Marypause's Best of 2014

    As we see the old year out, I wanted to look back and compile a best of list for 2014. This list is about as subjective as it gets, but I think it is always important to feel gratitude for the old, but embrace the new. It's what keeps us young at heart!

~ Best Purchase of 2014 ~ This would have to be Ugg sheepskin insoles that I bought for my beloved Emu boots. Plow & Hearth sells them for $14.95 & they provide arch support!

~ Best Cocktail - Honey Jack Cooler ~ mix Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey Bourbon (or brand of your choice) with muddled mint, ginger ale & a squeeze of lemon. Or simply mix with below SanPellegrino Limonata!

~ Best Beverage (non-alcoholic) ~ SanPellegrino Sparkling Flavored Beverages. You may already be familiar with the lemon & orange flavors, but there are blood orange, clementine, grapefruit & lime flavors. These are refreshing on their own but make a perfect mixer.

~ Best Healthy-ish Snack ~ Brookside's Dark Chocolate Covered Fruits So healthy dark chocolate, (which we need a bit of every day), meets healthy dried fruits like raspberries, goji, blueberries, pomegranate & acai. A match made in Hershey heaven!

~ Best Beauty Product - Chapstick's Dual-ended Hydration Lock ~ One end is sunscreen, the other super hydration for night. Why hasn't someone come up with this sooner? Genius.

~ Best New TV Shows ~ Drama - How To Get Away With Murder; Comedy - Blackish.

~ Best Music - So subjective but millions agree & they catapulted to fame this year - Sam Smith & Ed Sheeran.

~ Best Garden Plant ~ Torenia ~ We will forever lament the loss of our shade-loving impatiens. Torenia is not a new plant but now it can be found in the same affordable flats and it is gorgeous, versatile & maintenance -free!

~ Best New Game ~ Trivia Crack ~ I just started playing this one and it is aptly named! Helps keep the cobwebs off the 'ol brain.

~ Best Book ~ Well this time of year, I can't seem to choose a new book, just an old one that we can reread every year & get something new out of it. Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. There are 365 passages beginning on January 1st. I can't think of a better way to read in the new year!

Happy New Year! Here's to a healthy, joyful & adventurous 2015!!

Festive Holiday Cocktails

   It's that wonderful time of year for entertaining and friends and family to gather. I think it is always nice (and easy) to have a holiday cocktail that is ready to go for such occasions. Last year I posted the Poinsettia Cocktail. This year is the Candy Cane Martini (and a second just as delicious!)

Candy Cane Martini

2-oz. Vodka

1 oz. Strawberry Liqueur

4 dashes White Crème de Menthe

2 oz. Cranberry Juice

1 Candy Cane, crushed, for garnish or mini candy cane or peppermint candy

Rim a martini glass with water and crushed candy cane or simply hang a mini candy cane off the rim of the glass or float a peppermint candy. In a shaker, combine other ingredients and ice. Strain and pour! (Mix a batch ahead of time and shake as needed.)

Festive Prosecco

Another favorite is even simpler. Mix one bottle of Prosecco and one cup of pomegranate juice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds. Pour into festive flutes or holiday stemware. Simply Delicious!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & His Risk-taking Friends

    Call this my third annual Christmas Story Blog. This year was a no-brainer. Yes one of the most beloved Christmas stories-turned-TV-show, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, turned 50 years this month! (I am proud to say I have watched at least that many times!) Yes, he is being honored with merchandise in all the stores & even a postage stamp! We all know the story of Rudolph, but we need to remember it was his friends & life experiences that showed him the way back home again.

    The first risk-taker our hero encounters after being embarrassed & rejected by family, peers and even Santa, is Hermey the elf. He is the elf with a dream (to be a dentist) and has already begun the positive steps (studying) to make his dream come true. Rudolph, with no direction or next step, happily runs away with Hermey the dreamer and they go off for a life adventure. They then encounter our risk-taker number two, Yukon Cornelius, the greatest prospector in the North. Together, the three begin an adventure that mostly involves avoiding the Bumble (snow monster) and develop strong friendships along the way. With Hermey & Yukon as his role models, Rudolph learns that listening to your heart and accepting the 'gifts' that life has given you is the way to go. They unknowingly point him to his True North (pun intended). Yukon learns that in his relentless search for silver & gold, it is friendship that is truly golden. Hermey learns that surrounding yourself with friends who believe in you & support your goals, will be the springboard to realizing all you have dreamed. Together they save Christmas for all the good girls & boys and we see it as a teachable moment for all the North Pole inhabitants and for ourselves.

    So keep dreaming & risk-taking & remember, no Bumble can ever squash a dream when one has friends! Merry Christmas!

10 Most Filling Foods You Can Eat

   I am sure the last thing you want to read about post-Thanksgiving gluttony (yes, the average person consumed over 4,500 calories!) is a blog about filling foods! I get it, but think of this as an eating strategy that you can use all those days between big holiday meals and parties and then beyond to start your new year off right. So according to a dietician writing for LHJ, these are the foods to fill you thereby curbing junk food cravings and boosting your healthy eating barometer. No surprise that they are mostly veggies and fruit with beans, fish & nuts for good measure. Here they are:

Beans, Fish, Brussels Sprouts, Raspberries, Popcorn, Avocado, Mushrooms, Peas, Walnuts & Potatoes

    Add these choices into your meal and snacks for some filling menu variety. Use beans (rich in protein & fiber) and mushrooms into recipes you would typically use beef. Use beans in tacos and burritos and use mushrooms in lasagna, chili and burritos. Eat raspberries, walnuts and popcorn (no butter here) straight up as filling snacks. Avocado is versatile and can be sliced for sandwiches and tossed in salads. Grill or broil your fish of choice a few times a week for a full stomach and a boost of healthy omega-3s. Shred Brussels sprouts and toss in a salad and do the same with hunger zapping peas. Last but not least, the misunderstood potato. They are rich in fiber, potassium and resistant starch. They are not the enemy anymore. However you prepare them (I love to cube and toss in olive oil and some seasoning and bake in the oven – yum) leave the skins on for more fiber – just don’t fry them! Eat up, feel full and enjoy.

