Fun and Practical Ways of Getting Rid of a Cold

 Forgive the tardy post but as you may have guessed from the title I have been sick with the cold.   As I have been lying in bed coughing and hacking, I actually discovered many ways you can feel better.  

1.      Rest-  I hate to state the obvious but any doctor, naturopath, or witch doctor will tell you that the ultimate way to get rid of this nasty virus is to stay in bed and sleep lots. Phone in sick, let TV babysit the kids and forget all your other troubles. 

2.      Liquids, Liquids and more Liquids- Yes, it is important to stay hydrated especially when you spend a lot of time coughing and choking.  Your mouth will feel dry, your throat will be sore and you will find yourself sweating a lot.  So be sure to drink a lot of fluids especially hot beverages.  I happen to know the best hot beverage you can take for such a nasty cold.  That is my Dragon Fire Tonic.   

3.      Let off a little steam- If you have a humidifier or some kind of steam maker then use it!  Please know that you can put some wonderful aromatherapy to good use with this.  Personally, I like to use Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary and Pine.  These work the best when you are congested.  If you don't have anything like this, then never fear just take your dear sweet time in the shower.  Believe me this helps too.

4.      Watch some good ghost movies- This is just my movie genre preference but they always seem to make me feel better.  They don't have to be ghostly but if you're going to lie around all day, you might as well enjoy yourself.  Besides, all those ghost movies remind me of my home world.  And when you are scared, you may forget that you are also miserable. 

5.      Meditate- This may seem unnecessary to some but many studies have shown that the mind and body are connected.  If you take care of your mind, your body will start to take care of itself and you will get better faster.

6.      Put Vicks under and around your nose- this is something that I just tried.  It was suggested by a friend and it works!!!  It stings the nose a bit (if it's red) but it heals faster, stops running and makes it so much easier to breathe.  Don't forget to put Vicks on your chest and back as well.  Every little bit helps and reminds you of what your mother did when you were a child.

7.      Cough and Hack until it's out of your system – This is pretty self-explanatory.  The reason why you cough in the first place is to get the virus out of your system.  So let it all out!  Blow your nose as well.  Don’t be dainty.  Be loud, long and strong. 

8.      Vitamins, Herbs and Minerals - You will need to take Vitamin C, Echinachea, Ginseng and Zinc.  These four will help boost immunity and get rid of the cold faster. 

9.      Drink some wine - It may not cure it but it sure feels good until you pass out.  (See #1)

10.  If all else fails call an Exorcist - Why not?  You've tried everything else.

You want to take special care of yourself.  A little pampering, indulgence and T.L.C. will go a long way.  Treat yourself as you would treat a child. In the end, you will not only feel better but you will have experienced a little love as well.  It’s almost like a vacation except you suffer instead of your wallet. 

Happy New Year and Birthday to ERG

Hi Everyone!  I wanted to thank you all for tuning into my blog and reading what I have to write.  When I started this blog, it was not one of those WHAM BAM decisions.  It took a lot of time, thought, and imagination to create the Earth Realm Guide.  Luckily, with a little magic and a lot of practice, I feel I have taken a huge step in sharing my story.  I've always dreamed of being a writer and now I feel that dream has come true.

 My blog is now a year old and it feels like yesterday that I had just started it.  The more I work at it, the more I learn and grow along with my blog.  I would like to hear what advice you all have for me and my blog for this coming year.  Any tips, tricks or things you would like to see?  Thank you all for a wonderful year and I hope for many more wonderful years to come.

Tips on packing

The holidays are coming up and vacation time is upon us.  It goes without saying (even though I am saying it) that you probably have to pack a suitcase.  It doesn't matter who you are or where you are going, planning and being prepared starts with what you pack.  Whether you are an angel or a zombie you will need a bit of this and that.  Even the yeti needs to pack a thing or two (just ask Bob packing is his favorite topic).  You could be leaving for a week or month but it is important to remember these tips.

