#budget witchery

[creature-wizard]

Ways To Be A Garbage Witch

Look everyone, in These Trying Times we can't always afford things so we gotta make do with what we got. So here's some hot tips to help you become a garbage witch:

Save and use apple seeds, orange seeds, peach pits, cherry pits, etc. to use in your spells.

Make a spirit board/pendulum board out of an empty cardboard box.

Make drawstring pouches out of old clothes.

Use bag strings for binding magic or use them in small drawstring bags.

Shoelaces and drawstrings from old pajamas or sweatpants are fine for knot magic or turning into drawstrings for pouches.

Save glass jars for spell jars.

Study carrion animals, animals that eat garbage, fungus, and the process of decomposition in general. Learn about the importance of biodiversity, and the hazards of oversterilization.

But also study proper sanitation methods, and be aware of biohazards. Don't go living in a house fulla mold or fish through people's garbage for... uhhh... ummm... taglocks. Don't store chicken bones so they'll rot.

If you have a compost bin, write anything you want to "decompose" out of your life on a banana peel. Put the banana peel in the bin.

Learn how to repair broken stuff. (But also learn what you really shouldn't repair for yourself - EG, microwaves - lest you meet with a horrible fate.)

Make charms/talismans by cutting out pictures of things that correspond with your intent and decoupaging them onto wood, chipboard, or layered cardboard.

Make paper mache diety art/statues out of newspaper.

Learn more about crafting with scraps, packaging materials, old magazines, etc. (There's many videos on YouTube!)

[maxs-grimoire]

Dollar Tree witchy stuff

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This is a list of Dollar Tree witch items! These are perfect for beginner witches and witches on a budget. I’ll be listing things you can find and their uses. Please note that your Dollar Tree may not have some of these items, and that these materials may not have significance in your craft (and frankly, you don’t need them! you do not need any materials to be into witchcraft!).

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Jars

Number one is jars! There are all sorts of jars at Dollar Tree. My personal favorites are the small corked jars you can buy in the craft section. These are perfect for spells! Of course, they always have small mason jars and other containers, but I would definitley recommend the small corked jars. 

Candles

Candles are perfect to buy at Dollar Tree! I get all of my candles from them. They have candles in almost every color and size! I use candles in my daily practice, mainly for worshipping my deities. I light candles both as offerings, and to symbolize my deities presence. Many spells and rituals involve lighting candles and letting candles burn down. Dollar Tree has the best supply of prayer and glass contained candles that are great for deity worship and long term use, but they also have huge packs of tea light candles, which I would recommend for spell work.

They also have small wax melters and wax cubes that you can use for a flame free alternative to candles!

Incense

Incense! Dollar Tree has loads of Incense to choose from. A lot of these come in packages that include incense sticks and holders, so it’s perfect to get you started. They not only have specific scents, they also have blends made for certain intentions. I have one for mindfulness, but I don’t care for how it smells, so I don’t use it very often. I use incense as offerings to my gods, but also to cleanse spaces and to set an intention during meditation.

Oils

Essential oils can be found in our good pal Dollar Tree. Their properties and usage vary from type to type, but I mainly use essential oils to anoint things and to dress candles.

Herbs and other edible items

Dollar Tree has a surprising amount of herbs. Cinnamon and thyme are two basic herbs you can find at almost every Dollar Tree. Once my local Dollar Tree had bay leaves, but I haven’t seen them since then. If you’re looking for some staple and versatile herbs, Dollar Tree probably has them. Cinnamon is good for purification, protection, abundance, love magic, and boosting other properties of things in the spell with it. I use cinnamon very often in my practice.

SALT! Salt is extremely cheap but a STAPLE of my craft. I use it in almost all of my spell work because it has so many properties! I use it a lot for protection and amplifiying energies.

There are also other food items, like dark chocolate. I’ve found that chocolate is a very good offering for Hades, and that he likes it a lot. If you’re working with deities or spirits, I would recommend looking around your Dollar Tree to see if you can find any foodstuffs they might enjoy, like sweets, nuts and crackers.

Offering dishes

Offering dishes are by no means a required part of working with deities and spirits. I personally don’t have any offering dishes, but I have seen several small vases, plates, bowls, and dishes that would make good offering bowls. Offering dishes are used to show your deities where their offerings are and designate a space for their physical offerings.

 Altars

Dollar Tree has LOADS of stuff for altars. I found that they have lots of wooden crates and boxes, as well as desk organizers. These all could be used as small sacred spaces and can be devoted to a deity or spirit (or even to yourself!) and used as an altar. This is perfect for people who don’t have space to devote a large area to their craft.

They also have tons of stuff for decor. If you want to decorate your altar according to seasons/sabbats/esbats, dollar tree has loads of stuff to decorate with.

Some other things you could get for your altar is an altar cloth and some candle holders. An altar cloth is similar to an offering dish in the way that it designates a space to your practice, but it also protects the surface youre working on from damage! Any towel or table runner will do. Candle holders are self explanitory.

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[samwisethewitch]

Grocery Store Fire Cider

I try to always have fire cider on hand during the colder months. Fire cider is vinegar infused with warming, expectorant (mucus-clearing) herbs to help clear out gunk from our respiratory system. It's great for clearing up congestion and helping with wet coughs. Since pretty much everyone in my house tends towards wet cold symptoms (congestion/runny nose, coughing up mucus, etc.), we go through a lot of this stuff every cold and flu season.

