Thursday, May 31, 2012

Aromatherapy Thursday - Orange

During this time of year the lovely orange blossoms have faded away and little oranges are slowly developing.  According to the Sunkist Website some oranges will mature as early as 5 months while some oranges will take an astonishing 18 months fully mature.  This wonderful fruit is used so frequently in our lives that we may not even realize how much oranges, and in general citrus, we consume or use.   Not only do we eat bushels of oranges as fresh fruit but we consume products that use it for flavoring and as a natural preservative.  We also use many household products that utilize the heavenly scent to clean and fragrance our homes.  It can be found as notes in perfume, shampoo, and other personal products.
You can purchase Sweet Orange Essential oil from Etsy shop RJsCloset at http://www.etsy.com/shop/RJsCloset?ref=seller_info
While there are too many types of oranges to mention in this blog, two that are commonly used in aromatherapy are simply called Bitter Orange and Sweet Orange.  Bitter Orange comes from a tree that is named the same.  It is very similar looking to other oranges but the fruit is too sour to eat whole and mostly grown for flavoring and the fragrant peel. The oil comes from cold pressing the peel and has a slight grapefruit scent, these characteristics gives it the name Bitter Orange.
This great print come from Etsy shop EarlyBirdSale at
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/earlybirdsale?ref=seller_info
Sweet Orange oil is also produced from the peel of that fruit and a cold press process.  The difference is that Sweet Orange oil comes from an edible fruit which is why it is deemed sweet.   There are some subtle differences other than just the grapefruit like tone in Bitter Orange but overall in aromatherapy they can be used pretty interchangeably and will be based more on personal preferences.

Both Orange oils are very prized and inexpensive additions to your aromatherapy collection.  The fragrance is up lifting and can help relieve some people from symptoms of depression.  The invigorating scent can help you feel refreshed when struggling with emotional and physical fatigue.  It is said to help calm the nerves and raise your spirit, overall a very invigorating aroma.  It is also used in products because of its know antiseptic properties. 

Here are some fun products that use either Bitter Orange or Sweet Orange essential oils in their making:


The essential oil from citrus peels can cause photosensitivity so you should avoid sunlight if you have just recently used a massage oil or product that has the oil in it or at least be aware that you may be more inclined to burn.  It will, of course, depend on your skin type and the strength or the oils that you use.  Some people may fine they are highly sensitive while others may not have any issues at all.
Never use any essential oil (except lavender) neat on your skin; always mix with a carrier oil.

Please note that you should always consult your physician prior to using essential oils if you have any medical conditions.  Also note that aromatherapy should never take the place of medical treatment, physically and mentally.  Always do an allergy check prior to use.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Tuesday's Twitter Tree

The Twitter Tree© will is hosted by a different shop each business day.
The Rules to participate:

You must tweet ALL the other posts here.
(It is not fair to those of us who tweet your items, when you don't reciprocate)
Only two (2) hashtags

Check back during the day to tweet any new posts.
Post only two (2) items.
No google+ stuff. This is the Twitter Tree©
Add your Twitter ID to your post (mine is @butterflysattic)

No "mature" items.
My Items:
Vintage Linen #Postcard Night Scene Royal Palm Ave Florida postcardsintheattic http://etsy.me/JwV7re @Etsy #etsybot2 @butterflysattic #retwt

Vintage Linen #Postcard World Famous Tree House Giant #Redwood by postcardsintheattic http://etsy.me/KyqLDc via @Etsy @butterflysattic #retwt
I would like to invite anyone interested in postcards to join the Pacific Postcards Team on ETSY at
http://www.etsy.com/teams/9158/pacific-postcards-team?ref=pr_teams
and click "apply."
If you are interested in becoming a leader convo me.


