An Award and Introducing The Artwork of Marzel

I have waited too long to share my award with everyone! I won my first award for The Vintage Sage from Keke over at In My Sepia Studio! Thank you, Keke! Keke is such a charismatic, artistic, inspiring artist! She's a wonderfully positive thinker and I truly admire her. If I need a little inspiration I just go here. :) Thank you for The Sisterhood Award! Yay me! :)

Now, I'd like to pass this onto one special person who is my alter-ego. She is my "darkness" as I am her "light". We are definitely opposites yet we understand each other so well. I also want to introduce you to her to show you her wonderfully amazing "dark" artwork. It's so funny she just completed this piece of art not long after I saw the musical Wicked. Marzel's work is amazing and if you haven't already seen her blog, go here (the Play of Light and Shadow - the site we share)!! This particular piece of artwork is up on eBay right now. :)

Also, she is my personal graphic artist! She has done the header for my blog Chocolate and Marmalade Tea. Someone who can be so opposite me completely understands the "light" of me. Isn't that great? We both can truly appreciate how opposites can benefit each other.

And just remember....there is no light without dark.

Summer Berries!

Tangy, juicy, succulent, refreshing...these beautiful and colorful berries are considered power foods and one of the best things you can eat to stay healthy! Almost any berry, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries are extremely high in disease-fighting antioxidants.

Try this summery and refreshing recipe from Giada DeLaurentis!

Mixed Berries with Limoncello

Ingredients:

4 cups mixed berries (like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries)
2 tablespoons Limoncello
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Toss to combine. Serve in individual serving dishes.

How easy is that!

Magical Writing....If You Believe

Have you ever wished something would come true? Have you ever tried to find a way to get closer to that wish? Well, I have and I believe in it. I have a magical board at home. A magical chalkboard, that is. On this special board I write all my wishes on it as if they had already come true. That's the key. Envision the outcome of your wish. I use this board and I have even used pieces of paper where I wrote something over and over until I filled the piece of paper and carried it with me. It really does work. :) Maybe you should try it and find out?

You must believe....

Natural Remedy for Migraines/Headaches

In aromatherapy the top five essential oils that help a migraine or headache are peppermint, sandalwood, lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary. I like to blend all five oils to create a magical concoction that I can rub on my temples to relax my nerves and at the same time breathe in the relaxing aroma. Keep in mind, if you have skin sensitivity you may not want to rub directly on your skin. You can drop some of the blended oil in a bath so that it's slightly diluted.

Blend 12 drops of each essential oil and 1 tbsp of unscented massage oil (jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.) in a dark blue or dark brown bottle. Store the bottles of oil away from heat, moisture, and light as this can degrade the oil. Keep the bottles tightly closed when not in use to keep freshness.

Happy relaxing!

A Little Candle Magic

Candle Rituals have been around for centuries. Do you remember your first candle ritual when you had your birthday? The candles were lit and you were told to close your eyes, make a wish and blow out the candles. Well, candle spells are very similar. You light the candles, maybe close your eyes while visualizing what you wish for! It is a combination of the need or desire, and the ability to visualize the outcome. You must truly believe and visualize though. Certain colors correspond to certain desires.

I'm going to burn a green candle for prosperity and visualize my life full of abundance, perfect health, financial security and surrounded by loved ones! It's best to do this during the waxing moon (as the moon grows larger, so shall your desire for prosperity).

What do you wish for? ~

The Book of Wisdom

Have you ever thought of starting a book of things you just love and can't forget? Well the Aunt's had a great one in Practical Magic. It was the Book of Shadows (aka a book of their spells). Well why not do one with your special recipes or plants you don't want to forget the names of that are delicately pressed into the pages of the book? I have a book of recipes of lotions, soaps, bath bombs, and bath truffles that I want to keep when I used to make soap as a small side business (at work).

I think it would be wonderful to make one like this....

Oh! Does anyone know where I can get this sweater? I'm dying for one like it!

Chocolate ~ The Food of Wisdom and Power

~Chocolat ~

"George Rocher..was the young apothecary of the town of Aulus-Les-Bains. It was Anouk's favourite story. Always told in the same words. George was honest, prosperous and trusted by his customers. But George was not content. He felt there should be more to life than dispensing liver oil. In the spring of the Societe Pharmeceutique formed an expedition to Central America to study the medicinal properties of certain natural compounds. George was the expedition's most eager volunteer. But his adventure took a turn he did not expect. One night, he was invited to drink unrefined cacao with a pinch of chilli. The very same drink the ancient Maya used in their sacred ceremonies. The Maya believed cacao held the power to unlock hidden yearnings and reveal destinies. And so it was that George first saw Chitza. Now, George had been raised a good Catholic but in his romance with Chitza he was willing to slightly bend the rules of Christian courtship. The tribal elders tried to warn George about her. She was one of the wanderers. Her people moved with the North Wind from village to village dispensing ancient remedies never settling down. Not a good choice for a bride. George did not heed their warning and for a while, it seemed that he and Chitza might lead a happy life together in France. Alas, the clever North Wind had other plans. One morning, George awoke to discover that Chitza and the little girl Vianne had gone away. Mother and daughter were fated to wander from village to village dispensing ancient cacao remedies travelling with the wind. Just as Chitza's people had done for generations. Just as Chitza's people had done for generations."

So you see, Chocolate IS good for you. :)

And one day I'd like to open a Chocolaterie like Vianne. :)

From my favorite movie and story.