Self-Care Sunday
Ahhhhh, self-care. The thing we tend to put on the bottom of our daily to do lists. We promise ourselves that when we are done with a bunch of things, we will do something for ourselves. Or we say that we will do it “when we have time”. (Spoiler alert – we will never have the time. We must make the time!) Here’s the thing about self-care. It isn’t a selfish endeavor…and we aren’t martyrs for neglecting to take care of ourselves. Self-care is critical for our mental health. It helps put us in a healthy mindset. And if you’ve been with me even for a short period, you know I believe that mindset is everything!
Take the time to prioritize your mental health by taking time every day to do something that nourishes your soul, makes you happy or recharges you. When we take care of ourselves, we are better people to others.
Each Sunday I will post something that I am doing to practice self-care. It might be something super basic, but believe me, sometimes those basic things make a huge difference in our mindset. By coming along on my journey, I hope to give you some ideas about what you can incorporate in your own routine. I know it can be tricky to find things to do for yourself when you haven’t done it a lot.
Potions From The Sea – Mermaid’s Tears
A few years ago, I found this tutorial on YouTube on how to make Mermaid’s Tears. This was the video that got me into wanting to make potion props. Then of course I started looking into making Harry Potter potion props and found Cooking and Craft Chick. Then my brother and I started making them, adding our own twist to it. And now a few years later, I am re-creating my collection and adding a
Harry Potter Potion Series – Boomslang Skin
Boomslang Skin is the dried skin that is shed from the boomslang, a large poisonous snake. It is an ingredient that is used in Polyjuice Potion. This ingredient isn’t widely available to students and isn’t sold at the Apothecary in Diagon Alley. However, it could be found in a Potion’s Master’s private stores. Ingredients I used: Glass Bottle Bubble Wrap (small bubbles) Dark Green, Tan and Brown Markers Cooking Skewer Paper Towel Jute Twine Gold
Harry Potter Potion Series – Felix Felicis
Ahhhh, what better way to get 2023 started than with some liquid luck! Felix Felicis is a potion that allows the drinker to have success at pretty much everything they attempt. It is meant to be used sparingly and is actually toxic in large quantities. We first encounter Felix Felicis in Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. In the movie, the potion is clear. It looks like water in a fancy bottle. C&CC’s version has
Harry Potter Potion Series – Unicorn Blood
We are introduced to unicorn blood in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when Harry serves detention in the Forbidden Forest. Firenze explains that unicorn blood will keep someone alive even if they are an inch from death, but it comes at a terrible price. The act of slaying a unicorn will cause the drinker to have a cursed life. Ingredients I used: Round Glass Bottle Styling Gel Silver Glitter (I used a couple of
Harry Potter Potion Series – Unicorn Hair
In previous posts, we covered a couple of common wand cores – phoenix feathers and dragon heartstring. Today, we are creating another wand core – unicorn hair. Unicorn hair is said to produce the most consistent magic and is described as the most faithful of all wand cores. Wands made with unicorn hair tend to be strongly attached to their original owners. They are also the most difficult wand to turn to the dark arts.
Winter Potions – Freezing Potion
I thought this Freezing Potion would be a perfect one to add for Winter. C&CC’s version of this is much nicer than mine, but overall, I am happy with how mine came out. A freezing potion is said to cool the atmosphere and freeze the air. Ingredients I used: Glass Bottle Artificial Snow Light Blue Glitter White Iridescent Glitter Zig Glue Pen Hot Glue Funnel Cooking Skewer Potion Label As you can see with mine,
Harry Potter Potion Series – Mandrake Restorative Draught
We are introduced to mandrakes in herbology class in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Mandrake Restorative Draught is used to heal those who have been cursed or transfigured back to their original state. Ingredients I used: Glass Bottle Clear Dish Soap Moss Silk Leaves Sticks Cooking Skewer Jute Twine Potion Label I added in the moss, silk leaves and sticks first, then added the clear dish soap. I used the cooking skewer to
Harry Potter Potion Series – Dragon Heartstring
Like Phoenix Feathers, Dragon Heartstring is typically used as a core in wandmaking. It is said that not only is it a powerful core, a wand made of dragon heartstring will bond strongly with its current owner. These wands also tend to learn quickly and are the easiest to turn to the dark arts. This potion is meant to compliment Dragon’s Blood, which we featured last week. Ingredients I used: Glass Bottle Red Stringy Moss