• When choosing your clothes, pick multipurpose items that can be used more than once.
• Plan to dress in layers because you never know what you will need.  The weather can change like the flip of a coin. 
• Roll your clothes rather than fold them.  They are least likely to wrinkle, crinkle or other annoying "inkles". 
• Bring toiletries but keep them to a minimum.  Take small, multipurpose items.  If you run out, you can usually replace these items at relatively inexpensive prices.  Also you will often find complementary toiletries in your hotel room. 
• Leave room for gifts and be sure to make them small.  Your friends/family will love you for an exotic present and its a good way to share your story. 
• Bring a small and simple first aid kit.  These are easy to find.  You can get them at the drug store but as I am into green living (I think that's what the humans call it),  I prefer to make my own with what I get at organic health food stores.  I feel it's always best to go as natural as you can, so I prefer to pack things like witch hazel extract, lavender essential oil, aloe vera gel, etc.  Don't forget the practical things as well like band aids, rubbing alcohol, scissor/tweezers, etc. 
• Accessorize but leave the bling at home.  A little jewel here and there is fine but when you wear something that has alot of rinestones or real stones, they can snag on your clothes and just otherwise annoy you.  Pack things like a scarf (multipurpose and classy), elastic bracelets (can be really nice hair ties), and a colorful necklace (one I never leave home without) that is more portable. 
• Have a swiss army knife with several functions in your suitcase.  You will find that this comes in handy so many times.  For example, If you have a spork on yours, you can eat out a little easier.  And a corkscrew may be essential.   
• The best of best packing advice comes from a very wise woman that I met at the "Prickly Apothecary" told me this.  Put everything (clothes, jewelry, toiletries, etc) in ziplock bags.  Mark the bags to record what is in them.  For example, I usually have one bag for panties, one bag for bras, one bag for socks, and several bags with t-shirts, dresses, and blouses.  I even put my shoes in ziplock bags.  Then you can rifle through your suitcase to find a specific item without messing everything up.  If you do this, your clothes will stay fresh, pressed and it will keep anything nasty from crawling in there.  You will still have to wash everything after your trip is over but life will be much easier with this piece of advice.

Those are some of the best tips I can give you when it comes to packing.  Being an avid traveller is fun but it isn't easy especially when it comes to wrangling suitcases.  That is why you will want to pack light and smart.  Happy packing friends and keep everything light!

PS:  Birthday suit is good but keep it in your room because humans go crazy at the sight of it (no matter who you are). 

Protection against Nightmares

Everyone has nightmares and they can be very frightening.  Luckily, there is a magical way of getting rid of them with out any risk, little expense and no big bang that shakes up your house.  It works for all ages and is completely safe. 

You will need:
A Dream Catcher
Chrysoprase Stone
Lepidolite Crystal


Why will you need these items?

A Dream Catcher = This is crucial in getting rid of nightmares.  Have you heard of an Ojibwe enchantress named Asibikaashi?  She makes all the dream catchers in the Nether Realm. She is a beautiful Native American woman who many have dubbed "the Spider Woman."  I know it sounds dark but she is actually a very warm, wonderful and welcoming woman.  She weaves these enchanted webs, puts them on hoops made of willow and decorates them with various feathers, crystals and colorful ribbons.  She began doing this because the children of her tribe were suffering from terrible nightmares and she needed to help.  The dreamcatchers trap the nightmares and only let the good dreams come through and trickle down the feathers into a sleeping person's mind.    So there you have it and that is why you must have a dream catcher.  If at all possible get a Native American shaman or medicine woman to bless this for you.  It will strengthen its powers, make it last longer and help out a great deal.


Chrysoprase = This stone is used to combat restlessness and bring joy, hope and peace of mind to its owner.  A great detoxification stone, it helps relieve anxiety-provoking images and to cope with them.  If you or your children are having reoccuring nightmares or night terrors, this is the stone you need. 


Lepidolite = This lovely crystal will calm a hostile enviroment and get rid of any negativity.  It's a good preventitive for nightmares, releasing the fear of unknown and slowing a person's mind enough so that they just live in the moment. 