I take a shot of fire cider as soon as I feel congestion or a wet cough coming on, or if I've been around someone I know is sick. While it doesn't always keep me from getting sick, I do think it helps speed up my recovery and keep my symptoms less severe.

A lot of fire cider recipes online and in herbalism books call for less common herbs that need to be purchased online or from a speciality herb shop. This year, I decided to make a batch with only herbs you can buy cheaply at most grocery stores. Here's the recipe for my fellow herbalists on a budget!

You will need:

A quart mason jar

1 whole head of fresh garlic, peeled and roughly chopped, OR 3 spoonfuls of pre-minced jarred garlic

3 knobs of fresh ginger about the size of your thumb, roughly chopped, OR 3 spoonfuls of store-bought ginger paste

1 package fresh thyme OR 2 tablespoons dried thyme

1 package fresh sage OR 2 tablespoons dried sage

1 quart apple cider vinegar

There are two methods I've used to make this cider. The traditional method is a slow infusion that takes 2+ weeks, but I've also developed a fast infusion method for when I feel a cold coming on and need a batch of fire cider ASAP.

Traditional Method:

Add your herbs to a clean mason jar. Pour the vinegar over the herbs and fill the jar to the top. Put a lid on the jar. (Vinegar will corrode metal lids, so either use a plastic lid or place a square of parchment paper between your jar and the metal lid.)

Place the jar in a cool, dark place and allow it to infuse for at least 2 weeks and up to 1 month. You can strain the herbs out to store at room temperature, or you can do what I do and store the whole thing in the fridge, herbs and all.

If you leave the herbs in, you can keep this batch of fire cider going all winter by topping the jar up with more vinegar every time it gets below halfway full.

Fast Infusion Method:

Add the herbs to the mason jar like you would for the traditional method. Instead of adding vinegar, fill the jar halfway with boiling water. Let sit for 2-3 hours.

Once the water has cooled down to room temperature, fill the jar the rest of the way with vinegar. Let it sit overnight and then either strain the herbs out or store the whole thing in the fridge.

To use the fire cider, take a shot glassful whenever you feel cold symptoms coming on. If you made your cider with the traditional method, you can dilute it with water if your stomach doesn't handle acid well. You can also mix in some honey to improve the taste.

Please note that fire cider and other folk remedies are not a replacement for medical care. I highly recommend staying up to date on your flu and COVID-19 vaccines in addition to using remedies like this.

[solarintentions]

💨🍃 Clear Your Head spell 🪟💨

I struggle with brain fog, so I put this little ritual together to help clear it out from time to time. It's low energy and doesn't require any fancy materials, so hopefully this is accessible to other spoonies and budget witches <3

Description:

A customizable ritual to help clear brain fog and cobwebs from your mind, while also reminding you to hydrate and take any meds or vitamins you need. (Disclaimer: Not a replacement for medicine! PLEASE talk to your doctor if you experience bad brain fog.)

Materials:

🪟 A window you can open or a fan.

💧 A refreshing drink.

🎐 One or more things that represent the wind to you. Could be a feather, a leaf, a photo of the sky, a song, anything.

💊 Any medication or vitamins you need. I've even done this with tylenol for a headache.

🍪 Bring a snack if any meds need to be taken with food (optional).

Optional Setup:

📱 If they make your brain fog worse, turn off any electronics (or at least notifications) and put them away. Personally, I wrap my phone up in a dollar store bandana with selenite and tourmaline and throw it in a drawer.

🌬️ Do any of your usual pre-spell rituals if you have them: Draw up a protective circle, set up a quiet space, do an offering and call on any deities, etc.

Directions:

• Get your drink and any medication you need. Crack a window (or turn that fan on) and settle in front of it.

• Place your windy item(s) between you and the window/fan and make sure to secure anything that might get blown away.

• Breathe in deeply and feel the breeze on your skin.

• Sip your drink and take your meds or vitamins. Follow with a snack if they have to be taken with food.

• Turn one side of your face towards the breeze and imagine it blowing through one ear and out the other, taking all the dust and debris with it. Switch sides and repeat.

• Then spend as long or as little at you want just hanging around the open window/fan. You don't have to sit still for this either! In fact, I've found moving around a little (like rocking, fidgeting, or doing something else with your hands) helps get the stale energy out.

• The spell is done whenever you finish your drink. You can keep the window open or fan going as long as you'd like to keep freshening up your space.

And that's it! Feel free to adapt any parts of this to make it more meaningful or applicable to you. Hope it helps or inspires <3

[thepomegranatewitch]

fun facts with Sahar, because no-one told me!

I line dry my family’s clothes as much as possible to save money (less electricity and less wear on the clothes), to sunbleach stains (two toddlers), and for the environment (less manufactured energy more wind and solar passive energy). In summer it also helps cool my home like a swamp cooler.

I installed a new laundry line with a fancy pulley system so I can hang while standing in one spot. The usual cotton rope I buy wasn’t available at the store, so I bought sisal rope - apparently more sun resistant, and it’s not plastic. I hung it on an overcast day. A week later, I had to tie a slip knot in it and pin it because it was too slack.

The next day, it rained.

Sisal swells in moisture.

The hook I used to hang my pulley was unhooked by the sheer tension and the whole thing collapsed in freshly forked dirt. Even untying the slip knot was not enough to rehook it. I installed a new hook and used some chained up carabiners to rectify.