Recipe Time! Hot Apple Pie Dip Recipe!

   As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I feel we all need an easy, delicious go to dip recipe that reflects this holiday deliciously & beautifully. The beauty of it as it can be served as an appetizer or a dessert! Love that! This is my adaptation from a Nabisco recipe:

Hot Apple Pie Dip Recipe

8-oz cream cheese softened (can use a reduced fat variety too)

2 T. dark brown sugar mixed with 1/2 tsp. white sugar

1 apple of your choice cut into small cubes & divided (leave skin on) Toss with lemon juice to keep from turning brown.

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 T. roughly chopped pecans

In bowl combine cream cheese, brown sugar & 3/4 of cinnamon sugar. Stir in half the apples. Spread in bottom of small shallow baker or casserole. (Pampered Chef's 9" mini baker is the perfect size.) Top with remaining apple, cheddar cheese, pecans & sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Serve with Wheat Thins Lightly Cinnamon crackers or my other favorite a cinnamon sugar pita chip like Stacy's. Enjoy, be happy & be thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving, Readers! I am also always grateful for you.

Aaah, The Mindful Bath

   As Sarah Ban Breathnach so eloquently describes in her book Romancing The Ordinary: "Your hand grasps the chrome tap, and with one quick turn a waterfall of delight gushes into the porcelain tub. With only the slightest forethought or effort you have performed a divine conjuring act. In an instant, the elixir of life. Even today, incredulous millions around the world shake their heads with wonder at such a sight."

    Yes, the pouring of the bath is something we should not take for granted. It is also an equalizer; we all lie there naked awaiting a transformation of mind, body and spirit ~ no matter who we are or where we are in our life's journey. Queen Elizabeth is said to enjoy long baths with fragrant, homemade bath salts. My wish for her and all of us is to be mindful and embrace the relaxation that the warm bath can bring. The Queen, I suspect, might have a passing thought about the naming of her next grandchild as we, too, have passing thoughts. Being mindful is to put all those thoughts aside for twenty minutes and soak and feel and luxuriate. Keep pushing the thoughts aside and just be. Be mindful~ enjoy the scent, the warmth, your quiet mind. (Yes, you can do this!)

    My dear friend was kind enough to give me a few wonderful bday bathing gifts this past weekend. My first important tip if you have a porcelain or marble (aka. icey cold tub) is to run the hottest water for a few inches in the tub & let it sit and warm before you escape into paradise. Meanwhile, heat the room & prepare towels, robe, candles, to be ready for your exit. Drain & refill the tub now and enjoy an additive of your choice. I love my gift of Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt scented soaking salt in Soothe & Sleep Lavender (also provides the body with the much needed mineral magnesium). Or try Aveeno's Stress Relief Foaming Bath which moisturizes dry skin with soothing oatmeal. Whatever you choose, remember to also choose a time when you can be mindful & relax.

The Litmus Test ~ Drivers License Renewal Time!

   In one of the early seasons of Courtney Cox's TV show Cougar Town, her character Jules needs to renew her driver's license. She has managed for decades to outsmart the DMV and keep her picture (of younger self) from being changed. Well, her time was up & panic ensued for the remaining 24 minutes of the sitcom.

    So what is it about that driver's license photo that sends some of us to panic. Seriously, we look at it once it's handed to us & then never look again. We know there are quite a few better pictures taken of ourselves in the 4 years prior & since that fateful day, so why do we use that picture as a litmus test to how we are aging? I had mine renewed this month & it got me to thinking. That photo represents a four year marker; so here it is in front of me, then & now. Our reactions to our appearance range from mostly ugh to not as bad as I thought. So I propose a united effort for the new photo to stay the same as the old. The Dickens you say! That would mean aging would have to stop! We know that is impossible... or is it?

    So here are my top ten suggestions to cram for your next Litmus test (all things you've heard before from this blogger and well, everywhere): Hydrate all day long (water, tea, coffee), Exercise (150 minutes a week minimum), MOISTURIZE! (day & night - effective moisturizes don't have to break the bank), Eat right balancing healthy carbs, fats & proteins (choose proper portions with lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts & seeds), Laugh (it is the best medicine!), Sleep (try for 7 hours a night - naps are wonderful too!), Floss & Brush, Pursue a long desired hobby or bucket list item (keeps the spirit young), & Socialize often (with those amazing friends). Now number 10 is different. Studies now show that we actually stop aging for those minutes when we are using meditation, deep relaxation, prayer, yoga, deep breathing, etc. to calm our minds and bodies on a regular basis. Stress - bad, Meditation - good!

   So for your next DMV picture taking opportunity, first live a happy, healthy, joy filled life for the years prior (& then make an effort with the hair & makeup!) Then dare to compare! BTW - this blogger was totally happy with hers because I looked the same, and I think a bit wiser!

Cinderella ~ A Role Model for the Ages

Cinderella [sin-duh-rel-uh]  1. A heroine of a fairy tale who is maltreated by a malevolent stepmother but achieves happiness and marries a prince through the benevolent intervention of a fairy godmother.

So let’s try again: 2. Role model for the ages.

   A single line in Glamour mag this month reminds us: Cinderella never asked for a prince. She asked for a night off and a dress! This reminder changes everything we consciously remember about the story! We know Cinderella suffered great loss. We know she was mistreated but never complained; she felt gratitude. We also know Cinderella had some dreams of a better day, but she always stayed in the present and worked hard. She didn’t lay blame or get down for very long. Her heart made wishes when she fell into an exhausted sleep each night. And what Cinderella did get that fateful night was a fantastic dress & a less than perfect pair of shoes. After a bit of bippity, boppity boo, she took a risk on a pumpkin coach and some mice. Her risk taking allowed her a front row seat to destiny dusting its fairy dust. She stayed true to herself and had a magical evening. Always a rule follower, her shoes almost didn’t get her home on time. (who among us can really run in heels?!) So yes, Cinderella is a role model for me. She lived her life as best she could, dreamed her dreams, took risks and thus allowed the fairy dusts of serendipity and destiny to waft her way! Have no regrets. (if Cinderella had gone back for that shoe, her story would have a had a different ending!)

