Ebb & Flow: December 2022

 The highs and lows of the month.

Perfume:

Moonalisa Cedarwood and Patchouli EDP

Perfume Oil:

Arcana Wildcraft Two Finger Ballet, Moonalisa Yule Woods, and Nocturne Alchemy Veil in heavy rotation.

Lotion:

Blood Moon Botanica Rose Gold Velvet

Scrub:

The Bathing Garden mini scrub samples, just used up Mrs. Cratchit's Christmas Pudding. Shannon's scrubs are a forever favorite. My husband even placed an order for me for Christmas this year. It was a sweet surprise!

Hair Care: 

Future Primitive shampoo bar and conditioning hair rinse, my all time favorites, any scents but currently in Nanook

Skin Care:

Blood Moon Botanica Moon Dew hyaluronic acid serum with a few drops of the Luminous Oil. Britton will be on break due to having a baby (last I saw she was even in the hospital at the moment in labor!). I should have stocked up a touch more but hopefully she will come back to making body care and such in the future. She is quitting social media, so her newsletter is the best way to follow her. She had an amazing podcast that I am still listening to, and she recently published a book, which I bought. I love supporting Britton.

Candles:

Burning the old Bath and Body Works still. I have tried a few indie candles but other than Sihaya and Witch City Wicks, I just keeping returning to BBW for the size and price (on sale of course). Currently burning Fireside and Smoked Vanilla Whiskey, which smell amazing together. Other favorites this year: Flannel, Twisted Peppermint, Palo Santo, Vanilla Balsam, and Balsam & Firewood.

Wax:

Candles From the Keeping Room Citrus and Balsam, as well as, Plumberry Spice. I ordered from Carol during each of her last openings and I am quite stocked up on her wax for when she retires. If she has any more openings I will place orders too. I plan on keeping my warmers going as long as I can. I did place a couple orders with Starlit Corner but the throw varied a lot. I am totally mesmerized by her videos. I also ordered from Vintage Chic Scents a couple times this year and enjoyed the fall scents I ordered. 

Eating:

Sesame candy, toast, Slim Jims. 

Drinking:

DRAM sparkling waters (love them all!), coffee with that Target Marshmallow whipped cream on top, water.

Listening:

Twenty One Pilots Vessel album that Savanna bought me for my birthday.

Watching:

Married at First Sight with the girls, Unsolved Mysteries (with Robert Stack) with Savanna, and finished up Outlander. 

Reading:

All over the place, really. Just finished Hausfrau about a woman whose life is flying off the rails, Mythos which is retold Greek mythology tales by Stephen Fry, and about to dive into some Virginia Woolf. I have the last Outlander book and need to finish that soon. Jay and I are doing another reading challenge and it will be posted January 2nd. 

Awaiting:

Savanna turning sixteen! Already peeking at used cars. Planning on how to fit that into the budget. She doesn't want a party, but does want to visit Cornell's campus in Ithaca, New York. 

Dreading:

Not dreading, but I am a touch overwhelmed with work, the new lead position, and schooling at the moment. I know it is a season and only temporary. I don't want to look to the future all the time. I know it is vital to stay in the present as much as possible (especially when I feel like the girls are in their twilight with us). The program is 18 months and I have a little more than a year left. I can do this.

Hit:

Plackers Grin No More cheap and disposable mouth guards. 

Miss:

I bought some M. Barc Sandalwood Vanilla hair shampoo at Kohls in a rush. I used it and it felt.... off. Too thick, kinda dry. Weird smell. Turns out it was pet shampoo. Yeah. Do not recommend. 

Low:

The quickness at which winter break flies by. Christmas was chill this year. I didn't put up all my decor and the girls chose a tiny tree this year so I only needed about 1/4 of the ornaments I usually put up. It was nice. How is this low turning into a high? I don't know. Hm. My low is that my chickens are not laying eggs. They have been on strike for a couple months now between molting and winter starting. There. Buying eggs when you have chickens. Who are spoiled. A low.

High:

Saving my wildflowers, herbs and some veggies from the freeze. This time I insulated them with tons of moss and then covered them with blankets and many survived! Woot!

How was your December? How was 2022? It was a great year for me overall. I got to see my sister, her husband and baby in Belgium. I got to see my other sister and her husband in Texas. I got a promotion. The girls did well in school. Toddles is still around. I got to be outside. I grew enough green beans to cook and eat. I found some thrifting treasures. Tell me about yours.

Ebb & Flow October

The highs and the lows of the month.

 Perfume:

MoonaLisa Alexandria and Solstice Scents Vanilla Pipe Tobacco

Perfume Oil:

Arcana Wildcraft Cake Lust and MoonaLisa Strega

Lotion:

Cosmic Cleanse Magnesium Body Creme Unscented (I put lavender and peppermint oils in it)

Skincare:

Blood Moon Botanica Moon Dew and Luminous Glow facial oil combined morning and night. Britton is having a shop update November 11th-12th.

