We are in West Palm Beach and I am contemplating my new year's goals. Have you thought about yours? Do you want to make a lifestyle change (diet, exercise, style, wellness)? Or possibly your spiritual life? Maybe today would be a good day to seriously consider making some changes.
My goals for the new year include incorporating anti-inflammatory foods in my diet which will help with joint and muscle pain, trying some new activities, such as kayaking and hiking, and spiritually getting to know Jesus better.
After you have come up with a few, write them down, and then start researching what small steps you could take to begin to make them happen. Try and incorporate some fun into your goal setting. If you need help, contact me on my website www.lifestylesbyjane.com.
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
My Top 6 Natural Remedies for Cold or Virus
The last two weeks I have been battling an upper respiratory bug which included fever, cough, nasal congestion and fatigue. It has not been fun and the cough still lingers on. This is what I always do when I have one of these viruses (which doesn't happen very often):
1. Start drinking my hot toddies (hot water, wedge of lemon and teaspoon of honey). It always soothes my throat and cough and works as an astringent to clear the bugs (plus Vitamin C).
2. Eat chicken soup, preferably homemade. Great for healing and sinuses.
3. Use a saline solution for nasal congestion in drops or spray. I use "Little Noses" which my daughter used when my grandchildren were babies. Works great!
4. Apply Lourdes holy water on my throat, neck, nose and anywear else that needs healing. It was given to me by a dear friend who got it from her aunt who visited the Lourdes healing site in France. I also pray for healing. Read about Lourdes here http://www.awakening-healing.com/LourdesFR.htm
5. I snuggle in with a good book. This time I read "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" by Helen Simonson. Such a great story - I didn't want to put it down. Enjoyable, easy reading plus a love story. Loved it!
6. Last but not least - REST. I didn't exercise for a week, which really bugged and worried me, but breathing hard when you have upper respiratory symptoms isn't smart. Just makes you cough. I am back to walking again - use good judgement with this. Fresh air and sunshine are good for you, so some gentle strolls won't hurt if you are up for it. But not in really cold air.
So those are my natural remedies for surviving the winter cough and cold bug. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!
Grotto at Lourdes, France
My New Favorite Book
P.S. I do take Tylenol or Ibuprophen for fever or aches
1. Start drinking my hot toddies (hot water, wedge of lemon and teaspoon of honey). It always soothes my throat and cough and works as an astringent to clear the bugs (plus Vitamin C).
2. Eat chicken soup, preferably homemade. Great for healing and sinuses.
3. Use a saline solution for nasal congestion in drops or spray. I use "Little Noses" which my daughter used when my grandchildren were babies. Works great!
4. Apply Lourdes holy water on my throat, neck, nose and anywear else that needs healing. It was given to me by a dear friend who got it from her aunt who visited the Lourdes healing site in France. I also pray for healing. Read about Lourdes here http://www.awakening-healing.com/LourdesFR.htm
5. I snuggle in with a good book. This time I read "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" by Helen Simonson. Such a great story - I didn't want to put it down. Enjoyable, easy reading plus a love story. Loved it!
6. Last but not least - REST. I didn't exercise for a week, which really bugged and worried me, but breathing hard when you have upper respiratory symptoms isn't smart. Just makes you cough. I am back to walking again - use good judgement with this. Fresh air and sunshine are good for you, so some gentle strolls won't hurt if you are up for it. But not in really cold air.
So those are my natural remedies for surviving the winter cough and cold bug. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!
Grotto at Lourdes, France
My New Favorite Book
P.S. I do take Tylenol or Ibuprophen for fever or aches
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Food Sensitivities, Adrenal Stress and Chronic Fatigue
Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia go from doctor to doctor looking for help with feeling tired and achey. When they can offer nothing, we turn to alternative practitioners, such as nurse practitioners, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, etc. I have tried all of these and more. My first ray of hope came when I found Elizabeth Markovich, NP at Integrative Healthcare http://www.ihcfl.com/ at the recommendation of a friend. Elizabeth suspected that my adrenals might be exhausted or that I may have food sensitivities which may be causing the fatigue and joint and muscle pain. Over a period of time, she did a blood test called the Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) through Diagnos-Techs, Inc. and multiple blood tests for food sensitivities through Immuno Laboratories.
