Welcome to our second "craft" mini-sode. This week we're talking about the craft of plotting and writing the first draft.

If you want to read Shea's book on journaling to write faster, you can grab it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HMFYGJ

Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Welcome to episode 11 with Urban Fantasy author C. Thomas Lafollette. 

Join Amy (ON LOCATION IN PORTUGAL) as we talk to C. Thomas about his book A Shot for Death (book 1 in his Red City Reaper series), tea, the Salmon Moon (August's full moon), tinned fish carnival stores, and, most importantly gin and tonic. 

GIN & TONIC

1 part gin to 3 parts tonic (or to taste - Amy is more of a 1:2 kinda witch). Pour over ice, give it a stir, and garnish with a lime slice.

Gin – Gin's metaphysical properties are primarily linked to its key ingredient, juniper berries: protection, purification, healing, resilience.

Lime – cleansing, protection, and renewal.

Tonic Water - The primary symbolism of wild quinine is endurance and resilience. Its ability to thrive in diverse and challenging environments makes it a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and bouncing back from adversity.

Find Chris and sign up for his free newsletter (that comes with FREE books) at: https://cthomaslafollette.com/

You can buy his ebooks at every major retailer. Follow him on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cthomaslafollette/

if you're interested in the book he mentioned, you can grab The Amazons by Adrienne Meyers, buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0691170274

Today's oracle deck is The Witch's Kitchen by Barbara Meiklejohn-Free and Flavia Kate Peters, illustrated by Richard Crookes. https://llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738763569

Finally - follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Welcome to episode 10 where we interview massage therapist, reiki practitioner, and MOST IMPORTANTLY (to this episode), crystal chakra-balancing therapist. If you're in the Portland area and need any of these services (hint: you do), head to her website at www.satyaspace.com

In addition to a great interview, Samantha provided some resources for those interested in learning more about crystals and crystal therapy.

The Book of Stones can be purchased at: http://www.thebookofstones.com/

and

Crystal Grids: How and why they work is on Amazon. Learn more about it and follow the buy link here: https://hibiscusmoon.com/shop/crystal-grids-book/

This week's tarot deck is the Agatha All Along deck, which you can grab here: https://insighteditions.com/products/agatha-all-along-tarot-deck-and-guidebook

(We drew the 10 of hearts!)

And today's drink is a classic G&T:

1 oz gin

3 oz tonic water

1 TB lime juice

Pour gin and tonic over ice, add the lime juice, and give it a bit of a stir before garnishing with a slice o' lime.

Gin – Gin's metaphysical properties are primarily linked to its key ingredient, juniper berries: protection, purification, healing, resilience.

Lime – cleansing, protection, and renewal.

Tonic Water - The primary symbolism of wild quinine is endurance and resilience. Its ability to thrive in diverse and challenging environments makes it a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and bouncing back from adversity.

Finally - follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Welcome to our Lughnasa Minisode!

Bread recipe (Alas, not the one discussed, but also super easy!): https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/no-knead-crusty-white-bread-recipe

Seasons of the Witch Lammas Oracle by Juliet Diaz and Lorriane Anderson: https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/seasons-of-the-witch-lammas-oracle

Finally - follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 

Thank you!

On today's episode, we interview author extraordinaire Loretta Hignett, talk about every day magic, and reveal an upcoming exciting guest (REDACTED).

You can find Lauretta at the following places:

https://laurettahignett.com/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lauretta-Hignett/author/B079ZPLXNL

https://www.instagram.com/laurettahignett/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/laurettasravenousreaders/

If you want to (metaphorically) drink with Lauretta, make yourself a 

Spicy Pineapple Margarita

Perfect for Summery vibes and attracting abundance and love.

Energy: Abundance, Love, Protection

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz tequila
• 1 ½ oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• ¾ oz Cointreau 
• 2-4 fresh jalapeno slices
• Ice

Directions:

Add all ingredients to shaker. Shake it well while focusing on your intention. Strain into rocks glass over ice. Garnish with pineapple wedge or jalapeno slices.

Pineapple – prosperity, good luck, love attraction, spiritual elevation, healing ritual

Jalapeño – Purifying, Protection, Warding off Negative energy, courage, love and passion

Today's Oracle Deck was the Norse Goddess Rune Oracle by Rebecca Joy Stark and artwork by Sharon McLeod.

https://blueangelonline.com/shop/card-decks/oracle-cards/norse-goddess-rune-oracle/

https://www.instagram.com/blueangelpublishing/

OH MY GOD - Just realized that the creators of this deck seem to be Australian! It's a Southern Hemisphere extravaganza!

Finally - follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 

Thank you!

Find Red Tash at: https://planettash.com/

Her books are available at all major retailers: https://planettash.com/red-tash/

And you can follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/theplanettash/

Today’s Oracle Deck is the Seasons of the Witch Litha deck by Juliet Diaz. You can get your very own at: https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/juliet-diaz

Find Shéa on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sheamacleodauthor/

Amy is at: https://www.instagram.com/acissellwrites/

You can keep up with the podcast on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

Our website is: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ (and while you’re there, sign up for the newsletter!)

And now for the important stuff… today’s cocktail recipe.

