Showing posts with label #Jennifer Hodgson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Jennifer Hodgson. Show all posts
Welcome back to our October Celebration, you wayward wanderers!

You've stumbled upon a party, and you're the guest of honor. What happens here, stays here.. but, so much you ;)

Not to worry, we have plenty of things we can do to with you.


Come on.. don't be shy...





The winner of the Hemlock and Garnet giveaway by artist Loren Morris is....


Fearless Fallen Angel





Today's Blogger: Kathleen Lane

Change will Come

I have always heard the saying that "Change is the one certain thing in life". Looking at this time of year always reminds me of that saying and this has certainly been a year of change in my life. My husband has retired and rather than being gone for half the year, he is home for good. So one way of life has ended and a new one begun.

As this summer rolls to the inevitable end and the new winter comes in, the wheel keeps turning and new things come in with it. I was going through some papers and found my old bucket list. Looking at it I wonder why some of those things were important to me and I realized that I need to throw it out and start a whole new list. Some of the things I have already done and some of them just don't seem relevant anymore.

What would be something important in your future that you would like to achieve or experience? Is there someplace you have never been or something you have never done and it is still waiting? Did you start something and never finish it? Do you remember promising yourself that someday you would climb a mountain or write a book or take that trip to the Costa Rican rain forest?

Let each year end with a positive finish to some goal and if you can't decide what your future should be, let this time of the thinning of the veil guide you in your choice. Those who have gone over the bridge already can sometimes see our future in a clearer light. Listen to what they are telling you and open yourself to what they tell you.


The Siren's Song with Jennifer Rasmussen


Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I feel like somebody's watching me.


Today's Recipe with Autumn Earthsong
I love October mornings! Especially the ones with the blue skies, fluffy clouds, dappled sunlight through bright colored leafy trees, and a nip in the air.  This bread is decadent and perfect for those kind of mornings. Especially the ones you don’t have to go anywhere right away…or for a sweet treat by the fire on a harvest moon night!


Spicy October Morning Pumpkin Bread
*Makes 2

3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1-1/3 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
2/3 cup chopped walnuts

 Preheat oven to 350º.
 Combine flour and the next 7 ingredients (flour through cloves) in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine sugar and the next 5 ingredients (sugar through pumpkin) in a bowl, and stir well with a whisk until smooth. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
Spoon batter into 2 (8 x 4-inch) loaf pans coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with walnuts. Bake at 350º for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool loaves in pans 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pans. Sprinkle a little natural sugar on the top. Cool loaves completely.
If you are lucky enough to have a wonderful neighbor like I do, send the extra loaf over to them! They’ll love you for it!
Blessings and Love,
Autumn


Autumn Earthsong is back for the 3rd year as our resident Kitchen Witch. You may have seen her recipes in Imramma Magazine and The Sunday Stew as well.  Autumn has been a practicing Witch for 17 years and hails from Ohio. She is a wife, mother of two, and Nana to three busy little grandchildren.  Samhain is a favorite time of year for her….with her name indicating what Season she loves!  Cooking for family and friends this time of year is also a joy…..Especially this time of year!   Hearth, Fire, love of family and good food is how she brings Magick to her home.   You can also find her blogging at www.autumnearthsong.com.   She looks forward to sharing her recipes with you all and hopes that you have a very Blessed Samhain Season!


Stones and Crystals with Jennifer Hodgson


Emerald

Emerald is an amazing crystal. It is not only a wisdom stone but helps to bring to the surface what is unknown. 

If you deal with claustrophobia then this is the crystal for you. This crystal also helps to overcome the misfortunes in life and can heal negative emotions.

If you are working on your psychic abilities this stone can help with clairvoyance.

Emerald is a great choice in helping to open the heart chakra and is very calming.



Giveaway from Touch of the Goddess!


