the schools they discuss/teach at length about Christmas - my son even has one of those "elves on the shelf" for the classroom... (its a public school in case you are wondering) ... in addition to the time spent on that topic - they do spend roughly spend one or two days on the Jewish holiday and one day on the African holiday... and that's it.   Now i have known about this "arrangement" for a few years... and i have tried to offer up - to their individual teachers a worksheet on the Winter Solstice... an informational sheet... we have to start somewhere... it was more of a question with an answer sheet... "what is solstice?" "how do you celebrate?" ect... followed by a very "enlightening" answer that is not preaching.

Well last year was the first year the teacher didn't use my sheet in her class room - i was slightly offended... but understanding... when you are accustom to doing certain things with your class - year in and year out - and can be a bit difficult to stray from your ways... but what set me off was this year ... they have an elf on the shelf... which is think is very controlling... "watch out and be good the little elf and watching - and he'll go back and tell santa – if you’ve been bad or good and naughty children don't get christmas gifts..." urg!!! that’s just wrong!!! First of all children should be taught to behave all year round and just because!!! They shouldn’t be forced to only behave at chirstmas time – just so that they can be rewarded with gifts…   we are sending children mixed messages if we do.

So anyways, i took the initiative this year by skipping for their individual teachers and approach their principle... and i did so in a very careful, understanding and sweet way. As my husband reminds me (all the time) “you catch more with honey than you do vinegar”... that lesson was applied here.

Well he agreed to meet with me and discuss what i had in mind. So i scrambled – frantically - last night to create a more well-rounded worksheet and put with it a coloring sheet and a dot to dot (it’s for elementary students)... I presented it to him this morning... and well i must say it went well... he explained that he can't guarantee that anything will come about by ALL the teachers in the next couple of weeks but that he would present the information and make it freely available to the teachers... i thanked him and told him i understood but that we all have to start somewhere... and this seems to be the right time and the right place.

I don't know how the teachers, the staff... or the children's parents will take this information... but i feel that just getting this information past the doors and begin the process of introducing it into the schools to be taught alongside Hanukkah and Kwanza... is AWESOEME!!!

Thus, the winds of change are upon us... we can be accepted but we all have to meet in the middle with courage, understanding, open-mindedness and just being calm n' collected...

So what is my next step in this process... well i was going to put a link up to the worksheet information - which i cleaned up to comply with the "separation of church and state" but still be instructional learning... see that's how they do it!!   ... however, my file transfer program is not allowing me to upload or change files on my website... which is why my Shaman story is not yet available.... so i have to figure out what is wrong with my program... I want to offer up this worksheet to everyone in the hopes that other parents like myself will begin slowly introducing our ways of old – can be respected in the school system starting with the youngest generation and (for the most part) the most open-minded of our population with their thinking and their choices.

So until I can that my files uploaded – I thought I would offer you a link to a wonderful song about Pagans and Christians coming together for the holidays!! http://www.youtube.com/embed/t_KiHRHwaAs

Thanks for Reading.

Blessed Be

Traditions

2011-12-03T04:23:00.000-08:00

Every year at this time, i pick up on a tradition that was on its way to being just a lost memory. My sister-in-laws are older than my husband by roughly 10+ years. Their families are grown and have families of their own now. And i have only been blessed with them as sisters for 10 years now and this Christmas tradition (they are all Catholic) I’ve been continuing on with for the last ...oh, maybe about... 5 or 6 years. It wasn't till our littlest member of the family was up and walking - did this tradition come back to life.

I know what you are thinking... for the sake of it - what is the tradition? well, simply put its Tomato Cake and a Dish Towel. I know, I know... not what you were expecting was it. But with people; friends and family... scattered farther apart because of the convenience of technology... and just because as we grow and time moves on - we move to other areas of the country, or the world. Maybe it’s because of work or for better weather or because of the family on your spouse’s side. No matter the reason - i know i am not the only one out there with family far... far away at this time of the year, at a time when we all begin to crave a little more family closeness and chaos.

