Month: December 2011

Bears

Although bears are thought to be ferocious carnivores, they are actually quite playful and eat less meat than some smaller animals — supplementing their diets with plants and fruit. Bears are astonishingly swift for their size, running 35-40 mph in short distances.

The most common bear is the black bear. This name can be misleading since some black bears are various shades of brown. The Grizzly is most famous for its ferocious strength but is not aggressive by nature. The largest bear is the Alaskan Brown

Bear who is a relatively solitary animal. The “cute” Polar Bear is the most aggressive of all bears — the best hunter and the most dangerous.

Bear teaches us to respect our natural hibernation cycles. Just as Bear rests during winter and reawakens during spring, we need spaces of rest and rejuvenation. Bear calls us to awaken the potential within ourselves and the power of our unconscious mind. Bear reminds us there is a time for playfulness and a time to be assertive.

Animals and Familiars

Animals and Familiars

Power animals are & are not a part of the Wiccan or Witchcraft Traditions. They are used by Native Americans, Shamans & other tribal organizations & traditions. Covens usually have a totem animal that is only known to those within the group.

In the Astral, you can merge with your totem & become the animal with your own intelligence intact. This is called Shapeshifting. There are two ways you can meet your power animal in the astral plane & discover which animal medicine is right for you. First, you could write & perform a ritual to call the essence of the animal that would suit you best & assist you in your present magickal workings. If you are not comfortable with the ritual format you can go into the familiar meditative state, walk through the astral forest & meet the animal.

When the first technique is used, that of the ritual, you will most likely see the animal in its natural form. There may be a synchronistic conversation where the topic is of the animal, or you find a book about the animal, etc. When you catch that first glimpse of that particular medicine, you will know it in your heart.

If you meet the animal in the meditative state, converse with it. Anything is possible in the astral, right? So ask questions & get to know your new partner.

If you have seen the animal after a ritual, plan sometime to go into the meditative state to cement your relationship & get to know the animal & the essence it represents.

Now that you’ve got the animal, what do you do with it? Power animals are great advice givers, often representing our higher selves that we haven’t been paying attention to lately. In a meditative state you can ask for their assistance on problems that have been nagging at you. At times, two power animals can work in conjunction with each other, as long as they want to. Silver has had some truly interesting & fruitful conversations with hers.
Power animals can assist you in the waking state as well. Perhaps you are trying to teach someone a particular theme & they are having difficulty understanding. Ask wolf for assistance; she is the great teacher.
Remember the old adages: clever as a fox, strong as an ox, etc.? Perhaps you need camouflage – then ask Brother Fox for assistance. If you seek wisdom, ask the Eagle. the Lynx knows the art of keeping secrets & the Swan guides one into dreamtime. The Panther is a good protective animal, though she does have a sarcastic, laid back nature.

Power animals are not limited to mammals. The reptilian & insect kingdoms can be just as helpful. Children can also be taught to work with animals & have a great ideal of success with them.

Dragonfly tells us how to break through illusions & how to gain power through our dreams & goals. She teaches higher aspiration.

The act of honoring an animal is not an act of worship, but is the acknowledgment of their power & their being as brothers & sisters of the entire universe. The energy of the animals, birds & other creatures that assist us should be honored. For too long, we have subjugated these creatures who are our equals in the system of the Universe. The Native Americans leave tobacco as a gift, scattered on the ground. You could also burn incense in honor of the animal. When honoring – leave a gift of some sort. A crystal or gem on your altar is also a lovely gift.

An Animal Totem is an important symbolic object used by a person to get in touch with specific qualities found within an animal which the person needs, connects with, or feels a deep affinity toward. One can have several animal guides through out life. Sometimes an animal guide will come into one’s life for a short period of time, and then be replaced by another depending on the journey or direction one is headed toward. Our guide will instruct and protect us as we learn how to navigate through our spiritual and mundane life. When one finds an animal which speaks strongly to
them or feel they must draw more deeply into their lives, they fill their environment with images of the animal to let the animal know they are welcome in the person’s space. Animal guides can help us get back to our Earthly roots, and reconnect with nature by reminding us we are all interconnected. To first do this we need to know what our Animal Totem is.

