Hello Again

 Its been so very long since the last time I sat here in from of my screen preparing to write a post. Or even opening my blog at all. Have you ever felt as though a part of you took off like a bear into hibernation? And you tried to look for that missing piece, it was so tucked away you could not find it, no matter how hard you tried to. That is exactly how I have felt these past few years. A large piece of my creative self just sort of fell away. Maybe because I needed time to wrap myself in a cocoon state of mind to one day emerge as butterfly? To find some footing and figure out who this new person I was was to become.  I have changed immensely over time due to so many major life changing events. As you well know I endured splitting from my partner of 10 years, but then in addition I left my secure 9 to 5 job of twelve years to pursue becoming an entrepreneur. In the end, both events catapulted me into this independent self driven woman making dreams come to life. Of course, I haven't done it all alone, as I have been blessed with my current partner (and fiancé) who has not only supported me but also continues to fuel the fire that drives the passion within. Although he has always been by my side through the majority of these new chapters, it took a lot of healing and self reflection on my own (and I do not mean weeks, months or just one year.....I mean years) to finally feel like I've overcome hurdles and healed wounds that if not examined or faced would just keep showing up at my doorstep. At last, life is this sparkly gem, magic, that is just waiting for me to take it and run. In healing these parts of me, just like that, that hidden piece that I had hoped would revisit has decided to reawaken. Although its a comfort for this creative side to come back, it feels different too. A bit familiar, but a bit more wild and unbridled. There are no cages this time around, this new piece of me is free to just be. The end result of facing my biggest fears and turning a new leaf has made me realize I am perfectly capable of achieving anything in life that I put my mind to. And I am sure so many of you can relate. 

This right here, writing, is what I have missed so very much. Its an outlet that is so therapeutic. I need it to focus, to get my thoughts out of my head so that I can find some peace from the chatter within. With this new awakening of creativity has also come with it a renewed passion to learn and re-explore that magical path I was once on. As it has always been a piece of me since a child,  the intrigue never fully left. But I took a break from magic being so prominent in my life and now that its back I realize how much I have missed this side of myself as well. Just like lighting a candle, it has shed light on so many facets of myself that I am delighted to explore once again. Rereading my past blog posts, my journals that hold multitudes of recipes for Celtic Roots (a business between my best friend and I crafting herbal remedies), my personal spiritual journey over the past years, old Pinterest boards that hold so much research on the spiritual and fae realm, collecting new crystals.....all so inspirational and breathtaking. And with this awakening has also come another new chapter in career, which I will reveal in another blog post. 

I am just so happy to be back!!! 

Much love and light,

Carla 

Ps: Please be patient as I re-do the look of my blog and update the material. Thank you kindly!

Escaping Cabin Fever

This morning I woke to birds singing and the peaceful sound of rain against my window pane. If I allow myself to daydream I can feel spring trying to ease her way back to the frosty Netherlands that Columbia County has turned into. I am pretty sure that we have had a winter more bitter cold than Alaska this year! I miss taking winter walks, snow-tubing or enjoying the outdoors, period. But with temperatures in the teens if not less, it makes for a long winter indoors and the perfect equation for cabin fever.

Trying to remain sane and positive, this time of year is perfect for focusing on our home and ourselves. I enjoy creating a home that feels like comfort. A sanctuary that speaks to my eclectic soul with bohemian and earthy touches. This past year I accumulated so much hodgepodge and items I thought I needed. I started to feel a bit claustrophobic so I started to purge, which I mentioned in my last article. It is so therapeutic to let go of what no longer serves purpose. If you feel like items are not adding beauty to your home or they are bringing your energy down, its time to donate them. Or toss them. After my great purge, I can truly say that my senses can relax a bit more. My home still showcases all that I love, just with much less clutter and clean open space. I did add some nice touches to my home that bring warmth and comfort. I like to think outside of the box when it comes to decor. Getting creative is perfect for days that we are stuck inside and we have a little more time on our hands. And it is the simple things that, when work out perfectly, bring me the greatest joy! Like my new hanging star lantern lamp that adds enough light so that my son can see while playing with his toys in the living-room and I can enjoy the exotic beauty it brings to my favorite corner of my home.

 

It is so beautiful and a great find. Handcrafted in India, super easy to put together and at $10.95 (plus the cord and bulb which was an additional $13.20), it was a must have!