My husband was the youngest of four... he was the last one still at home with his mom while his sisters where a 3-8 hours’ drive away in three different areas. And so this is when a tradition was born. Every Christmas, she would make a traditional family Tomato Cake (look under Cauldron Cookbook for a post). It was made at Christmas and was shared by the whole family, before that is, before they married and moved away. Now the traditional Tomato cake didn't have the same warm holiday feeling - because the family wasn't there to share in it. So she decided to make a cake for each of her daughters. She would then wrap it up into a brown paper bag. She would then add a new kitchen towel to the package and mail it out. Unless, of course, she hand delivered it, which was the case sometimes.

Sadly though, my mother-in-law passed away many years before i came into the family. But i happen to be one of those people who like to see the past continue to thrive. I always say, "They are only dead when we no longer remember them!" And that's the truth of it.

So upon hearing this tradition had not been continued on... which is understandable - the traditional cake and towel would not have been the same if one of those sisters had continued it on – and my husband being younger… well let’s just say he wasn’t ready to go about it either… so years later, and just in time – enter me!!

So now, when December 1st, makes its way around again, my planning begins... because i also happen to be a person who, "can't leave well enough alone," i have to add my own tradition to an old tradition to make a new family tradition to pass down to my boys (and/or their future wives --- but that's still a LONG time from now).

I add to the Tomato cake and dish towel - a batch of sugar cookies, mostly to share amongst the family but also intended for their husbands (you know, "the only way to get to a man's heart is through his stomach”) and a homemade/handmade gift for my sister's (see the link on Rolled Candles in Witch Crafts - for more information about this year’s gift). My sister's insist year after year that i shouldn't go through all the trouble, what trouble? It's nonsense... especially when they share with you their memories (via the phone) after they have received their package and have already begun to make dents in the cake and the cookies.

It makes me feel all warm inside to know that - it's busy this time of year, and the family gets bigger year after year, and yet i still manage to squeeze out a batch of cookies and the cake, through in a towel and add my gift (which is usually in stages of production; some done - some sort of done and a pile waiting to be finished). Matter of fact, i had to whip one together last night - cause my sister-in-law is meeting me half way - so her treats will be REALLY fresh this year instead of 2 days old - but still always delicious.

I guess my point is, as i ramble on - reminiscing, this holiday season, no matter what you celebrate - begin a new tradition, bring your children into it... so that they will want to continue passing it down. Add to it something, anything that brings the wonderfulness of past seasons with it. Maybe you use to have a tradition that you would purchase a new ornament, every year as a family (it wasn't in my family - but i know some people do) - so maybe you make (my personal preference) or purchase the same ornament, one for everyone in the family and give them out with or as your holiday gift. This way the memory is linked by the same Magickal object... but that's just a suggestion, search out your memories this holiday season for just the right amount of sugar for sweetness and butter, cause everyone knows - everything is better with butter, to fill your holiday season with the Warmth of Love and of Light!! Make every moment be Magickal … and not Commercial.

Side Note: For other family members, not exactly a part of this tradition, I make it fit to their family. I still do my “signature” handmade gift and sugar cookies, but then everything else that goes into a package or gift bag, depends on that particular family or friend… and I am keeping a list this - so that no one gets forgotten…because last year, someone did get forgotten… but it won’t happen again.

Thanks for Reading!
Blessed Be

TIP # 1

2011-12-01T06:40:00.001-08:00

NEVER PUT A LEAKING CANDLE MOLD, FULL OF HOT WAX, INTO A DRY SINK!!

When making our own candles at home (by kit or otherwise), candles that require you melt wax and pour them into molds... be sure to fill your kitchen sink(s) 1/3 way full with water... this way when you realize that you have forgotten to plug or didn't plug the bottom hole of your mold properly - you won't be tempted to hold your mold over the sink or place it in to it - since your sink is heat resistant and a contained area to clean up a mess... BECAUSE, as my husband would tell you himself - but at the moment he is busy trying to clean out our clogged drain... that melted wax running down a sink drain will harden and clog your drain... which obviously makes sense now... however, when trying to make my candle, and i am new to its process... I poured the wax into the mold and then ... quickly realized that i had wax leaking out all over the stove... i quickly moved the mold to the sink - turned off the stove and then proceeded to pour what wax hadn't already escaped (apparently) down the drain back into my melting pot.... i never thought twice about what happened... cleaned up the mess and now a week later... my husband has been on-and-off again trying to unclog the drain with simple methods, and green remedies... and yet nothing worked... he was about to go get some strong chemicals when my good friend from Holland reminded of my mishap with the wax -- and then well it all made sense... and well thank Goddess i have a loving husband -- who merely kissed me on the head after he promised not to get upset with me if i told him what happened. whew!!

