Herbs and Free Kitty Halloween Cross Stitch Pattern

I wanted to share with you all a really cute (free) cross stitch pattern I came across today from Silver Cute Dwarf which is called "Boo" and something I'll be stitching this week! I love it.
The other thing I'd like to share is a bit about herbs. I love herb lore! They have along history as a natural remedies—and many other more unusual uses, too (especially if you’re bothered by a pesky witch or two this Hallow’s Eve!). Here are a few!

Basil - A cup of basil tea after dinner helps digestion. Ease a headache by drinking tomato juice blended with fresh basil.

Chives - Bunches of chives hung in your home were used to drive away diseases and evil.

Dill - Romans made wreaths and garlands out of dill. Dill keeps witches away.

Fennel - Bunches of fennel were used to drive off witches. It was used in love potions and as an appetite suppressant (don’t you wish!).

Garlic - It was thought to give strength and courage. Aristotle noted garlic's use as a guard against the fear of water. It's also been widely used against evil powers.

Marjoram - The Greeks believed it could revive the spirits of anyone who inhaled it.

Mint - It was believed to cure hiccups and counteract sea-serpent stings (especially important to those of you living by water!).

Oregano - Also used for scorpion and spider bites.

Rosemary - Rosemary in your hair will improve your memory. It will protect you from evil spirits if you put a sprig under your pillow.

Sage - Thought to promote strength and longevity and believed to cure warts. American Indians used it as a toothbrush.

Thyme - Burning thyme gets rid of insects in your house. A bed of thyme was thought to be a home for fairies.

Folk lore aside some herbs do help fight winter colds and flu, especially herbs known for their strong scents—rosemary, thyme, sage, basil, oregano, lavender, and others. They have high concentrations of volatile oils that have antiseptic and antibiotic properties that bolster the immune system. To ease sore throats, make your own gargle by adding a teaspoon or two of any of the following to warm water: cider vinegar, sage, chamomile, lemon juice, or raspberry leaves.

Have you ever heard of Cats Ear? It’s also known as False dandelion. Historically, dandelion was prized for a variety of medicinal properties, and it really does contain a wide number of pharmacologically active compounds. Dandelion is used as folk remedies in North America, Mexico and China. Cats Ear and dandelions are completely edible and if you ever get a chance to visit The Amana Colonies in east, central Iowa, try their dandelion wine!

Selling Poll Results and Some Fall Photos

Good morning all! I hope you are having a glorious fall day! First of all, I would like to share the selling poll results that I received during my September giveaway.  The majority of you indicated that you would prefer to purchase prims from me from a selling blog but a close second was from Etsy and lastly (and not many) preferred eBay.  So, with that information in mind, I am working on creating my selling blog (any tips would be greatly appreciated) and hope to have it up and running in a few weeks.

The second thing I'd like to share today are two purchases I recently made.  A little while ago I purchased an herb rack from Firecracker Kid Primitives and this weekend I finally got it up on my wall.  Here is a photo of it with some of my Halloween ornies. I really, really like it!
The next item I purchased was from Wicked Faerie Queen -- a cute little painted Halloween box.
I also wanted to share with you some of my Halloween decorating (I don't do too much anymore because of working full time and the time it takes to put up and put away things) that make me smile!
And lastly, little Mr. Nicky trying out the new throw blankets (they weren't out 5 mintues before he climbed up here!).  Take care and remeber to hug those kitties today!

For Kathy at Tolentreasures

I was reading Kathy's post at her blog TOLENTREASURES and while I enjoyed reading about her weekend, her "scarey" story kindof gave me goosebumps.  So, as I was browsing around the Internet today (and BTW, this post has nothing really to do with crafting), I came across this photo:
It was taken in 1950 and shows the image of another "creepy" guy. It was taken by a National Park Service photographer during massive renovations of the White House (yes, the one in Washington DC) in 1950. In the background, a group of men stand to the left. But there is an odd, translucent figure, standing alone, to the right. I'm not saying what he/it is, but here is a larger image of the photo.  Kinda weird, isn't it.

Need a Haystack or Two?

Just a short post today -- I wanted to share this little tutorial that I came across at Wee Folk Art for making burlap haystacks (perhaps your kitty won't want to chew on these!).  They can be made any size and the tutorial is very easy and step by step.  So if you don't feel like cleaning up pieces of hay all over your house, try out one or two of these haystacks.

What Cheer Flea Market

This past Saturday I went to the What Cheer Flea Market with my daughter and grandson, Henry. I haven't been able to go with her in ages so this was special and extra-special since it was Henry's first time there! He had a ball!
I wasn't able to do too much walking because my ankle is still in "the boot" but we did visit some great vendors! Especially the gals who have a booth at the Majestic Lion Antique Center in Des Moines. I've posted some pictures of their wares below.  I loved looking at all the fall decor but went home with just another addition to my vintage glass refrigerator containers (that I actually use all the time). Molly bought an antique butter mold and Henry got a vintage, wooden abacus (can't start math too young!).
This weekend we are going to try attend a local auction that always seems to have one or two things I would just love to have. Until the next post, enjoy your day!

We Have a Winner!!!

My apologies for the delay in posting the winner of my first giveaway! My Internet link was down.  But anyway, I am back and the winner is ..... Kathy H. So Kathy, please email me at: allmycats@yahoo.com with your mailing address and I will get your little Scaredy Cat pillow mailed out to you.  If I do not hear from you by Friday, October 7th at 5 pm EST I will pick another name.

Thank you all for your entries and responding to my question about eBay vs. Etsy vs. a Selling Blog. I will post the results to this question soon.

Also, please stop back in a few days as I will be having an October giveaway!!!