On My Table and In My Cup December 29th-January 6th

A week has gone by and what a week it has been, new year, new tea and new teacup rescue for me. I was finally feeling better this week and headed to my local Murchie's Tea shop to stock up on my favorite blend and discovered their Balmoral Blend which is such a lovely blend of black teas with a soft malty flavor which is perfect for afternoon tea.

The tea shop is near two second hand stores so I stopped into both having no car with me and was delighted to find a long sought after toast holder, silver and only $5! The china shop that I go to had a half price sale as well and I got the lovely Royal Albert Cup, Saucer and bread and butter plate for $16! A truly great find, and a fun way to spend some of my Christmas money!

I have bought the Witches Spell-A- Day Almanac for about 5 years now, I love reading this book, some lovely sentiments in this book, something I find apply and some don't but I enjoy the read and the history in this book year after year. Happy to have found it just before the new year again.

Just arrived on my table Friday is two of the books in the Terry Lynn Thomas series The Spirit of Grace which I have been looking forward too for so long! I have a few more to get through before I can start these but I am delighted to have them peaking out at me from my TBR pile.

Tomorrow I have my review of Tonya Kappes upcoming cozy Six Feet Under, this is a series that I really enjoy and I am looking forward to sharing this with you tomorrow.

I had a very busy week of reading and I read and shared my review of The Cat of The Baskervilles by Vicki Delany another great story in this series and my favorite so far! This one is out in a few weeks and I recommend it!

A Grave Issue by Lillian Bell was a first in series I read earlier this week and loved! I like where this story went and I cannot wait to see where it goes next! One to watch for! 

One of two cozy shorts I read this week. I bought myself this one from Lorraine Bartlett earlier this week and read it. I love it when you find just the right book for the moment and it makes your spirit soar! I loved this book and the Lotus Bay mystery series. I hope we see more from it soon!

All I wanted was a Drink by Michelle Ann Holstein was the other holiday short I read. This was funny, smart and very well done. A great way to end the holidays on my end. 

Monday I will have for you the review of Class Reunions are Murder, I really did not want this one to end. Very well done and I am anxious to share the review with you all on Monday. I still have book hangover from it! Such a great read.

Thank you so much for joining me for a cup of tea and a look back at what has been on my table and in my cup this week. I look forward to sharing more with you tomorrow. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com 

Witchy Wednesday- Crystal Magic by Sandra Kynes

Coming out in October is a book called Crystal Magic by Sandra Kynes. I requested to read and review this book because I have become enchanted and love the look and feel of crystals. As long as I can remember I have always picked up rocks in my path, had rocks in my shoes, purse, hand or around my neck. I like the way they feel and the way I feel when I have them close at hand. It was not until many years later that I learned that there are actually meanings and it is believed that there are properties in these rocks and crystals which can aid in comfort and condition.  I have read and reviewed crystal books in the past and always learn a little, I am fascinated each time I learn or pick up something new. I found while reading Crystal Magic, I felt like I was constantly learning something new about many of my favorite crystals and learning about ones I had not explored. This is a great book for reference and one I think would be handy to have on my shelf in print! I love books published by Llewellyn Publishers and am grateful for the opportunity to read and review them.

Strengthen your connection with the natural world and learn how to incorporate the power of crystals into your magical practice with this comprehensive guide. Crystal Magic features everything you need to effectively work with crystals, from the history, science, and magical workings of the mineral kingdom to an encyclopedic list of more than one hundred varieties of stones. Explore numerous ways to grow your knowledge and skills, including details on buying and preparing stones, how to spot fakes, and even a new and powerful form of crystal grid.

Click here for the Amazon listing of Crystal Magic. 
Thank you for joining me here for a cup of tea and this weeks Witchy Wednesday selection. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

The Witch's Book of Shadows by Jason Mankey

Today I bring you a review of Jason Mankey's new reference guide The Witch's Book Of Shadows. This book is out February 8th from Llewellyn  and can be found on Amazon by clicking here.  I was thrilled to review this interesting read. Great resource and reference book for anyone interested in learning about what book of shadows are from a historical point of view and how they are relevant and used today.
I love this cover and series. I have previously read and reviewed The Witches Mirror by Mickie Muller  and am now anxious to read all of these guides from Llewellyn. 