So here is the proper way to install a laundry line, particularly for sisal:

Ensure the drill is drilling in (not out), and using a ladder or otherwise boosted drill a pilot hole with a screw shorter than your hook into a solid support. I used a fence post and a shed roof on a post.

Screw a heavy duty hook in to the support. Repeat between 20 and 100ft away with another pilot hole and hook.

Hook the pulley assembly onto the hook, then run the rope around it. Gently pull it to the other hook and repeat with a second pulley. Tie into a big loop using a square knot, so the tension on the knot pulls it tighter instead of loosening once you have weight on it.

Using split rings made into a chain, or a length of chain that can fit over the hook, attach a chain to the hole in the pulley assembly with a carabiner. I recommend about 18 inches of chain. This should be at the spot you intend to stand while hanging laundry. ALWAYS STORE ON THE LOOSEST CHAIN LINK.

On a particularly dry day, go out and loop the carabiner to the hook. Retie your laundry line to its tightest. Rehook at end of chain so there is lots of slack in case of high humidity.

When hanging laundry, unhook chain and rehook at appropriate chain link or carabiner for the day’s humidity to be taut but not overtight. Every item or three you hang on the line, attach a carabiner to the lines. This helps keep the two lines of the loop together instead of tightening the empty top and slackening the loaded bottom.

Empty line, ready to hang laundry.

Image description: a closeup of a plastic laundry pulley on a sunny day, parallel to a fence with scraggly bushes. Another house and blue sky is visible in the background. The pulley is looped with sisal rope tied in three square knots with a curled 8 inch tail. Close to the pulley are black, brown then red to purple carabiners in rainbow order. The pulley is attached to a silver carabiner, which is in turn looped onto a white plastic covered hook screwed in to a 4x4 wooden post. A chain of 18 metal split rings dangles from the carabiner. The line has a slight parabola but is clearly taut.

Empty laundry line, ready to hang.

Image description. The same laundry line, taught with a slight parabola, at a different angle. The viewer is looking at a simple square blue grey shed that has the other end of the laundry line hooked to the far left roof corner. From right to left in background are visible a bush blooming with dark purple flowers, five tall skinny cypress trees, the shed, a mass of overgrown wild radish and a yellow blooming succulent, oak trees in full dark foliage, and some empty garden beds. The sky is bright blue and cloudless.

The line at rest, ready for storage.

Image description. The same laundry line at the same angle looking at the shed. The chain is visibly hooked at the furthest end from the pulley so the line has a deep slack in it.

[thebutterflymage]

~ In defense of Kitchen witchery ~

I personally used to see kitchen witchery as maybe being less potent than other forms of spell work and divination. The irony is that my family line have all been trained chefs, cooks, and avid vegetable gardeners. This last year, I took the time to really perfect my craft and learn from my family and the community. I strongly believe that for the witches in the broom closet or even low-budget ones, incorporating magic into meals can transform your life and the lives of your loved ones for the better. If you haven't taken the chance on making foods for healing or personal growth I'd encourage people to try. You may not be perfect your 1st or 50th round, but with practice, you will reap the benefits of spell work you make and eat and share with others

[sea-lestial-dream-witch]

Welcome Spring Rituals🌺🌼🌿🍃

Spring is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation: the bees are back, flowers are blooming, and plants and animals are no longer dormant and hibernating. Throw away the old and make room for the new during this season.

Here are some ways to welcome the season of Spring. Many of these are quick or easy, great for beginner witches, those on a budget and witches in hiding!

• Cleanse while you clean: Do a deep clean of your home or space. Use lemon, white vinegar, rosemary - something potent and cleansing. Wash your pillowcase, blanket and bed sheets. After your space is clean, open the windows and light a candle/incense or use room spray to freshen the area. You can also banish stale energies while doing this. *Please exercise caution while using cleaners*

• Throw out the old: Donate, sell, give away, recycle and dispose of that which you no longer need. A fresh, clean space creates a clear mind.

• Garden: Plant herbs, flowers, and plants native to your area. Don’t have a lot of space or know-how? Next time you go to the grocery store grab cilantro, basil, green onion (or look into other easy options) and chop off the bottom of the stems at an angle, place in a cup of tap water indoors by a window that gets plenty of sun. Such plants can easily survive in water and after they grow roots place them in a small cup or bowl of soil. If you can’t buy soil go outside and grab some if it’s organic and safe (untouched by unsafe pesticides and fertilizers). Some things can grow by being planted whole or sliced (ginger) or by extracting seeds (tomato) so take your time and do research before you spend unnecessarily.

• Save the Bees: Learn about flowering plants in your area that attract bees. Buy some seeds and plant away! You can also look into flowering plants which attract butterflies and hummingbirds if you wish. If you cannot buy seeds you can learn how to remove them from the insides of some flowers and plant them.

• Flower power: If you live in an area with many flowering plants, go out and admire their beauty. Envision how they’ve survived year after year, how the balance of rain and sun allows them to flourish, and how they’re part of a delicate, beautiful, natural system. If you have your own garden, pluck some flowers if you wish and make a beautiful bouquet to decorate your space with.

• Crystal cleanse: Renew your crystals by cleansing and recharging them. Gather rain water or use moonlight (or a preferred method) to pamper them a bit! Go a step further: clean and cleanse your altar and witchy tools.

