Feeling Fabulous, DIY’s to “Glam”

Yesterday I went over to my friend’s house to drop off my crockpot; she is borrowing it for her daughter’s birthday party. It also gave me a little excuse to see her and chat a bit.

When I got there she looked beautiful and so put together. I don’t know about you, but when I am preparing for a party I look like an animal, the opposite of put together. She had her pretty lip gloss on, her hair looked so healthy and done up nicely, and her skin was radiating. I must have looked dumbfounded because she asked what was wrong.

She said she pampered herself the day before to prepare for the chaos of the weekend. I assumed she just went to the spa so I asked which one, surprisingly she said she gave herself a little spa day with DIY’s. WHAT? I know the classic cucumber on the eyes but she looked great. She had gone to a “DIY party” where they shared easy beauty DIY’s.

Being the wonderful friend she is, she made a copy of the DIY’s and shared it with me.
Before I even left her house, I took a glance at the list and realized I had most of the ingredients for many of the “easy beauty hacks.” This morning when I got up, I decided to have a relaxing Sunday and give myself an easy beauty and spa day. All the DIY’s were so easy and I feel so great I couldn’t keep these beauty hacks to myself. Here are the relaxing and rejuvenating beauty DIY’s I used.

If you are going through menopause you know that your hair and scalp can get so dry, so I gave myself a DIY moisturizing hair treatment.

Ingredients-
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 1 medium avocado
Instructions-
• Mash the avocado in a bowl until it is smooth then add in the honey and mix thoroughly. Apply the mixture to dry or damp hair and let it moisturized for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse with shampoo and conditioner after.

With summer officially over, my feet have been through a lot because I never wear shoes. This DIY foot soak was the greatest thing that has happened to my feet in a while.

Ingredients-
• 1 cup traditional Listerine mouth wash
• 1 cup vinegar
• 2 cup hot water
Instructions-
• Combine all the ingredients together in a shallow bowl, I used a Tupperware container if that doesn’t gross you out that much. Let your feet soak for about 10 minutes, towel dry, then you can use a pumice stone if you want to get all the dry skin off. My feet thanked me after!

And who doesn’t want a refreshing face mask, this DIY refreshing face mask was so wonderful.

Ingredients-
• 1 small/medium cucumber, chopped, grated, blended
• 1 egg white
Instructions-
• Wisk the egg white in a medium bowl until it is frothy, then add the cucumber “mush” into the egg bowl and mix together. I loved the feeling this mask gave my skin. The egg was supposed to tighten the skin and the cucumber refreshes and soothed my skin. I loved it.

I feel so refreshed and glamorous after my DIY spa day at home. Sometimes being in the comfort of my own home instead of an unfamiliar spa is so much more relaxing. I turned off my phone, turned on my favorite music and had a delightful afternoon treating myself.

Do you have any easy DIY beauty tips? I am not a diva but I like to treat myself every once in a while.

Until Next Time,

Nancy

Pinterest Thanksgiving and Fall Decorations

Who doesn’t binge on Pinterest every once in a while? I had a major thanksgiving decorations and crafts binge yesterday that has spilled into today.

There are just so many good ideas that are simple and easy to create that make your house look so decorative. I love it. I get a lot of inspiration and ideas for floral and decorations from Pinterest as well.

I don’t know what I did before this awesome site. I use it to decorate, for recipes, workout tips, to get in the trendy “know,” and so much more!

I made a few DIY Thanksgiving decorations yesterday and today, there are so many things I want to make I just don’t have enough time. Here are some of the great pins I found that I made, I want to make, or has inspired my creative work at the floral shop!

What are your favorite DIY fall and Thanksgiving decorations? I love getting ideas and channeling my inner creative child! 😉

Happy crafting my friends,

Nancy

Early Birthday Gift- Fitbit

My daughter, Clara decided to come home this morning to have brunch with my husband and me; it was so lovely seeing her. She also surprised me with an early birthday present, a Fitbit. I am so excited! I have been wanting one for quite some time. All the reviews are great and it sounded like something I would really use. Clara even helped me set it up this afternoon!