Discover the fascinating history, tradition, and modern uses of the Book of Shadows. This fun and easy-to-use guide provides essential information on creating and consecrating a Book of Shadows, as well as how to make it a part of your practice. 

Learn about the various types of Books of Shadows, their roles throughout history, and how they differ from regular spellbooks. Enjoy advice and excerpts from the grimoires of well-known modern and historical Witches. Explore a wide variety of ideas for what to include in your own Book of Shadows. Like a magical chart showing where you’ve been and where you’re going, this wonderful tool is your personal guide to Witchcraft.

Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a Llewellyn book review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

The Witches Mirror by Mickie Mueller

I have had the good fortune to be given an advanced reading copy of The Witches Mirror by Mickie Mueller. The cover is outstanding and is a gateway to a very impressive resource guide and historical look at the history of mirrors and Witchcraft. Only a few chapters into this book and  I found I was already learning so much! Fascinated by what learned and it is reminiscent of a truly captivating BBC documentary. Out this June this is one I have ordered it in paper back! 

Discover the fascinating history, tradition, and modern uses of the witch's mirror. From learning a wide array of spells to making your own mirror, The Witch's Mirror presents valuable information for witches of all levels. Fun and easy to use, this guide features meditations, spells, crafts, exercises, and many other tools for enhancing your magical life. Explore a guide to the symbols and practice of scrying, uncover the uses of mirrors in legends and pop culture, harness the reflective power of mirrors with meditations, and much more. Mickie Mueller invites you to gaze through the looking glass and see your magical self, wielding the mirror as a key tool to a successful, happy, and enlightened life.

To order your own copy of The Witches Mirror from The Book Depository (with free shipping world wide) please click here.

Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a book review this Friday morning! I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

The Book Of Sacred Baths 52 Bathing Rituals to Rituals To Revitalize Your Spirit.

This weekend I read and am now sharing the review of a book that feels like it was made just for me. Out this August 8th from Llewellyn Worldwide and written by Paulette Kouffman Sherman PsyD, this book spoke to me. My cousin asked me if I had always been " A little left of center" and I thought that was the best expression, yes I feel like I have always been a bit different, or left of center in my thinking about pretty much everything and this holistic bath bible is truly delightful. It is one that teaches you about culture, about the use of essential oils, salts and crystals. It also talks about paring baths with teas, which is why I think this is such a great book. I have at least two people in mind to order this book for as a gift and I think I also need a paper copy for myself!

Cultures around the world have long used bathing and bathhouses to connect with Spirit and to promote personal wellness and cultural milestones. The Book of Sacred Baths shows how to use this wonderfully relaxing practice to create transformation in your love life, career, health, and spirit. Discover everything you need to know about the history of sacred baths, the healing medium of water, meditations and prayers, creating intention, essential oils and crystals, visualization, Law of Attraction, and much more.

Discover 52 recipes for sacred baths, one for each week of the year. Each bath recipe is tailored to a specific emotional or spiritual need, and helps you align your thoughts, feelings, and emotions to attract your highest good. Use essential oils, crystals, candles, and color therapy along with visualization and ritual practice to raise your vibration and release negative energy down the drain.

The Book of Sacred Baths was truly inspiring, this past weekend I spent quite a bit of time on self care and I had been looking for a bath caddy like this one so that I could take my books and tea into the bath with me, and I was thrilled to find it in my travels at a charity sale and was $1.50 well invested. I learned and took away from this book some truly wonderful things. With a bit of investment in a few essential bathroom items, you can turn your bathroom into an amazing retreat and greatly improve your own life and the life of a loved one! This book would make a wonderful wedding shower gift and for at least two of my friends a great Holiday gift too!

Speaking of baths, my kitten Mia and my eight year old loved Bad Kitty Gets A Bath, another of our weekend charity sale fun finds!
To order your own copy of The Book Of Sacred Baths on Amazon Please Click Here.
The Book Depository Please Click here
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a self-care book review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com