The Witches Cupboard

Giveaway – Tapping the Source Book and DVD – Ends 1/12/11

2011-01-07T01:58:00.001-07:00

This book and DVD looks great! I've listened to the Master Key System in the past (and present!) and enjoyed it. http://sweeps4bloggers.com/?p=14310

Giveaway – Organized Simplicity book – Ends 1/7/11

2010-12-29T03:15:00.002-07:00

Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider is a hardcover, spiral bound book full of checklists to help you get organized :) Offered by Sweeps4Bloggers http://sweeps4bloggers.com/?p=14071

Giveaway – Original Sinnersbook – Ends 1/7/11

2010-12-29T02:53:00.002-07:00

Sweeps4Bloggers is giving away this book, so enter now through 1/7/11! There will be 2 lucky winners, and they give you a bunch of ways to enter :)

http://sweeps4bloggers.com/?p=13737

Giveaway – Ecozuri Forget Me Not Bag Set – Ends 10/4/10

2010-09-26T14:53:00.002-07:00

Giveaway of this fabulous eco set! If you frequently forget to bring your reusable bags to the store like I do, this set is for you!

~Love & Blessings from http://www.thewitchescupboard.com!

Giveaway! Seventh Generation Feminine Care Starter Kit – 10/8/10

2010-09-26T13:47:00.002-07:00

Sweeps 4 Bloggers is giving away this great starter kit from Seventh Generation! "Seventh Generation feminine care products are made chlorine free and adhere to the same high quality standards as other Seventh Generation products. They have products to suit your style and your needs – tampons, pads and pantiliners. They get the job done without risky chemicals."

Prize contains: Organic Cotton Applicator Tampons (Regular, Super and Super Plus), Chlorine Free Pantiliners, Chlorine Free Overnight Maxi Pads, Tote Bag (ARV $30.95)

~Love & Blessings from http://www.thewitchescupboard.com!

Witches Britches Giveaway today!

2009-10-14T17:02:00.002-07:00

Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom is having a giveaway for a "batty" handmade tarot bag, two hand crafted spell candles, and a bag of The Witches Britches all natural herbal divination incense by Witches Britches! Enter the contest here.

~Anyanka
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

The Reality of Magick - when magick fails

2009-08-03T22:38:00.005-07:00

Some circumstances in my life recently, and my attempts to change them, has reminded me of an important fact. It is a fact that many people interested in magick, especially those that are new to the ideas, are resistent to. I deal with it all the time as people question me as to why their spell failed, an amulet didn't work, etc. There is almost a universal denial to these facts from time to time. Magick, and probably even the universe, sometimes says no.

I picked the perfect day and time, found the perfect spell, had a wonderful ritual drumming CD playing in the background, centered, focused, took my time... and nothing. I'll admit, even a seasoned witch gets depressed when her spell utterly flops.

So I have contemplated it for days. What did I do wrong? Did I miscaculate something? Then a thought started to emerge.

Maybe I was asking for too much, too fast? A quick fix-it to solve most of my problems may not be the answer. So I talked to my husband this afternoon and shared my thoughts with him. Maybe our future path is not being revealed to us because we are not doing enough for ourselves in the present? Do you think, I asked him, that if we got done the things we know need to be done now, that the long terms issues will work themselves out? Or that we will at least get a sign showing us the next step? Maybe we have not prepared ourselves for the next step, and we won't be allowed to see it until we do? Maybe my spell failed because it had to?

All of this was going through my ming this afternoon. Then tonight, I decided to whip out my personal astrological planner this evening. What does it say for this month? "One Step at a Time." It tells me that minor adjustments done well are much more valuable this month than dramatic moves, scale back ideas that are running away with themselves, combine small but possible steps. At the bottom of the 2nd page of this month's advisory it says "Keep in mind this month; Mastering even minor details in yur daily life builds a web of competence and confidence to support yoiur long-term goals."

And what did hubby have to say about this when he got home? "This is why you are supposed to read these things first." And right he is.

The lesson here? If your spell/prayer/ritual flops, does it mean you did something wrong? Does it mean the universe hates you, that you are no good at casting, or that your dreams are impossible? I guess it is possible, but probably not. Maybe it is just the Universe's way of saying, "Stop and think about this. Maybe there is another way, another idea, or another time that would be better." It is your Wake Up and Smell the Coffee! We get signs all the time, and even the most intune of us forget to listen sometimes.

So the next time you think your spell/amulet/deity/sanity has failed you, don't beat yourself up. Reevaluate. Don't just think how to cast differently, pray harder, etc. Think about timing, details, alternate ways of doing or thinking it through. There are probably answers right in front of you that you forgot to hear.

~Anyanka
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

I want to give you new age freebies :)

2009-07-28T23:43:00.011-07:00

Bright Blessings,

I plan on giving one lucky person (or maybe a few, depending on how things go) a freebie from my inventory of new age goodies! The details on how to become this lucky person(s) is below, but first I want to share with you why I am doing this.

(Ok, this post is kinda long, but bare with me. I want to share some information with you, and give you some great opportunities at the same time!)

About me, and why I am doing this...

I started my website and webstore in 2002. We are a small family run store, a mom & pop store I guess lol. It's just hubby, our 10 yr old daughter, and me. The site is my dream, my passion, and a big part of my life. I seriously love what I do, what I sell, and the people I have the tremendous pleasure of interacting with and learning from. As you know, our nation, and many others, are experiencing a tremendous finanical crisis. Well, in times like this, the first thing to go are the "luxuries." Which means that niche markets, such as mine, suffer the quickest and possibly the most. Personally I am seriously upside down on my mortgage, hubby is disabled (and not receiving disability, though hopefully will,) and sales are way down. I'm not trying to make anyone feel sorry for me, or have a pity party, and I understand a lot of people are in a similar bind. I just want to share with my audience, small though it may be, as they are the reason I do what I do.

