Fried Marbles

Fried marbles are a component of some of my best-selling jewelry. They sparkle like beautiful little gems. The secret is that they're actually easy and inexpensive to make. Frying marbles is a process using extreme heat, followed by extreme cold, so that the marbles crack from the inside out. They're easy to make and could be a fun project to do with children UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION ONLY. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:





1 bag of transparent glass marbles (solid colors only)


1 frying pan


1 oven mitt


1 wooden spoon


1 large pot


Cold water


Ice





Place the marbles in the frying pan. Wearing the oven mitt, heat them over high heat, stirring with the wooden spoon. You'll have to experiment a little bit, but you should plan on frying them for approximately 15-20 minutes. Too short a time and they won't shatter enough. Too long a time, and they'll shatter too much and possibly crack all the way through to the outside.





While the marbles are frying, fill the large pot with cold water and a lot of ice.





When the marbles are done and piping hot, pour them into the pot of ice water. Let them cool off and, then, dry.





The glass inside the marbles shatters into shards and looks like shimmering crystal.


The wire-wrapped pendant pictured above takes a little more skill, but you can purchase one at www.janetsjewelrybox.com. It comes with three marbles, but you can make more and have a one-of-a-kind necklace to match any outfit.

Meditation Bracelet

This Meditation Bracelet consists of 6 stones representing the following chakra colors.

Red = Energy
White = Awareness
Yellow = Intellect
Green = Prosperity
Blue = Tranquility
Purple = Creativity

The bracelet consists mostly of crystal stones and antiqued gold spacer beads with the exception of the freshwater pearl in white and the red variegated glass stone. The beads were strung on heavy duty elastic beading cord for comfort, ease of fit, and with no clasps to get tangled while meditating, practicing yoga, or just going about your daily routine. It measures a little over 7.5 inches, but will stretch to fit most wrists. I can custom make it to any size you need. You can purchase the bracelet at http://www.janetsjewelrybox.com/


PURPLE governs the CROWN chakra, at the top of the head.

BEAUTY, CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION

Related organ: brain
Endocrine gland: pineal gland.

Associated problems: depression, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, many mental disorders, confusion, and dizziness.

Personality Traits: Inspirational leaders, kindly and just, humanitarians, self-sacrificing, visionary, creative, and strong mentally.
Purple relates to self knowledge/spiritual awareness. It is the union with your higher self, with spirituality, and your higher consciousness. Dis-ease can result with an in-balance of energy in this chakra, either too much or too little. The purple energy connects us to our spiritual self, bringing guidance, wisdom, and inner strength. It purifies our thoughts and feelings giving us inspiration in all undertakings. Enhances artistic talent and creativity.

Positive aspects of purple
- a reverence for all life
- self sacrificing in the service of others
- idealism
- an ability to see the appropriate route for the benefit of the higher self

Negative aspects of purple
- no concern for others
- feelings of superiority
- lack of contact with reality

White governs the BROW chakra or third eye, in the center of the forehead.

INTUITION, MYSTICISM, UNDERSTANDING

Related organs: eyes, lower head, and sinuses
Endocrine gland: pituitary gland.

Associated problems: tension headache, migraine, visual defects, short-sightedness, long-sightedness, glaucoma, cataracts, sinus problems, ear problems.

Personality Traits: Intuitive, fearless, practical, idealistic, wise, and a truth seeker.

White relates to self responsibility - being responsible for one's own life, responsible to oneself to follow the soul's path and needs and trusting one's own intuition (the ability to see things from a 'higher' viewpoint rather than purely for satisfaction of the ego or one's material comfort.). The white energy connects us to our unconscious self, and gives us the experience of being part of the whole universe. Strengthens intuition, imagination, psychic powers, and increases dream activity.

Positive aspects of white
- highly intuitive
- faithful
- clear sighted
- integrity
- orderly mind

Negative aspects of white
- inability to trust intuition
- scattered mind
- inconsiderate
- blinkered vision

BLUE governs the THROAT chakra.

KNOWLEDGE, HEALTH, DECISIVENESS

Related organs: throat and lungs
Endocrine gland: thyroid gland. The upper digestive tract can be affected by imbalance in this area. TURQUOISE can also be helpful for both the throat and the heart chakra.

Associated problems: Thyroid problems - over active/under active; Anorexia nervosa (this is a multi-chakra problem but has a strong connection to the throat chakra); asthma; bronchitis; hearing problems; tinnitus - may also be connected to problems with the brow chakra; problems of the upper digestive tract; mouth ulcers, sore throats, tonsillitis.

Personality Traits: Loyal, tactful, affectionate, inspiring, inventive, caring, and cautious.

Blue is the color of the spirit and relates to self expression - speech, communication, the ability to communicate our needs and requirements; Spirit of truth and purpose. This is a mentally-relaxing color. Blue has a pacifying effect on the nervous system and brings great relaxation - ideal for sleep problems, and hyper-active children. Connects us to holistic thought, and gives us wisdom and clarity enhancing communication and speech.

