I awoke this morning with a little girl in my bed.  We snuggle close, groan then stretch and I ask her if she wants to do bed yoga.  She agrees and happily stretches with me, giggling while we do ankle rolls and child pose.  At this point I usually do a short bit of energy work, where I imagine I'm sitting under a shining water fall and let it fill me with positive sparkly energy (thank you Leonie).  I've never done energy work with my children before, aside from the usual comforting mother thing we all tend to do naturally.  But it felt right this morning and I knew she would enjoy it.  So I told her, "Now I like to close my eyes and imagine a sparkly rainbow water fall washing all over me."  I'm not sure why I said rainbow, but it fit.  She closed her eyes and squealed with glee and then she said the most lovely thing, "Can I taste it and lick it??", "Absolutely".  Kids can be so much better at visualization than grown ups.  If they say something like that, roll with it!  So there was my beautiful morning in a nutshell.  Stretching and tasting sparkly rainbows with my daughter.  Can life possibly be any better??   And so, for your enjoyment, here is the full version of the meditation me and my daughter did.  When doing meditations with kids, make sure it's short and sweet and full of good imagery to keep their attention.  P.S. - This meditation isn't just for kids, try it out, it's pretty awesome.

Oh my goodness this is a HARD wish to make! Fall is my favorite season.  Growing up in the desert, it's really the only season when you can truly enjoy the weather (without the spring sniffles).  And it only lasts a few months.  While it's not 100+ degrees anymore, it's still quite warm and the leaves won't start changing until late in the season.  Then it's like the spirit of winter visits overnight and BAMPH, it's COLD, until February.  

So, if you plan on enjoying the Fall season you have to jump on it right away.  Heck I was buying miniature pumpkins 3 weeks ago! And for the last week, have been making homemade pumpkin spice lattes.  I don't care if it's not cold yet.  I'll imagine it is!  

So, what is my Fall wish?  

To be grateful.  

Because life has a tendency to pass you by if you don't take the time to look around and BE in the moment.  I want so much to enjoy this season.  Summer is harsh and oppressive towards the beginning of September.  So bad, most people spend the last month of Summer indoors.  Cooler temperatures are cause for huge celebration! 

I already made a bucket list for Fall, courtesy of Dominee's Autumn E-Book (which I adore!).  

What's your Fall wish?

Brightest Blessings,

I'm having a hard time right now.  Which is strange.  Because I really should be happy.  Like VERY happy.  I've even had dreams come true.  So why the melancholy attitude?   Well, I have my suspicions.  First and foremost, I'm pretty sure I'm just not taking care of myself.

About a month or so ago I quit smoking.  HOORAY!!! But it sunk me low into a hole of grouchy-ness and despair.  I figured it would go away eventually and ignored it.  Life has been very good to me lately.  We haven't had any financial hardships in quite some time, which for us is heaven sent.  Considering about two years ago (when the recession hit) we had no idea how we were going to eat that week.  And one of my huge dreams came true and I'm involved in opening up a birth center here in Vegas. 

But still there are times where the mundaneness of my life is almost unbearable (especially when I look or think about chores that need to be done).  And other moments where all I want is absolute silence and solitude.  It's very confusing for me and I'm sure my husband, who tries to help when he can but works a physically exhausting job and can't lift me up all the time.

And yes, I am an herbalist, goddess-lovin, healer woman who knows all sorts of remedies for the blues.  However, when it's the healer who's down, how does she pick herself back up?  There's no herbalist that lives in my pocket, who I can pull out any time I need mother medicine.  No one to make a pot of tea for me and listen to my troubles.

So, I am taking advice from Leonie (just watched her soul sessions videos) and I'm going to focus on self-care.  However, I do have to be realistic.  There's no way in hell I'm going to wake up tomorrow and start meditating, going on a juice fast or taking a vacation.  I have life, kids, husband, house.  I can't retreat when the going get's tough.  So, below is a list of simple things I am going to try this week.  

If I was my client, this is what I would tell myself:

1. Eat more vegetables! You know better, healer lady, everything works better when you eat your veg.
2. Drink more water and nourishing herbal teas.  High in vitamins, helps clear the system, and tone things up in the lady department. (lots of Women's Vitamin Tea!)
3. Take your fish oil.  We live in the desert, you will never find fresh enough fish that you will actually eat it (and like it). Take your omegas, hormones could be to blame and even if it's not, you need it for your brain and poor dry skin anyway.  
4. Screw carbs! They are so not your friend and they mess up your blood sugar until you are ready to nap or scream.  You felt awesome eating Paleo, don't stop now!
5. Sit in the sun.  Seriously when was the last time you were outside longer than the time it takes you to pick up the kids at school?  I know it's been ridiculously hot and sticky.  But it's Fall now, and the mornings are gorgeous. Miss witchy-poo besides the fact that you need vitamin D, you also NEED connection with nature.  So go sit on the patio with your tea and enjoy some morning rays.
   