Cinderella 3. Beautiful, graceful, brave, hopeful, grateful, kind & strong.

   So remember it’s all about all those qualities then begin wishing, dreaming & asking for what you want. And she lived happily ever after! Thank you Cinderella for the reminder!

ULTA Beauty Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

   October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month with many organizations raising awareness and stores raising money. ULTA Beauty is one such store & since this blogger reviews & recommends products that can be purchased there, I thought this would be a great month to use that $3.50 off coupon & shop ULTA. They carry many lines with special products whose purchase carries a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). This Blogger's Mom is a survivor along with some great friends who have all kicked cancer's butt! So here are just some of the companies with BCA products: Philosophy, Donna Karan, EOS, Nicole OPI, Smashbox, CK One Color & Ahava.

    ULTA also has pretty & inspirational BCA charm bracelets for a $5 donation. There is also for a $10 donation, a rose gold clutch or a silver plated 'Love' box with 50% of the donations supporting the BCRF.

   The ULTA Salon cut-a-thon event is one day only, this Sunday October 12th from 11am-6pm on a first come basis. Donate a minimum of$10 and receive your choice of a FREE Shampoo & haircut, Free Microzone facial treatment or a Free pink hair extension. Donate a minimum of $5 and receive a FREE Pink Redken Color Rebel hair streak. 100% of the donations go to the BCRF!!!

    And last but not least, Donate With A Kiss is another was to support the BCRF. Donate $1 and a paper kiss will be displayed in the store window. You can even donate $1 to win a $598 Beauty Bag full of beauty products.

Get out to ULTA & support this great cause!

New Products Review ~ L'Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Golden Serum & L'Oreal Visible Lift Blur Foundation

    I enjoy doing these products reviews so much mainly because the cost of these products can really add up! I don't want a drawer full of unused products & neither do you. So I do my due diligence before purchasing & in this case L'Oreal made it easy. They put samples in magazines ~ Helloooo, genius! I've only been using these two products for a week ~ that's how excited I am to share!

   The first product is L'Oreal's Age Perfect Cell Renewal Golden Serum. If you haven't used a serum before now is the time. Research is finding it to be the most beneficial step in youthful skincare (behind sunscreen of course).The serum goes on your face before your moisturizer (or before a moisturizing foundation if you choose). This one is amazing in every category: price, ease of use, overall texture & fragrance and finally how does it make my skin feel & look. It boasts ingredients for cell regeneration properties (LHA), powerful antioxidants (Natecium DHC), illuminators (Golden-micro-reflectors. I give this product a ten & my skin feels like a ten! It claims to smooth, soften, firm, plump & renew. You can purchase this on sale for around $19.99 & with added coupons, store & manufacturer, the price can be much less. There are other products in this line that I will try soon. The day cream with SPF would go on top of the serum. The night cream goes right on top and as you sleep. Prepare to heal...

   The second product is L'Oreal's Visible Lift Blur Foundation with opti-blur technology. Again, at the right regular price point of $15.00, you can even do better with sales & coupons. The size is generous too at 1.3 fl oz. When I tell you this foundation glides on effortlessly I mean effortlessly! It has light to medium coverage but is buildable if you have areas that need attention. It claims to instantly blur lines, spots & uneven texture, leaving your face soft & smooth. I have been using their tube of Miracle Blur for years & still feel the need to put the additional on my forehead over the foundation on certain days**, but all else rings true to this tester. My face looks as fresh at the end of the day as the beginning. It contains sunscreen and has a lightweight feel.  If you have rosacea, I think this would be an excellent choice. Don't forget you can return a foundation to your store with your receipt if you don't like the color match - yes, even if you used it. I like to take the almost empty bottle of my latest shade match & go from there to find a close match.

** If I don't drink enough water, yes plain old H2O, I see it in my skin immediately, so HYDRATE for smoother slin & it's FREE!! Let's age perfectly together...

You Can't Beat Eggs!

   You can't beat eggs... it's a fact. You would be hard boiled to find a more delicious, simple to prepare, inexpensive to buy superfood than the simple egg. My brother-in-law & sister-in-law have their own chicken brood (see photo at left) & no they do not live on a farm! They built a coop with their neighbors & share duties & the fresh-layed eggs. The egg is as popular as ever & having a brood of chickens is gaining popularity! Below are some reasons why eggs are incredible.

    According to IncredibleEgg.org here are half a dozen reasons you can't beat eggs:

~ Protein ~ 6 grams of high-quality protein in just one egg. A protein rich breakfast will help sustain your mental & physical energy throughout the day.

~ Choline ~ promotes normal cell activity, liver function & transports nutrients throughout the body.

~ Zero Carbs/Zero Sugar ~  Enough said!

~ Amino Acids ~ contain 9 (very necessary) essential amino acids

~ Gluten-Free Naturally ~ healthy gluten-free foods for breakfast are tough to find!

~ Simple ~ eggs contain one ingredient - eggs & at only 15 cents a serving they are the least expensive source of high quality protein!!

   We may not see a chicken coop in our own futures so for me, the EB or Egg-Land's Best are a great choice. They cost about 20 cents a serving & contain 25% less saturated fat, 10 times more vitamin E, 3 times more Vitamin B12, 4 times more vitamin D, 2 times more Omega 3, 38% more lutein & 175mg cholesterol. They taste delicious and come in cage-free & organic varieties too. (see the variety definitions in the photo at left.) In an eggshell, eggs are simple to prepare & delicious to eat!