Lip Balm:

Evergreen by Firebird

Candle:

Bath and Body Works Marshmallow Fireside

Wax:

Candles From the Keeping Room Potpourri Spice

Incense:

Moss Garden by Shoyeido (smells like vanilla ice cream to my students)

Work Bag:

Tote #2 by Siren Co. (still absolutely obsessing over it)

Bra:

Whiskey Dog Wares bralette, freaking comfy as all get out.

Eating:

Boar's Head Sweet Chili Garlic hummus

Drinking:

Dram sparkling water with or without CBD

Listening:

Twenty One Pilots Scaled and Icy album

Watching:

Breaking Bad for the first time through, new episodes of British Baking Show and Unsolved Mysteries

Reading:

Completed reading challenge and pretty much reading school work right now. Everything Maria Montessori.

Awaiting:

The holidays, small celebrations, Thanksgiving dinner, fires in the fireplace, winter gardening, bonfires, that sort of thing.

Dreading:

Making my eye doctor appointment for the 1,000th time. Kept getting pushed back due to unexpected meetings at work, the hurricane, and now... not sure when I will get to it. And I need glasses for the first time I think. Blurry vision life.

Hit:

Old lady time.... Plackers Grind No More Night Guard. I crack my teeth and fillings from night time teeth grinding if I don't wear a mouth guard. These aren't awkward in my mouth and don't hurt me. And are cheap.

Miss:

Tieks ballet flats. I fell for the hype and bought some but they are not comfortable and I regret it.

Low:

Feeling stretched. I added a leadership position at work to my plate but then other things happened and now I need take my training sooner than I anticipated. So I am taking my ESOL class, Montessori classes, and juggling the daily job and the extra position all at once. I know it will pass. My ESOL class will be done by Christmas. My Montessori training is 18 months. My leadership position is a 3 year tenure. I can do this. The girls promised to help me cook. Adam will give me grace. I just need to get the hang of it and be ok giving up my relaxing time. My reading. My gardening. Just for a bit. Just a little. 

High:

I got to see my sister and my brother-in-law and my niece over the summer and I am still riding that high. Adam, the girls and I talk about it all the time. Thankful we were able to make it happen. I am also happy that I have been able to see some birds, the foxes, and an owl in our backyard.

How have you been doing? And hits or misses? What are you wearing? Smelling? Watching on TV? How is your life going?

Ebb & Flow: July 2022

 The highs and lows of the month.

Perfume:

Solstice Scents Headmaster (craving fall already)

Perfume Oil:

Arcana Wildcraft Oberon (best pine ever)

Scrub:

The Bathing Garden Magician's Bonfire

Shampoo/Conditioner:

Future Primitive shampoo bar and conditioning hair rinse (in the scent Dusty Dogwood)

Soap:

Future Primitive Lagoon (sample sliver- very nice)

Lotion:

Cosmic Cleanse Magnesium Body Creme (unscented)

Candle:

Acorn Moon Mercantile solstice candle

Wax:

Candles From the Keeping Room blend of Lemon Noel and Serendipity Marshmallow Delight

Incense:

Exploring The Mother's Fragrances line of nag champas from India

Reading:

All the things. I cannot stop. I think it is my way of burying my head in the sand? Coping? Mental health maintenance? Ray Bradbury and Tanith Lee short stories have been devoured, poetry, novels and memoirs. I am only a few books away from finishing the reading challenge on here and my GoodReads number. 

Listening:

Twenty One Pilots Scaled and Icy album (the vinyl is really cool on this one- crystal clear)

Watching:

Whatever spooky movies Savanna chooses, also Archive 81 on Netflix (hated the ending though). And Stranger Things of course. Scarlette actually went back and re-watched them all so I stuck around for that.

Drinking:

Three Spirit Drinks- Nightcap

Eating:

chocolate

Doing:

Lighting incense and placing it on the edge of the pool while I swim, relax, and read.

Awaiting:

The start of a new school year. I go back to work very soon. 

Dreading:

Not a dread but a nervousness about the future. A pressure of, ok, well yes. It is dread. A pressure of dread on the back of my neck and around my heart about teaching. All these laws. Shootings. The kids' futures. Their unrest. My inability to reach even my own sometimes. Feeling like a failure. Not knowing how things will mesh with new co-workers. Pressure. Pressure for sure. A weight. I was actually told over the phone last year, by a parent "I thought you were one of the better ones..." and it sucked. Real hard. But I promised myself I would take it one day at a time. And I need to make that my mantra. 

Hit:
I think I have mentioned it before, but after a vicious twig ant (I always called them oak ants) attack while pulling weeds (invasive air potato vine) I used my Life Flower Bug Bite Elixir and found immediate relief. I swear this stuff really is magic. 

Miss:

I miss my Walkman cassette player. 

