Thursday, November 3, 2022

𓅪 SHOP REVIEW: Birdalay Egg Greeting Cards | Hannabal Marie 𓅪


Since the dawn of man, message sending has always been such a major turn of events. As technology advances, though--paper mail has sadly come to a halt. Before computer generated greetings of today, there was first messengers of news. But before man, there was bird!

Birdalay has created a rather unique approach to the modern greeting card. Delivering messages in forms of tiny scrolls embedded into fragile bird eggs. Each egg, depending on the preference you request, are laid on a bedding of either moss or grass--resembling a bird nest. Each bird nest is stuffed in a decorative box, ready for the recipient to "crack open" as the lip of the lid suggests. So, each box is custom and personal, feeling special for every delicate occasion. I personally love the whimsical novelty of these eggs because, in my opinion, it gives a whole new meaning to an ancient custom of bird sent messages.

"In the past, birds with a homing instinct, such as the Homing Pigeon, were used to send messages. These birds were selectively bred from the common Rock Pigeon, which has an innate homing instinct, to be especially good at the task of flying home again, even from long distances. The pigeons would be kept in one place (their 'home') which would be the destination of all messages. Those going out into the field would then bring the birds with them. When they had a message to send back to headquarters, they would simply deposit a small paper in a capsule attached to the bird's ankle, and then release them; they would take themselves home. They use many different environmental cues to accomplish this, such as visual landmarks, the Earth's magnetic field, the position of the sun, and even the scent of the air"
-Elizabeth  Goldberg

Aside from the historical aspect, these bird egg messages can also have a very spiritual meaning depending on how you view them. To many people, birds are seen as a variety of things--from Angels, Animal Totems and/or Spirit Guides. So, having someone who has a connection with birds be gifted with such a beautiful little gift box could greatly be seen as something much more than the novelty.

What I also love is that eggs can easily be sent back to earth, so messaging back and forth using Birdalay won't clutter up the environment. Or on the other side, give us Witches something to use since egg shells are a common ingredient in spellwork. So, it's a win-win sort of thing. haha

A little more about the brand: "We're a family-owned and run business, and our mission is to provide fun and memorable ways to share your good news and greetings—and we've been doing it for over ten years now! Our cards are a totally unique twists on a traditional greeting card and announcements, so no matter what the occasion, you'll find something that fits your needs!"

Birdalay was kind enough to give me 4 boxes of their beautiful eggs to review today. 2 was from their latest Halloween special, while the other two are a common staple on their website. I received 2 Raven eggs, one Dragon egg and one standard Bird egg.

Thursday, October 13, 2022

🖤 DIY: Witch's Black Salt | Hannabal Marie 🖤

Hello everyone, I am going to be posting more witchy related content on this blog. I dabble in the occult and a lot of my stuff is usually done in the solitude of my own house but I feel I'm at a stage in my life that I want to share what I commonly know with those who aren't familiar with it. Surely, I'm not going to get too personal for my own sake but the basics will benefit just about everyone. From student to teacher. I will admit, I'm still learning myself BUT what I do know, I want to post. Maybe it will cross the path of someone who needs to find it. If you already know, don't be rude. Add in the comments what you'd like to contribute as an extended portion of what I have already posted but please don't be rude. I am always looking for alterations and different takes on things. The more, the better. The beauty of personal recipes is that we tailor them to what we find useful for ourselves. This works for me, that works for you. Together we can inspire and aspire. So, my first recipe to share today will be a common Black Salt.

Black Salt is widely known as an all encompassing protective salt that can be used for various different things--protection spells, banishing, breaking hexes. And in the reverse--to lay down hexes and curses. It can be sprinkled under pillows to ward off bad dreams, stored in jars or boxes to get rid of unwanted guests or spirits, cast a line across your door or window to barrier negative energies away, use in floor washes/door washes/cleansing ritual area, add into the bath whenever you feel depressed/angry/upset, keep it on your person to ward off gossip/bad influences/negativity, use it as an offering for Underworld deities/dark goddesses, as an offering to fire elementals/ancestors, use for any Dark Moon ritual, add in protected cases that contain your Scrying tools...you get the picture. It's a very powerful tool to add into your witchy cabinet. 