Whether you are anointing candles or tools, taking a ritual bath, or setting up protected space, this set has the oils you need all in one place. Sanctuary, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water are for working with those respective elements and the Elementals. Solaris and Luna give you help in working with these Celestial bodies and their associated Gods and Goddesses. Prosperity, Entice! Indulge your workings with the real essential oils. Frankincense, jasmine, cinnamon, just a few a the scents and magical essences all a part of this collection! Never again have to search for just the right oil, they are all right here together in one box!

9- 5 ml cobalt blue bottles in a a pretty turquoise box
Value: $35.00

Here's how to enter: (Canadians, skip this part and go to your section)

Like/Get Notifications on the Touch of the Goddess Facebook Page . Come back, comment on this blog post and tell us that you did. 

Remember to add your email address to the page (if you don't want to post it publicly, simply send it via the contact form at the top of the page).

Want extra entries??

1. Visit the Touch of the Goddess etsy shop. Comment here and tell us your favorite item in the shop.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your tweet.

3. Blog about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your blog post.

4. Follow Samhain's Sirens on Facebook. Comment, and let us know you did (if you're already following, just comment and say so!)

5. Follow this blog so you'll be in on all of the fabulous fun throughout October! Comment here that you did.

That gives you 6 chances to win this fabulous prize!


CANADIANS: LOOK HERE!

Canadians, your country requires that you answer questions instead of participating the American way ;) So, we're bringing you some good old-fashioned trivia about your country this year. Answer the question correctly in comments (don't forget to put your email address in the comment!) and you'll be given 6 entries in the giveaway!

Here's your question: 

Who wrote the lyrics to Canada's national anthem?


This giveaway is open until 9pm PDT (midnight Eastern)tonight. Winner will be announced tomorrow  at 9am EDT. Remember, we have to notify the winner in email first, so those email addresses are critical for you to qualify for the giveaway!

Good luck everyone!
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*CaCkles, rubs hands together*

Muahahahahaha!

Welcome our party on this Torturous Tuesday!



Brace yourself.. here we go!







The winner of the Touch of the Goddess Past Life Reading is...


Paula Lupi






Today's Blogger: Kourtney Leaf


The fall is upon us. Plants are losing their green, becoming brown and brittle. Animals of all sorts are preparing for the cold winter months ahead. The wheel is about to make its final turn before bringing itself back to the beginning. And I’m sitting over here like it ain’t no big thang.

Only, it so is. It’s time for some big changes. Not just those seasonal ones either. Though, I’ve been feeling quite disconnected with them as of late. I should probably be paying closer attention. Living in the desert can do that to a girl.

There isn’t anything dying or withering away here. The palm trees don’t change, and the grass… well it’s probably artificial. In the personal realm I’ve still got my job, plus another great career to begin. I’ve got a great new place to live, yet we’re still not owners. My daughters are moving up and in some cases outside of their regular comfort zones. Nothing has really changed. Yet, nothing has stayed the same either.

When I started writing this piece, I honestly didn’t know where it was going. But that right there is what it boils down to, isn’t it? Fall isn’t necessarily about letting things go. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be about the changes, however subtle or drastic they may be. And there are so many changes to revel in, to be thankful for.

And I am so very thankful. Thankful for all the things that life has thrown at me these last couple of years. Thankful that I’ve learned and grown from them. Thankful that I have such an amazing husband who I absolutely could not imagine going through all this without. Thankful for two beautiful girls who are more than I can handle most days, but wouldn’t change for the world.

So while I may be looking forward to the spring, when things are slightly less brown around here… I’m going to take the time this Samhain to enjoy the changing of the leaves (as scarce as they are here) and crispness of the fall air. To bask in the beautifulness that is change and to take every opportunity to share it with those that matter most.

Happy Samhain Everyone!




The Siren's Song with Jennifer Rasmussen


The Headless Horseman

One of my all-time favorite crooners (after Sinatra), Bing Crosby sings to us about the Headless Horseman







Today's Recipe with Autumn Earthsong


I’m planning a harvest party here soon for some friends and family and thought I’d share a couple of favorite recipes I always make.  One is my famous chili and one is a delicious appetizer that everyone loves!   Both are great for football parties, or the family coming over to sit around the fire and watch a scary movie!  We like to have these on Beggar’s Night after the kids have had their fun trick –or- treating!

