Secrets of the World Wide Sisterhood

Computer Fun

I found a couple of really fun sites for you to visit.  The first one is www.myheritage.com.  It is really cool.  You can go on this site and upload a picture of yourself and find a celebrity look-alike by using face technology.  You can also create a celebrity morph, find out who your child resembles, organize your photos with face recognition and more. 

The next one is a memory quiz.  It is really fun.  You've got to try it.  **You have to click on the link to get there, because the full address is too long to fit in the post space.

 www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/sleep/tmt/instructions_1.shtml

At Home Facial

There are so many products on the market that are very expensive and contain products such as gycolic acid, retinol, antioxidants, collagen, peptides, etc.  These products do work wonders for your skin, and I am sold on using these products to make my skin look younger.  But, sometimes just an old-fashioned facial can make your skin look healthier and younger.  You can go to a day spa, or you can do one yourself.  Sometimes I like to take a whole evening just to pamper myself.  I love to soak in my jacuzzi tub with the lights dim and candles burning.  While I'm soaking in the tub, I'll put a deep conditioner in my hair and apply cucumber pads to my eyes to decrease puffiness.  Amazon.com has Recover-E Cucumber Pads for 9.99 and Cucumber Eye Pads in a jar for 12.00.  I love both of them.  When I get out of the tub, I leave the conditioner in my hair and begin my facial.  The first step is to clean your face really well.  I use a Glytone cleanser and massage it into my skin for about five minutes or so.  I make sure my skin is damp first and knead upward in circular motions.  Then I rinse thoroughly and pat dry.  Do not rub your face with a towel. It can damage your skin.  Then I steam my face.  Steaming helps soften your skin so you can exfoliate away debris without causing inflammation.  A professional uses heavy-duty steam machines, but you can purchase at home versions pretty cheaply.  Amazon.com has a couple of good ones.  The Steam Facial by Kaz is 25.75 and Coanair MDF Facia Sauna  with a timer is 25.99.  Both are great investments. But, if you don't want to spend the extra money, you can just soak a washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it loosely over your face for five minutes.  Try using a few drops of lavender oil to the water.  It combats the bacteria.  Then use a glycolic peel to clean pores.  There are several available on the market.  You shouldn't use one with higher than a 20%  during the facial.  Glytone has one on amazon.com called Glytone Essentials Boost Mini Peel Gel.  It is 10.8%  free acid value.  Then you will want to use a moisturizing mask.  There are several good brands on amazon.com.  Or, you can get a good one at a department  store.  Finish with a good moisture cream.  Most of the time I use Patricia Wexler's Skin Brightening Moisturizer, but if your skin is feeling sensitive, sometimes it burns.  Glyderm's Hydrotone Max is good after a facial because it is a concentrated wax-based moisturizer. Don't forget to rinse the deep conditioner out of your hair, and moisturize your body with a good lotion, such as Lay It On Thick by Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa products.  Remember to hydrate from within with plenty of water and get plenty of sleep.  You will look like you've spent a week at an expensive spa.    

Diary of a Mad Black Woman

I just got Diary of a Mad Black Woman from Netflix.  I thought this movie was supposed to be a comedy.  It was a comedy during some parts of the movie.  Parts of this movie was hilarious.  But, this movie had just about every emotion in it and a couple of different plots.  It was a more of a love story than a comedy.  But it also had violence (a little), drug addictions, religion....you name it.  I did like this movie.  It had a lot of unexpected twists.  In the movie, Kimberly Elise, who played the lead role as Helen, had gorgeous clothes and jewelry, and their home was unbelievable.  It was a fun movie to watch.    

