Edible Tea Cups

Aren't these just the cutest? I'm going to make these with my granddaughters and have a little tea party. The folks at Disney Family have the directions.

You Are Allowed

I saw this awesome sign here reminding us of all the things we are allowed to do. Too many of us in our jobs and relationships are not allowed to be ourselves or use our ideas. (In my job as a second grade teacher there are many things that I am not allowed to do such as hug kids anymore)

I love the ideas on this sign and plan to post it where I can see it everyday. I especially like "You are allowed to start many things and not finish most of them." I do have several project in the works--maybe I don't need to get to all of them. Or at least, allow myself to not worry about getting to them right now.

What do you think? Which is your favorite "allowance"?

Sole Survivor and the Empty Nest

My husband and I have been empty-nesters for a few years now. At first, the house seemed too quiet and I really missed having our kids around the supper table. Now, I still miss our kids but Jerry and I are having some of the best times! We get to travel, go out to eat during the week and when the phone rings it's actually for one of us.

One very nice thing we have been doing for each other is giving mini pedicures. I found a book at a garage sale that has detailed instructions and pictures on how to give a massage. So once a week, we soak our feet, use a foot scrub and give each other foot massages. It is SO relaxing! After a hard day at work I really look forward to this! It is so simple, yet we each feel so pampered. (I haven't gotten him to paint my toenails yet).

Of course we use Gathered From The Garden's foot soak, foot scrub and massage oil. The invigorating peppermint aroma is just that! We also carry a foot spray and a foot powder.

Wordless Wednesday

It's been one of those days.

Mid Calf Skirt Lengths: Spring 2011

The London Fashion Week Spring 2011 season brought a mixed bag of skirt lengths For spring, designers were showing mini, maxi and the new mid-calf length in skirts—the midi. (I read that when the midi first showed for spring, many freaked out. I think because the hem is somewhere between your knees and your ankles and we haven’t seen this length for some time.)

I’m too old to wear the mini. I probably still have a maxi or two around from the last time they were popular. I just don’t know if I can warm up to the midi.

Mid-calf lengths don’t suit everyone, so this style is not as easy to adopt as you might think. The length doesn't flatter short women, but on the other hand it can be a perfect choice for tall gals. Most women carry weight on their thighs. A properly fitted skirt will conceal the problem area instead of exposing it and it can create a sleeker and trimmer image.

Midi skirts can be paired with wedge sandals, ballerina flats, or towering heels, and can be full or straight, shear or pleated. A good tip is to not wear heavy layers on top. Wear it with a long or cropped, light or heavy jacket so the silhouette remains long. Belts work beautifully with the midi. These skirts flatter most when you pair them with heels that help create a leaner lower leg. Hems that hit at the top of the calf are tricky for those less-than-content with their ankles. There are tricks to work around this such as wearing a sky-high shoe or platform to slim your ankles. (Another reason I’m not thrilled with this length. On sky-high shoes, I’d probably trip and break my ankle.)

Even with all of that, skirts can be a good option to mix and match your wardrobe. Moreover, depending on the way you choose to accessorize them, you can get a very sophisticated and chic outfit using the most simple pieces

I think every woman who loves fashion, no matter what age, wants to look current. If the clothes are sexy enough and make the women feel empowered, they will wear them. So maybe the midi has a chance. Are you ladies into this skirt length? Will you be wearing it this spring?

I Believe in Miracles

I believe in Manicures.
I believe in Overdressing.
I believe in Primping at leisure
and wearing Lipstick.
I believe in Pink. I believe that
Laughing is the best calorie burner.
I believe in Kissing; kissing a lot.
I believe in BEING STRONG
when everything seems to be going wrong.
I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls.
I believe that tomorrow is another day, and
I Believe in Miracles.

byAudrey Hepburn

Journaling Can Guide, Inspire and Heal

I came across an article about journaling and the many kinds of journals people keep. I don't know that mine is any one kind but it sure has provided me with an outlet for my emotions.

I started journaling when my youngest was 15. She was going through a tough time as a young adult wanting more freedom than her parents were willing to give. Looking back, she really wasn't that difficult at all, just being a typical teen-ager. At the time though it seemed like she was hell bent on making my life difficult. Journaling gave me a place to vent and basically feel sorry for myself without anyone making any judgements.

After she got her driver's license life seemed so much better to her and the two of us eventually became good friends again. Still I continued to write. Sometimes to vent, other times to write down my dreams, blessings I was grateful for or just write down things I had observed about life. Sometimes I'd read what I had written before and gained a little insight to happenings in my life. Things I would do differently, unresolved issues that needed attention or successes and challenges.

I am still journaling 15 years later. My writing now includes my business, my grandchildren and my travels. I continue to vent  and be grateful for the many blessings in my life. I don't write everyday.  I write when I feel that I need to express myself and don't necessarily need or want someone to respond.

I would recommend journaling for everyone. It can be a tool to help you find the beautiful things in life when things look bleak. I started writing in a simple notebook but I've seen beautiful journals that would really be fun to write in. (Marta has some really cute "mini" diaries that would be fun to tuck in your purse.)If you've never done it, I suggest you try it. You'll get to know yourself a little bit better!