Sharon Wray's Blog, page 52
March 31, 2022
Prep & Plan: Twenty-Two
For the last two weeks, we’ve been cleaning the pantry, refrigerator and freezer. While these are huge chores, and I’m so happy they are finished, there is still work to be done. Now we need to clean the rest of the kitchen. But I can hear your questions: What does any of this have to do with prepping and planning? I’ve taken care of all the food and its proper storage, so why do I need to clean out the rest of the kitchen?
Because food and water are two of the most important issues when it comes to emergencies, and the room where we spend all our time preparing and storing food needs constant attention. While today’s homework is simple, it’s not easy and may take you a while depending on the size of your kitchen.
Since you don’t have to deal with the food (we’ve already done that), we are looking at appliances, cabinets, drawers, countertops, and the floor. While taking everything out of the cabinets is a lot of work, it also shows a commitment to your family, yourself, and your planner mindset. The idea is that if you go through all of your kitchen possessions, and can organize and pare down, you open up space for storing things you need more. An extra case of soup. Plastic jugs of water. Maybe even cans of emergency freeze-dried food.
So let’s get started:#kt-layout-id_3fe764-10{margin-bottom:32px;}ol>li::marker { display: block; width: 1.7; height: 1.7; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: center; font-weight: 800; color: #000; background: #ffcb3e; border-radius: 100%; margin-top: 0.2; margin-left: -2.4; font-size: .7em;}@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_d855d6-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_d855d6-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_3b5201-64{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_3b5201-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_371882-99 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_84aa4a-66 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_84aa4a-66 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_84aa4a-66{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_84aa4a-66 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}Cleaning the ovenIf you have a self-cleaning oven (and it needs to be cleaned), turn it on now.If you use a spray oven cleaner, grab your gloves and spray the inside. Then follow the directions for how long it needs to sit. #kt-layout-id_27316e-a2{margin-bottom:32px;background-color:rgba(173,172,165,0.31);}#kt-layout-id_27316e-a2 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:50px;padding-right:50px;}#kt-layout-id_27316e-a2 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.60;background-image:url('https://sharonwray.com/wp-content/upl... center;background-attachment:scroll;background-repeat:repeat;}#kt-adv-heading_2c0685-46, #kt-adv-heading_2c0685-46 .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_2c0685-46[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_2c0685-46"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_2c0685-46[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_2c0685-46"]{text-align:center;}Cleaning the KitchenIf there are dishes in the sink, wash and dry them, and then put them away. Or, if there are dishes in the dishwasher, turn it on and let the dishes run even if it’s not full. Just like with the pantry, grab a trash bag, set up a folding table (if you don’t have enough space on your counter and kitchen table), and take everything out of the non-food cabinets and everyone on the counter. And I mean everything! It’s only when everything is out that you can see if you have duplicates or things that should be stored together but aren’t. Using a good all-purpose cleanser (here’s a recipe for my favorite one), spray and wipe down the insides and shelves. Then do the same thing with the outsides of the cabinets and the handles. If you use shelf paper, now is the time to replace any torn bits. While the cabinets are drying, sort through your belongings. Be ruthless. Do you need four frying pans the same size? Or all those old, stained dish towels? Donate or throw out what you can’t fix or don’t need anymore. This could take time so make sure to build in some snack time and breaks. The less tired you are, the better decisions you’ll make. As you do this, make a list of any items you realize you need to buy/replace.Throw any dirty/used linens and dishtowels into the wash.Once everything is sorted and you know what you’re going to keep, put it all away. If you decide you want to store items in baskets, or other storage containers, set them aside until you purchase them. If you don’t have room to set them aside, temporarily store them in a cabinet or drawer–just don’t forget that you wanted to organize them differently. Set aside anything that is going back on the counters–we’ll do that after we clean them. Now the cabinets are clean, inside and out, and everything you’re keeping is put away nicely. If the oven cleaning cycle is finished, clean up the ash. Or if the oven cleaner is ready to be scraped off, grab your gloves and finish the task. If you have small appliances, clean them of crumbs and drips and polish the outside with an appropriate cleanser.Clean the counter with whatever cleanser it requires. Granite and marble need a different cleaner than formica. Next up is the dishwasher. Empty it if you ran it earlier. (see directions below)Clean the sink. (see directions below)And, finally, sweep and mop the kitchen floor!!!#kt-layout-id_d43fa5-1e{margin-bottom:32px;}ol>li::marker { display: block; width: 1.7; height: 1.7; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: center; font-weight: 800; color: #000; background: #ffcb3e; border-radius: 100%; margin-top: 0.2; margin-left: -2.4; font-size: .7em;}@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_c53df4-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_c53df4-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}#kt-layout-id_c53df4-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:26px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_17031d-ca{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_17031d-ca > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_34d160-39 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_09b6de-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_09b6de-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_09b6de-2d{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_09b6de-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}Cleaning the SinkRemove everything from the sink and rinse it. If there is a lot of food residue, use a bit of dish soap and use a sponge to swish and swipe. Rinse again.Sprinkle baking soda over the bottom and sides of the entire sink. Use it liberally and cover as much of the surface as you can. With a sponge soaked in hot water, scrub the baking soda in a circular motion. Make sure to get the all of the sides as well as the bottom. If you are worried about scratching your sink, use a soft rag instead of a sponge.Baking soda is mildly abrasive and shouldn’t hurt a stainless steel or porcelain/ceramic sink.With the baking soda still in the sink, use a soft toothbrush to get into crevices beneath the counter rim and around the drain(s) and any other areas that are hard to reach.Pour white vinegar all over and around the sink. The vinegar and baking soda will react and foam up. This will help break up the grease grime that has attached itself to the baking soda and make it go down the drain easier.Keep pouring vinegar until all of the baking soda is rinsed away. Baking soda and vinegar will NOT clog your drain. Rinse the sink with warm water. Keep rinsing until all of the vinegar and baking soda have washed away. You’ll know if you missed any spots because there will be streaks. Dry the sink well with a soft towel. If you find any spots you missed, use a bit of baking soda and vinegar to clean that spot again. The sink stay clean for about two weeks.If you want a shiny sink, use a lemon slice and all over the sink. If you have a garbage disposal, cut up a lemon into small pieces and run them through the disposal until they are all pulverized. You will immediately smell the difference! While you are cleaning the sink, soak the drain covers in a bowl with 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 Tablespoon of baking soda. The mixture will foam up and soak the drain covers for 15 minutes. Rinse under warm water and dry. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, you’ll need to clean the drain. Boil a big pot of water and pour it down the drain. Pour a 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. It will sit on top of the drain at first. That’s okay.Pour 1 cup of vinegar down on top of the baking soda and down the drain. Things will get foamy and frothy and that’s good. That means it is working. Pour another 1 cup of hot tap water over the vinegar and baking soda and down the drain. Pour another big pot of boiling water down the drain.#kt-layout-id_ff32e8-c0{margin-bottom:32px;}ol>li::marker { display: block; width: 1.7; height: 1.7; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: center; font-weight: 800; color: #000; background: #ffcb3e; border-radius: 100%; margin-top: 0.2; margin-left: -2.4; font-size: .7em;}@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_6c97c6-14 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_6c97c6-14 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_7d3d31-20{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_7d3d31-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_7ff279-60 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_6dc80c-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_6dc80c-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_6dc80c-d2{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_6dc80c-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}Deep Cleaning the DishwasherWith a damp cloth or sponge, wipe away spots or residue that splashed around or settled onto the interior surface of the door. Check the door handles, edges, and dishwasher controls. Just use warm water. DO not use any kind of cleaner, especially cleaners that contain vinegar or bleach.Use an old toothbrush, soaked in warm water, to gently scrub the rubber seal. Dry with a soft towel.If there is mold or mildew anywhere in the interior or rubber seal, check the owner’s manual. You cannot use any kind of bleach product on stainless steel, and you can’t use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide on ceramic interiors. If at all possible, clean the mold or mildew by gently scrubbing with warm water. Or use whatever the manufacturer recommends.Clean the filterIf you don’t know where the filter is, check the owner’s manual.Unlock and remove the filter. Rinse it in the sink under warm water.With a soft toothbrush, gently scrub the mesh screen and plastic frame to remove any grime and grease that may have accumulated. Lock the filter back into place.NOTE: On a monthly basis, you may want to try the Cascade Deep Cleaning tabs. They contain surfactants that remove grease and bits of food. Always check your manufacturer’s manual before using any new product.
#kt-layout-id_8e1381-3b{margin-bottom:32px;border-color:var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-top-width:2px;border-right-width:2px;border-bottom-width:2px;border-left-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}#kt-layout-id_8e1381-3b > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;padding-right:0px;}@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_9a5096-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 10%;-webkit-flex:0 1 10%;}#kt-layout-id_9a5096-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 90%;-webkit-flex:0 1 90%;}}#kt-layout-id_9a5096-36{background-color:rgba(173,172,165,0.25);}#kt-layout-id_9a5096-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;padding-right:10px;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-adv-heading_5f0d4d-a3, #kt-adv-heading_5f0d4d-a3 .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_5f0d4d-a3[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_5f0d4d-a3"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_5f0d4d-a3[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_5f0d4d-a3"]{text-align:center!important;}}It’s Time to Celebrate! #kt-layout-id_f0f944-8a > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;}I know you’re exhausted but take a moment to step back and appreciate all the hard work. Now you know how much storage space you have available and any appliances or tools you need to buy. And in a few weeks, we’ll be ready to move on to the concept of long term emergency food storage. But, in the meantime, kick back and relax with your favorite snack and maybe romance novel!
