A while back I wrote a blog post about my Etsy store, WitchCraftingWA. I was so excited to share that part of my life with a new audience after focusing on it for so long. However, some things changed and I made the decision to close my Etsy store account.
Why? Well, the biggest reason is that Etsy wasn’t financially beneficial for me. I’ve never sold much, but my prices were always pretty low, so my profits have been pennies. Etsy recently raised its seller fees, so between that and the cost of shipping, it stopped making sense for me to continue selling on there. I’ve seen and heard from other small businesses that they also came to this conclusion, and it makes me sad. It’d be nice to trust that a company cares for small businesses and artists, and to have a platform that supports us. Alas, we don’t live in a world where that happens. Etsy exists to make money, primarily for Etsy, so while it’s a great place to discover new artists and small shops, it’s better to go to the source and purchase from that person directly.
So what happens to WitchCraftingWA now? I still have my Instagram page for my shop active, and I recently posted some new pieces I’ve been working on. The best way to support my art is to contact me on there if you see anything you like!
Happy June and welcome back to another blog post! This time we’ll be reviewing the June 2022 Goddess Provisions box, themed around solar energy. Solar energy isn’t just for powering cars anymore, you can utilize this renewable resource to recharge your own batteries. GP has provided some tools to help you get started.
Once again I purchased this box with my own money and have not been compensated in any way to discuss this box.
PC Kendall Hurley
This box contains seven items, ranging in value from $3.99 to $28. The price of the box hovers around $35, so you get a pretty good deal. The items are all full size, so this box is great value for your money.
Tarot Sun Card pendant necklace
I love getting jewelry in boxes, shiny things make me so happy. It’s fitting for the sunshine box to include a gold plated necklace for us!
This glistening golden necklace displays a rendition of the sun tarot card. I’ve received tarot card necklaces in boxes before and loved them even though I don’t practice tarot. I think channeling the concept they represent can be a good intention for your day. My only complaint is that the pendant isn’t as dainty as I’d prefer, but I like this nonetheless.
4/5
Hair oil elixir
Receiving beauty products is also always fun for me because I don’t tend to splurge or try new products on my own. I guess a downfall to doing it this way is that I can’t pick out the products themselves, but most of the time I end up really enjoying the product, even if I don’t repurchase it.
My hair is naturally wavy and likes to frizz, so I’m all about using a hair oil to tame it. I love the way this smells too, like jasmine by the ocean.
5/5
“Blue Me Away” blue matcha powder
Blue matcha powder is a trend going around the Internet lately, I think due to TikTok, and is promoted as a caffeine-free energy drink powder. I don’t really understand the science behind that, because matcha is tea and tea has caffeine, so color me confused. I think the reason this was included was because caffeine=energy and fits into the sun theme, not because the color blue=the sky=the sun is in the sky.
This was my least favorite item in the box (there is always one.) Getting food items in boxes kinda freaks me out, because I don’t feel like I can trust the ingredients. I have a lot of anxiety around trying new foods, so I probably won’t even use this. I don’t want to pass it along either, so I guess it’s going to sit in my pantry until I can figure out how to use it another way.
1/5
Shower steamer
This smells so good! I normally don’t gravitate towards invigorating scents but I like that this one is fresh and fruity but also down to earth, with orange and lemon with a touch of rosemary. It also isn’t too sweet.
I’ve never used a shower steamer before but I think it’s like a bath bomb for your shower, and turns your shower into a spa experience. Either way, I’d love to incorporate aromatherapy into my life more and this item feels like a real treat.
5/5
Golden spoon
First of all, this spoon is so cute! And second of all, it goes perfectly with the sun and moon mug we got a few months back in the GP box. So Instagram worthy.
I think this spoon is made from brass and colored gold, so I don’t know how food-safe it is, and that information wasn’t provided. I think this spoon would be good for sprinkling sugar into tea or bath salts into water, but don’t do those two things together!
4/5
Brass bookmark
I’ve always had a bit of an addiction to collecting bookmarks; they just enhance the aesthetic of the reading experience. GP also make some lovely silvery bookmarks that this compliments nicely. I think the sun motif looks so happy peeking over the page.