Autumn’s Reuben Spread

16 ozs shredded Swiss cheese

16 ozs shredded cheddar cheese

28oz jar Sauerkraut, drained

8 ozs chopped corned beef or beef (I use Buddig)

1 1/2 cups Hellman’s mayo

Mix all ingredients well.  Place in a greased 9″ x 13″ baking dish.  Bake @350* for 45mins to an hour until brown & bubbly.
 Serve warm on rye or pumpernickel party rounds and put out a dish of Thousand Island salad dressing to garnish. This will get inhaled…I promise!!  Great warmed up the next day if you have any leftover!



Autumn’s Chili (slow cooker)
1 green pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 lbs ground chuck
Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup water
2 cans chili beans with sauce (mild or hot, your choice)
1/3 cup chili powder
Saute` green pepper and onion in 2 tbs oil in a large skillet or saucepan until softened.  Add ground chuck and brown, seasoning with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.  Drain meat.
At this point, I put the meat in a slow cooker.  Add all the rest of the ingredients to slow cooker.  Cook on high for 2 hours than turn to low and cook as long as you like.  I can leave this going most of the day!  I’ve been known to turn it to Keep Warm for a bit, then turn it back up again for second helpings J
Serve with crackers or corn bread and top with shredded cheese and sour cream! So so good!
*Serves 6

Blessings and Love,
Autumn

Autumn Earthsong is back for the 3rd year as our resident Kitchen Witch. You may have seen her recipes in Imramma Magazine and The Sunday Stew as well.  Autumn has been a practicing Witch for 17 years and hails from Ohio. She is a wife, mother of two, and Nana to three busy little grandchildren.  Samhain is a favorite time of year for her….with her name indicating what Season she loves!  Cooking for family and friends this time of year is also a joy…..Especially this time of year!   Hearth, Fire, love of family and good food is how she brings Magick to her home.   You can also find her blogging at www.autumnearthsong.com.   She looks forward to sharing her recipes with you all and hopes that you have a very Blessed Samhain Season!




Stones and Crystals with Jennifer Hodgson


Garnet

Garnet comes in 7 different colors, red, pink, green, orange, yellow, brown, and black. This is a very common stone and can be found worldwide.

Garnet is a great metabolism stone and is also very useful to have with you during a crisis. 
Square cut garnets are best when dealing with business matters and will help bring success.
Garnet helps to remove taboos and opens up the heart and helps with self-confidence. Garnet also not only inspires love but also devotion. This stone will also help to balance your sex drive. Also considered to be a commitment stone. 

Red Garnet also helps to control anger towards one's self.



Today's Giveaway from Hemlock and Garnet!


From the artist, Loren Morris: 

"I have always been fascinated with the painting, Depart pour le Sabbat, by the French artist Albert-Joseph Penot.
I wanted to re-create this lovely painting and give it dimension, using clay. This is a 10inchx10inch wood board with my version of  Depart pour le Sabbat. I created it using polymer clay and acrylic paints. I wanted to give the clouds a colorful look.  It has been sealed for protection. On the back of the plaque I have glued a picture of the original and signed."



Value of this giveaway: $150.00

Here's how to enter: (Canadians, skip this part and go to your section)

Like/Get Notifications on the Hemlock and Garnet Facebook Page. Come back, comment on this blog post and tell us that you did. 

Remember to add your email address to the page (if you don't want to post it publicly, simply send it via the contact form at the top of the page).

Want extra entries??

1. Go to the Hemlock and Garnet Etsy shop. Come back and tell us about your favorite piece in the comments section.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your tweet.

3. Blog about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your blog post.

4. Follow Samhain's Sirens on Facebook. Comment, and let us know you did (if you're already following, just comment and say so!)

5. Follow this blog so you'll be in on all of the fabulous fun throughout October! Comment here that you did.

That gives you 6 chances to win this fabulous prize!


CANADIANS: LOOK HERE!

