Mary Quast's Blog, page 46

Beauty Tips from Stella Green

Many people are switching to organic or natural foods to improve health. There is also a rise in the use of botanicals in medicine and beauty. Aromatherapy is being to become more and more popular.
Conventional personal-care products contain an assortment of chemicals, including some that have been linked to health problems ranging from weight gain to cancer risk. While many natural and organic options exist, these can be pricey. Stay healthy—and save money—with homemade body, hair care and beauty products free of chemical preservatives.
Grandma used recipes handed down the through the generations in combination with the many herbs grown in her own garden to make teas, oils, salves and soap.
Today, herbs are added to many skincare formulas to soothe, strengthen and exfoliate different types of skin.
My good friend, Stella Green of Stella Green Botanicals stopped by to drop off an amazing Jasmine tea for me to try. I convinced her to stay for a bit and offer some beauty tips.

 Stella, let’s talk romance for a moment. Let’s say I’m getting ready for a romantic evening with my honey. What would you recommend?Start with using a good scrub in the shower. I have one I developed using Almond oil, Dead Sea salt, and essential oils. This will get rid of dead skin cells to make your skin soft and glow with health. Something you for sure want during a moonlit walk.
Hmmm... I love the smell. Say, I have super dry and sensitive skin. After showering I always have to add lotion. What do you suggest? One of my favorite products is the gentle Calendula Lotion. The base of this lotion is Calendula flowers infused into olive oil. They are gentle and healing for sensitive skin. Aloe hydrates and lavender pure essential oil gives you a nice scent and adds to the healing qualities. The soft fragrance is very relaxing.

This is perfect for summer! 
Now what about a speical scent for the night?Use perfume oil. They are made of pure cold pressed jojoba oil blended with essential oils, infused with herbs, spices, plant resins. When you apply a natural perfume oil it works with you to create your own personal scent. Always try a fragrance on before you purchase it. I recommend for a date night, place the fragrance on pulse points.
Yes… pulse points such as behind the ears and cleavage! Some of the best places to be kissed! 

I have her working on a special scent, Legend of the Spirit, to capture the essence of the characters and stories I write. 
Thanks for stopping by today, Stella. I love this tea!!!
You can find Stella at the local Farmers' Market or traveling to various botanical events. Stop by her FACEBOOK PAGE.

#BehindTheStory - Crow Magic

Crow Magic, is about a Native American shape shifter. I was asked how I attained my interest and knowledge of Native American legend and lore. My response became a story.

After the Civil War, my great-great grandfather, Gardner Avery, left his New York regiment to settle with his wife, Helen Greenleaf Kern, in a rural area near Grand Rapids, Michigan, named Jamestown. He kept a diary, which remains in the family, of his daily activities and expenses. On the land he purchased to farm, a tribe of Native Americans resided. The couple let the Potawatomi continue to live and hunt on the land.

Potawatomi WarriorOver time they developed close friendships with many of the tribal folk. My great-great-grandmother became very close to the medicine woman of the tribe who taught her the use of herbs in food and healing. The Avery’s interest in the art of the tribe eventually led to them learning how to make the Native American pottery. Through stories shared around meals, they learned the spirituality of the Native Americans.

At the time, Grand Rapids was one of the first large scale trading posts used by the Ottawa, Potawatomi and the Chippewa. My ancestors learned valuable information from their relationships with these tribes, which lead them to have a successful farm and healthy family. Despite the Avery’s wishes, the government forced the tribe off the land and into a reservation. According to family legend, Helen and her dearest friend spent the last days together. After hugs and many tears, she stood in a field and watched the tribe travel until they were out of sight.

The information, stories, and traditions my ancestors learned have been passed down through the
generations. I grew up listening to the stories my grandmother told of visiting the farm and her grandparents. She also shared aspects of the Native American spirituality and showed us how similar it is to Christianity.

