Tonight I watched a special on the Food Network called "The Big Waste". Four popular chefs were challenged to cook a meal worthy of fine dining for 100 people. The catch, all ingredients are to be foods that were on their way to the garbage bins.
It's amazing the kinds of foods sitting in the back of stores just waiting to be trashed. These items are not always cheap either. Expensive foods like Halibut, Clams, Beef ribs, and loads of fruits and vegetables all thrown away because they have a tiny nick or they've simply been returned to the store.
Think about when you shop for your groceries. When picking out a peach, will you pick the one that has a small pinkie finger sized cut, or the unblemished perfect peach? That one with the small cut gets thrown away because no one wants to buy it. There is absolutely nothing different about it besides that very tiny area.
Now think about all the homeless, starving people in the world. Instead of using this unwanted food it's thrown away. We are a spoiled nation. We've been taught to expect the best of everything. Foods oddly shaped or simply fruit picked from an orchard that's fallen from the ground is ignored. If it's not normal or "pretty" its got to be bad right? Wrong!
If you haven't watched this special I highly recommend it. It really makes you think how wasteful we all are. I'm sad to say I'm just as guilty. I use to throw out meat all the time because I was forced to buy more than I really needed to. I either had to cook it all and eat it over several days, or throw away uncooked meat. Freezing it always resulted in freezer burn and less room in my fridge.
My MIL has a vacuum sealer so when she buys her meat she cuts the large packages into portions before they are frozen. That way when she cooks she isn't using more than whats needed. When we are on our own again I see that we are going to save a lot of money by having one of them.
What do you do to avoid wasting food?
Monday, January 9, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Into Salem's Creations Past
I've got a lot of new followers lately due to the Pagan Blog Project. I'd just like to welcome my new readers! I know we are all following each other to read PBP posts. But I'd also like to invite everyone to check out my past posts. There are some really great ones that shouldn't be missed!
If you notice the bar on the bottom of every page, there is a search function. Put in any Pagan buzzword and if I've written about the topic, that blog post will come up.
Here's a list of posts I invite you to check out.
Blessings, Love, and Light
SalemWitchChild
If you notice the bar on the bottom of every page, there is a search function. Put in any Pagan buzzword and if I've written about the topic, that blog post will come up.
Here's a list of posts I invite you to check out.
- The Unclear Path (Poem)
- Combining Faith & Marriage
- Living with a Bipolar Spouse: How to support your loved one.
- Spiritual Protection
- Energy Healing: My Way
- The Importance of Grounding during Magickal work
- Psychic Readings Without Permission
- My Breastfeeding Mommy Weakness
- My Writing: A compilation of my fictional stories.
- The Journey (A Poem)
Blessings, Love, and Light
SalemWitchChild
Friday, January 6, 2012
Herbal Dreams
It's not often I remember a dream so when I do I pay special attention to it. This isn't so much a dream as a word stuck in my head. I'm sure the word came from a dream I just don't remember. Well there was two words I remembered in the early morning hours, but I've forgotten one. That's what I get for not writing them down at 3 a.m. But I was busy with the baby, so at least I have a good excuse.
The one I do remember is Yarrow root. I didn't know much about it, so I did a little research. Turns out this is a flower I recognize. I've picked them on quite a few occasions. And I'm pretty sure there are some out in the field next to our house. At least there were in the summer.
This plant has been known to help staunch blood so its been used since Greek and Roman times to help heal woods. Its said to have antiseptic and astringent properties.
It also helps relax muscles. Particularly the uterus and digestive system. I've never been a woman who cramps a lot during AF, but I can see where this might help. Though the thought of making this into a tea is not at all appetizing! I'm sure you can find it in pill form at your local herbal store though. If your pregnant beware of taking Yarrow root since this can increase your chances of miscarriage. And because of that I'd caution breastfeeding moms on taking it too.
It's also a cold remedy! Now isn't that useful. It promotes sweating (Yucky). But Sweating helps bring down a fever.
To learn more about Yarrow root, and a recipe for making Yarrow root tea, visit my source here.
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| Yarrow Plant. Image Source |
This plant has been known to help staunch blood so its been used since Greek and Roman times to help heal woods. Its said to have antiseptic and astringent properties.
It also helps relax muscles. Particularly the uterus and digestive system. I've never been a woman who cramps a lot during AF, but I can see where this might help. Though the thought of making this into a tea is not at all appetizing! I'm sure you can find it in pill form at your local herbal store though. If your pregnant beware of taking Yarrow root since this can increase your chances of miscarriage. And because of that I'd caution breastfeeding moms on taking it too.
It's also a cold remedy! Now isn't that useful. It promotes sweating (Yucky). But Sweating helps bring down a fever.