• Mindfulness: Spring is a wonderful time to meditate more - light some incense, use meditation tools such as a tuning fork or chimes. Listen to guided meditations. This is also a great time to journal more and sort through your thoughts. Leave behind old, stale energies of the previous year to allow newer, better things to take that place.

• Burn the past: Write a letter (to yourself) about past grief, regrets, and failures. Burn this letter and bid farewell to the feelings and emotions attached to it. After, you may write and keep a separate letter full of goals, wishes and aspirations to last you until next Spring or longer.

• Kitchen witchery: Cook and/or bake and imbue the foods you make with positive things such as peace, good health, and prosperity. Look into recipes specifically meant for spring and utilize produce which is commonly used during springtime. Add color to your food through the use of different veggies, fruits, spices, herbs, etc.

• Expand your craft: Ever tried sun magic? Wind magic? Used sound in your craft? Learn how to make sigils, try a new spell, make a spell jar, research and aspect of witchcraft you don’t know much about. Educate yourself on cultural appropriation, respecting closed traditions, how people around the world welcome springtime, the history of witchcraft both in the east and west.

• Expand your skills: Try something new! Take an art or cooking class, buy a cookbook, learn to crochet or sew, consider hobbies that are practical and exciting. Invite new skills and interests into your life. Study plant identification, learn how to garden on YouTube, learn how to identify stars… whatever may interest you, be open to it. Look for online tutorials, videos, free apps, library books, and people to aid you.

• Create: Spring brings vibrant colors and we can find so many ways to honor this. Draw, color, doodle, write, sing and dance. Paint a birdhouse, or some stones. Decorate your Grimoire or Book of Shadows. Add color to your life.

• Glamify: When you have free time, try on different clothes, makeup, hairstyles, and jewelry. Mess around, have fun with it, and see which combinations make you feel best. Glamours are such a subtle way to practice your craft. Wear colors that make you happy whether it’s clothes, accessories, hair or nail polish!

• Rest: Stop. Slow down, breathe mindfully. Turn off or silence devices, log off social media. Take a substantial break from screens. Take a nap. Have a soothing cup of tea. Stare at the sky. Spring is a time of growth and growth requires rest.

•Pampered and polished: Massage yourself from head to toe with lotion or body oil. Take your time and go in slow circular motions. Don’t neglect your scalp, face, neck, shoulders or feet. Visualize leaving old pains and worries in the past.

Do something extra for yourself, whether this means added rest, an at-home facial, deep condition for your hair, maybe you need a good back scratch or to stretch out, or a cooling or heating pad (frozen veggies or warm dishcloth can be used) over your eyes or a sore area. Listen to your body and tend to yourself when possible.

Take a steamy shower or bath. Toss flower petals, herb sprigs or citrus slices into your bath. After, indulge in a lotion, perfume, or body oil you enjoy. Wash away the energies of the past and the remnants of winter. Surround yourself with what makes you happy and feel good.

• Say thank you: Thank special people, loved ones, and pets. Take a while to think about those who uplift you, support you, make you laugh, and listen to you. Show gratitude towards others. You may also thank the universe, nature, and God or deities you worship however you see fit, whether this means time spent in nature, prayer or offerings.

• Share your bounty: Cook and bake for your loved ones, give them something from your garden such as flowers, herbs, veggies etc. This can also be as simple as giving someone a genuine compliment. Have a “one dish” party with friends/family in which everyone pitches in. Come together and teach people something or learn something new. Plant a garden with your friends/family/community. Share your resources but do not dim your own flame to keep others lit. Take time for yourself, too.

🌊sea star witch🌟

These are mere suggestions and we tend to know what suits us best. I understand not everyone has the time, energy, spoons, resources or funds for all or half of these activities.

If you’re stumped, burned out and exhausted (like I am) don’t feel pressured to try all or most of the above. Slow down and tend to yourself.

Sit back and enjoy the beautiful spring skies, listen to the birds, watch the flowers grow, watch clouds pass by over head. Appreciating spring can be as simple as this!

[cycian]

I feel like Andreja and Sarah need kisses on the foreheads.

You're right and you should say it!

Andreja and Sarah get kissed on the forehead, pure fluff, around 800 words under the 'read more'

I feel like Andreja and Sarah need kisses on the foreheads.

Andreja

Andreja groaned with pride as she set the bar down for the last set of her workout. She let her eyes close for a second as the Spacefarer took the weights off the bar, stretching across the bench. She felt a towel wipe the sweat off her brow and offered a shy smile to the Captain. This level of intimacy was new to her, but just as refreshing as the feeling of relief and satisfaction that she got from her exercise meditation.

The simple act of her dearest wiping her brow so that she could fully enjoy the relaxation that the end of her physical exercise entailed filled her heart with joy. To be loved, to be understood and allowed to bask in the moment made Andreja’s heart leap.

But that was nothing compared to the feeling of lips pressed against her forehead. A surprised chuckle escaped her lips as she felt two hands steadily gripping her shoulders, before giving them a quick massage.

“I am truly blessed to be with you, my dearest.” Andreja finally opened her eyes, letting them get lost in her Captain’s own. The Spacefarer’s forehead came to rest against hers and Andreja could not resist the urge to let her eyes close again.

She had spent so long, always keeping one eye open, never getting the privilege of being able to simply let herself be. Another kiss on her forehead and gentle hands on her shoulders.

She’d never look back. There was so much more to look forward to.