   Here is one of my favorite egg recipes:

Crustless Zucchini Quiche. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To 4 beaten eggs add ½ cup vegetable oil, ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 medium chopped sweet onion, 1 cup pancake mix, salt & pepper to taste. Mix well by hand. Add 2 cups unpeeled zucchini chopped into small bite-size pieces & toss to coat. Pour mixture into 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 40 minutes or until top is golden brown.

(You may also add some additional cheese if you like. I often add cheddar that I have around.)

Serve while hot. The leftovers will microwave beautifully on another day. You can't beat eggs; Enjoy!

Essential Oils for Healing

    Yes, we are drawn to burning scented candles & scented hair and body products. With so many choices, I thought I would narrow down the field to the 'healthiest' choices. Here, according to a recent issue of Women’s Health, is a short list of essential oils and the health benefits they can have for us. When inhaled, the oils activate your brain’s hypothalamus which controls hormones, energy and drive. They have even been shown in lab studies to kill flu, e. coli and cancer cells!
     When buying, look for 100% pure and organic, free of fillers, pesticides and synthetic chemicals. Look for labels that say therapeutic grade or steamed distilled. Try a Whole Foods type store or a specialty store or apothecary in your area. They will have knowledgeable staff to help with whatever ails you. Try dripping oil into a steaming hot water and stand a few feet away and breath. A drop onto a cotton ball to sniff for a minute or two is another way to diffuse the scent. Less is more and the helpful staff at the store you are purchasing can give you tips. Here are just a few:
    Essential oils

~ Peppermint ~ best for stress relief and reduces both fatigue and chocolate cravings. Breathing peppermint reduces the stress hormone cortisol.

~ Orange ~ Reduces anxiety & elevates mood. Helps you stay calm in stressful situations.

~ Lavender ~ Excellent for relaxing, migraine pain, reduces insomnia, controls anxiety, relieves PMS symptoms.

~ Cinnamon ~ Improves focus & concentration while reducing frustration.

~ Rosemary ~ Enhances brainpower, boosts energy, lowers fatigue.

~ Sage ~ Reduces blood pressure, helps with memory and attention.

     I recently visited a lavender farm with my garden club. I came home with a bottle of essential oil & have been using it ever since. My favorite uses are a drop or two in my rinse cycle when washing bedding & a drop in the steamiest shower. Start with one scent then continue to add to your 'collection'. Breath & be healed!

For Beautiful Skin - The Step You May Be Missing

    Here is an easy, inexpensive product to add to your face care regime. I have been using a spray toner for a couple of years now. In the drier months it is wonderful as the first step after cleaning your face then later in the day when the dry heat zaps all moisture from your skin. So just spray before moisturizing and then over makeup later in the day. In other months it is valuable to cleanse, tighten pores & refresh throughout the day. I leave a spray bottle at my desk in work too. Even the air conditioning of the warmer months takes all the moisture out of the air. It works as a wonderful 3pm pick-me-up too!

   The product that got me started a few years back is Andalou Naturals Age Defying Toning Refresher. Boasting a fruit stem cell complex & superfruit antioxidants, this product smells refreshing with subtle notes of orange leaf & geranium. The price is right too at about $12.00/6-oz. & it lasts a long time. I purchased mine at Whole Foods but check online for a store or on-line store for you.

   The second product is the one that prompted me to write this blog. For as much as I love Andalou I was running low and saw Boots 100% Organic Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz at Target for $8.00/5-oz. Now, there is not one Boots (from the UK) product that isn't rated highly on a best of list, so I knew I had to try this one. I also melted at the faint rose scent & the claim that they work in conjunction with the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens in developing their Botanics line. Can't wait to try a few more from this product line! Again, look online for other stores near year such as Ulta & Walgreens.

     The mindful pleasure of this first step is a delight & the benefits are amazing! Using any toner will help your moisturizers just melt deeply into the skin! Enjoy!

Flower Zoom-In Ultimate Mascara Review

   Drew Barrymore's wonderful Flower line of cosmetics is sold exclusively at Wal-Mart. My super-savvy Sister tester has recently been using the Zoom-In Ultimate Mascara that lengthens, curls & thickens all in one wand. She was tired of curling her lashes & claimed that this mascara has been a find! I was due for a new tube so I jumped at the chance to try it out. I chose the Intense Black and with a twist of the wand's cap, the brush changes shape to make a remarkable set of lashes. (see pic at left) Straight wand for lengthening, one twist for curling, last twist for volumizing. It is also fun to use. Remember when makeup was fun instead of a chore in the morning? It is easy to use and a single coat with all three shapes is all you need. Not necessary to redip the wand; the wand magically redistributes the product as you twist! It does a remarkable job on the lower lashes (that I had just about given up on) as well. The best part besides great results are there are no clumps, and later in the day, no flakes. Removal is easy with your cleanser or as my sister suggests with the Almay oil-free eye makeup remover pads. The price on these two items is perfect. The Flower mascara is $7.98 & the Almay pads $4.97 for 80. Drew's quote under the tube when you remove the packaging is "I want people to be blown away when I do what they don't expect". Well the 'technology' is so clever & unexpected; I can't believe it wasn't thought of earlier. I will definitely try other products from this line as well!

Garden Rescue Time!

    We are at the halfway point of our annual growing season here on the east coast (very sad face). To maximize this incredible time of year there a few tips to keep your anuuals, perennials & planters going strong through the fall.

~ Take a spade or fork & break up the surface tension of the soil in your planters and around your annuals in the ground. (Yes, even mulch forms this water barrier.)

~ Any planters that have been allowed to completely dry out, if possible, submerge in air temperature water for fifteen minutes to completely rehydrate. If the container is too big, see above & do an excellent job then water, water, water.

~ Sprinkle slow release fertilizer around the base of your plants.

~ Water with water soluble fertilizer like Miracle Gro or a bloom boost version for your flowering plants. Continue with this every couple of weeks for the remainder of the summer/fall.

~ Deadhead diligently & cut back leggy annuals such as petunias for max shape & blooms for the rest of the growing season. I trim back my coleus, zinnias, asters & mums to reshape for example.