Instyle Magazine

One of my favorite magazines is Instyle.  The October issue was great.  There was a really good article in there about Meg Ryan.  She has always been one of my favorite actresses.  I think most of us 40 something women relate to this 46-year- old actress.  She seems so down-to-earth and her movies portray the girl next door, bestfriend type of character.  Most of you have probably seen most of her older movies such as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seatle, You've Got Mail, and French Kiss.  If you haven't seen one of these, you've got to add it to you Netflix list. I've seen all of the above more times than I can count.  I can watch them over and over.  I can't wait to see her newest movie The Women.  The article in Instyle her life and where she's been the past few years.  She looks great! I think she looks younger than ever.  Anyway....back to the magazine.  I love looking through the ads and getting fashion ideas.  Some of the outfits are outrageous, but some look really good and are the types of clothes you wouldn't have thought of wearing unless you see them on someone else.  I love looking at the beauty products, also.  There's a super article on skin-care cocktails on pg. 275.  This article mentions Coffeeberry.  This was really big for a while and was all over tv and in magazines.  I had forgotten about it until I looked at this article.  This article gives you specific instructions to helpfine lines and wrinkles--acne--redness and rosacea--hyperpigmentation  It gives a different recipe for each.  Also, a great article No Scalpel Required on pg. 382.This issue also has some good make up tips and products as well as tips to revive your hair.  The article 10 Ways ro Gorgeous Hair was worth reading.  My  hair is pretty dull right now after the summer's abuse.  If you're working on your Christmas list, there's some gorgeous jewelry in this issue. (as always)  There is a bracelet on pg. 326 that is to die for.  There's some really cute winter Chanel boots on pg. 332.  I don't think they're $1,150 cute, but if you have some extra money that you just have to spend....go for it. There's also a great picture of Jaclyn Smith on pg. 391.  She's my idol.  I can't believe she's 62. She's had to have had some work done. Whatever it was, I think she gives us all hope.  Make sure you pick up this issue before if goes off the newsstands.            

Local Hikes

I started walking for exercise about fifteen years ago.  My sister and I would go to the local high school football field and walk around the track.  It was a great way to release a lot of bottled-up energy and stay in shape. Not to mention how much fun it was catching up on the town gossip.  I live in a small town, and we would always run in to someone we knew and ended up walking several laps with them.  Time went by so much quicker with someone to talk to, and sometimes we would walk for over an hour.  But, as I got older, I needed more strenous exercise to keep those pounds off.  I started teaching aerobics and my sister moved to another town, had a child, and she just couldn't fit in our walking routine like she used to.  I taught aerobics for several years and just got burnt out.  I decided to take up running two years ago, and now I run at least three times a week.  I'm not a great runner by any means. In fact, I hate it!! But at 43 yrs. old, I have found this the best way to firm up my lower body.  However, I still enjoy walks around the track talking to friends or walking in the evenings with my husband.  Our town has developed a "Rails to Trails" and it begins within walking distance of my house.  It is about 2 miles long at this point, but may eventually grow.  Our town has really taken advantage of this.  It was unbelievable how many walkers were on that trail this summer.  It is just a section of an old railroad track that is now paved.  It's great to see our town's people walking every morning and evening.  Some even take advantage of it throughout the day.  There are parents pushing baby strollers, children skating and skateboarding, people in wheelchairs, people walking dogs,etc.  It is so exciting seeing families out enjoying time together.  I also enjoy walking through the woods with my husband and sometimes my dogs.  Our county is geared toward outdoor activities.  We have whitewater rafting, hiking, and rock climbing.  Many tourists visit our area each year to enjoy the great outdoors.  We have many hiking trails in our state. I have found a neat internet site for hiking trails and our state is not on it.  It is a site where you can log in and find hiking trails in your state.  I'm going to talk to some friends who hike and see if they would like to submit some trails from our area.  If you are in to hiking, go to this site and check it out. It is awesome.  You may also live in a state that is not represented and you may also want to submit yours.  The site is www.localhikes.com.     

White Chili

White Chili is one of my favorite meals during cold months.  I made this once when I had the girls over for movie night.  They loved it!!  It is super easy and quick.

3 cups sour cream

2 lbs. boneless chicken, cut into bite size pieces (I used spicy chicken tenders once and they were good in this recipe as well.)