If you haven’t heard about Fitbit’s, they are awesome little gadgets. The company’s slogan:

“Fitbit is dedicated to helping people lead healthier, more active lives”

… is exactly what I hope it does for me. Fitbit is a physical activity tracker that is supposed to help you become more active, eat a healthier diet, sleep better, and just make you a healthier person in general.

It tracks daily activities throughout the day including the number of steps you take, how far you have walked, and the calories you have burned. It also is able to tell how vigorous the exercises are and how many calories are burnt. What I think is one of the best aspects of the Fitbit, is that is monitors sleep quality. I would love to know how I am sleeping and if it correlates to the days I fell tired.

There is even a feature on it that will send me messages that are supposed to encourage me to keep moving and working hard. A few of my friends from Tai Chi have them too and we are able to become “Fitbit” friends and work together and encourage each other.

The data gets sent to my smart phone when I connect to Wi-Fi, I have gotten pretty darn good at my smartphone since getting it.  Clara showed me how to look at it on the computer and see how much I have walked and all the other features. She is such a digital guru. 😀

I am really excited to start using it and seeing how much I actually exercise and how it compares to what I eat. I am not necessarily looking for it to help me lose weight, but more to help me stay healthy, motivated, and have fun!

I will keep you updated on how I like my early birthday present and how it is working!

Until next time,

Nancy

Everyone Wants Pretty Hands

Unfortunately, no one had found the fountain of youth yet. Today, while I was having my coffee, Clara was “Snap Chatting” me photos of her newly decorated living room. Yes, I said “snap chat”. She downloaded this app on my phone where you can send photos back and forth that only last for a couple seconds. I don’t really understand it, but she loves it. Anyway, I sent her a photo of me holding my cup of coffee and couldn’t get over how “old” my hand looks.

I have never really spent much time looking at my hands, but I understand why they say your hands show all the signs of aging. I couldn’t stop looking at them in awe. I know I don’t look like I have aged as much as my hands show.  So I jumped on the internet to find some ideas how to get rid of these “aged hands.”

I read that hands really do show the signs of aging more than most parts of the body. The years of sun exposure, the exposure to the elements, hard work, and constant washing and scrubbing really take a toll on our hands. The skin on hands thins with all the exposure to daily life and more veins become visible, age spots appear, and it is common for hands to become dry. All of this information was pretty much common sense to me, and I wanted to know how to reverse that aging.

I found this website saying that taking care of aging hands is similar to the skin care during menopause; a subject I am pretty knowledgeable on. It suggested exfoliating your hands to remove all the dry skin before moisturizing. Buffing your nails also helps make your hands look younger. I never really thought about moisturizing my hands specifically, I just put lotion on them when they are dry, so this was a new concept for me.

The site also said the moisturizing and protection are the most important in having beautiful youthful hands. It said to use a good quality hand cream and apply it throughout the day to rejuvenate your hands.

After reading all of these articles I have decided I need to find a good hand cream to reverse aging. Do you use anti-aging hand creams? If so what kind do you use and is it effective?

Until Next Time,

Nancy

Yearly Check-up, what I wish I knew when I was Young

Yesterday afternoon I had my yearly check-up at the doctors and I am very pleased with my health. I am very diligent when scheduling my appointments every year. I believe it is important to see a doctor and have tests done every year to make sure you are healthy and be proactive in keeping your body running well.

I was happy to find out that my blood pressure and cholesterol were normal, just a little on the high side but still normal, and that everything else is “A-Okay” and normal. I still have some hot flashes, but new-found healthy habits have helped me manage my menopause symptoms and actually lose weight and feel healthier.