To learn more about Yarrow root, and a recipe for making Yarrow root tea, visit my source here.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Pagan Afterlife
This is my first post for the Pagan Blog Project. For the letter A I'd like to talk about the Pagan Afterlife. I've already discussed my Thoughts on the Afterlife. But this isn't a repeat of why I believe in reincarnation or what the meaning of life is. I'd like to delve into how we picture the afterlife to look. Is it a meadow where we can run around picking daisies to our hearts content? Is it a vortex where we meet our lost loved ones? Is it a bridge with rainbows? How do you foresee the afterlife to look, feel, taste, smell? Is it just like life? Are we always happy or can we be sad there too?
Ultimately we all must answer these questions ourselves. And I don't believe there are wrong answers because I believe our perception is what dictates our reality in the afterlife.
My perception of the afterlife is just a group of friends sitting around a table talking about what is important to us. Helping one another and working a little witchy magick when needed. Perhaps in the afterlife instead of helping one another we'll be looking down on our descendants and helping them. Whatever the afterlife is, I hope it won't be a boring meadow. I really hate daisies.
Ultimately we all must answer these questions ourselves. And I don't believe there are wrong answers because I believe our perception is what dictates our reality in the afterlife.
My perception of the afterlife is just a group of friends sitting around a table talking about what is important to us. Helping one another and working a little witchy magick when needed. Perhaps in the afterlife instead of helping one another we'll be looking down on our descendants and helping them. Whatever the afterlife is, I hope it won't be a boring meadow. I really hate daisies.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Light at the End of the Tunnel
So maybe possibly we are seeing light at the end of this very long tunnel. Today (Or rather yesterday since it's 1 a.m.) we went to see the housing department. We had gotten a notice that we are on the top of the list for housing. The problem is when DH and I separated last year in January, the help we thought I'd have backed out. Leaving me very pregnant and unable to properly clear and clean the house. We also didn't have that months rent. So we have a very unhappy landlord. I did the best I could given the circumstances. And we explained that to the lady we met with. She said she'd take those things into consideration, but no promises.
Before our interview with the housing association, I charged an amethyst. I kept the stone in my hand throughout the interview and held hands with DH with the stone in our palms so to include his energy too. It's just a little witchy thing I do when I'm hoping for an outcome. I kept focusing as best I could on my own home. How I'd decorate it when I got the chance. Having my own kitchen again. My own living room. My own bedroom. The kids bedrooms. etc.. I find that if I think of small things it helps me to focus.
I don't know what will come of it. Seems like we've been waiting forever. Almost a year in fact. But I do feel we are close to moving past this lull in progress.
In the next few days I need to find the time to do a ritual with the stone. That will be difficult to find the time. But I think right now it's a must do. And before the week is out too because I know I'll not find a moments privacy during the weekend.
So that's it for now. I hope everyone had a wonderful Tuesday! And enjoy tomorrow (or rather today). My days are all mixed up since I stay awake so late.
Before our interview with the housing association, I charged an amethyst. I kept the stone in my hand throughout the interview and held hands with DH with the stone in our palms so to include his energy too. It's just a little witchy thing I do when I'm hoping for an outcome. I kept focusing as best I could on my own home. How I'd decorate it when I got the chance. Having my own kitchen again. My own living room. My own bedroom. The kids bedrooms. etc.. I find that if I think of small things it helps me to focus.
I don't know what will come of it. Seems like we've been waiting forever. Almost a year in fact. But I do feel we are close to moving past this lull in progress.
In the next few days I need to find the time to do a ritual with the stone. That will be difficult to find the time. But I think right now it's a must do. And before the week is out too because I know I'll not find a moments privacy during the weekend.
So that's it for now. I hope everyone had a wonderful Tuesday! And enjoy tomorrow (or rather today). My days are all mixed up since I stay awake so late.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Go away Jack Frost
The first snow of the season is officially here. And now is about the time I start complaining that its cold and wet and nasty outside. I'm not a winter person. I really am not a snow person. I will not drive on the stuff. I've had too many close calls to be comfortable driving on it. So it figures I'd have to move north where we'll get more of the stupid fluffy stuff!
Here's the view from my front door. Nope folks I won't even step outside to get a good picture for you! lol
OK so your saying to yourself that's not a lot. Well no it isn't. It just started. But to me one little millimeter of snow is too much! I really should live further south! Realistically I know it's natural and needed in the grand scheme of life. But I really could do without snow.
But just in time for the cold weather, I've completed a scarf for my daughter. You may recognize the yarn choice. I used it on her slippers too.
I used the afghan stitch. I think it's my favorite stitch. So easy to do! Now I have to figure out what's next. I think maybe I'll attempt making a purse.
I've also joined One Witches Way Pagan Blog Project. I think this will be a fun way to bring more Pagan topics of interest to my blog.
Here's the view from my front door. Nope folks I won't even step outside to get a good picture for you! lol
OK so your saying to yourself that's not a lot. Well no it isn't. It just started. But to me one little millimeter of snow is too much! I really should live further south! Realistically I know it's natural and needed in the grand scheme of life. But I really could do without snow.