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March 30, 2022
Irish Folklore and Fairytales
All month long I’ve been sharing histories and stories about Irish folklore, myths, and fairytales. Since so many have asked about my sources, below is a short annotated bibliography of my favorite references books about Irish History and Oral Traditions. Many of these books have been out of print for decades, but you can still find them in used bookstores, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
ol>li::marker { display: block; width: 1.7; height: 1.7; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: center; font-weight: 800; color: #000; background: #ffcb3e; border-radius: 100%; margin-top: 0.2; margin-left: -2.4; font-size: .7em;}Celtic myths and Irish legends were, until not too long ago, told in the oral tradition. It wasn’t until Christian monks arrived on the scene that these stories were recorded and cataloged. Except, because the Irish can be contrary (I can say this since all of my grandparents and great-grandparents came from Ireland), the stories changed and were reorganized and then distorted until there was so much contradictory lore, that it became impossible for historians to develop a mythic Celtic Canon.
To make things even more complicated, there are four cycles of Fenian Poetry (Mythological, Ulster, Fenian, Kings’s cycles). Each of these cycles follows the lives and histories of the countries most famous warriors and kings. (Although not everyone believes that these warriors really existed.) The Fenian Cycles are a combination of poetry and prose, written between the 7th and 14th centuries in an older form of Gaelic. Many of the academic books about these cycles can be hard to understand which is probably the reason for the proliferation of easier fairy tale and folktale books. Then, as time went one, the stories kept changing and distorting and evolving. Now we’re left with a huge amount of mythical stories that contradict each other. But that doesn’t take away from the sheer pleasure of reading about leprechauns, banshees, and the famous Fenian warrior Fionn MacCumhaill. I hope you enjoy the books below. I’ve studied them all and they each offer something different.
A huge thanks to Amazon for the publisher information, and these books are in no particular order.
As the famous poet and writer W.B. Yeats says in his famous work Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry,
#kt-layout-id_3fe764-10{margin-bottom:32px;}ol>li::marker { display: block; width: 1.7; height: 1.7; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: center; font-weight: 800; color: #000; background: #ffcb3e; border-radius: 100%; margin-top: 0.2; margin-left: -2.4; font-size: .7em;}@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_d855d6-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_d855d6-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_3b5201-64{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_3b5201-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_371882-99 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}“When the pagan gods of Ireland–the Tuath-De-Danān–robbed of worship and offerings, grew smaller and smaller in the popular imagination, until they turned into the fairies, the pagan heroes grew bigger and bigger, until they turned into the giants.”
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_84aa4a-66 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_84aa4a-66 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_84aa4a-66{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_84aa4a-66 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}The Folklore of Ireland by Sean O’SullivanPublished in London, in 1974, this out-of-print hardcover book contains a collection of previously-unpublished manuscripts that contain unusual examples of ancient Irish myths and folktales. The book also has examples of unusual Irish prayers, riddles, folks charms, proverbs, ballads, and songs. This is an obscure text that rounds out any collection of Irish history and folklore.
This wonderful book also contains full references, indexes, bibiliographies, and explanatory notes.
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f8a283-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f8a283-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f8a283-86{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f8a283-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}Irish Tales of the Fairies and the Ghost World by Jeremiah CurtinPer the publisher: “A century ago, a Smithsonian Institution ethnographer traversed the byways of rural Ireland to listen to villagers recount stories of fairies, ghosts, and other supernatural creatures. Thus did Jeremiah Curtin become one of the foremost authorities on Irish folklore, as he documented and recorded these authentic, traditional tales from the Emerald Isle. Many of Curtin’s storytellers not only maintained a sincere belief in fairies but also claimed firsthand experience of the sprites, wraiths, and specters that enliven their narratives.”
This book contains 30 stories of people’s first-hand experiences with Celtic supernatural lore. Published in 2000, it relates stories of fairies, sprites, wraiths, and other specters. While it as written for academics, it’s an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the world of Irish fairies.
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Irish Fairy Tales
by James Stephens & illustrated by Arthur RackhamPer the publisher: “‘Irish Fairy Tales’ is a collection of stories originally edited by James Stephens, and accompanied by the illustrations of Arthur Rackham. It contains ‘The Story of Tuan Mac Cairill’, ‘The Boyhood of Fionn’, ‘The Birth of Bran’, ‘The Wooing of Becfola’, ‘Oisin’s Mother’, ‘The Little Brawl at Allen’, ‘The Carl of the Drab Coat’, and more. James Stephens (1880 – 1950), was an Irish novelist and poet, who produced many retellings of Irish myths and fairy tales. His retellings are marked by a rare combination of humour and lyricism, stemming from his own successful literary career.”
This book was originally published in 1920 and is best known for its gorgeous illustrations that accompany ten mythical stories about warriors, medieval kings, and mystical creatures. In 2013, this book was reissued with digitally remastered illustrations. While this was written for children, the stores will fascinate any age reader.
#kt-layout-id_c39689-09{margin-bottom:32px;}ol>li::marker { display: block; width: 1.7; height: 1.7; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: center; font-weight: 800; color: #000; background: #ffcb3e; border-radius: 100%; margin-top: 0.2; margin-left: -2.4; font-size: .7em;}@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_ed4b9d-c9 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_ed4b9d-c9 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_2ef51e-87{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_2ef51e-87 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_c0ad48-57 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_2ddb17-8c > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_2ddb17-8c > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_2ddb17-8c{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_2ddb17-8c > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}Irish Fairy Tales and Folklore by W.B. YeatsPer the publisher: “A classic collection of Irish fairy tales and lore by Nobel Peace Prize-winning author and poet W. B. Yeats. Originally published as two separate volumes in 1800s, this premier collection of Irish stories edited and compiled W. B. Yeats is the perfect gift for any lover of Irish literature and folklore. The lyrical prose and rich cultural heritage of each tale will captivate and enchant readers of all ages and keep them entertained for hours on end.”
This book has been reissued many times, and many historians consider it the “premier” book in Irish fairy tales. It contains over 75 stories that include the history of changelings, leprechauns, and fairies. This was also one of the very first books I read about Irish fairy tales, so I am biased when I say it’s one of my favorites.
#kt-layout-id_9d6cc8-03{margin-bottom:32px;}ol>li::marker { display: block; width: 1.7; height: 1.7; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: center; font-weight: 800; color: #000; background: #ffcb3e; border-radius: 100%; margin-top: 0.2; margin-left: -2.4; font-size: .7em;}@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_1fb117-4a > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_1fb117-4a > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_09baf4-bc{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_09baf4-bc > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_e74f9f-be .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_475c88-07 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_475c88-07 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_475c88-07{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_475c88-07 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}Celtic Tales: Fairy Tales and Stories of Enchantment from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales by Kate ForresterPer the publisher: “Perilous quests, true love, and animals that talk: The traditional stories of Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales transport us to the fantastical world of Celtic folklore. This Celtic mythology book features 16 stores that were translated and transcribed by folklorists in the late 19th and 20th centuries that focus on themes such as Tricksters, The Sea, Quests, and Romance and mythological creatures. These timeless tales brim with wit and magic, and each one is brought to life with elegant silhouette art in this special illustrated edition.”
Published in 2013, this is a newer edition to my collection of Irish fairy tales. It has lovely illustrations and a bibliography in the back. It’s perfect for adults and children.
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_30a0c6-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_30a0c6-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_30a0c6-2e{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_30a0c6-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}A Treasury of Irish Fairy and Folk Tales by Various AuthorsPer the publisher: “These lrish tales all are reprinted from nineteenth-century sources, but they date back to a centuries-old oral tradition of storytelling that had yet to be committed to the printed page. They were passed down through the ages virtually unaltered and feature a wide variety of fantastic beings. This edition has an exquisitely designed bonded-leather binding, with distinctive gilt edging and a silk-ribbon bookmark.”
The most current edition in print is from 2016. This is a lovely book that would make a great gift for young adult reader. The writing style is a bit advanced for younger readers and the stories don’t hold back on the histories, some of which can be a bit violent–albeit probably true. It’s a beautiful book for any collection and looks great on a bookshelf.
#kt-layout-id_06585e-86{margin-bottom:32px;}ol>li::marker { display: block; width: 1.7; height: 1.7; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: center; font-weight: 800; color: #000; background: #ffcb3e; border-radius: 100%; margin-top: 0.2; margin-left: -2.4; font-size: .7em;}@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_5a9dc2-89 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_5a9dc2-89 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_e21b1c-b7{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_e21b1c-b7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_08b5b7-98 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_e5ad11-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_e5ad11-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_e5ad11-08{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_e5ad11-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}Irish Stories and Folklore: A Collection of Thirty-Six Classic Tales by Steve BrennanPer the publisher: “In Irish Stories and Folklore, the reader can revisit old favorites, like Oscar Wilde’s short story “The Canterville Ghost,” and discover lesser-known treasures such as “The Orange Man, or the Honest Boy and the Thief” by Maria Edgeworth. The imaginative stories contained in this volume are sure to engage the mind and delight readers looking to enhance their knowledge of the rich history of Ireland.