Doggie of the Day for December 24th

William, the Dog of the Day
Name: William
 Age: Four years old
Gender: Male Breed: Toy Poodle
Home: Perth, Australia
William is very special to us because he’s the first dog we’ve ever owned. He’s been so patient and understanding with us first-timers that it sometimes feels like he’s training us rather than the other way around.

He is very cheeky and energetic and loves nothing more than a good game with his squeaky ball. That ball is so precious to him and he’ll play with it for as long as we let him. Every day we have to find a new hiding place for it because William has a keen nose and an even keener memory, and he thinks it’s a terrific game to search every spot we’ve ever hidden it before. He remembers where it’s hidden better than we do!

When we brought him home William was so small you could hold him in your cupped hands, but in hindsight every little quirk that made him special was already there. His personality is very endearing and he has a way of looking patiently at you when you talk, with his head cocked to the side, that makes you feel that he wants to understand. A few times he has even taught himself commands that we never set out to teach him. Saying “get it” and pointing means to get a toy and put it at our feet for throwing, but we never taught him that the way we did “sit” and “down”. He just picks up phrases if we use them often enough. We know he understands “get it” because if we point somewhere there’s no toy and tell him to get it, he’ll still run over and search in that area. I don’t know if all dogs do that, but as first time dog owners it was pretty amazing to us!

It might sound like he’s got us wrapped around his little paw, but in truth William is a pretty well behaved little guy. He’s so smart and learns fast, especially if there are food rewards, but even if there’s just a kind word and a pat on offer. He loves to cuddle and it’s so funny to see him nodding off to sleep when you rub his little tummy. He can always make us laugh.

We just plain love our little guy. William has become so special to us that we know we’ll never be without a dog again.

William, the Dog of the Day

Special Kitty of the Day for December 24th

Sparkle, the Cat of the Day
Name: Sparkle
 Age: Twelve years old
Gender: Female
 Kind: Domestic short hair
Home: British Columbia, Canada
This is my lovely cat Sparkle. I named her that because when I saw her, I know she was a diamond in the rough and knew that with love, she would indeed Sparkle! She’s approximately twelve years old, we don’t know for sure, and while her breed is technically domestic short hair, we like to say she is a blue-eyed blond.

I adopted Sparkle from the SPCA a few years back. She was very sick with eye infection, respiratory infection and ear infection…but with lots of love and attention, Sparkle greatly improved within a week and continued to recover over the next few weeks.

Sparkle is a special needs kitty. She has recurring ear infections, a heart murmur, inflammatory bowel disease as well as advanced kidney disease and she is deaf. She receives fluids daily by injection that she tolerates fairly well. She also has bad arthritis.

Sparkle is one of the sweetest cats I know. She has a gentle nature and brings such joy to my life. She is very entertaining and makes us laugh all the time.

Sparkle loves the Christmas tree and likes to sit or lay under it. In the summer time, Sparkle loves to sleep outside in the sun. (supervised of course!) She is an indoor cat but sitting in the sun I think makes her very happy.

Sparkle has a very gentle, sweet nature. She gets lots of hugs and kisses daily! I love my Sparkle!

Sparkle, the Cat of the Day

Sparkle, the Cat of the Day
Sparkle, the Cat of the Day
Sparkle, the Cat of the Day
Sparkle, the Cat of the Day
Sparkle, the Cat of the Day

 

Feng Shui for the New Year

Feng Shui for the New Year

  • Betsy Stang

A new year is like a new doorway. A new year offers a new chance to bring who we truly are into manifestation. Each turn of the wheel has its wisdom. What does the wisdom of the New Year hold for you? Your home? Are there obstacles in your way?

In the Northern Hemisphere the New Year follows shortly after winter solstice, the time of year with the longest night, the time of the Great Yin, the Dark Feminine, when the energy of all growing things goes deepest into the ground. We are each given this time to dream of what we might become as the light and growth return.