Remember: Black Salt absorbs negativity. So, if you use this as a protective barrier--sweep it into the dirt to ground it, wash it away or cleanse the area free of it.

Thursday, September 8, 2022

99 Cent Store Goodies For Halloween 2022 | Hannabal Marie


Hello ladies and gents, thought I'd post something about some of the latest goodies I've seen at my local 99 cent store. I love Halloween, so it's only fitting to have me post about the delicious little goodies I've seen haunt my stores. So, without further adieu, let's see what they got here... 

Monday, June 6, 2022

🌈The Second Annual Lodi Pride Festival 2022 | Hannabal Marie🌈

(Source: A New Lodi)

 Hello ladies and gents, I have a lovely little post today for you to gawk upon.
Celebrating their 2nd annual Pride Festival, A New Lodi returned to celebrate love, compassion and equality like never before. This festival was everything I dreamed it would be, considering me and my brother missed out on the first one last year because of Covid. But let me just tell you, this year was LOUD AND PROUD, BABY!





June 4th came with glitz, glam and absolute GORGEOUSNESS!
So many beautiful faces, gorgeous ladies and stunning fellas! All dressed to impress and steal hearts~
I'm so happy to see my little town grow and evolve into a beautiful safe haven for unique, talented and jaw-dropping individuals that make a day feel like home. Living in Lodi for more than 30+ years, I can promise you--it was never like this before. Growing up confused as to whom I was and where I could fit in, this town didn't help a DemiRomantic/Pansexual like me. (Doesn't help that i'm also a Witch Goblin!!) Being "Teased" is an understatement, coming from such a stubbornly impaired neighborhood of bible thumpers and religious nutcases using god to fuel their own self hatred and ugliness.

 

 I have heard and seen it all. A few good friends of mine have either resulted to self harm, su*c*de or constant bullying because of being gay. How could something as beautiful as love result to death? I have told myself that constantly throughout my many years in Lodi. 

(Source: its1221 on FB)

Taking an excerpt from The Stockton Record:

“Nobody expected the pride festival to pop up in this city when usually pride festivals only happen in big cities like Stockton, San Francisco, LA you know the pride festivals are like a big city thing," said Kathleen Ellis, Lodi Pride Festival coordinator, A New Lodi Organization executive founding board member.

"But the very fact that Lodi needs it so much is very much the reason why we're having it here.”

Ellis said she experienced retaliation herself for coming out in Lodi as an adult. She said it’s a common narrative in Lodi for adults in their 30s to remain closeted and coming out not being an option for them.

“We've heard the rhetoric of Lodi being antiquated and it keeps a lot of diversity away. Gay people move away from here. People of color stay away from here,” Ellis said.

Lodi needed a change, Ellis said and she wanted to make a change, so she used her voice and resources to do so.

“I feel like I'm just trying to expedite the process and help these people in my community who have it within them to accept one another exactly how they are without hiding any part of their true colors,” Ellis said. --You can read the rest HERE!

(Source: A New Lodi)
 

Apparently, last year was around 1,700 but I can't be sure for certain. I know that this year was doubled (if not, TRIPLED) in comparison, just by photos alone. I had such a great time; met so many amazing individuals, watched some fantastic Drag performances, tipped all the performers, heard some talented live musicians, met some local celebrities, BONKED SNOOTS OF PRIDE LOVING PUPPIES, bought a beautiful rainbow tee to support our Pride festival, obtained so many freebies/goodies, joined the raffle, took a TON of photos with so many smiling faces and enjoyed a tasty Spun Sugar Rainbow Drink from Gingerbugs! It was a day for the books, of that I am certain! VIVA LA PRIDE~

Enough with my rambling, allow me to show you the festivities and the LEWK me and my brother wore! Enjoy your stay~

(Click below to continue reading~)


Thursday, July 1, 2021

💀Queen of Hell meets Queen of Filth💩│2021 Lodi Comic Con



"Kill everyone now. Condone first degree murder.
Advocate cannibalism. Eat shit! Filth is my politics! Filth is my life!"