They are also the reason I want to continue to do what I do. Recently my husband and I have been discussing the very real possibility I may have to get another job. If I do that, I will do everything possible to run the site as is, however, it is unlikely that I would be able to develop the website in the ways I have always dreamed. It has been my goal to eventually be able to fill my site with valuable content that will serve as an important reference for witches, new agers, those that meditate, people seeking info on alternative religions, those interested in the paranormal, as well as many other people and subjects. I want to be able to offer this info for free and deliver it with videos, podcasts, articles, reference tables, group events. discussion boards and more. To do these things, I need to be able to devote myself to this labor of love full time. And to have the time to do so, I need my metaphysical/new age/witchcraft supply store to be able to support my family.

What does any of this have to do with you, or getting a free gift? Help me. Help me promote my site & store. Help me build the content that could open a new world to the many seeking souls out there. Help me not only live my dream, but enrich a global community. If I can boost sales to a point that sustains my family, it would thrill me to be able to run more giveaways like this, create & coordinate wonderful content to share with the world, and even create a user panel to test and review products! <--- ok, that last one was a big one! How fun would it be to have a witchy testing panel?!? I hope this wasn't too heavy for some of you out there. But most of all, I hope you can feel how sincere I am in my desire to build a better community for us all. Now on to the good stuff :)

Ok, here's the deal! I am looking to giveaway a mystery gift from my incredible inventory! At least one gift will be given away. However, I reserve the right to giveaway more freebies if I get a tremendous amount of support, entries, and (hopefully!) a boost in sales to help me fund some extra freebies! I'm sure no one will be mad if I have to pick several gift recipients right? Hehe :)

Gift recipient(s) will be selected on August 31st, so please get your entries to me by August 30th.

A witch's dozen of ways to win a gift! You will get entries for any and all of the following:

Be a fan of my Facebook page! Witches Cupboard FB page (1 entry)
Follow me on Twitter! Witches Cupboard Twitter profile (1 entry)
Tweet the giveaway! Be sure to send the tweet @witchescupboard (1 entry per)
Tweet your recommendation of the website, or a favorite product. (1 entry per)
Blog the giveaway or website. (1 entry)
Blog a review! Review a product (that we sell) that you either have, or would like to have. Include a link to the product from our store. (2 entries) Please make it detailed. Reviews that just say "nice" won't count :)
Post a link! (1 entry per place you link to the site, a product and/or giveaway from) this could be your website, yahoo group, facebook, myspace, link list on your blog, etc.
Social Network! Add us (website, product, or giveaway) to your social bookmarks on Digg, Stumbleupon, Delicious, etc. Don't forget to email us a link to where you posted it! (1 entry per)
Make a purchase from our webstore! (5 entries per item) There is no limit to the entries you can earn this way! Be sure to include your invoice number when sending your entries. Payment must be received by August 30, 2009 12:00pm (noon) PT to be eligible.
Make a purchase from our ebay store! (5 entries per order) Payment must be received by August 30, 2009 12:00pm (noon) PT to be eligible. Please note that orders from ebay are awarded per order, not per item like on our webstore, because of the increased cost of selling on ebay.
Be a member of our Witch Forum! (1 entry)
Be a contributing author! I want to start posting articles to the site ASAP. I think this is one of the best ways to contribute to the understanding and growth of our community as a whole. If you would be willing to donate your expertise, knowledge, or opinion in article form, and allow me to permanently post it on my websites, it would be most appreciated. Be sure to include your name as you want it to appear, or write "anonymous" if you do not want your name on it. Please note, this must be your own work, please do not copy someone else's work. (15 entries per accepted article, no limit)
Submit a spell! Be sure to include your name as you want it to appear, or write "anonymous" if you do not want your name on it. Please note, this must be your own work, please do not copy someone else's work. (5 entries per accepted spell, no limit)

How to enter!

When you are done put "Giveaway entries" in the subject line and email a list of your entries to thewitchescupboard@yahoo.com. Do more after sending? No problem! Send another email, but only include anything not included in your previous email(s.)

Be sure to let me know all of the things you have done so that I can make sure you get all the credit you deserve! If you posted links, send me the URLs where they reside, if you followed me, let me know your name so I can see that, if you blogged it send me a link, if you tweeted it send @witchescupboard so I know, you get the general idea right? Some actions you can get credit for more than once (like sending multiple tweets) but please be sure to space them as I don't want anyone to think either you or I are trying to spam or annoy them. Thanks!

How, when, rules?

I will be using an online random number generator to pick the winner(s) sometime on August 31st, so please get your entries submitted by August 30th to be eligible.

Please include your first name, last initial and location (state or province) with your entry. The winner will be identified in the winner announcement(s) by this info. All other personal information will be kept private.
If the winner is in the US we will even pay for the postage! Sorry, but if you are out of the US there may be a shipping fee in order to claim your prize. I hate to do that, but it was either charge the shipping on international winners or exclude them, and I didn't want to exclude them. I hope you understand?
The prize is a mystery at present (even to me!) but will be a retail value of at least $10. I am hoping to get a tremendous response from this giveaway so that I could have the option to give away more and/or possibly bigger prizes. So get the word out!
If you win, you will need to provide a valid shipping address by September 7th, 2009 to claim your prize.
Prizes not claimed will be cosidered abandoned.
No purchase neccessary to win.
Void where prohibited by law.

~Anyanka
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

How I get any book, CD or DVD I want for just the cost of postage!

2009-07-15T13:39:00.001-07:00

These are my three favorite sites for getting free and cheap books, CDs and DVDs. There aren't any membership costs, they are 100% free to be a part of!