The first major breakthrough came when I got the results of the ASI test. The test showed that my adrenals were depressed. The big shocker came when she showed me some other tests that are a part of the index. The GliadinAb, SIgA number was positive for a severe intolerance to grain glutens (wheat, rye, oat, barley, and others). I never suspected that I had an gluten intolerance, but the test showed that I had a high-grade intestinal inflammation going on from the gluten. No wonder I was tired and having GI complaints! My body was incredibly stressed! First, I was in denial, then I slowly realized that I had to give up gluten, probably permanently. The tests results also gave an example of a restoration plan for my adrenals and gut using supplements. I had additional tests done by my gatroenterologist and I do have a genetic marker for celiac disease, but additional testing showed my small intestine was fine and not distressed (probably from having eliminated gluten). I have been off gluten for several years now, and although inconvenient at times, it is worth having a healthy gut and feeling better. It is definitely a lifestyle change. I am happy to help anyone who may have gluten intolerance or celiac disease in changing their lifestyle to no gluten. Additional food intolerance tests done through Immuno Laboratories showed that I had problems with shellfish, almonds, cranberries, and others, which I have eliminated.
The discovery of the food intolerances has been only a part of my healing from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Stay tuned for the next chapters of my recovery, which include eliminating stomach bugs, using probiotics, digestive enzymes and Vitamin C and receiving healing prayer. You can get well, too!
The first major breakthrough came when I got the results of the ASI test. The test showed that my adrenals were depressed. The big shocker came when she showed me some other tests that are a part of the index. The GliadinAb, SIgA number was positive for a severe intolerance to grain glutens (wheat, rye, oat, barley, and others). I never suspected that I had an gluten intolerance, but the test showed that I had a high-grade intestinal inflammation going on from the gluten. No wonder I was tired and having GI complaints! My body was incredibly stressed! First, I was in denial, then I slowly realized that I had to give up gluten, probably permanently. The tests results also gave an example of a restoration plan for my adrenals and gut using supplements. I had additional tests done by my gatroenterologist and I do have a genetic marker for celiac disease, but additional testing showed my small intestine was fine and not distressed (probably from having eliminated gluten). I have been off gluten for several years now, and although inconvenient at times, it is worth having a healthy gut and feeling better. It is definitely a lifestyle change. I am happy to help anyone who may have gluten intolerance or celiac disease in changing their lifestyle to no gluten. Additional food intolerance tests done through Immuno Laboratories showed that I had problems with shellfish, almonds, cranberries, and others, which I have eliminated.
The discovery of the food intolerances has been only a part of my healing from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Stay tuned for the next chapters of my recovery, which include eliminating stomach bugs, using probiotics, digestive enzymes and Vitamin C and receiving healing prayer. You can get well, too!
Friday, November 30, 2012
What To Do When You Have Hit the Wall
When you have CFS, fibromyalgia or any other chronic condition where fatigue is a problem, not getting enough sleep can multiply the feeling of being dead tired. I am in that state right now after the Thanksgiving holiday week, not sleeping well because my husband has been out of town, and adding Christmas shopping to the frenzy of the past couple of weeks. I have hit the wall. Exercising is about the last thing I feel like doing right now. So I am going to listen to my body and lay low, take a nap and see if I perk up later. It definitely does not pay to "push through" when you are in this state. If you keep pushing forward, your energy level will be even further depleted. Little voices in my head say "you have so much to do, keep going" and I just have to say, "I'm done." At the first opportunity I sit, or preferably, lie down. I recommend this for anyone - too many times I have ignored what my body says. When you hit the wall, do your self a favor. Be kind to yourself and rest. It's Nap Time!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Amazing Scarves at Earthlover
Had a fun day of shopping with visiting family in Thomasville, Ga yesterday and hit my favorite store, Earthlover, first. That fair trade store has so many amazing items from 64 countries. I mentioned in a previous blog that their display of scarves form all over the world was fantastic. Yesterday I finally picked one out for myself, although it took me a while to choose. So colorful and made by craftspeople who need the work and can make a living instead of being on the street. Here is the one I picked out:
I highly recommend checking out the Earthlover store in Thomasville or visit their website, www.earthlovershopping.com for some fantastic gift ideas!
