Articles written by Lynn Smythe

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About me - Lynn Smythe

Born and raised in Rochester, New York, freelance writer Lynn Smythe obtained her bachelor's degree in Geology from the University of Rochester. She has worked in the past as an Environmentalist for Palm Beach Counties Department of Environmental Resources

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Politics, News & Issues > Trash & Recycling Composting: A brief guide for the beginning composter: 1 of 53

HOMEMADE COMPOST We operate two composting bins at our house to recycle our kitchen scraps, non-diseased yard wastes, and excess grass clippings. The compost bins we purchased came with a copy of the 95 page book Backyard Composting; Your Complete Guide to Recycling Yard Clippings. The bins also came with an indoor compost b...
Religion & Spirituality > Wicca & Witchcraft How to start your own Wiccan Book of Shadows: 1 of 18

One of the most important books that should be in every pagan's, witch's or Wiccan's library is their own personal magical workbook. A workbook is used as a place for you to store your accumulated knowledge, success stories and ideas for future research. Some pagan traditions call their workbook a book of shadows, grimoire, ...
Relationships & Family > Communication (Other) Symbolic meaning of flowers: 1 of 8

The Language of Flowers: Antiquated Floral Folklore "We give flowers and potted plants for birthdays, at Christmas and on anniversaries of all kinds... But although we use flowers on many occasions to convey particular sentiments, the meanings we attach to specific flowers are sadly limited compared to the complex and subtle...
Health & Fitness > Health Testimonies Testimonies: Living with irritable bowel syndrome: 1 of 7

According to David Hoffmann in his book Healthy Digestion [Storey Books, 2000] "Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by crampy pain, gassiness, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. It might manifest as constipation or diarrhea or swing between both and can result in headaches and anxiety." HERB...
Food & Drink > Beef, Pork & Meat Recipes Recipes: Sweet and sour meatballs: 1 of 6

PINEAPPLE FOLKLORE Pineapple, which was brought back to Spain by Christopher Columbus after his voyages to the new world, symbolizes hospitality, welcome and good cheer. West Indians of the Caribbean would hang pineapples outside of their huts to indicate that they were open to receiving visitors. In Colonial America hostess...
Sports & Recreation > Biking Road tripping: Cycling stories straight from the asphalt: 5 of 29

Confessions of an Amateur Biker; How a Couch Potato Became Addicted to Road Biking My husband and I are recent converts to road biking. We had been enjoying mountain biking at various locations throughout south Florida for a number of years. The mountain bike trails closest to us were destroyed in one of the multitude of hur...
Religion & Spirituality > Pagan & Earth-Based Religions Magical essential oils: 1 of 5

TOP TEN MAGICAL ESSENTIAL OILS "Fragrance played a large part in days gone by. An attempt was early made for sanitation in home and community by the protective measures of strewn, burning, and inhaling aromatic herbs. Pleasing odors had beneficial effects and vile odors would ward off evil." -Rosetta E. Clarkson, Magic Garde...
Style & Beauty > Makeup Homemade lip gloss recipes: 1 of 5

LIP BALMS Commercially made balms, such as Badger Balm and Tiger Balm, are available at health food, grocery and drug stores. Here is a recipe for a wonderful homemade lip balm. A little goes a long way, this recipe makes enough to share with friends or to give away as gifts. RECIPE FOR PEPPERMINT LIP BALM This recipe is qui...
Food & Drink > Desserts Recipes: Carrot cake: 3 of 12

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting This recipe makes a traditional, moist carrot cake with a very rich, cream cheese frosting. Ingredients for the carrot cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoons pie spice blend (see recipe below) teaspoon salt 1 1/3 cup vegetable oil ...
Food & Drink > Pasta, Grain & Rice Recipes Recipes: Macaroni and cheese: 6 of 23

Macaroni and cheese is a favorite family dinner comfort food in our household. My daughter loves to eat her macaroni and cheese along with slices of pan-fried Spam. She inherited the taste for Spam from her father. I prefer to use a piece of thickly sliced ham, sometimes referred to as a ham steak, in this recipe. Diced Cana...