Sarah Morgan

The pile of data slate on top of her desk somehow kept growing taller. Sarah Morgan was unsure on how such a feat was possible—but she’d learnt that paperwork was akin to Old Earth witchery decades ago and had since made her peace with it. It was a shame, really. Such a gorgeous day would have been better spent in the Great Unknown. Yet, she was stuck. Stuck behind that desk with no possibility to grab coffee (Vladimir had been hogging the kitchen with Andreja and there was no way she was making her way past him without getting caught up in one of his tales) and stuck with paperwork.

She’d watched the day go by through numbers and short messages to Walter. Stuck.

The Chair of Constellation was so caught up in the five data slates whose data did not up that she had failed to notice the side door to her bedroom and office slowly creak open. She was only broken out of her reverie once a hand softly forced the data pad down, replacing it with a warm cup of tranquilitea.

Her tired eyes met the Spacefarer’s, as they let their weight rest against her desk, littered with data slates, notes and loose pieces of paper.

“You should get some rest, Sarah.”

She narrowed her eyes and resisted the urge to roll them, instead opting for a long swig of the warm beverage. Chamomile and Valerian—someone was attempting to fix her sleep schedule. Before she could retort anything regarding the matter, the Captain’s hands busied themselves. They stacked the slates on one side of the desk, and the paper notes on the other side. They proceeded carefully, giving Sarah plenty of time to object.

A couple of months ago, she probably would have asked them to leave her to it—it was her duty, as Chair of Constellation, to handle the brunt of the paperwork. Yet, with a warm cup of tea in her hands, and the care with which her partner put away the cause of today’s headache, she could not find it in her to complain.

She watched, almost hypnotized, her vision blurring as the sleep and herbal tea finally caught up to her. She felt a pair of strong arms lift her off her seat, before her back met the familiar softness of her mattress.

“’m sorry, budgeting tires me out faster than fighting terrormorphs, it seems.” Sarah mumbled as her partner helped her out of her shoes and jacket.

“Shush, just get some rest.”

Sarah wondered if that was one of the Captain’s powers, to make her feel so… serene. After over a decade of being constantly at war with herself, it felt eerie. Eerie to no longer be pushing against sleep, for fear of nightmares and the cold sweat that followed in their wake—no longer straining every limit her body and mind had to keep Constellation running single-handedly. She would’ve loved to voice her appreciation for her partner, but to no avail. As their lips met her forehead, their weight against her body, no word could come out.

She settled for the next best thing. She let herself be embraced, she let her forehead be kissed a dozen time over. Sarah Morgan let herself be cared for.

Sarah let herself be loved.

[firewitchcafe]

Kitchen Witch Inspo

Hello there!

Life can be, understandably, chaotic and wild at times. So I am here to share some of resources that I used for some meals! Witchy or not, I hope that some of you can find use from this list!

Online

Thaqueenofsauce - on Tiktok and Instagram! Her page is filled with Stardew Valley inspired meals, often filled with seasonal fruits and veggies.

Lizzieandthebats - on  Instagram! While she does some general kitchen witchery, she also has many magical cocktail recipes to try.

Blackforger - on Instagram! Her energy is a delight, and she gives a lot of good information on forging. She also makes recipes with the items she forges!

ElvenFood - a Reddit filled with vegetarian and vegan recipes designed to look magical.

BudgetBites - A website that gives recipes that can be made on a budget

SortedFood - Part entertaining banter, and part helpful. A youtube channel dedicated to to bridge the gap between “normals” and chefs, while also showing unique ways to use the food that is already in the back of your pantry! 

emmymade - Fun, chaotic, but also calm energy when it comes to this youtube channel. Emmy tries out a range of different foods and recipes, some better than others, and shows her process making them (This channel has a special place in my heart as well).

TastingHistory - An educational channel that talks about different recipes that were eaten throughout history. He jumps from multiple time periods, some of the recipes he recreates go as far back as Mesopotamia with other being as recent as WWII.

Cookbooks

Remember to look at your local library’s collection first! If they don’t have it and you’re willing to wait, they can order the book for your!

Small batch snacking cakes by Aimee Broussard - Exactly as it sounds like! Many recipes that make quick and yummy cakes.

Delish Kids by Joanna Saltz - Has a lot of recipes designed for kids, but it is very useful to add nutrition in different ways.

The Good Neighbor Cookbook by Sara Quessenberry and Suzanne Schlosberg - Not only a good book with quick and large amount of recipes, but it is also divided into life events! So if you want to bring a bit of hearth into a person's home then this book is great!

Cook As You Are by Ruby Tandoh - Not only does the art have a lot of diversity, this books is very friendly to each individual. Variations and substitutions are PART of the book, as well as include people with disabilities. It also includes a "note about eating" providing a safe space with those with eating disorders. This cookbook also suggests other cookbooks if you're interested in similar recipes.

Time to Eat: Delicious Meals for Busy Lives by Nadyia Hussain - Honestly a great resource to look through! There are a variety of recipes all intended to be made with the fact that life is just busy. I reccomend the pancake recipe!

As I look for new recipes during the year, I will update this post! Hope you find use from my recommendations!

(Updated: 4/17/2023)

[richincolor]

New Releases

I read a funny tweet about a reader who had had too much to drink and was crying about all the books she wanted to read but didn't have enough time. I felt that. And with the list of new releases this week I see some books I want to add to my list but I've already blown through my summer budget - oops. So, what books look budget breaking to you?

