Pandora's Casket

I think that a lot of people have heard of Shangri La from the book that was written in 1933. Since then everyone has been on the quest to find such a place to live or simply visit. For those that are not like Indiana Jones there is a place in Orange, Texas called Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center. This is as close to Shangri La as you could possibly get. With over 300 types of plants this is a sight to see. There are botanical rooms upon rooms displaying the floral beauty that will certainly bring pleasure and even an inner sense of peace while strolling through these gardens.

In February of this year the Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center was one of the 50 garden centers like this to earn the U.S. Green Building Council's Platinum Certification for LEED®-NC. This is world wide. The only one in Texas to earn this also. What this certification shows is that they have built this garden and the foundation out of green materials. Saving 70% of energy in running the project. Everything meeting the criteria of being green. Recycling down to the cement that they used which contains 41% fly ash as a substitute for Portland cement. You should really take a look at this particular page on the web site to find out more about the way this was built. I was struck by the plastic bags and the millions it would take. Amazing.

There is so many things to do here. There are educational tours and of course regular tours. Walking through this is spectacular. They have re-built a lot of the gardens since they were devastated by Katrina in 2005so what they have managed to re-build in the 3 years is also out of this world.

The site is absolutely wonderful. There is a great photo gallery where you can take a visual tour of the gardens. Especially nice for those that may not be able to travel to Texas to see this in person. There is so much information on the beginning of the gardens, the building and what is planned in the future. I bookmarked this site as there was so much to read that it will take a while to get through it all. I loved the pictures.

So if you are thinking about planning a vacation and want to find Shangra La, this is the place to visit!

The other night was taco night. Our Top Chief Nicky was spotlighted in Hells Kitchen making his infamous taco meat.
As you can see he carefully places the ground meat that was fresh from the butcher counter into his frying pan. Doing this with great care he moves on to the next step.
He begins to stir gently making sure that all the meat is even in the pan. We do not want it to be uneven!

Oh No! Watch out! Top Chief Nicky is learning that meat "spits back" as he called it. Watch out that is mighty hot spit!

Ah, there is the baby boy, Oh I mean Top Chief Nicky!

Dinner turned out fit for a king made by a king!

Mystic Witch is pleased to announce its newest product in our store front. The Chakra Ear Cuffs.


These sacred gemstone and copper Chakra Ear Cuffs are used for aligning and balancing your chakras (energy centers of your body.) To use, place the cuffs on the backside of your ears with the gemstones pointing towards the back of you. After a while or right away, you may feel some activity in your head, tingling or an expanded feeling. Chakra Ear Cuffs can be worn while meditating, listening to music or whenever you feel you need healing energy. Wear daily to help enhance wellness, peace, prosperity, love and balance. It doesn't matter what your religious or spiritual beliefs are as the ancient mystical principles of healing are universal.

Each Chakra Ear Cuff contains 9 gemstones on a copper base. Copper is used because it is the traditional conductor of energy currents.

Obsidian and Clear Quartz for balance are used for balancing, along with traditional chakra stones: Red Jasper, Citrine, Carnelian, Aventurine, Blue Lace Agate, Sodalite, and Amethyst. Chakra Ear Cuffs aren't heavy feeling on your ears and can be worn comfortably for long periods of time if desired. Please note it is advised that you don't share your Chakra Ear Cuffs with others as it will have your energy pattern once you use them. Cuffs can be bent slightly but caution should be used so stones don't become loose. Chakra Ear Cuffs can't really be seen when being worn depending on the size of your ears and your hair length.

Weekend is finally here. I really do not know why that thrills me as all days are pretty much the same to me. The only difference is that I am not a slave to the alarm clock on the weekends. Able to sleep in a little bit and not have to worry about the kids getting to school on time.

This weekend I am going to look up the hoodia weight loss pills for my daughter Shaina as she was expressing concern of loosing weight after the baby gets here. I doubt that she will need any help but you never know she does love her cookies!

Other than that I am working. Yes, I know I hear violins in the background. I have some new candles and kits to put in the store front so that will take hours to do. I will more than likely take Sunday off to clean and do laundry. WOW! Fun times here

I don't know if anyone heard about the earthquake that happened in Illinois and certain parts of Indiana yesterday or not. I know I didn't hear about it until this morning.

I read about it while I was starting my day. Truthfully, I didn't know that Indiana had earthquakes. I am not surprised just was not aware of that. Being Cali born and bred I am used to those so it is like Oh, another one, eh? haha

For more info on the quake Quake Info