However, my complaint with metal bookmarks like this one is that it seems too heavy for most book pages. The average book paper is too thin, I think, to hold up to the weight of this guy. Also, the size is a bit awkward. Again, I think this is a super photogenic product but not super practical. Maybe it’d be good for a cookbook.
2/5
Prehnite stone
One of my favorite parts of the GP boxes is getting a new stone every month. I’ve grown my collection so much in the past year! Prehnite is new to me, but I love the pale, vibrant green. They say that this is a water-safe, “compassionate crystal,” which is so adorable. Including the info about this stone being water safe is great because some stones can dissolve in water, like selenite.
4/5
I also want to leave a footnote here about the packaging with Goddess Provision boxes. Not only do they plant a tree for each box sold, the company is also committed to becoming more eco-friendly with it’s packaging materials. Most of the wrapping inside the box for the items is paper or cardboard, which can be recycled or repurposed. The designs on the packaging is super giftable as well, and I just want to pass that thought along.
Final thoughts:
Goddess Provisions truly did a great job curating this box. Opening each item felt like Christmas, even if I didn’t love them all. With the exception of the blu matcha powder, I felt as though the items fit the theme and were all exciting to me. My favorite thing in the box is probably the hair oil, followed by the necklace and the spoon.
I’m really looking forward to recharging myself by channelling some solar energy this month, and using these items to radiate some light into my life!
It’s that time of the month again! My review of the Tamed Wild subscription box for May. As usual, I’m going to go over the items in the box, the ritual designed to go with the items, and then give you my final thoughts! Let’s get started.
PC Kendall Hurley
Dried hibiscus and calendula: Usually we’re sent a new herbal tea in the boxes, but this time we received dried flower blossoms. I’m partial to both hibiscus and calendula, but I’ve never used them mixed together before. 4/5
Glass dropper bottle and moon sticker: I love when I get new bottles and jars to add to my little collection of apothecary items! 4/5
Zodiac and lunar cycle altar cloth: I do feel like we get a new altar cloth ever 6 months or so from Tamed Wild; always the same size and printed on a cotton blend (like this one) or a faux velvet. Personally, I don’t switch out my altar cloths that often, but I like this one. Could use a good ironing though, they arrive folded up. 3/5
Pendulum: I believe these are made out of brass, and this is an item we’ve seen before. I don’t use pendulums or practice any divination too often, so I’m brainstorming other ways to use this item. 1/5
Selenite wand: These pop up every year or so in the Tamed Wild boxes. Selenite is known for its cleansing and purification properties, and is a form of gypsum. Wands of selenite are pretty popular, but I also see selenite palmstones often. Be careful, selenite is water soluble but should not be consumed! Polished selenite looks like light has been captured inside. 3/5
The ritual: Moon Magic
I prefer to take inspiration from the provided rituals; reading the information and then incorporating what I need into my practice. This month, the ritual centers around the moon, and using the included items in moon water creation. Using the items to infuse water inside the bottle with your intention for the lunar cycle, the ritual teaches you how to work with all the phases of the moon.
My thoughts:
I think it would be a wonderful box for new witches, to learn how to work with the moon and get some basic supplies. As someone who has been a subscriber for over year now, I’m seeing some repeated items that aren’t difficult to find. I think this box lacked the originality I want to see in witchcraft boxes, because I personally want a subscription that introduces me to tools and concepts outside my comfort zone. Tamed Wild has a lot of really cool products available on their website, and I know from past boxes even this year that they can produce new and exciting themes and products. From following them on social media, I think a lot of other fans want to see more of that kind of content too.
My favorite items from this box were the glass bottle and herbs, because I’m already beginning to think of new ways to use them. I plan to make a skincare oil with the herbs, because calendula has some amazing skin benefits. I use a calendula based oil on all my little scrapes and cuts, and it does amazing. I also like the altar cloth; I’ve got a little collection not and maybe I should begin changing them out for seasons.
If you got the May Tamed Wild box, what were your thoughts? Did you think it was worth it, or do you want to see something else from them next time? Comment below!
Hello! Welcome back to my blog. Today we are going to be reviewing the April edition of the Goddess Provisions box, the Mercury retrograde kit.