In the ancient Chinese traditions this is the time of K’un—The Receptive, Earth

The Receptive brings about sublime success,
Furthering through the perseverance of a mare.
If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead,
He goes astray;
But if he follows, he finds guidance.
It is favorable to find friends in the west and south,
To forego friends in the east and north.
Quiet perseverance brings good fortune.

The elements of spring are sleeping in the dark with the bears and moles and many other animals. In Native American traditions this is a time for dreaming, storytelling, coming together as community and of contacting the spirits of the Earth.

This is not a time to reach outside for answers, but to go deep within.
As we go in, we notice.

Notice your home. What patterns are outmoded? Where are the obstacles to your realization of self? Look at piles of what is not being used. Is there a tool, a skill you have, clothing, computers, cameras that you no longer use? Are they outmoded? Will you use their gifts? If not they need to move along, so give those possessions away. If you are not willing to pass them along, then use them.

Do you have old obligations and debts you have not dealt with? It’s time to clear them too, at least begin to gather the information you will need. It is not possible to truly move into prosperity and abundance, until you are in full integrity with yourself.

All traditions celebrate this time as new birth and the return of sun from its journey to the southern hemisphere. Be gentle with your new beginnings they are infants and need to be nourished until the sap starts to flow in early February.

Make small movements. Allow yourself quiet time. Listen. Clear, clean, restage resting and work places of your life. And bring sustainable light into the time of dark.

In the new year, as you sit cozy in your home, remember there are always those who are cold and hungry or in the dark. Can you pass along something you no longer need to someone who may need it more? Not just people, the animals need your help now too. Can you find a way to share your wisdom and prosperity with those who have no voice? The ancient Chinese masters said: “Feed the Earth, feed the fish and the birds and your world will be abundant.”

May you be a steward of the earth and have a new year full of abundance and joy.

—The Rev. Betsy Stang

Your Daily Number for December 24th: 4

Your courage may be challenged today, but no obstacle is too great if you work with diligence and resolve. Keep track of all details; an opportunity is at hand. You are steadily making a stellar impression on those with whom you work.

Fast Facts

About the Number 4

Theme: Form, Work, Order, Practicality, Discipline
Astro Association: Aries
Tarot Association: Emperor

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for December 24this 40: Deliverance

40: Deliverance

Hexagram 40

General Meaning: After a thunderstorm, or any period of extreme tension, a period of new clarity and fresh opportunity follows. The storm has the effect of clearing the air and suddenly reducing atmospheric tension. Deliverance is at hand. In the wake of a storm on land, deliverance appears in the form of new color and life, which bursts forth in all the fields and flowers. In the wake of a storm at sea, deliverance takes the form of land itself.

In the field of human relations, the rain of forgiveness washes the human landscape clean after a period of conflict and enmity. Great clarity of purpose and renewed vigor can follow the healing of old wounds. But care must be taken not to re-open such wounds by moving too quickly. In the same way, it is important to return to normalcy before moving ahead with new plans after periods of stress.

Following the resolution of a difficult situation, your first priority, should be to return to normal conditions as quickly as possible. Breathe a sigh of relief, but don’t relax completely. It would be a mistake to re-awaken the sleeping dogs of the immediate past before the new situation has crystallized. Look ahead. Attend to any residual matters that need resolution, and do so as quickly as possible. Make a clean sweep of the past, move deliberately and the future will bring good fortune.

Today’s Runes for December 24th is Inguz

Today’s Runes

Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement. Inguz is the rune of completion and fertility. The presence of this rune suggests that tasks which have been initiated will come to fruition. This rune is associated with Ing and Frey, it is this connection that explains its connotations of both fertility and sexuality. The variant of this rune shown here is reminiscent of the twin strands of life, and of the challenge and rewards of bringing together things complimentary.