Stone Soup

2011-12-01T06:36:00.001-08:00

To make the STONES:

1 egg

1 lb of ground turkey (or beef)

1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese

1/3 cup italian bread crumbs

A pinch of sea salt and pepper

Mix all the ingredients together - its best if you use your hands to mix it. Now line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Make the mixture into 1 TBL (tablespoon) meatballs. (TIP: use a TABLESPOON to fill with mixture, then use a spoon to dig it out, around the edge and plop it onto the pan. Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes or until fully cooked inside. Watch them carefully - split one in half to check for doneness.

To make the SOUP:

2lbs of carrots (eithe baby carrots already ready to go... or peel and cut carrots into bite size pieces.

5-6 medium potatoes cut into bite size pieces ... (careful red potatoes can cook to quickly) ... or... use 8-10 salt potatoes - no need to cut them just poke a few holes into them

2-3 cans of stewed tomatoes (start with 2 cans... if it doesn't look like you have enough liquid for soup... add the third can)

1 can of Chicken broth (I use the healthy - no MSG- low fat kind)

1/2 stick of UNSALTED butter (salted is fine, unsalted is my preference)

SOUP SPICES:

1/2 TBL of sea salt

1/2 TBL of pepper

1/2 TBL Chile Pepper

1 TBL of Sugar

3-4 pieces of Crystallized Ginger

1 TBL of minced garlic ~or~ about 3-4 garlic cloves ~or~ 1/2 TBL of Garlic Powder

1 small red/white onion ~or~ 1/2 red onion and 1/2 white onion ~or~ 1/2 TBL of Onion Flakes

1/2 TBL of Mrs. Dash Original (salt free is best)

FOR CROCKPOT:

Mix all the ingredients (except stones) into crockpot and cook on Med/Low for 8 hours or on High for 5 hours - times will vary depending on crockpot and the sizes of the carrots and potatoes. Make stones about 1 hour prior to completion. When fully cooked add the meatballs into the soup - this is when you might find you need that extra stewed tomatoes. Let the soup finish cooking with the meatballs hanging out in the soup. Serve with Garlic Bread and enjoy! (see below for the Garlic Bread Recipe)

FOR STOVETOP:

This will take about 45 minutes to cook, depending on the patience and skill of the cook. Start the meatballs - get them cooking in the oven. Mix all other ingredients into a deep soup/stew pan (i use a cast iron dutch oven) -- DO NOT turn on the stove until all the ingredients and spices are in the pot and ready to go (except the meatballs). Turn on the stove to high. STIR CONTINUOUSLY!!! When it comes to a full boil - turn to low and cover. KEEP STIRRING!! When the meatballs are done, add them to the pot... if needed add the other can of stewed tomatoes now. Keep cooking on low and stirring until the potatoes and carrots are fully cooked. Serve with Garlic Bread and enjoy! (see below for the Garlic Bread Recipe)

GARLIC BREAD recipe:

1/2 a stick of Unsalted butter - cut into 4 pieces

1 TBL of minced garlic ~or~ about 3-4 garlic cloves ~or~ 1/2 TBL of Garlic Powder

6 pieces of Italian Bread ~or~ Italian/French Loaf

Set oven to 425 degrees. Line baking pan with aluminum foil and place bread onto it. Mix garlic and butter into small microwave safe bowl (glass is better than plastic). Cover and heat, in 30 second increments until most of the butter is melted. Stirring the garlic butter will help dissolve any little chunks still unmelted. Careful the dish might be hot. Now spoon on the mixture on top of the bread. Bake for about ten minutes, depending on the thickness of the bread and your preference. Let cool for a minute or two before serving with your Stone Soup.