Low:

Everything the Supreme Court altered and destroyed. Monarchs. My girls' future. Attitudes towards teachers. So much. So much heaviness. It is hard to breathe sometimes.

High:

Seeing my niece. Seeing my sister Lindsey and her husband Dustin. Seeing England. Scotland. Belgium. Seeing poppies. Cathedrals. Castles. Having the summer to spend with my girls and husband. Getting in a ton of books and even some friend time.

How was your July? Are you craving fall or are you content to laze under the sun a bit more?

Ebb & Flow: April 2022

 The highs and lows of the month.

Perfume:

Serge Lutens Fleur d'Oranger

Perfume Oil:

Arcana Wildcraft Quick Bright Things

Nocturne Alchemy White Amber Beetle

Candle:

Bath & Body Works Rainforest Gardenia

Wax:

The Bathing Garden Sleepy (pink peppermint)

Incense:

MerMade Magical Arts Japanese incense (New Moon)

Soap:

Black Magic Soap in Rootbeer

Scrub:

Paintbox Soapworks sugar scrub in Illuminated Dick Joke

Deodorant:

Felin Lune Apothecary Deodorant Paste in Garden Hippy (I have had trouble getting my hands on Wildroots sensitive formula and this one from Felin Lune is AMAZING! I will blog about it soon).

Skin Care:

Blood Moon Botanica Moon Dew mixed with Forest & Fjord Deep Forest Serum

Lotion:

Future Primitive Campfire Marshmallow Luxury Body Cream

Reading:

A translation of an epic poem called Gudrun by a deceased Jewess author who disappeared in the Minsk concentration camp named Alma Johanna Koenig. Beautiful story. 

Watching:

That cheesy show on Netflix about it being cake or not and wrapped up Seinfeld.

Listening:

Beach Boys Good Vibrations album

Awaiting:

The end of testing and the end of the school year! Ready for summer break just as much as the kiddos. 

Dreading:

Some health insurance issues have me dreading opening up bills and statements. Dreading having to fight all the insurance battles. Dreading the outcome. Dreading having to hire a lawyer.

Hit:

Life Flower Care CBD bug bite roll-on. It really works well for mosquito and ant bites. I have been getting eaten up by mosquitoes lately.

Miss:

Tidy Cats Lightweight litter. It sticks to my cat's paws and she drags it all around the house. Clumps in the couch. Scattered litter sand all over. Yuck. Heavy duty for us.

Low:

Insurance issues. Seeing Adam struggle with it too. Tax issues. But we will get through it.

High:

Knowing I will see my sister and her husband and baby (who isn't even a baby anymore!) very soon! Kind husband. Awesome daughters. Sweet cat. Adorable chickens. Copious amounts of flowers around me. All the high I need.

How was your April? Was the weather normal for you? As it warms up what are you looking forward to? What are you watching?

Ebb & Flow: March 2022

 The highs and lows of the month.

Perfume:

MoonaLisa Cedarwood and Patchouli EDP (all natural, I love it)

Perfume Oil:

Arcana Wildcraft Strawberries Crave Waterfalls and Nocturne Alchemy Wisteria Petal Ice Cream

Body Butter:

Future Primitive Campfire Marshmallows

Soap:

Future Primitive Tobacconist bar soap

Shampoo:

Future Primitive original shampoo bar

Conditioner:

Future Primitive Clotted Peach Cream hair rinse

Skin Care:

Blood Moon Botanica Moon Dew mixed with Forest & Fjord Deep Forest serum

Lip Balm:

For Strange Women Baba Yaga 

Candle:

Bath and Body Works White Tea and Sage

Wax:

Candles From the Keeping Room strawberry blends

Eating:

Sumo oranges, Jelly Bean grapes, soy sauce and butter flavored Pocky stick type things

Drinking:

Water, Coffee, Doctor D's probiotic kombucha in crisp apple

Reading:

 Snow White, Blood Red short stories of dark, horror fairy tales

Watching:

Seinfeld with the girls, my first barred owl in our own backyard, flowers blooming everywhere

Listening:

John Denver's greatest hits on vinyl all the time while cooking.

Awaiting:

Library book sale this coming weekend, more wildflowers to bloom so I can make mini bouquets to tuck all around the house, and the next Candles From the Keeping Room opening.

Dreading:

Mosquitoes (already being attacked), state testing at school, dealing with the insurance companies over my health stuff and hospital stay. 

Hit:

The mystery box of crystals I ordered from The Spirit Nectar off of Etsy. They were amazing!

Miss:

Mr. Art Wood's beeswax tapers on Etsy. They don't burn well and go out all the time. I really like Pitch Pine Pottery's beeswax tapers but they are rather spendy. If you have recs I will take them.

Low:

A lot of financial struggles around the house this year, health issues, state of affairs in the world, in teaching. Trying to stay positive.