What you will do:

1. Hang your dream catcher over your bed
2. Charge your crystals with sunlight for at least 8 hours
3. Place your stones underneath your pillow
4. Sit on your bed and meditate.  When you first see an animal (of any kind) that will be your spirit animal.  Focus on your spirit animal and ask it to guide you to that peaceful place in your mind where you are completely safe. 
5. Once you make it to that place, slowly open your eyes, and lie down on your bed.
6. Keep your spirit animal and peaceful place in your mind as you allow yourself to drift off to sleep.

I have found that this really works whether you are in the Earth Realm or the Nether Realm.  If it is your children having nightmares please explain the powers of the dream catchers and crystals.  Assure them that they are safe and protected.  So you can't go wrong with this one.  Sweet dreams my dear readers and please let me know if this has worked for you. 

Advice on Saving Money When Travelling

When it comes to traveling it seems like all you do is spend, spend and spend some more.  Well fear not, there is a way you can save your money and still get the most out of a vacation.  The answer is to go to the food markets instead of going to restaurants.  Don't get me wrong, you will want to go out and eat sometimes especially when you want to sample the cuisine of another place (or if you write about it for a living).  Just don't do it all the time.  Believe me this will save you from breaking the bank. 

Here on Vancouver Island, it's easy.  There are some markets that give you fresh organic food that can last for a little while.  I'm lucky because I have a refrigerator to put it in but many of you may not have that luxury.  And that's okay, you can still have fresh food without an icebox.  What you want to do is buy one of those cooler bags, fill it with ice and keep all of your most perishable foods in there.  You'll have to dump the water out everyday but that is a small price to pay.  Once you are finished with this bag, you can always pack it up in your suitcase, take it home with you and save it for next time.   

If you are on a road trip, it would be a good idea to invest in a cooler which is more of a box than a bag.   You can't take it on an airplane but on the upside,  it keeps the ice (and therefore your food) for longer, it's easy to store and lasts a long time.  The bags you may have to replace sooner.

So whether you are a were-creature who wants to keep a steak, a vampire who needs to store blood or a fairy who needs to keep your produce in tact, make sure you have an ice-bag, ice cooler and/or ice box to handle all your food storage needs.  Believe me you will need it because there is not enough magic in the world that will save your food or your money.  Luckily, practicality will. 
 

Siren Shoutouts and Shell-collecting Sages

Artwork provided by www.kelleeart.com

Because I am going to Vancouver Island at the end of July, I wanted to make a shout out to the Siren Clan.   I am hoping to visit an old friend who lives in Tofino.  A mermaid named Odessa who has lived there for 20-odd years.  She loves it there and makes a decent enough living.  She sells seashells by the sea shore.  I mean seriously!  What better job for a mermaid right?

Anyway, merpeople are one of many who belong to the Siren Clan.  This clan includes the selkies, kelpies, the sirens themselves and many more.  They are a group of sea mystics who not only provide us with beautiful music but ensure our safety in the water.  Everything about this particular clan revolves around water in one way or another. They are forever drawn to it and will never be far from it. 

These beings are very talented in whatever they choose to do with their lives.  Any chance encounter you have with them will make your life richer.  I know what you are thinking.  Don't they cause ships to sink and drown sailors?  The answer to that is not exactly.  What happened was these sailors sailed into a mermaid cove.  When they launched their harpoons at the mermaids, they caused alot of damage to the mermaid's homes and to the mermaids themselves.  I was told that these men thought that they were ordinary fish (big mistake).

So what do the mermaids do?  They attack these sailors to defend themselves and their homes.  Does this sound unreasonable?  After this incident, the mermaids had to leave and find an new place to call home.  Luckily, it is not hard for the merpeople to migrate.  They found many nice places where sailors, pirates, and pretty much anything involving a ship doesn't bother them.

Most of the siren clan are very gentle creatures and this includes mermaids.  They have very beautiful voices.  They all sing different kinds of songs depending on their own taste in music.  I have a feeling that our biggest singing sensation, Euterpe (Yes, the muse of music), has a hand in it.  She is an excellent teacher.  So are the sirens.  I will never forget the advice Odessa gave me.