~ Keep watering! This is the hottest time of year coming up with little rain.

~ Once rescued, sit back with some mint infused iced tea & enjoy the beautiful garden you have nurtured! Happy Gardening!

Gardening is Risky Business!

     Late in fall five years ago I was meandering through a garden center looking for deals. There was a beautifully shaped tree form Rose of Sharon. It was only ten dollars and needed a home! As I wheeled my cart through the center to the checkout a woman customer (who was just trying to help, but for the sake of this blog I will call her Negative Nancy), Negative Nancy, said to me, "you don't want that shrub, it reseeds like crazy!." I grew up with Rose of Sharon shrubs but this Negative Nancy was not going to stop me. Anyway, this one was different. It had a couple deep pink way past peak blooms that reminded me of carnations. So five years later and NOT ONE volunteer later, I have this amazing tree form shrub that blooms tirelessly from early summer to frost. So my Hibiscus syriacus 'double pink' was a risk but I could not be more pleased!

     A recent acquisition at a garden club plant sale was not labeled at all. All I was told was that it was a perennial & would get flowers. It has beautiful purple leaves (which I knew would break up so much green foliage). That was all I cared about at the time and for two dollars I'd give it a try. Well it is now blooming with delicate yellow flowers. I figured it was time to research this plant, Lysimachia ciliata 'firecracker'. INVASIVE, DEEP ROOTS, WARNING WILL ROBINSON! Okay a decision needs to be made then, do I keep this going or do I cut my two dollar loss now? "But it is so pretty right now", I tell myself. I don't mind pulling plants that get out of control but if they have roots to China....

   So this where gardening and life parallel so beautifully. It is all about risk taking. In your garden if you do not take risks with something new, your garden will never grow (in the maturing sense). In life, without risk, no rewards (or joys). A garden is the perfect place to start on your risk journey. Feel gratitude for the thriving plants you have but then take a risk on something new. (Even if there is a Negative Nancy whispering in your ear!) If a plant speaks to you, try it out! I am keeping my firecracker plant and will look at it and smile knowing that it is my little risk plant. A few feet away is my risky purple loosestrife which has stayed put for over 15 years now! Enjoy the risk & the rewards! Happy Gardening!

Be a 'Locavore'!!

     'Locavore' is a term that refers to someone who chooses to eat locally grown & raised foods when available. Eating local is catching on for a number of reasons including freshness, nutrient value, taste, strengthening of the local economy & supporting the family farm tradition.  We also benefit by reducing our carbon footprint by purchasing produce (especially this time of year) that hasn't travelled great distances. Is there anything that tastes better than local corn & tomatoes this time of year? The added benefit of maximizing the nutrition factor for your body is huge. If you are lucky enough to have a place to grow a few plants of your own that's an added benefit; your own produce is delicious, nutritious and free. It's not too late. Plants like tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers and herbs like basil, parsley, mint for example are easy to grow. Garden centers will have variety that are well along in the growing process for you to plant right now. As the temps get cooler plant seeds for lettuce. Check out local farmer's market days in your community. Most have them now so it is easier than ever to become a locavore. Supermarkets carry local produce now too but the farmer's markets are so diverse & more fun. Even the local honey sold can benefit those with seasonal allergies. And baked goods with locally grown produce & herbs such as zucchini breads & lavender cakes are well, yum squared. Enjoy the buying and tasting experience!!

Destination Hammock

   While on a recent visit to a garden club member's amazing property, I meandered into her hammock destination ~ perfectly placed between the two required trees. From every passerby that afternoon was a collective aahhh, wouldn't that be nice to have. My challenge here really is first to have gratitude for the destinations you do have in your outdoor space and secondly to USE THEM!

    Sure it's easy to think if I had a hammock like that I would be in it every chance I got! Well, we all have a space whether it be a back porch, front porch, a strategically placed chair perhaps. For my Dad it was simply the front steps of our twin home. I grew up in a city of sorts & that's what you did. As soon as the weather got warmer, out everyone went watching the world go by; catching up with the neighbors. This occurred every night weather permitting. He eventually graduated to a folding strap beach chair for comfort sake as he got older. The important lesson here is he took the time... Now, some may reach a bit more towards private spaces but wherever you choose you need to take the time... Find your destination & make a date to read a book, do a crossword puzzle, nap, listen to the birds, crickets, do nothing...

    My girlfriend recently added a chiminea to her favorite outdoor destination and that sealed the deal for her. She says she's out there every evening that she can building fires & loving every peaceful, blissful minute. So do what you need to tweak a space for yourself; sometimes it is as simple as pulling up a folded beach chair. The tricky part is making the time, then settling into the quiet and calm and relaxation. It is mandatory for a healthy mind & body and critical for the soul. I hereby give you permission: destination hammock... and it is totally free.

Enticing Plants for Hummingbirds

  The June/July issue of Birds & Blooms is all about the hummingbird & rightfully so! For some having these flying jewels is the height of our summer months & for others a still unattainable dream. The magazine lists the Top 10 hummingbird plants. There are a couple of annuals on this list so you can have results immediately without waiting for say a vine to grow.

   One annual is flowering tobacco (nicotiana) - green. There are a variety of other colors too, the white being very fragrant. The other annual is the newer hybrid petunia black. Pair it with red petunias and you should be good to go with a gorgeous combo!

   The perennials are as follows: orange Red Hot Poker (for well-drained soil), yellow Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens is the right variety), blue Delphinium, coral Trumpet Vine (needs a trellis, fence, etc. with excellent support and room to grow), red Bee Balm (number one choice of a red plant & my personal favorite - Cardinal Flower if you have a wet sunny area is a close second), purple Salvia, pink/coral Coral Bells, and one shrub white Vibernum (Autumn Jazz is a nice choice). Other red palnt that made the runner up list are annuals salvia, geranium, dianthus & pernnial penstemon, daylily & garden phlox.