Positive aspects of blue
- loyal
- trustworthy
- tactful
- calm

Negative aspects of blue
- unfaithful
- untrustworthy
- self-righteous
- cold

GREEN governs the HEART chakra.

BALANCE, LOVE, SELF CONTROL

Related organs: heart and breasts
Endocrine gland: thymus gland

Associated problems: heart diseases, diseases of the Immune system (e.g., AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome); other problems related to the immune system, allergies, cancer of the breast. TURQUOISE also has a helpful effect on the immune system and is also helpful in relation to the throat chakra. PINK also relates to the heart chakra being the color of love.

Personality Traits: Understanding, self-controlled, adaptable, sympathetic, compassionate, generous, humble, nature loving, and romantic.

Green chakra relates to love/self love - the ability to give and take unconditionally. When balanced, we are able to give love and also to love and nurture ourselves. Helps relax muscles, nerves, and thoughts. Cleanses and balances our energy, to give a feeling of renewal, peace, and harmony. Green connects us to unconditional love and is used for balancing our whole being.

Positive aspects of green
- compassion
- generosity
- harmony/balance
- loving

Negative aspects of green
- indifference
- jealousy
- miserly
- bitterness

YELLOW governs the SOLAR PLEXUS chakra, situated below the ribs.

WISDOM, CLARITY, SELF-ESTEEM

Related organs: liver, spleen, stomach, and small intestine.
Endocrine gland: pancreas

Associated problems: diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, peptic ulcer, Celiac's disease, and gall stones.

Personality Traits: Good-humored, optimistic, confident, practical, and intellectual.

Yellow is a creative color and relates to self worth (how we feel about ourselves and how we feel others perceive us). This is the area of the personality, the ego, and the intellect. Gives us clarity of thought, increases awareness, and stimulates interest and curiosity. Yellow energy is related to the ability to perceive and understand. The yellow energy connects us to our mental self.

Positive aspects of yellow
- confident
- alert
- optimistic
- good humored

Negative aspects of yellow
- feelings of inferiority
- over analytical
- sarcastic
- pessimistic

RED governs the BASE chakra situated at the base of the spine.

VITALITY, COURAGE, SELF CONFIDENCE

Related organs: kidneys and bladder, the vertebral column, hips and legs are also areas related to this chakra.
Endocrine gland: adrenal gland.

Associated problems: constipation, diarrhea, piles, colitis, Crohn's disease, cold fingers and toes, frequency of urination, hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney stones, impotence, hip problems, legs and feet. PINK can also be used here when a more gentle energy is required.

Personality Traits: Courageous, confident, humanistic, strong-willed, spontaneous, honest, and extroverted.
Red relates to self awareness. It is the area of survival and stability and your place on this earth. The color red provides the power from the earth and gives energy on all levels. It connects us to our physical body. Everything that is to be commenced needs the life vitality of red.

Positive aspects of red:
- security
- courage
- strength of will
- pioneering

Negative aspects of red:
- insecurity
- self pitying
- aggressive
- fearful


Meditation
There are many ways of meditating and meditation means different things to different people. Meditation is part of normal daily practice for a great number of people within some religions. Whatever the word 'meditation' means to you, the practice can be enormously helpful as a way of calming the mind and finding your own inner peace. This place of inner peace is where we can open up to our higher self - without the interference of the ego or intellect - where we can find our higher intelligence and knowing.Meditation can be achieved by focusing the mind on a particular object, for example a flower, or on a simple shape (e.g., your bracelet), on a sound, on an image (visualization), or by focusing on the breathing. Breathing exercises can be done lying down or sitting and can be a very helpful form of meditation. There are many very helpful tapes and CD's around to help with meditation as they will talk the listener through the stages of relaxation, and some will help to build a 'picture' in the minds eye of tranquility. With practice, you will find it becomes easier and easier to meditate and to be able to 'switch off' any time, anywhere, when you are feeling the need for some peace.

Breathing
Breathing is very important - and as obvious as that sounds, it is surprising how few of us actually do breathe 'properly'. Breathing is something we all take for granted and are inclined to forget about. However, shallow breathing can often be a symptom of stress. Similarly, shallow breathing can result in fatigue and stress due to the intake of insufficient oxygen. Shallow breathing can also result in dizzy turns as insufficient oxygen is getting to the brain. Since approximately 90% of our energy is created by oxygen, and nearly all the body's actions regulated by it, it is rather important that we get enough of it!!

Go somewhere quiet and lie down or sit in a chair with good back support so that your body is straight, allowing you to breathe deeply and comfortably. Make sure you are not wearing any tight clothing. Tell yourself to relax. Work on every part of your body from the top of your head to your toes, consciously relaxing each part. Concentrate on your breathing, taking deep in-breaths, through the nose, letting the breath fill your body, relaxing and calming. Then breathe out through your nose or mouth, exhaling all negativity and stress and ridding your body of the toxins which build up there. Repeat this a number of times. If you can only manage 10 minutes, that is fine. Eventually, you will be able to practice this anywhere, any time, when you are feeling stressed. Try not to hunch your shoulders as you breathe in - try to consciously relax the shoulders and neck and breathe from the abdomen - watch your tummy expand as you breathe in.

