Wordless Wednesday

Reaching...reaching...I've almost got it!

Anti-Aging Tactics

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! 

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. Cut back on sugar and cut out sodas.

(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? Have you done anything special for yourself lately? A facial, manicure or pedicure? 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, wardrobe or eyeglasses 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

No place I'd rather be right now...

Using Toners on Your Skin

Today is all about toners. Many people consider toners to be an unnecessary step in skin care. Toners are an important step in your daily skin care routine for two important reasons.

1. A natural facial toner will improve your skin tone by tightening your pores and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It will increase circulation, giving your face a healthy glow, hydrate your skin and restore your skin's natural PH balance. A toner will enhance the overall cleanliness of the skin by removing dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and any residue from cleansers. 

2. A facial toner acts to soothe and rebalance skin after cleansing and prepares it for moisturizing.

     There are two types of toners on the market, one called toner and the other 'astringent'.  An astringent is basically the same as a toner but with alcohol added. Alcohol is extremely drying to skin, which can actually increase oil production

So, who should use a toner?
     Everybody!  Toner is beneficial to all skin types.  Toners can help control the sebum balance of oily skin by helping to remove excess oil, assist dry skin by giving added moisture and help soothe sensitive skin.

     Toner is not only for cleansing!  During the day you can use your toner as a refreshing spray mist for your face.  This is ideal for hot weather or days spent indoors in air conditioning and heating - both extremely drying to skin.

Make your own toner.
In an 8 oz. bottle mix 1/4 cup witch hazel, 1 tsp. glycerin, 6-8 drops of your favorite essential oil. (I like to use lavender or lemon.) Then fill the bottle with distilled water. Apply with a cotton ball.

Sending a Little Love

Sending hugs and  love to all my blog pals.

Wordless Wednesday

This fellow was netting stingrays for the fun of it. He would catch and release. Then he caught two that got tangled in his net. Thanks goodness he was able to untangle his net and let them go.

Five Inspiring Women

   

 I was checking out websites and I came across a short article about five inspiring women. It got me to thinking. Who would I pick as five women who have inspired me? I've worked with lots of women, lived with lots of women (in college and at home), talked with lots of women and read about a lot of women. It should be easy to pick five.

     The first one that came to mind is my best friend, Gail. She was also my college roommate. She has a wonderful sense of humor, is compassionate, smart and we have the best of times. She was the principal of an elementary school, a mother, a wife, a sister and a dear friend. She's a great role model for young girls. I'm sure she has inspired many women, not just me. 

     The second one was my mother. We didn't always see eye-to-eye on things throughout the years but I am inspired by her. She was very strong in her faith and her convictions. She was compassionate, generous, talented in many areas and extremely family oriented. I am inspired by her ability to keep all of these as she aged.
     The more I thought about this, the more I realized I would have a hard time limiting this to just five. I have to include all of my sisters. (5 of them !) Each one of them has some truly unique talents and experiences. They are all extremely hard-working, intelligent, funny and creative. Each has coped with adversity with strength and grace. I have been inspired by each one as they travel their own distinct paths.
     I have been inspired by my two daughters. They also are intelligent, funny, creative and nurturing women. They are successful in their careers, yet are still family oriented. I have especially enjoyed getting to know them as adults. I'm inspired by their courage to forge new paths. (Something I wasn't so willing to do at their age.) They aren't afraid to embrace change.
     One last woman that has inspired me is one I really didn't know very well. It's my mother's mother. She died when I was eight years old. I have heard stories about how she raised 16 children- many of those years as a widow living on a farm. I'm sure she relied on her faith, her family and her guts to see her through those tough years. She managed to keep her family together. I'm inspired that she could do all of this in a time when women weren't supposed to be the strong ones. I'd like to think that if I had to face such trying times that I would have inherited some of her faith and her resilience!
     Who are the women who inspire you? Mine aren't moviestars or superstars. They are ordinary women who do extraordinary things every day. I think they should all stand up and take a bow!