You can use these sites one of 2 ways.

1. List the books, CDs or DVDs (depending on which site u r on) you own that you don't want. Someone requests them and you ship to their address. You pay the shipping costs for the cheapest shipping method (generally $1.30 - $2.80ish.) Once they receive (or immediately when you ship depending on what method you use) you get a credit on your account. You can use that credit to request an item YOU want from anyone you want on the site, it doesn't have to be the person you sent an item to. They ship your item to you, and they pay for the shipping. There is no limit to the number of items you can trade! So when you make a trade you pay the shipping to ship out the trade, and you don't pay anything to receive.

2. Don't want to part with any of your items? Then you don't have to trade, just buy a credit. A book credit costs $3.45, DVD credit costs $4.95, and a CD credit costs $3.45. Buy your credit, order your item, and you pay nothing additional to receive since the sender pays the postage!

These are huge sites with thousands of members online at a time and millions of items listed, so you can get virtually any item you want for just the cost of postage or a credit. If what you want is not available, you can get in line for it through the free wishlist feature.

Bonuses!
1. On each site you get 1 free credit just for listing 10 items to trade.
2. You get a free credit for referrring a friend!

I don't own these sites, and am not affiliated with them. But I will get a free credit if you sign up through my links below, just like you will get free credits for referring people, so please sign up through my links. Thanks!!

Books: http://bit.ly/38oZwh
DVDs: http://bit.ly/10TZMk
CDs: http://bit.ly/13upyY

~Anyanka
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

My Horoscope for 4/28

2009-04-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

You may attempt to hide your feelings, but you probably won't be able to remain silent for the entire day. Even if you sidestep a tricky situation in the morning, it's likely to come back at you from another direction. It's not about sharing all the nuances of every mood you have, but rather about keeping channels of communication open with your loved ones. Don't stress too much if you are involved in an uncomfortable discussion. Instead of trying to win an argument, try to find common ground.

Key phrase for the day "It's not about sharing all the nuances of every mood you have" that one might be hard lol

~Anyanka
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

You know you live in 2009 when...

2009-04-01T16:18:00.002-07:00

1.) You accidentally enter your password on a microwave.

2.) You haven't played solitare with real cards for years

3.) The reason for not staying in touch with your friends is they dont have a youtube or a myspace

4.) You'd rather look all over the house for the remote instead of just pushing the buttons on the TV

6.) Your boss doesn't even have the ability to do your job.

7.) As you read this list you keep nodding and smiling.

8.) As you read this list you think about sending it to all your friends.

9.) And you were too busy to notice number 5.

10.) You actually scrolled back up to see if there was a number 5.

11.) Now you are laughing at your stupidity.

I found this online and found it hilarious! It was on youtube here http://www.youtube.com/user/dromeblaster48 I didn't even watch the video they had {admits sheepishly}

~Anyanka
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Dorothy Morrison's new book!

2009-03-30T15:59:00.002-07:00

Her new book, Lucinda's Web, is her first work of fiction. From what I hear, the book is chock full of various types of paranormal topics. With the knowledge and experience of Dorothy Morrison, that should make for quite an interesting ride! Also, the heroine of the book is an author, adding yet another layer and opportunity to learn for the reader.

All in all, this is an exciting addition to metaphysical community, and I can't wait to read it!

Bitten By Books has an excellent review of the book HERE.

~Anyanka/Sandy
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Only allow yourself one topic on social network sites?

2009-03-28T00:12:00.004-07:00

I recently read an article on Microgeist that I found interesting. It is about actions that degrade your brand on social media sites. Very nice article! I found most of the points interesting, but disagree about this point.

"Inappropriateness ... in this case it means a post, tweet or picture that doesn’t fit into the context of what your account has defined itself as. Some networks are more forgiving, even encouraging, in sharing personal information while others have rather strict requirements as to the kind of content that belongs there."

I agree that if the network you are on requires certain types of content only, or in the case of blogs or articles, that this is an appropriate recommendation. However, I don't believe it is a universal point. And certainly not worthy of being #1 on your list, although I am unsure whether your list was ranked or just randomly listed.

On twitter, and other social networks that have a great deal of potential interaction, I talk about more than just my business. I have a new age mail order store, so there are certainly plenty of topics to discuss; spells, book of shadows, tarot, pendulums, meditation, herbs, etc. But I also discuss my personal life, thoughts on world events, and my reactions to other people's tweets or posts. I don't think this degrades my "brand" at all. I think this helps people realize that I am more than just a store. My interests, like those of most people, are varied not limited. I'm real, not just a logo. I'm a person, a friend (an online one at least,) someone to talk to. Reachable, touchable. Not only that, but I can have a wider circle of followers, readers, etc

Let's take Twitter for example. What should I do? Not respond when people I follow write something interesting just because it is outside of my "brand" topics? Why even read other people's tweets then?

The best kind of advertising from a business perspective is backed by trust. Can you build trust by showing you are an expert in a field? Absolutely. Can you build trust by showing you truly care about other people's thoughts and feelings? Absolutely. As a person is it natural to do both? Yes. Do you reach more people that way and feel like less of a spam bot. YES.

Social networks are just that, a place to network socially. Although it can be a great place to advertise as well, all advertise all the time gets you unfollowed, unfriended and unfavorited, and frankly... isn't as interesting. I'm not saying spend 5 hours a day on Twitter, or a similar network. I'm just saying if something catches your eye that someone has to say, or if you see something off-network that you think others may find interesting, helpful, or useful, and it is unrelated to your brand, one shouldn't feel it is hands off. If you do, are you much more than a robot?