Published in 2018, I love this collection because the author chose some of the funnier stories and anecdotes. It also included short stories I wouldn’t consider part of the mythic Celtic canon, but I enjoyed them anyway. This is a great introduction to Irish Folklore for adults and young adults.
#kt-layout-id_575406-d4{margin-bottom:32px;}ol>li::marker { display: block; width: 1.7; height: 1.7; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: center; font-weight: 800; color: #000; background: #ffcb3e; border-radius: 100%; margin-top: 0.2; margin-left: -2.4; font-size: .7em;}@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_2a3c2c-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_2a3c2c-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_b05565-db{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_b05565-db > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_e3426d-87 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f2468c-09 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f2468c-09 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f2468c-09{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f2468c-09 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}
A Treasury of Irish Folklore: The Stories, Traditions, Legends, Humor, Wisdom, Ballads and Songs of the Irish People
by Padraic ColumPublished in 1985, this is a general collection of stories about ancient Celtic deities and fairies. It also includes poems, songs, and random collections of sayings.
@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_6283af-c9 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_6283af-c9 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_97b8aa-06{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_97b8aa-06 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_dce143-ee .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_7f861c-4b > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_7f861c-4b > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_7f861c-4b{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_7f861c-4b > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}Irish Folktales by Henry Glassie (Editor)Per the publisher: Here are 125 magnificent folktales collected from anthologies and journals published from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day. Beginning with tales of the ancient times and continuing through the arrival of the saints in Ireland in the fifth century, the periods of war and family, the Literary Revival championed by William Butler Yeats, and the contemporary era, these robust and funny, sorrowful and heroic stories of kings, ghosts, fairies, treasures, enchanted nature, and witchcraft are set in cities, villages, fields, and forests from the wild western coast to the modern streets of Dublin and Belfast.
Published in 1997, this book includes both the ancient myths and stories about the early Christian saints. This compilation includes some stories that are only available in out-of-print books. It is published in a more academic format that makes it a little harder to read. But the stories are charming and wonderful, nonetheless.
@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_1410e6-7b > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_1410e6-7b > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_8ef321-b7{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_8ef321-b7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_b9fe64-e9 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_d3d205-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_d3d205-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_d3d205-4e{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_d3d205-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}The O’Brien Book of Irish Fairy Tales and Legends by Una Leavy and illustrated by Susan FieldPer the publisher: This wonderfully rich and varied collection are ten of the best-loved traditional Irish stories, retold by author and poet Una Leavy. The Post of Gold captures the trickery and mischief of leprechauns; the story of Oisin in Tír na n-Óg marks the end of the great Fianna. From 2000 years ago comes The Children of Lir … all stories to be treasured for years to come. Susan Field’s beautiful illustrations are inspired by ancient Celtic art and culture. They capture the wealth of tradition, the humor and the magic of these great stories.
Published in 2012, this book has gorgeous illustrations that go along with ten stories. This is more of a bedtime reader and is written in a way that it’s perfect for children.
@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_1c4dd1-81 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_1c4dd1-81 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_c78152-28{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_c78152-28 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_e44c28-c7 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f46e61-80 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f46e61-80 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f46e61-80{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f46e61-80 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}Irish Gothic Fairy Stories: From the 32 Counties of Ireland by Steve Lally, Paula Flynn Lally, & James Patrick RyanPer the publisher: In Ireland there are four provinces and, within these, are thirty-two counties. Each county and its people are unique, but the one thing they all have in common is their respect and regard for the ‘The Good Folk’, the Fairies of all Ireland. Steve Lally and Paula Flynn have compiled this magnificent collection of fairy tales from each county in Ireland. This book is a contemporary take on some classic stories and will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Published in 2019, this is another illustrated collection of stories about fairies in Ireland. The interesting thing about this book is that is divided by Irish County, so you get a good sense of the different ancient histories throughout this country.
@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_5649d8-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_5649d8-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f1138f-c6{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f1138f-c6 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_e32b6a-07 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_53047c-fc > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_53047c-fc > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_53047c-fc{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_53047c-fc > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}Tales of Old Ireland: Retold: Ancient Irish Stories Retold for Today by Lora O’BrienPer the publisher: In Ireland, we have a wealth of old myths, legends, fairy tales and folk stories, which are presented here in an easy to read, authentic Irish storyteller’s voice – retold for modern times. Our Tales of Old Ireland reach from the heroic warriors Fionn and the Fianna, to the curse of a Goddess, to an on-going battle of wits between the Connacht Queen Medb (Maeve) and her rival the King of Ulster. You’ll see shape shifting sisters, fairy folk you’ll want to watch out for, fights with monsters, and wise old women helping young maids.
Published in 2018, the stories are written by a Native Irish Speaker who has translated the original stories into more relatable modern English. This is a great collection of both popular and lesser-known stories that is perfect for both adults and young adults.
@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_5f1839-76 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 25%;-webkit-flex:0 1 25%;}#kt-layout-id_5f1839-76 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 75%;-webkit-flex:0 1 75%;}}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_144ccd-fd{z-index:2;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_144ccd-fd > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:80px;padding-right:80px;}}.kb-gallery-id-_e66a53-12 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius {border-radius: 200px 200px 200px 200px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_9739dd-fd > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:100px;padding-right:50px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_9739dd-fd > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_9739dd-fd{z-index:1;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_9739dd-fd > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-top:-80px;margin-left:0px;}}Irish Fairy Tales by Philip SmithPer the publisher: The age-old charm of Irish folklore gives special sparkle to this collection of eight tongue-in-cheek tales. Wicked old hags, clever leprechauns, courageous tailors, evil giants, and other characters come to life in such fanciful yarns as “Hudden and Dudden and Donald O’Neary,” “Conal and Donal and Taig,” “The Old Hag’s Long Leather Bag,” “The Field of Boliauns,” “The Sprightly Tailor,” “The Giant’s Stairs,” “The Bee, the Harp, the Mouse, and the Bum-Clock,” and “The Black Horse.” Reset in large, easy-to-read type, with six illustrations, these beloved stories from the Emerald Isle will delight readers of any age with their warmth, whimsy, and sly humor.
Published in 1993, this is a children’s book that has compiled some of the more charming (and less scary) Irish folktales. It’s an interesting collection and has some stories I’d not read anywhere else.
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March 29, 2022
Sarah Munro’s Natural Stain Remover
People have been dealing with stained clothing since they began wearing clothes. And although there are tons of commercial stain removers on the market, I’ve had the most success with one of the oldest recipes around. Since the original 17th and 18th century recipes that Sarah Munro has researched all use lye soap, this recipe has been updated for the 21st century with great success. (Sarah, a PhD historian, is the heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH.)
This recipe uses a combination of Dawn dishwashing liquid and 3% Hydrogen Peroxide but make sure to get the original Dawn. The newer formulations have all sorts of additives that you don’t need, and some of these additives are petroleum-based and leave behind a slight reside on fabrics.
For tough stains, spray the fabric (or soak in a bucket for larger pieces of clothing/fabric) and sprinkle on some baking soda. Use an old toothbrush to blend it all together, let it sit for an hour, and then launder as usual. I have used this recipe on all sorts of fabrics and stains and it has never failed me. It works on coffee, tire grease, chocolate, etc. And if the stain doesn’t all come out the first time, you may need to do a second round. Good luck!
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To use, spray directly on the stain and launder as usual.
If you have a tougher stain, like yellowed underarms, spray the stain with the remover, sprinkle on some baking soda (you can never use too much), and use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain. Let the mixture sit for an hour and then launder as usual.
If you are using this remover on items that are hard to rinse, like a carpet or mattress stain, increase the amount of Hydrogen Peroxide to 3-4 parts per 1 part of Dawn. You will get fewer suds. Rinse with a wet sponge and let air dry.
NOTE: 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, even at the higher amounts, won’t bleach fabrics or textiles. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide is the common type found in grocery stores and drug stores and it doesn’t act like a bleach. Bleaching isn’t an issue until you get to the 6% solution which usually needs to be special ordered.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING , AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
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March 28, 2022
A Romance Writer’s Favorite Movies for St. Patrick’s Day
Even though St. Patrick’s Day has passed, it’s still March so I though I’d share some of my favorite movies that I watch around this time of year. I’ve divided the list into three categories to making choosing what to watch a bit easier. Some of the movies are based on historical events, and those tend to be more violent. But others include sweet romantic comedies, musicals, and animated films perfect to watch as a family.
I will say that two of my all-time favorite movies on this list to watch with kids are The Secret of Roan Inish and The War of the Buttons. While not super-sappy movies, they are charming stories about younger kids who learn that magic exists in spite of the difficulties of the world around them. I hope you enjoy the movies on this list. While there were more that I could add, I didn’t want to make the list too long.