High:

The rush of spring being here. Getting excited about plants and growing things again. The thrill of bugs, wildlife, chickens. Fresh eggs. Fresh flowers. Fresh breezes. Good books. Good smells. Good people. Soft sheets. Cold water. Comfy chairs to read in (found an old one for $35 at a thrift store and I love it). 

How are things for you? Try anything new you love? What are you craving? What small things are you really loving?

Ebb & Flow: July 2021

 The highs and lows of the month.

Perfume:

Solstice Scents Black Forest EDP

Perfume Oil:

Arcana Wildcraft Yurt

Scrub:

Paintbox Soapworks After-Winter

Body Oil:

Aftelier Spiced Patchouli

Candle:

Bath & Body Works Palo Santo

Wax:

Candles From the Keeping Room Celtic Moonspice

Incense:

Sea Witch Botanicals White Lodge

Reading:

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell but I am dragging on it. I have been spending the last couple weeks vegging out in between heading into the classroom, and my mind is a bit too spacey right now. I know I will get back into it soon and it will be a nice book for fall.

Watching:

Saw the movie Old with the girls. It was good. Handmaid's Tale, Ouran High Host Club, Attack on Titan, Hoarders, Grand Tour. 

Listening:

Enya, John Denver, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac.

Drinking:

Dram Black Tea and Cardamom sparkling water (so good!!), Blood Moon Botanica teas, and water.

Eating:

Pocky sticks and tiny Fuji apples.

Awaiting:

Next week going back into work to set up the classroom and prep for the new school year. And also awaiting putting up the fall decorations. It may happen very early this year.

Dreading:

The hot summer days that are about to get even hotter.

Hit:

Sewing again. It was nice to have something to hand sew while on long car rides.

Miss:

Kitulife Super Coffee Creamer, it was gross.

Low:

Some blues. Lack of motivation. Worry.

High:

Being able to take it easy. 

How was your July? Is it hot? Anything exciting happen?

Ebb & Flow: June 2021

 The highs and lows of the month.

Ha! Creepy and weird, right? It was a scene from the haunted museum I went to in Cassadaga that I mentioned last month. The wall of babies. Yikes. Yet, almost artful. 

Perfume:

Solstice Scents Flintlock (lots of compliments on it- I described it as a sexy cowboy).

Perfume Oil:

Arcana Wildcraft Aged Patchouli, day and night.

Skincare:

A small squeeze of Blood Moon Botanica Moon Dew with one drop of Forest and Fjord serum

Soap:

Painbox Soapworks The Wooden God

Scrub:

Painbox Soapworks The Man in the Moon

Body Oil:

Aftelier Spiced Patchouli

Lip Balm:

Lypsyt

Candle:

Bath & Body Works Twisted Peppermint and Vanilla Birch

Wax Tart:

Candles From The Keeping Room Celtic Moonspice

Incense:

Sea Witch Botanicals White Lodge

Eating:

Gyoza

Drinking:

Boba

Watching:

KDrama and anime: A Love So Beautiful, Violet Evergarden (so beautifully done!!! I cried during several episodes- Netflix), My Hero Academia (first half of season 5), Attack on Titan, Monthly Girls Nozaki, and currently into season 2 of Fruits Basket. I watch these with Scarlette. It has been something for us to bond over. I also watched The Virgin Suicides and Cruella.

Listening:

Pink Floyd, Jimmy Buffett, Led Zeppelin

Reading:

Dune by Frank Herbert, also finished a ton of others books recently but hardly any were on the reading challenge prompt. 

Awaiting:

I placed a small order at Choosing Keeping in the UK for some nice pencils and fine liners and erasers. Looking forward to that arriving. I even went for the gift wrap even though it is only for myself. 

Dreading:

No dread. Just need to get outside more and finally enjoy the summer now that work is done.

Hit:

My used furniture from a local consignment shop. I picked up a sofa and two reading chairs. On my next paycheck I will grab a rug and some pillows and I think we will be set! The new (used) couch is even already Toddles approved.

Miss:

I am getting down to the last dregs of my very favorite natural deodorant from Wild Roots Body Care. I have been watching for a restock but there have not been many updates from the owner. I am hoping things are fine on her end. Should I email and ask or just figure she is on a hiatus?

Low:

Being sick for a couple weeks at the start of the month. Low iron. Tiredness. Moodiness. Some blues.

High:

Spending time with Adam's family in Ohio. Getting some new (used) furniture for the living room finally. Snagging some good books. Chickens. Flowers. Sunshine. Rain. And lots and lots of boba.

How was your June? Any fun plans for July?

Ebb and Flow: May 2021

 The highs and lows of the month.

Perfume:

Wylde Ivy Green Lady

Perfume Oil:

Verdant Faerie Fancy French Lavender (I use this as an evening deodorant sometimes too!)

Face Mist:

House of Yore/Forest & Fjord Spruce hydrosol

Deodorant:

Wildroots Body Care (herbal and sensitive, I alternate them).