    I must include a few of my favorites on this list too: the annuals fuschia, lantana & zinnia. Make sure you plant some annuals in containers close to your outside seating. Hummers are not shy!! The added bonus is that butterflies are attracted to all of these plants too. Happy planting!

Under $10 Beauty Product Reviews - L'Oreal Advanced Haircare & SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex

   With so many new products on the market even this blogger can't (afford) to keep up, even at drugstore prices! I read a few reviews & take it from there & try for myself and with the teenage tester's help, come up with some wonderful & affordable products for you to try.

    The first is the new L'Oreal line of hair care called Advanced Haircare. There are multiple formulas for your own specific needs. I am using the Volume Filler (purple & black bottles) for my hair right now. I love it & it works!! I recently had my hair cut & even my hairdresser said something about my hair feeling thicker. SOLD! Time to tell my blogging friends this is not my imagination! My daughter is using the Total Repair (gold & black) and is thrilled with that. Both actually live up to the hype & smell wonderful. The price point is $4.99 a bottle, but it is always on sale for $3.99 either at the supermarket or drugstore. L'Oreal is always generous with coupons so you should be able to purchase for $2.99 per bottle. I still alternate with L'Oreal's Cleansing Conditioner which will always be a favorite; one bottle, no suds, excellent bouncy hair when you are done!

    The second product is SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex Bath, Body & Massage oil. SheaMoisture has been around for over a century! Many drugstores/supermarkets sell this line of soaps, body lotions, etc. Ulta is the exclusive carrier of the Superfruit Complex. Every formula smells so good; it is extremely hard to choose. The Superfruit boasts contouring, firming & smoothing with ingredients like mango butter, green coffee bean extract, organic shea butter with raspberry ketone, goji, acai & guava extracts to nourish & improve skin's elasticity. Who doesn't want that for their summer skin! Works best on right-out-of-the-shower damp skin. This smells amazing, moisturizes & gives your arms & legs a summer shimmer! The price is also amazing at $9.99. If you are buying from Ulta you can use that weekly $3.50 off coupon & purchase it for $6.50! A no-brainer for this exceptional moisturizer. Enjoy the pampering!

Spruce Up Your Garden Accessories

    Now you are planted, so then what? What is the most affordable, fun way to spruce up your garden? I say it's all in the 'garden accessories'. Whether it is benches, chairs, tables, birdfeeders, birdhouses, birdbaths, chimes, lanterns or chatchkis, the wear & tear on them being outside most of the year takes its toll. These items add charm to your garden & are worth the effort for you to do your own upcycling!

    I like to start by washing off items & seeing if they are worth saving. Sometimes a good cleaning is enough. There is nothing like nature's patina on certain accessories to add a certain charm to your space. Rust plays a big part in evaluating the damage factor & also fading from UV light. The wood & metal bench pictured to the left is structurally sound but was in desperate need of some TLC this year (and last, and years before that!). Sometimes it means finding the time but this truly did not take long at all. I like to use the Rustoleum Painter’s Touch Multi-Purpose Spray Paint (Krylon is nice too) to freshen up some of my garden stakes, planters, bird feeders & decorations. It’s easy, fun & for little money has a big impact. That worked beautifully on the bench because the paint is for wood & metal. I had the pillows from past years (bought to hide blah parts). I chose two colors. I sprayed the metal inset first one color. (wear disposable gloves) I let it cure for a few days before I painters taped it off with newspaper too. I then sprayed the rest of the bench, metal & wood parts all one color. Very easy, just choose a barely breezing day, & for an item this large, remove anything important nearby (cars, house, etc.) that might catch the overspray. A few fast-drying coats & I was done. It is soooo rewarding & for less than $15 in paint it is now a custom-colored bench, just right for my space.

   So look around & see what fun you can have upcycling your own garden accessories. Be adventurous without leaving your own backyard!

Successful Planter & Container Gardens

   To begin your beautiful adventure into successful container gardening, choosing the right size container (with drainage holes!) is extremely important. Pick a large enough container for the sun exposure you receive. A very large container in full sun will dry out less quickly than a smaller size. If you are committed to a container garden, then you must be committed to watering every (or almost every) day. The more you allow your containers to completely dry out, the less successful you will be. Potting mixes are abundant at garden centers now. I choose types with fertilizer & also continue to feed throughout the summer. For my sun locations I use the 'blue' bag moisture control mixes.

   When choosing your container plants always consider the sun exposure you have first of all & then plan your choices. Most of all, have fun with it! To get started you can check out a site like http://www.provenwinners.com/container-gardening for ideas & inspiration.
   To help save you money & add to your success here are some of my own plant buying experiences:

~ For sun & part sun the plants that are traditional but DO NOT do well in containers generally are: ageratum, dahlia, geranium, marigolds, gerbera daisy, snapdragon (hates container heat), osteopermum (only blooms in cool temps), verbena, rosebud impatiens.

~ Here are some excellent sun/part sun choices: Angelonia, begonia ‘dragon wing’ variety (available in pink & red, green leaf; one plant grows so large it’s all you need), euphorbia ‘diamond frost’, calibrachoa, canna, mandevillia, papyrus, cordyline, new guinea impatiens (requires LOTS of water), Marguerite daisy, heliotrope, salvia, coleus, bacopa, zinnia (pinch these for perfection!). New compact petunia varieties like Cha-Ching Cherry & petunia wave varieties are wonderful too. Also, tree standards like lantana, hibiscus, citrus & magnolia are lovely.

~ For shade remember to NOT USE the regular bedding impatiens. The downy mildew fungus is not going anywhere & can be costly. Instead try torenia, coleus, dragon wing begonias (personal favorite), wax begonias, fuschia & new guinea impatiens. Perennials like hosta, dicentra, lamium & ivy are wonderful too. 'Search' my past blogs on container gardening & watering. Happy Planting!