Today’s Tarot Card for December 24th is The Moon

The Moon

This Tarot Deck: Royal Thai

General Meaning: What has traditionally been known as the Moon card refers to a deep state of sensitivity and imaginative impressionability, developed within a womb of deep relaxation. Here we dream and go into trance, have visions and receive insights, wash in and out with the psychic tides, and experience deep mystical and/or terrifying realities beyond our ordinary senses. The full moon and/or eclipse cycle charted by the Magi (as in some of the earliest Moon card images) exemplify this as a mechanism that Nature uses to expand consciousness.

The variants of the courtly lovers (representing skillful use of the sex force) or the man sleeping it off under the tree (use of drugs to alter consciousness) are also traditional avenues for tapping this primal force. Human interest in higher states propels us to the frontiers of consciousness, where we cannot always control what happens. The Moon card represents the ultimate test of a soul’s integrity, where the membrane between self and the Unknown is removed, and the drop of individuality reenters the Ocean of Being. What transpires next is between a soul and its Maker.

Your Horoscopes for Saturday, December 24th

We are extra serious about our commitments as the Moon shifts into dutiful Capricorn at 8:46 am EST. However, the Capricorn New Moon at 1:06 pm is trine joyous Jupiter and square disruptive Uranus, ensuring a high level of excitement for this holiday weekend. We may need to change our plans as unexpected situations occur. A willingness to compromise helps smooth over disagreements, but a Moon-Pluto hook-up makes it difficult to let go of control.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Bossing people around isn’t the most effective way to demonstrate your authority. Being a successful leader comes from power that you earn when you are in harmony with the truth. All you need to do now is take responsibility for your own actions. Pay careful attention to what you say and how you say it because you are more forceful than you realize. You can have the impact you desire today if you take a gentler approach.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You might think that you know how your day will unfold, however, an unexpected event may require you to modify your plans. But don’t just change everything all at once; overreacting will only make things worse. Minor adjustments that are well aimed are more useful, even if you don’t see immediate results from your actions. Nevertheless, you still should be able to reach your goals if you step back and broaden your perspective.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You may experience self-doubt today if your day deviates from your ideal schedule. You might even wonder if all your efforts over these last few weeks have moved you closer to your goals or have been an exercise in futility. Your key word now is patience; don’t do anything recklessly just because you’re frustrated with the apparent lack of progress. You’ll begin to feel more productive as you start to see results from your recent hard work.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You are very sensitive to the reserved Capricorn New Moon because it lands in your 7th House of Partnerships. You may be feeling stressed out by a relationship with a friend or lover, especially if you each have different ways of approaching conflict. Thankfully, persistence is rewarded now, and your willingness to face a difficult issue could actually bring the two of you closer together. Even if interactions seem strained today, sticking with the process can result in feelings of accomplishment.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Your usual weekend routine may be turned inside out today as the New Moon activates your 6th House of Habits. You don’t like the idea of doing things differently now, so a change of pace might be upsetting at first. However, shaking up old traditions can reveal details that alter your perspective on the holiday season. Don’t waste too much time looking back; it’s useless to judge your past harshly. Instead, look ahead and change the way you respond in the present moment.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Today’s calculating Capricorn New Moon occurs in your 5th House of Self-Expression. If you have been waiting for the best time to share something dear to your heart with someone special, this is your moment. Finally, after much careful deliberation you’re ready to show your cards. Remember, keeping secrets now prevents you from having a shot at success, so be honest and give yourself the chance you deserve.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

It may appear as if your personal life isn’t going exactly as you had hoped today, but you’ll eventually get what you want with the ambitious Capricorn New Moon visiting your 4th House of Foundations. However, satisfaction could still take a while because now you are building a solid base for future operations. Keep in mind anything that is truly meaningful is probably well worth the wait.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Today’s stabilizing Capricorn New Moon activates your 3rd House of Communication, encouraging you to establish a reliable framework for interactions with close friends and family. It may be time to put difficult conversations on the table, especially if your relationships have been strained by uncomfortable discussions that you have been avoiding. However, don’t push for closure now; allowing the intensity to soften will help you reach a more palatable resolution.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

