From Ellen Whitehurst:

Just as Charles Foster Kane struggled to allow the single word “rosebud” to escape from parched and penitent lips, pushed out alongside a last and gasping, dying breath, so do soft and fragrant rosebuds whisper the word “July” as they fall from pink and red and yellow halos. And as much as rosebuds and lotus blossoms might perfume some of the most perfect summer days ahead, there’s also a stinker or two in the bunch that must not have received their eviction notices early enough to let us all enjoy a full four weeks of sun and fun and frolic. Yes, July is the time where summer begins to flex her golden muscles and shows a growth spurt that allows her to stand tall among all other months. Starting with fireworks that brighten her whole demeanor, she begins to feel her strength while staring down at the rest of us trying to balance both work and play. While we do, of course, face the age old dilemma, SPF 15 or 40? Really, is there any difference? Where we will see a decided difference this month, however, is in the stock market. Or so says the Feng Shui conflict about to erupt between the metal Sheep and this year’s ruling Ox. Beware. And “be wary.” says this sheep. It’s a very bahhhhhhhhd idea to invest in equities of any kind no matter how tempted you might be. You’ll just get fleeced, says this oracle. Me? I’m just the messenger. But I’ve been saying since this same time last year, to anyone who’ll listen, that this summer (esp in August), from an astrological perspective, has a good chance of bringing the market to new lows and anxious speculators to the other knee. Why not then, simply stay out of the stock market and invest in the original renewable energy source, Feng Shui? If you do, then you’ll know that this metalsome Sheep who just can’t keep her snout out of our business also says that gold’s a good bet. Once she’s done giving Soros her sage, the appearance of this sheep is also said to strengthen the element of earth in July which, in turn, can bring extraordinarily good luck for those who cotton to same. Bring a plant inside your space and love it. Love it some more. You won’t believe the bloomin’ luck you’ll get in return. And opportunities too. Jump into them as you might the cranky neighbor’s pool after a few frosty ones but do it on the down low when at all possible. Sort of oxy-moronish, these prevalent energies that soak the sides and front and back of this month duly and truly advising u alls to fully utilize every opportunity that comes our way. The secret Shui of the Sheep says there are hidden agendas and bonuses wrapped up in every single sizzling one. But the attendant codicil comes along to tell us to also keep a low pro wherever and whenever possible. Whole month long. Low pro. Okay, I guess we’ll let the Sun be the shining star of this month and be content to sneak out of the office a bit early to go hear Louis playing Hendrix on the covered deck at Kokoamos. Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahama, Key Largo, Montego, both Louis and the Beach Boys say that’s where you’ll want to go to get away from it all. Bodies in the sand, melting drink in hand, falling in love to the music of a steel drum band. Yup, sounds like the perfect July to me. And for you too.

For more on what to expect and how to make the best of your own personal energies and opportunities in July log onto www.ellenwhitehurst.com!

July 1……….Regardless what this month’s Shui Sheep says about buying gold, all that glitters sometimes just isn’t. Especially where love is concerned. But there is a silver lining. And it comes with a passport to imagination and intuition on this specific day. Insights are extraordinary. Magical even. Take time to tap in. Then, with a red pen, ON THIS DAY, write what your fantasy future looks like. In short story form. Forget the Carson Mccullers overtones and write down the best life you can think of. Read it every night and each morning for nine days straight. Now don’t say I never gave you anything.
July 4……….Roll with the punches and go with the flow, and, oh yeah, don’t forget to keep a low profile. Fireworks. Enough said. With your spread fingers acting as your “comb,” brush them over your entire body as if you were clearing a spider web from all around it. Start at the head and end at your feet and don’t forget the front and the back. Breathe. Then wash your hands under cold water. Three times. Now take that Charlotte!

July 7 ……….TWIN ECLIPSES! This would have been the Super Stellar Day if there wasn’t a day that was better! As if! Go ahead and expect the unexpected the same way you expect the Sun to rise or the mail to get delivered or Heidi and Spencer to make a pubic spectacle of themselves. This day, however, really expect it. Look for the surprise. Keep wondering where it is. Because when it comes, believe you me, it’s gonna be good. Good Humor Chocolate Éclair good. Four stems from a choice of three colors. FOUR florals placed in a clear or translucent vase. No thorns please. FOUR STEMS ONLY of pink or orange or purple. Peach blossom luck. Entirely unexpected ain’t it?

July 10……….Generous, gracious, giving Jupiter conjunct the fantasy fueled Neptune. Now this is what I call a SUPER STELLAR DAY. But you’ll have to sign up for my newsletter at www.ellenwhitehurst.com to figure out how to gain all you can from these fab energies! Good luck doesn’t even begin to touch it.

July 11……….Best day of the month to sign contracts or other important papers. Don’t forget to end your signature by slanting it slightly up and to the right. And don’t forget to sign with a red or purple pen when possible.
July 18……….Sizzling, sexy, sensual and hot, hot, hot! Enough about me, now what about you? Date night. Put an image of the dragon and the phoenix canoodling in the back right hand corner of your bedroom. Dragon’s breath. Phoenix’s ashes. Like I said, hot, hot, hot.

July 21……….”Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Thanks Dr. Seuss, I feel better already. Just in case those who mind do matter, put a clear quartz crystal on any window ledge in the kitchen. Clarity. Crystal clear and all better now.

July 25……….I hate the word ‘hate’ and I hate the word ‘evil.’ Both are applicable to this day. So, guess how I’m feeling about getting out of bed today? Burn frankincense incense all day long. Or wear a few drops of the essential oil as your cologne to keep you perfectly perfumed and protected. Ring a bell softly in your space to clean the crap. BIG mug of sea salt somewhere inside the house. Absorb away.

July 31……….If you think they’re lying to you, you’re probably right. Double check the fine print and avoid signing on, literally and figuratively. You could regret it later. Negative things come in threes, hence the energies end of this month. Positive things come in pairs and smoke and sound connect to other realms. Play favorite music while burning violet incense. Archangel Jabriel is singing.

Dr. Lara Zibners has written a really great manual for parents,  If Your Kid Eats This Book, Everything Will Still Be Okay.  Listen to the interview.

Summertime Safety Tips from Dr. Lara Zibners

Water safety
A toddler can drown in less than an inch of water. Thus danger isn’t only limited to large bodies of water. No child should be left unsupervised around pools, lakes or rivers. Buckets of water and kiddie pools should also be completely drained after use. And a “locked” door in a house is not the equivalent of a secure pool fence.

Sun safety
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children be covered in long pants and sleeves at all times when out in the sun. However, most kids are going to be out in the sun, putting them at risk for [Read more →]

Eat Well White Peach Sangria 

www.eatwellonline.com 
859-291-9355

This recipe is perfect for summer entertaining. It looks gorgeous in a large glass pitcher, and it’s delicious and so summery. Add a tapas platter with some Spanish cheeses, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and some spicy toasted almonds then watch the sunset in style.

3 white peachs or, preferably, nectarines, thinly sliced
1 thinly sliced green apple
2 cups white peach puree or juice, found in the freezer section of better quality supermarkets or peel and puree fresh peaches in the blender to make your own
1 bottle crisp white wine, viognier suggested
½ cup grand marnier or triple sec
½ cup brandy
¼ cup fresh mint leaves

Combine all ingredients in large pitcher at least two hours before serving to let flavors mingle. Serve in tall glasses with fruit over ice.
Substituting club soda for the white wine, and fresh orange juice for the grand marnier and brandy makes a fantastic alcohol free version.

Chef Renee Schuler, a Northern Kentucky native, graduated with [Read more →]