Blurbs and links courtesy of Amazon:Family Friendly/Animated MoviesThe Quiet Man ~ “John Wayne stars as Sean Thornton, a retired American boxing champion trying to put tragedy behind him by returning to Innisfree, the bucolic Irish village of his birth. He purchases his birthplace from its current owner, enraging the wealthy and bellicose Red Will Danaher (Victor McLaglen), who had designs on the property. On arriving at his cottage, Thornton finds it being swept out by Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara), a redheaded vision from whom he steals a not completely unwelcome kiss. After engaging in a subterfuge involving a horse race, some of the locals manage to get the disgruntled Red Will to allow his sister to be courted by the American. But the courtship ritual of the village is only the first of many local practices that the bewildered Thornton must endure if he is to have Mary Kate.”
I’ll be honest, I love this movie but it is anachronistic and I don’t think it could be made today. Maureen O’Hara’s character takes some physical abuse toward the end of the film that would never be filmed now. So if watching films with behavior that was once considered comedic (but no longer is now), you may want to skip this one. This film is beautifully shot, though, and this movie walked away with a ton of Oscars. Oh, and there is a great fight scene at the end of this movie between Sean and Red Will that is still considered a classic.
War of the Buttons ~ “The children of two Irish towns located on either side of an inlet in County Cork, form small armies and battle against each other in a neverending quest for supremacy.”
This is still one of my all-time favorite movies to watch with my kids. It’s a charming coming-of-age story about children in pre-war Ireland who battle every afternoon after school and where the battle trophies are buttons. Yet, in spite of the rivalry, these children form friendships which will save them all when they become young men who are forced to march off to a real war.
The Secret of Roan Inish ~ “Young Fiona lives with her grandparents in a small fishing village where she takes an active role to unravel the mysterious secrets.”
My other all-time favorite family movie on this list. This movie is about a young girl who lives on a very remote Irish island who decides to unravel the mystery of the Selkies (seals who turn into mysterious women) who supposedly stole her younger brother years earlier.
Darby O’Gill and the Little People ~ “The story of an Irish caretaker who manages to exact three wishes from Brian, king of the leprechauns.”
This is a Disney movie made in 1959. While it’s a bit silly, and the technology is a bit dated, it’s still a sweet story for the entire family.
Ondine ~ “A fisherman (Colin Farrell) hauls in an unexpected catch when a beautiful and mysterious woman gets tangled in his nets, in this charming and thrilling romance about fairy tales colliding with real life.”
This is a PG-13 romance that is a perfect movie for older kids. It’s a lovely story about the power of story and fairy tales and how love can save anyone.
Song of the Sea ~ “An Academy Award-nominated, hand-drawn masterpiece. The last seal-child, Saoirse, and her brother Ben, embark on an epic journey to save the world of magic in this enthralling fable for viewers of all ages.”
This is a new animated movie about a child Selkie (a seal-child) who is desperate to save the remaining magic left in this world. It’s a perfect move to watch with younger children.
The Secret of Kells ~ “In a remote medieval outpost of Ireland, young Brendan embarks on a new life of adventure when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying a book brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the falry Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him along the way. But with the barbarians closing in, will Brendan’s determination and artistic vision illuminate the darkness and show that enlightenment is the best fortification against evil?”
Another lovely animated film that weave Irish history and mythology into a story of a young boy who must face his greatest fears in order to save his world.
Thriller/War/Suspense/Detective Movies~ “Daniel Day-Lewis stars in this superb drama about an Irishman and his fight to overturn his wrongful conviction in an IRA bombing.”
Daniel Day-Lewis is such a great actor that I will watch any movie he’s in. But this movie, based on a true-life event, is one of my favorites. It’s tough to watch and quite gritty, but gives you a good feel for what life was like in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
Southie ~ “Three years ago when Danny Quinn left Southie, a tough Irish working-class neighborhood in South Boston, he left behind a world of crime and betrayal. Upon his return, Danny is forced to make a risky decision.”
This movie takes place in South Boston and is both a romance and a suspense movie. The romance is so subtle, yet so sweet, it helps take away the pain and hopelessness that all of these characters feel.
The Boxer ~ “Imprisoned for 14 years, a respected former IRA member returns home to open a boxing club – but rekindling an old romance and run-ins with militant friends threaten to derail his life.”
Another one of my favorite Daniel Day-Leis movies. This one is also both a romance and a suspense story where both storylines are so well intertwined, you really think—up to the very last minute of the movie–that things won’t work out. Until they do.
My Left Foot ~ “Daniel Day-Lewis won the 1989 Oscar(R) for Best Actor for his brilliant portrayal a physically challenged writer and painter Christy Brown.”
This story about an Irish artist with cerebral palsy will make you cry and cheer at the same time. It’s a great movie about the power of believing in oneself and how the human spirit can overcome any amount of suffering.
’71 ~ “Jack O’Connell (UNBROKEN) stars as a soldier caught behind enemy lines in this intense action thriller.”
This is a dark movie with a huge redemption arc about a young Protestant soldier working for the British who gets stuck in Belfast after dark in 1971, at the height of the Troubles. On the run from the IRA, he is saved by local Catholics who just want the war to end. Although it’s a violent, scary movie, it’s well worth watching.
Black ’47 ~ “One soldier’s ruthless pursuit of justice plays out against the darkest chapter of Irish history in this riveting revenge thriller.”
This is one of the darkest revenge movies I’ve ever seen. It’s violent and tragic and scary… but it’s so compelling I couldn’t turn it off. If you’re in the mood for a revenge thriller, this is the movie for you.
Michael Collins ~ “Michael Collins, the man and the movie, stands tall. The man is a hero whose fighting tactics became a model for other 20th-century struggles.”
A dramatic account of the real-life Michael Collins who fought for Irish independence and became a national hero.
The Wind that Shakes the Barley ~ “Legendary director Ken Loach’s epic tale of two brothers torn apart by the Irish revolt against the British. Cillian Murphy stars in this dramatic Cannes Palm D’Or winner.”
Another Irish revolutionary movie about two brothers who must go their separate ways. It’s tragic and sad but also compelling enough to keep you glued to the screen until the very end.
The Departed ~ “Martin Scorsese’s crime drama “The Departed” is set in South Boston where the state police force is waging an all-out war to take down the city’s top organized crime ring.”
Another film based in the Southie neighborhood in Boston. This is a classic Scorsese crime movie with lots of violence and bad guys and tough moral choices. It’s also great and if you’re in a crime drama mood, this is the one to watch.
Comedy/Romantic Comedy/MusicalsWaking Ned Devine ~ “A winning lottery ticket transforms the lives of the inhabitants of a rural Irish village.”
A super-cute comedy about a man who has a heart attack after he wins the lottery… and how his friends and neighbors seek to both honor his life and find his winning ticket.
Once ~ “An Irish street performer and a Czech pianist inspire harmonious music together in this film.”
This musical romance takes place in Dublin, with a true Dublin “busker” who falls in love and just wants to make beautiful music while he wins the girl of his dreams.
P.S. I Love You ~ “A young widow discovers that her late husband has left her 10 messages intended to help ease her pain and start a new life.”
This romance, based on a book, will make you cry… until you stop and realize that true love never dies.
Leap Year ~ “An Irish leap year legend spurs a feisty Boston lass to follow her boyfriend to Dublin to propose marriage in this romantic comedy.”
Cute romantic comedy with lovely photography of Ireland. If you love RomComs, this is a great one to watch!
Intermission ~ “Cillian Murphy stars in this urban story about the journey in the search for true love. The film explores the nature of human lives, the damage of routines and the effects of having to change.”
This is a love story, but it’s also deeper than that. The characters are broken and tragic yet somehow find a way to heal themselves and each other in the midst of the turmoil of growing up.
The Commitments ~ “Jimmy Rabbitte aspires to manage the world’s greatest band, with only one music in mind: soul. By advertising for applicants in a newspaper and asking around to promising acquaintances, Jimmy holds auditions at his parents’ home and assembles a band together.”
This is an Irish musical movie about the power of friendship and how important it is to believe in yourself and those you love.
Sing Street ~ “Aiming to win the heart of the über-cool and beautiful Raphina, 14-year-old Conor forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos in 1980s Dublin.”
Another Irish musical movie that, so I’ve heard, may be coming to Broadway. It’s cute and sweet and snarky–just like fourteen-year-olds tend to be.
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March 27, 2022
WANTED: MISTLETOE
I love writing in the Holiday Cafe world. So when I was invited to join another steamy contemporary romance Christmas anthology titled Wanted: Mistletoe, I jumped at the chance to tell the second-chance love story of Kane Mosby and Eve Crenshaw in Eve’s Christmas Kiss. Although Kane is the leader of a local outlaw motorcycle club, he’s a sexy rebel with a cause. While Eve is a beautiful, brilliant accountant with a secret that could tear their hometown apart. When they are stranded together in a blizzard over Christmas, after attending the wedding of Kane’s brother Jacob (in Let’s Get Naughty), Eve and Kane are forced to confront their past–which includes a failed teenage marriage and a tragedy that no parent should ever suffer. But when they do, the sparks fly and long-held emotions take over in a passionate-yet-tender way that will change both of their lives forever.
Wanted: Mistletoe is a collection of fun, romantic, and sexy Christmas romances guaranteed to keep you in the holiday mood all season long. Wanted: Mistletoe comes out on November 1, 2022 and is available for preorder now.
#kt-layout-id_211ea5-60{margin-bottom:32px;}#kt-layout-id_211ea5-60 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_ca9a78-4c > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:50px;padding-right:100px;margin-right:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_ca9a78-4c > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:rgba(11, 118, 25, 0.39);}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_ca9a78-4c > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;margin-right:0px;}}
D
ear Santa,
Before I explain… how much have the elves told you?