6. Go to bed on time.  Staying up to get things done never works.  You stay up way too late only to fall asleep on the sofa after episode #10 of a shitty, random reality show on Hulu.  It would be much better to just go to bed early and wake up refreshed to do the things you need to get done.  

And if after one week of actually doing all six of these things, you still want to nap or cry on a daily basis, it is time to take serious herbal action.  We're talking Motherwort for the crazies, Tulsi for stress and the famous St. John's Wort for the little black rain cloud hovering over your head.

But most of all.  

It's time to ask for help from your friends and family.  

They love you...

and you need a hug.

Brightest Blessings,  

Most commonly referred to as Astragalus.  This hearty root is a wonderful tonic for the immune system when preparing for seasonal sickies.  It increases resistance to viral infections, has antibiotic properties and it has been shown to enhance the function and production of white blood cells.

This Chinese tonic herb is said to be an appropriate ginseng for younger people and is non-toxic in any dose. Not only does it nourish the immune systems in young and old, but it also speeds recovery from flus and colds. In Chinese medicine, it is said to energize the outside of the body and tonify the protective energy known as the Chi, which protects the body from external “pathogenic factors”, such as cold, damp, wind and heat.

Astragalus is traditionally used in soups and broths as a general health tonic for the entire family.  I personally like to add a sliced root to a small pot of homemade chicken soup and let it simmer during the cooking time.  Just remember to remove them before eating, they’re tough!  Others like to add a tablespoon of the root to a cup of boiling water and simmer for 10-15 minutes.  When I do this, I like to add a slice a ginger or a teaspoon of peppermint to improve the taste.  The root itself is very mild tasting, but few people prefer it by itself.  For the best results, take Astragalus three times a day.

There is no study that says Astragalus is safe during pregnancy, however, it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a very long time as a safe herb for children to elders. Those on blood thinners should never take Astragalus.

One of my favorite ways to use it, is by adding the blend below to any homemade broth recipe.   All of the herbs boost your immune system, are antibacterial, anti viral and good for sore throats, coughs, congestion or stomach bugs.

Makes enough for 16 cups of broth.

1 cup of dried Astragalus root
1/4 cup Dulse flakes
1 Tbsp Thyme 
1/2 Tbsp Mixed Peppercorns
1 Bay Leaf 

Broths are a wonderful thing.  I use them in all sorts of cooking including soups, rice and my family’s favorite Kielbasa and Cabbage.  A lot of people think that making broth is complicated or expensive.  When I first started making homemade broth I used a recipe I found online.  It turned out fantastic but the money I spent on all the vegetables and a whole chicken did not end up costing less that what I could buy at the store.  I knew my version was healthier, but honestly the time it took to make it didn’t motivate me to make more.

Then I started thinking about my grandma and how ladies in times past made broth.  Did they go to the market and buy arm loads of vegetables just to make a broth that they could pour in rice?  I doubt it.  Then I read an article by Leanne Ely of SavingDinner.com. She had the novel idea of making a broth with leftover vegetables you already had in your fridge, like your wilty spinach and rubbery carrots.  Vegetables that would probably end up in the trash next time you cleaned out the fridge.  I loved that idea and have used it ever since, adding a few things here and there.  Including organic egg shells (Egg shells are high in Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Glycine, Gelatin, Collagen, and Other trace minerals.) and some medicinal herbs (Astragalus, Dulse, Thyme, all meant to boost the immune system and shorten the duration of colds and flus.).

Now I don’t know about you, but I love making gigantic pots of soup, and a little bitty broth from only one week’s worth of leftover vegetables just isn’t going to cut it for us.  So, I started placing a giant freezer bag in our freezer, and for two or three weeks, I’ll toss in any chicken bones (leftover rotisserie chicken carcass works great!) and clippings or vegetables I won’t be able to use in time.  Which makes the cost of making broth practically free, except for the cost of the medicinal herbs and some fresh parsley.  Eventually I have enough to make a 16 or 18 cup pot of broth.  If you would like an actual recipe for broth, an excellent one is by Shoshanna Easling at the Bulk Herb Store.

Here’s a picture of it three hours later. You can see the vegetables are starting to break down, but it’s still not quite the color I want it, so I let it simmer for another hour or so. 

Now this is perfect.  The vegetables are mush and the color is nice and dark and flavorful.  At this point, I turn off the heat and add some salt to taste and maybe a splash or two of tamari sauce. 