Doing little things like this bring me such joy. I also treat myself to coffee made in my stove top peculator, writing in my journal, painting with my son, dancing to our favorite tunes. Along the lines of treating myself, lets get into focusing on our skin. These harsh winter days have been brutal on the skin. So while I am stuck indoors, why not have a home spa day. You do not need to break the bank on expensive skin care products. A simple face mask from the drugstore will do or you can create your own by combining 3 Tbsp rolled oats (ground into flour) + 1 Tbsp honey + 1/2 Tsp turmeric + some fresh lemon juice. Mix them together and leave on your face for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. This mask will chase away the winter blues and bring out your inner glow! Just be sure to stick to the turmeric measurements. I added more and had to scrub my face which had an orange glow to it for days! It wasn't the glow I was going for! And since I am a sucker for anything lavender or herb related, I couldn't help "splurging" on this new find I came across as I was grocery shopping. Aside from the fact that it smells heavenly, the name is my vibe and the design is a bonus too: Love Beauty and Planet - Argan Oil & Lavender. At $6.99 a piece it might be a little pricey but well worth it!

And this my friends is my advice for getting through these next few months! Have faith, spring is near. Get your craft on or do whatever it is that will nurture your restless soul. Relax and take pleasure in these lazy winter months. Allow your body to go with the flow. Before you know it our schedules will be filled with spring and summer activities.

xo
Carla

Ground Work

 I decided to start this new year with a different approach. As each new year approaches we create a new list of goals to achieve. Some we get to cross off during the year, but I think for most, we end up ending the year looking over our goals and feeling a sense of disappointment. So this year, I came across an entirely different approach from the book Eat Pretty Every Day by Jolene Hart.

Instead of settling on a resolution or a challenge for yourself, pinpoint a single word that describes how you want to feel. I absolutely love this idea. For me, I personally want to feel more grounded and centered. Life can get crazy and often times I feel like I am living its coattails, hanging on and burning the candle from both ends. I want to be able to enjoy the good times, breathe it in and soak up the memories to relive them over and over. Thankfully I am avid in taking photos, because with my over active life I tend to just move from one moment to the next not taking the time to truly process or take in the realness of it. 

So how I can I achieve the feeling of being grounded and centered?

For one, I have started close to comfort: home. This is my sanctuary. Coming home to a place of disarray or cluster can cause my soul to feel unnerved. I am practicing the art of less is more. So little by little I have started to purge and let go of what serves little to no purpose. This goes for clothing I haven't worn within the past year or décor that doesn't truly fit my taste or serve a purpose. I want my home to showcase only items that hold memories or conjure a sense of comfort.

Next on my way of feeling grounded is: food. I am not going to get into the ever popular new year resolution of dieting and losing weight. Let me be quiet honest here, I love food. And that is okay, in fact it is great. But I have started to have a relationship with my body and listening to what it craves. Intentional eating. If I truly listen to my inner self, what I crave most is food that not only nourishes my body but my soul as well. Real food, food that is close to its truest form. Vegetables, grains, fruits and proteins. Sticking to this method of eating leaves my body feeling cared for and also allows me to cut the chord of putting a restraint on my diet. Always follow your gut and of course your smarts. You know what is good and bad for your body. On a personal note, I have taken to truly looking at myself in the mirror and showing myself love when I feel less. It's so easy to love others, putting yourself first has always been a hardship for me. It goes hand in hand with what we feed ourselves, physically and mentally.

Next on my list is: nature. It is so hard to be outdoors this time of year. And this year especially with our deep freeze. The other day I was simply walking to my car and I looked up at this beautiful pine tree covered in snow and the crisp winter breeze brushing my hair back. It made me realize how much I missed the outdoors and how blessed we are to have this beautiful landscape with its breathtaking art each season. I get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life that I tend to forget to stop, breathe and look around. To stand still. I miss my walks in the woods, the sound of silence other than nature. Nature has always been my outlet. It has always provided me comfort and clarity. Most of my most cherished memories with my son and loved ones have taken place on a hike or enjoying some activity outdoors. Embrace what we have here in Columbia County. Once the temperatures are bearable, bundle up, take a walk. Find one of our local conservancies. Allow your soul to reground and decompress.