Save the strictly branding accounts for Whole Foods, Google, etc. And hey, if you are that big maybe it is sound advice. But real people with real businesses have something that sets them apart. The ability to think outside the brand. The ability to interact on a more complex and varied level. That can be a tremendous asset, not a detriment.

In the case of blogs and articles, however, I do think you should stay much closer to your brand. Although a stray topic here and there would be fine, many people bookmark sites that are specific in their topics when it comes to blogs and articles. Blogs & articles are more about information (or opinion) delivery than they are about interaction, so I think they are a different animal altogether.

Anyway, that is my opinion on the matter. And a new off-topic off-brand post for my blog :)

~Anyanka
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Review of Amber Benson's new book

2009-03-24T15:13:00.002-07:00

Bitter by books has a review of Amber Benson's new book, Death's Daughter http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=4871. I never even knew she was an author! I just always knew her as Tara from Buffy the Vampire Slayer hehe :)

The story has an interesting concept. A young woman discovers she has been suppressing the knowledge that she is Death's daughter, and is charged with the task of taking over for her father during a crisis. But it isn't so easy. She actually has to qualify for the position. Should be interesting to see what tasks she must complete.

In this day and age, as books & movies continue to push all stories through as if they are new, it is refreshing to see a creative story line such as this. I hear it is riddled with off beat humor, which is right up my alley, so I look forward to reading this new book!

Upside down mortgages and economic crisis

2009-03-18T17:58:00.006-07:00

I don't usually post about such private matters, but I think this issue needs addressing. I see comments all over social networking sites, comments on articles, blogs, etc talking about how stupid people are for getting in over their heads and (by doing so) contributing to the global economic crisis.

I know a lot of people think that the families that got in over their heads (the upside down mortgages) were just plain stupid and risky, but you don't understand HOW it happened. I'm one of those people, and I can tell you how it happened to me. Maybe you can better understand then.

We were looking for a house in the $80k range when we were first looking to relocate to another state in 2004. We have a small daughter, she was 5 at the time and is 10 now. We wanted a better area for her. A nicer house, better school, more opportunities. We were flying back and forth from the east to the west coast looking at houses, and finally decided it would be easier to rent in the area while we look instead of flying all the time. It cost us $10k to move, far more than we expected. But I guess everyone was taking advantage of the boom.

Once we were in the rental property (Sept 2004) the house prices started quickly climbing. In no time our realtor was telling us there weren't any houses in the $80k range anymore. We spoke with our mortgage broker and they said it would only be a few dollars more a month for a $90k house than an $80k house. Sounds reasonable, we started looking at $90k houses. Oops, no more of those either. Well, only a few dollars more for a $100k than a $90k house right? And our broker said we could afford it. Looking at $100k houses.

I know this may sound crazy if you haven't lived through it, but this pattern continued for months. Each time with "experts" assuring us it was just a little more a month and telling us we could afford it. It sounds dumb looking back, but it was persuasive at the time. Especially to 2 people starting to panic.

Before you know it, the houses were $200k. So we found one for $189k (a real deal it seemed) and bought it ASAP. It was panic. It was fear. We knew we were outside of our comfort zone, but we didn't feel we had a choice. The houses were LITERALLY going up $10k a month. In fact, the house we bought for $189 was $149 less than 3 months previously. We felt if we didn't just grab something, anything, we'd be priced out of the market permanently and we didn't know what our future options would be then.

We ultimately mortgaged $195k after rolling in closing costs. It's insane. $195k after looking at $80k houses. If you haven't been through it, it is hard to understand.

We can't afford our $195k mortgage. And our mortgage company won't try to restructure our loan unless we are current. How much sense does that make? Unless we make our payments they won't help us find a way to make our payments. I have to prove I can pay, and prove I can't at the same time? Talk about a lose - lose situation.

And to make matters worse? My floors are cracking up. They are separating, and one side is rising... or is the other side sinking? I don't get it, because the house was 7 years old when we bought it. It had been inspected, and passed. I don't know how it developed these problems AFTER we bought it when it was that old already? And (even worse still) my husband is having a lot of trouble with his back. Standing AND sitting for more than 20 mins (sometimes less) at a time hurts him. Although I don't know how much it matters that it hurts him to work, since he is in home improvements & repair and never gets calls for work anyway. Also, I have my own online business that has done fine since 2002. Now my sales are dropping drastically. Sales were never high enough that I could fully support the family, but then it became hard to even pay utilities and bills like that. This last month, for the first time since 2002, I've had trouble even paying the expenses of the business much less making a spendable profit!

Not trying to post a sob story for sympathy or attention. I don't get off on revealing my dirty laundry to the world. I just think many people out there are unaware how many of us got in this mess. Maybe this helps clarify it for you. I didn't want to put my family in this mess. I didn't want to have to think about this stuff 24 hours a day. I didn't want to have anxiety attacks nearly every day, and heart palpitations at only 32 years old. Did I make a mistake? More than 1 I am sure. I put my faith in "experts" who (I thought) were supposed to help me and guide me. I am guilty of trust, faith and ignorance. And I am paying for it every minute. And worse than that? My child is paying for it too. She knows far too much about debt and mortgages at 10 yrs old, and she worries. Children shouldn't worry. They should feel safe and secure.

So before you judge so harshly, please consider maybe those of us upside down on our mortgages aren't total idiots. Maybe we are just people who wanted a better life for our children, and became convinced by experts that what we were doing was safe, reasonable and neccessary. We have learned, but unfortunately it is too late. Now we suffer for our mistakes. Please don't make that any worse.

What was Jesus?

