A New Kind of Holiday Wish List

It's been a heavy last couple of months, has it not? There's been a fair share of fantastic things going on but it seems to be countered with a lot of sadness. Somehow, it just doesn't feel right to put together a Wish List compiled of material goods this year because honestly, we don't really want and we definitely don't need anything more than what we are fortunate enough to have in our lives already. Aren't the holidays really just about spending time with those you love and giving thanks?

Mayan Ruins - Tulum


This Friday marks an important day as it is the end of the 13th Mayan Baktun and current Long Count which means we will be starting a fresh, new cycle. This new cycle, the World of the Fifth Sun, is important as it marks a time that humans will be called upon to reharmonize with nature. To us, that is another reason why it is so important this holiday season to focus on giving and putting as much positive energy out into the world rather than focusing on material goods or that which we do not have.

Mayan Ruins - Coba

So our 2012 Holiday Wish Lists will be slightly different than years past and others you might read. We are putting together a list of "wishes" that we think will benefit everyone and will be spending some time this weekend meditating on these "wishes" and sending out positive vibes to our earth, our community, our family, friends and loved ones. We ask that you take a few moments to do the same. Think of it as your wish list to the Universe!

Here's one to start you off!
1. Santosha: pure joy is found through contentment. Sutra 2.42

Mayan Ruins - Coba

Happy Holidays, Lovelies!

Voyage: The Moon and the Stars

Not goodbye forever, but goodbye for now.

May you and Grandma be dancing in heaven and drinking champagne out of her shoe!

We'll miss you, Grandpa. Until then...

Sabroso: Canning with Tia

Calamondins are a favorite fruit amongst the women in our family. It seems everyone has a tree whose sole purpose is to bear fruit for our vodka concoctions. Our Tia Margery's tree produced more than we could drink this year so we decided we needed to find another use for this delicious fruit. Tia froze batches of them, waiting for the right moment for us to all get together for our next canning session. The last canning session, Preserving Summer Bounty, included a strawberry preserve, a tomato jam, an Earl Grey peach preserve and pickles. We kept it simple this time with a Calamondin jelly that can be used throughout the season.

Hello again!

Dearest lovelies,

We are back from our self-imposed unplanned internet hiatus! Sometimes life is simply meant to be lived and the last thing we want to do is crouch in front of a computer reporting on it. Now that this Indian summer is over and the weather is starting to feel like Fall, we are getting the urge to cozy up and catch up on all the wonderful goings on online. So to get you up to speed over the past couple of months...

Mary spent her Saturdays taking a jewelry fabrication class. This milagro cuff was her first piece.

Candice's heart was stolen.

There was a quick trip to Mexico for a special someone's birthday...

A wedding in Marin... shot by our lovely & talented sister in law, Noa of Feather Love.

And our cousin's wedding in Seal Beach. So much love this summer!

Mary & Iain are in the process of buying their dream home (which they already live in and rent). How's that for the Law of Attraction working it's magic?

We visited the Happiest Place on Earth.

Candice booked a trip to England to visit her aforementioned love. Yes, he's actually from the land of Robin Hood.

And lastly, an evening of canning with our Tia (post to follow).

In a nutshell, we've been happily preoccupied. We'll be sure though to include you, our dear readers, in our holiday endeavors.

Místico: Las Orgonitas

One of our favorite treasures picked up on one of our more spiritual trips are our "Orgonitas" or Orgonites. Coined by Dr. Wilhelm Reich, orgonite is simply another term for life-force energy. Other cultures have other names for this energy: Ki, Chi, Prana, etc. Dr. Reich harnessed this energy to balance the planetary energy patterns, heal disease and increase the functioning of the mind.

These devices are made with resin, brass, copper, silver, steel, aluminum and titanium, crystals, seashells and other items, collectively known as Orgone. Combining these elements, it has the unique ability to transform negative energy into positive energy. Our particular Orgonitas are pyramid shaped. Pyramids are fantastic conductors of energy, allowing negative energy to spill out the bottom and the positive to come shining out of the peak. Simply place your Orgonite where you live, work, sleep or play and let it do its work. They can be especially helpful when placed on your desk if you work on a computer for most of the day, helping to clear the energy pollution and assist with stress.

Familia: Our Daily Inspiration

When life has those lackluster moments, you know when things aren't quite as clean and crisp and you aren't sure which direction to take next, memories of these inspirational women keep us going. They are one of the many reasons we crave beauty, peace and happiness around us. We try everyday to honor the graceful and magical impact they left on us. We can only aspire to live as fascinating lives as they did but we can be sure to always follow our hearts and dreams with their gentle push.

Grandma Kathleen

La Nonna

Sabroso: Nieves

It has seriously been so hot in Southern California. We know most of the country endures this kind of weather every summer but we are wimps! One of our favorite desserts to keep cool is a Mexican ice cream called nieves, which translates to snow. There are hundreds of flavors and most of them are actually more like sorbets. Some of the ones we love are tamarind with chile, rose petal, coconut and guanabana. They do have some more outrageous flavors like rompope (like an egg-nog), cactus, corn and even avocado.



Our driver Edgar's favorite spot, on the way to Xochimilco.

THE spot for nieves, offering 100s of flavors, is Tepoznieves in Tepoztlan.

Food blogger De La Tierra has a fantastic recipe for a nieve that sounds amazing:

Nieve de Leche Quemada 

We will be trying this out soon!