Scrub:

Paintbox Soapworks Crickhollow Cottage

Soap:

Black Magic 50 Shades of Chaga

Candle:

Bath & Body Works Comfort (patchouli and vanilla)

Wax:

Candles From The Keeping Room Apple Clove Butter

Eating:

bacon wrapped asparagus

Drinking:

Vivi Boba Specialty tea with strawberry popping boba

Watching:

Lots of anime with Scarlette: Maid, Sama! and Violet Evergarden currently.

Reading:

Witches of Eastwick by John Updike and a book about tarot by Leanna Greenway.

Listening:

John Prine and John Denver on vinyl

Awaiting:

Summer is here! No more teaching, but I do still have some classes for ESOL left to finish. Hoping to get those out of the way quickly. Scarlette invited all her 6th grade friends over for a pool party this coming weekend so I am looking forward to seeing my students one more time. 

Dreading:

Mosquitoes, droughts, not taking advantage of summer freedoms.

Hit:

Nocturne Alchemy Height of Love perfume and Sandalwood Bourbon perfume

Miss:

CBe Ceramics mushroom paint brush. It arrived broken in half. I didn't feel like shipping it back so I just taped it for now. 

Low:

Colds/sore throat coming back for every period again. I went through this cycle a year or so ago but with ear infections. Hoping this won't be long-term. Ready for menopause already. 

High:

Visiting Cassadega with my friend Giffe, giving the sixth graders a big send off to middle school, watching my youngest be admired by a really sweet boy, seeing my oldest get excited about high school, seeing my flowers bloom, reading in the hammock swing.

How was your May? Did is bring any blooms? Happy things? New experiences? Hope?

Ebb & Flow: April 2021

 The highs and lows of the month.

Perfume:

Solstice Scents Lavender Vanilla EDP

Perfume Oil:

Nocturne Alchemy Moonstone

Body Oil:

Aftelier Spiced Patchouli

Skin Care:

Mixing Blood Moon Botanica Moon Dew with Forest & Fjord Deep Forest Serum and applying both night and morning. My skin has looked the best it ever has. 

Soap:

Bath & Body Works Comfort (patchouli and vanilla) body wash

Scrub:

The Bathing Garden Sleepy

Candle:

Bath and Body Works Comfort (patchouli and vanilla)

Wax:

Candles From The Keeping Room Sweet Cinnamon Rolls

Incense:

For Strange Women Japanese stick incense in Pure

Eating:

Sumo oranges, pasta salads, carrots from the garden

Drinking:

Coffee, water, boba

Watching:

Death Note anime, saw the Hunter X Hunter movie with the girls, and my flowers, bees, butterflies, and trees.

Reading:

Meditations on the Tarot here and there in the mornings, The Penelopiad by Atwood (it is good!), and just finished up a well done werewolf thriller called Talulla Rising that was book two but I read it as a stand alone and it was great. Also, I am heavily into indie mags right now. I currently have Fiddler's Green in abundance (LOVE them!!!), Weird Walk out of the UK, Folklore for Resistance (Canadian I believe), and several others. Links embedded in the names if you are curious. I am thinking of doing a collection/shout out of the ones I have and enjoy.

Listening:

The Cranberries

Awaiting:

A chance to hang out with my friend Giffe' in a couple weekends, summer break full of art, reading, swimming, exploring trails, seeds to sprout, new adventures.

Dreading:

My sixth graders moving on. As challenging as this school year was, this was easily the NICEST and most fun classroom community I have had the honor of teaching in 12 years. Not one incident sent to the office. Not one bully. Constant laughter, smiles, hard work, and kindness. I will hold onto this year in my heart forever. I am happy I will still have my 4th and 5th graders to carry on the legacy as they move up into leadership positions next year.

Hit:

Paintbox Soapworks Flutterbutter face cleaning cream is awesome. It cleans gently and smells of frankincense and lemons. A great experience.

Miss:

The Hot Mango Undies bra I bought was not nearly as nice and comfortable and well fitting as the Whiskey Dog Wears bralette I purchased. The big 3-D printed adjusters were awkward, the straps are not attached (I am thinking of removing the adjusters and just sewing the straps down so I can wear it). But to be fair, she is not going to make them any longer and will focus on her underwear and tanks. I ordered some MTO (made to order) undies back in February and they should be arriving soon. I will report back. But so far Whiskey Dog Wares is my jam for sure. Though I am excited to try Hot Mango's period panties when they arrive.

Low:

Ending of the school year. Spending spree (was hoping to save more- ah- try, try again). Missing my sisters and baby niece. Eating junk. 

High:

Baby chickens thriving, plants growing, flowers blooming, my sister's wedding, a surprise box of gifts from sisters, new tarot decks, planning surprises for my 6th graders, quality time with Adam and the girls, good boba. Good books. Good afternoon hammock time.

How has your April been? Blessed Beltane! May your summer arrive full of gorgeous weather, color and life.  