The Queen of Hell vs The Queen of Filth.

Hello ladies and gents,
This recent Comicon, me and @iammeat dressed up and tried to last as long as we could in this California heatwave. Latex & sweat just doesn't mix very well!! Lol

KILL. EVERYONE. NOW!

But during my time--I couldn't believe how many ppl were so loving & supportive of my Pink Flamingos costume. Literally had a group of girls scream "YOU BETTA MUTHAFCKIN WERQ!!!" outside their cars. So many smiles, giddy stares & photo ops! It was amazinggg!


So, this look was inspired by the Queen of Filth herself! DIVINE!!!!

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

❀Perfume Company Review: Royalty Lotus❀


"Perfume is the art that makes memory speak"--According to Francis Kurkdjian. A powerful tool that can send us on journey's through scented clouds. Today I will be reviewing a shop that I found on Instagram that specializes in perfumes through essential oils, soaps, lotion bars and so much more. 


Royalty Lotus is the name, backed by two brothers--Shawn & Ryan. According to an excerpt on their website; 
"Ryan has a passion for mixing and making his own soaps, lotions, sprays, and candles. His passion for creating scented products started when he noticed not a lot of other scented products had the scent he wanted, he began creating more and more until he established a baseline of scents he personally enjoyed. He had also noticed that no other brands would let you 'pick and choose' what types of scents you wanted and he wanted to change that, but he wanted to go a step further and let people 'pick and choose' much more than just what scent they would like. He wants to let people know they have a choice when it comes to how they smell, no matter what season and no matter what occasion."


Many of their products are custom-friendly--with you being able to pick three notes to create your own personalized fragrance. (depending on the product!) Along with the note selection, you also get to pick what oil base you'd like & the strength you'd prefer. For the oil base--they have the choices of Castor, Coconut, Jojoba & Sweet Almond. Definitely something for everyone! And for the strengths--there are 5 levels of strength; Skin Scent (Light--Ideal for those whom might be sensitive!), Radiant (Mild), Regular (Medium), Strong (Bold) and Fill A Room (Strong & Bold.) The last two tiers cost a bit extra, but nothing to extreme. ($0.75 for Bold, $1.00 for Strong & Bold.) 


For my review today, I got a little of everything. 3 essential perfume oils, a lotion bar, a moisturizing body spray, a soap & a candle. As I am not too keen on creating my own scents just yet, I was just interested in their 3-pack of limited edition Halloween scents that they already mixed. 

A disclaimer--these scents were limited edition, so they are no longer available. (At least, until further notice!) but I am reviewing them as a whole of the company, rather than a possibility for purchase. More perfumes just like the ones mentioned here will be on their website! Thank you!

Friday, October 30, 2020

Uncle Fester Transformation by Hannabal Marie

 

Hello ladies and gents, Since Halloween is basically tomorrow--
I thought I'd go ahead and transform as one of my many many manyyy favorite characters; Uncle Fester!

The person who I dedicate this to was the person who suggested my transformation; my brother.
For his bday coming up, I thought I'd do it.
I love...DEBBIE!
Also, he told me it would be pretty funny to hug a pack of Little Debbies as Fester! lmfao

I thought out of all the Debbie Snackcakes, Nutty Buddy would fit Fester perfectly! After all, he is a Nutty Buddy! lmfao



That is all. This look probably will be filed under the few of my "cursed images." But after transforming as Eric, I don't think this is any worse than that one! lmfao
 xoxo