Beating Heart Baby by Lio Min Flatiron Books

When artistic and sensitive Santi arrives at his new high school, everyone in the wildly talented marching band welcomes him with open arms. Everyone except for the prickly, proud musical prodigy Suwa, who doesn’t think Santi has what it takes to be in the band.

But Santi and Suwa share painful pasts, and when they open up to each other, a tentative friendship begins. And soon, that friendship turns into something more. . . .

Will their fresh start rip at the seams as Suwa seeks out a solo spotlight, and both boys come to terms with what it’ll take, and what they’ll have to let go, to realize their dreams?

Love Times Infinity by Lane Clarke Little Brown/Poppy

High school junior Michie is struggling to define who she is for her scholarship essays, her big shot at making it into Brown as a first-generation college student. The prompts would be hard for anyone, but Michie’s been estranged from her mother since she was seven and her concept of family has long felt murky.

Enter new kid and basketball superstar Derek de la Rosa. He is very cute, very talented, and very much has his eye on Michie, no matter how invisible she believes herself to be.

When Michie’s mother unexpectedly reaches out to make amends, and with her scholarship deadlines looming, Michie must choose whether to reopen old wounds or close the door on her past. And as she spends more time with Derek, she’ll have to decide how much of her heart she is willing to share. Because while Michie may not know who she is, she’s starting to realize who she wants to become, if only she can take a chance on Derek, on herself, and on her future.

The Witchery by S. Isabelle Scholastic

THE HAUNTING SEASON IS HERE AND THE WOLVES ARE AWAKE.

Haelsford, Florida is a Hellmouth. Or at least, that’s what Logan, a baby witch struggling to control her powers, thinks as she arrives to the witchtown to begin the new school year at Mesmortes Coven Academy. She is immediately taken under the wing of the infamous Red Three. Iris is a deathwitch who wants nothing more than to break the town’s curse; Jailah is one of the most powerful witches at the academy but her thirst for power may lead her down a dark path; and Thalia, the talented greenwitch, is on the run from her religious family and a past that still haunts her.

Fear and prejudice still fuel the uneasy truce between humans and witches who are forced to work together when the Haunting Season begins and Wolves rise from the swamp to feed. With this approaching, two Hammersmitt boys prepare to make their first sacrifices to the witches in exchange for protection. But as they become involved with the Mesmortes witches’ plan to end the Wolves’ reign of terror once and for all, old dangers lie in wait.

The cost to break the curse may be greater than any witch or human could ever know.

The Man or the Monster (The Marghazar Trials #2) by Aamna Qureshi CamCat Books

She made her decision. Now she has to live with it.

Durkhanai Miangul sealed her lover’s fate when she sent him through a door where either a lady or a lion awaited him. But her decision was only the beginning of her troubles. Durkhanai worries that she might not be the queen her people need or deserve when conflict threatens her kingdom.

Her presumed-dead father comes back with a vengeance and wishes she join him in his cause. But her family’s denial of his revenge forces Durkhanai to take matters into her own hands and she must decide whether to follow the traditions of her forefathers or forge a new path on her own.

Twice as Perfect by Louisa Onomé Feiwel & Friends

The only things worth doing are those that will lead to success.

For seventeen-year-old Adanna Nkwachi, life is all about duty: to school and the debate team, to her Nigerian parents, and even to her cousin Genny as Ada helps prepare Genny’s wedding to Afrobeats superstar Skeleboy (“Skeleboy me, Skeleboy this money, everything na Skeleboy…that Skeleboy!”). Because ever since her older brother, Sam, had a fight with their parents a few years ago and disappeared, somebody has to fill the void he left behind. Ada may never know what caused Sam to leave home, but the one thing she’s certain of is that it’s on her to make sure her parents’ sacrifices aren’t in vain.

One day, chance brings the siblings back together. Although she fears how their parents will react if they find out she and Sam are back in touch, Ada’s determined to get answers about the night Sam left—Sam, who was supposed to be an engineer but is now, what, a poet? The more she learns about Sam’s poetry, the more Ada begins to wonder if maybe her own happiness is just as important as doing what’s expected of her. Amid parental pressure, anxiety over the debate competition, a complicated love life, and the Nigerian wedding-to-end-all-weddings, can Ada learn, just this once, to put herself first?

Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen Delacorte

Violet is a prophet and a liar, influencing the royal court with her cleverly phrased—and not always true—divinations. Honesty is for suckers, like the oh-so-not charming Prince Cyrus, who plans to strip Violet of her official role once he’s crowned at the end of the summer—unless Violet does something about it.

But when the king asks her to falsely prophesy Cyrus’s love story for an upcoming ball, Violet awakens a dreaded curse, one that will end in either damnation or salvation for the kingdom—all depending on the prince’s choice of future bride. Violet faces her own choice: Seize an opportunity to gain control of her own destiny, no matter the cost, or give in to the ill-fated attraction that’s growing between her and Cyrus.

Violet’s wits may protect her in the cutthroat court, but they can’t change her fate. And as the boundary between hatred and love grows ever thinner with the prince, Violet must untangle a wicked web of deceit in order to save herself and the kingdom—or doom them all.