Getting Ready to Plant ~ Simply

   It's that wonderful time of year for gardener's everywhere ~ time to dig & plant and get our dirty on! (In the innocent gardening sense...) So here are some tips to get you rolling this spring:

~ Don't be too anxious with your annuals. Before putting those annuals in the ground it is wise to check your plant hardiness zone for your area. Due to warming climate changes you may be able to plant specimens that never fell in your zone wheel house before! Also, we will be seeing plants, shrubs & trees that never made it to colder zone garden centers before. Check out the link below to find your new USDA zone.
http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/

~ Again, don't be too anxious with your perennials. If you are starting from scratch or want to do the overhaul and are not sure about the look of certain plants, etc. then pace yourself. Garden centers will get the perennials in at their bloom time (because they will sell more this way!) If you have knowledge then go to town on buying. But waiting & and buying/planting  every 2-4 weeks works well. You will see the perennials at their height & color better giving you a visual of the completed area or bed you are working with.

~ When planting your annuals, perennials & other transplants, remember to really break up the root ball. Remove all the soil if necessary to free up the roots. The peat they are often planted in will repel water away. Not a good start.

~ Deadhead & pinch your spent flowers regularly for a spring/summer/fall of blooms. You can do this immediately with your annuals for a bushier plant. Leggy is not good in an annual.

~ Try planting your tomatoes with the buried stem horizontal instead of buried deep vertically. Remove the leaves first. The plant will lean initially but will shoot up towards the sun in no time. This gives you more roots and a shallower watering depth. Work amazingly well!

~ Hand watering can never replace an inch of rain. So, really, really water deeply & consistently any new plantings this season. A rain gauge will help you judge what’s needed week to week.

Yay, we made it! Happy Planting!

Throwback Thursday & Then Some!

    I don’t believe anyone is really sure how the digital trend of Throwback Thursday began. I know it has been so much fun for this blogger. My daughter is still away at college & she loves the baby and toddler pictures I have been sending for her to use. Yes, you need to choose older pics and send for them to post. It is as simple as pulling out an old photo album and snapping a pic with your smart phone. They turn out quite well! The memory lane aspect is great for you thumbing through those dusty albums you haven’t seen in years. Perhaps you also tune into a retro TV station; more are popping up on cable. Gotta love Hogan's Heroes & Gilligan's Island! Some adventurous sorts are wearing throwback clothing & retro eye makeup has been popular for a while now. Take a trip down Penny Lane... I mean memory lane.

    Taking it further this week has been my project & joy. It has been one year since my three bestie friends & I ventured off to Scotland to visit my daughter who was studying there. Yes, it was the best trip of our lives and to commemorate, I have been texting a paragraph of great, funny memories along with a picture for each day. We are all loving this throwback (even though we are only a year out!) because it is so easy to forget the special moments, the fun, the laughs. Of course, we all dreamily want to go back! That wish aside, this would be easy to do for any special trips, holiday, birthday, anniversary, special occasion for someone in your life. All you need is the photo (so enjoy a trip down digital photo or printed photo lane). Just write a few memories down, attach your photo and you don’t even have to wait until Thursday! Simple and easy fun…

Earth Day 2014 Tips

   Earth Day 2014 is this Tuesday, April 22nd. There are ways to celebrate and honor earth day all year long. Here are some ideas to incorporate into your life to help ensure a better world.

For everyday:

~ Don't let the water run unnecessarily, like while brushing your teeth.
~ Reduce your waste by using a refillable water container instead of buying bottled water. Reusing grocery bags & lunch containers will also make a big difference.
~ It can't be said enough to recycle your waste. Some townships make it easy & offer rewards for recycling. If your trash been is considerably more empty than your recycle bin, then you are doing well.
~ Turn off lights (which have been replaced by CFLs!) when not in use & unplug chargers & appliances when not in use.
~ Now is the time of year to become a "Locavore", one who eats food harvested within 100 miles of their home. Better yet, get planting your own veggies this season. It is easier than you think & soooo delicious!

Car Maintenance:

~ Keep tires properly inflated, tune it up regularly & use cruise control when you can. Bundle your errands into single trips geographically centered. All will help reduce gas consumption.

House & Garden tips:

~ Plant trees, shrubs, perennials & annuals. Check your local townships for free trees & shrubs!
~ Remove weeds by hand & check out the extremely informative website below. Howard Garrett is a radio host of the The Dirt Doctor & has volumes of info to help you develop a more natural environment. http://www.dirtdoctor.com/

~ A tip close to my heart - host a garage sale or shop at one. Donate items that you don't use or need. People will refurbish, reuse & recycle! Remember upcycling is fun & rewarding!

     Check out my past blogs to help with some of these Earth Day ideas. Just type in some key words: garden, vegetables, trees, garden, plant, perennials, annuals, garage, bats & upcycle. Let's make Earth Day last all year!!

Strawberry Crumble Recipe - Simple & Delicious

    The hunt for this recipe comes from a special place. My BFF’s & I have just celebrated the one year anniversary of our trip to Scotland. I always promised to try and duplicate a fruit crumble dessert that was the staple of almost every meal we savored while there. They gave it the thumbs up so here you are. I chose strawberries because they are in season. I chose to macerate the strawberries to help soften them & help them retain their color when baking. This involves washing and slicing the berries then sprinkling them with sugar to stir and coat them. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours. Drain to continue with recipe but save the juice! Yum.

1 quart strawberries sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
1-1/4 Tb. corn starch
For crumble topping:
½ cup flour
½ cup oats
½ cup brown sugar
1/3 cup melted butter

In bowl mix strawberries, granulated sugar & corn starch. Stir gently until dissolved. Pour into baking dish 8 x 10, 9x9, pie plate or I used a pretty tart dish. In second bowl combine flour, oats, brown sugar & melted butter. Stir until crumbly. Take your fingers and evenly crumble mixture over strawberries. Bake in 375 degree oven uncovered for 25-30 minutes until all over bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes (smells divine!!) Serve with a side of ice cream or a creamy custard. Simple & delicious!