I highly recommend checking out the Earthlover store in Thomasville or visit their website, www.earthlovershopping.com for some fantastic gift ideas!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
What Brings You Joy?
Today I have been contemplating what brings me joy in my life - what gives me life, what sustains me, what do I do when I am having a bad day - a day when I am hurting physically or emotionally or spiritually. For me it is family first, especially spending time with my husband or my daughter and twin 4-year-old grandchildren. I call a friend. I also turn to scripture for inspiring verses from the Bible. Scripture verses have sustained me in the worst of times - when I thought I would never feel well or happy again. Being around horses at the stable or sitting outside with one of my two kitties in my lap calms me and always makes me feel better. A walk outdoors in the sunshine. Doing work that you find rewarding - mine is my part-time job at the FSU School of Medicine. Finding what brings you joy and what has meaning to you can be a way of starting on the road to wellness. It can focus your attention away from illness and not feeling good to feeling a glimmer of hope and purpose. Give it a try - What brings you joy????
My grandson at horse show
Monday, November 12, 2012
Cool Skinny Jeans for Grown-up Ladies (NYDJ)
I have a good friend who has been after me to try on some Not Your Daughters Jeans. I had recently discovered Chico's So-Slimming Jeans, so I had not tried the NYDJs. However, on a recent trip to Dillards, I passed by the NYDJ section and saw some really cute patterned skinny jeans. Thinking to myself a) I would look ridiculous in those skinny jeans and b)someone with my shorter stature and full butt should never wear those jeans, I threw caution to the winds and took some to the dressing room. Lo and behold, they looked pretty good!! They didn't make my rear end stick out in an unflattering way. I really love them. They are a burgundy python print (very subtle) and there were other fabrics and prints, too. I also tried on some NYDJ regular straight leg dark denims. Looked good and felt comfortable. I like the rise on NYDJs and the waist sits at a very flattering place on the hip. Anyway, go check them out - here are the python print skinnies - they come in gray also.
NADH (Enada) for CFS (and fibromyalgia)-
One of my goals for this blog is to let people know what has been working for me in the treatment of my chronic fatigue syndrome. Years ago I was using NADH as a supplement to give me more energy, then I stopped using it because it was fairly expensive. However, I started using it again last fall and have noticed a big improvement in my energy levels. I take 10 mg. a day. It is fairly expensive, but if you buy it online you can save 50% from what you will pay in stores. I am able to do 40-45 min of walking 5 days a week now. One caveat - If I am feeling fatigued from stress or overdoing it, I do cut back my walking time or take a rest day until my energy levels are restored. Here are a few articles about NADH:
http://www.nadh.com/fatigue/Cfs105.htm
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/cfs.htm
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=252
In the future, I will be sharing other tips from living and thriving with a CFS diagnosis. Here's to living a healthy and joyful life!!!
http://www.nadh.com/fatigue/Cfs105.htm
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/cfs.htm
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=252
In the future, I will be sharing other tips from living and thriving with a CFS diagnosis. Here's to living a healthy and joyful life!!!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Top Five Fall Fashion Takeaways from NYC
The trip to NYC was great and eventful with the storm approaching. Here is what I observed in the fashion arena:
1) Boots! Everywhere. Short boots, tall boots, motorcycle boots, cowboy boots, flat boots, boots with heels. Mostly black, brown, gray. Fun and practical for cool weather.
2) Leather! Or imitation leather. In all the stores. We browsed in Soho and there were leather jackets, leather skirts, leather pants. Very chic and warm, too.
3) Scarves! Just like I have talked about in previous blog posts. Scarves are in and warm. All colors and materials. Tie them in unique and fun ways. I bought an animal print one at J. Crew.
4) Coats! All kinds. Trench, short, long, car, pea, double-breasted. We may not need them much in Tally, but they can be a key fashion statement.
5) Be Prepared! OK, this isn't a fashion takeaway, but it is something I learned as a Girl Scout. As Kenny Rogers sang in The Gambler, "Know when to walk away and know when to run...", especially when it comes to a major hurricane like Sandy. We bugged out by car in plenty of time to avoid the worst of the weather. Thank you, God, for getting us home to Florida safely!
