With only a week until the big day, there's still time to get that perfect gift for the dad and father figures in your life. Recent polls on my social media show popular scents as bacon, cinnamon, lemon, mint, and coffee. Often, products like my scented bookmarks or specialized dryer balls are one of a kind and go quickly,  so grab them while you can!

Other gifts to consider includes some of my fairy doors, fairy houses, and art prints!

Artwork of mine that might interest your dad can be found on Redbubble!

Motherhood does not always smell great, and among the many benefits of motherhood, moms deal with a lot. This Mother's Day, give your mom a magical gift that not only smells great and looks pretty, but also can aid her in her everyday magic, as well as offer some rejuvenation of that magic. Not sure which scent is best for mom? Here's a great guide to help decide!

Rosemary
Rosemary is great for reducing stress and tension. For those moments a back rub is just not possible and booking a day at the spa  is not feasible, a whiff of rosemary can elevate mood, soothe those tense muscles, and help in a stressful moment. There's so much for mom's to remember, this is a great aid for memory. It enhances concentration and increases retention. Plus, the refreshing smell can cut through dirty diapers and a sink full of dishes!

Cinnamon
Much like Rosemary, cinnamon is great for boosting moods, relieving tension, a great memory tool, and aids in those smellier moments. It can also increase attention span, offer relief from menstruation cramps and discomfort, reduce headaches, and is used as a mosquito repellent.

Coffee
Coffee is great for rejuvenating! On those busy days or for the mom on the go, just the smell of coffee is a great way to gain all the benefits of caffeine without having to drink a cup. While it can give you that needed pick-me-up, it is also can be calming and de-stressing.

Chocolate
Much like coffee, chocolate is a pick-me-up, while relaxing and de-stressing.For those moms who are looking to stave a craving, but wish to cut back on the sugar and candy, just the smell of chocolate can also boost memory and energy for those busy-scheduled days, while elevating mood for those difficult and frustrating moments.

Mint
Mint improves memory, raises alertness, relieves and eases stomach aches and headaches, provides comfort, energizes, manages stress, fights mental fatigue, and is an insect repellant.

Lemon
Lemon shares many of the same benefits of mint, while also providing a refreshing and clean aroma that can overtake the green clouds that moms can often find from the infant's dirty diaper to a teenager's room.

Lavender/Rose
Lavender is a symbol of devotion and rose is a symbol for love. While these scents symbolize all a mother gives to her children, these scents can also give back to moms. Lavender is a scent people either love or hate. Therefore, if mom is not a fan of lavender, rose is a great alternative to receiving the same benefits. These two scents relieve stress, relax body and mind, fight anxiety, can help reduce mild pain, relieve headaches, and fight insomnia.

Two exciting upcoming events for the fairies and I include Knucklehead Ranch's Bark for Life and The Butter Thief Fairy Tea. Both are about dogs, which already make an appearance in my fairy creations. But, just what do dogs symbolize and what are they associated with?

• faithfulness
  
• protection
• bravery
• vigilence
• friendship
• loyalty
• integrity
• devotion
  
• new life
• companionship
• good luck
  

• adventure
  
• curiosity
• communication
• patience
• truth
• courage
• assistance
• intelligence
• obediance
• community
• resourcefulness
• companionship
  

Dogs are also associated with the zodiac signs of Aquarius, Cancer, Capricorn, and Scorpio. They are associated with the elements of Earth and Water. They are associated with deities including Artemis, Ceridwen, Diana, Epona, Hecate, Hera, the Morrigan, Anubis, Arawn, Ares, Asclepius, Faunus, Gwydion, Hades, Hermes, Indra, Lugh, Mabon, Manannan, Mars, Odin, and Thoth.
Last, but not least, they have a strong connection to the fairies!

Sources:
what-is-my-spirit-animal.com
whats-your-sign.com
Complete Book of Correspondence by Sandra Kynes

While exploring the internet for some great new content to post on my social media accounts, I was disheartened to discover a number of creations and "facts" that were not only false, but show a great disrespect for the fairies. So, I'm setting the facts straight in the hopes none of my followers will participate in such atrocious acts, and offering some alternatives.

