Great Ideas on a Small Budget

I've been trying to make more and more things at home instead of buying.

Examples:

1)I made bread and cookies with my awesome Sis-in-Law a few weeks ago. Man, nothing like fresh bread. In fact, I don't remember bread being eaten so fast in my house before.2)I'm making some potions/waters rather than spending a butt-load of money for it. (Butt-load, such a strange turn of phrase.)

3)I made a quick batch of Arnica Salve for my aforementioned Sis-in-Law who unfortunately twisted her ankle really bad while helping a drunk friend.

Arnica Salve
Dried Arnica flowersOil (I've used Olive and Avocado before. The main thing is you want something good for the skin. No canola or vegetable oil here.)

Essential oil for scent. I used a little lemon essential oil this time, though I've also used lavender too. Whatever works and seems as though it'd help.1) Place Arnica flowers in a small crock pot or pan. (I have a "Little Dipper" crock pot that I always use just for potions/salves/etc.2) Steep the Arnica flowers in just enough oil to cover. You can steep for as long as you want, but the minimum should be at least two hours.

3) Strain flowers out of oil.

4) Pour oil back into pot. Add essential oil (if necessary) and beeswax.I've found that 2 parts oil to 1 part wax works well. But it depends on how smooshy/oily/hard you want your salve.

5) After wax melts, you can pour into a heat safe container. I find that 4oz glass jars work really well.



And this is another quick and easy tip that I plan on stealing.

Are You Sure it's Not a Full Moon?

Oh. My. God.

It's been crazy the last few days. And I mean full-moon, insane asylum crazy.

There have been moron's at work.

Me: I'm sorry, if you wait until the last minute, I can't help you. No, asking me the same question fifteen different ways won't change my answer either. I'm sorry, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but the universe doesn't revolve around you. Yes, I know your Mommy always said you were, but she lied.

Seriously, I've talked to my boss about performing a hex-break or cleansing here at work. I just have to do it when everyone's gone or I'll get some really strange looks. (Not that I don't already, lol.) Though I could just shout at them "The power of Christ compels you." And spray them with my Holy Water. LMAO.

Funny story, I went to buy supplies last weekend for the cleansing and I told the Hubs everything I bought, Camomille, Iron Filings, Nails, Floriday Water and Holy Water. He was quite surprised about the Holy Water. And syas to me, "You just slide right through the faiths don't you." I would've explained that Holy Water is just as potent in Spellwork as in the Christian faith. But I didn't feel like launching into the whole discussion.

I'm even making my own War Water, just in case the Holy Water isn't enough. Plus, it's good to have on hand anyway. I'm using Iron Nails, (additional Iron Filings to help kickstart it) and rain water. (Trying to get some from a thunderstorm. Should have some luck today and tomorrow.) Then you just let it sit and oxidize. When you need it you have it.

Back to the craziness.

This morning I asked for 2% milk (in a half pint) to mix in my coffee. I'm trying to cut calories, and if I can get rid of the cream that'd help right? Well sure, except the milk tasted like puke. No really, you know that horrible taste you get after you spew chunks. Yep, that's it. And when you add it to your coffee, your coffee then tastes like coffee flavored puke. Seriously, not a very nice way to start your day.

But thankfully, that's nothing a little bite of chocolate can't solve. Need it to cleanse the palette. I know, I'm full of excuses to eat chocolate. Just one piece, honest. And a big glass of water. Which is probably better than my 32oz coffee. I just hope I don't get another caffeine headache. Then again, enough chocolate will solve that too. ;)

Hope you're all doing well. I'll post a regular post tomorrow.

The Element Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells: The Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts

A few years ago I bought this book Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells and boy let me tell you it's got an insane amount of great information in it. If you ever wanted to know how to make Holy Water, Dove's Blood Ink, Goofer Dust, Graveyard Dirt, etc. All the recipes are in here. Plus there's all sorts of spells on pretty much anything you can imagine.Excerpt Spell:

Five Eye Spell - (Banish the evil eye)
Five pairs of glass beads, each pair in a different distinct color, are required for this amulet. Dizzying colors dazzle the Evil Eye.

1. String the beads in a double row.
2. Arange them in a circle.
3. Post or wear.

A lot are this simple, some require odd ingredients and yet others are more complex.


The weird thing is, when I bought the book you couldn't get it through the US version of Amazon. Apparently there was some issue. You can still buy it from random sellers. But it's now been reprinted. And the Reprint of Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells is available through Amazon. It was reprinted in March 2009 and since I haven't seen an actual copy I don't know if there have been any additions/deletions or corrections, but I'm sure it's just as handy to have in your collection.