Who’s ready for a little naughty & nice in their romance stories this year?
With some mistletoe and holiday cheer, anything can–and does–happen during Christmas in this new and exclusive holiday anthology.
Your favorite contemporary authors have gathered around the wintery hearth to bring you holiday romances with all the sexy feels. If you’re not on the naughty list yet, you will be after indulging in these steamy reads about second chances, billionaires, motorcycle clubs, and so many of your other favorite tropes.
Even if you’re trying to stay off of Santa’s watchlist, these romances will put you in a celebratory mood and warm your heart all season long.
Get this steamy holiday collection today!
#kt-adv-heading_5e8ad3-27, #kt-adv-heading_5e8ad3-27 .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_5e8ad3-27[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_5e8ad3-27"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_5e8ad3-27[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_5e8ad3-27"]{text-align:center;}Preorder Wanted: Mistletoe Here.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_01c849-7b > .kt-inside-inner-col{margin-top:50px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_01c849-7b{z-index:2;}Despite all the sadness in the world, I hope you a
I wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that all
We’ve chosen the winners and they are on the @ii
this post. Then, in the comments, let us know your favorite genre of romance and tag a friend2. follow @iiromanticbookclub and EVERY account they are following (yes, all 50!)3. Good Luck!! 
Must be 18 or over to enter Must be following EVERY account @iiromanticbookclub is following to win (yes, all 50!) International (must be able to accept & use Amazon Gift Cards) Giveaway not affiliated with IG/FB#bookstagramgiveway #authorsofinstagram #bookgasm #bookstagramfeatures #bookstagrammer #romancereader #romancebooks #romancebooks #freebie #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookgiveaway #giftcard #giftcardgiveaway #contemporaryromance #romancenovels #rbooksofinstagram #readingislife #iirbc #isntitromanticbookclub #videobookclubs #romancebookclubs" data-recalc-dims="1">I’m about to put a turkey in the oven and clean
It's week 5 in the Prep and Plan series and we're
#mindset#prepping#planning#disasterpreparedness#homeprepared#preparedness#preppingforwinter#preppingfortheholidays#beatthesupplychain#thewriteprepper#plannerlife" data-recalc-dims="1">March 25, 2022
The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Dark Chocolate Guinness Bread
Since this is the last Friday in March, we’re into the fourth week of my short story about when Alex Mitchell (one of the heroes in my romantic suspense Deadly Force series) challenged the other men in the series to a Guinness Cooking Challenge. This means that Alex has set up a cooking contest where the main ingredient is Guinness Beer. And today’s entrant is Vane Tanner and his Dark Chocolate Guinness Bread.
Vane Tanner ~ “Since it’s the last week of Alex’s challenge, and we’ve all eaten so much, I didn’t want to make another main dish. Also, this weekend is The Girl’s Weekend Away. That means that all of the women we love are taking off for the beach for a long weekend of doing whatever women do when men aren’t around. (Sounds kind of boring, to be honest.) So tonight my buddies and I are going to a local Irish pub. I’ve saved enough money to buy wings and potato skins, and Calum Prioleau offered to comp the drinks. Probably because he owns the bar! The best part about this night is that we’re watching an Irish Football game on TV while we hang out, eat apps, drink beer, and play pool. Then, the plan is, I’ll serve my Dark Chocolate Guinness Bread for dessert. (I’ve already cleared this with the bar). Now to actually make the bread, which will be a challenge since I have to bake it in a refurbished toaster oven.
As I carry my grocery bags into Iron Rack’s Gym, I’m assaulted by the stench of male sweat and dirty feet. No matter how well we clean this place, we can’t get the decades of decay out of this building.
“Hey.” Luke, one of my buddies, is manning the front desk. “I just heard the plans for tonight. Sounds like fun!”
“It should be.” I glance into the main office, making sure my boss Kells isn’t around. “I just hope that toaster oven Nate found and fixed works.”
Luke grimaces. “I burnt my toast this morning, so…. watch it carefully. I don’t think the fire detectors work up their either so if your entry burns, it may take down the building.”
I laugh because I know he’s joking. Since arriving in Savannah, we’ve all joked about the fact that the one way to fix this broken-down, pirate-themed gym is to level it by fire, water, surface-to-air missiles, or any other weapon we can scrounge up. “I’m sure it will be fine. And I know it’s going to be the winning entry.”
“I don’t know, brother,” Luke says as he picks up the ringing phone, “you have some serious competition.”
While I disagree, I wave and head upstairs. Yes, all of the meals have been great. But I have no doubt that between hanging out in the pub, watching football, and finishing the night with my dessert, I will win.
Once upstairs, I turn the corner and run into Alex. “Hey, Alex.”
Alex and I rarely talk because we don’t have a great history, so I don’t expect much of a response.
Alex nods and passes me, until he stops and turns to face me again. Then he clears his throat. “Vane…”
“Yeah?” I adjust the bags I’m carrying. They’re not heavy, but my fingers are going numb.
Alex crosses his arms and looks at the old wooden floor. “So, we may have a problem,”
“You mean about going to the pub tonight?”
Alex shakes his head and gives me a small smile. “No, and that’s actually a great idea. I’m looking forward to it. I think most of the other men are as well.”
Good. I keep my grin to myself. That means I might win. “What is the problem?”
“Kells wants to enter the contest.”
I drop the bags and they hit the floor with a low thud. “No.” Seriously, I respect our boss–a lot–but he’s a terrible cook. He can barely open a water bottle. “You told him he can’t, right? We’ll all die of food poisoning before our enemies even find us.”
“I told Kells that, but,” Alex shrugged, “Kells insisted. But, I bought you some time. I told him you weren’t going to make your dish until later this afternoon.”
I check my watch. It’s ten a.m. “Where is Kells now?”
Alex shrugs. “Don’t know. But he’s not here. So I suggest you get your entry done before he gets back.”
“Thanks for letting me know.” I pick up my bags and head for the kitchen. I’m panicked, but if I can get this done before Kells returns I can honestly turn down his help.
Thirty minutes later, the bread is in the toaster oven and I’m sifting powdered sugar into a bowl to make the glaze. I’m so relieved that Kells isn’t back yet. I feel like I’ve dodged a huge disaster. My boss Kells might be one of the best Special Forces commanders around, but he can’t cook or do laundry. It’s like he was born without any kind of domestic gene.
“Can I help?” Kells’s voice booms from the doorway.
I stop what I’m doing and stare at my boss. Today he’s wearing black combat pants, black T-shirt, and combat boots. About as non-domestic as a man could get. “I’m almost done. I’m just making the chocolate glaze for the bread.”
Kells pointed to the bowl I’m holding. “I can stir.”
I seriously doubt that, sir. Although I think that, I don’t say it. Instead, I offer, “Why don’t you try and find a serving dish or tray I can put the bread on?” That’s something I haven’t found yet. And, maybe, he’ll go to the store and buy one.
Kells crosses his arms over his wide chest. He’s taller than I am, although not by much, so he’s always been quite intimidating. But I want to win this contest and I can’t afford to let him near any part of my recipe. I swear, if he stirs my frosting, he’ll ruin it. “I told Alex I really want to help.”
Something about Kells’s voice makes me pause my stirring. It almost sounds…. sad. Or, maybe, despondent. The last five years for our unit has been a hellish existence, and maybe it’s affected my boss more than he’s let on. “Sir, I have an idea of you can help without cooking.”
He tilts his head. “How?”
“We’re eating appetizers at the pub tonight for dinner because I don’t have a lot of money. And I’m not sure if wings and potato skins will fill us all up.” My buddies and I carry a lot of muscle and eat a lot. “Why don’t you buy us all dinner? I’ll give you what money I’ve saved and I’m sure, between the two of us, we can offer them steak pies, fish and chips, whatever they want. After all, the best way to make us all happy is to keep us fed.”
Without killing us with food poisoning.
Kells watches me for a long minute, and then nods. “Good idea. Tell them men dinner is on me.”
I blow out a relieved breath. “Thank you, sir.”
Once Kells leaves, I text Alex and let him know the plan. He sends back happy emojis, and I go back to finishing my glaze. I smile to myself as I stir because I know, for certain, that after feeding everyone a huge pub meal, and then serving my dessert, I’m going to win. And even if Nate, the judge, is on the fence about who won, I’ll just tell him about how I stopped Kells from almost killing us all. That alone will give me the win. I whistle as I look for serving plate because it’s going to be a good day–and a great night–after all.”
Sharon Wray
Yields Serves 8-10
The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Dark Chocolate Guinness BreadThis is an easy quick bread that can be eaten for breakfast but, really, is more of a dessert. It makes a perfect chocolate-y ending to any dinner, but I love to serve it after a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner. This bread will freeze, without the glaze, for up to 2 months. Once you serve it, store the leftovers in the refrigerator--just make sure to wrap it well so it doesn't dry out.