2009-03-15T02:27:00.003-07:00

There were 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black:

1.He called everyone brother
2.He liked Gospel
3.He didn't get a fair trial

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish:

1.He went into His Father's business
2.He lived at home until he was 33
3.He was sure his Mother was a virgin and his Mother was sure He was God

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian:

1.He talked with His hands
2.He had wine with His meals
3.He used olive oil

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was a Californian:

1.he never cut His hair
2.He walked around barefoot all the time
3.He started a new religion

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was anAmerican Indian:
1.He was at peace with nature
2.He ate a lot of fish
3.He talked about the Great Spirit

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Irish:

1. He never got married.
2. He was always telling stories.
3. He loved green pastures.

But the most compelling evidence of all - 3 proofs that Jesus was a woman:

1.He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there wasvirtually no food
2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who justdidn't get it
3.And even when He was dead, He had to get up because there was still work to do

Can I get an amen?

hehe, isn't that cute? :)

~Anyanka
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Friday the 13th - history

2009-03-12T23:57:00.002-07:00

Why all the fear of Friday the 13th?

In France, on (Friday) October 13, 1307, King Philippe IV attacked the Knights Templar. All the Templars in France were arrested, accused of heretical acts, imprisoned, tortued, and executed. The day forever branded Friday the 13th as an unlucky day.

An interesting little fact (found in Seventh House's Season of the Witch planner) The greatest number of Friday the Thirteenths that can occur in one year is three, and that is the case in 2009: Feb 13, March 13, Nov 13.

~Anyanka
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Today's Giveaway

2009-03-05T13:31:00.001-07:00

FREE Spell-A-Day Almanac! http://www.thewitchescupboard.com/3-5promo.html

I don't understand it?

2009-03-03T16:49:00.002-07:00

The other day I sent a previous customer a discount on her next order as a thank you gift, and received a response asking me to remove her from my mailing list? She wasn't on a mailing list, she was just getting a one time discount offer in response to her satisfaction with her previous order.

Then today I decided I should get rid of the couple calendars I have left. Sure I could discount them and sell them off that way, but wouldn't it be more fun to give them away? So I spend the afternoon writing up a giveaway page on the website. I twitter it, direct message a few people I follow, post it in my yahoo group and blog it on my other blog. So far the only responses I have received were from:

1. A person the direct message got double sent to on twitter due to a traffic overload. The twitter gave me an error page telling me to try again, so I did. Apprently that made it double send.

2. A person asking me not to direct market them by sending them giveaways.

3. Someone who actually thanked me for letting them know.

So here's what I don't understand. How come if I want to give people discounts (that I can't even really afford to give with sales down due to the economy) and give away free items, how come I am either getting no response or complaints? Seriously, it's beyond me. Personally, I love discounts and freebies and even have a special folder for them in my yahoo mail. It makes me feel terrible. I never wanted to annoy people, and I'm not sure how I did? I have a very personable family run shop that isn't coming close to paying the bills at the moment, a husband that has been unempolyed for over a year, and yet I still think about how I can save others money and maybe brighten their day, and that is somehow a bad thing? Do people just assume it is like a big corporation who is just trying to milk every dollar they can out of everyone? The ones that give discounts just to make you buy things you don't want or need because you feel like you are getting a deal? Because that's not me. In fact, when I run specials I don't really see a big jump in my sales, probably because I have a much smaller customer base than big guns like Best Buy and Amazon. If anything, I have to work harder for the same amount of money or less. That doesn't really benefit me. But I do it for others. Which I guess is pointless, because it would seem no one takes it that way. It seems the harder I work, the more I think of others, and the more thoughtful I try to be, the less favorable response.

Maybe I'd be better off dropping my small town family run mentality and adopting a selfish corporation mentality. I am starting to feel like people would respect me more if I was just out to get their money instead of actually caring and being there when they need help or advice. But then I would just be going against my nature.

*sigh* just can't win.

Boycott ~ Chili's & Macaroni Grill

2009-01-13T10:00:00.005-07:00

This was so terribly disturbing, I just had to share. I was reading an article on Spark People today about the worst foods of 2008. Some of these nutrition facts were beyond astounding! I post it here in the hopes that people will boycott these items (at minimum) or (hopefully!) be proactive in contacting these restaurants to let them know that this is unacceptable! The info below is taken from the (very informative!) ariticle on Spark People worst foods of 2008.

Chili's Texas Cheese Fries with Jalapeno Ranch dressing

Whose idea was cheese fries? They're delicious, sure, but really, did we need to top deep-fried potatoes with greasy melted cheese and bacon and dip them in dressed-up mayonnaise? No, we did not. Now they're a staple at chain restaurants, who try to one-up each other with signature ranch dressings, extra toppings and, ultimately, more fat.

Chili's boasts: "homestyle fries topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, applewood smoked bacon & jalapeño-ranch dipping sauce."These fries lost the contest for the worst cheese fries in America (that dishonor went to Outback Steakhouse's cheese fries), but it was a tight race.

One hundred and sixty grams of fat. One-six-zero. 160! (Oh, and you'll get 1 1/2 days' worth of sodium in one meal!)

2,070 calories
160 g fat
73 g saturated fat
73 g carbs
85 g protein
8 g fiber
3,730 mg sodium

I mean come on, is that really neccessary? Don't these places care about branding and repeat business? They aren't going to get it when all of their patrons have heart attacks!

Mad enough to do something about it? Then please A. Pass this article on and B. Write or call Chili's to let them know that you think this is ridiculous!
http://www.chilis.com/contact/comments_guestrelations.asp
1-800-983-4637, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, excluding holidays.

Romano's Macaroni Grill Seared Sea Scallops salad

Why bother even calling this a salad? Could we ask restaurants to have a calorie and fat limit for the salad section? I'd like to be able to order salads without worrying I'm consuming an entire day's worth of protein and fat. Judging from the Macaroni Grill menu, it's impossible to create a salad with more than lettuce and dressing for under 500 calories. Macaroni Grill flunked the Men's Health restaurant review.