Monday, May 28, 2012

Happy Memorial Day 2012 & Thank You

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Spiritual and Inspirational Sunday - May 27, 2012


My inspiration today has been driven by a single leaf I found yesterday.  That one leaf caught my eye because it stood out with such contrast in the sea of green that was comprised of all its "normal" companions.  One leaf dared to stand in beautiful solitude and donned a bright red cloak that screamed "look at me" and I obeyed.  We can be like these leaves; we can either be lost in the seas of mediocrity or be unafraid to show our true colors and stand out in the crowd. Just think of all the beauty and advances we would have missed if everyone was too ashamed to show that they were unique.  So, here's to those who were not ashamed nor afraid to be themselves and changed our lives or even our world.
“I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.”  
~Bill Cosby
This wonderful postcard of Bill Cosby comes from Etsy Shop ChihuahuaSnaps at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChihuahuaSnaps?ref=seller_info
They are having a 50% off sale throughout their store if you use coupon code: Happy2BSnappy


“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. ”   ~Bill Cosby
This amazing artist uses dried leaves of rice plant to create their masterpieces.  You can find this and their other amazing works of art in Etsy Shop MuseumShop at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/museumshop?ref=seller_info


"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." ~Albert Einstein
These amazing coasters can be found in Etsy Shop OnceTattered at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/OnceTattered?ref=seller_info

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” ~Dr. Seuss
This wonderful fabric pannel can be purchase from Etsy Shop LuckyKaeruFabric at http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckykaerufabric?ref=seller_info

“To be normal is the ideal aim of the unsuccessful.”
~Carl Gustav Jung
This great novel can be purchase from Etsy Shop SometimesAGreatNovel at http://www.etsy.com/shop/sometimesagreatnovel?ref=seller_info

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Saturday's Gem - Grossular Garnet

Grossular is in the Garnet group and is probably the type that comes to mind when Garnet is talked about.  Depending on what elements were available at the time of its creation the color vary drastically from cinnamon brown and orange to stunning emerald green to pink, red, black and even white.  The sizes can also vary from extremes; I have found garnet that was a very pretty cinnamon brown but it was the size of a pencil tip to some that are the size of a pea.  There is even one found that was the size of a watermelon, needless to say I didn't find that one myself I just heard about it.  Grossular Garnet is transparent with a great luster making it desirable for jewelry making.  Once faceted these stones have a brilliance and are very pretty. 
This beautiful ring shows the wonderful green garnet can have.  You can purchase this ring at Etsy shop MySouthernLace at http://www.etsy.com/shop/mysouthernlace?ref=seller_info
This wonderful Orange Garnet shows how wide the variety of colors are.  This can specific piece is on reserve but please stop by Etsy Shop SilverFound and see their great selections of gems at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverFound?ref=seller_info
Grossular Garnet is silicate that is normally associated with contact and regionally metamorphic calcerous rock.  Not as often but sometimes it is also found in areas rich in Serpentine, which of course is California's state mineral and makes it so that Garnet is also readily available in California.  Garnet can also be found throughout the US and Canada along with many other countries.  Sri Lanka has beautiful that are very sought after but our own California gems are nothing to sneeze at.

Grossular Garnet are cubed shaped so they are very different looking than quartz (which often have a point,) they are a heavy stone that is also somewhat fragile.  Grossular Garnet has no cleavage and the ones I have found remind me of little buds cropping out of the host rock. 

Garnet is also used in industry often as a grinding agent but most of us think of the Grossular Garnet as a thing of beauty.  The metaphysically Garnet is thought to have strong curative powers.  It is worn on the body to protect against poisons.   Garnet is also thought to help with depression and when place under a pillow it is used to prevent nightmares and bad dreams.  Wear Garnet to help balance your energies, make you feel more uplifted along with increasing your positivity.  Of course when you are sending out positive energies you are more likely to draw positive things and people to you, so the metaphysical power of those stone is very useful to those that have had a bit of a down slope. 
These beautiful Pink Garnet faceted beads would be a wonderful addition to any jewelry designer's collection.  You can purchase these from RubyTrail at
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/rubytrail?ref=seller_info
 While Garnet has many uses my favorite is simply just fashion ware.  I absolutely love the pieces of jewelry I have and the few specimens I have found over the years are proudly displayed.  This is a very pretty stone and I have selected a few items from Etsy to show off just how pretty it is but there are many more listed than I could add so stop on by and see for yourself.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Freaky Funny Friday - TGIF Let's Just Have Fun! - What's Up With Our Neighborhood Bird?