1) Boots! Everywhere. Short boots, tall boots, motorcycle boots, cowboy boots, flat boots, boots with heels. Mostly black, brown, gray. Fun and practical for cool weather.
2) Leather! Or imitation leather. In all the stores. We browsed in Soho and there were leather jackets, leather skirts, leather pants. Very chic and warm, too.
3) Scarves! Just like I have talked about in previous blog posts. Scarves are in and warm. All colors and materials. Tie them in unique and fun ways. I bought an animal print one at J. Crew.
4) Coats! All kinds. Trench, short, long, car, pea, double-breasted. We may not need them much in Tally, but they can be a key fashion statement.
5) Be Prepared! OK, this isn't a fashion takeaway, but it is something I learned as a Girl Scout. As Kenny Rogers sang in The Gambler, "Know when to walk away and know when to run...", especially when it comes to a major hurricane like Sandy. We bugged out by car in plenty of time to avoid the worst of the weather. Thank you, God, for getting us home to Florida safely!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Doing the Best You Can with CFS and Fibromyalgia
We are back from New York City - what an adventure. I was able to take in half my conference and do some window shopping in Soho, but the visit was cut short by Hurricane Sandy. We left 2 days early, so I did not get in as much sightseeing and shopping as I planned. The upside is that we circumvented the storm and arrived home safely in Florida by car. As for my plan to pace myself with activities and to have a nap each day completely fell through despite my best intentions. No time for a nap on Friday after due to the conference, ditto for Saturday. I knew I was leaving on Sunday, so I felt I should stay for the whole day on Saturday and our hotel was a long way from the conference. When I was done both afternoons, I was running on fumes only- really tired. Lots of walking over the time we were there. My husband found some gluten-free restaurants, so we had our dinner and then went back to the hotel. Saturday night we saw a Broadway show that we already had tickets for, but it was so wonderful, I didn't even think about being tired. The moral of this story? Sometimes you can plan for rest time and pacing yourself and you just don't get it. The best you can do is get as much rest as you can when you can. And hope for the best. Luckily, I didn't go down for the count on this trip. Here is a picture of the beautiful lake we walked around in Central Park.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Ruched Layering Top
Found a cute layering piece at Talbot's today to take with me to NYC. The weather is going to be variable and I want to be warm if it's cold. So I flew into Talbots today and picked up this cute cotton ruched neck top in cream that I can wear under a sweater or jacket. And the neck is not tight. Tons of colors. Check it out.
Bon voyage!!
Pacing Yourself with CFS
Well, I am on my way to New York City on Thursday and am really excited. The only thing I am wondering is how I am going to get a daily mid-afternoon nap in when I have a conference that lasts all day. When you have fatigue, it is smart to have a daily rest time built into your day. I take a nap most days between 2 and 4 p.m. I do a little reading, then take a 30-40 minute nap and then am able to have energy the rest of the evening. My friends and family know not to call me during this time. I usually turn off the phone. I did this even when I worked full-time - I either put my head down on my desk at lunchtime or a took a short nap when I got home from work. My daughter would watch TV while I did this.
Pacing yourself is extremely important when you have CFS, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease or any other chronic illness. When you have energy, don't do too much even if you are having a good day. Have a nap if you need it. Go to bed earlier if you are tired. Listen to your body and don't overdue it or you will pay for it with several days of being totally exhausted.
So my plan is to leave the conference early on Saturday afternoon and catch a nap, so I can go to a Broadway show Saturday night. We will plan our days while in NYC based on my energy levels. My husband is used to this when we are on a trip and he uses my nap time to explore on his own, do work, or rest also. New York (and shopping), here we come!!!!
Pacing yourself is extremely important when you have CFS, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease or any other chronic illness. When you have energy, don't do too much even if you are having a good day. Have a nap if you need it. Go to bed earlier if you are tired. Listen to your body and don't overdue it or you will pay for it with several days of being totally exhausted.
