I'm such a crab

Though I've had mixed results when it comes to psychics, tarot cards, mediums, etc. One area of spiritual interest that I'm finding more and more accurate is horoscopes.

I'm not necessarily talking about the daily what's-going-to-happen-today horoscopes - though those are sometimes accurate. Those seem pretty generic, and like they could be hit or miss for anyone on any day.

What I have found to be accurate is the characteristics and qualities that astrology attributes to each sign - and in particular, how people of each sign will interact with each other.

For example...I'm a Cancer. The fourth sign in the zodiac, Cancers ruling planet is the moon (which is weird, since it's not a planet), and the ruling element is water. By most counts, being a Cancer makes me:

Maternal
Nurturing
Domestic
Traditional
Moody
Introverted
Emotional
Tenacious
Strong-willed
Kind
Gentle
Emotionally manipulative
Sensitive
Thrifty
Devoted
Romantic

....and I wear my heart on my sleeve, should listen to my gut, and am used to getting my own way.

Now - anyone who knows me can tell you that just about every one of these things is true. While nurturing and domestic would suggest I'm a good cook, that's where our unique experiences come in. Do I cook? No, not really. But anyone whose ever been to my house for a meal will tell you there will be more than enough food.

Emotionally manipulative? I suppose, though I try to control those tendencies. Again, experience has taught me who I don't want to be. But if I wanted to be vindictive and manipulative to get my own way? I know a few tricks.

Thrifty? Not anymore, though I can be when I want to be. I've clipped coupons with the best of them.

As for moody, sensitive, introverted, protective, and used to getting my own way...

Who, me?

Mediums, psychics, cards - oh my!

I go back and forth on how much attention I pay to things like horoscopes, psychics, etc. I know some people consider it all the "occult" - even something as simple as checking your horoscope in the morning. Others aren't bothered by it, as much as they just think it's plain stupid.

Western religions have a real problem with all of these, saying they leave the door open for evil spirits. Don't get me wrong - I'm not about an open-door policy when it comes to evil. Even the idea of movies like Paranormal Activity 26 (or whatever they're up to) gives me the creeps. I'm all about surrounding myself with positive energy.

But aren't things like Feng Shui and karma also a problem for western religion? So, I mean, as long as you approach things with a pure, honest motive, won't you get pure honest results?

Found it here

In that spirit, I've visited a psychic, had a reading by a medium, and had my tarot cards read several times. I've done each with an open mind; never setting aside religious beliefs, but rather embracing the positive energy that surrounds us from every direction.

As for the idea that they are all "bubkis" - I think that's true sometimes. There are so many sources out there for this type of information, you're bound to run in to people who are just making stuff up as they go along.

I've had mixed results. I visited the psychic with some specific questions about a relationship, and she got it all wrong - but she hit on some other things that really made sense. My tarot card readings have all been pretty accurate (and fairly specific). The reading from the medium really did sound like Nanny was lecturing me from beyond, but it was vague enough that it's possible the medium could have surmised some facts about me and used those to make it up. Maybe.

I suppose there's no way to know for sure if these people truly have a spiritual gift, or if their real gift is just being able to read others very well. Either way, if you go into the experience with an open mind, you're bound to learn something, and maybe even take away a positive message.

Really, what could be wrong with that?

First coffee date

Baking Suit has been doing these coffee date posts, which are kinda cool. She got the idea from over here. What a fun little corner!

Today's coffee date post: Tell me your five favorite beauty products. I'm so glad you asked!

I could spend days in Sephora, if I had the time (and the budget). I've tried a lot of different beauty products. My current faves are:

Stila Silk Shimmer Luxe Gloss - Sunlight
- It has a brush applicator and goes on perfectly, and lasts forever. It also has a pleasant scent, which is nice when something is literally right under your nose.

Stila Custom Color Blush - Self-Adjusting Bronze
- You don't need a lot, it lasts all day, and has a little shimmer which I love.

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara
- The applicator is perfect for small eyes like mine, it doesn't clump, and it really does make my lashes look better.

Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection
- Comes with the colors to do three looks - day, classic, and fashion. The real clincher? It comes with instructions (including pictures!) to help you apply the look perfectly.

Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer - Sin
- Because what's the point of going to all that trouble on your eye shadow if it's not going to last? This will make sure it does.

Honorable Mentions:

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System
- This was a treat with a gift card. It really does work, it's just a little time-consuming for most mornings, and it feels funny when it comes off. But while it's on - it's awesome.

Sephora Eye Liner
- You don't need to spend a lot to find a great eye-liner that lasts and applies nicely.

Makeup Forever - Face
- This is the best brand I've found for your face. I'm partial to their HD Perfecting Primer, HD Liquid Foundation, and Duo-Mat Powder Foundation.

By the way....

If you shop Sephora regularly, be sure to sign up for their VIB Rewards Program. It's free to join and you earn points towards free gifts every time you shop. Another tip - shop online when you can. Orders over $50 get free shipping, and they put in all kinds of extra freebies. Plus, if you go through ebates.com, you get 4% cash back on Sephora.com purchases, and ebates will keep track of any coupon codes Sephora has going.

More by the way....

If you like beauty products, I also recommend checking out Birchbox.com. For a nominal fee (I believe it's $10/month) you get a box sent to your doorstep each month, filled with samples of different beauty products. It's how I found Stila in the first place.