I live in the quiet part of Fresno, well almost, where there are Churches and older community member on our block.   I love the natural sounds even in the city you can here them if you get up early enough.  Right now it is about 2:50 in the morning and I can here the quite trickling of our fountain and a few chirps of night birds here and there.  Very peaceful which won't last of course and at sunrise everything will start getting a little bit more active.  Fortunately for me most days I leave right at that time so I am not home for the Neighborhood Bird.

Although I am usually not home to hear it and it truly doesn't bother me a whole lot, I have been exposed to its insanity; I will be quietly typing away when suddenly a piercing "SCREECH!"  It is far enough away and I don't even know which house it is of the neighboring complex but it has bothered some of our close neighbors to the brink of madness.  In fact my husband one day stopped the old man down a few doors to find him on his way to "shoot the bird."  I can happily report that the gentleman calmed down and the bird is still screeching away.
This funny little card can be purchased from PrettyGirlPostcards at http://www.etsy.com/shop/prettygirlpostcards?ref=seller_info
While our neighborhood bird does nothing but Screech all day,this bird in Japan gave his entire address, including house number, to the authorities after he flew the coop and was caught.  Unbelievable...here is the link Lost Parakeet Tells Japanese Police Where It Lives.
This great card can be purchased at BrookeConnorDesigns at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BrookeConnorDesign?ref=seller_info
I always thought it would be fun to have a Parrot but I couldn't stand the mess that they make... Maybe I could have it wear a diaper... Just a though but needless to say I wouldn't have the time to give it proper voice lessons anyway.  Great thought and I always envisioned a feathery pal kind of like this one:

So in honor of  my Feathered Friends, Screeching and Non-Screeching ..."Here's To the Birds of our lives."

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Aromatherapy Thursday - Rose

While I have already covered some information on the Rose I do believe that since it is such a lovely romantic scent it is worthy of touching upon again.  I talked about making rose beads and my midwest home that had a driveway lined by country roses on my post about a year ago.  Today's post is inspired by a rose that was waiting for me after I returned from a very long day at my day job.  Although it has been a while since the Rose has faded I remember it so distinctly.  It was freshly picked by Terry and presented to me in a simple vase but while the Rose itself was extremely beautiful it was the fragrance that was so striking.  I am not sure if men realize how monumental some of the most simple things they do can be, but Terry completely erased all the stress from that week and returned my smile in that one simple jesture; what a true blessing.

True Rose essential oil is extremely expensive and has a couple main types.  Rose Otto is a pure rose oil that is distilled from the rose petals without adding anything to the oil.  The fragrance from this oil, if kept properly, will literally last forever.  Many different companies and countries will produce Rose Otto and depending on the environment that the roses grew in etc the fragrance will vary slightly along with the cost.  I have purchase less expensive Rose Otto for $40.00 a 1/16th ounce but it can be thousands of dollars for just a small amount.  The reason why it is so expensive is that to make 1 pound (or about 17 Floz) of oil you need to use 4000 lbs of fine rose petals.
This wonderful Rose Otto is from Bugaria which boasts to be the very finest Rose oil there is with a deep rich history dating back thousands of years. 
The specific bottle shown can be found in Etsy Shop KamalaPerfumes at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KamalaPerfumes?ref=seller_info
Rose Absolute is another name for Rose essential oil and it is a bit less expensive but it is not made by a distilation process so it is less pure.  It is made by extracting the rose oils using solvents.  It is similar to the process you use to make rose water but of course much more concentrated and complex so that the oil is almost pure but is not considered a theraputic oil.  Although this is a technicality and I still think that Rose Absolute is an amazing oil that has a beautiful scent that can be used to make the finest perfumes.