5. To strain the broth, you are going to want to let it sit for a while until it’s close to room temperature, so you don’t burn yourself.  Then line a colander with cheesecloth or other type of fuzzy free fabric (I used leftover fabric from a roman costume I made last Halloween, washed with no fabric softener).  Under the colander I put a large metal bowl to catch all the scrumptious broth.  Then SLOWLY pour the broth into the lined colander and wait for it to drain through.  Once you’ve done this for the whole pot, gather the sides of the fabric together and hold it up with one hand.  Take your other hand and lightly squeeze the fabric (don’t do this if you use cheesecloth unless you want some sediment). 

6. What you have left in the bowl is your uber healthy, totally awesome chicken/vegetable broth!  You can now take this and store it how you want.  I use good quality freezer bags (the cheap ones almost always have holes) and measure 6 cups of broth per bag.  Then I store the rest in a mason jar to keep in the fridge for use throughout the week in my rice or whatever else I end up making.

It might seem complicated the first time you try it, but really there’s a large margin for error.  The only vegetables I don’t suggest using are those with hard to mask tastes (like some seaweeds), or colored veggies like beets and purple cabbage.  You’ll end up with a bloody or purple broth, ha!  So really, just have fun and remember to always put a little love into it. 

Brightest Blessings,

Today was an amazing day!  So amazing, swearing seemed entirely appropriate.  I had something happen that was only in my wildest dreams possible.  We're talking like, this is on my list of things to do in this lifetime. HUGE!

Ever since I had an absolutely life altering birth with my first child at home, I was compelled to help other women achieve the same sort of empowerment and healing through birth.  And I don't mean that I want other women to have home births, I mean I want women to feel like they had a say in what happened.  That they felt in control and that they knew, they were so dang powerful that they grew and then brought another soul into this world.  For 7 years I was a Labor Doula. I got to see time and again these warrior women give birth to their babies and their new life as a parent.  I cannot even begin to tell you how blessed I feel by being a part of that.

But, there's a lot of truth to the saying that doing what you are not meant to do in life can make you sick.  After a time, attending hospital births did just that.  We have a cesarean rate here that is out of this world (46%). I started sugar coating lies just to make women feel better about their births.  Then I would get terribly sick. I couldn't be a Doula any longer.  My heart, my truth and my soul are all damaged when I witness such horrible treatment.

Over the last few years I have let go of so many things, smoking, old habits, old friends, old dreams, old ways of living.  I got rid of it all.  I started from scratch.  I sat down and said to myself, "What am I good at?  What do I love?  What can I do for hours at a time and not groan?"  I have to heal people, I am good at professionalism and organisation, I have a passion for helping new families.  I NEED to be in this field but not at the capacity I was before.

I am a big believer that the more you let go of things that are attached to you, that aren't beneficial, the more receptive you are to prosperity.  

If you have read some of my old posts you know that I was recently offered partial ownership of a childbirth education center that I've been working with for 5 years.  After letting go of all that old junk that was holding me down, I was finally able to embrace my role as an Herbalist and Wellness Director.

Now as if that wasn't news enough! This past week I let go of even more.  I cleared my facebook of old ties, let go of my blonde hair, did an herbal cleanse, let go of a lot of guilt that's been weighing me down since I was a child, even did a ritual to finalize it.  And what happened today my friends???  

I was informed that we will soon be opening the only free-standing birth center in all of  Las Vegas!!!!

The New Moon phase can be a very sacred time when you practice magic.  Life is cyclical in nature and just like when the moon is full, the dark or new moon can harness incredible energies as well.  However, it may not be the light hearted full bellied momma energy you are used to.  Dark/New Moon's energies feel like the wise crone Cerridwen and dark Goddess Kali.  It can make you introspective and prompt you to let go of projects, relationships and habits that have a negative influence on you.  When you cut the ties of these things from your life, you are more open to receiving positive energy and prosperity.  Many people like to have new projects blessed on New Moons because it seems appropriate.  But when was the last time you let go of something?  Decluttering your house, your mind, your relationships, can be cathartic and necessary to be open to greatness and receive the energies you need to make that project you are planning come to fruition.

The ritual below can be used whenever the moon is dark or new and you need to release some ickiness from your life.  Kali was my preference as I was in the moment, but you can use any wise or protective crone/warrior goddess you like.  This is by no means a magical recipe, take what you like and make it your own.