But just in time for the cold weather, I've completed a scarf for my daughter. You may recognize the yarn choice. I used it on her slippers too.
I've also joined One Witches Way Pagan Blog Project. I think this will be a fun way to bring more Pagan topics of interest to my blog.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Welcome to the New Year
Hail fellow and well met to the New Year and to my readers. It's 2012 and that means new beginnings. I'm really needing a new beginning so I hope January will be our month for moving forward in our life. Last year was about big changes and a lot of them were hard on us. Now that were over the shock, were trying to settle down into our new life. With a lot of positive thinking and maybe a bit of luck, hopefully soon we'll have a place of our own.
I had applied for housing many moons ago, but never received a reply other than we were on the list. Well last week we did get a reply that we are on the top of the list. The problem we've had in getting housing is that our ex-landlord isn't too happy with us. So he's not giving us a good reference. So I hope we can overcome that.
I've also decided that I need to do something about my teeth. Growing up poor meant I only saw the dentist a handful of times in my life. I'm sure it was no more than maybe 4 times until I became an adult. And then I didn't have insurance or money for the dentist so the only time I went was when I had a toothache. Needless to say my teeth are bad. I needed braces as a child and never got them. I don't smile because I hate my teeth. Many are broken and just plain nasty. I went to the dentist the other day and he confirmed what I already knew. Most are not worth saving. And even if we could save them, the insurance I have right now wouldn't pay for it. But it will pay for dentures so that is what I'm going to do. I feel a bit scared. I've always had a phobia of dentists. It resulted from a very bad experience with the first dentist I ever saw. He was just plain mean.
OK enough of that topic. I have made a few changes to the look of my blog. I've also changed my button though you shouldn't see much of a difference. I've changed it from a JPG to a PNG and made the background transparent so you don't have that ugly white background behind it. I've also got a new banner and background on my blog. I think it looks nice. Tell me how it works for you?
Well I spent my New Year like usual. Sitting here playing on the Internet and half paying attention to the TV. I am so boring! lol
I also joined Pagan Cultures 2012 book challenge.
I got books for Christmas so I've been reading them. Right now I'm reading "Once Touched, Never Forgotten" by Natasha Tate. It's not one of my favorites, but it is a romance and if you've learned anything about me over these past few months is that I'm all about love. *wink*
But I can't wait till I can dive into the book I won from Magaly's giveaway. I won Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon. And it's a testament to my strength of will that I haven't devoured it already. But I didn't want to start another book while I'm reading the first.
So what did you do for New Years? Did you kiss your honey? Dh quickly gave me a smooch and then went to bed. He's not a night owl by any means. lol But I stayed up till 3 am this morning. My son certainly takes after me because he hates to sleep!
I had applied for housing many moons ago, but never received a reply other than we were on the list. Well last week we did get a reply that we are on the top of the list. The problem we've had in getting housing is that our ex-landlord isn't too happy with us. So he's not giving us a good reference. So I hope we can overcome that.
I've also decided that I need to do something about my teeth. Growing up poor meant I only saw the dentist a handful of times in my life. I'm sure it was no more than maybe 4 times until I became an adult. And then I didn't have insurance or money for the dentist so the only time I went was when I had a toothache. Needless to say my teeth are bad. I needed braces as a child and never got them. I don't smile because I hate my teeth. Many are broken and just plain nasty. I went to the dentist the other day and he confirmed what I already knew. Most are not worth saving. And even if we could save them, the insurance I have right now wouldn't pay for it. But it will pay for dentures so that is what I'm going to do. I feel a bit scared. I've always had a phobia of dentists. It resulted from a very bad experience with the first dentist I ever saw. He was just plain mean.
OK enough of that topic. I have made a few changes to the look of my blog. I've also changed my button though you shouldn't see much of a difference. I've changed it from a JPG to a PNG and made the background transparent so you don't have that ugly white background behind it. I've also got a new banner and background on my blog. I think it looks nice. Tell me how it works for you?
Well I spent my New Year like usual. Sitting here playing on the Internet and half paying attention to the TV. I am so boring! lol
I also joined Pagan Cultures 2012 book challenge.
I got books for Christmas so I've been reading them. Right now I'm reading "Once Touched, Never Forgotten" by Natasha Tate. It's not one of my favorites, but it is a romance and if you've learned anything about me over these past few months is that I'm all about love. *wink*
But I can't wait till I can dive into the book I won from Magaly's giveaway. I won Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon. And it's a testament to my strength of will that I haven't devoured it already. But I didn't want to start another book while I'm reading the first.
So what did you do for New Years? Did you kiss your honey? Dh quickly gave me a smooch and then went to bed. He's not a night owl by any means. lol But I stayed up till 3 am this morning. My son certainly takes after me because he hates to sleep!
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