Understanding Stones Part:9 Howlite

Images taken from pinterest.com

Stone Name: Howlite

Birthstone Month: None

Zodiac Association: None

Affected Chakra: Crown

History of Use:  Howlite was originally discovered in a gypsum mine near Windsor, Nova Scotia in 1868 when Henry How, a 19th century Canadian chemist, mineralogist and geologist was called in to identify the unknown nuisance mineral.  He named the soft white cauliflower-like stone "silico-boro-calcite" but it was shortly renamed howlite by James Dwight Dana.  

Sold in its natural state, howlite can sometimes be called "white buffalo stone" or "white turquoise."  Because of its porous texture, howlite can be superficially colored to imitate other minerals, especially turquoise because of the similar veining patterns.  Dyed howlite is commonly called magnesite.

Due to its low hardness and high porosity means that special care should be taken when dealing with howlite.  Avoid drastic temperature changes that can weaken the stone, like ovens and stovetops.  Keep it away from other gemstones that are likely harder than howlite, because of the potential for scratching or denting.  Clean with lukewarm water and if necessary, use a soft brush or cloth.  Do not use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner nor a steam cleaner, because these will likely damage the stone beyond repair.  

Spiritual Properties:  Howlite is a calming stone - helping to ease upset states of mind and emotion.  It is also used to heighten creativity and expand self-expression.  Spiritually, howlite is a stone of awareness.  It can prepare its wearer to receive wisdom and attunement, which can do wonders for healthy meditation.  

Physical Healing Properties:  Howlite is used in crystal healing for anxiety disorders and stress-related illness.  This calcite mineral can also aid in strengthening your bones and teeth. It is claimed it can assist with insomnia too.

Up Next: Jade

My Little Sister's Wedding: Part 1

Last week I visited Pennsylvania to attend my little sister Shana's wedding!  I thought I'd share some photos and experiences I had during my trip:   :)

Everything started out rocky.  I got a call from a co-worker the night before my flight.  "Are you going to make your flight?  I think they shut down the JAX airport!"

My heart stopped.  The only think I could think is I cannot miss my sister's wedding!  I immediately looked on the news and apparently the airport had been evacuated due to suspicious packages found in various parts of the parking garage and terminal.  One of the packages had to be removed off the premises due to it's "dangerous nature."  Luckily it was caught in time and no one was hurt!

The airport reopened and my flight was rescheduled.  The new flight time was later, so I didn't need to leave at 4:30am, but it was late enough I had to find a new ride.  Thankfully Nicole (my friend and Sailor's Omen collaborator) was able to drive me!  The flights went smoothly and I felt safe because after the threat at the airport, I assume it was the safest time to fly!  Unfortunately the flight was late enough to not be able to meet up with friends in the Philadelphia area and I got into my hometown around 10pm.

The next morning I got up, went out onto the back patio and welcomed the cool morning fog and played with my parents' dogs Meiling (pronounced May-ling) and Gucci.  For the next two days, my family and I would run around completing last minute errands before the wedding day.

Ready to touch down!

My wings today

1st destination in sight: Philly!

The skyline feels like home

Meiling

Gucci

Gucci hanging out in the backyard

October 5, 2013: Wedding Day!  The party began at 9am with the bride, mother of the bride (aka my mom), and the bridesmaids meeting at Sculptures Island Salon for hair, makeup, and mimosas.  The staff were sweet and accommodating, as we pretty much took over the place.  Everyone was in good spirits (the mimosas may have had a hand in that) as we laughed, joked, and swooned over each other's hair and makeup.

Bridesmaids' flowers

Bridesmaids' flowers

Bridesmaids' flowers, bride's earrings and rings

The rings

The bride getting makeup with Ella, her daughter, watching intently

Bride getting her hair did

My little sis - the bride!

MOTB

After mimosa #2 :)

Ella - the flower girl princess!

How many people does it take to get the bride's pumps on? Answer: 1.5

In the limo on the way to the church!

 In wedding post part 2, I'll give you a glimpse into the reception.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to take pictures during the wedding for you, but I'll be able to share them once the wedding photographer has gone through them :)

Remedy - Our Second Fall Lookbook Release

We are excited to introduce to you, our second fall lookbook for 2013 "Remedy."  Influenced by the transformation from outward to inward growth with the changing of the season, our fashionable bohemian beauty uses home remedies and natural crystals to improve her body and mind.  

"Magic can be found in stolen moments"

"Always stay on the bridge between the visible and the invisible"

 "The world is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper"

Check out the rest of the lookbook below!  Each page is linked to its' respective pinterest page, so if you see an image you like, click on it and pin it!

Visit our Pinterest page to pin all your favorite images!

Also, just a quick note we are only TWO Facebook likes away from sharing with you our best coupon code ever!  If you haven't yet, "like" us on Facebook now to stay up-to-date on current promotions and what we're up to!

Understanding Stones Part:8 Hematite

Stone Name

Hematite, "Stone of the Mind"

Birthstone Month

March

Zodiac Association

Aries

Affected Chakra

Root Chakra

History of Use: The name Hematite comes from the Greek word for blood.  Because of the high iron oxide content in hematite, it can not only be a silver-gunmetal-colored stone but a red stone as well.  Native American folklore states that war paint made from hematite will make one invincible in battle.  Hematite's popularity in jewelry was at its highest in Europe during the Victorian era.  People in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries wore hematite jewelry during mourning.  Scientists of the Mars Exploration Rover Project believe that deposits of hematite on Mars may help prove whether large amounts of liquid water ever flowed on Mars' surface.  Magnetic hematite jewelry is popular but is actually a synthetic material called Hematine.  Although it is claimed to be made from ground hematite mixed with resin, analysis has demonstrated it to be an entirely artificial compound.

Spiritual Properties: Hematite dissolves negativity and prevents others' negativity from being absorbed.  It focuses a high quality grounding energy and subdues erratic emotions to create a balance between the mind, body and spirit.  It strengthens our connection with the earth, helping us feel safe and secure in our environment.  The hematite stone also stimulates concentration and focus, enhances memory and independent thought.  It can help overcome compulsions, overindulgence, and improve relationships.  

Physical Healing Properties: 

+ Restores, strengthens and regulates blood supply

+ Supports kidneys and regenerates tissue.

+ Stimulates the absorption of iron in the small intestine, which in turn improves oxygen supply to the body.

+ Helps the formation of red blood cells.

+ Treats leg cramps, anxiety and insomnia.  

My experience:  To be honest, I've never been attracted to hematite - at least the larger stones.  I can handle smaller stones (much smaller... think half-pea size), but anything bigger tends to overload me.  I tend to feel more susceptible to gravity and have a hard time breathing.

Up Next: Howlite