 In the 1950s, my grandparents purchased property and build a cottage on Coldwater Lake, not far from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. We spent many summers at the cottage, where we collected arrowheads we found in the local sand pits. A Chippewa family owned a cottage near ours and “Indian Dave” would share their stories, dances, and traditions with us while we sat around a bonfire.

I could say the knowledge of herbals and spirituality lives in me because of the ties of my family with the tribes of Michigan and beginning embraced by each generation of my family.


To add to my family history, my cousin’s father was from a Seminole tribe and my brother-in-law is a descendant of a French Trader and Blackfoot Indian woman. Funny, how a person with the Welch/Swedish/German heritage I have, can be neatly blended with Native American legend and lore. Grandmother used to tell us that our legacy isn’t only family blood but also the land we live in.


Indian Dave Eagle Dance is Book 2 in the Legend of the Spirit series and features another Native American shifter from the Chippewa tribe who is looking for a special woman who will love him for who and what he is. Indian Dave's spirit makes an appearance.








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Happy Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The date is perhaps best recognized in the United States as a date to celebrate the culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican ancestry.

Special events and celebrations highlight Mexican culture, especially in its music and regional dancing. Grab some friends and host a party or spend the night in with your honey. Prepare a Mexican meal, make some margaritas, throw a couple Mexican blankets over the couch, light some candles and create your own sensual adventure. Check local costume shops for Cinco de Mayo outfits and do some role playing or dancing.





For some amazing Margarita recipes check out The Best Margaritas of Texas.





Visit the Food Network for some yummy recipes to celebrate the holiday.



If you need help turning a hum-drum day into a Mexican fiesta you need a little help from CHEF AARÓN SÁNCHEZ.  Sanchez is the Owner/Executive Chef of Centrico & Paladar as well as a Food Network Star & Cookbook Author Award-Winning Chef. Check out his website.

#WeekendRomance #Food&Wine

I love chocolate (the darker, the better). I love cherries and I love wine.
 On a whim, I bought a bottle of Cocobon Wine. I liked the description on the lable.
Experience Cocobon, a harmonious blend that tantalizes the senses and transports you along a spell-binding journey to Nirvana. Become immersed in deep crimson tones that deliver decadent aroma and flavor, from dark cherry to rich vanilla, mocha and cocoa.Oh the lable wasn't kidding!  This beverage is an orgasm for the tounge.When inhaling the arroma, the scent was sharp but sublte with only the faintest hint of berries.  The smell carries dark raspberries with vanilla and the flavor is even better. At first you taste a rich full flavor of red fruits. The soft, mild tannins were completely overpowered by the luscious flavors of rich vanilla and dark chocolate. This powerful combination then melted into a blueberry finish with just a hint of bite to help the flavor linger on in the mouth. Even after you swallow, the flavors continue to dance on the back of your tongue.I highly recomend to enjoy this drink slowly for the wonderful experience!  Perhaps the wine is so appealing because it was created by a lady winemaker Georgetta Dane.It takes a woman to know what a woman really wants in a wine!She continues her journey at Cocobon, where she harnesses the power of all her senses and creates a Zen-like balance at the intersection of art, science, and soul.

Tasty Tuesday - Oatmeal Cookie shot

I belong to a Coffee Club, a fun group of Divas who drink coffee when we meet in the morning. But when we meet at night...we just drink.  On Friday, I was given an Oatmeal Cookie and I don't mean the one with oats & raisins.  It was delicious. Ingredients1-ounce Jagermeister1-ounce Irish Cream Liqueur1-ounce Butterscotch Schnapps1/2-ounce Cinnamon SchnappsRaisins, for garnish, optional
DirectionsCombine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass over ice.Here are a few variations.

Dirty Oatmeal recipe
1 1/2 oz Jagermeister® herbal liqueur
1 1/2 oz Bailey's® Irish cream
This is a layered shot - the Bailey's must be on top.