Canadians, your country requires that you answer questions instead of participating the American way ;) So, we're bringing you some good old-fashioned trivia about your country this year. Answer the question correctly in comments (don't forget to put your email address in the comment!) and you'll be given 6 entries in the giveaway!

Here's your question: 

Who was the first explorer to reach Canada in 1497?


This giveaway is open until 9pm PDT tonight. Winner will be announced tomorrow at 9am EDT. Remember, we have to notify the winner in email first, so those email addresses are critical for you to qualify for the giveaway!

Good luck everyone!
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Welcome back, you Monday Marauders! Let's plunder this treasure!

We have all kinds of booty in store for you today.

Come check out our blog, recipes, stones and crystals, song of the day (you Morrigan guys/gals will love it!) and another giveaway!

The October fun has just begun.. let's play!












The winner of Author Samantha Curtin's "Return to Summer's Hollow" is...
Angie Crabtree!




Today's Blogger: Johanna Lawson


Gone But Not Forgotten

 My mother is buried in one of the oldest cemeteries in the Philadelphia area, actually located just on the city's outskirts and about a half mile from its sister cemetery in the Fairmount Park area. It is a beautiful serene place, full of gardens, reflection areas, and very old trees sitting high above the Schuylkill River. It is steeped in history, dating back to the mid-1800's, and is the eternal resting place for several notable Philadelphians including founding fathers of Philadelphia commerce and industry, civil war soldiers and heroes, and even a survivor of the Titanic disaster. The cemetery is now entering the 21st century by paving the way for green burial practices, a section of it planted with only native trees and flowers, only using natural untreated materials in coffins and shrouds, and, as I have just found out, using goats as environmentally-friendly vegetation control.

In the first months following my mother's funeral and burial, I visited often, sitting in the grass by her gravesite, talking to her, filling her in on all the latest events, wishing she were still here. I did this out loud most times because there never seemed to be anyone nearby visiting a departed loved one. After hanging out with Mom for a bit, I roamed around, checking out her neighbors, saying a hello to them. I visited some of the much older graves, their headstones and monuments worn from age and weather, trying to read the words taken away by time and the elements, sometimes tracing them with my fingertips to discern the letters. It began to dawn on me that many of these people no longer received visitors of their own kin, their families gone from the area or just plain gone, no longer alive, their bloodlines maybe halted by disease, war or catastrophe. An even worse thought came to mind. What if these people were no longer among the memories of their descendants, long-forgotten, forever out of mind? I just could not bear the thought of these people being lost to time.

With that realization, I made up my mind then and there. These people would no longer be forgotten as far as I was concerned. From that moment on, a new tradition was started. Each year, on or around Samhain, I spend a few hours at that cemetery visiting these long-departed people. There are many graves that seem to have been neglected for decades, if not a century or more, so I do not visit the same sites each year, although I have a few personal favorites that I check on regularly. I take a few minutes to clean the area, brushing debris from stones and statues, wiping away the years of built up dirt caked into the chiseled letters. I place a sprig or two of fresh rosemary, the herb of remembrance, at each grave and sit with the person for a bit, pondering, wondering and imagining.

Who was this person? What did they look like? Who did they love and who loved them? What happened during the course of their daily life? How did they die? Sometimes I envision the person and their life very clearly, almost as if they are allowing me into their past. Other times, the images are blurred or the words to describe them just won't come. Perhaps those people are uncomfortable about letting me get to know them or maybe even wish to remain forgotten. Occasionally, I may hear a whisper, feel a gentle tug on my shirt or a playful pull on my hair, or catch a glimpse of something out of the very corner of my eye, all very brief harmless encounters. Always I experience this amazing warmth moving around and through me and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and peace falls over me.

I must always pay my respects to the family buried across from my mother. There are at least fifteen headstones (unbelievably, I have never counted them!) marking the graves of several generations of this family, including a few children under the age of 5, all having died in 1918 during the influenza epidemic. I sit in the middle of all of them, where an ancient gnarled oak tree once stood, blown down in a tropical storm four or five years ago. I picture this large family, all together, happy, lively, in a huge home at the turn of the century in the booming city of Philadelphia. It is the same vision every time.