"Seared sea scallops, tender leaves of spinach, arugula, feta cheese, crispy prosciutto, toasted walnuts and Parmesan crisps with light citrus dressing."

Psst… vegetables and lean protein taste good. You don’t need to douse them in fat for us to eat them. (Don't you just love that it comes with a "light" citrus dressing? Nothing in this salad is light, judging from the nutritional info!)

1,270 calories
94 g fat
27 g saturated fat
2,740 mg sodium
42 g carbs
76 g protein
6 g fiber

Mad enough to do something about it? Then please A. Pass this article on and B. Write or call Macaroni Grill to let them know that you think this is ridiculous!
http://macaronigrill.com/LetsConnect/Feedback.aspx
1-800-983-4637 Monday through Friday 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Central Time.

I get it, really I do. Restaurants claim they wouldn't make these things if people didn't want them. But isn't that a chicken and egg scenerio? Don't people want them because they are available? I mean really, how many have times have you heard someone wish that restaurants would just create more 1200 calorie salads? Or burgers with enough saturated fat to last you 3 days? I don't know anyone they wants that, requests that, or even knows that is the case! Ok, chili cheese fries should be a no brainer maybe. But salad? I would have looked at that Macaroni Grill salad on the menu and have thought it was probably a decent choice. I guess I still have a lot to learn.

Don't let these restaurants make people junk food addicts! Stand up! You may not think your lone voice matters, but don't let it be your lone voice! Tell friends, families, post it on your social networking sites. Get the word out. If together we demand healthier choices, plus the removal of the worst health culprits, we CAN make a difference. Educate yourself and educate others. Don't let these places make us fat and unhealthy while we turn a blind eye.

Want to do more? Visit the Spark People article worst foods of 2008 for a list of more heart stopping, people killing foods. Contact and/or boycott these restaurants.

~Anyanka
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com/

Mercury Retrograde began

2009-01-12T10:17:00.001-07:00

I must be out of it to have missed the Mercury Retrograde which began yesterday.

For those who do not already know, the Mercury Retrograde is when (from earth's perspective) Mercury appears to be moving backward through the Zodiac. Things done during this period often get confused, require more work, have to be done repeatedly, or unravel themselves.

Just a few reminders during the retrograde period. This is a bad time to start new projects, but a good time to finish up old ones. Also a good time to organize and plan for the future. Watch for possible miscommunications! Communication of all kinds can get scrambled and confused during the Retrograde.

This Retrograde started yesterday January 11th and continues through Sunday February 1st.

)O(

Anyanka

You can visit my website at http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Ah the joys of witchy books :)

2008-12-18T22:02:00.001-07:00

I have been a busy little bee tonight! I sat down and listed 16 new books between the website and ebay. Actually, most of the ones on ebay are also on the website too and just now made their way onto ebay finally lol :)

The hardest part about listing books is I have trouble staying focused. I started flipping through it, then I start coveting, then I just want to ditch the whole thing and go read for awhile! Reading is one of the best things you can do. It helps you learn and grow. You discover new aspects of things you know, and you discover things that you didn't even realize you didn't know. All in all, it is one of the most important things you can do to further your personal and spiritual growth.

New books listed on ebay today:

Divination for Beginners

Dowsing for Beginners

Earth, Air, Fire & Water ~ natural magic book spells

Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic book cunnigham

Everyday Tarot Magic: Meditation & Spells book Morrison

Exploring Scrying divine future book by Ambrose Hawk

Faery Magick by Sirona Knight

Forest of Souls ~ A Walk Through the Tarot book

Gothic Grimoire by Konstantinos ~ book of shadows

Green Witchcraft I ~folk magick, fairy lore, herb craft

Green Witchcraft II ~ balancing light & shadow wicca

Green Witchcraft III ~ the manual wicca

Grimoire for the Green Witch a complete book of shadows

New books listed on the website today:

Elements of Witchcraft: Natural Magick for Teens

Full Contact Magick: A Book of Shadows for the Wiccan Warrior

The Grimoire of Lady Sheba

Hopefully I will have time to get more listed tomorrow. Merry Part!

)O(

Anyanka

You can visit my website at http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Crone's books :)

2008-12-17T02:57:00.001-07:00

Two of my favorite books :)

Crone's Book of Charms & Spells

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com/servlet/the-4694/Crone%27s-Book-of-Charms/Detail

Crone's Book of Magical Words

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com/servlet/the-4695/Crone%27s-Book-of-Magical/Detail

)O(

Anyanka

Great new books for Yule gifts!

2008-12-16T20:08:00.001-07:00

I have added some great new books today, and some I only have ONE copy of!

Celtic Folklore Cooking by: Joanne Asala

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com/servlet/the-4689/Celtic-Folklore-Cooking-by-cln-/Detail

Celtic Tree Mysteries: Practical Druid Magic & Divination

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com/servlet/the-4690/Celtic-Tree-Mysteries-cln--Practical/Detail

Complete Book of Amulets and Talismans

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com/servlet/the-4691/Complete-Book-of-Amulets/Detail

Practical Guide to Creative Visualization: Manifest Your Desires

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com/servlet/the-4693/Practical-Guide-to-Creative/Detail

)O(

Anyanka

You can visit my website at http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Only a few of these cauldrons left!

2008-11-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

Only a few of these cauldrons are left http://www.thewitchescupboard.com/servlet/the-2881/Cast-Iron-Cauldron-Jumbo/Detail. I like them, sorry to see them go :(

Where do you stand after yesterday's election?

