Wordless Wednesday

Oh the joys of a Minnesota winter!

Waiting Here for You..Book Review

I spent the days of Advent reading a devotional called Waiting Here For You An Advent Journey of Hope by Louie Giglio. It is a soft-covered purse size book. For each day in Advent there is a Bible reading, a meditation, words of encouragement, sometimes a poem and prayers. 

 Each day’s devotion is very short. A great way to start the day. I found the reflections to be insightful, not preachy and very appropriate for the day’s Scripture passage. The short prayers each day were wonderful ideas to reflect on during the day. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about were the poems. Some were song lyrics and others were old poems that were often kind of hard to read and get something out of. 

 I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to have a meaningful way to start the day during Advent. The photos are lovely and the layout attractive. Perfect for a night stand, a coffee table, a friend, anyone that you would like to gift. I'm keeping mine in a special place so I can read it again next December.

(I have received a copy of this book to review from the Thomas Nelson book company. This opinion is my own.)

In the Grip of Winter

     

     After running outside this week in very old temps I have had to take extra care with my skin. For those of you who like me, live in a cold climate, it is important to keep in mind that you need to adequately protect your skin from the cold weather and to supply moisture in abundance during this time, since artificial climate control robs your skin of a great deal of moisture. 

     Although few of us will suffer frostbite because of cold weather, (although I saw a runner today with nothing on her head or ears and it was about 8 degrees with a wind) it is best to ensure that you are properly clothed, and the addition of a hat or woolen cap will help prevent loss of body heat, since a large portion of heat is lost through the head. But talking about frostbite, if your skin turns splotchy white with red patches around it, and it hurts, then it is time to come in from the cold real quick, because you might then be starting pre-frostbite, which can play havoc with your skin. 

     In beauty care many people think that it is good enough to slather their faces with creams and lotions, yet pay little or no attention to their water intake. Your skin needs water, and for a great looking skin you should make a point to drink enough water every day. 

     On a different note - if you are undertaking any air travel at this time of the year, (lucky you!) also remember to drink lots of fluid, and try to stay off any alcoholic beverages when flying, as it will act as a diuretic and you will lose even more fluid. The cabin air in pressurized aircrafts is very drying, since it contains very little moisture - so also add a good moisturizing cream or lotion when flying.

     Hope you had a magical Christmas!

Maintaining Your Inner Cheer

Although the holidays are here, and as much as we look forward to them, being "merry" around the clock requires our personal best for all the days of December.     So how do you keep your endurance up from one holiday party to the next?  How do you keep your smile when your Secret Santa at work forgets you?  How do you act graciously while someone grabs the last carton of eggnog right off the shelf before your very eyes?!   

My answer is to treat yourself well!  Pamper yourself!  Don't get caught in the holiday mad rush. Remember what the holiday season is really about: tradition. It could be baking cookies at home together with family or personal rituals to take care of your soul. I start my December days with an early morning run or walk (most days inside) to clear my head and keep a positive attitude. Playing favorite Christmas songs on my piano is a treat just for me.

What can you do to pamper yourself?

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas and books make powerful magic!

Learn From Santa

All I Needed to Know About
Life I learned from Santa 

Encourage people to believe in you. 

 Always remember who's naughty and who's nice. 

 Don't pout. 

 It's as much fun to give as it is to receive. 

 Some days it's ok to feel a little chubby. 

 Make your presents known. 

 Always ask for a little bit more than what you really want. 

 Bright red can make anyone look good. 

 Wear a wide belt and no-one will notice how many pounds you've gained. 

 If you only show up once a year, everyone will think you're very important. 

 Whenever you're at a loss for words, 

say:
 "HO, HO, HO!"

 

Give Yourself a Foot Massage

   Massaging the feet can bring relaxation to your entire body. Jerry and I like to do this while we are relaxing in front of the tv at night. (Especially after hours of Christmas shopping!)

     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.


Your feet will thank you!

 

Wordless Wednesday

We were lucky enough to be in FL for a few days at saw this at the Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg.

Simplify the Holidays

Here are some ideas to help make your December a month to enjoy, not dread… Simplify your holidays! 

*Give gifts only to those you WANT to 
*Remember you don't' have to do it all.. You don't have to bake cookies, buy for everyone, decorate the house, spend time with all relatives.. UNPLUG and let others take care of you 
*Surround yourself with color and positive things--Poinsettias are bright and beautiful--Find a great CD and play it as loud as it goes * Surround yourself with people and activity 
*Call your treasured friends
*Reconnect with old friends and family
*Ask for hugs. give hugs 
*Change traditions but keep some things the same
*Give a gift from the heart, such as a coupon or letter from you, instead of shopping from a list
*Go to movie after Christmas dinner 
*Give small gifts to those who have supported you
*Visit and volunteer: a children's hospital, a soup kitchen, work with a church in the community 


Taken from an article on the web site  www.SoarWithMe.com 

Anti-Aging Tactics You Should Know

Taken from an article by Yvonne Finn 

Do you want your life story to be a long and joyous one, without having every line written on your face? Of course, we all do! Is there anyone who doesn't want to look as good as they can, for as long as they can?

Here are some ideas you can use to look and feel younger on a daily basis. 



(1) Check your attitude!
How do you feel about life? Is your life going the way you want it to? Do you take responsibility for what you have created, good or bad? How about accepting who you are? Be grateful for what you have, family, friends, a job etc. Then do an assessment of the things you want to change, if any.



(2) Know your nutritional needs!
What you eat has a huge impact on how you look and feel. The foods you eat help make and maintain soft, smooth, glowing skin. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks, instead of over-processed manufactured "fast foods". Drink lots of water to keep skin hydrated.



(3) Take time outs!
When was the last time you had some fun? A good laugh? If you cannot remember, it's been too long! 
What about pampering? Done anything special for yourself lately? A facial, or manicure? It’s easy to do these at home.  It's the time you spend just focusing on yourself that will make you feel special and cared for.



(4) Grooming is ageless! When did you last update your looks? A new hairstyle or wardrobe is a very effective anti-aging tactic. Subtle changes in hair coloring can make you look years younger. Find skin care that's right for your skin type. Take care of your nails and teeth. Beautiful well cared for hands are a must if you want to appear younger!

**Meaningful beauty is not just smooth skin (which is nice), but it is also an outlook on life, your life. Treat yourself and others with respect. Balance your physical, emotional and spiritual life. Get rest when you need it, and play when you have the opportunity. These are the best anti-aging tactics!! 

Wordless Wednesday

I really, really, really don't want to wear this hat.