I wish each of your a wonderful 2018. This year find something that speaks to your soul. Indulge in a new hobby. Love yourself. And those around you. Find your vibe.

xo

New Beginnings

Its been some time since I have sat down to write. My creative side took a hit this past winter and spring as my life completely capsized and I was forced to close a chapter in my life. They say everything happens for a reason. So here I am starting fresh and creating a new life for myself and my son. Its time to rewrite my script and create some new goals. To envision what I want in life for the both of us. Two words I have always craved and repeated in the past are PEACE and HAPPINESS. This is what I want from life. I am determined to live a life with nothing less than the both. Divorce can either make you or break you. At times, I am happy, other days I am sad or scared of the unknown future. There are days where I am stuck in between all three. Its a constant roller coaster of emotion. When I find myself falling into that dark void, I try my best to snap out of it and look on the bright side. My slate is clean. I have control of my life and I can choose to be happy. To fill my little home with as much lightheartedness, happiness and laughter as I want. I can venture out and experience new places or I can be a bum and veg out on the couch without worrying about a thing. I am still like a fish out of water. I miss the comfort of routine. Little by little I feel like life is starting to fall into place and I am slowly coming back to life. I miss writing, creating products for my small business, taking on diy projects, crafting with my son, enjoying long walks in the woods or dancing in the kitchen with Logan while prepping our dinner. For some reason or another, these simple pleasures I once used to enjoy have collected dust. With autumn around the corner (my most favorite time of year!!), I feel my flighty spirit becoming a little more grounded and yearning for the comfort of home. I am taking this time to create new traditions as well as welcoming some of those dusty pleasures back into my life. I am slowly coming alive. I am making a simple pledge to myself to revisit my blog and to continue to write. Even if small blurbs. Its therapeutic for my soul and I have missed it dearly. I am taking small steps towards creating a life I will come to love and enjoy. As they say, time is the healer. I am handling myself with love and patience. And I will forever try my best to handle each obstacle or hardship WITH love.

November - Growing Pains

The month of reflection is here, a time to reminisce and be cognoscente of what we are grateful and thankful for. Some of us may be able to welcome the upcoming holiday season with an open heart and nothing but a sparkle in our eyes. Others might be entering this season with a heavy heart, finding it a bit hard to be welcoming or even capable of feeling remotely festive or thankful. I have always been one to play Christmas carols in November, driving my friends and family crazy. The holiday season is a time where I transform into my child like self, the excitement is raw and I am ready to just BE that glowing ornament on the Christmas tree! But this season, my light is a little dimmer than normal. Although life has been a bit rocky for me these past few months, this quote reassures me when I feel like giving up; “Everything is happening exactly as it’s supposed to, with hidden blessings that you’ll soon understand. Sometimes what appears to be a problem is actually an answered prayer in disguise.” When we feel as though we are living on fumes and are about to stall out, find yourself a quite spot to reflect,  grab a piece of paper or your journal and start scribbling down anything and everything that you are thankful for or whatever raises your spirit an octave higher.

I am so blessed to have a great group of friends and family who have been a major source of support throughout life. They have always been able to bring my spirits up by just being there, as well as helping me to remember who I am and what positive attributes I bring into our friendship. Surround yourself with others who bring out the best in you and provide good energy. Take this month to reflect on who might be in your life that you are deeply grateful for, someone that has always been there, through the good times and the bad. This month is all about showing and vocalizing appreciation. Thank them by reminding them how very special they are, how grateful you are. Maybe do something simple to show them that you are appreciative. This year I truly want to host a Friendsgiving. Invite all of my besties over, treat them with love and indulge on them a bit. There is nothing better for the soul then laughter with friends and giving!

My newest goal as we head closer to 2017 is to love: myself. Never forget to treat yourself with love. Be thankful to have life, to be alive and able to share yourself with others. Always treat yourself with respect and indulge in the things that make your heart, soul and mind buzz with happiness. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel. When we neglect loving ourselves, we can easily lose sight of who we are and become angry or bitter towards the world. Your life is a blessing. I have learned this the hard way and I am sure that I am not alone. As a working mother and wife, I became consumed with tending to others needs, neglecting mine along the way. I ran habit of depending on my husband to make me happy or friends, but the only person who can truly make me happy is ME. We cannot depend on someone else to make ourselves happy. It isn’t fair to them. I am now doing small things that truly make me happy. For example, painting my nails or taking time to read a book. Typically we do not need a lot to make ourselves happy, so square away just a tiny bit of “you time”, even if its 15 minutes. You will thank yourself and be a much happier version of you.