2008-11-05T10:04:00.001-07:00

I don't think it is a secret that the Bush administration did not elicit much support, faith or trust in recent years. Our lack of faith seperated us as a people. And where has that gotten us? Into an out of control war with no end in sight? Into a ruined economy that screams of depression? Lack of faith & security breeds destruction of hope.

I know many people are disappointed with the outcome of the election. They don't like Obama for whatever reason and they are scared or angry. I can only pray that these feelings come from one's perception of issues, and not their blinded eyes.

In this beautiful country of our's YOU have a choice. You can choose to trust that your fellow americans saw something you did not. You can take the leap of faith that tomorrow is another day and cross your fingers that THIS is the answer. You can offer your heart, your support, your patriotism, to your country.

Or you can choose to continue the problems we have now, and then some, by NOT standing behind your nation. You can bemoan the fact that the majority of Americans do not agree with your pessimism.

Do you choose the hope for a better day? Or is your glass half empty?

Love Palin or hate her, anywhere in between, this is still funny!

2008-10-16T09:30:00.001-07:00

Mercury is direct!

2008-10-16T09:01:00.001-07:00

Take a deep breath -- you made it through Mercury Retrograde! And what a Mercury Retrograde period the last few weeks have been ... with stock market and election mayhem, communication snafus and more. Now that mental Mercury has reversed its backward motion and is going direct again, you can take a deep breath. You have a chance to start fresh. Look back and reflect on what you have learned, so that you can move forward with wisdom and clarity.

Like Mercury, it's time for you to move ahead with a renewed sense of forward direction. To do so, first you have to get to the bottom of any recent issues that may have been weighing you down. Knowledge is power, so understanding what lies at the root of past events will help you move ahead re-energized and empowered.

This was in an email I was sent by tarot.com, thought I'd share :)

)O(

Anyanka

You can visit my website at http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

2008-10-16T01:34:00.002-07:00

See latest stories on Yahoo! News

We need change! Especially when it comes to our sustainability!

~Anyanka
http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

I want the next Charmed set!

2008-10-08T19:58:00.001-07:00

My wishlist request for Charmed Season 4 just came available on the free DVD swap site and I don't have enough credits! Boooo!!

http://www.swapadvd.com/index.php?n=1&r_by=thewitchescupboard

)O(

Anyanka

New Mystic Messenger kit!

2008-10-07T11:43:00.001-07:00

Ok, loving this new Mystic Messenger kit!

What is the best way to transform your relationships, career, finances, and other important life concerns? For personal, accurate, and motivational guidance on all these matters, look to The Mystic Messenger! It responds quickly to all your queries by selecting the perfect response from nearly 12,000 possible answers. Heres how: take the 48 split-page and Wire-O bound book and stand it up in the tray at the bottom of the box to form a special altar. Simply throw the four 12-sided, color-coded dice while asking a question. Then, match the numbers on the dice to the split-page of the same color. There, written on each card, is the resolution to your quandary, and the formula for changing what you have into what you want. On each page, theres text that distills the worlds great philosophies into valuable messages of guidance. At the same time, the process is like a game thats entertaining as well as enlightening. Its the perfect gift for anyone interested in finding new (and fun) paths to self-discovery, as well as for fans of Monte and Amys successful Karma Cards and The Tarot Discovery Kit.

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com/servlet/the-4491/Mystic-Messenger-Kit-by/Detail

I want one of my oooooowwwwwwnnnnn!

)O(

Anyanka

Went to the hospital today

2008-09-30T23:23:00.001-07:00

I went to the hospital today :(

I pulled something in my back on Friday, and am still having trouble walking and moving today so I couldn't put it off anymore. They seem to have prescribed me a bit of everything. I hate taking pills. I always worry what putting that crap in my body will do in the long run.

)O(

Anyanka

Honoring your ancestors

2008-09-24T07:57:00.001-07:00

Today is a magickal day for honoring your ancestors. A good day to research your family tree, or perhaps just make a scrapbook for future generations. Think of where you came from, and where you would like to go. Thank those that came before you for setting the stage for the world you live in now and the life you have.

Blessings!

Anyanka

Mercury Retrograde

2008-09-23T08:36:00.001-07:00

MERCURY RETROGRADE begins today *blech* ends October 14th. This will affect thinking, perception, communication, legal issues, commerce, education, and transportation. Marriages already on the rocks will need to try extra hard during this time as they may have an even harder time understanding each other than normal.

It usually is not a good time to begin new projects, but can be a great time to complete them, to consider alternatives, and the like. Focus on maintaining, meditation, and brainstorming for the future.

Above all, be prepared for the misunderstandings on the way. Be open, gentle and understanding in such cases to help relationships of all types run more smoothly during this period.

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Full Moon, Wishing Moon, Harvest Moon

2008-09-14T22:55:00.001-07:00

Today is extra extra special! At 5:14am EDT 9/15 it is the official full moon! This full moon is also a wishing and a harvest moon!

From Wikipedia: "The Harvest moon is a legend in Norse mythology, it is said to be the most powerful of the Moons granting Loki's blessing for a strong harvest and plenty....... The Harvest Moon is also known as the Wine Moon, the Singing Moon and the Elk Call Moon."

From last years Season of the The Witch: "Harvest Moon is a wishing moon. Assess your symbolic harvest, make plans for the seeds you will as plant as you move toward the season of darkness."

And lastly from http://www.whisperingspirits.co.uk/site/1/wishing_moon.html

A wishing moon is a good time to be making lists of wishes, hopes, and aspirations, which over time will come to fruition. It is a variation on cosmic ordering. Add a single drop of sandalwood, jasmine or willow oil to your wishing moon wish list as this will augment and align your intentions with the right mental, emotional and psycho-spiritual state.