These boxes are $33.00 USD a month and are available in monthly, three months, 6 months and annual subscriptions. US shipping free, and the boxes ship at the beginning of every month so you’ll get yours in time. Each box contains around 6 or 7 items, valued between $5 and $30 each.
Let’s go through the included items and then I’ll let you know what I think!
Retrograde journal: You all know I enjoy journaling, but I’m pretty new to these guided journals. I like the idea; journaling and setting an intention for a specific theme. The book looks and feels good quality.
Incense holder and incense: These are technically two items, but I’ve included them together because they go together. The incense is loose, so you light it over a charcoal disc (not included) in the wooded dish. I love how Goddess Provisions includes items like incense and they always have beautiful holders, but I am a little concerned how the wood would hold up when used this way. I do think it would make a cute little jewelry dish!
Black tourmaline: I love me some black tourmaline, it is one of my favorite crystals. Black tourmaline is a protection stone and it was one of my first stones someone ever gifted to me. I love the weight of the stone and the rough texture. I can always use another piece of it; and I love when boxes include crystals. Is this stone new to you?
Smudge detox facial mask: I don’t know how I feel about boxes including body and bath products, because I’m always wary of skincare ingredients. Make sure you always check the labels! But I could use a good facial, so I’m looking forward to trying this one out. I’ve also never used a mask you mix up yourself, so that’s cool. When using new skincare, always patch test and never use it before a big event, just in case!
White sage room mist: My husband and I love room sprays; we live in a tiny house with a cat, so you know, it’s a necessary. I love the scent of white sage, and its cleansing properties, so this is a great alternative to smudging.
What are my thoughts?
I’m always a fan of the Goddess Provisions boxes; they do such a good job of curating an array of items, and it’s worth the price. They source from a bunch of small businesses, mostly women-owned, which I think is great. Overall, I would say this is a pretty standard box, good quality and has a mix of new and familiar items included.
Want more? Check out my April 2022 GP box review here!
Hi guys! Today I’m going to do a review of the April Tamed Wild subscription box. The theme of this box is springtime so expect flowers and abundance. This box was purchased by me and all opinions are my own, I was not paid to create a review.
The Tamed Wild subscription boxes are $20.00 USD per month, plus shipping. Their shipping rates just went up over the new year, so be careful for that. They have monthly, 3 months, 6 months, and annual plans. Each box contains 4 or 5 items. I’ve been getting their boxes for over a year and a half now, so I have a pretty solid opinion of them by now.
Let’s go over the items in the box:
Ceramic Planter: I really like the marbled appearance and texture of this planter. It’s a little small but perfect for a desk planter. They also included a compostable cup to start growing your plant, and there is a hole in the bottom for drainage. Pretty good quality!
Forget-me-not seeds: You could have gotten these or marigold or money plant seeds; I obviously got the forget-me-nots. Which I love, because they remind me of home. Forget-me-nots symbolize love, respect and dedication. I’m happy with this item, but do be careful: if not contained, they’ll definitely spread in your garden.
Green aventurine worry stone: Aventurine is a very pretty stone with a little bit of natural shimmer to it. Worry stones are often oval shaped with a divot in the middle to “worry.” I like more tactile stones; I find fidgeting with them rather comforting.
I was a little disappointed because my stone was much paler in color and kind of translucent. It’s pretty but not very good quality material. I’ve gotten better quality aventurine from Tamed Wild before though, so it may have been a fluke.
Abundance kit: I really like do-it-yourself kits and if you are new to intention setting, this is a good start. The kit includes: a needle, green thread, yellow fabric, a small vial of mugwort, and a green candle. Green symbolizes abundance, luck and prosperity, and spring invites those concepts in. I’m excited to use mine!
Sticker: This time we also received a Tamed Wild sticker, featuring a gazing ball and moon emblem. I’m always down for a fun sticker, but I’m not sure where I’d put this one.
Is it worth it?
In my opinion, the Tamed Wild boxes are generally good value for money, especially when comparing the items to ones you could buy in a metaphysical shop. Sometimes the quality of the items is lower, but there is always one item that outstands. This time I think it’s the planter; one can always use more plants and therefore planters around. Or it could make a nice gift! I like how Tamed Wild always has a theme and then they match a ritual to that theme, like making an abundance kit.