While the Rose Otto and Absolute are quite expensive a little drop will go very far.  If your budget does not allow for such an investment you can always use less pure essential oils that have been "cut" (meaning that another carrier oil has been used to dilute the oil) or use a synthetic fragrance oil.  If you choose the less expensive product make sure that you are investing in a quality product from a repitubable company because even the cheaper products have high and low grades.
OK I have to admit I just L-O-V-E this bottle it is so pretty!  Not only do you get this great bottle but you will receive some high quality Rose Essential oil found in Etsy shop Hilary'sBazaar at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HilarysBazaar?ref=seller_info
Using Rose essential oils as aromatherapy can help with managing grief, lift the spirit, and helps enhance your mood.  It is also used to promote a sensual feeling, hense roses during Valentine's day.  When used in conjection with massage therapy the message oils made with essential Rose has been noted to increase circulation and relieve feminine issues during PMS and menopause.  Rose essential oil added to lotions can help with dry skin and skin toning.

Traditionally women have used Rose Water for years although it had it start in the Middle East and was used more for rituals and flavoring of foods.  I always think of it as an oldfashioned wash or light perfume.  Making your own Rose Water can be as easy and you can find the recipes by clicking on the link below.  You may also just purchase some already made from a shop such as:  but it depends on how much time you have and how adventuresome you are.
cropped roses for blog recipe page
Here are some other wonderful handmade products from ETSY that uses Rose Essential and Fragrance Oils...


As with any aromatherapy and essential oil, check for allergies first and consult your physician prior to use.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

If You Were Rich Would You End Up A Feature On Hoarders?

 If I were rich I probably be in an episode of hoarders because I just love pretty things and anything new or looks fun.  I don't really know if the only thing that stops me from grabbing up anything and everything is that I am on such a tight budget or if I had the money would I be able to resist the temptation.  I think one of my problems is that I am a collector and crafter with ADHD.  One moment it's, "Oooh Unicorns!" next is "Ooooh Milk Glass" again maybe a day later "Ooooh Cracker Tins!...."  Seriously that is a sign of a problem, thank God I am just as interested in selling the items as I am finding them.  But I have to admit that sometimes it is a little hard to let go of my favorite pieces and I hold fond memories of when I met them.

Over the years (including childhood) I have changed collections like some people change socks.  I am not sure what starts it but in my defense I do think that some of it is due to my love of life and the interest I hold in so many different things.  I was intrigued by herbology at age 10, I have always been in love with archeology and geology, I am an RD by trade, my nickname has forever been The Cheshire Cat (CC for short,) I adore magical creatures, I love nature, history, myths, religious studies, fashion (of my own definition,) recycling, my country (Americana,) my German heritage, Butterflies etc and of course I would like my collections to encompass all that make me, me.  But of course half of the battle is to simply to identify the illness and the next step is to try to manage it and I think I have found some very good coping mechanisms such as Pinterest.

Pinterest heals me (or enables, not sure;) it allows me to have that Hoarder mentality without destroying my beautiful and organized home.  As you will see (if you would grace me with a visit http://pinterest.com/butterflysattic) by my Pinterest page I am definitely, at minimum, borderline just because I have at least 30 full boards while the average person may have 5 - 15 boards.  I bet some of you didn't even know they could have that many. 

Well it is a little crowded in the mind of Colleen (a.k.a. The Cheshire Cat, a.k.a. CC, a.ka. Butterfly) but it is full of exciting ideas, memories of vintage pretties and amazing travels and magical fairies (just through that in there for kicks it is probably more full of Loony Toons episodes.)  But I am sure I am not the only one that is a closet hoarder or at least a hoarder that has managed to keep it from blowing up on them.

