For some reason this song has been stuck in my head for days now. I LOVE this song, but it is probably been playing repeatedly in the ol' noggin because it reminds me of Autumn.
Sláinte!
Laurel
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Raw Foodies Arrested for 'Smuggling' Chocolate
How daft can customs agents be? Nadine and Ron of Living Libations were arrested for drug trafficking when customs agents could not tell the difference between hash and chocolate, and after bunk drug testing.
Now Nadine and Ron have to foot a legal bill of $22,000. I hope these two sue the pants off of either the government, Pearson Airport, or both.
Find out more here
Thanks to Joan at Faery Log for the notification.
Sláinte!
Laurel
Now Nadine and Ron have to foot a legal bill of $22,000. I hope these two sue the pants off of either the government, Pearson Airport, or both.
Find out more here
Thanks to Joan at Faery Log for the notification.
Sláinte!
Laurel
Monday, September 29, 2008
Good Night, Booties
On Saturday we sadly lost one of our 5 kitties. It was hard to see her go, but I am glad that she is not suffering anymore, and she sure did have a long and good life.
Boots was an ancient crone of a kitty, and this coming Valentines day she would have been 21 years old, and I was lucky to have a childhood pet live through some of my adolescence, all of my teens and twenties, and see me into my thirties.
Just like the rest of our darling crew she was full of personality, and quite the diva at times. She also seemed very happy to strut her six-toed paws about.
We'll miss you Booties.
Laurel
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Places I Have Loved: My Aunt Linda's
This past summer I had the joy of spending a weekend at my Aunt Linda's, which is tucked away just outside of Restoule on about 30 acres of woodland.
I have a very special connection to this land, and it is probably because my ancestors settled in this area about 130 years ago. It is absolutely beautiful and wild, plenty of deer, bears, birds and other wild pretties.
My other Aunt, Irene was coming up to watch my Aunt Linda's dog for the weekend, as she was going down south for a few days. So Aunt 'Rene invited me to hang out with her. She is always good company, almost like an older sister in a lot of ways.
I can't begin to describe how much pleasure I get from waking up at 5 am, drinking a cup of coffee on a porch in the middle of the woods and listen to the Wild Ones. I giggled at the little ruby-throated hummingbirds who were chasing each other around, fighting over the 4 or 5 hummingbird feeders.
After coffee I walked barefoot in the grass, in the company of Jessie (my Aunt Linda's dog), picking wild raspberries, and doing the rounds in the garden. Here are a few pics I had taken:
I need to get my arse to the country!
Sláinte!
Laurel
I have a very special connection to this land, and it is probably because my ancestors settled in this area about 130 years ago. It is absolutely beautiful and wild, plenty of deer, bears, birds and other wild pretties.
My other Aunt, Irene was coming up to watch my Aunt Linda's dog for the weekend, as she was going down south for a few days. So Aunt 'Rene invited me to hang out with her. She is always good company, almost like an older sister in a lot of ways.
I can't begin to describe how much pleasure I get from waking up at 5 am, drinking a cup of coffee on a porch in the middle of the woods and listen to the Wild Ones. I giggled at the little ruby-throated hummingbirds who were chasing each other around, fighting over the 4 or 5 hummingbird feeders.
After coffee I walked barefoot in the grass, in the company of Jessie (my Aunt Linda's dog), picking wild raspberries, and doing the rounds in the garden. Here are a few pics I had taken:
I need to get my arse to the country!
Sláinte!
Laurel
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Luverly of the Week {Fifth Edition}
This weeks Luverly is Belle
{photo taken by Reidl Romeo}This bronze statue, Belle,
was installed March 2007 in Amsterdam, Oudekerksplein,
in front of the Oude Kerk,
in Amsterdam's red-light district De Wallen.
Inscription reads: "Respect sex workers all over the world."
This statue is in honor of sex workers all around the world.