20 minPrep Time
55 minCook Time
1 hr, 15 Total Time
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My Recipes My Lists My Calendar Ingredients
Bread1 1/2 cup flour1/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon white pepper1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened1/2 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed1 egg1 cup Guinness Stout BeerBailey's Glaze1 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted2 tablespoon Baileys Irish Cream liquer2 teaspoon half & halfInstructions
BreadPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Using a baking spray, coat a 9x5 bread loaf pan and set aside.In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients, including the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and white pepper. Cover the bowl and set aside.Set up a stand mixer or use a hand mixer and a very large bowl. With mixer, blend the butter and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy. This will take 3-4 minutes.Scrape down the bowl and mix in the egg.Slowly pour in the beer while the mixer is running. Once all the beer is in the bowl, mix for another 30 seconds.Scrape down the bowl again.With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients one Tablespoon at a time until it is all incorporated. Once all the dry ingredients are in the bowl, mix for another 30 seconds to make sure it's all combined.With a wooden spoon, gently fold in the chocolate chips. Then do the same with the nuts, if you are adding them.Pour the batter in the loaf pan.Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Test the bread with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean but is not overbooked.Place the pan on an cookie rack and let it cook for 15 minutes.Remove the bread from the pan and allow to cool completely.Bailey's GlazeIf you haven't sifted the powdered sugar, do it now.In a small bowl, add the powdered sugar, Baileys, and cream. Whisk together until smooth.To thin out the frosting, add a bit more Baileys.To make the frosting thicker, add 1 Tablespoon of sifted powdered sugar.Pour the sauce over the cooled bread.Serve immediately.7.8.1.2213https://sharonwray.com/the-hungry-writer/the-hungry-romance-writer-dark-chocolate-guinness-bread/ { "@context": "http://schema.org/", "url": [ "https:\/\/sharonwray.com\/the-hungry-writer\/the-hungry-romance-writer-dark-chocolate-guinness-bread\/" ],"name" : "The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Dark Chocolate Guinness Bread","description" : "This is an easy quick bread that can be eaten for breakfast but, really, is more of a dessert. It makes a perfect chocolate-y ending to any dinner, but I love to serve it after a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner. This bread will freeze, without the glaze, for up to 2 months. Once you serve it, store the leftovers in the refrigerator--just make sure to wrap it well so it doesn't dry out. ","prepTime" : "PT20M","cookTime" : "PT55M","recipeYield" : "Serves 8-10","datePublished" : "2022-01-25 10:48:21","recipeInstructions":[ { "@type": "HowToSection", "name": "Bread", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Using a baking spray, coat a 9x5 bread loaf pan and set aside." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients, including the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and white pepper. Cover the bowl and set aside. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Set up a stand mixer or use a hand mixer and a very large bowl. With mixer, blend the butter and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy. This will take 3-4 minutes. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Scrape down the bowl and mix in the egg." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Slowly pour in the beer while the mixer is running. Once all the beer is in the bowl, mix for another 30 seconds." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Scrape down the bowl again. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients one Tablespoon at a time until it is all incorporated. Once all the dry ingredients are in the bowl, mix for another 30 seconds to make sure it's all combined. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "With a wooden spoon, gently fold in the chocolate chips. Then do the same with the nuts, if you are adding them." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Pour the batter in the loaf pan." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Test the bread with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean but is not overbooked." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Place the pan on an cookie rack and let it cook for 15 minutes. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Remove the bread from the pan and allow to cool completely." }]}, { "@type": "HowToSection", "name": "Bailey's glaze", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "If you haven't sifted the powdered sugar, do it now. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "In a small bowl, add the powdered sugar, Baileys, and cream. Whisk together until smooth." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "To thin out the frosting, add a bit more Baileys. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "To make the frosting thicker, add 1 Tablespoon of sifted powdered sugar." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Pour the sauce over the cooled bread. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Serve immediately. " }]}],"keywords" : "The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Dark Chocolate Guinness Bread","recipeIngredient" : ["1 1\/2 cup flour","1\/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder","1 teaspoon baking soda","1\/2 teaspoon salt","1\/4 teaspoon white pepper","1\/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips","1\/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)","1\/2 cup unsalted butter, softened","1\/2 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed","1 egg","1 cup Guinness Stout Beer","1 1\/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted","2 tablespoon Baileys Irish Cream liquer","2 teaspoon half & half "], "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https:\/\/sharonwray.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/45.png" }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sharon Wray" }, "@type": "Recipe"}Subscribe to the blog Email Address
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March 24, 2022
Prep & Plan: Week Twenty-One
Last week we cleaned out our pantry! I always feel so much better once I have the dry goods organized and a list of what I need to purchase in the next few weeks. And today I want to talk about the refrigerator and freezer. If you did this last week, awesome! But depending on the size of your kitchen, you may have only worked on the pantry.
While this is NOT a housekeeping blog, developing a Prep & Plan mindset is based on the idea that we know what we need, make a plan to buy/acquire what we need, and then know how to properly store what we need.
Since food is one of the most important things to plan for in all kinds of emergencies, and it’s the key to keeping us all healthy, keeping a clean kitchen and using all of our space efficiently is so important. Not only are we cleaning the kitchen, and those spaces where we store our food, we are sorting through what we have, tossing what we don’t need, and making room for those things we intend to purchase or acquire. Having a clean fridge and freezer, due to their smaller space, is even more important. I would argue that having a clean kitchen is more important (for both prepping and for hygiene/health reasons) than dusting the family room or picking up toys.
Let’s get started! And If there is mold in the refrigerator, scroll down for extra directions.
#kt-layout-id_8ef9fb-ce{margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:32px;}#kt-layout-id_8ef9fb-ce > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;padding-right:0px;}#kt-layout-id_120dd6-88 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;padding-right:10px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_e348c7-8f > .kt-inside-inner-col{margin-top:-50px;}
.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_ee7362-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-bottom:20px;}#kt-adv-heading_948fd6-de, #kt-adv-heading_948fd6-de .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_948fd6-de[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_948fd6-de"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_948fd6-de[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_948fd6-de"]{text-align:center;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-adv-heading_948fd6-de, #kt-adv-heading_948fd6-de .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_948fd6-de[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_948fd6-de"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_948fd6-de[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_948fd6-de"]{text-align:center!important;}}Cleaning the Refrigerator#kt-layout-id_9d11f6-f2 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;}Take the Legal Pad 2 that you began during week 2. Review the meals/ingredients that you listed as your family’s favorites and cross off anything you no longer prefer to cook. And, while you’re cleaning the fridge and freezer, write down any new meals you’re adding to the meal rotation.If you started a shopping list last week, continue using that one. Or you can tear out a page to use as new a shopping list. As you go through the fridge and freezer and throw things out, write down anything you need to replace. Review the meals you prefer to cook and add any ingredients you may need to stock up for those meals.The rules for cleaning the fridge and freezer are the same as for the pantry. Due to limited space, I usually work on the refrigator first, then the freezer. First, take out all of the food from the refrigerator and place it on a counter, kitchen table, or set up a folding table specifically for this project. If your refrigerator is very dirty, you may want to store the food you’re keeping in a cooler or, if it’s winter and freezing outside, you can box up the food and move it outside or into the garage temporarily. Once the food is out, it’s time to clean the inside of the refrigerator. If the shelves come out, take them out and place them on a counter to warm up. While the shelves are made of tempered glass, they can still break if they’re cold and you wash them in hot water (I know this for a fact as it’s happened to me. Twice!)With the food out, and the shelves warming up, it’s time to wipe out the inside with warm water. I fill a bucket with warm (not hot!) water and add my favorite non-rinse cleanser (recipe here) or a dash of mild dish soap like original Dawn dishwashing liquid. Don’t add too much because then you’ll need to rinse out the soap. Wipe down the walls and any fixed shelves. If you need to, use a toothbrush to get into any crevices to clean out all the grime. Then check the rubber gaskets around the door. These tend get grimy without us noticing them. When the inside is as clean as you can get it, dry it quickly with a clean microfiber dish towel (microfiber towels are great at getting rid of fingerprints) and then close the doors so it can reset the temperature. When the fridge is done and the temperature is resetting. it’s time to tackle the shelves. Fill the sink halfway with warm water and a dash of mild dishwashing detergent. Soak and scrub the shelves until they are clean and set on a towel on the counter to dry. once they are dry, put the shelves and bins back into the fridge.#kt-layout-id_728ea1-95{margin-bottom:32px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}#kt-layout-id_728ea1-95 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;}@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_6d421c-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 30%;-webkit-flex:0 1 30%;}#kt-layout-id_6d421c-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 70%;-webkit-flex:0 1 70%;}}#kt-layout-id_6d421c-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_5389d2-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:20px;padding-right:20px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_5389d2-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);}#kt-adv-heading_297530-a6, #kt-adv-heading_297530-a6 .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_297530-a6[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_297530-a6"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_297530-a6[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_297530-a6"]{text-align:center;}A NOTE ABOUT MOLD
If you have mold in the refrigerator, you’ll need to get rid of it before washing the inside.