I am thankful for my family who loves me unconditionally. I am thankful that I have a home to come to each evening. That I have food to nourish myself and my family. That I am loved and that I can show love. The fits of laughter and big hugs that I am given from my son. The fact that I am writing this article. That I have genuine friendships that I know will last many seasons. I could go on and on!! Now that I have started this list my spirits have lifted! There are so many things that we can be thankful for. Unfortunately it is much easier to become inundated with life and the struggles, but when we really think about what we have and we write it down, it changes our mindset and we can view our world from a place of love.

This Thanksgiving, be sure to thank those you have in your life. Be kind to yourself. And be thankful for all the small things.

Peace & Blessings –

Carla   

Peace & Solitude - Be You

·       

           Write in your journal under a  grand maple tree overlooking the beautiful Hudson river and mountains that have caught on fire with mother earths paint brush of autumn. Jot down all that inspires you , all that you mean to accomplish in this lifetime, all of your beliefs and aspirations. Pour onto its pages your emotions, what makes you tick, what causes an emotional hiccup, pour out your passions…..your journal is the life line of your heart, the written essence who you are. Your journal will keep your secrets, she will support you through each season of your life.  If you wish, keep this journal as a memoir for your children so that they can learn or hear your voice long past. Keep this journal to look back on yourself for wisdom or to simply relive an experience. A lot of times I catch myself taking photos or writing creatively on social media, but it is lost to the world, to never be seen or read again.

·         Square away some time to enjoy the peace and solitude of silence. Enjoy the simple beauties of life. Whether you decide to sit outdoors or indoors, find the beauty of what surrounds you. Light some candles, enjoy their warm glow. Wrap yourself in an amazingly soft plush blanket. Notice the texture against your skin. Feel the crisp breeze against your skin, take a deep breathe. Listen to the sounds that create the world around you. Notice how the light plays, how the tree’s speak, how the earth seems to sigh in unison with each deep breath you take. Try your best to keep your mind free and open, you never know what floating orb of creativeness might be trying to capture your attention. It is good to take some time to yourself to reflect and listen to what your body needs. I rarely give myself a moment to be present with no one but myself. But it’s a good goal to set for myself.

·         Find a hobby that makes your soul shimmer with passion and great happiness. Keep this hobby just as it is, a hobby. Do not try to mold it into a piece of work or start attaching dollar signs to it. Just create with your mind, allow your entire self to become consumed with whatever it is that it wants to be consumed with. Don’t allow it’s silky threads to fall from your grasp. Feast your mind on the idea or thought that you may have caught and continue to expand it, like a ball of glowing energy that you have caught between your palms, continue to feed it energy, allowing it to grow with a pulsing life of its own.

·         Find a book that inspires you. One that relates to your current journey or path. Sometimes we can feel alone with our thoughts even though we know others have surely struggled with the same ideas or thoughts, we can feel alienated.  People throughout history have walked the same path, no doubt. We are simply repeating history and living it out in our own song and dance.  A book that has helped me shake the feeling of self-doubt is “BIG MAGIC – Creative Living Beyond Fear” written by Elizabeth Gilbert. I am definitely a creative soul and at times I can be tough on myself. I was nearly ready to give up writing because I simply didn’t feel I was good enough and even questioned myself as to what I was doing. Who did I think I was trying to be a writer? I have never gone to school for journalism! After reading Gilbert’s book I was comforted to know that she too had the very same fears. Her book has inspired me to continue writing my stories. I fell into this habit of feeling like my stories had to be written to entertain others or that I had to strictly write on topics that would serve others. But that was a trap I conjured up myself. If you are creator (through writing, sewing, forming pottery…..whatever the creation might be) do it for YOU, no one else. What you do will in turn inspire others. Passion is what drives your work to become an inspiration. Without that flame, your candle would never glow and warm others. 
   
      Light & Love
         Carla

My Journey

Yesterday I had some energy work done. The result, a renewed spirit full of light and love. A definite weight has been lifted, thank the Universe. I feel like a new person. I am so deeply  thankful for those that have been with me and that have helped me throughout this journey.  A rock has been turned, I can feel the warmth of the sun, the cool whisper of a breeze……although there is still plenty of soul work to be done, I am at last feeling. If you have ever felt like your vibrancy, the feelings of emotions, your vitality had evaporated into thin air, as though it was stolen from you and you felt at a loss as to where to begin to look, a feeling of extreme exhaustion and helplessness, then you know how I have been feeling these past few months. I wasn’t sure how to dig myself out of this deep depression. I refused to call a doctor and be prescribed “uppers”. I knew that something was terribly wrong, like something had broken. And not only was it affecting me, but those I loved.