While it’s a good value, I do wish their shipping times would be better. I get mine sent at the end of the month it’s supposed to be for, which is kind of annoying, and it takes a while to arrive. I received the April box in May, for example. And while their customer service is pretty good, their packaging can sometimes leave more to be desired. But I do like supporting them because it is good value and I stan a woman-owned small business.
Do you get the Tamed Wild box? What do you think of it? What was your favorite item on the list?
“Bridgerton” was one of the most sensual, delicious new shows to hit Netflix during quarantine 2020, and I keep hopping on the bandwagon a little bit late. I think it’s an engaging show, but it is definitely not a period drama as it pretends to be. I recently finished the new season and I have some thoughts.
Of course I had to rewatch season 1 first, and by season 2 I was completely fed up with Daphne Bridgerton. A lot of people seemed to be the most fed up with Eloise, her younger sister, for becoming more annoying; but I felt as though the character for Daphne was far more irritating, in some cases downright snobby. Not very good character development! At one point, she is visiting her family and pushes her way in to her mother’s planning for a ball in a disrespectful way. I would never have gotten away with that. Daphne seems to lord her new social status over her family, and now enjoys bossing other around.
The notable lack of Simon, the Duke of Hastings, added to the development of other interesting male characters, like the eldest Bridgerton brothers… In theory. Originally the season was supposed to focus on Anthony, the oldest, but Benedict and Colin get a far amount of screen time too. At one point, they get high together, which was probably the most interesting thing any of them did. Benedict has promise to be more interesting later as he bucks the status quo most ofter, but I agree that Colin could use some work. Also, if he’s so interested in travel, wouldn’t it be more cost effective to travel around one’s own country instead of fleeing to another?
I found the new leading lady, Kate Sharma, to be original and fascinating; she is what the Eloise character was meant to be: a woman who was finding her footing in a man’s world. Her sister, Edwina Sharma, was far too simpering and saccharine. I suppose part of the point of the show is to demonstrate how imperfect people can join together to make perfect matches, but more than often enough they come out annoying instead.
The character of Penelope Feathington (where do they get these names) showed promise I think; it was revealed at the end of the previous season that she is Lady Whistedown, the narrator and knower of all things in the ton. I think her development as a character was aided by this reveal, you can understand more of her mind and why she does what she does. And it’s easy to see where she gets the gumption; her mother is just as conniving.
Lady Danbury seems like she ought to be the moral compass of the show, and she’s entertaining while meddlesome. I loved her speech towards Kate about becoming who she is through her life in the middle of the season, declaring that her strength came from her determination through everything. She is also one of the few characters who stands up to the queen, who seems as though she’d be unpleasant to meet in real life, pretty out of touch from reality. However, I wouldn’t want to meet her in real life, as she inserts herself into every drama and then sings her own praises when things turn out right. She’s as bad as Lady Featherington, only with more class.
There’s a huge separation of class in the show, which is accurate to a point. The historical accuracy of the show is highly debatable; and I am on the side that it is not. It is someone else’s depiction of what they think the Regency Era would have looked like; you see it in the dresses and what the characters are allowed to get away with.
Also, let’s talk a little about the costumes of this show: They really drive home the point that this show is a piece of fiction, BASED on historical events. There is no way that even high class women would have access to the multitudes of fabrics showcased here, nor are most of them realistic for the time period. The hair and silhouette of the gowns take inspiration from the past, and the men’s fashion seems close as well. But the costuming is just close enough to make it seem based in the Regency Era without actually being accurate to the period.
End rant.
Seriously though, it’s like watching “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” but with a twist. Did I still watch it all? Absolutely. Sometimes TV is just so bad it’s kinda good.
I’ve written before on how I try to be eco-conscious with my decisions and the kind of impact I want to have on the environment. Part of that has to do with how I think about consumption and waste, and how I try to limit how much plastic I use/bring into my life.
So when we moved into the tiny house, one of the things I wanted to try that I couldn’t previously in our apartment was composting. We finally had some space to try it out. I’m am by no means an expert, and if you are interested in composting, I recommend doing your own research to find out which method works best with your lifestyle.
Questions I get about composting:
How do you compost? We have a compost pile. Yep, a big ol’ pile of dirt and rotting veggies in our backyard. Compost is a fancy word for rotting stuff that turns back into healthy soil, and I love it.