Ebb & Flow: March 2021

 The highs and lows of the month. 

Perfume:

Solstice Scents Manor EDP (almost out! Yikes!)

Perfume Oil:

Arcana Wildcraft Aged Patchouli and Nocturne Alchemy Holiday Crystalline Spice Cake (not together though)

Body Oil:

Wildroots Lavender and Rosemary

Deodorant:

Wildroots Activated Charcoal (still all time favorite natural deodorant)

Soap:

Black Magic 50 Shades of Chaga

Conditioner:

Future Primitive Sparklebox 

Tincture:

Blood Moon Botanica Calming Milky Oats

Candle:

Bath & Body Works Comfort (Patchouli and Vanilla)

Wax:

Candles From the Keeping Room Celtic Moonspice

Incense:

Wood, Willow and Whatknots Cosmic Minstral

Nail Polish:

Rescue Beauty Lounge Small, Dim, Summer Stars

Eating:

Sumo oranges and chicken pot pies

Drinking:

Republic of Tea Lavender and Blueberry Iced Tea (unsweet)

Watching:

My Hero Academia, Gardener's World, and too many IG stories

Listening:

Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffett

Reading:

Just finished Darwin's Ghosts and in the middle of Celtic Magic and about to start The Rattled Bones

Awaiting:

My sister Heather's wedding! Looking forward to watching her finally marry her love after two change of dates due to COVID. Also awaiting more butterflies (SO MANY PUPAE!!!), summer break (ONE MORE MONTH), and endless sunshine on my skin. 

Dreading:

Seeing my 6th graders move on, job limbo, my oldest going off to high school. 

Hit:

Golden Lotus Incense warmer

Miss:

My last Society6 phone case order, both phone cases had white strips of no printing. Looked poopy. But the customer service was great and they refunded the money. 

Low:

Stressing about the state standardized testing dates moving around so close to my sister's wedding. Work uncertainties and missing my friends and sisters. Not sleeping well.

High:

Got my one and done vaccine. Had a friend move into my neighborhood. Got lots of monarch butterfly babies. Harvesting carrots. Walking the neighborhood in evenings with husband to catch up on our days. 

How was your March? Are you growing anything? Seeing signs of life? 

Ebb & Flow: February 2021

The highs and lows of the month. 

Perfume:

Sonoma Scent Studio Pacific Woods

Perfume Oil:

Arcana Wildcraft Tristan and Verdant Faerie French Lavender

Skincare:

Blood Moon Botanica Moon Dew

Scrub:

The Bathing Garden Brown Sugar Cream Rose

Eyeshadow:

Sydney Grace in Defiance (I love their pressed pigment shadows as simple single washes of color).

Lip Balm:

Forever going to be For Strange Women Baba Yaga

Bedtime Prep:

Lavender witch hazel mixed with peppermint, lavender, fir, and rosemary essential oils sprayed liberally on my neck and pillow and belly. 

Wax:

Candles From the Keeping Room Very Vanilla and Ultimate Vanilla

Candle:

Bath & Body Works Twisted Peppermint and Nui Cobalt Designs mini candles

Incense:

Wood, Willow, and Whatknots Witch's Brew at work in the morning before the students come in. 

Eating:

Sumo oranges from Publix. They are the best orange ever. Super easy to peel, candy sweet, tart and juicy, no seeds.

Drinking:

Dram sparkling CBD in Sweetgrass and their switchel in Ginger Cinnamon.

Reading:

Finishing up The Witcher with the last book in the series (halfway through), also reading Meditations on the Tarot, and a read Warm Bodies, and then the second book in the Mercy Thompson series. 

Watching:

My Hero Academia anime with Scarlette. It is quite funny.

Listening:

Ella, Louie and Leonard Cohen with some Bob Marley thrown in for jamming times. 

Awaiting:

Our chickens to arrive! But it won't be until mid-April. In the meantime we are staining and building their coop. I ordered baby chicks from an online hatchery. Also awaiting spring break! WOOT!

Dreading:

If any of the chicks arrive dead. Yikes. Also dreading report  cards (which are due next week). Also dreading summer mosquitoes.

Hit:

Quill and Arrow handmade leather journals. I am officially obsessed. I have four now. Some micro tiny and others decent sized with watercolor papers.

Miss:

Maybelline Great Lash. I have only been wearing eye make up with COVID masking all day long at work. I honestly cannot remember the last time I wore foundation. Probably over a year ago. I do my eyeshadow, under eye concealer, mascara and sometimes liner. I ran out of mascara and I pretty much refuse to pay the ridiculous prices I used to several years ago for make up. I headed to Walmart and grabbed what looked to be a classic. It was a dud. I did move on to Maybelline Colossal Lash and it is better.

Low:

Hectic feelings at work. Had observation/evaluation. Time to make decisions. Lots of paperwork due. Standardized tests creeping up. Not sure if I have prepared them enough. 