If your path has recently been blocked by obstacles, the resistance is finally beginning to dissipate. It may appear as if your luck is improving, but it’s probably the result of all the hard work you’ve been doing over the past couple of months. Thankfully, now you should be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. But don’t expect too much too fast as you continue to build on your accomplishments.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Today’s pragmatic Capricorn New Moon might lead you to believe that you’re in charge, but events of the day suggest otherwise. You may have recently given up significant control over your life, but it only gets crazier if you think that you can put everything back in order now. Don’t waste time getting excited about what’s ahead or being sad for what you’ve left behind. Instead, maintain a positive attitude in the present moment where your thoughts are busy creating your future.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The conservative Capricorn New Moon’s visit to your 12th House of Karma could stir up issues from your past. Unfortunately, you might not recollect events as they really occurred since your imagination is bending the truth out of shape. Everything may seem overly important now, as if this present moment is more significant than all others. It’s healthier to take the current truth with a grain of salt, for your perspective will return to normal in the days ahead.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your world may seem a bit surreal now because you’re able to see further into your future as the Capricorn New Moon stirs your 11th House of Hopes and Dreams. Fortunately, you can use your imagination to create the next phase of your life. Although you might be tempted to lose yourself to fantasies, you can improve your chances for success by being practical while developing your vision of tomorrow.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 24th

Dreams can stir your soul this morning – thanks to a Moon-Neptune 60-degree liaison (3:37AM PST). At the same time, the Moon enters a short void cycle that lasts until 5:48AM PST when the lunar orb enters earthy Capricorn. The good news is that less than one hour later, the Moon trines Jupiter in Taurus (6:25AM PST) – invigorating your self-confidence and power of positive thinking. Nevertheless, the extreme dark-of-the-moon vibrations are in control for the next 3+ hours – signifying a need to complete odds and ends before the New Moon arrives at 10:08AM PST – activating 3 degrees of Capricorn. Once the New Moon is a rock-solid reality, it is fine to push forward with bold plans across the board. You have terrific success vibes encircling you – as long you know how to wield spiritual willpower and mental concentration that come from the monthly Moon-Pluto union (5:44PM PST). The evening carries a fantastic glow – especially in romance, the creative arts and social activities – as the Moon parallels Venus at 11:59PM PST. If you need to be concerned about one thing, make it the fact that Jupiter is still officially in retrograde motion until the clock strikes 2:09PM PST tomorrow. This upcoming Jupiter shift will help you make a great leap ahead over the coming weeks.

New Moon Report for December 24 – New Moon in Capricorn

New Moon Report

By Jeff Jawer

New Moon in Capricorn

Saturday, December 24, 10:06 am PST, 1:06 pm EST

The New Moon in orderly Capricorn is usually good for establishing long-term plans and making the commitment to stick to them. Yet this lunation’s union with transformational Pluto and square with revolutionary Uranus doesn’t fit the conservative profile associated with this sign. Breaking down barriers by tapping into the depths of desire and acting with originality is possible now. Generous Jupiter in Taurus’ harmonious trine to this Sun-Moon conjunction adds a strong dose of common sense and optimism needed to radically change the world in constructive ways.

The Capricorn New Moon symbolizes our New Year resolutions as we aim to reach toward higher levels of success. This gathering of force from the depths of darkness motivates us to greater heights of achievement to come. Yet this year we are building new ladders to climb and inventing goals to pursue as we wed the indomitable sense of purpose of this sign with the innovative and transformational forces of Uranus and Pluto. The hope inspired by the direct turn of Jupiter, the cosmic Santa Claus, reminds us to count our blessings.

the daily humorscope

 