The journey that started last summer, this path of discovering who I am, taking care of myself, loving the child I am of the universe had led me to a holistic approach as to how to nix this state of darkness. My intuition told me that I was experiencing something outside of my control. I didn’t need a Band-Aid to help. I knew that somewhere deep within, these negative emotions were becoming stronger and were taking over my life, it was as if there was a dam that had been broken and it was threatening to take over my entire being with its inky deep void. These negative characteristics (jealousy, extreme anger, sadness, exhaustion, defeat, fear) went against the grain of who I am naturally. I missed my energetic self; the person that was typically always laughing, loving life, loving those around her. I had become a monster and I needed to stop it dead in its tracks. With help. So I went to an energy healer not really knowing what to expect or what would take place. I did not expect to dive into my past, pull out skeletons, revisit those feelings and become a blubbering mess. But I did and it wasn’t very pretty. The healer started working with these energies, taking what was bad, healing my spirit slowly and deeply. Towards the end of our session, I swear I heard birds singing so clear and beautifully, instruments being played in the distance and I felt so at peace I heard myself stating that I never wanted to leave.

Once I did leave, I left lighter. As though something had been physically removed. I feel awakened, less burdened, I can hear the birds, feel the sun, see my friends in a different light. A dark veil had been lifted. I get emotional talking or thinking  about it because I was in such a dark place when I had sat on that table and I feel such love and happiness now, such gratefulness for the universe placing Cleo (the healer) into my life. I am now back on that path, but with a much clearer state of mind and focus. I am working on becoming that spirit I always wanted and was meant to physically be. Enjoying this journey, living in the now, working on a better me. One that can offer back to the universe what it has given me. I, as always, hope to inspire you to fall into loving yourself, taking care of you and allowing yourself to rely on the universe for help. Always follow your intuition. Your body knows when things are off. Just listen to it. To  become who we are meant to be means that we need to be healed, let go of what has been holding us back, shed the  negativity. I want to become a beacon of light and love for not only myself or my loved ones, but for the entire universe. Those are my goals. I want to live in love, feel love, be in love for all that exists. I am looking forward to unraveling my shell and discovering the core of who I am. I haven’t quit met her yet. But I bet she is beautiful, just as you are.

Much love,
Carla 

Returning

Time flies when you are having fun or out chasing dreams. If life had a map, mine would be a one laden with new paths and some dead ends. I am coming to a point now that I am ready to return to what I had started a year ago….I yearn for the familiar, that feeling of coming home. I have been on a long journey, diving deep into the sea of my inner self, uncovering who it is that I am. I have made remarkable progress, but it is time to rest. Take a siesta in a field of wild flowers, gaze at an ocean of stars, allow the mind to simply unravel and float free. Thinking and over thinking comes natural to me. Keeping my thoughts silent is a struggle. Some questions in life cannot be answered by others, research or the internet. The answer lies within and the only way to hear it is to be peacefully silent. Another release that I have always found incredibly helpful is writing. At times I seem to answer my own weighing quandary’s by just letting my thoughts flow through my fingertips to pen to paper (or keyboard to screen). So here I am again! I have missed my blog and revisiting has aroused a sense of longing and beautiful nostalgia. Have you ever looked back at a photo or maybe your own journal and thought to yourself, wow, I have lead a beautiful and abundant life. That is what is so profound about writing. You can easily forget a moment, but once its jotted down to remember or captured in a photo, you can forever revisit. Why did I ever stop? Life gets so busy. But I am making a promise to take the time to do that which helps me grow or can bring peace to my life, or can help myself tap into my higher being.