Oatmeal Cookie recipe
1/2 oz Grand Marnier® orange liqueur
1/2 oz butterscotch schnapps
1/2 oz Bailey's® Irish cream
Pour ingredients into a stainless steel shaker over ice, and shake until completely cold. Strain into an old-fashioned glass, and serve.


Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe
1/5 shot Jagermeister® herbal liqueur
1/5 shot Goldschlager® cinnamon schnapps
1/5 shot Bacardi® 151 rum
1/5 shot Kahlua® coffee liqueur
1/5 shot Bailey's® Irish cream
Combine ingredients in equal parts in a shot glass.

#TastyTuesday - Double Chocolate Cookie Bars

We all have days when we need a little pick-me-up.  Chocolate is a great indulgence for an emotional lift.  This is a delightful treat.... try it on your next blue day.

2c finely crushed Oreos (approx 24 cookies)                 
1/4 c margarine or butter, melted
2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (12oz)
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1tsp vanilla
1 c chooped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350'.  Combine crumbs and margarine; press firmly on bottom of 13x9 inch baking pan.  In medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt 1 cup chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.  Pour evenly over prepared crust; top with nuts and remaining chips.  Bake 20 minutes or until set.  Cool.  Chill if desired.  Cut into bars.  Store tightly covered at room temperature.  Makes 24-36 bars.

A Personal Note - "You Don't Look Sick"

I’m not one to put my personal laundry out there, but today I feel the need to rant a bit.

I have Lupus, a “sub-category” of Connective Tissue Disease and at times my body is racked with pain to the point of sitting and doing nothing hurts even more. Most people don’t know I have it, and many that do know don’t understand what it is.... because I don’t look sick.



"My immune system attacks itself. What does yours do?"




What is Connective Tissue Disease? Connective tissues are groups of fibers and cells that “connect” the framework of the body and literally hold it together. Their functions include cushioning, protecting, supporting, insulating and strengthening the body’s tissues and organs. Examples of connective tissue are tendons, ligaments, cartilage, blood, bone, and the dermis of the skin. Because connective tissues exist in so many structures of the body, disorders of these tissues may involve a variety of symptoms, including pain and dysfunction in different areas of the body.
Overall, treatment should include a lifestyle plan to optimize health and reduce symptoms. A well-balanced nutritional plan, regular physical activity, plenty of rest, and routine testing to monitor the progress of disease will aid in controlling this disease.

Complications of connective tissue disease include: ■Difficulty performing daily tasks (uh... like opening the lid to the pancake syrup or snapping my jeans.)

■Increased pain and dysfunction (hurts to walk, move, breathe)

■Joint deformity and destruction (don’t even want to think about it)

■Severe discomfort or pain (due to side effects from pain killers, secondary medications may be needed to treat those)

Basically, there is no cure... the pain will only get worse. One may have to fight depression if the thought becomes to consuming. Suicide rate is high; I guess you could say lack of relief from pain and lack of compassion can make a person literally go crazy.  "Brain Fog" is hard to explain when others get upset with your lack of attention and forgetfulness.
LUPUS - A chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune disease. May cause depression, fatigue, hair loss, sensitivity to sunlight and changes in weight.OR...May cause optimism, excuse to stay in bed, experimentation with new hair styles, getting to flaunt your Derby Hat all year round and more shopping sprees.


A positive goal is to live a life of some kind of remission and have a strong network of people who will be there when things get tough, even though you don’t look sick - they know when your body and heart hurt.
I hope this helps and if you know of someone with CTD, please share this with others. Sometimes the pain is so bad I want to cry, but even crying hurts. However, what wounds the most is when I’m in pain and others look at me as if I’m lying and say, “You don’t look sick.”



Lives

Unlocking
Powerful
Unexpected

Strength

Visit the Lupus Foundation of America

Buy a Fighting Lupus t-shirt

Graduation Day!

My first baby graduates from college today. 
To say I'm proud is an understatement. Son #1 decided a long time ago to attend the same college I did many years before.