These trips to the cemetery always end at the same place, back at my mom. I sit with her the longest. I do not need to wonder or ponder or envision here at this grave, just remember. I sit in that beautiful, serene cemetery, surrounded by nature, surrounded by the ancestors of many people in many places, and remember her vividly and hope that someday, when I am long gone, someone will come by her grave and stop a moment to say hello, brush away the fallen leaves, clean the dirt from the engraved headstone, and just envision who she was in this world. Then they will move in and around the much older graves and do the same for them. Maybe, just maybe, that person will be one of my own descendants, a witch too perhaps following a long-held family tradition of visiting that cemetery at Samhain, who will ensure that, while we all may be gone, we are not forgotten.


Today's Spooktactular Song with Jennifer Rasmussen:

I know Omnia’s tribute to the Morrigan is a favorite for many, so crank it up.





Today's Recipe with Autumn Earthsong

Squash is one of my favorite veggies.  And they fit right in with your cooking this time of year.  They are still abundant at your grocery and baked in the oven in a multitude of ways, warm and good, they are a great comfort food this time of year!  I thought this recipe sounded really healthy and good!

Stir-Fried Squash

2 Tbs olive oil
2 cups zucchini, sliced
2 cups yellow squash, sliced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 cup tomatoes, diced
1 tsp salt
Pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth

Add olive oil to wok or large skillet.  Heat over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.  Add zucchini, squash and onion; cook and stir for 2 minutes.  Add tomatoes, salt and pepper.  Reduce heat to medium-low.  Simmer for 8-10 mins until veggies are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Add the broth if mixture becomes too dry.
*Makes 4-6 servings

And this soup recipe sounds warm and comforting!

Curry Butternut and Apple Soup
1 butternut squash, halved and seeded
2 tsp butter, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, halved and cored
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 cup sour cream
1 Tb lime juice

Place squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.  Add one teaspoon butter to each half; season with salt and pepper. Place apples next to the squash on the pan.  Bake at 400* for 30-45 minutes, until fork tender.
Scoop out squash with a spoon.  In a large saucepan, combine squash pulp, apples, broth and seasonings. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until heated through.  Meanwhile, stir together sour cream and lime juice; set aside.  
Puree soup in batches in a blender until smooth; then reheat soup if you need to. 
Serve in soup bowls topped with sour cream
*Makes 4-6 servings

Now I’m heading to the grocery for some squash!

Blessings and Love, 
Autumn

Autumn Earthsong is back for the 3rd year as our resident Kitchen Witch. You may have seen her recipes in Imramma Magazine and The Sunday Stew as well.  Autumn has been a practicing Witch for 17 years and hails from Ohio. She is a wife, mother of two, and Nana to three busy little grandchildren.  Samhain is a favorite time of year for her….with her name indicating what Season she loves!  Cooking for family and friends this time of year is also a joy…..Especially this time of year!   Hearth, Fire, love of family and good food is how She brings Magick to her home.   You can also find her blogging at www.autumnearthsong.com.   She looks forward to sharing her recipes with you all and hopes that you have a very Blessed Samhain Season!



Stones and Crystals by Jennifer Hodson

Apatite is a great stone to help clear away confusion, apathy and negativity. 

This stone is a spiritual stone and a great influence on the aura. Apatite is great to use in past - life work and is able to access the energy levels of the Akashic records an individual has. Apatite is also a great dream stone.
Blue apatite is also a good stone for the throat chakra and for public speaking. A great stone to honor Gaia. 





Today's Giveaway from Touch of the Goddess!

Important note: We are now extending the deadline for giveaway entries until 9pm PDT (Midnight, Eastern time)

Past Life Reading from Touch of the Goddess!

By exploring your past life experiences you can identify and rectify problems and behaviours in this life. Past life vows, karma, past life relationships can be affecting you now. These sessions last 45-90 minutes and include a counseling session on how best to use the information we have gleaned. You are totally aware during the session and will remember your experiences. For your convenience, a typed summary will be e-mailed to you.