Immersed in the simple pleasures of life. Indulging in a good book under the refuge of a huge maple tree that sits high on a hill overlooking the gorgeous Hudson River with the Catskill mountains as a back drop. It is peaceful and  there is always a playful breeze making its way across the fields. A simple cloud in contrast to the blue sky captivates me as I sit at work and gaze longingly outside. It is so incredibly striking that its nearly ethereal and I have to wonder if it is real.  I drive with my windows and sunroof open, taking big deep breathes of fresh air,  allowing the sun laden summer breeze and Led Zeppelin carry me away through valleys of lush greenery and hawks capturing my awe as they glide above. A visit to the ocean reminds me how vast and yet small we are. The salty air awakens my senses, the cry of seagulls and rolling waves bring my soul to a state of peace. I allow her to take all my worries, anxiety and petty issues out to sea, where she can swallow them and return to me love and a reminder that my body and mind are sacred. Closing my eyes and taking in the sounds around me, I repeat these simple words: I am blessed, my life is abundant, I am loved, I am worthy, I am at peace with life and I am open to what the universe has to offer. When we slow down and take in our surroundings, drink in the beauty that our Mother has to offer, the gifts are priceless and are abundant to our lives.

I am returning to be inspired and inspire. What brings me the greatest joy is to help others love who they are, to reach for what may seem unattainable and to encourage you to be the person you are truly meant to be. We are forever changing and growing. It is not always easy nor always a beautiful process. But like the lotus, we emerge from dirt and rock to reveal our true being. Take time to be silent. Take time to walk barefoot and soak up all that earth energy (it is free and abundant, so be greedy!). Retreat to the forest, embrace her soil, drive your roots into the depths of her love. 

Many Blessings. 

Carla 

Celtic Roots

I remember sitting in my sons bed, writing out my 2015 New Years resolutions, with a heavy sense that this year was going to be one of change. The list consisted of becoming a blogger, spending more time with my family and growth as an individual. Little did I know that creating a blog would open the door to writing articles, create an awakening within myself to see what drives and motivates me. What started off as a lifestyle blog, became more of documentary of what was taking place within myself and I felt inspired by what was around us, obtainable, beautiful and free. My time spent at home consisted of creating decor or personal remedies through nature. Time spent with my family consisted of being outdoors and recognizing the glorious bounty of land, trees, plants and open space to breathe. I was creating and sharing my creations with my best friend Sara, whom started to create within her home as well, all from natural ingredients and essential oils. It was therapeutic for me, it was reeling me back to a time as a young girl when my imaginations drove me to create special lotions or cook fresh herbs on a cast iron pan heated by the sun alone. I was always living in a slight magical world! My imagination only grew as I read Anne of Greene Gables or Little House on The Prairie, all of which were spun and woven with natural remedies and living off the land. My heart still skips a beat thinking of living a life like that!

 {Our Lady Bergamot body cream, smells heavenly!!!}

{Foraging Cedar for our smudge bundles within my backyard :)}

As long as I have known Sara, which boasts a friendship well over 13 years now, she has always been curing herself or her family with natural remedies. Her grandmother passed on this beautiful legacy through old worn herbal books and passing her infinite knowledge of old culture ways to Sara. Aligned, creating products, sharing our love of nature, herbs, medicinal and therapeutic...something within us stirred and within a moment of clarity we forged what was once a beloved hobby into a young blossoming business. Combining  our Irish heritage, my Celtic sir name Mahoney and Sara's, O'Malley we both agreed upon the name Celtic Roots LLC.

{My business partner (and bestie) Sara and I in her gorgeous garden}

Our goals and dreams are to bring back what once was, what was simply second nature at one time. Surrounding us, in our yards, roadsides, pathways and forests thrives an abundance of plants which are medicinal, that at one time our ancestors foraged and prized as potent healers. A lot of these herbs are considered weeds. We want to create and offer salves, home remedies, personal remedies all from what we have foraged and crafted from our land. To teach you, share our knowledge as we grow and learn ourselves, to become acquainted with what has been freely given to us.

         

       {Celtic Roots facial grains;  a great way to exfoliate and cleanse in one product}

We live in a world that has been mesmerized by quick and easy ways to get what we want, but are laced with pesticides, toxins, hormones, the list could go on. Our hope is to introduce a "living off the land" mentality, to connect with nature yet again, to simply get back on a path that leads us to health and knowledge. Where we can help ourselves. Our business is still young, we are still paving our way and fine tuning. But we have stock to sell from within our homes. You can find us on Facebook, Celtic Roots. Feel free to like our page, leave us a note or send us a message! We have some amazing products that we have hand crafted; lotions, foot scrubs, cleansing grains, face cream, lip
balms....check us out!