Attracting Those Flying Jewels

    The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are on their way!  Now is the time to get your feeders ready & to plan a few plantings to attract these gems. East of the Mississippi, this is the only hummingbird we will see. They winter in Mexico & Central America & fly 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico & head north in early spring. I am okay with this one species; I know how much joy this one tiny, 3-1/2” bird can bring. The male has the beautiful iridescent red throat & green iridescent upperparts & belly. The female has green upperparts & whitish under parts. After about three years in my present home, my first hummingbird arrived & they have been in my garden ever since. To follow the migration patterns of Ruby-throats, check out the link below & see when you can expect them in your area (under the science tab).   http://hummingbirds.net/
   To get started all you need is a feeder & some sugar water. You can make your own by boiling water & mixing one part sugar to four parts water. Cool & store what you don’t use in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. No need to fill your feeder to the top at first. See how much they drink first. With the hot summer you need to clean & refill every few days. To properly & safely clean use a little vinegar & water with some rice and swish then rinse. Use pipe cleaners to clean any hard to reach spots like feeder holes.
    To attract the hummers, it helps to have part of your feeder colored red, but never color the sugar water. You can also simply tie a red ribbon on your feeder or close by to get your feeder visible. Once you have them, they will stay. Hang your feeder at a window where you can really enjoy the antics! (Once overnight freezing temps are over of course.) When strong feeding habits are established it’s time to get up close & personal! I have my feeder hung at my kitchen window & often just go and lean against the wall of my house, my face just inches from the feeder. It is an amazing experience! Once the hummers are used to seeing you, you can even hold the feeder in your hand. They even sell feeding tubes you can just hold in your hand.
   As for plants in your garden, I have had the most success attracting these gems with easy to grow perennials like bee balm (see my photos above; have a camera always handy!), coral-colored heuchera & columbine (my photos below), honeysuckle, trumpet vine & annual hyacinth bean vine. Other red flowers to help attract are cardinal flower (for wet areas), peony, penstemon, hibiscus, Oriental poppy, garden phlox & daylilies. Remember, be patient, plant & they will come!

"Be More Tea"

    Introduced during the Super Bowl this year, Lipton tea launched a very successful commercial of Kermit & the Muppets. The commercial (see link below) features Kermit having a cup of tea then walking through a frenetic New York City. Harry Nisson's version of "Everybody's Talkin'" is playing dreamily in the background. Kermit is immune to the hustle, bustle & noise he experiences along his walk. Yes, he questions, "why can't everyone just be more tea?"
     Yet another reason to take the time & relax with a healthy cup of tea. As Kermit shows us, it is also wonderful for your stress level! I recently was stopped in my tracks at an antique mall where this beautiful, 21 piece porcelain tea set (see photo) was calling my name. Maybe it was the soft spring grass green & pink colors. Maybe it was because the price was soooo good. I'd like to think that with that set comes an excuse to have relaxing tea with friends; Spending time with friends & drinking healthy tea is a win, win for your health studies have shown.
    I've posted the  health benefits of drinking green tea (see left) before, but all teas have endless health benefits. For your own tea with friends, make sure you have honey, lemon, creamer with a variety of teas (have you seen the endless varieties in the stores?) and some delish tea sandwiches & flakey shortbread cookies perhaps... yum. Yes, I think I'll just be more tea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RUa55vAdbc

5 Pain-Fighting Foods

   Ever have those days when getting out of the car or up from the sofa elicits a groan? Yeah, me too. In the March issue of Woman’s Day magazine, nutritionist Joy Bauer handpicks five of the most powerful pain suppressing foods. (And they are delicious at that). Pick some up on your next shopping trip.

1)   Sweet Potatoes ~ the beta-carotene is a strong antioxidant that fights those cell damaging free radicals. I love them simply baked. But slicing into steak fry size, tossing in olive oil and baking that way saves time. Sprinkle with a bit of sea salt. Yum

2)  Red Bell Pepper ~ this pepper has twice the vitamin C as an orange. Vitamin C aids in the health of collagen that helps our joins stay flexible. They also contain beta- cryptoxanthin, a compound that helps reduce pain. Use in salads, omelets, as a dipper with a healthy dip.

3)  Salmon ~ contains a healthy dose of those important omega-3 fats. This can help decrease inflammation by suppressing the production of enzymes that harm cartilage. Also, an omega-3 rich diet can lead to less joint swelling and stiffness.

4)  Turmeric ~ this spice contains an anti-swelling compound called curcumin and can lower inflammatory chemicals in the body. You can buy in pill form. I like to swap out condiments like mayo for turmeric-rich mustards.

5)  Ginger ~ mimics some anti-inflammatory medications. Use fresh or ground in cooking.

Enjoy shopping & trying new recipes with these feel good foods & spices!

Color Your World

“With color, for the price of a pot of paint, people can express their own style and individuality. But, as with style, a gift for color has to be developed by experiment. If you don’t dare, you are doomed to dullness.”  -Shirley Conran

     Pretty strong words, but I have to totally agree. Being doomed to dullness is not my cup of tea. So the next time you are relaxing with a cup of tea, begin to ponder the layers of your world & how color plays (or can play) an integral part. Whether consciously or unconsciously, color is a part of these layers & we need to take some control. My coworker last week was wearing pink because she wanted to chase winter away! Love that. This is the perfect time of year to ‘perk up’ what we wear. Certain colors evoke great feelings in us. Experiment & find your own visceral experience with your wardrobe. Next time you shop, try on a few new for you colors & see how it feels. The Pantone color of 2014 is orchid. Try that for starters! If you need to, start small with a scarf, purse, belt or shoes…

    A friend of mine recently started having his home painted after over a decade of builder’s grade white. I consulted in a small way, really just a nod on the color that was already speaking to him. He left a message a few days ago & was practically speechless with happiness. He realizes now that with a little paint in a brave color that he now loves, all the existing furniture & cabinetry looked new! What a revelation. So dare to color your world too! Jot down a few color ideas for rooms, or some throw pillows perhaps. Just start somewhere & feel the joy seep into the layers of your world!