1. Get your butt down to the beach
2. You don't need to be 100% shore of yourself when it comes to your heart.  Take a risk
3. Never get tide down to someone or something that is not right for you
4. Don't just make small waves, make tidal waves.
5. Pier pressure should be avoided.  Learn to be comfortable in your own shell
6. Sea life's beauty in everything that you encounter.
7. Keep the damn beach clean!  I live here!

 With this wise advice, I have a new perspective when it comes to all things to do with the sea.  Thanks Odessa!  I hope to see you soon.  As for the rest of you.  Is there a siren out there that you want to say hello to? 

Best way to make a Brilliant Birthday

Birthdays at any age are special days even for us (the mystics). We take special pride in the fact that we have lived another year.  Why is that?  Well like humans, we don't have it easy either.  When you are magical, everyone (mainly humans and demons) want a piece of it, thinking that power makes everything better.  Take it from me, it doesn't.  It's more responsibility and alot more to hide.  But let us not talk of that since it is a real downer and get back to the topic at hand, birthdays. 

"Always see every day as a chance to start afresh and make it count by living it as if it is your last."

This is a mantra or prayer that we of the Fey Clan wish upon every baby born.  On the day of a newborn baby's birth we (fairies) always whisper it into the baby's ears.  By doing this, we hope that these children (no matter from what clan) will lead happy and healthy lives.  Birthdays are often the days that where we truly live like that.  It's in all of us.   Here is what I did with mine. 


First, I went to an indoor trampoline park.  That was alot of fun.  I can't remember the first time tried one of those.  I can assure you it wasn't yesterday.  Second, I had the world's best ice cream from the Village, (of course).  I had their newest chocolate flavor called oaxacan chili chocolate.  It is creamy chocolate with a good KICK!  I recommend it to anyone who likes sweet and spicy. (See my previous post about The Village:  http://earthrealmguide.blogspot.ca/2015/04/village-ice-cream.html) 

The third and final thing I did for my day was have dinner with some great friends.  These are human friends this time.  We ate pub food and drank beer.  It was alot of fun.  I am more of a wine person to be honest but that doesn't change the fact that it was the best night ever!  Good friends who care for you and love you for who you are is something to be grateful for.  No they do not know I am a fairy but I think they suspect something

Later, I'm expecting a visit from family, they are crossing over into this world just to celebrate my birthday with me. I am very grateful for them as well.  A good family is the best treasure anyone can have.  They are precious and irreplaceable just like our birthdays.  So celebrate them my friends.  You never know if you will ever have another one.      

Things to see and Places to go ... when you are Travelling

Hello future nomads.  After much travelling and planning for future travels, I wanted to share with you what I suggest for a fabulous holiday. 

1. Go to a Beach  - There is no better holiday than hanging by the beach and going for a swim in salt water.  Going for a swim in salt water not only refreshes you but cleanses you of all negativity and refreshes your soul.
2. Go to a Garden - Being around all those plants and flowers, watching the butterflies flutter, smelling the sweet and spicy smells that surround you.  Need I say more?
3. Do something Wild and Crazy - This is what brings you the most memories and helps you to step out of your comfort zone.  I suggest trying something like surfing, bungee-jumping, rollercoaster riding, etc.  It may seem scary at first but when you take that step you will never feel more alive than at that moment.  For me, its like flying again.
4. Explore all the old buildings - To see these structures up close and personal is very surreal.  It's like stepping back in time.  You can see what these buildings once were, what the people of that time were doing in them.  In fact, try one of these tours that take you into these interesting places and they will give you an insight of the history of them.  It'll help you visualize what once was.   
5. Try the Food - Exotic flavors especially in the form of food is a MUST.  When I went to Hawaii, I tried one of the best things that came from this beautiful island.  A pineapple.  Yes I have had pineapple before but not straight from the tree.  It was juicy, flavorful and oh so yummy!  I wish I had one right now.
6. Do a little Shopping - Some of the best gifts I have gotten were items from other countries.  I have this beautiful red kimono from Korea that a family member gave me for Christmas.  Red is lucky there and this robe has been very lucky for me.
7. Take in one of the Local Talents and/or Shows - A night of entertainment should be on everyone's list.  Seeing a show is apart of seeing their culture.  You get to see things in a different point of view, listen to music that you normally do not hear on the radio and it's just freaking awesome!