My doctor was so happy that I have taken my health into my own hands and done research into healthy lifestyles for women over 50. It is such a rewarding feeling when the doctor compliments you on your health and tells you that you are doing a good job. He complimented me what I have done and what I am doing to continue my health journey and said it is exactly what I should be doing.

I want to share with you the easy things I have done that have helped me become a healthy woman over 50.

• Making sure I get 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night has been one of the most important things I have done.

• Eating more fruits and vegetables has been one of the biggest changes in my lifestyle. I try having at least two veggies at every meal and at least three servings of fruit throughout the day. I have discovered a new love for cooking and baking with fresh fruits and vegetables.

• I just fully committed, but giving up soda will help me health in the long run. Soda is full of sugar and acids that are harmful for your body. I have really tried to drink more water and find ways to incorporate it throughout my day.

• Staring Tai Chi and walking has helped me found an appreciation for physical fitness. It is hard to explain the feeling of accomplishment after a good work out. I really enjoy exercise and try having fun with it.

• Spending time outside doing activities to keep me active is not only a good way to get exercise but get fresh air too. I feel so much calmer and relaxed after spending time outside in nature.

• Spending time laughing and enjoying the company of friends and family keeps me sane. As strange as it sounds, after spending time laughing and talking with my friends I feel healthier.

• Taking time each day to reflect and be thankful for the life I have has made me a happier and positive individual. It is so important to mental and emotional health to feel grateful and reflect on each day to see the positives.

I have made so much progress and transformed my life for the better over the past couple years. It is very rewarding hearing that it is all paying off. I never thought I would have become this person I am today. Each day is a baby step in the right direction, I just have to keep truckin’ along!

Until Next Time,

Nancy

Feeling Ill after busy weeks

After these busy, busy weeks I am feeling a little under the weather. I have never had so much fun working and learning so much than I did over Valentine’s Day weekend. But running around like crazy has affected my immune system and made me feel ill.

Since my epiphany a while ago about natural remedies, I have been searching for different ways to nix illnesses before they happen. There are so many options that can help you feel better that are all natural and help you in the long run.

Here are some natural remedies you probably already have in your house that can help treat a cold or the flu.
• Not only does garlic make everything taste wonderful, it is a powerhouse natural antibiotic, antibacterial, and antifungal. It really is a super food! I use garlic very often but for potent illness fighting, mince 1-2 cloves and let them float in a small glass of water and drink it quickly. It might not taste the best, but it will help.
• Hot liquids have been a natural remedy for many years. But I swear by hot herbal teas and lemon water at the first sign of a cold. The herbs and lemon help amp up your immune system and kick that cold out. There are many herbs that are known to fight specific infections and illnesses like nettle leaf, ginger, chamomile, peppermint, and catnip.

 

• Cinnamon is good for stabilizing blood sugar and is also an antiviral and antibiotic. I like making cinnamon tea using cinnamon and honey. I find that it helps with coughing, scratchy throats, and congestion.
• Staying hydrated is key to fight an illness. If you have a fever it is extremely important to stay hydrated by drinking water and teas. Getting enough rest is also necessary. When your body is running in high trying to fight off whatever you have, it is important to get a few extra hours of rest to help your body reboot.
I know that WebMD is not the most reliable source for health related issues but there is a lot of information that helps initiate a search for reliable sources. The article 8 Tips to Treat Colds and Flu the ‘Natural’ Way, is a great place to start gathering natural remedy information.
Do you have a secret recipe or herb to help feel better when you are ill? I would love to hear more and try new natural ways to treat illnesses.
Until Next Time,
Nancy

Abroad?

Bobby has always been adventurous and wanted to try new things. This past week he has been talking about how he wants to study abroad for a semester in Europe. As you can imagine, the thought of Bobby living in a different country for a couple months pulled at my heart strings. I want the best for him, but isn’t moving away to college enough; not moving to an entirely different country.