1. Fairy Jars

There are people making mason jars with little rhymes attached to them about capturing fairies in them. Though it discusses not taking them far, let me be very clear here. A great way to anger the fairies is capture them in anything, let alone a jar. Fairies are all that is wild and free in nature. I could imagine no greater offense or disrespect than to catch a fairy and stuff them in a jar.

Yes, I make fairy bottles, but here's the difference. Fairy bottles have clay representations of butterflies and they are not meant to be opened.
Yes, in my newest book, The Butter Thief, the little girl catches a fairy in a mason jar. The fairy was not happy about this, and it was to stop a fairy long enough to make a deal. She, also, did not have this blog to set her straight.

In short, DO NOT capture fairies and do not specifically design jars to do so, either! This is a great way to have fairies avoid you and your garden or home.

2. Stepping inside a Fairy Ring

I cannot stress this enough. DO NOT go in a fairy ring. For those who do not know, fairy rings are circles of mushrooms that magically appear in nature. It is said that fairies dance in them. Another correction to what some might find online, witches do not dance in them. Witches, being connected to nature themselves, would have a great respect for fairies and would know better. ONLY fairies may enter a fairy ring. It is a sacred space for them not to be trampled by creatures such as us.

Another misconception, running in any direct around the fairy ring will not grant you the ability to see the fairies as they dance. Fairies will only show themselves when they wish to. There is nothing you can do to see a fairy if they do not wish you to see them.
This comes back to why capturing a fairy in a jar is  a grave offense. It is a great honor to have a fairy show themselves to you. To disregard that honor is a terrible thing and fairies are masters of justice and vengeance.

This also brings us to #3.

3. Eating Plants to see the Fairies
I discovered online discussion of eating certain plants, like pansies, to grant the ability to see the fairies. Once more, a fairy cannot be seen unless it wants you to see them. They decide. And, to try to force them or give up their right to decide by means of eating something or another cheap trick would make them less likely want to show themselves. If anything, you prove yourself unworthy.
There is no cheating when it comes to the fairies, nor easy way out, so to speak.

Here's what to do instead:
Welcome the fairies to your house and garden by creating special gardens for them. In the garden, place fairy doors or fairy houses, and plant a variety of plants loved by the fairies, including wild flowers, daffodils, foxglove, pansies, yarrow, thyme, daisies, scabiosa, tulips, nasturtiums, and more!

Offer gifts to the fairies, such as butter, milk, something sweet, something shiny, something sparkly pennies, acorns, pretty stones, and other natural or tasty treasures. To share with them is to offer your friendship, and to show you honor them and thank them for all they do.

Believe in magic! Fairies remind us that magic is all around us. They remind us to look upon the world with the eyes of a child, always. If we believe in magic, truly believe to the depths of our hearts, and can find the fantastical and spectacular in the everyday things, the sacred in what most might consider mundane, you have a better chance of not only drawing them to your garden and home, but also help them believe in you.

And, above all else, respect the fairies and nature. Fairies and nature are tied together. They are part of it, and to hurt nature and the earth is to hurt them. Let them know you are a friend by doing your part to clean up the earth, reduce, reuse, recycle, and take care of the planet. Doing so in your own back yard, not only offers them a safe haven, but let's them see what kind of person you are.
Also, respect them and that they are the ones to decide whether or not you get the opportunity to see them. They are the ones who decide where they will go. The decision is theirs.

I hope this "dos and don'ts" of fairies may be helpful in your relationship with these magnificent beings! And, before you believe something you read on the internet or when in doubt of a fact your find, ask yourself if it is something you'd like have done to you. If it seems disrespectful, don't do it.

If you've done any of these things in the past, remember, too, mistakes can be forgiven. Try offering an apology, both verbal and in the form of a gift.

Inspired by this post by The Enchanted Wren!

The stocking were hung by the chimney with care...

A fire place sits snug on a snowy tea cup fairy garden between a couple sprigs of rosemary. Holly and berries align the top of the mantle and a fire (glow in the dark) offers some warmth from the cold.

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

Well, perhaps a couple mice were stirring. But, after Santa eats that tasty plate of cookies, there might be a crumb or two left. Unless the Grinch stops by. Then the one speck of food that will be left in the fairy garden, will just be a crumb not even big enough for this wee mouse.