Litha Bee’s Knees

Energy: Happiness, Strength, Purification

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz gin
• 3/4 oz lemon
• 3/4 oz honey syrup*
• ¼ oz crème de Violette (optional)
• Ice

Directions:

Add all ingredients to shaker. Shake it well while focusing on your intention. Strain into coupe glass. Garnish with lemon peel

*Honey syrup: 

Mix 1 part honey to 1 part warm water until honey is dissolved. This can be stored for weeks or even months.

Find Joany's Facebook Page No Doubt Rocks: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576663238253

Her YouTube page is: https://www.youtube.com/@wickedmerry

And her Etsy page is: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WickedMerryCreations

Obviously, go watch all her Hallmark Christmas movies immediately!



The Litha deck we used in this episode is by Juliet Diaz, and you can get it at Rockpool Publishing: https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/seasons-of-the-witch-litha-oracle



Summer Love Litha Cocktail 

1 oz gin

1/2 oz St. Germain (optional)

3/4 oz lemon

3/4 oz honey syrup*

1 strawberry, sliced

2 dashed lavender bitters (optional)

Prosecco or Champagne

Muddle the strawberry (except on slice) and lavender in a shaker. Add remaining ingredients (except sparkling wine) to shaker. Shake well while concentration on your intentions. Strain into Champagne flute. Fill rest of glass with sparkling wine and garnish with the remaining strawberry slice.

*Honey syrup: Mix 1 part honey to 1 part warm water until honey dissolves.



And finally - find the Caftan Coven!

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

Website: www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com

Remember to sign up for our newsletter on our website to know when our episodes drop!

Welcome to episode 6 where we discuss the waning moon, Gemini Gin cocktails, and interview paranormal romance writer Anastasia Wild and learn all about her new series under the pen name Hollie Moon!

You can find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anastasiawildeauthor/
And her books are on Amazon in Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anastasia-Wilde/author/B01MEEF0NW?ccs_id=138d7001-80e6-4c72-ad50-17bf374ddb90

Preorder her book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCSLVRKX

Obviously - the other important stuff is here:

Gemini Gin Cocktail
 Moons: Gemini (starts May 20th)
Energy: Creativity, Ideas, Protection, Luck, Inspiration, Energy, Excitement
Bergamot Magickal uses: Attraction, prosperity, abundance, and love
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz gin
1 oz lemon
½ oz orange liqueur
¼ oz grenadine or pomegranate juice
3/4 oz Earl Grey simple syrup*
Ice
Directions:
Add all ingredients to shaker. Shake it well and strain into rocks glasses. Add ice and garnish with mint if desired.
As you drink, focus on listening to your intuition and allowing creativity and excitement to flow to you.
Earl Grey syrup:
Add 1 bag Earl Grey tea, ½ cup sugar, and ½ cup boiling hot water. Stir until sugar dissolves. Let cool, then take out tea bag. Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Find us on instagram  @cliffhangersandcocktails and online at www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com

Soo.... this is a bit on the late side. A combo of technical issues and broken feet (well, only one broken foot) delayed this a lot a lot.

But please enjoy the interview with Linda and our conversation about worms! 

You can find Linda's books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble OR head to her website  where you can also pick up her Oracle Deck!

 http://lindamercury.com

And find her on instagram @lindamercury

Clover Club Cocktail

Clover Club Cocktail

Ingredients

·       1 1/2 ounces gin 

·       1/2 ounce dry vermouth 

·       1/2 ounce lemon juice

·       1/2 ounce raspberry syrup (see recipe below)

·       1/4 ounce FRESH egg white

Garnish: 2 or 3 raspberries

Directions

·       Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.

·       Shake until chilled and strain.

·       Add the drink back to the tin and shake again, without ice (this helps the egg get creamy and fluffy).

·       Pour the drink into a chilled cocktail glass.

·       Garnish with raspberries.

 Raspberry Syrup:

·      1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

·      1 cup sugar

·      1/2 cup WARM water

·      1/2 ounce vodka

Thaw raspberries if using frozen. Smash the raspberries and mix thoroughly with the sugar. Allow them to macerate for 30 minutes. Heat the water and pour over the fruit mixture. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Strain the mixture and fortify with the vodka. (Shéa added the vodka BEFORE straining and let it sit in the fridge for 24 hours before straining. This really infuses the raspberry flavor.)

Alternatively, the cocktail can be made by replacing the half ounce of raspberry syrup with a half ounce of simple syrup (1 part sugar to one part water) muddled with 3 to 4 fresh raspberries directly in the shaker.

In our fourth episode, we talk about Shéa's book "Day of the Were-Jackal" and wander through stories about drag queen cocktail hours, antiquity hoarders, and magic soap, stopping in to talk about the moon, Champagne, and whether bacon should be in a cocktail.

If you're interested in the magic soap (Wake up, witch!) you can visit If the Broom Fits.

If you want to check out our new drag queen superhero, find where Saint Syndrome is performing next!

You can buy Shéa's books just about anywhere books are sold. Her website is a great starting point, but you can search her name on the inter webs and find out all sorts of places to find her!

Our cocktail of the week was a Maple Old Fashioned (Shéa) and Champagne (Amy).

Recipes

Champagne: Open bottle. Pour. Drink. Know you're living your best life.

Maple Old Fashioned:

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 3/4 ounces lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce maple syrup
• 1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters

Add everything to a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a flamed orange twist (or bacon, if you’re adventurous). 

And finally - check us out at

www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com

OR on instagram

https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/