His freshman year he did not declare a major, but now after his first year completed and now about to begin his second year, he is thinking he wants to major in international business or studies; which would be a good fit if he does study abroad. As much as I didn’t want him to move out of the house for college, I am happy with who he has become. He has grown so much and I have as well.

I know Bobby would thrive in a new country and environment; he has always love meeting new people and leaning about different cultures. I have seen him mature so much in the past year it is incredible. I know that studying abroad in college requires a lot a maturity and I am sure he has it. He would be living in a country where he is unfamiliar with the surroundings, most likely not fluent in the language, and have to be responsible to go to class with all the opportunities around him. I feel like he would be able to learn to manage his time, and with his maturity, excel in a new way.

I found this website called College Parents of America with some good information and questions to ask as a parent of a child that wants to study abroad. I personally felt assured reading about the reasons why a wonderful young man like Bobby would want to leave his loving mother to live in a different country. Here is what they said-
• Study abroad allows students to experience a new culture.
• Study abroad gives students a new perspective on the world, and on their own culture.
• Study abroad experiences provide new challenges for students to overcome.
• Studying abroad increases student’s sense of independence.
• Study abroad allows some students to extend their curriculum by taking things not offered by their own institution.
• Study abroad looks good on a resume.
• Study abroad may fulfill particular personal goals of the student.
• Studying abroad is an adventure.

I am trying to convince myself that this study abroad thing will be the best for him in the long run. I know it will be hard for my husband and me, but I want the best for my children. And who knows, maybe we could go visit him if he decides this is something he would like to do.

Have you had a child study abroad? I would love to know how you managed to be childless for so long and how you coped.

Any pointers about the study abroad process for parents would be greatly appreciated.

Until next time,

Nancy

Wedding Decorations

This past weekend I had the opportunity to make floral arrangements and help decorate for one of the most precious wedding I have ever seen.  The couple was so sweet and had an incredibly special day.  I learned so much and had a blast making arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnière’s.

The couple had themed their wedding with lots of bright spring colors and lively plants.  They also choose to a unique flare to add to their flowers with feather accents and old costume broaches for added for sparkle.  I don’t know where she got all her ideas but they were absolutely incredible.

The bride’s bouquet was unlike anything I have ever seen.  It was so much fun assisting my boss create it for her.  She used pink peonies and added white feathers and a broach to it.  It was the most unique and beautiful bouquet I have ever seen.  Her husband’s boutonnière was also accented with a white feather.  The subtitle beauty of the feather and broach added so much elegance and glamour.

I created what I believe is my best work yet.  I worked on two of the center pieces, one of them was pink and the other one was yellow.  The bride gave me direction of what she wanted but gave me the freedom of creativity.  She wanted each centerpiece to be special and unique.  I absolutely love my two centerpieces and so did she.  I actually surprised myself with how great they turned out.  It was fun making such a bright loud arrangement.  It wasn’t hard to smile the entire time creating it because the bright flowers radiated happiness; good pick on the bride and grooms part. 🙂

I really enjoy working alongside my boss at this wedding.  She continues to teach me so much every time we begin a project.  She was very pleased with my work at the wedding and invited me to do a few events with her in the upcoming months.  Of course I said yes, after this wedding I think I prefer events over daily arrangements.  I enjoy working with someone to create their floral dreams a reality.  There was something about making wedding arrangements that brings romantic emotions.  I left feeling like it was my wedding night again.

It has only been a few months since I began creating floral arrangements but I have grown so much as a floral designer.  I hope to continue learning and getting better.  I really think I found my passion.

Until next time,

Nancy

Pulling out all the Pizazz; High School Reunion

Well it is that time of year…class reunion time.  I have only been to one reunion since high school…there is something about them that was so terrifying before.  But this year I built up the courage and decided to go to see some old friends and see what everyone is doing.  I was excited to see everyone…not just my friends but everyone! 🙂

I was also excited because I have been feeling so great lately.  I haven’t lost an extreme amount of weight but I am feeling so much more confident with myself….. (Shh secretly I want to strut my new found confidence to all those mean kids from high school…ha)  I also wanted to go back to my hometown that I love so much now.  It’s funny because I couldn’t get of there fast enough after high school.