What you'll need:

• 3 Candles, red and black work best for banishing/releasing.  I used my white Goddess candle and two reds to symbolize Kali.
• Incense or Smudge Stick
• Knife, Blade or Athame for cutting ties
• Paper and Pen

Write on your paper 2 columns, one that says "I Accept", the other says "I Banish" or "I Release". Write down the things you wish to get rid of and the things you wish to keep and bless.  Light your candles, clear energy with your smudge or incense.  Ask the Goddess Kali to remove these things from your life, they are destructive and no longer wanted.  Use your blade to cut the paper in two.  Roll up the half you wish to banish and light it in the candle.  Let your paper burn in a fireplace or fireproof bowl outside.  Now hold up your paper that has the statement I Accept.  Sit and meditate and absorb the energy of your statements.  When you are ready, burn that paper as well, asking the Goddess to bless your statements.  Now dance, meditate, do whatever brings you close to spirit.  When you are done, blow out the candles, ground yourself and give the Goddess your gratitude.

there was a boy.  He was dark and beautiful and played the guitar.  He was full of life and love and warmth.  And there was this girl who adored the hell out of him.  But unfortunately she had nothing short of the Berlin wall surrounding her heart.  When she was so young, she didn't understand what was filling her heart.  She didn't like the chinks in her armor and the cracks in her wall.  And so she did what any self destructive girl would do, she lied and screwed him over, just like everyone else.  Guilt racked and self loathing she tumbled deep into a world steeped with drugs and despair.   

Time went by and another dear boy showed up.  He wore armor of the toughest kind and bit by bit he tore down the massive wall inside her.  No matter how hard she bit or screamed, he held her.  He proved his love in word and deed and helped her battle countless demons.  Though the road even now isn't easy and is full of bumps and turns, he remains to this day her heart and hero.

Because I want you know where I'm coming from when I tell you that personal power is not a bad thing.  It took me 10 years to finally understand that having personal power doesn't equate to doing things that are selfish and negative in nature.  At one point the pendulum swung the other way, and I became as docile as a housecat and reminiscent of a 1950's housewife.  Neither being dark and manipulative or sweet as cotton candy are going to make you feel good or whole.  

I am me.  I give myself permission to be me.  Recognize what is at the core of you and give it a HUGE hug!  It is not rotten, I assure you.   Sometimes hurt people, hurt people.  I have since apologized to the aforementioned person.  And the second boy, well he's my husband now going on 12 years, who's strength still amazes me.  But regardless of your story, I want you to know that it doesn't matter what happened in your past.  At your core you are the most wonderful person, with the capacity to do great things.  But sometimes this junk (aka guilt) can get in the way of us being ourselves or stepping into roles that will ultimately bring us success.   It's time to move on... and step into your personal power.

I truly believe this herb is aptly named for the wonderful ways that it can help women and mothers.  The chemical constituents are perfect for relaxing when under a lot of stress. It’s been used throughout time to gladden the heart and ease your fears. It’s a tonic for the heart and is known for its ability to ease heart palpitations due to stress and anxiety.  Making it a wonderful remedy for mothers, when stress is high and it’s time to take a grown up time out.   It is also great for reducing PMS, cramps during menstruation and can be taken during labor if you are overly anxious.

Motherwort should be taken at the time you need it, not over a long period of time (or it will simply stop working).  You know you are ready to take motherwort, when you're hiding in the bathroom to take a deep breath.  Or the kids are crying and you've decided to join the wailing.  Motherwort is the herb you take when you need a little mothering yourself.  It's like a big hug when you've completely exhausted your mommy nerves.

One capsule or half the suggested dose on liquid tinctures is usually adequate to ease your mind and still keep you alert.  The more you take, the more the sedative component will work, so be aware that overuse will make you very sleepy.  This herb is traditionally used as safe while breastfeeding, but should not be taken while pregnant because it can cause contractions.

The taste of this herb is very bitter, so most like it in capsule or tincture form.  If you make your own capsules, pair it with powdered Cramp Bark for a great combo that will help ease afterbirth or period pains.


Love and Healing,

Tomorrow is the Celtic grain festival called Lughnasadh.  Done in commemoration of Tailtiu's sacrifice for the grain harvest in Ireland.  Celebrate the sacrifices you've made to get where you are today.  You've planted and sown, now is the time for harvesting.  What would you like to harvest this season?  What projects would you like to come into fruition?  

Decorate your altar or home with solar colors, flowers and dried corn.  Anoint yourself with Frankincense or Sandalwood essential oil (always dilute with a carrier oil). Write out a list of what you would like to come into fruition.  Light a yellow or white candle in a flame proof bowl (preferably outside or in a fire place).  Roll up your list and slowly burn it as you envision your prayers floating up to the Divine in the smoke. 

Afterwards, celebrate the harvest by inviting friends or family over for games and a dinner of seasonal foods.  

You can also make some homemade wheat bread or cornbread in honor of the grain festival.  Hold your hand over the finished loaf and say:

"Bless this bread that I eat, in honor of the cycle of life that created it and me, and bless the loved ones who eat with me."

Tear a small peice off as an offering for the wild critters and serve the rest to friends and family.

Brightest Blessing to All,