I came across this site, TheCrayonBin and I think this is a really great idea! It's basically a recycling program for crayons.

Just think of how may crayons are wasted on a regular basis. They rarely get used completely, they get broken and let's not forget how many crayons are wasted in restaurants!

From the website:

"Let's take a look at crayons and our environment:

* Most kids only use about 5% of a crayon before it is relegated to the crayon bin never to be touched again. (usually once the tip is used the rest of the crayon is never touched)
* Most crayons are made from paraffin wax (a petroleum by-product) or even worse plastic. These take a long time to break down (biodegrade) in our land fills.
* On average by the age of eleven a child has accumulated a crayon bin containing between 4 - 5 pounds of crayons they will never use again.
* If we are going green let's make sure our kids are going green. Show them how to peel the wrappers on the crayons and use most of the crayon. Show our children how to walk the walk and become more environmentally friendly."

Pretty interesting stuff, huh? I really love the idea of recycling crayons. I can't believe I didn't think of it! LOL

Until, oh I'd say last year, I really had no idea Pearls came in colors other than white, cream and pink - those are my terms, I'm sure they have some a proper color term! However, once I started paying attention to them and including them in my regular reading of gemstones, I found out so much more!

There are different types of pearls, such as; Akoya Pearls, Freshwater Pearls, Tahitian Pearls and South Sea Pearls. They even come in 'chocolate' and black. This intrigued me, so I went deeper into the history of pearls and their magickal properties.

Pearls are historically symbolic of purity, innocence and faith, pearls enhance personal integrity and help clear the mind so that it can be a clean channel for wisdom and spiritual guidance. This is very interesting to me because my grandmother gives me a pearl every Yule, and I add the pearl to a gold chain that I have. This is really turning into a beautiful pearl necklace and I can't wait to see it when it's completed.

The pearl is now one of my favorite gemstones. I love their symbolism. Believe me when I say, pearls are a lovely gift, no matter what the occasion!

This classic prosperity oil has been used for at least 100 years. It is best made on a Thursday and is believed to be most effective if allowed to sit for three weeks after mixing.


A small green piece of fabric may be anointed with the oil and carried in the purse.

The oil may be worn as a perfume.

Omit the base oil if you wish to use with an aromatherapy oil warmer.


One part basil powder.

One part spearmint essential oil.

One quarter part cinnamon essence.

Six parts base oil (virgin olive, sunflower, or light mineral).


Mix all ingredients carefully and put into a dark glass bottle.

Allow it to sit for at least three weeks then strain through a cheesecloth or muslin to remove the basil powder residue.

Keep a small coin in the bottle and keep away from direct sunlight.


Source: Pagan Magic - Wicca & Witchcraft Shop

I found this to be interesting. There is a program called Rebuilding of America and it is basically a program to help keep all kinds of building projects going, even if he funds dry up.

Think about all the different housing projects that get started and then for some reason funding stops and the project goes unfinished. In a letter written by the CEO of 'Rebuilding of America', Jim Jameson, two good examples of this were given:

"One project is a Senior Citizens housing project that was about 60% complete when the construction company went bankrupt. Bang, the bank ends up holding the bag and a project that was to house over 50 people stops and the government is looking at how to bail out the banks from the burdens. This type of project will provide jobs, housing, and a return to the investors.

A second project being considered is a construction project that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Again this low-income housing project was very worthwhile and when it was wiped out by the storm, funding dried up and the bank was left holding the bag. This project also gets people employed, development moving forward, and a return on investment as the investment dollars needed to pickup the project are cheap compared to what the project is worth complete. The banks just want to get it off their books at foreclosure pricing."

Read this letter in it's entirety

Here's where this project makes a difference. The organization figures they can really make a change in our economy if people invest just $20 they can acquire enough funds to keep projects like those mentioned above, running. This of course will provide jobs, housing, and a return to the investors.

Personally I think this is a really great idea. This is one of the most interesting and worthwhile programs I have heard about in a long time and I am looking forward to seeing what becomes of it in the future.

I am not even sure what to say about this. Personally, I think it's odd and takes away from the spirituality that religion should have and this goes for ANY religion.

I mean, seriously? (You can see more HERE)

It's a tad disturbing to me. I wouldn't want to see talking Goddess action figures either. I dunno, maybe it's just me...