$45 value




Here's how to enter: (Canadians, skip this part and go to your section)

Like/Get Notifications on the Touch of the Goddess Facebook page . Come back, comment on this blog post and tell us that you did. 

Remember to add your email address to the page (if you don't want to post it publicly, simply send it via the contact form at the top of the page).

Want extra entries??

1. Go to the Touch of the Goddess Etsy shop. Come back and tell us in the comments section about your favorite item there.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your tweet.

3. Blog about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your blog post.

4. Follow Samhain's Sirens on Facebook. Comment, and let us know you did (if you're already following, just comment and say so!)

5. Follow this blog so you'll be in on all of the fabulous fun throughout October! Comment here that you did.

That gives you 6 chances to win this fabulous prize!

CANADIANS, LOOK HERE!

Canadians, your country requires that you answer questions instead of participating the American way ;) So, we're bringing you some good old-fashioned trivia about your country this year. Answer the question correctly in comments (don't forget to put your email address in the comment!) and you'll be given 6 entries in the giveaway!

Here's your question: 

At what time of year does Halifax Harbour freeze?


This giveaway is open until 9pm PDT tonight. Winner will be announced tomorrow  at 9am EDT. Remember, we have to notify the winner in email first, so those email addresses are critical for you to qualify for the giveaway!

Good luck everyone!

See you here tomorrow! Same time, same bat channel!
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Welcome back! We're "thrilled" to have you here!

Come on in, the water is fine.. especially for this time of year!

Have you checked out our stones and crystals? If you get cut on one, we have a witchdoctor who can fix you right up. Not to worry, he's a friend ;)

We can make it all better with today's giveaway as well!










The winner of the Ravenfeather Glass Creations giveaway is: Amy Blackthorn!




Today's Blogger: Jenn Hodgson


One of the places that our group, Professional Paranormal Investigations, has investigated is the Old Hartford City Jail, in Blackford County.

The night before we were to investigate the jail, my husband, Steve, said he saw a man in a striped jumpsuit in the kitchen. Not giving this much thought since seeing spirits before an investigation is fairly common and normal in our home.

At some point during the night I felt pressure on my arms as if I was being held down. I couldn't wake up at all but again I wasn't in a panicked state over this occurrence. I woke up the next morning to find a bruise on each arm, straight across from each other. If the bruises would have been lower I would have brushed it off as hitting something however the bruises was on the upper part of my arms and toward the inside of my arms.

When we first arrived at the old jail, it was really, really hot. There was ac only in the office. As Dann began to tell us the history of the place I had this feeling of someone sitting on my chest. The feeling was so strong that I would have rather been out in the heat than to feel this way. Dann had said that the jailer had passed away from a heart attack before I could even ask. Once this was stated and we left the office the heavy chest feeling went away.

One of the things that we heard while reviewing evidence was a little girl. We do know that the jailer and his family also lived there. On one side is the jail and the other is the home for the family. There is really no doors that separate the two areas. What was interesting is that we heard this on every recorder. The little girl was having a conversation with someone and she was also yelling at someone.
My husband loves to joke and as he and fellow investigators was going to the women's side of the jail, he says, "prepare yourselves ladies there is some guys coming up." the evp we picked up after him saying this is the following, "higher Steve Hodgson." You would think it would be a woman's voice but instead was the voice of a man.

This is a very active place and never disappoints. Luckily none of our investigators was hurt during any investigation.

https://spiritmindbodyconnection.wordpress.com/




The Siren's Song with Jennifer Rasmussen

My Friend the Witchdoctor






Today's Recipe with Autumn Earthsong: Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread


This time of year, I often crave breads. Homemade breads!  Especially if they have apples or pumpkin and cinnamon in them!  Here is a spicy, sweet bread your family will love! And a bit healthier too, made with whole wheat flour.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread
*Makes 2 loaves
3 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
3 cups sugar
2 tsps baking soda
1 1/2 tsps salt
2 tsps cinnamon
2 tsps ground nutmeg
1 cup oil
15 oz can pumpkin
4 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup water
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350*. Spray two 9”X 5” loaf pans with a non-stick spray; set aside.  In a large electric mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and spices; mix well by hand.  Add oil, pumpkin, eggs, water and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer on low speed until well combined.
Pour half of batter into each loaf pan.