Alas another method of coping is creating Treasuries full of the things that I would buy if I won the lotto and would end up having to either move to a bigger home or buy extra storage.  Who knows maybe some of  these featured shop owners may share my illness; I don't really like the term hoarder so lets call it Collectorsitis.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Tuesday's Twitter Tree


The Twitter Tree© will is hosted by a different shop each business day.
The Rules to participate:

You must tweet ALL the other posts here.
(It is not fair to those of us who tweet your items, when you don't reciprocate)
Only two (2) hashtags

Check back during the day to tweet any new posts.
Post only two (2) items.
No google+ stuff. This is the Twitter Tree©
Add your Twitter ID to your post (mine is @butterflysattic)

No "mature" items.
My Items:

#Postcard Artist Signed Vera Paterson Girl w/ Suitcase @postcardsintheattic http://etsy.me/J40kXZ via @Etsy #ephemera @butterflysattic #retwt

Antique Signed #Postcard V Colby 1909 Kitten & Puppy @postcardsintheattic http://etsy.me/HhvGUz via @Etsy #ephemera #retwt @Butterflysattic

I would like to invite anyone interested in postcards to join the Pacific Postcards Team on ETSY.  It is a little slow moving right now but the group has been picking up momentumn. 

I am also looking for a person or two that has a little time to invest into the group as a leader.  I picture it becoming a very active group that celebrates postcard collecting and provides useful information about postcards and the imagery. 

We are offering 2 different memberships: one will be for general membership, for those who love postcards, the imagery and collecting postcards and the other will be for shops with at least 25% of their items listed are postcards.
The only difference in the memberships is that the latter will be ncluded in shop interviews, BNRs and postcard related activities. We also plan on having activities for the general memberships.
Hope to see you there soon.

If you are at all interested in joining the group please go to: http://www.etsy.com/teams/9158/pacific-postcards-team?ref=pr_teams and click "apply."

If you are interested in becoming a leader convo me.
(Please Note: that I will tweet until 8:30 am and then will tweet again when I return from work around 7:00 pm)

Monday, May 21, 2012

Monday Meet and Greet the Members of the Pacific Postcards Team - VintageWarehouse

Our Monday Meet and Greet features Pacific Postcards Team member VintageWarehouse.  This lovely shop has hundreds of antique cabinet cards and postcards with vintage photographs.  With so many lovely images to choose from it made it a challenge to narrow it down to just a few.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/99168945/sweet-antique-baby-photo-adorable-bright?ga_search_query=postcards
http://www.etsy.com/listing/73196469/great-1920s-antique-photo-snapshot-of?ga_search_query=postcards
VintageWarehouse has been in business since February 2008 and the expertise shows in their selection of vintage items.   Currently they are offering a special shipping rate for photographs, just $1.50 for the entire order of pictures!  It will be hard to beat that rate.

From VintageWarehouse's Shop Announcements:
"Type "Sale" in my search box for my latest sales! Welcome to the VINTAGE WAREHOUSE where you will find unusual antique & vintage photographs, linens,pottery,tin,toleware,primitives,old paintings,toys and other unique one of a kind treasures. Come on in and take a look - you're sure to find that special little something that YA JUST GOTTA HAVE! I update EVERY DAY with new items so add me to your favorites to keep updated with my newest treasures and if you purchase more than one item I will be happy to invoice you with combined shipping to save you on postage."
~VintageWarehouse

You can join VintageWarehouse on twitter at http://twitter.com/VintageWarehous           

'Meet and Greet the Pacific Postcards Team member - VintageWarehouse' by postcardsintheattic

Great VINTAGE PHOTO of three...
$3.00

Great ANTIQUE CDV PHOTO of a...
$2.50
Cute ANTIQUE PHOTO of Baby w...
$3.00
Super ANTIQUE PHOTO of 1920&...
$3.00
Cute ANTIQUE KID'S PHOTO...
$3.00
Sweet 1920's KIDS PHOTO ...
$3.00
CHARMING ANTIQUE 1920's ...
$2.00
Sweet 1900's CHILDRENS P...
$2.00
Lovely Antique PHOTO RPPC - ...
$3.50
Wonderful ANTIQUE CABINET PH...
$3.00
Vintage Look LITTLE GIRL and...
$10.00
Great Antique CDV PHOTO of L...
$2.50
Fun ANTIQUE 1915 PHOTO of a ...
$3.50
Charming ANTIQUE PHOTO of Ma...
$3.00
Charming ANTIQUE PHOTO of a ...
$2.50
Great ANTIQUE 1900's PHO...
$3.00


