I really hate it when my computer decides to have a mind of it's own. I have had nothing but greif from this laptop the last few Weeks, and I am about to throw it out in the snow. I am now using my hubby's desktop, to write this. Windows Vista sucks, there is nothing more I can say about it. Apparently they have had issues with Vista and "wireless". It like to boot me offline everytime I get a page loaded and then not only boots me offline, but boots my husbands computer offline as well. It completely shuts off the router, and I am tired of trying to figure out a solution to the problem. This has been happeneing for quite a many years now, but never this bad.

So, I just thought i'd popp in and make an appearence. Hopefully I will get this under control soon.

I thought I'd post a few herbal "self" pampering recipes. The goddesses know, we all need a little time for ourselves and a bit of pampering now and then. I know I do! Remember......whatever your doing throughout the day, sometimes, you need to take time for yourself, even if it is for just 10 minutes. I know it may not seem like alot of time, but hey......it is enough to ground yourself and just let your head and muscles relax, even for a moment.

The kids might be screaming, hubby is nagging...whatever the case may be......whatever it is, it can wait for just a minute or 2.  Good advice from my Great Grandma. As a mother, homemaker, and the like....I wholeheartedly agree. All to often we get caught up with everyone elses needs and wants, and put our most basic needs aside. Ladies...think of yourselves once in awhile, even if it is just a cup of coffee, while your green clay mask drys (tightening your face to an immobile position, which isn't a bad thing, you don't have to answer any ones questions......just shake your head and point to your face and lips.....like...... "I cant move them...sorry!" LOL)

In short, we deserve a little "me" time, even if it is brief.

A very uplifting face or body wash if you like. What a way to refresh and wake you up.

I don't knw what it is about soups and stews, for me it's just comfort food. Nothing like a warm steaming bowl of a hearty soup or stew...yummalicious! This is a recipe from my great grandma debbie. This was passed down to me by my mother. I hope you enjoy it, as it is great!!!!!!

Great Grandma Debbie's Hungarian Goulash

2 Tbs. oil
2 Lbs. Beef Stew Meat
1 C. sliced onions
1 - 1Lb Can tomatoes
¾ C. diced green peppers
1 - 6 oz. can tomato paste
¼ C. dry red wine
1 bay leaf
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. dry marjoram
1/8 tsp. dry thyme
1 Tbs. corn starch
2 Tbs. water
Cooked Noodles

Heat oil in dutch oven, add beef and brown well on all sides. Add onion, saute untill tender. Add tomatoes, peppers, tomato paste, wine, bay leaf, marjoram, & thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 2 hrs. or until the meat is fork tender. Mix corn starch and water, stir into hot mixture. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Serve over cooked noodles.

This herbal protection charm is perfect to keep with you in your car. It provides protection for you while you are on the road--not just from physical damage to your automobile, but also protection against any of those mishaps that occur on the highway.

You will need:
1 six inch square of white or gold cloth
Red embroidery thread
Needle
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. burdock
1 tsp. clover
1 tsp frankincense
1 piece of Dragon's Blood Resin
1 tiger's eye (gemstone) chip
1 sprig of rowan or ash

Embroider the algiz rune on the outside of the cloth. If you can't embroider, you can use red fabric paint. When done (or when its dry), lay the cloth out with the algiz rune touching the table. Raise energy and charge the herbs for protection. Place them in the center of the cloth. Add the Dragon's Blood Resin and the tiger's eye. Catch the corners of the cloth together and bind with red thread. Bind the sprig of rowan to the charm and keep with you in your car for protection on the road.