Thanks for Reading
Blessed Be

2011-12-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

~ QUICK YULE GIFT IDEA: ROLLED CANDLES ~

I wanted to make sure i got this idea up on-line, ASAP. With Yule around the corner, i am a big fan of handmade gifts - even if they are semi-handmade, because in order to have something handmade ... THOUGHT actually has to be put into an idea and then there needs to be an execution of the idea.

This year like every year at this time, i try to come up with one new handmade gift to give out (primarily for the woman in the family; mothers, daughters and sisters too), something different every year. Last year my husband gave me a candle making set so i could learn how to make candles... it was well.... it was wonderful, i love making candles from molds; solid ones, chunk ones and even layered ones... but it was very time consuming and sometimes messy... especially when you forget to plug the hole on your mold before you pour in ALL of your wax. OMG!!

So anyways, that's why i was about to scratch the idea of making candles for the family when i came across an article on line from better homes and gardens... (see below for the links) it was showcasing holiday decroations, favors and gifts for the upcoming season... and that's when i ran across the most wonderful thing they ever made -- handmade ROLLED candles. You can purchase them from: www.ToadilyHandmade.com (I LOVE her products!!!) and its not too late to order a box to make some wonderful handmade gifts for friends and family.

They are absolutely easy to use. The candle wax is 100% beeswax - with a honeycomb look to it. They come in long sheets that you can leave whole and roll or cut in half and make two candles from one sheet. The CANDLE MAKING KIT comes complete with wick and instructions. It was so easy that within 45 minutes of having my shipment delivered i had 20 candles rolled and ready to go.... the making of the Triqerta charm - well that's a post for another day.

As you can see from the picture above, i choose the IVORY colored wax sheets (but Toadily Handmade offers other colors). I put three candles together to make 1 set,then attached a homemade charm using an 18" piece of 2" wide Casa Satin ribbon - turning an ordinary set of candles, hand-rolled candles into someting very festive and beautiful to give as gifts.

And I promise that in the next few days or so i will put up the instructions on how to make the Golden TRIQUETRA charm... but first you need to have some candles. ;)

Links to the Better and Homes and Garden on-line Magazine feature:

http://www.bhg.com/christmas/decorating/better-homes-and-gardens-holiday-workbook/#page=7

http://www.bhg.com/christmas/decorating/better-homes-and-gardens-holiday-workbook/#page=8

Thanks for Reading!

Blessed Be

Pagan Pretzels

2011-12-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

This idea came to me one day while I was on the treadmill thingy, talking a brisk walk while watching food network with Alton Brown. He was discussing Pretzels… matter of fact, it was nearly a year ago to the month… anyways he went on discussing how an Italian monk had created these little rewards for the children who recited their prayers correctly. BTW: pretzel in Latin means “little reward”.

Alton went on to explain the history behind the pretzel, stating (along the lines of) that the monk used strips of bread to resemble children praying with their arms crossed across their chests…. Oh, ok!That makes sense right? Well yes and no!When was the last time you saw a child say their prayers with their arms crossed across their chest???Hmmm… that got me to thinking…

And then, as if the Goddess herself, had smucked me upside the head – all the pieces came together – and I asked myself, “You’ve got to be kidding me – why am I the only person who gets this!!”

After all these years, I have solved the pretzel puzzle… see I did a little digging of my own… it turns out that at the time of this monk, in the 6^th century, children prayed to GOD, with their arms crossed across their chest…interesting – more of the Christian conversion blending techniques that were used back then…. So then I did a little more digging to find out that, traditionally (before the persecution of Paganism)Pagans prayed to their GOD (be it the Sun God, the God of the Heavens ect.) with their arms crossed across their chest… OMG (Oh, My Goddess!)in the same respect, though the Christians don’t pray to a Goddess, the traditional way to pray to Goddess was with arms out to the sides, elbows bent upwards into a “v” shape and palms faced up.

Having all this new found knowledge - i decided to create a pagan twist on traditional thinking and created a little pretzel printable project to spread the wealth of knowledge and to create new traditions, see below for a link to the project.

Please be sure to have read and understood my terms:

http://www.themagickalcauldron.com/about-us.html

I would like to continue to make my material FREE, so please respect my work!!!