~aymi
p.s. Although this beautiful statue is in the red light district of Amsterdam, neither Laurel nor I are in favour of the legalization of sex work. Rather, we are for the decriminalization of all forms of sex work.
You can find out more about decriminalization here
Yum Yums for Fall
Although we did really have much of a Summer in my neck of the woods, I am excited for the arrival of Autumn. Tomorrow is the Autumnal Equinox, and is a holiday for some Pagans called Mabon
This is one of the best times of the year to buy local, so head on down to your farmer's market, and try these recipes:
From Eat Local Sudbury
Potato-Crusted Swiss Chard and Cheddar Quiche
Ingredients:
· 5 large potatoes, grated and squeezed dry
· 2 tbsp butter, melted
· 1 onion, diced
· 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
· 3 eggs, beaten
· 1 cup old cheddar cheese, grated
· 3/4 cup heavy cream
· Herbs
Combine grated potatoes with melted butter and stir well. Press potato mixture into greased pie plate. Bake potato crust at 450F until golden brown (about 30 minutes). In the meantime, saute onion until softened. Add Swiss chard and saute until wilted. Remove from heat. In bowl, whisk together eggs and cream. Add Swiss chard and onion mixture and cheese and stir to combine. Pour egg mixture into potato crust and bake at 350F until filling is set (about 30-40 minutes).
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Ingredients:
Crisp:
1 ½ cups flour
1 ½ cups rolled oats
¾ cup maple syrup
¾ cup butter
½ salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Fruit Center:
4 cups apples, peeled and chopped
2 cups whole cranberries, fresh or frozen
¼ cup maple syrup
Combine in a large bowl and mix.
Place approximately half of the crisp topping in the bottom of the pan and spread until pan is covered. Pour fruit mixture on top of crisp. Use remaining crisp to cover the fruit mixture.
Bake at 350 until fruit is tender. Approximately 45-50 minutes.
From the the Foodshed Project
Lanttu Laatikka - a great Finnish turnip casserole
Precook 1 large turnips by boiling until soft, add a bit of salt to the water. Keep the juice for later. Mash turnip and add about 1 tablespoon of bread crumbs. Add 1.5 cups of milk with one egg and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Keeping mashing, along with remaining juice, until turnips are soft. Pour into a casserole dish so that it is about a 2 inch thick layer. Pour some breadcrumbs over the top, along with 2 tablespoons of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. The finished product will have a crust on it. Bake at 325 for 1.5 hours. Great treat and freezes well! Adjust the recipe based on the size of the turnip. From the kitchen of Anja Ojala.
Links to other recipes:
Hearty Early Fall Stew
Maple Glazed Root Veggies
Butternut Squash and Hazelnut Lasagna
Delicata Squash Soup with Apple and Blue Cheese
Sláinte!
Laurel
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Harvest Moon Blessings and an Etsy Update
For some of us, today is the Harvest Moon. I hope you all get to go out and enjoy her! To get you in the mood, here is a video of Neil Young's Harvest Moon.
And a small Etsy shop update, I am now offering readings, and to date I have posted a Haindl Rune Oracle Reading with more to come!
Sláinte!
Laurel
And a small Etsy shop update, I am now offering readings, and to date I have posted a Haindl Rune Oracle Reading with more to come!
Sláinte!
Laurel
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Root Cellars
Photo take by Abu
As the end of the growing season begins to creep on me, I am lamenting the fact that I won't be able to just pluck something I need from the balcony garden, or pick it up at our local Farmer's Market.
I've got canning, drying, and vegetables good for storage on the mind. The only problem is that I live in a relatively small apartment, and have a lack of proper storage space.
Living in an apartment can put a really damper on the attempt to be self sufficient. For those who are in my situation, you might want to check out Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits and Vegetables by Nancy and Mike Bubel They have some tips that I am going to try and put to use this year. If anyone has their own tips that they want to share, please do so in the comments. :)
In the meantime, here are a few sites about root cellars.