Ideally, wrap your list around a moonstone and bury it until the next full moon. If you don't have a garden you can bury it in a flower pot or window box - burying in earth is best if you can. If you don't have a place to bury it, any other sacred place you keep things, such a secret hideaway, chest of personal items - some people have special boxes or altars or jars. Any of these will do as long as it is a sacred and special place to you.

As you place the list and stone you should say a few words to seal your intent for the things you wish for to manifest. You can pray to whatever being, deity, or universal principle you believe exists. Make sure you take the previous wishes from the special place before repeating this at the next Wishing moon, especially if they have come true!

So now I have to figure out whether I am going to set the alarm for 2:14am PT, or just stay up for it LOL :)

Happy wishing!

)O(

Anyanka

You can visit my website at http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Emeril Lagasse's recipes

2008-09-12T22:36:00.001-07:00

Recipes from Emeril's show on Planet Green!

read more | digg story

Spellcasting power day

2008-09-09T08:01:00.001-07:00

Power Day for Warrior Energy & Courage

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

No casting

2008-09-05T09:10:00.001-07:00

Moon VOC - 8:46am PDT through tomorrow at 12:12am PDT

Power day for Job Hunting!

2008-09-02T11:17:00.001-07:00

Moon doesn't go VOC today, so any time of the day will be good to draw that job to you :)

)O(

Anyanka

Power day for feminine, maternal, domestic issues

2008-09-01T14:10:00.001-07:00

The moon was VOC early this morning and is in Libra now, so there aren't any "no casting" times for the rest of the day.

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

New Moon Rising :)

2008-08-30T12:34:00.001-07:00

Today is the new moon. Used for personal growth, healing and blessing of new projects or ventures. It's also a good time to cleanse and consecrate ritual tools. The moon will be waxing full from here.

Waxing moons are used for attraction magic, love spells, protection and healing . The perfect time for abundance, wishes, new projects, growth, expansion and increasing knowledge, spirituality and fertility.

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Power day to resolve quarrels

2008-08-29T10:20:00.001-07:00

Today is a casting power day to resolve quarrels with friends and lovers.

Moon is VOC 11:45pm EDT - 2:19am (tomorrow) EDT

8:45pm - 1119pm PDT

)O(

Anyanka

TheWitchesCupboard.com

If I could make my own religion?

2008-08-28T20:42:00.001-07:00

If I could make a religion it would teach love not hate. It would bring people together, not seperate them. It would make them full of joy, not full of fear. I would teach them that the world in general all believes in the same thing, we just call it something different and disagree on the details. I would teach them to think for themselves. To question, and listen to the answers with an open mind. To consider, and to seek. I would teach them that someone disagreeing with them does not need to be converted, they need to be applauded for not feeling pressured to agree. My religion would preach the importance of finding your own path to the truth, and would support each member along the way. We would not kill people for disagreeing with us, there would be no blood on our hands. We would teach that race, sexual preference, gender, age, beliefs, do not make us all that different from each other as we are all loved and should love each other. We would abhor chaos, discord, hate. We would respect our earth, and each other.

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Power day eliminate obstacles to wealth, power, fame.

2008-08-28T09:57:00.001-07:00

Today is a power day to eliminate obstacles to wealth, power, fame. Particularly good casting for these purposes.

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Power day for BOS work and Psychic defense

2008-08-27T13:45:00.001-07:00

Today is a power (stronger, enahanced energy) day for working in your Book of Shadows and for Psychic Defense.

Moon is VOC 8:15pm-10:52pm EDT. No spell work during VOC times.

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

I was choosen as best answer!

2008-08-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yea! My answer got choosen as best answer on Yahoo Answers for the question "Can any1 tell me about the things that the Church "borowed" from other religions?"

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20080825200322AAyQO6G

I am so flattered :)

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Fun recycling idea!

2008-08-25T10:41:00.001-07:00

This is the ultimate in recycling fun! I have been swapping on these sites for a few months now and have not only saved a TON of money, I am getting exactly the items I want and I am saving the environment by not filling up landfills :)

Join Paperback swap for free, and be able to swap books you no longer want for books you DO want! All you pay is postage! Best of all, you can pick ANY books you want!

http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php?n=2&r_by=thewitchescupboard

Join DVD Swap for free and be able to swap DVDs you no longer want for DVDs you do want! Best of all you can choose ANY DVDs you want!

http://www.swapadvd.com/index.php?n=2&r_by=thewitchescupboard

)O(

Anyanka

Moon VOC - no casting

2008-08-25T08:21:00.001-07:00

The moon is VOC (void of course) today, avoid casting during these times:

EDT 5:53pm - 8:20pm

CDT 4:53pm - 7:20pm

MDT 3:53pm - 6:20pm

PDT 2:53pm - 5:20pm

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Spellcasters power day for BANISHMENT

2008-08-24T09:08:00.001-07:00

Power day for spells to banish sickness, disease and addiction.

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

SPELLCASTERS POWER DAY - Protection

2008-08-23T11:15:00.001-07:00

SPELLCASTERS POWER DAY - for protection spells.

Moon is VOC 5:21am - 5:49pm ET. No casting during that time.

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

Power Day - Amicable divorce or parting

2008-08-22T16:18:00.001-07:00

today is a power day, a day of especially potent energy, specifically for divorces/partings/breakups.

And as an added bonus, the moon isn't even VOC (void of course) today!

)O(

Anyanka

http://www.thewitchescupboard.com

First post

2008-08-22T13:43:00.001-07:00

Ok, I have spent all day setting up my account and settings here.

*whew*

So here is my first post to make sure everything is running smoothly.

)O(

Anyanka

You can visit my website at http://www.thewitchescupboard.com