Bake at 350* for 55-60 minutes, until loaves test done with toothpick.  Cool loaves on a wire rack for 15 mins; turn out of pans.


I like this bread warm!  Also great with nuts added if you’d like.  Great with cream cheese, or whipped cream or even caramel sauce!

Blessings and love,
Autumn

Autumn Earthsong is back for the 3rd year as our resident Kitchen Witch. You may have seen her recipes in Imramma Magazine and The Sunday Stew as well.  Autumn has been a practicing Witch for 17 years and hails from Ohio. She is a wife, mother of two, and Nana to three busy little grandchildren.  Samhain is a favorite time of year for her….with her name indicating what Season she loves!  Cooking for family and friends this time of year is also a joy…..Especially this time of year!   Hearth, Fire, love of family and good food is how She brings Magick to her home.   You can also find her blogging at www.autumnearthsong.com.   She looks forward to sharing her recipes with you all and hopes that you have a very Blessed Samhain Season!


Stones and Crystals by Jennifer Hodgson


Kyanite

Kyanite come in Blue-white, pink, green, yellow, gray and black and is readily available.
Kyanite is great for meditation. Stimulates not only your psychic abilities but also your intuition.

This crystal can connect to spirit guides and instantly align the chakras.
Because this crystal never holds negativity Kyanite will never need to be cleaned.
Kyanite is great for opening the throat charka and for speaking one's truth.
Black Kyanite will ground the body during and after meditation.
Blue Kyanite will strengthen the voice, heal the throat and larynx.






Today's Giveaway from Charissa's Cauldron


Win a Samhain prize giveaway package from Charissa’s Cauldron.  Included in the package is a triple candelabra perfect for the Samhain altar, a wood burned four drawer box great for keeping incense and herbs, 1 oz bottle each of Charissa’s Cauldron Hecate Water, Nature’s Remedies Intuition Blend and Full Moon Water, a hand beaded bracelet made by My Dragonfly Rose, 4 oz bottle of Autre Monde Spray made by Beaux Magique, a package of 5 Large Coffin Nails and a package of 5 Witch’s Burrs.  (Retail value:  $150.00)




Thank you for participating from Charissa’s Cauldron – Where Something Magickal is Always Brewing.



Here's how to enter: (Canadians, skip this part and go to your section)

Like/Get Notifications on the Charissa's Cauldron Facebook page. Come back, comment on this blog post and tell us that you did. 

Remember to add your email address to the page (if you don't want to post it publicly, simply send it via the contact form at the top of the page).

Want extra entries??

1. Follow Charissa's Cauldron  on Twitter. Come back and comment that you did.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your tweet.

3. Blog about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your blog post.

4. Follow Samhain's Sirens on Facebook. Comment, and let us know you did (if you're already following, just comment and say so!)

5. Follow this blog so you'll be in on all of the fabulous fun throughout October! Comment here that you did.

That gives you 6 chances to win this fabulous prize!


CANADIANS LOOK HERE!
Canadians, your country requires that you answer questions instead of participating the American way ;) So, we're bringing you some good old-fashioned trivia about your country this year. Answer the question correctly in comments (don't forget to put your email address in the comment!) and you'll be given 6 entries in the giveaway!

Here's your question: 

Whose face is on the Canadian hundred-dollar bill?
a) Wilfred Laurier
b) John A. MacDonald
c) William Lyon Mackenzie King
d) Robert Borden

This giveaway is open until 9pm EDT tonight. Winner will be announced tomorrow at 9am EDT. Remember, we have to notify the winner in email first, so those email addresses are critical for you to qualify for the giveaway!

Good luck everyone!
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