Check out this link to my site, to find a quick and easy printable project.

http://www.themagickalcauldron.com/pdf%20files/pagan%20pretzel.pdf

Here is a little prayer to the Newborn Sun, Cross your arms across your chest to welcome in the Newborn Guest on the Solstice morn:

The Wheel of Life forever turns,

A never ending cycle of his return.

The darkness slowly slips away...

Welcoming his Vibrant Rays.

And on this, the Solstice Morn,

Blessed Be, the Precious Newborn.

May he grow to be, Healthy and Strong

Forever in our hearts, is where he belongs.

I Praise the Newborn Sun, with Delight,

Soaking in his Kisses, of Love and Light!

-- (c) Rayne Storm, 2010

Thanks for Reading!

Blessed Be

Whoops!!

2011-12-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

OK so it seems i am going about this all wrong -- i am so use to organizing my thoughts in a website fashion that i have managed to confuse my blog. Apparently i am suppose to create a new post each time and then after its posted link it to my tab pages... i get it now! So please pardon my uprooting while i fix my mistake.

Don't worry i'll get the hang of this!!! ;)

2011-11-29T10:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Magickal Cauldron!

A place for Pagans, Witches, Wiccans ect to get great ideas for projects, children's activities, book reviews ect.

There came a time a couple of years ago, i decided to get my sons involved in exploring some of the basics of Paganism. I searched for projects and activites for my children to do, like you might find at a Sunday School meeting and though i found arm loads of wonderful stuff for adults... there was only a trace of anything for children. Though i do have a couple of favorite places, check out my resource tab above to see a listing of a few of my favorites.

Anyways, I felt a bit... well dissappointed! I kept thinking that in areas like where i live (in the northern most part of nowwhere) there were probably a growing number of pagan children being secluded -- or rather they didn't have the same oppertunities as many other belief systems. So, i began taking notes, making activites and creating projects - mostly for children, but not limited too.

Over the years my website has grown, and i have tried to manage it - but i felt i wasn't reaching everyone i wanted to... and facebook... that can just be a clutter of junk mail sometimes... but i still needed to reach out - as many ways as i could... trying to bring Paganism (and all of its aspects) to our children, just as our ancestors use to do.

I mean I do understand why we (many of us) hide our beliefs from our communities and our children... i do live in a densly christian area.... but than again, why do we need to hide... we have nothing to hide!! Just like any belief system (Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Paganism, ect) there are just as many well mannered, respectful, and loving people -- as there are rude, narrow-minded, horrible people who think that their behavior is justified by their beliefs... (but that's another topic for a better day)...

So, what we need to do is slowly intriduce the world back to the ways of old - in a way that won't have others feeling threatend, offended or scared. Especially when so many only know what they have been told... Its no different than being told in school 2 + 2 = 4 ... and then one day having someone explain to you that your wrong, the answer is actually 5... it just doesn't seem to make sense... and all the words in the world probably won't make them understand the answer is really 5.

I guess my point is, when i couldn't find the resources i needed to bring my children into this world with an open mind and respect for all belief systems, not just the one i am teaching them -- i realized that the Gods had blessed me with many talents... and combined it is a wonderous accomplishment of Child friendly pagan material; activites and projects to start them on their own path.

Everything in the world starts with our children. If we teach them tolerance - then they will be tolerant. If we teach them ethics and morals - then they will be honored and respected. If we teach one child what the Winter solstice is all about ... and he tells one of his friends... that is one more child - who can share his knowledge with his parents and his siblings... and eventually in the years to come.... there will be a generation who will look upon today as history... just we look back to see how far we have grown... and changed... i would say that 70-80% of children don't see a difference between Africans and Europeans... and they are intermingled in all schools now.... but just 10 years ago when i went to college -- that was the moment i meet my first african american... not kidding! My point is though, that change is slow, but it happens - and happens when momentum for Peace, Love and Happiness is created and spread with love and with light.

I could go on... and on... but....

I won't... instead I encourage to subscribe to my blog - cause you never know what i will come up with next... and check out my website for some of my other material that is available: www.themagickalcauldron.com

If at anytime you have a question, comment or suggest please feel free to contact me!

Thanks for Reading!
Blessed Be