Add white vinegar to a spray bottle and spray the walls and rubber gaskets along the doors. Let the vinegar sit for 10 minutes. In the meantime, make a paste of out baking soda and warm water (the amount depends on how much mold you are trying to get off). With a soft, non-scratch sponge, scrub the baking soda solution over the mold that has been sprayed with vinegar. Baking soda will neutrazlie the smells of vinegar and mold. Fill another spray bottle with warm water (you can add fresh lemon sliced to the water bottle for a fresh scent) and spray the refrigerator again. Wipe down the inside with a paper towel or microfiber towel and spray with lemon water for a second time. Dry the inside again. If there is still some mold, repeat this process until the fridge is clean. #kt-layout-id_e39240-4e{margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:32px;}#kt-layout-id_e39240-4e > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;padding-right:0px;}#kt-layout-id_c46e8e-ec > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;padding-right:10px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_4cb2c7-37 > .kt-inside-inner-col{margin-top:-50px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_78286c-46 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-bottom:20px;}#kt-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a, #kt-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a"]{text-align:center;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a, #kt-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_ffc60a-3a"]{text-align:center!important;}}Refilling the Refrigerator#kt-layout-id_a61df3-7d > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;}Grab a large garbage bag (or 2!) and set it aside. Sort through the fresh (or not so fresh!) produce and toss what is old/rotten. When you’ve completed the fresh produce, put it away in the newly-cleaned produce bins. Check all the dairy and meat products. Toss what is old/expired/moldy/ etc. After double checking the expiration dates, wipe down any dirty or sticky container and put them back into the fridge.Sort through all of the food in containers, either your own or commercial. Check for age/expiration dates/mold/etc. Toss what you’re not keeping. Then, if necessary, wipe down what you are keeping and put into the fridge. If there’s anything left, check it for age/expiration date/mold/etc. and toss what you’re not keeping. Wipe down what you’re keeping and replace it in the fridge. Enjoy your clean fridge!! Grab a drink, maybe a snack, and let’s work on the freezer. #kt-layout-id_0c49b6-b4{margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:32px;}#kt-layout-id_0c49b6-b4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;padding-right:0px;}#kt-layout-id_32b20c-d2 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;padding-right:10px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_cb97cc-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col{margin-top:-50px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_c11723-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-bottom:20px;}#kt-adv-heading_e68318-b5, #kt-adv-heading_e68318-b5 .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_e68318-b5[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_e68318-b5"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_e68318-b5[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_e68318-b5"]{text-align:center;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-adv-heading_e68318-b5, #kt-adv-heading_e68318-b5 .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_e68318-b5[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_e68318-b5"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_e68318-b5[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_e68318-b5"]{text-align:center!important;}}Cleaning the Freezer#kt-layout-id_52b5d8-34 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;}To clean the freezer, use the exact same steps as above. If you have to defrost it, see notes below.Once it’s clean, sort through the food and decide what to keep. If you have no idea what a piece of food is, or if it’s freezer burned ore really old, toss it. The poor quality of old, freezer burned food isn’t worth taking up valuable freezer space. Throw it out and rebuild your food store with things you love and is properly prepped for freezer storage.Once you’re done, treat yourself to a nice dinner or your favorite beverage. You deserve it!#kt-layout-id_68c34f-87{margin-bottom:32px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}#kt-layout-id_68c34f-87 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;}@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_8aab38-e2 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 30%;-webkit-flex:0 1 30%;}#kt-layout-id_8aab38-e2 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 70%;-webkit-flex:0 1 70%;}}#kt-layout-id_8aab38-e2 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f958de-7e > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:20px;padding-right:20px;margin-left:-50px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_f958de-7e > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);}#kt-adv-heading_68be88-74, #kt-adv-heading_68be88-74 .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_68be88-74[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_68be88-74"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_68be88-74[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_68be88-74"]{text-align:center;}
DEFROSTING THE FREEZER
While most freezers today are frost free, if you have an older freezer that has a build-up of frost, here are three options.
OPTION ONE: The best option is also the hardest. Take everything out of the freezer (and the fridge if it’s attached), unplug the appliance, and let it defrost naturally. Wipe up the excess water as it melts. When it’s free from frost, wipe the inside down with a gentle cleanser and a dry towel. Plug it back in and bring the unit back to temperature. Then put the food away. OPTION TWO: Remove all the food and use a plastic spatula to GENTLY scrape off the frost. (This is NOT recommended for freezers hooked up to a gas line). You’ll need a bucket to collect the ice scrapings. Then wash the freezer and put the food you’re keeping back inside. You can use this method with the unplugging method (mentioned above) which lessens the time the freezer is unplugged.OPTION THREE: This method uses 70% isopopyl rubbing alcohol and a hot cloth. Bring a saucepan half-full of water to a boil. Using tongs, dip a clean rag into the boiling water. Then, hold the towel with the tongs over the sink and pour alcohol onto the wet cloth (you will want to wear gloves for this). Using the tongs, place the wet/alcohol-soaked rag on top of the frost in the freezer. As the ice melts, use dry cloths to soak up the melting water. Repeat until all the frost is gone. Then gently clean the freezer with a non-rinse cleanser and wipe down with dry towels again. Once you are done, refill the freezer with the food you’re keeping. (This method works great for thin layers of ice. It takes more work to use on the larger chunks and you may need to use a plastic spatula to scrape it all off as it melts.)So, now we’re done with all the food in the house! We’ve cleaned and reorganized the pantry and washed out the refrigerator and freezer. I know it’s a lot of work, but this really should be done four times a year. I usually do it at the change of each season. And I promise, the more you do it the easier it gets each time. Like with many things, the first time is always the hardest. Good luck and I’ll see you next week!
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March 23, 2022
Lady Ann Fanshawe and the Banshee
There are many, many stories around the world about “The Woman in White”. Most of the current stories have occurred in the southern U.S. In these tales, the “Woman in White” is a ghostly figure who appears on rural roads and bridges, forcing drivers (usually male) to stop. When the driver allows this spectral woman into her car, the driver is found days later dead in a ditch or a river. (Yes, there are many plot holes in this story… but it is just a story).
But this idea of a ghostly woman in white dates back centuries, to the legends of Irish Banshees. In pagan Celtic folklore, the powerful pantheon of gods, known as Tuatha Dé Danann merged into the powerful mortal-looking beings known as Aos Si. Then, as Ireland became Christian, the Aos Si became less powerful, yet just as scary. By the 8th Century, as people became more and more educated about the world around them (scientifically, mathematically, etc), the Aos Si became simple fairies. Yet even within the lore of Irish Fairies, there were different types of fairy folk. Just like in the earlier versions of gods and powerful beings, some were good and some were super scary.
One of the more frightening types of common fairies were known as Banshees. The word Banshee comes from the Celtic word “bean-sidhe” aka “woman of the fairy.” In Celtic folklore, Banshees are harbingers of death. She always appears as a woman in white, with a ghostly complexion and white or red hair. She only shows herself to people who are unaware of their impending death. Sometimes you can see her wandering in the bloodstained clothing of the person marked for death. At other times, she appears as a wailing ghost whose voice can turn a person’s hair white and cause heart attacks. Some people believe that if you hear her scream, you are marked for death within the next 24 hours.
Unlike other Irish fairies that many, many people have recorded as seeing, there are very few written accounts of people actually seeing Banshees. The two most famous stories include a king and a noble woman. The first written account is about King James I of Scotland. One night in 1437, he was visited by a wailing woman in white who told him that the Earl of Atholl would lead an assassination attempt. A day after telling his personal advisor this story, James I was killed by the Earl of Atholl along with a bunch of other Scottish nobles.
The next story comes from an English noblewoman named Lady Ann Fanshawe in 1649. Lady Ann was married to Lord Richard Fanshawe who was the Secretary of War to Charles I (during the English Civi War 1642-1651). As a lady of the court, Ann followed her husband Richard all over Europe as he sought support for the Royalist cause. As she traveled, she studied languages, history and the law while giving birth to 14 children. Unfortunately, only 5 of their children survived to adulthood. Over the years, Ann became a “Woman of Letters”, meaning she published fiction and non-fiction books about her life during the Civil War. She wrote histories, cookbooks, and collected folktales from throughout Europe. But her most famous book is a memoir she wrote about her time in the court of King Charles.
Anyway, in the midst of the war, she ended up living temporarily in Cork, Ireland while her husband was on a diplomatic mission. They were staying at a friend’s estate when Cork rose up against the King and they had to retreat. They ended up at a castle owned by Lady Honara O’Brien. Anyway, one night at 1 a.m., a voice from the window awakened Lady Ann. When Lady Ann drew the bed curtains, she saw a woman leaning in from the window (they were on an upper floor). According to Ann’s written account, the woman was “… lit by the moon, wearing white, with red hair and a ghastly complexion. The woman called out loudly Ahone, Ahone, Ahone… and then with a sound more like wind than breath, she disappeared.” Lady Ann also said the woman’s body appeared “... more like a thick cloud than substance.”
Lady Ann was terrified and woke up her husband (who’d slept through the entire incident). Her husband actually believed he story because he’d been hearing stories like this as he traveled throughout Ireland. But then, later that morning, the couple discovered that one of the members of the household (a cousin of Lady Honara) had died around 2 a.m. Then, Lady Honara admitted that the guest room that Lady Ann and her husband were staying in had once been the bedroom of a woman who’d become pregnant by the man who’d previously owned the castle. When he found out about the pregnancy, he killed the woman and her unborn child. So, apparently, whenever anyone in the house was about to die, a Banshee (the ghost of the murdered pregnant woman) would appear to whoever was staying in that room to warn them of the impending death.