1-2 tsp. garlic powder

1 onion, minced

1/2 cup water

pinch red pepper flakes

2 cans green chilies

2 cans chicken broth

4 cans white beans (Great Northern) 3 cans rinsed

Salt & Pepper to taste

Drizzle of olive  oil  or vegetable oil

Cut chicken into bite sized pieces, put oil in bottom of pan, place onion, chicken, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.  Cook onions and chicken until chicken juices clear, add water.  Cook for about 10 minutes with lid on.  Add chicken broth,can of beans, and green chilies, unrinsed.  Cook on low medium for 20 minutes.  Add the remaining beans and cook for another 10 minutes.  Remove from heat, add sour cream and stir completely.  Serve immediately.   

Younger- Looking Skin

As we age, we have to put forth more effort to maintain younger-looking skin.  We can age gracefully and just accept what mother nature has done, or we can fight her with everything we have!  Some people really don't mind the wrinkles and sagging skin.  And that's o.k.  After all, some say, "Beauty is only skin deep."  And, some believe wrinkles are symbols of the many years of hard work, stress, and yes, even fun.  Wrinkles remind us of where we've been.But, even if you're o.k. with the wrinkles and fine lines, most people still want healthy-looking skin.  Healthy skin glows from within.  It is soft, hydrated, and has an even skin tone.  For some, lifestyle changes could make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your skin.  Getting at least 7 hrs of sleep each night will prevent the bags under the eyes and also will give you a more hydrated look.  Eyes will look less droopy and you will be in a better mood which will make you look more alert.  I've written about water so many times before in previous posts, but it is SO important.  Your body has to have at least 6-8 glasses of water per day.  If not, you will not look your best and you will not feel your best. Diet plays an important role in skin care as well.  To back to my previous post about the book, "The Wrinkle Cure" and read the post, or better yet, order the book.  Exercise is also important.  It is amazing how much better you will look if you get at least 30 minutes per day of strenuous exercise.  All of these things (sleep, water, diet, and exercise) are all either free or very inexpensive to obtain.  However, at some point, you may have to spend a little money on yourself to look your best.  I have spent quite a bit of money on chemical peels, botox, microdermabrasion, facials.....you name it.  But, I got to the point where my skin was so damaged, I had to.  At about 35, my skin was prematurely aging.  It had a leathery texture and sun spots. As I have mentioned in earlier posts, that's when I decided to start getting chemicalpeels and using glycolic acid products.  I have trusted Glytone products for several year.  I love them.  In fact, some of my in-office chemical peels have been Glytone brand.  To my surprise, my sister found these peels on ebay.  You can do these at home yourself. These are the same professional strenth peels I have gotten and paid an average of $100 per peel.  They are called Glytone ProfessionalStrength Peel Pads.  You can find them with a glycolic acid strength of 30% to 70%.  If you have never used glycolic acid products, or have never had a professional peel in a dr.'s office, you  should start with the lowest percentage available. The 30% would be good to start with. And be sure to test a patch of skin to make sure you will not have a reaction to the product.  Doing these at home will save you money and will be much more convenient.  You should see younger-looking  skin after 6-8 consecutive peels. However, you must space them at least 4 weeks apart.  You should see wrinkles, brown spots, and acne diminish.  You should also have tighter, firmer skin, and it will look more hydrated.  You should have a healthier-looking complexion usually after the first peel. But, it does take time for maximum results.  I hope you give it a try because I'm sure you will be glad you did.       

Spa Getaway

Now is the time to start pampering our skin and preparing for the long winter months ahead.  A lot of skin damage occurs in the summer whether, or not, we lie out in the sun to tan, or go to the pool/beach.  Most of us get some sun by working out in the yard or attending soccer games, baseball games, or just cooking out and enjoying our families and friends.  It’s almost impossible to avoid sun altogether.  Just remember to always use a sunscreen.  If you are in the mood for a fall vacation or a girls’ getaway, you might want to consider going to a beauty salon or spa.  NEWBEAUTY magazine recognized some of the country’s best beauty venues to go to for the ultimate in pampering treatments.   Here are a few that were designated as “Five-Star Beauty Destinations” in the eastern part of the United States.