If you are interested on becoming a member of the Pacific Postcards Team please go to this link http://www.etsy.com/teams/9158/pacific-postcards-team?ref=pr_teams and click "Apply."

We have just started offering 2 different memberships: one will be for general membership, for those who love postcards and collecting postcards and the other will be for shops with at least 25% of their
items listed are postcards.
The only difference in the memberships is that the latter will be included in shop
interviews, BNRs and postcard related activities. We also plan on having activities for
the general memberships. Hope to see you there soon.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Spiritual and Inspirational Sunday - May 20, 2012

Overall I believe that I am a very happy person.  God has blessed me greatly; although there has been some very large challenges in my life that I had to overcome and still have to work with, for every challenge and for every loss He has given me a greater blessing and a greater gift.  I have to remind myself of these things sometimes because when I come up to a wall in my life, it can look so challenging and frightening that I may forget all of other times that God has lifted me over.

I was having that overwhelming feeling this morning and struggled with what positive thing I was going to write, since I wasn't feeling very positive.  But thankfully, just as always, God even provides me with comforting words when I need them.  My online friend who blogs ChristieCottage posted this wonderful vintage message:

Christie received this from one of her online friends owner of shop, http://warmtouchcreations.etsy.com
and asked us to share this wonderful positive message.
I am very grateful for my friends and online friends and this beautiful reminder that God always provides us with the tools that we need to Fight whatever negativity is in our way.
Thanks Christie and Warm Touch Creations.
I hope you and all my readers have a blessed Sunday

Friday, May 18, 2012

Freaky Funny Friday - TGIF Let's Just Have Fun! - Looking Forward to Men In Black 3

I am not a big fan of 3D movies (I think it's my age) but I am absolutely looking forward to the new Men In Black 3.  Just when I needed some movies that didn't lead to deep thought just entertained me they start announcing this up coming movie.  I am not a person that likes drama or overly intense theatrical performance; I just want good old slapstick and some weird clean fun and here we go:


 Life can be very intense and stressful; why in the world would I want to watch a movie that is going to draw that to my attention?  To heck with reality; give me some aliens.  I go to movies or when I get a chance to watch television, I do it to remove myself from reality and escape to the land of imagination.  I much rather have my fantasy world full of the three stooges, Adam Sandler and a sprinkling of Sponge Bob rather than find the stars of an After School Special. 
This great postcard can be found in Etsy shop VintageAdorables at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageAdorables?ref=seller_info
 So with that being said, bring on the comedy, the happiness, the laughs... 

'Make me laugh... Old style...Great Gifts for Dad' by ButterflyInTheAttic

Larry Harmon's Laurel An...
$8.00
Magnet Abbott and Costello m...
$3.50
Original Movie Poster: CHARL...
$99.99
The Three Stooges CURLEY and...
$4.99
Custom Made to Order - Three...
$32.00
8mm Film - Laurel and Hardy ...
$15.00
Abbott and Costello VHS Clas...
$8.00
Charlie Chaplin mouse pad
$7.50
CHARLIE CHAPLIN cross stitch...
$4.99
Vintage Postcard of the Thre...
$6.00
Way Out West Laurel and Hard...
$1.00
Abbott & Costello Meet Jason...
$7.00
Three Stooges Hand Painted W...
$105.00
Charlie Chaplin Rubber Stamp...
$8.25
Rare Vintage Three Stooges P...
$10.99
Laurel and Hardy classic pho...
$14.95