Does it really work? Yes, in the three years we’ve lived here we’ve made compost we can then add to our garden to help more plants grow.
Does it smell? No, it smells like soil. We are lucky to live in a pretty moist area, so leaving things to compost naturally out there is easy for us.
What do we compost? We compost eggshells, yard waste, fruit and vegetable scraps; basically anything that can biodegrade. Don’t compost stuff like animal products or bread, that is how you get critters creeping around like raccoons.
How did you start? Honestly, I told my husband I wanted to try it and he said okay. So we picked a spot in the yard that no one hangs out around and started piling yard and food waste there, and just kind of waited.
How do you keep it going? We like the pile method because it don’t require a lot of upkeep. Every once in a while, one of us will agitate the pile, keep things moving around. But really, stuff rots on its own, melting back into the natural dirt. It’s not perfect but it gets the job done.
Why even bother? Well, rather than contributing to landfills where garbage sits for years and years, this is one way we can reduce our landfill waste and also give back to the land. Compost has many, many benefits when used in growing new plants, so we love it.
I’ll continue to keep you updated on our composting journey! Check back for more!
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Goddess Provisions and everything was purchased by me.
I’m a fan of subscription boxes, much to the chagrin of my husband. However, the way I see it, by putting aside a set amount of money each month to spend on myself, I end up saving money. I love knowing that I’m “treating myself,” and supporting a small, women-run business, and I like the surprise of a new box each month.
There are now subscription boxes for every theme under the sun, but I’m partial to the ones with witchy vibes, of course. I like learning about new crystals and getting new decor pieces or body products. It makes me happy.
I heard about Goddess Provisions on Instagram, from a witchy account, and decided to give it a try. I was drawn in by the super cool, real amethyst string lights in the post. I’ve been subscribed for about 6 months now, and I renewed for a year in February. Up front cost? Ouch. Worth it? This subscription actually is!
Each box alone costs around $35 USD, and you get between 5 and 7 items per box. The items are all good quality, nothing is going fall apart on you. The packaging is pretty secure and I also like how they use way less plastic packaging than other boxes.
Let’s talk about the theme of the April 2020 Goddess Provisions box: This Eye Open.
The theme is centered around the evil eye motif, designed to ward off evil and negativity, acting as a protection from those ideas. This idea is a pretty common ancient one, and one I definitely need these days. The evil eye reminds us to create boundaries in our lives, to clue into our priorities and cleanse ourselves of things that no longer serve us.
Now onto the items in the box!
Radiating Intuition Zipper Pouch
This is my favorite item in the box! The dark blue velveteen, the shiny star sequins, the tassel – So cute! I’m so excited to put this in my purse. Yes, it’s a circle shape, but you can fit quite a few flat items in there, as well as some crystals. 5/5
Evil Eye Signet Ring
I’ve collected a few jewelry pieces from subscription boxes over the years, and rings are kind of hit-or-miss. The ring says it’s adjustable but I had a hard time making it fit; it barely fits around my thumb. It is 14K gold plated, and really nice, it just doesn’t fit. The packaging also says to avoid getting it wet, so it’s not really practical. 2/5
Inner Eye Ceramic Dish
What I like most about this piece is that it appears handmade. I’m really picky about ceramic items, I like them to look more rustic. While I’m sure these were made in a mold, it isn’t perfect and that adds to the charm. I’m also picky about what ceramic dished I collect for my vanity, and this one definitely is a winner. 5/5
Evil Eye Body Oil
Pro tip: Shake this up well, because there is blue mica power inside, which looks very pretty shimmering around inside the bottle like a potion, but will get on your skin. I like the subtle scent to this; it’s like a fresh, soft floral smell. It says the oil is infused with quartz and tourmaline, two of my favorite crystals. That doesn’t matter so much to me, but I like that this is travel sized and leaves the tiniest bit of a glimmer on the skin. 3/5
Oracle Cards
Goddess Provisions does this thing with oracle cards where they periodically release a set of 5 or 6 cards you can collect, like trading cards. Each set has a theme, like crystals or the zodiac; this month it’s chakras, which I love. The artwork is always really beautiful, and I’m having a fun time putting together the set of cards. 4/5
K2 Jasper
I had to look this stone up. With each box you receive a different crystal, which is a good way to begin collecting them as a beginner. K2 Jasper isn’t actually jasper, I found out, and there wasn’t much information on it in any of the packaging. It’s a form of feldspar and azurite, and is found on Mount K2 in Pakistan. It says this stone can “connect you to your higher chakras and strengthen your physic abilities.” That sounds accurate for the theme of this box. 3/5
All in all, I liked this box a lot. I didn’t love everything, but most of the items I’m happy with. I definitely feel like I get my money’s worth from these boxes, and I would recommend them!