High:

Hanging out with my friend Giffe' twice in one month. Planting lots of flowers and native plants. Having a friend and her girls move into my neighborhood. Seeing my new niece grow and change online. 

How was your February? Any drug store mascara recs for me?

 

Ebb & Flow: January 2021

The highs and lows of the month.

Perfume:

Solstice Scents Hidden Lodge

Perfume Oil:

Nocturne Alchemy Opal Vanilla

Soap:

Future Primitive Inches Lane

Scrub:

Sugar Spider Blue Marshmello and Peppermint Schtick

Body Cream:

Blood Moon Botanica Pitch Pine Hand Cream

Conditioner:

Future Primitive Dark Carnival

Skin Care:

Forest & Fjord Sea Silk Face Cream

Candle:

Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint (in bedroom)

Wax:

Bohemienne Life Mistletoe scents

Incense:

Mermade Magickal Arts frankincense tears

Earrings:

Amber studs by Arrok Jewelry

Purse:

Franklin-Christoph: Fortis Sling Bag. I am not typically a purse hound but I do buy a new one about every five years. It was time for a new one. I found this maker via IG and Pitch Pine Pottery of all places. I love my new bag.

Eating:

Pickled radishes (they are spicy and smell like farts), Slim Jims, Oreos. You know... just cutting life short.

Drinking:

Dram sparkling water with CBD, coffee, tea. Not enough water.

Reading:

The Witcher series, on the second to last book. I read that before bed in the evenings. In the morning while I drink coffee I am reading Meditations on the Tarot. It is quite moving. 

Listening:

Instrumentals, Phantom of the Opera, anything Enya, Lord of the Rings/Hobbit soundtracks, fireplace crackles

Watching:

Gardener's World

Doing:

Whittling old man tree spirits.

Awaiting:

Savanna's birthday, Spring Break, and the next cold front so we can have a fire in the fireplace again.

Dreading:

The unknown factors of my job once the school years ends.

Hit:

The cheap batter powered candles that came with a remote from Amazon. They come as a set of 10 and I adore them. 

Miss:

Victoria's Secret panties. After wearing them for the past two decades I am over them. The feel like saw blades cutting into my inner thighs and my bits are always falling out the sides. I need comfy panty suggestions, please. 

Low:

The lows of COVID: teaching during COVID, isolation during COVID, lack of travel during COVID, mental health during COVID. 

High:

Having a job. Having a comfy home. My husband. My girls. Flowers, books, creating things.

How was your first month of January? Come at me with your undies recs. 

Ebb & Flow: December 2020

The highs and lows of the month.

Perfume:

Manor by Solstice Scents

Perfume Oil:

Marshmallows Burn Down the Yule Tree by Arcana Wildcraft

Body Oil:

Lavender and Rosemary by Wildroots Body Care

Soap:

La Vie en Rose by Bohemienne Life

Sugar Scrub:

Ghost Chocolate and Burnt Sugar by Sugar Spider

Lip Balm:

Baba Yaga by For Strange Women

Skincare:

Winter Moon Serum by Forest & Fjord

Candle:

Twisted Peppermint by Bath and Body Works

Incense:

Demeter by Mermade Magickal Arts

Wax:

Crystalized Spearmint and Peppermint by The Bathing Garden

Eating:

15 Bean Soup (the kind in the bag with dried beans) with country sausage and mustard greens (I feel bad for my husband but it tastes soooo good).

Drinking:

DRAM sparkling water drinks infused with CBD

Watching:

Finished Hannibal, and watching The Office before it disappeared, plus the newest season of The Great British Baking Show.

Reading:

Still reading The Witcher series. I am on The Time of Contempt. Only a few more to go!

Listening:

My new Ella and Louie vinyl albums I got for Christmas.

Awaiting:

The vaccine. New paths. Fresh starts. 

Dreading:

Flip flopping between online and in-building learning models when we return. It is so hard on the kiddos.

Hit:

My new Sugar Spider scrubs.

Miss:

My Bath and Body Works Candle Day order that never arrived. BBW is making it right but many of them are not available now and so I am out some that I was looking forward to.

Low:

Christmas without most of the family. 

High:

My 40th birthday in the mountains with Adam and the girls. Christmas with just Adam and the girls. It was quiet and low key and I didn't realize how much I needed that at the time. 

This is where we normally say good-bye but I wanted to add a small "Best of 2020" to the tail end of this if that is ok with you. These best of choices are based on products I purchased or used this year.