He has been referred to as a Legacy Student.

Trading in high school football pads for college
Senior year - Pres of the Frat Once the dust settles from this exciting event, he plans to continue to graduate school with hopes to be the first "Doctor" in the family.
He's kind, caring and witty as well as a wonderful son and role model for his younger brothers.
It seems like it was yesterday I watched him board the bus for the first day of kindergarten.
Time flies.
Where's that box of tissues?

Friday Food Romance

Okay... so you want to plan a sexy dinner with your honey for tomorrow night.  You purchased sexy lingerie and hooker heels.  Here it is Friday and it's time to work on the menu.  After all... the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.  The lingerie and hooker heels will be part of the desert.

So let's focus on food and wine.

Have you ever eaten a meal where the wine and food were so good that you could not forget about it? Then, did you later have that same wine with a different dish or the same dish with a different wine only to be disappointed?

Count yourself fortunate to have experienced the perfect marriage of wine and food. When the wine balances with the food in flavor, texture and taste, both food and wine enhance each other.

These area few hints to consider that will make food and wine pairing simple. But remember that if you like a certain wine with a particular food that is all that matters.

1. Use the same wine in the recipe as you will be serving with the meal.

2. Mask salty dishes with slightly sweet wines.

3. Serve cool, sweet, low alcohol wines with hot, spicy foods. Higher alcohol accentuates heat.

4. Balance acidic foods with sweet wines or round, dry, low acid wines.

5. Combine sweet wines with desserts. Make sure the wine is always sweeter than the dessert.


Combos for Beef
Beef roast, steak, hamburgersVeritasClassic RedMerlotClassic Blush2 Cab/MerlotCabernet Sauvignon
Wild mushroom sauceMerlot2 Cab/MerlotCabernet Sauvignon
Red wine sauces, stew, short ribs, beef stroganoffCabernet SauvignonMerlot2 Cab/Merlot

Stir fry, chiliPinot NoirClassic Red
Brisket, meatloafMerlotClassic Red
Beef WellingtonClassic Blush2 Cab/Merlot
Beef BourguignonMerlotCabernet Sauvignon2 Cab/Merlot

#TuesdayTeaser Crow Magic

Legend of the Spirit, Book 1
Lucy Richards is tired of being timid around men. Hoping to overcome her fears and feel like a real woman, she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who will fulfill that goal. Eve arranges a one-night stand with a handsome Shawnee shaman who will teach Lucy to use her womanly power and take her to unimaginable heights.
Shape shifter Seth Crowe is a Keeper of the Spiritual Law who carries souls from darkness to light, and enjoys using his body to accomplish his magic.Tucked away in the Castillo Poconos Resort, Seth helps Lucy find spiritual and sexual freedom, never dreaming he might find his own mate in the bargain.

EXCERPT
“I am a man who is yours tonight, Lucy.” He walked toward her with arms out from his sides, exposing his nudity. “Draw on the power within you. Look at me. Overcome your apprehension of men. Have I not shown you gentleness?”She nodded and approached him while tugging the strap of her sundress.“Keep your dress on. Take it off when you are ready. This night is about you. Explore my body, learn from it, and take whatever you want. You are in control.”He led her to the center of the blanket and faced her. She stood still with her fingertips resting on his waist. Cupping her face, he lost himself in her eyes.“I am your instrument to use tonight. Open yourself up and delve into this opportunity I offer. I am yours to command. Do you understand what I’m saying?”“I think so.” She considered his offer. “What do I do?”“Follow your feminine intuition.” He couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Touch me, tickle me, beat me, kiss me, bite me, lick me, suck me…whatever you want. Take whatever you need from me to strengthen you.”In the moonlight, an endearing, innocent blush spread across her face. Amazing how a woman who lived her life in fear caused by abuse could be so naïve of her own sensual power. If she knew her potential, she could bring him to his knees.Please, bring me to my knees


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