The second mouse scurries among the three wrapped presents that sit beneath the rosemary and mint foliage. What do you think the fairies are getting for Christmas?

Twas the Night Before Christmas Fairy Garden will be available at my next upcoming events. Stop by Tamiza's Treats on December 1st and December 13th!

They say any pet is beneficial when battling depression and anxiety, but the Cinnamon Cat-erfly is particularly helpful. They aid in diminishing lethargy, petulance, pain and regular headaches. They also aid in mental capabilities, such as focus, memory, attention span, etc . Mosquitoes stay clear of the wee cinnamon Cat-erfly. Unlike their house cat counterparts, along with repelling bugs, they also freshen the air.

It is believed that the cinnamon Cat-erfly originated from Sri Lanka and India, but can now be found all over.

Pelargonium Felines, better known as Cat-erflies, were first discovered hiding in scented geraniums. They camouflage using both scent, as well as color. Despite their name, they can also be found hiding in their corresponding herbs and flowers. This can make them extremely difficult to spot, along with their tiny size. Masters of hiding, if you catch a random whiff of a familiar smell, a Cat-erfly might have crossed your path!

Cat-erflies are made from wool and other fibers (and a little bit of magic). They also contain fragrance oils. They can lose their scent after some time, but can always be rescented. They are handcrafted with love in the USA!

Find more information regarding cinnamon here:
* https://www.herbs2000.com/aromatherapy/a_cinnamon.htm
*lwww.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-cinnamon-oil.html

Recently, I was inspired by an article my boyfriend sent me to write another book, one of the many in the works, about the unusual and unique butterflies and moths that are all around. While I was thinking about this, it struck me that a fairy would more likely be a moth than a butterfly? It seems an odd thought, but hear me out.

There are many legends about fairies going underground or disappearing all together, right? Reasons are left to speculations and those vary, but generally it is agreed upon that you don’t see fairies unless you believe in them and they want you to see them. Fairies are masters of hiding, right?

Not to out my winged friends, but if you were going to hide, the best place to do it would be in plain sight. Moths, in particular, are geniuses when it comes to this, and I don’t just mean camouflage.

Where I live, we have this miraculous moth called a hummingbird moth. They only come out at dusk in the summer. They look, move, and act like hummingbirds.

Moths are known for copying behavior of other insects and animals. Now, consider how many times have we seen fairies depicted as, or with features inspired by, other animals or creatures.

Clap your hands if you believe! 😉

Some might remember dryer balls from that one aromatherapy business I used to do craft shows with. Since then, I not only learned the craft for making dryer balls and have taken over their production, but the fairies and I are adding our own magical flair to the mix, such as with our Vanilla Spice scented Phoenix Balls, with help from the original designer, Barbara Lieberman. Because, doing laundry should be magical!

But, let's back up a bit for some of the new fairy-lovers and fairy-followers out there. Just what are dryer balls and why bother with them? Some of the magic is not only in the fantastic creatures from which they draw their inspiration, but also in the benefits to your washer, your clothing, your wallet, and the environment!

Just toss these Woolez in your dryer and away you go- No more fabric softener and a faster drying time! The more you add to your dryer, the faster the drying time, softer the clothes, and more money saved. Wool does not harbor bacteria. The wool fibers absorb static cling and the friction softens clothing and shortens drying time, too! They can take years of abuse without cracking, unraveling, and falling apart like other dryer balls do.

Woolez last at least one year. Scented Woolez will lose their scent but can be rescented, if desired, with fragrance oil or essential oil. (Original description by the original Woolez maker, Barbara Lieberman)

Some of the magic is also in how they are made. Believe it or not, it all starts with some colored wool. Barbara Lieberman, who is not only a master needle felter (have you seen here Thumbles?), but she is learning to spin. Thanks to that, she now mixes the wool for me using her carders. This is how I get such amazing fiery hues for my Phoenix Balls, rainbow blends for my unicorn balls, and watery tones for my Mermaid Balls!

The more familiar and common scents, such as lavender, rose, cinnamon, and lemon can be found at Pipe & Thimble Bookstore in Lomita, CA. You can even order a couple of the scents online through them. These more fantastical scents can be found at Faerie Fest in Solvang and other upcoming events, such as Welcome to the Fairy Forest!