 

Aveda Georgetown Salon & Spa---Washington, DC

Celadon Spa---Washington, DC

Georgette Klinger Skin Care Spa---Washington, DC

The Spa at The Mandarin Oriental---Washington, DC

Hugo Salon & Hugo Day Spa---Kensington, MD

Sewickley Spa---McHenry, MD

Aveda Bethesda Salon & Spa---Bethesda,MD

Lynn’s Day Spa---Clarksville, MD

Spa Lexi---Clarksville, MD

DeFoor’s Eden Salon & Spa--- Ellicott City, MD

Spa at Turf Valley---Ellicott City,MD

Golden Orchid Spa and Shop---Frederick, MD

Sagittarius Salon & Sanctuary---Hagestown,MD

About Faces Day Spa & Salon---Salisbury, Timonium, andTowson, MD

Circe Salon Spa---Alexandria,VA

Sugar House Day Spa & Salon---Alexandria, VA

Ana Visage European Day Spa---Great Falls, VA

Serenity Day Spa at TheWorld GateCenter---Heron, VA

Dolce Vita Salon & Spa---McClean,VA

The Ritz-Carlton Day Spa---McClean,VA

Christie Adams Salon & Spa---Reston, VA

Anabella Spa---Vienna,VA

Atasia Spa---Berkley Springs, WV

 

Go to the Hotwire ad on my site and see if you can find a good travel rate and treat yourself.  You’re worth it!!! 

 

French Polynesian Islands

One of the most beautiful places I've been is the French Polynesian Islands.  The three islands we went to were Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Moorea.  We sailed around the islands aboard the Windsong for one week.  The Windsong was a Windstar Cruise ship.  It is no longer with the fleet.  But I think there still are still three ships in the fleet.  The Windsong was basically just a cruise ship with sails. Go to www.windstarcruises.com.  The ships are gorgeous.  The Windsong held about 148 passengers.  So, it wasn't a crowded cruise.  But, it had all the luxuries of a large cruise ship. After the one week cruise, we departed the ship and stayed on the island of Bora Bora for one week.  I have been to many islands such as, Hawaii, Bermuda, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, etc.  This by far, it the most beautiful place I've been.  There are no large resorts or hotels on this island.  There are thatched-roof huts (some over the water) on the island.  There are no air conditioners,tv's or even phones in the rooms (well there weren't in 1997, I guess there still aren't any). But you really don't miss them.  The rooms are cool, and really it is nice to get away from the hassle of tv and phones.  If you want large luxury hotels and crowds of people, this place is not for you.  The beaches are pretty secluded also. In fact, topless sunbathing is common there.  That was really hard to get used.  I couldn't do it, but a lot of women did.  We swam in turquoise waters with sting rays and even went on a shark feeding excursion.  This was the most relaxing vacation of my life.  I wasn't crazy about the flight time.  And because of that, I'll probably never go back.  It was about 7 1/2 hours from Los Angeles.  But, it was definitely worth the trip.  It was a once in a lifetime trip and I wouldn't trade the memories for anything in the world!! Check out some of my photos in my photo album and then go to www.tahiti-explorer.com for some travel information. 

Gourd Vases

Did anyone see October’s Better Homes and Garden’s magazine?   There was an article in there showing how to make vases out of gourds.  They used squash or tiny gourds and created really pretty vases for fall.  All you have to do is cut a small opening in the top of the gourd, add a small amount of water to extend the life of the flowers, and fill with a few flowers.   They looked especially pretty with mums.  They suggested placing pretty trays or plates underneath them to prevent water from leaking out onto tabletops.   They also cut the tops out of pumpkins and cleaned out the insides.  Then they slipped small pots of mums inside creating a “pumpkin flower pot.”  They were absolutely gorgeous!  And this would be a simple project.