Best Perfume (EDP):

- Solstice Scents Lavender Vanilla

- Solstice Scents Black Forest

- Wylde Ivy Stone Circle

Best Perfume Oils:

- Arcana Wildcraft Glittering Lavender

- Arcana Wildcraft Sneachta 

- Arcana Wildcraft Aged Patchouli

- Nocturne Alchemy Dream Walking

- Blood Moon Botanica Conifer Gold

- Moonalisa Bohemian Velvet

- Moonalisa Witchery

Best Soap:

- Black Magic Alchemy Rootbeer Soap

Best Scrub:

- The Bathing Garden Vanilla Snowballs and Peppermint Bows

- Sugar Spider Peppermint Schtick and Blue Marshmello

Best Skincare:

-Forest & Fjord Deep Forest Serum (she is rebranding as House of Yore and will return with goodies)

Best Lip Balm:

- For Strange Women Baba Yaga Lip Balm (bought a back up tin)

Best Incense:

- Mermade Magickal Arts Fortuna

- Mermade Magickal Arts Sugarplums

- Wood Willow and Whatnots Witch's Brew 33" Big Dog Stick

Best Candles:

- Sawdust & Embers Winter Woods

- Bijou Candles Hedy

Best Wax:

- Candles From the Keeping Room Very Vanilla

- Candles From the keeping Room Christmas Around the Campfire

- The Bathing Garden French Country Christmas

Best Tinctures:

Favorite Pottery:

- Erra Jean Wax Warmer

- Pine Zen Pottery Mug

- Cornidez Studio Haunted House Mug

- Melissa Bee Pottery Ceramic Bell and Mushroom Mugs (as gifts)

Favorite Jewelry:

- Dida Metal Studios Custom Star Charm Necklace (for Scarlette)

- Bearing Thorns Tourmaline Charm Necklace

- Blood Moon Botanica Lucky Mercury Dime Necklace

Favorite Planners:

- Many Moons by Modern Woman: for tracking the moon, my monthly and spiritual endeavors

- Tudor Planner: for artwork, goals, buckets lists, places to eat, things to do

- Purple Trail: for teacher work, lessson planning, calendar, conferences, report cards

Favorite Art Supplies:

- Birmingham Ink Company

- Stabilo pens

- Sakura KOI Watercolor Brush Set

These were some of my favorite things this year. I still used many of my tried and trues but it was a good year for creativity and comforting smells. A good year for pulling in and making coziness where I could. 

I will post some goals for 2021 on January 1st. As always, I have a hope for a clean slate. Not only for myself but others too. Did you stumble upon any new favorites this year? What brought you comfort? Please leave a comment below and be entered for a chance to win a medium flat rate box of smell goods (wax and perfume and such). I will draw the winner sometime Sunday. Cheers!

Ebb & Flow: November 2020

 The highs and lows of the month.

Perfume:

Dasein Winter

Perfume Oil:

Arcana Marshmallow Layering Note for bedtime and Nocturne Alchemy Holger (cinnamon buns and soil)

Lotion:

Archaic Honey Poplar Buds & Rose Hand and Body Cream

Soap:

Black Magic Alchemy Soap in Rootbeer

Scrub:

The Bathing Garden Evernight

Lip Balm:

For Strange Women Baba Yaga

Skin Care:

Forest & Fjord Winter Moon serum, Sarah is rebranding into House of Yore and is having a big sale. Now is the perfect time to get her serums and face creams (all created with natural and high quality ingredients). I also recommend the Balm of Gilead. I picked up a serum and the spruce hydrosol (I like using those on my face for refreshening). Click here to go visit. 

Incense:

Mermade Magickal Arts Demeter

Candle:

Bath and Body Works Cinnamon and Clove Bud

Wax:

Sawdust & Embers Homestead

Eating:

Grapes and turkey sandwiches

Drinking:

Coffee with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top

Reading:

The Witcher series

Watching:

Hannibal and Christmas Vacation and Gardener's World

Listening:

Old random Christmas records

Awaiting:

The Christmas advent calendar with my girls. We do small things like watching movies or baking or Christmas light tours, or sometimes they wake up to a small gift like socks or silly string or slime. It makes celebrating fun especially in these times when social events are off the list. Also excited to be turning 40 in a few days. We got a cabin in Helen, Georgia for the weekend and will be hiking in the woods and sitting by the fire. 

Dreading:

Nothing. Going to stay positive and do my best job in teaching. Pray we all stay healthy. Look forward to 2020 wrapping up with the ones I love. Have hope for the next year.

Hit:

My new planners from Modern Woman (Many Moons planner- loved using it this year) and my new Tudor planner (the same one that I drew in on COVID quarantine mornings). I love how the new 2021 Tudor planner looks. Lovely artwork.

Miss:

Growing radishes, carrots and beets in my garden. The sandhill cranes came every day to pluck them directly out of the ground. I guess I can try again later. But the winter squash, black eyed peas and okra are doing well so far.

Low:

Missing extended family at Thanksgiving.

High:

Having wild turkeys come visit me in the yard, having sandhill cranes come peck my veggies, watching my wildflowers sprout up and cooking an intimate Thanksgiving meal.

How has your November been? Are you looking forward to the small festivities the holidays will bring? Shining ornaments, colorful lights, baked goods and hot cocoa?