Let’s cut to the chase: I don’t think soup is a meal, I think it is a hot condiment that is only good for dipping bread into, and only when necessary. Soup to me a dish I make when I have to use up stuff in my fridge or I have to make a lot of food for people. It’s a good staple food to know how to make, because it is so versatile, but I am extremely picky about eating it.
Kendall, why are you making soup if you obviously dislike it so much? Well, my Norwegian husband loves split pea soup. So does my dad. For them, it’s a comfort food. So while I don’t plan on eating much of the green stuff, I know that they will literally eat it up. Sometimes, food is a labor of love. So let’s make it!
Cook for a few minutes, then add in your 2 cups of peas. Pro tip: most grocery stores sell split peas in 2 cup baggies, for less than $2, making this a very cheap meal. Add in the six cups of water, and toss in the spices and salt. I like to make it easier on myself and use spice mixes, like salt-free lemon pepper. Lower the heat to medium low, and allow to simmer for an hour.
Amazingly, this soup becomes a nice much (that’s the best way to put it) after an hour to 90 minutes. Toss in pre-cooked ham, shredded chicken, or slices of sausage if you want. Mix up once more and serve!
I like to serve this with peanut butter and saltine crackers on the side, because that’s how my dad likes it. My husband will eat this hot or cold the next day with tortilla chips.
If I’m going to eat soup, I prefer a thicker puree like this one. It’s cheap and easy to make, and you can freeze the extra to defrost later.
A lot of small business have opened in the wake of the pandemic. People are tired of working for others, with all the drawbacks they can face, and deign to work for themselves. Putting to use their talents and hobbies to support their families, people are really trying to open new doors up.
Cat Embroidery by Kendall Hurley
In early 2020, I picked up a couple of new hobbies: embroidery and jewelry making, in addition to knitting. The thing was, as I got better and more proficient at these things, I was ending up with more than I could use or display myself, or give away. I’d been following an Instagram shop of a friend of mine, and was inspired to try to sell the pieces I’d been creating. Thus, WitchCraftingWA was born.
I wanted the name of my shop to play on the idea of the hedge witch, and stitch witch, because so many of the things I was making and hoping to sell are textile items, embroideries and knitwear.
I like creating beautiful pieces that can bring joy to others, either by wearing the piece or displaying it in their home. It brings me a lot of joy to create things, and I hope to spread that joy to others.
Harry Potter Charm Necklace by Kendall Hurley
I do tend to price my pieces on the lower side, as this has always been a side hustle for me. The extra money from sales is nice, but I am not yet in a position to rely solely on this income. Another reason I price things a little lower is because I just want to create things that will make others smile. I value my time, of course, and purchasing raw materials costs me money, but I do turn a small profit.
Over time I have raised my prices some, especially for the embroideries. I use a lot of recycled/upcycled materials when I can. I’m also really lucky that buyers have left very kind reviews on my Etsy page.
Witch Hat Embroidery by Kendall Hurley
I did try selling solely on Instagram, but the algorithm is such that newbies don’t get a lot of traffic. I do better on Etsy, and while I do pay a small fee to list my products, it is worth it to make the sale and give joy to someone else. So now I list my pieces in both places, and that combination works best for me right now.
My goals for my little shop are to keep creating and coming up with new pieces, to maybe one day be able to make more money from it. I want to create a logo and business cards, to maybe sell at a craft fair or local market once the pandemic ends.
If you would like to support me and my shop, you can find me on Etsy as WitchCraftingWA or on Instagram under the name @witch.crafting. Thank you!
kendallnhurley.com 