The Root Cellar Capital of the World, Elliston Newfoundland
A Whole wack of articles from Earth-House
How to build a small root cellar
Root cellaring from SuperNaturale
An e-book The War Gardens Victorious
Home Storage of Fruits and Vegetables in Root Cellars
Sláinte!
Laurel
Thursday, September 11, 2008
A Few Etsy Favourites
Moonlit Herbals
What They Say About Themselves:
"Moonlit Herbals was created out of our love for nature and the wonderful gifts it has to offer all of us. We take great pride in doing business in an ethical and ecological way toward preserving and protecting the earth, of which we are all a part of and believe that this energy flows through all that we do. Every ritual item that we create is ritually cleansed and charged to help create a truly magickal experience when working with our products."
Their Goods:
Under the Root
What They Say About Themselves:
"Made from the Hands of Elves..Hand-Structuring Undergarments / Findlings For Men and Women.A Burlesque State of Mind.Your Sensuality is One of Kind."
Their Goods:
Timber!
What They Say About Themselves:
"TIMBER! designs are hand-screened on high quality, sweatshop-free American Apparel clothing."
Their Goods:
Hedgewitch
What They Say About Themselves:
"Beautiful gifts inspired by Mother Earth. I make ceramic leaf pendants and brooches, greetings cards featuring original nature photography, gemstone jewellery and knitted accessories."
Their Goods:
Whitehart Forge
What They Say About Themselves:
"We make hand forged iron work for re-enactors and enthusiasts from fur trade era Mountain Men to SCA Viking and Medieval and to Renaissance fairs. We also make ritual items and ceremonial goods. Our ironwork includes Celtic, Scottish, Germanic, Heathen, Asatru, Viking Era, Saxon and Norman. Tribal, ethnic, culture based."
Their Goods:
Beloved & Co.
What They Say About Themselves:
"Alchemists and Purveyors of Arcane Delights."
Their Goods:
Lolley Land
What They Say About Themselves:
"Storytelling plays a prominent role in her work. Critters try to break the spell of day to day heartbreak. Rabbits flee from hunters, girls are lost in the woods. Giant elk stumble over towns clasping bottles, is it a remedy they hold or just a beer?"
Their Goods:
Bright Color Art
What They Say About Themselves:
"Original Artwork. Wearble and Decor."
Their Goods:
Danielle Barlow Illustrations
What They Say About Themselves:
"I am an artist and illustrator based in the South West of England. Here on Etsy, I concentrate on selling ACEOs, which are fabulous miniature art cards, fun and addictive to collect! I specialise in fantasy and horses, though I occasionally break out and paint other subjects."
Their Goods:
Trixie Delicious
What They Say About Themselves:
"I love to create art for people with a sense of humour. I have had many years experience as an exhibiting artist and designer and have a BFA in sculpture.All plates are hand painted using brushes and a mapping pen. I do not use stencils or transfers so you may see brush-strokes and hand-painted variations in the details. This is intentional and a part of the unique quality of each plate."
Their Goods:
Bacon Square Farm
What They Say About Themselves:
"Various styles and works of art handmade by us~ one at a time, in our metal and wood shop located at the farm. "
Their Goods:
Sarah Clemens Clothing
What They Say About Themselves:
"Linen is mainly what fabric I use, the way it drapes and rumples and wrinkles and all it's little nubs and the way the dye is always just a bit muted... there is no comparison!"
Their Goods:
Sarah Ogren Mixed Media
What They Say About Themselves:
"I am a mixed media artist with a love of vintage images and vintage things. The inspiration for my work comes from my life experiences, dreams, and the images and materials.I have a lot of ideas running in my head and you will often see a mix of items in my shop. My work can sometimes be dark and moody and will often reflect my quirky sense of humor."
