Five Great Vacation Tips

  

        Hubby and I are planning a summer vacation. I'm hoping that you will be able to get away too. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your time away.

1).  Pack less than you’ll need.  Stick to things that look great on you in two or three colors.  Don’t forget to pack things you can’t do without.

2)    In life, the journey is as important as the destination. Don't schedule every minute: allow for the unexpected. Unplanned detours often end up being even more enjoyable than planned stops!

3)    Take lots of photos. It might seem like an annoyance at the time, but when you get home you and those you love will be glad you did. Make sure to pass the camera around so everyone gets a chance to document, and that way you're sure to "be in the moment."

4)    Play travel games. It doesn't matter if you don't have kids, remember when you were one? You're never too old to play them, and it helps the time zoom by whether you're driving or flying. Our favorite is "20 Questions."

5)    Go online and read the local newspapers for the areas you'll be traveling to. It's a great way to absorb the local color and learn about local events. www.onlinenewspapers.com has listings of 10,000 newspapers from around the world.

Wordless Wednesday

Don't move!

Massaging the feet can bring relaxation to your entire body.

Massaging the feet can elevate your mood, relieve stress, and give you an overall sense of well-being. It’s easy to give and receive it in the comfort of your own home. Foot massage is easy to learn and even a quick massage can bring relief and enjoyment 

*Start by soaking your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes in the bathtub or in a large dishpan. Add your favorite bath salts or oil to the water-it will not only help your feet, but the aroma is soothing. Now, dry your feet completely and apply your favorite body lotion, foot cream or oil to your hands. 

*You can begin your massage anywhere on your feet, keeping in mind that you want to cover the entire foot from the tip of your toes to your ankle. Use enough pressure to help the foot muscles relax, but not so much as to cause discomfort. If  it tickles (feet can be very sensitive) press harder, but again, not so hard that it hurts.

*Sit in a comfortable chair and prop your right foot up on your left knee. You should be able to see the bottom of your foot in this position. Rub a little lotion or oil over your whole foot.

*Wrap your hands around your foot (thumbs will be on the sole and fingers on the top). Holding your foot firmly, start making circular motions with your thumbs. Cover the entire area of the bottom of your foot, working your way from the heel, through the sole, up to the ball of your foot, and finally to your toes.

*Knead the sole by holding the foot with one hand and making a fist with the other, using moderate pressure. Pay attention to the arch.

*Squeeze gently each of your toes between your thumb and index finger. Begin with the big toe. Roll the toe between your thumb and forefinger as you slide your fingers down the toe to the end, applying gentle pressure. Gently squeeze the end of each toe.

*Hold the heel with your left hand and move your foot at the ankle joint so as to loosen it. Rotate the foot clockwise and counterclockwise 3 or 4 times.

*Wipe off any excess cream or oil with a soft towel

*Repeat these steps on other foot.

Jerry and I like to do this while we are relaxing in front of the tv at night.

Face Massage

Massaging your face can help prevent new tension lines and wrinkles from appearing. It does this by relaxing the muscles and by stimulating the blood vessels under the skin. You should cleanse your face thoroughly before you begin. Follow the steps described below. 

      1. Start by stroking the whole face. Use both hands and work 

        up the neck, out across the cheeks, then glide gently      

        inwards, work up and out over the forehead. Finish by       

        applying gentle pressure to the temples.

2 . Stimulate the skin by using the back of your hands and loosely rolling your fingers up the cheek. This can also be used on the neck and under the chin.

3. With your thumb and forefinger, gently pinch the skin along the jawbone and under the chin. This is very stimulating and helps prevent a double chin.

4. To release tension around the eyes, firmly squeeze the eyebrows with your thumb and forefinger. Always work from the bridge of the nose towards the temples.

5. For  tension in the neck and shoulders make firm circular  movements working up either side of the neck then out across the shoulders

                          Taken from an article at Holistic.com

     I have never given myself a facial massage. Have you? Let us know what you think!

Wordless Wednesday

She's quite brave!

Pretty Toe Nail Art Ideas

   

Love the polka-dots!

     I've done quite a few posts on how to have pretty fingernails but with sandal season coming up I thought we should give the toes some pretty too!

    Here are 50+ great ideas to paint your toes to look fun, glamorous or both!! 

     

A Thought for Friday

I saw this quote and wanted to share with you...

"I’ve learned that happiness comes in different forms. It can be found in the blackest thunderclouds or when the earth is withering from heat. It is also in the warm rays of the sun in the midst of pouring rain. It is in the first green leaf of spring peeping out of the cracked bud of a poplar tree. It is in the little white petal working itself out on a branch of an apple tree. It is in the darkness of the night sky with thousands of twinkling stars. It is in the tender look of a loved one. It looks out through shining eyes in family photographs."

it is everywhere
find happiness right where you stand
Lidia Evgenevna Shmakova