{Our Rose Petal facial moisturizer}

We are currently working on opening up shop on Etsy, eventually we will own our own apothecary nestled within our community, our attic adorned with fresh drying herbs and shelves lined with blue bottled tinctures, the fragrance when you walk through our hearth will be heavenly (which of course is our real dream!). But patience and hard work is key to success, as well as passion, which is like a mountain spring within Sara and I. We hope to hear from you, meet you at local fairs and become friends! We hope you fall in love with our products as much as we do. There will be something for everyone; women, men and children! Lastly, If you have a dream, follow it, never dull what you are passionate about!

{Cedar smudge bundles}

A Re-Cap :)

Thought I would share my life currently via snapshots! Just when I thought things were going to settle down, life offered me an opportunity of a lifetime and its been a whirlwind of creativity! As my father told me "we do not allow grass to grow under our feet". Taking after my dad, I move from one project to the next, I love to grow and to have my head deep within a plethora of subjects, knowledge is food to my soul. But I am hoping to create deep roots within this new role and stay for a while, a LONG while. There is SO much to learn, so much so that I will never comprehend it all within my lifetime.

I will save all the details for my next post. In the meantime, life has been sweet. Time spent with my family out playing in the water this past weekend was loads of fun. It was the perfect afternoon together. I hope everyone is enjoying these hot summer days doing whatever it is you love and making the best of them!! I am relishing every minute :)

Sea Salt in My Hair

I've been off having a sweet savory affair with summer, but now that my calendar is less full and I am more available, my thought process has to catch up and I  need to revel in the shallow tide of free time. Having nothing penciled in for the next couple of weekends, it is time to return to life as I know it from a much needed getaway to Rhode Island. Although my thoughts continue to drift to miles of pristine coastline, rolling blue surf, gorgeous desert like vegetation, crabs and clams by the bucket full, feet in the sand, cocktails in hand and lots of sunshine. I am fully rejuvenated!

 My husband surprised me with a sweet little camper, which instantly won my beating heart! At last, those faint whispers in his ear at night "buy a camper" took root and I am sincerely the happiest wife on the planet . I just adore her! Of course, if you know anything about me by now, I at once viewed her as my newest little project. Since he had purchased her a few weeks before our voyage to the sea, I had limited time to decide as to how I was going to glam her up, thus the terminology glamping.

 I really wanted to refurbish the material on all of the cushions, but time was not on my side so I had to scale down the project and settle for throws. Sticking to my thrifty vintage/boho theme,  I decided to see what Amazon had to offer and I was thrilled to find Mexican Falsa blankets at decent prices. Another cool offer, if you were willing to allow the seller to surprise you with the color combo then the price would be even less! I am always for surprises and lucky me, I was given my favorite color as well, purple :)

I had on hand two gorgeous grayish blue Aztec pillows that I had purchased some years ago. But I had torn them open with zero class to empty the stuffing and wash the covers at least a year ago and had never put them together again Silly me! So after a little bartering, my friend Debbie sewed them up like new and I used those to pretty up the dining and seating area of our camper. They worked out perfectly!!!

My husband stumbled across a box that we had stowed away in the attic of our garage. It contained a pot and pan set that had been handed down to me by a close friend, which I had completely forgotten about. It was such a wonderful find, since they totally went with my vintage theme. Perfection!!!

I made a quick trip to Goodwill to see what I could find in the home section. I have to confess, it was one of those finds that made my day complete! There are so many great little finds, I was having a field day collecting all sorts of necessities for our camper, including another vintage throw, a woven ikat rug, charming glass spice jars, rope pot mats.....I left there with my cart overflowing, I was in heaven!

I splurged on some indulgent candles at TJ Maxx (of couse!!) that made our tiny home on wheels smell like heaven. I then  hung a few canvas prints on her walls that I had from home. Lastly placing a bowl of fruit and veggies on her counter tops, she truly felt like home. It was one of the best vacations we had!

Being back has been bitter-sweet, but towards the beginning of summer there was so much to be accomplished at home. It is time to revisit those plans and get the ball rolling! I am someone who needs to be able to see rather envision, so on my current things to do, I am going to be creating a mood board to help myself organize my thoughts visually. No worries, I will be sharing once I have created my board. I would love to see yours as well! A few things that will be included are paint chips, colorful pokey cacti (current little obsession), white moon flowers, wildcrafting...the rest will be a surprise!