Beasts of Ruin (Beasts of Prey #2) by Ayana Gray G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Koffi has saved her city and the boy she loves, but at a terrible price. Now a servant to the cunning god of death, she must use her newfound power to further his continental conquest, or risk the safety of her home and loved ones. As she reluctantly learns to survive amidst unexpected friends and foes, she will also have to choose between the life—and love—she once had, or the one she could have, if she truly embraces her dangerous gifts.

Cast out from the only home he’s ever known, Ekon is forced to strike new and unconventional alliances to find and rescue Koffi before it’s too late. But as he gets closer to the realm of death each day, so too does he draw nearer to a terrible truth—one that could cost everything.

Koffi and Ekon—separated by land, sea, and gods—will have to risk everything to reunite again. But the longer they’re kept apart, the more each of their loyalties are tested. Soon, both may have to reckon with changing hearts—and maybe, changing destinies.

[sporadicarbitergardener]

If you take egg shelves, rinse them , then dry you crush them to powerder then they will be good to use for witchery on a budget

[amitapaul]

#23GloPoWriMo

28/4/24

Day 28 Response 1 Poem 34

****

Prompt :

Have you ever flipped to the index of a book and found it super interesting? Well, I have (yes, I live an exciting life!) For example, the other day I pulled from my shelf a copy of on old book that excerpts parts of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s journals. I took a look at the index, and found the following entry under “Man”:

fails to attain perfection, 46; can take advantage of any quality within him, 46; his plot of ground, 46; his use, 52, 56; not to be trusted with too much power, 55; should not be too conscientious, 58; occult relationship between animals and, 75; God in, 79, 86; not looked upon as an animal, 80; gains courage by going much alone, 81; the finished, 89; and woman, distinctive marks of, 109; reliance in the moral constitution of, 124; the infinitude of the private, 151; and men, 217; should compare advantageously with a river,

Write your own index poem. You could start with found language from an actual index, or you could invent an index, somewhat in the style of this poem by Kell Connor.

Sharp air. Marigold, the scent of the other world, the underworld, on a clear day. Lilac, soft red wheat. She will miss it: The carnal, that char of desire. That bitter register, the marigolds again, the color of cartoon flames. Body heat trapped beneath a worn quilt. I go into the next room and its the same room repeatd, she writes. That's the softness of this world, or all she can know of it. It's as fragile as foam. Where her form ends something else begins in the warm air. or I go into the next room and its the same room repeatd, she writes. It feels like receding, like something sneaking away and then coming right back through a different door. At a certain point a sense of place just assembles from thin air. I am inside my arrival, she writes. And here the phrases begin to fall apart at all points, too tender for our grammar.

*****

My Poem for Day 28 April 2023

GAZELLE FOUND

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Something to love.It wasn’t easy finding the tame gazelle. Moving from novels about small-town spinsters and vicars . Cranford and Thrush Green. The Tattler’s flattering conclusion. Pussycat wit and profoundly unsoppy kindliness. The deeply peculiar, face-saving, gently tormented English middle classes may be left safely in their hands. The wry invention of "Maschler pudding". A combination of lime jelly and milk.

I’d be a Butterfly. Discovering the Loves of Butterflies. Influential citizen of Bath. Earls of Stamford and Warrington. Baroness le Despencer. Winchester. Oxford. Bayly did not apply himself to “the pursuit of academical honours”. Sketches of Bath. Songs and Ballads. Grave and Gay. Weeds of Witchery. Kindness of Women. Budget of Blunders. Helena Hayes. She Wore a Wreath of Roses. The Bridesmaid, which drew a flattering letter from Sir Robert Peel.Played the harmonica, guitar, and banjo. Invested his wife's dowry in coal mines. Proved unproductive. Property in Ireland. Manager failed to give satisfactory account.

Sold for a Song. Perfection. Madame Vestris produced it. Appeared in it. Lord Chesterfield present on the first night. Declared he never saw a better farce. Cast included the Marchioness of Londonderry. Lord Castlereagh.Shallow imitations. Continental estate looted. Songs of the Old Château. Isle of Beauty, Fare Thee Well! Gaily the Troubadour Touched his Guitar. I'll Hang my Harp on a Willow Tree. Oh, No! We Never Mention Her. The Mistletoe Bough. Long long ago. Long long ago.

Prolonged absence makes you forget.

( Wikipedia :

‘Some Tame Gazelle’ is Barbara Pym's first novel, originally published in 1950. The title of the book is taken from the poem "Something to Love" by Thomas Haynes Bayly, and the work of other English poets is frequently referenced during the course of the story.)

( PS I read the novel fifty years ago )

( copyright @Amita Sarjit Ahluwalia )

[takato1993]

What I watched in January!!

January was a very positive month for movies that I watched mostly on tubi but I found a few dvds in my grandparents house that i had not watched yet. gonna be honest been battling being sick and cough medicine puts me to sleep very easily so i watched most of these while half asleep and most of them deserve a rewatch

The Blob (1988) 7/10

I know i am not alone in this opinion but the 90s version of The Blob is my favorite version.

Brain Damage 4/10

The parasite puppet monster is low budget but a very fun character and the way it attaches and injects it's victims is actually a really nice practical effect. now as for the plot it is the most unsubtle and dumb drugs bad police violence good plot but with an accidental pro suicide message. also has a weird amount of lore and backstory.

Pulse (2006) 6/10

western remake of an asian movie but the vibe kind of check out on this one. plus the original was not available.

The Barn 5/10

i am a chaotic person by nature but when it comes to horror movies and Halloween lore i enjoy the internal rules. the aesthetic and plot of this one don't cut it for me tho.