Last night was the first night of the high school reunion weekend.  I met up with a few close friends I hadn’t seen in a while.  We had dinner at a restaurant we always used to go to after football games…oh the memories with this old crew.  I was excited when one of the girls I haven’t seen in a while complemented me on how good I was looking.  It was little, but meant so much!
After dinner we met back up with our husbands and went to the sports bar where the actual reunion weekend was beginning.  It is great to see so many familiar faces and see how they have changed.  I have to laugh when the big “jocks” in high school have let themselves go and how the “nerds” are millionaires with super model wives.  It is funny to see how tables turn.

I was friends with everyone in high school so it is great keeping in touch through Facebook, but seeing everyone in person at a reunion is even better.  The evening was so great! We stayed out much longer than we intended too, but it was so worth it.  My husband had a great time; he graduated two years before me so he knew quite a few people.

Today they had a golf outing planned but the hubby and I decided to stay home and get some yard work done before the big party tonight.  They are having a fancy dinner at a local banquet hall with a DJ…I can’t wait to see how this evening is going to go! 🙂

I am so happy I decided to pull on my Spanx, put on some make-up, get all dolled up to go.  I can’t believe I was debating if I should go.  I have only been to one night of reminiscing and can’t wait for another.  Tonight is going to be spectacular and I feel great in my new dress….yes I went shopping again!

Cheers to a night of old friends and making more memories!

Until next time,
Nancy

New Technology

Along with not being very fashion forward, I have never been tech savvy either. My kids have always made fun of my out of date cell phone and laugh when they try to Skype me and I have no idea what I’m doing…what mom of college students hasn’t been laughed at during a Skype call. 🙂 A couple days ago my phone decided to take a swim in the park river, so I had to get a new phone, and decided to get a “smart phone!” I thought it was a good time to join the tech world and try to master social media and video calling my kids.

I never really wanted a smart phone, but with the technology and society today it is hard not to have one. I hope now that I have one, I will be able to figure out social media a little better and use it to communicate with Bobby and Clara more. I already have a Facebook and Pinterest, but now with my new phone I will be able to go on it everywhere. A bunch of my old friends from high school have a group chat on Facebook that I didn’t really get to participate in because I only check my Facebook on the computer a couple times a week. But now with my brand new smart phone I will be able to talk to them all the time. …now that I’m writing about everything I can do on my phone, I think I’m realizing how excited I am! 🙂

My husband is also happy I got a smart phone! He always is up on the new technology trends and what is coming out next. Now that we have the same type of phone we can text easier and send photos quicker….at least that’s what he tells me. I’m sure he will help me figure it out.

Since I got this new phone two days ago, I have spent so much time on it, it’s ridiculous. I have been figuring out how to work all of the bells and whistles on it. Luckily for me, not only is my husband tech savvy I also went out to coffee with one of my good friends yesterday who is a cell phone guru. She is always posting pictures on Facebook from her phone and talking about how often she Facetimes her children; hopefully after her instructional coffee date some of her knowledge rubbed off on me.

After coffee and my cell phone tutorial I was feeling so much more comfortable with my phone. I even tried Facetiming Bobby at college when I got home. Although it didn’t really work, the picture was really delayed, it was so great seeing Bobby and hearing his voice. He laughed at me trying to figure out how to point the camera at myself and not the celling. It was so incredible seeing him and hearing his voice together, it was almost like I was there! I really miss him.

I feel like when I started writing this post I wasn’t thrilled about my new phone and now that I’ve actually thought about all the things I am going to be able to do on it, I am really eager to learn more! I am ready to take on my new smart phone, Facetime, and social media. Find me on Facebook and Pinterest!  Watch out techy world, Nancy is coming! 🙂

Until Next Time,

Nancy