Of course Lady Ann and her husband left the castle as soon as they could. As the Fanshawes traveled to Spain, Lady Ann wrote down her experiences with the Banshee. She also learned that the cry of Ahone, Ahone, Ahone, is a phonetic recreation of an ancient Irish word ochón. Ochón can be loosely translated as “Alas”, a scream of despair.
Unfortunately, after her husband Richard died, Lady Ann and her children were left penniless (it was a tough political situation). To make money, Lady Ann published her and her husband’s memoirs as well as some of her other books. Her memoir gave a detailed account of her incident with the Banshee and became a bestseller at the time. There is still a modern edition of Memoir available for sale. Another interesting note is that her cookbooks, where she shared recipes she collected throughout Europe, included the first known written recipe for Ice Cream (derived from a description from an ancient Roman historian). Lady Ann’s recipe was even mentioned by the First Lady Dolly Madison, who served ice cream at the White House in 1790 for the very first time.
While Banshees are not the most common of Irish fairies, they are so terrifying that their stories are still told, still sold, and were even imported to the New World. So if you are ever driving on a rural road, late at night, and a woman in white appears in front of you, step on the gas and keep driving. Whatever you do, don’t stop. Because if you hear the wail of the Banshee, it might be the last sound you ever hear.
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March 22, 2022
Sarah Munro’s Sage Smudge Stick
It took me years before I gathered the courage to use sage smudge sticks. I always thought they were “weird” or “strange”. I have no idea why I thought this but somewhere along the line of life I picked up that belief. Then, many years ago, someone gave me sage smudge sticks as a gift. My friend told me that the bundles of dried herbs and flowers, when burned, would purify the air and invite good energy into the home.
While I’m not sure about the energy part, I have incorporated smudging into my cleaning routine mostly because I like how it leaves the house smelling. It’s also a very relaxing thing to do, and now I look forward to this ritual. It’s like once I smudge the house, I know the house is clean. For at least a day! Once I started doing this though, I did some research and discovered that smudging dates back thousands of years. Sage, especially, was (and still is) used to cleanse sacred and secular spaces. And since unpleasant smells were more of an issue throughout history than they are now, these smudges helped clear the air. It’s similar to why people in the 14th-18th centuries (maybe even earlier) placed dried lavender and other herbs on the floor in the corners of their just-swept rooms. Because of this research, Sarah Munro (my PhD historian, is the heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH), has added it to her collection of historical (and updated) DIY herbal remedies.
Sarah Munro’s Sage Smudge Stick@media all and (min-width: 768px){#kt-layout-id_cabb30-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-1{flex:0 1 65%;-webkit-flex:0 1 65%;}#kt-layout-id_cabb30-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap > .inner-column-2{flex:0 1 35%;-webkit-flex:0 1 35%;}}#kt-layout-id_cabb30-2a{margin-bottom:32px;}#kt-layout-id_cabb30-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;padding-right:0px;}.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_a91dff-4d > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;border-color:var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-top-width:2px;border-right-width:2px;border-bottom-width:2px;border-left-width:2px;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_a91dff-4d > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;}}Ingredients:Twine5-6 fresh rosebuds5-6 fresh lavender sprigs18 sprigs of fresh herbs of your choice (sage, rosemary, thyme, etc).kt-row-layout-inner > .kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_fcb50b-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-image:url('https://sharonwray.com/wp-content/upl... center;background-attachment:scroll;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.kt-block-spacer-_629adb-9a .kt-block-spacer{height:200px;}.kt-block-spacer-_629adb-9a .kt-divider{width:80%;}#kt-layout-id_fbb445-78{margin-bottom:32px;}#kt-layout-id_fbb445-78 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;padding-right:30px;}.kt-svg-icons_7320ea-8d .kt-svg-item-0:hover .kt-svg-icon {color:var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0)!important;}#kt-adv-heading_8a0930-fc, #kt-adv-heading_8a0930-fc .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_8a0930-fc[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_8a0930-fc"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_8a0930-fc[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_8a0930-fc"]{text-align:left;font-size:35px;margin-top:0px;}Directions:#kt-adv-heading_b57e66-2f, #kt-adv-heading_b57e66-2f .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_b57e66-2f[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_b57e66-2f"], .kadence-advanced-heading-wrapper .kt-adv-heading_b57e66-2f[data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading_b57e66-2f"]{text-align:left;}Trim your flowers and herbs to about 4 or 5 inches. Gather them together until you have a thick “stick.”
With the twine, start at the bottom and wind the twine around the stick until you reach the top. Try to wrap the twine as tightly as you can. Once you reach the top, tie off the twine with a solid knot.
Trim any excess herbs or leaves from the top and bottom (to make it even) and trip off anything that is poking out from the sides.
Place the smudge stick in a safe place and allow to dry for two weeks.
To use, light the top of the smudge stick with a lighter. I use a plate beneath to catch any ash or embers as I travel through the house waving the smudge stick around. The smoke will waft as you walk. Some people say to move in a clockwise direction through the house, but I don’t do that and it works fine!
When you are done, run the stick under running water and set it aside to dry thoroughly. You can reuse the same stick until it’s not safe anymore to hold it while it burns.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING , AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
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March 21, 2022
A Brief History of the Aos sí
In Ireland, Aos sí (also known in the older Irish word form as aes sídhe) is the Gaelic name for a supernatural race in Celtic mythology. These supernatural beings are often compared to fairies or elves. The oldest oral stories say that these fairies are either fallen angels or the descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the gods and goddesses in the Irish pagan pantheon.
Many historians say that the Aos sí emerged after the Tuatha Dé Danann lost their battles with the mortal Milesians (who came from Iberia). According to Geoffrey Keating, an Irish historian of the early 17th century, these invaders were known as “the people from the Land of the Dead.” Once these invaders beat the Tuatha Dé Danann, they were tricked into the terms of surrender. Since the Tuatha Dé Danann were immortals who walked both the mortal world and the otherworld, they were able to convince the Milesians into allowing the Tuatha Dé Danann to live within fairy mounds, or small fairy forts, all throughout Ireland. Unbeknownst to the Milesians, these fairy forts, often guarded by magical Hawthorn or Oak trees, were gateways that led back to the otherworld. This allowed the Tuatha Dé Danann to cross unheeded between the land of the living and the land of the supernatural. This freedom of movement became a problem for these pre-Celtic invaders. As a form of revenge, the descendants of the Milesians began stories that de-deified these immortal beings.
Most of what is know about the Aos sí, or Irish fairies, comes from an oral tradition that wasn’t recorded until monks arrived in Ireland and began to write down these stories in voluminous manuscripts. What is known is that the word aes sidhe means “people of the mounds”. In Ireland, the sidhe are small hills or burial mounds that dot the countryside, also called fairy rings or fairy forts. Once the Tuatha Dé Danann retreated into their forts, their ancestors became known as the Aos sí . No longer gods and goddesses, just average immortal beings.
The members of the Aos sí are considered to be the most beautiful men and women. They are never described by race or ethnicity, just with an otherworldly aura. Nineteenth and twentieth century literature gave them a more elven appearance. Although, like most myths, there are also monsters and animalistic entities within these stories. While the Aos sí appear as extraordinarily beautiful humans, the Cu Sith/Sidhe and Cait Sith/Sidhe, appear as magical animals. And the Bean Sith, aka Banshee, appear as monsters or vengeful spirits. Other forms of the Aos sí include Changelings, the Fachen, and the Dullahan. The most important thing to remember about these entities is that even if they don’t appear scary at first, or even seem enticing, they are terrible, fearsome creatures who are angry at the world of men who forced them into they fairy mounds when they used to roam Ireland freely.
Due to the brutal nature of the Aos sí , and the violent ways they protect their home (a fairy ring a fairy hill or mound, a fairy fort, a well, or a special tree) the Irish people have a long history of placating them. There are many stories, even into the twenty-first century, of the Aos sí fighting off those who try to infringe on their land. Even now, there are areas of Ireland that are protected, not for environmental reasons but because people are afraid of the retaliation of the fairies who live there. If you ever have a chance to visit Ireland, take a tour of the protected fairy lands. I promise you’ll feel like you’ve entered a mystical otherworld.
Another way of appeasing the Aos sí is by leaving small offerings such as food and drink. The people of Ireland have a complicated relationship with their fairy neighbors. While they fear them, they are also honored. It is believed that if a town protects and honors their fairy folk, they will be protected in return. Before you laugh, there are thousands of stories and legends and oral myths, dating back centuries, about how fairies have protected the humans that care for them.
It was also recently discovered that a pre-Celtic version of the word sídhe also refers to the palaces and courts of these fairies. That may explain the sheer volume of stories, including the Tam Lin legend, about people being tricked into the otherworld to attend fairy balls and fetes only to be then taken captive and held as prisoners who were required to prepare food and run errands for fairies in the mortal world. While the fairy folk, and the mortals forced to work for them, can travel between the worlds, they mostly do so at dusk and dawn when the veil between the worlds is the thinnest.
So the next time you walk through a forest, or pass a Hawthorn tree, leave a tiny present (like a piece of a granola bar) for the fairy folk. If they don’t exist, a squirrel will eat the offering. If they do exist, you’re guaranteed a safe passage through the woods. And that’s a bet worth taking!
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