Saturday, December 24, 2011

 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Today you will get one of those pimples that just suddenly appears, and you will only notice it when you glance in the mirror after a very important meeting.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
You will tell a total stranger that you’re “sick and tired of salad”, today. The stranger will recoil in shock and horror.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
You are about to burn the roof of your mouth on pizza. It won’t be the first time, either.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
You will make pizza from scratch today (dough and everything), and will beam with pride. As well you should.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
A door-to-door arms dealer will stop by today. Although you won’t be entirely sure how you let yourself get talked into it, you’ll soon be the first on the block to own a rocket launcher.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Good day to avoid pickled herring.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Excellent day to make strange mouth noises, particularly in a crowded elevator.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Tomorrow is a good day to wear your lucky Rocketship underwear. Try not to leap into rooms while shouting “Hark!” however.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Time to develop new friendships, and possibly to get a new hair style. Personally, I’m working on the “wacky inventor” hair style, in which I wash my hair at night and go to bed with it still damp. It’s not a look for everyone, however.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
Excellent day to make odd hand gestures at people you don’t know.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
Beware of short people.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
It’s ok to whistle while you work. Your co-workers will draw the line at yodelling while you work, however. They’re probably just jealous.

Correspondences for Saturday, December 24th

Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics 

Saturday

 Magickal Intentions: Spirit Communications, Meditation, Psychic Attack or Defense, Locating Lost Things and Missing Persons, Building, Life, Doctrine, Protection, Knowledge, Authority, Limitations, boundaries, Time and Death

Incense: Black Poppy Seed and Myrrh 

Planet: Saturn

Sign: Capricorn and Aquarius 

Angel: Cassiel
Colors: Black, Grey and Indigo 

Herbs/Plants: Myrrh, Moss, Hemlock, Wolfsbane, Coltsfoot, Nightshade and Fir

 Stones: Jet, Smokey Quartz, Amethyst, Black Onyx, Snowflake Obsidian, Lava, Pumice
 

Oil: (Saturn) Cypress, Mimosa, Myrrh, Patchouly
 

Saturn lends its energies to the last day of the week. Because Saturn is the planet of karma, this day is an excellent time for spellwork involving reincarnation, karmic lessons, the Mysteries, wisdom, and long-term projects. It is also a good time to being efforts that deal with the elderly, death, or the eradication of pests and disease.   

Spellcrafting for Saturday

  

SPELL TO PROTECT YOUR ABODE WHILE YOU ARE TRAVELLING

Gather as many keys as you have in your house ( it should be the same as the numbers of doors that you have in your house)
Moving slowly through your house, take a key, touch it to the door and say:
“Lock out thieves in the night.
Lock out thieves in the light.
Lock out thieves out of sight.”
Repeat this until you have touched each and every key to each door. Then, tie them with a
red ribbon and hang over front door. Remember to visualize them keeping away thieves!
Remember, never leave your bed empty for too long.
Doing so may cause unwanted negative energy to settle in your place.
When heading off, clean the bed and tuck a broom into it, bristles on the pillow.
If you are in a strange place you might want to bring along a blue candle.
Burning blue while you sleep will help protect you. Mirrors are great protection in the
bedroom, as it repels negative influences. So put a small one on the headboard of
your bed, or at least facing the door, and you should stay safe throughout the night.



~Magickal Graphics~

Bright Blessings To You, My Dear Friends!

Blessed Be Comments
Bright Blessings

 

Earth Mother
Giver of life
Strengthen me during my life-long strife.
Teach me Your ways of perfect love,
peace, and wisdom true.
Spawn from my purest heart
These words to You
May this prayer help me to better
myself in word and deed,
To a higher plane I shall succeed.
Beautiful Light of Goodness Fair
Lore of old we both do share
A Witch’s brew, I drink to You
My love for You, by day, by night
In thought and in sight
Will my soul learn
the meaning of this life again.

 ~ Author Unknown ~  

~Magickal Graphics~

Beauty Is Only Skin Deep Look Beautiful all Winter

Beauty Is Only Skin Deep Look Beautiful all Winter
By: Isadora Dunne


When the weather’s frosty and dry, skin becomes dryer, flakier and more irritated. So how is it that some women look so
darn supple and healthy, even in the dead of winter, while you’re all dry and chapped? As usual, we’re here to help with 10
tremendous tips to keeping beautiful in winter.