There are a number of breathing techniques which are taught by practitioners of different disciplines, either on a one-on-one basis or in a group, such as a workshop perhaps. If you have a particular medical problem, then a good place to start is with your doctor, who will be able to advise you.

Essential Oils for The Beginner

What Are Essential Oils/Aromatherapy?

Essential oils aromatic, volatile liquids distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. Aromatherapy is a term coined in the 1920's by a French scientist named Rene Maurice Gattefosse for the use of essential oils in the treatment of disease. The essential oil is the process of extracting the chemical properties of the plant so that it may be used for treatment. Plants, in addition to playing a vital role in the ecosystem of our planet, have been used since the beginning of time to aid in the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of mankind.

Essential oils are the most powerful part of the plant and have been used dating back to 4500 B.C. to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The provide fragrances to lift our spirits, balance moods, create a romantic atmosphere, and dispel negative emotions. Essential oils can stimulate the regulation of tissue and nerves, as well as, carry nutrients and oxygen to the cells.

Quality

All essential oils are not created equally. Don't be misled. Most aromatherapy oils sold in stores are often "perfume" quality that have been adulterated in processing or deliberately diluted with potentially harmful solvents. There are also "organic" oils that are processed incorrectly leading to chemical impurity, changing the fragrance, chemical constituents, frequency, and pH of the oil. Any oils you use must be of "therapeutic" grade. To ensure quality, your essential oils must meet the following guidelines:

1. It starts with the plants. The right plants must be planted in the right soil and harvested at exactly the right time.

2. Preparation of the oils, or distillation, is key in preserving nature's living energy of the plant in a manner as close to its natural state as possible. Steam distillation, using pure mountain water free of additives, ensures better preservation of the plant's properties, capturing the pure essence of the plant, and preserving the quality of the oils.

3. Purity is important. You want your oils to be processed with meticulous care and not through ultra-refinement. You only want 100% pure oils that are unadulterated, uncut, and free of chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides.

4. Potency is important to ensure that the finished oils' phytochemical profile delivers optimal amounts of every key plant compound.

Where to Purchase Essential Oils

You'll find hundreds, if not thousands, of aromatherapy sites online. The only two that I recommend are Young Living and Mountain Rose Herbs.

Just click on the photo above to go to the Young Living website. If you're not online right now, just go to:

https://www.youngliving.org

The next time you are!

If you decide to make a purchase, it would be nice if you used my distributor ID. I'm not really into the selling aspect of essential oils, but the products are only sold through distributors anyway. You'll need to enter someone's distributor ID and, since you're here, it might as well be me, right? My Young Living ID# is: 1002299

Just click on the photo above to go to the Mountain Rose Herbs website. If you're not online right now, just go to:

http://tiny.cc/mtnrose

The next time you are!

Young Living is phenomenal and offers many choices of single and blended oils. These are, without doubt, the purest anywhere. Their Everyday Oils collection is a great way to get started and you'll be able to purchase all of your oils at wholesale pricing. Young Living also offers a basic distributor kit which comes with lavender and peppermint oils as well as Ning Xhia Red, a powerful and delicious anti-oxidant juice that I drink everyday. Young Living has the sole distributor rights to import this product from the Ning Xhia region of China. They'll send you a video with your kit. It's not unusual and, in fact, accepted that the people of this region live well over 100 years of age -- in perfect health!

Mountain Rose Herbs is also excellent. In addition to essential oils, they offer teas, herbs and bases for mixing your own oils at very good prices.

Research

Although many people scoff at the idea that Essential Oils offer any real therapeutic benefit, thousands of years of use and current research proves this wrong. This isn't just wishful New Age thinking. God provided every substance needed to sustain life on this planet. And, remember, although scientists can now chemically "mimic" the properties of plants in medications, the original and God-created source are the plants themselves.

The Europeans have conducted research on essential oils for decades. Because this research supports the therapeutic value of essential oils in the treatment of disease, North American research is growing considerably. Healthcare professionals worldwide are now using essential oils to protect and restore the health of their patients. In France, essential oils are prescribed, pharmacies sell them, and insurance company's pay for them! The effectiveness, low cost, ease of use, and virtual lack of side effects makes their use the preferred choice of more and more enlightened professionals and laypersons.

How/Why It Works

This subject would be a whole book in itself. I'll just giive you the basics here. Each essential oil may contain up to 100 chemical components. The oils act differently, depending on which component is predominant in an oil. Scientific studies have shown that these compounds can produce specific effects on the mind and body. Some oils are relaxing (e.g., studies with brain wave frequency show that smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head associated with relaxation). The inhalation of jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head which is associated with a more alert state.

Though inhalation is probably the most common method of delivery, pure therapeutic grade oils may also be applied topically and/or ingested. CAUTION: Be sure of the quality of your oils!

Stay Tuned. The next post will include a list of essential oils and their uses, how to use the oils, blending, and safety. In the meantime, feel free to contact me with any questions.