Their Goods:
Tinker's Witch Crafts
What They Say About Themselves:
"I am an independent artist working in my Woodland Studio creating a Magical Mystical blend of one of a kind creations including art dolls, assemblage art, art shrines, collage, neck adornments and anything else that may arise from a creative frenzy."
Their Goods:
Sláinte!
Laurel
What They Say About Themselves:
"Moonlit Herbals was created out of our love for nature and the wonderful gifts it has to offer all of us. We take great pride in doing business in an ethical and ecological way toward preserving and protecting the earth, of which we are all a part of and believe that this energy flows through all that we do. Every ritual item that we create is ritually cleansed and charged to help create a truly magickal experience when working with our products."
Their Goods:
Under the Root
What They Say About Themselves:
"Made from the Hands of Elves..Hand-Structuring Undergarments / Findlings For Men and Women.A Burlesque State of Mind.Your Sensuality is One of Kind."
Their Goods:
Timber!
What They Say About Themselves:
"TIMBER! designs are hand-screened on high quality, sweatshop-free American Apparel clothing."
Their Goods:
Hedgewitch
What They Say About Themselves:
"Beautiful gifts inspired by Mother Earth. I make ceramic leaf pendants and brooches, greetings cards featuring original nature photography, gemstone jewellery and knitted accessories."
Their Goods:
Whitehart Forge
What They Say About Themselves:
"We make hand forged iron work for re-enactors and enthusiasts from fur trade era Mountain Men to SCA Viking and Medieval and to Renaissance fairs. We also make ritual items and ceremonial goods. Our ironwork includes Celtic, Scottish, Germanic, Heathen, Asatru, Viking Era, Saxon and Norman. Tribal, ethnic, culture based."
Their Goods:
Beloved & Co.
What They Say About Themselves:
"Alchemists and Purveyors of Arcane Delights."
Their Goods:
Lolley Land
What They Say About Themselves:
"Storytelling plays a prominent role in her work. Critters try to break the spell of day to day heartbreak. Rabbits flee from hunters, girls are lost in the woods. Giant elk stumble over towns clasping bottles, is it a remedy they hold or just a beer?"
Their Goods:
Bright Color Art
What They Say About Themselves:
"Original Artwork. Wearble and Decor."
Their Goods:
Danielle Barlow Illustrations
What They Say About Themselves:
"I am an artist and illustrator based in the South West of England. Here on Etsy, I concentrate on selling ACEOs, which are fabulous miniature art cards, fun and addictive to collect! I specialise in fantasy and horses, though I occasionally break out and paint other subjects."
Their Goods:
Trixie Delicious
What They Say About Themselves:
"I love to create art for people with a sense of humour. I have had many years experience as an exhibiting artist and designer and have a BFA in sculpture.All plates are hand painted using brushes and a mapping pen. I do not use stencils or transfers so you may see brush-strokes and hand-painted variations in the details. This is intentional and a part of the unique quality of each plate."
Their Goods:
Bacon Square Farm
What They Say About Themselves:
"Various styles and works of art handmade by us~ one at a time, in our metal and wood shop located at the farm. "
Their Goods:
Sarah Clemens Clothing
What They Say About Themselves:
"Linen is mainly what fabric I use, the way it drapes and rumples and wrinkles and all it's little nubs and the way the dye is always just a bit muted... there is no comparison!"
Their Goods:
Sarah Ogren Mixed Media
What They Say About Themselves:
"I am a mixed media artist with a love of vintage images and vintage things. The inspiration for my work comes from my life experiences, dreams, and the images and materials.I have a lot of ideas running in my head and you will often see a mix of items in my shop. My work can sometimes be dark and moody and will often reflect my quirky sense of humor."
Their Goods:
Tinker's Witch Crafts
What They Say About Themselves:
"I am an independent artist working in my Woodland Studio creating a Magical Mystical blend of one of a kind creations including art dolls, assemblage art, art shrines, collage, neck adornments and anything else that may arise from a creative frenzy."
Their Goods:
Sláinte!
Laurel
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