Wizards of The Lost Kingdom 3/10

don't let my low rating fool you this very well may be a must watch for the sword and sorcery genre.

this movie is a mish mash of extremely low budget childrens fantasy film, sfw clips from much more violent and sexual fantasy films, and one weirdly expensive looking insect woman monster that appears for 2 minutes for no reason

Bad Moon 6/10

bad moon is a very good werewolf movie I get how it might not have stuck the landing for a lot of people but it deserves a place on more top 10 werwolf movie lists

Witchery 5/10

like David Hasselhoff? Like foreign films? neutral on both how about a bunch of old crone style witches killing and torturing people in very thematic ways?

Black Roses 4/10

not going to lie when I start a horror movie and the Troma logo pops up it makes my fight or flight instinct kick in now.

the Void 8/10

Mirror Mirror 5/10

Reign of Fire 6/10

my silly child self avoided this film for some dumb reasons. anyway it is a pretty good movie my only criticism is the dragons needed way more screen time. but i understand the limitations and they probably would not have looked good if they stayed on screen much longer.

the Axiom 6/10

Tales of Terror 7/10

one of the best Edgar Allen Poe horror anthology films. Vincent Price and Peter Lorre always go well in Poe stories.

Nightbeast 5/10

as a child i remember watching a movie about an extremely violent and murderous creature with big teeth and maybe horns that i though was bigfoot or some other ape. i thought maybe it was this film but i am still unsure

Centipede! 5/10

I think one big centipede instead of many less big centipedes was an odd choice.

Attack the Block (2011) 7/10

this might be one of my favorite alien invasion movies. Like Gordon Ramsay and Julian Sands ( hope they find him safe btw) this movie is immune to being criticized for it's British nature

Memories (1995) 7/10

another step down the rabbit hole of beautifully animated anime anthology films that i think are by the same people that did Akira.

the stories were not as memorable as Robot Carnival but some of them were very good. can't wait to find more like this.

Jack Brooks Monster Slayer 6/10

this is a fun movie about not holding in your emotions until you explode and using your rage constructively. title could be misleading as it is in theory mostly backstory as he does not channel his rage into slaying monsters until the last 10 minutes or so.

Shakma 5/10

I almost always feel bad when an animal is hurt in a movie but I do actually really enjoy " man vs nature" genre of horror films. there is also a very strange and kind of roleplaying game going on for part of the movie.

the Client 6/10

2 young boys witness a suicide and some mafia secrets and one of them seeks out the protection of a lawyer, the lawyer is a woman with her own tragic backstory so they spend a lot of the movie shifting back and forth from bonding to fighting with each other while the mob and the crooked cops are after them.

not my usual type of movie but it was very compelling.

Ghost Ship 6/10

Necropolis 5/10

Nightwish 4/10

the Giant Claw 5/10

I just really enjoy the design of monster in this movie, i won't lie and say i was at all engaged by the plot but the dark matter force field around the monster was also a fun idea.

1408 5/10

the Phantom Empire 4/10

do you like dominant women in leather outfits? cave women? cave dwelling cannibals that look kind of like Morlocks from the time machine movies? great watch this movie.

now i will say this one is kind of boring and is mostly just walking and running around in a big cavern.

20 Million Miles to Earth 6/10

One of the few Ray Harryhausen movies I had not watched yet and I am very glad to be closer to watching them all

Beyond The Black Rainbow 5/10

the Monster 6/10

how dare this movie reflect some of my own unresolved emotional trauma. monster could have used a little more screen time subtlety is great but I like visuals.

Splinter 6/10

these parasite infected zombies have spikes and other nasty tricks a fun horror movie all around.

[weiryspells]

Disclaimer: Blog is run by a Adult, White European Witch. All spells and knowledge will be British-German-European Centric.

Racists, Fascists, LGBTphobes, Terfs - get fucked. Blocked.

There is a focus on Low Budget Magic, Crystal Magic, Plants Witchery, Chaos Chikara, Spirit Work. I deliberately do not work with or depend on Deities. I acknowledge their power and existence, but do not engage with them.

[eggshellsandmidnightspells]

Happy Friday! I haven't posted much of my craft or spells in awhile. But today, and at the poking of some deities that have recently contacted me, I did a spell based on gaining self love and attracting love💖 It also includes the ability to express my love to others better~

I've been practicing multi symbolic sigils of same or similar need.

This one is I attract my soul mate; My love for myself grows deeper; and My love for others shines through.

Ingredients:

🕯Pink Candle(symbolizes love both self and romantically)

✍Sigils or symbols of your choice. In this one I carved hearts, the sigil I made and the planetary sign for venus but do what ever draws you!

Optional Add-ons:

🌹Rose Quartz (symbolizes love, its a stone used to repersent all forms of love)

🍒Cherry Quartz (symbolizes strength and a general enhancer. I've found using cherry quartz helps amplify and is a nice pair for rose quartz)

♉Zodiac chips or symbols. Helps give a clearer theme for the spell. I had these chips on hand but runs and drawn symbols work too!

Flowers/Flower cards. Adds additional oomph. The cards here are: 🌷Tulips(new beginnings), 🌹Roses(love), 🌿Echinacea(strength, i have anxiety and low confidence ok😂), and 🌻Sunflower(happiness). these can be switched for actual flowers, tarot cards or oracle cards.