Real Life Salvation

Holding a Molting Lizard

2015-10-21T18:43:00.001-07:00

Shells.

2015-10-03T21:16:00.001-07:00

Spring.

2015-09-22T22:28:00.001-07:00

Chickens.

2015-09-10T01:08:00.001-07:00

There are countless reasons why adding chickens to your life are beneficial. Despite how gorgeous this girl is seen here, eggs, fertilizer and reconnecting with the human spirit are all bonuses. This is one of the latest additions to our family.

The Medicinal Mushroom: Ophiocordyceps sinensis

2015-08-31T17:24:00.001-07:00

Strange looking I know, but according to ancient Chinese and Tibetan literature, this fungus inflamed caterpillar has been known as a cure all for centuries. I was introduced to it while enjoying an evening of hors d'oeuvres and champagne. Imagine that beautiful backdrop and then out comes the caterpillar fungus. With claims to improve energy, appetite, stamina, endurance and sleeping patterns, cordyceps sinensis is highly valued by Eastern practitioners. I was intrigued to find out more.

What you are actually looking at is fungus that have parasitized ghost moth larvae and produced a fruiting body from the head. It is not produced commercially and found only in certain regions of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas, making its ownership a bit of a status symbol amongst herbalists.

Unfortunately, this precious herb is now on the endangered list as overharvesting and exploitation have dwindled the numbers. People are catching on to its natural uses and demanding more of it. To the West, it is known as the medicinal mushroom and used for many medical purposes as well, including the treatment of some forms of cancer.

I was up close and personal with the cordyceps and however true the claims may or may not be about it, there's definitely something magical about going on there.

Coming 2015: Star Wars Theme Park

2015-08-22T15:24:00.001-07:00

Disney just announced that they will be opening a Star Wars Launch Bay attraction at their Hollywood Studios and Disneyland, California theme parks. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will open in 2015.

Click here for more photos of the planned park and may The Force be with you.

From The Homeschool Archives

2015-08-09T21:42:00.001-07:00

While doing a cabinet clean out, I came across this angelic little gem from the homeschool archives. It's old school writing practice. The children would tell me whatever sentence they wanted to write. I'd give them a perfect mother example to follow, and off they'd go copying the text numerous times. This one chose to write about angels because he is one...most of the time.

Styling a Skull Scene

2015-08-01T20:05:00.001-07:00

Forbes Quote

2015-07-27T04:44:00.001-07:00

Jealousy is a mental cancer.

-B.C. Forbes

Salad in a Sombrero

2015-07-26T23:22:00.001-07:00

Could have posted this on Savory Salvations due to the pictured green salad, but instances like this are actually part of our real life.

New Zealand International Film Festival

2015-07-22T21:56:00.001-07:00

Visit www.nziff.co.nz

Christchurch 7-23 August
Timaru 18-23 August

Natural Stylings

2015-07-22T17:13:00.001-07:00

For our latest styling, we used these natural blessings to accent the shoot. Hand-picked from the garden and photo ready, gathered bunches of foliage exhibit nature's true beauty potential.

Instapost: A Day In My Life Featuring A Hairnet

2015-07-19T01:54:00.001-07:00

Desert Rainbow

2015-07-10T15:26:00.001-07:00

I pull photos from my real life and share them here with you. In reality is a much better place to live your life but the virtual side can help you spread everyday greatness like this photo here.

Just a rainbow and some sunshine.

When my father passed away, I believe he left a bit of his natural photographic passion inside of me. I do believe, dear sister, he left a bit inside of you as well.

Nevada.

Instapost: Lit Lilly

2015-07-07T20:47:00.001-07:00

Shadows of Shoah Exhibition

2015-07-07T18:42:00.001-07:00

http://shadowsofshoah.com/christchurch/

Act 2 Drama Presents: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

2015-07-04T22:58:00.001-07:00

Looking for holiday family fun times? Act 2 Drama is presenting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. A top quality production that is sure to please audiences of all ages.

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a marvelous musical adaptation of a classic favorite with all our old friends, plus a few new ones. We’ll meet the captivating Princess Snow White, the prince, the evil queen and seven mischievous dwarfs — Sarge, Gabby, Gloomy Gus, Ticklish, Spritely, Snore, and Slowpoke, but that's not all! There’s also a hilarious palace cat and an enchanted vixen. Following the traditional storyline, the fairy tale is brought to life with an eclectic score of toe-tapping tunes.

Magical and comical characters, a walking-talking mirror and enchanting songs & dances make for a spellbinding show."

Family Fun: Action Karts

2015-07-04T19:16:00.001-07:00

It was one of those weekends that flew by due to the dauntingly busy schedules that large families bring. Every child has their need and accommodating this all together creates a fast and furious time warp. And on the note of fast, we found ourselves enjoying a brief stop at Action Karts. Ages 8+ can enjoy lap after lap of high speed fun sold in 10 minute increments. Friendly service and a safe clean track deliver the perfect pit stop for fun times.

Click here for details: http://www.actionkarts.co.nz/

Instapost: Rockin' Skullbilly

2015-06-30T23:38:00.001-07:00

KidsFest 2015: The Year of Light

2015-06-21T15:53:00.001-07:00

Winter holidays are around the corner, so that means KidsFest has released this year's catalog with heaps of fun, and oftentimes free, activities for kids. Arts, sports, music, drama, nature and shows are just an idea of what's in store this season. Get with the programme and start booking.

www.kidsfest.co.nz

We're building a rocket. Is dinner ready?

2015-06-17T01:41:00.001-07:00

More frequently than ever is the time that I walk into a room in my house and I see a table full of random, sometime questionable, things. The photo below exhibits the most recent randomness. I asked what a bunch of broken match sticks missing their combustible bits were doing on the dining table. (These missing red tips were gathered in another questionable place not pictured here.)

Nonetheless, I immediately asked what was going on and their answer is the title of this post: We're building a rocket. Is dinner ready?

Perfect.

Inspiration for today...

2015-06-16T15:23:00.001-07:00

Wonderland Styling

2015-06-14T19:41:00.001-07:00

I recently did a photoshoot featuring an Alice in Wonderland theme. Tea cups, red hearts, clocks and costumes galore. The children were gorgeous and here's a snapshot.

"Painting the white roses red..."

Using Wit & Wisdom to Relieve Pressure

2015-06-10T01:30:00.001-07:00

I am under a pretty intense editing deadline at the moment. I have found myself, for the past week, sitting in a fixed position, in front of my computers. To relieve a bit of pressure, I've been continuously running what is arguably the best series on cable television. Game of Thrones. It's tv gold. I can't seem to get enough, hence the photo below. I was gifted this treat and because of the hilarious nature, I've yet to stick the book on the bookshelf. The Wit & Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister.
Like Tyrion, this book is small, yet powerful. With quotes such as, "Sleep is good. Books are better", and "Schemes are like fruit, they require a certain ripening". Genius. That's Tyrion.

Books make great gifts and any GOT fan will appreciate this little gem. I know I do.
Ok. Back to editing and the sweet background noise of my show with perhaps the unmistakable sound of Dragon Fire.

Baby on Board

2015-06-08T18:57:00.001-07:00

Usually, I can leave bumper stickers and their silly attempt to capture the driving audience. I was captured by cool cuteness today and it made me a bit clucky. Have a look.