Apply full-spectrum sunscreen even when it’s chilly: You probably know that UVB rays are the sun’s burning rays, but UVA
radiation is the principal cause of wrinkling and skin cancer and can penetrate glass. Hello! This means that even if you’re
at home, driving or in the office by a window, you’ll need full-spectrum (both UVA and UVB) coverage. This is true on even
the cloudiest winter days. Murad Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 15 (Murad.com) is a high-quality choice.
Don’t linger in the bath or shower: Healthy skin has a protective superficial layer called the stratum corneum — essentially, a
natural “lipid barrier,” and as temperature and humidity drop, this natural barrier becomes vulnerable to damage, says
Stacy P. Salob, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New
York. She cautions against prolonged bathing, especially with hot water, because the water will sap moisture from this
superficial layer, leaving the skin drier, flakier and more susceptible to damage and irritation.
Cut back on acids and astringents: For the winter months, consider limiting your use of alpha-hydroxy acid products and
astringents that contain alcohol, Salob says. We may love these products for their exfoliating properties, but they can strip
the skin of its natural protective oils, leaving it easily irritated.

Humidify thyself: Bicoastal dermatologist Karyn Grossman recommends a humidifier in your bedroom and office to
prevent winter skin from drying out. Humidifiers keep air moist. Look for a UV model because they offer a germ-free mist,
better to soothe those dry lips and chapped skin. Grossman recommends brands such as the SlantFin GF350
Sip hot cocoa and get your antioxidants: According to recent studies, cocoa beans were found to contain large amounts of
natural antioxidants called flavonoids; thus cocoa powders made from these beans are an undeniably compelling choice of
drink. Go ahead, steam some milk and enjoy your cocoa-anti-oxidants!

Resuscitate Frigid Feet: For dry and flaky winter feet, try exfoliating with a scrub like Alba Sea Salt Body Scrub. Which
contains organic jojoba, avocado and vitamin E. Afterward, dry your tootsies and slip on cozy cotton socks overnight. Your
feet will feel pliant and smooth in the morning.

Revive Chapped Winter Lips: Aside from looking wretched, chapped lips feel awful. Problem is, we continually
exacerbate the condition by licking, so it’s an endless cycle. To roll off the dead skin, try the clever Dr. Feel good’s
Lipscription, expressly made for “dry-lip emergencies,” which buffs away dryness with exfoliating beads, then softens with
Vitamin E & chamomile.

Protect Those Tresses: Tippi Shorter, consulting stylist for Pantene, recommends using a leave-in conditioner before
blow-drying hair, or using hot irons. She likes Pantene Pro-V Daily Renewal Treatment and if you regularly use heated
styling tools, she suggests biweekly or monthly deep conditioning treatments to keep hair hydrated and soft.

Repair Winter Cells: Robert Scott, aesthetician and wellness expert, explains how skin is nourished by blood and lymph
fluid, and since less blood flows when you’re cold, you’ll want to compensate by giving skin extra protection and
nourishment. He recommends regenerating your skin’s appearance by using products that feature amino-peptides, which
work by renewing the skin’s outer cell layer, and he loves Olay Regenerist) because it repairs without irritating the skin.

Some Tips for Winter Yard Care

Winter Yard Care

1.Winter is the time for bare root, planting and transplanting of roses. This time of year is when you need to prune your
roses back. Leave the stalks at least one foot high, and take off all plant material that is dead and diseased.

2.Dormant spray is a good idea to use on your fruit trees. Its will keep pests in check. Make sure to fallow label instructions
and ask your local greenery plenty of questions to ensure best results.

3.Frost sensitive plants can be covered with a bed sheet, blanket or plastic sheeting. If the plant is wet when covered, frost
temperatures can still damage the plant. Make sure leaves and soil are simi dry before coverings.

4.Do not cut frost damage off the plants until you you see new growth.
Winter is a good time to get seed catalogs for the next seasons planting and to think of new design ideas.

Hot Cinnamon Pudding Cake

 

Hot Cinnamon Pudding Cake

1 c. sugar
2 T. butter
1 c. milk
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all together and pour into a greased 13 x 9″ baking pan. Add topping.

Topping:
2 c. brown sugar
2 T. butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1-1/4 c. water

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Pour over cake batter and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Serves 12. Good with ice cream or cool whip.