You can do all these things on your holiday. Who said this world isn't magical?   All you need are a few ideas and these magical ingredients.  Have lots of memories of things that are wonderous, throw in some whimsical experiences, a souvenier and you got a holiday.  Oh boy I sound like an enchanter.  Have a good day everyone and happy flying (however that maybe).

A Quote on Happiness

Good Day all!  It's a beautiful day today and I wanted to share a beautiful quote.  I heard it from one of the wisest and most wonderful women in my life.

"Happiness isn't about getting what you want all the time.  It's about loving what you have and being grateful for it."

This is a quote that we as mystics love to follow when it comes to our long lives.  One does have to be grateful for what they have even if it seems so little.  When you love the little things, they can grow into something big and wonderful.  You can take what you want from that quote but make sure you remember it when you need it. 

Spring Cleansing

Photo courtesy of  spiritual celeb LeeZa Donatella (leezadonatella.com)

Well spring is here.  At least in Calgary it is.  And all of us know that when it's spring we have to clean house.  Not just in the physical sense (we have to do that alot don't we?) but in the emotional/spiritual sense (We do this alot too but it seems alot easier).  Here is a guide to get you going.  What you need is :

• White Sage Smudging Wand
• Citrine Crystal
• Salt Water or Holy Water (all about preference)
• Rock Crystal Lamp
• A Sea Shell from the Siren Clan
• A pot of African Violets
• White Candle (preferably laced with pixie dust)
• A Smudging Feather (optional) 

*WARNING:  Make sure you get the bird's permission for the smudging feather because my werewolf friend just took one from a hawk and the damn thing didn't leave him alone for a month.  It continually pecked at the top of head and then took a dump on him.*



Now first things is first:  Do this during the day when the light is bright.

1. Light a white candle in the center point of your house.
2. Use that candles to light your smudging stick and trace it along the corners of your home with your hand or your feather.  Be sure to say a small prayer or incantation.  I prefer this one. "Only light and good energy are welcome in this space.  May it be like this always."
3. Take your water and pour a little in your hand and cup it while you put your love and good intentions in it.  Focus on that as you splash each opening (doors, windows, chimney, etc) to your home.
4. Now take the shell and place the white candle in there.  Take the citrine crystal and rotate it clockwise around the flame.  Say another prayer or incantation such as, "With this crystal. I light it for love and protection.  Please keep my home safe and full with love."
5. After everything is said and done.  Finish off by lighting up your Rock Crystal Lamp. 

And this concludes the total cleansing of your house.  Remember, this has to be done by you and you have to make it your own.  Focus on your intentions and you will succeed in cleansing your house.  Speaking of which, don't forget to actually clean your house.  A clean space is a happy space.     

A Friendly Piece of Travel Advice

Now that I'm back in Calgary.  I find it rather difficult to step back into a routine again.  My friends whether you are traveling by plane or by portal, give yourself a little time to rest and recover from your travels.  It takes a lot out of you human or not.

3 Little Tips

There are 3 Things one must know in order to survive here:

1. Keep an eye on a person's Aura.  As many of you know, the aura is that colorful force field that surrounds any human or being's body.  For Mystics its a description of their clan.  For humans it's a description of their personalities and intentions.  So pay close attention.
2. Although you must hide your wings, fangs, etc.  Keep the wild in you.  Everyone is unique and this is true for all living beings, magical or no.  In this world you can not tell humans who or what you really are but you can be your own special selves. 
3. Remember that magic is everywhere but here it's different.  Back in the Nether Realm and depending on what you are, often magic was easy to come by in one form or another.  In this world, however it is a little more indirect and a bit harder to recognize.  A lot of the magic here can manifest in miracles, surprises and strange circumstances.  There are many humans that don't believe in magic, so beware of who and what you talk about. 

Well there you have it folks.  If you remember just these three tips, you'll be just fine here.