So my plan is to leave the conference early on Saturday afternoon and catch a nap, so I can go to a Broadway show Saturday night. We will plan our days while in NYC based on my energy levels. My husband is used to this when we are on a trip and he uses my nap time to explore on his own, do work, or rest also. New York (and shopping), here we come!!!!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
What to Wear in New York City in the Fall
Next week I am going to New York City for a conference at Columbia University. I am really looking forward to seeing the leaf changes, cool weather, shopping and the conference (not necessarily in that order.) But I am, of course, obsessing about what to take in my carry-on suitcase, which I am going to have to schlep from Newark to the city on mass transit. We will be there 5 days. I need business casual for the conference, something nice to see a Broadway show, exercise clothes for walking in Central Park, and casual clothes for shopping.
I have decided on a color palette - black, cream, and brown that I can interchange (plus dark denim jeans). Black and brown shoes (black flats, black pumps, black sneakers and boots (not sure whether short boots or cowboy boots.) Just might take my favorite cowboy boots just for fun and warmth:
They take up a lot of room unless I wear them on the plane. Black suit pants and jacket, cream silk blouse, black jeans, my black Lucy pant (see previous post), tan sweater, and ivory leather jacket, and some scarves. Just not sure about a dress. Maybe the black dress or skirt that go with the suit, but I feel like a need some color or print. Maybe red. If anyone has any more ideas, just let me know. I can't wait to get to the Big City!!!
I have decided on a color palette - black, cream, and brown that I can interchange (plus dark denim jeans). Black and brown shoes (black flats, black pumps, black sneakers and boots (not sure whether short boots or cowboy boots.) Just might take my favorite cowboy boots just for fun and warmth:
Friday, October 12, 2012
True Beauty
I had a great visit with two friends today. We got to talking about my wardrobe consulting business and the subject of true beauty came up. We agreed that true beauty came from within and it isn't necessary to blow everyone's socks off with the perfect outfit every day. Why not be yourself, dress to enjoy life, maybe try new ways of doing things with your wardrobe, wear clothes and accessories that bring you joy? One of my favorite accessories is my father's watch (circa 1960) that still works - plus big watches are in for women right now. Play with the things you have and don't stress about getting it absolutely right. What I know for sure: I need to follow this advice myself!
Beauty is not on the face;
Beauty is a light in the heart.
Kahill Gribran, Lebanese poet
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Is It Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Something Else?
In 1982, at the age of 30, I came down with a bad case of mononeucleosis. It took me two months to recover and go back to work. In 1984, I suffered what I thought was a relapse of the mono with the exact same symptoms (not so much sore throat, but nausea, weight loss and fatigue). After going to my GP who said my mono spot test was negative and was mystified, I went to an internist who coincidentally had just read an article in the Journal of Internal Medicine about a new condition that was emerging called Chronic Epstein Barre Virus Syndrome. He was convinced that that was what I had, but could offer nothing in the way of treatment options. Over the years I had several flare-ups of the condition and did everything I could in terms of researching the condition and living my life carefully. I was relieved that over time, physicians began to recognize it as an emerging problem suffered by many. The condition was named chronic fatigue syndrome (and its sister, fibromyalgia.)
I have navigated this condition pretty successfully (with lots of bumps) and, with the assistance of some practitioners who think outside the box, have begun to look CFS differently. Yes, I believe the condition does exist, no doubt. But I also believe other factors may contribute to the syndrome, such as food sensitivities and bad gut organisms. I will be sharing my journey with CFS in this blog and what has and hasn't worked for me. As a wellness coach, my desire is to help others with discouraging chronic health conditions to think in terms of wellness instead of illness. Changes to my website are coming! Feel free to contact me at www.lifestylesbyjane.com for wellness coaching.
I have navigated this condition pretty successfully (with lots of bumps) and, with the assistance of some practitioners who think outside the box, have begun to look CFS differently. Yes, I believe the condition does exist, no doubt. But I also believe other factors may contribute to the syndrome, such as food sensitivities and bad gut organisms. I will be sharing my journey with CFS in this blog and what has and hasn't worked for me. As a wellness coach, my desire is to help others with discouraging chronic health conditions to think in terms of wellness instead of illness. Changes to my website are coming! Feel free to contact me at www.lifestylesbyjane.com for wellness coaching.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Bootie or Not to Bootie?
I have been wrestling with whether to buy a pair of short boots (or booties) for myself this year. I have three pair of cowboy boots that I love, so another pair of "boots" seemed excessive. However I recently bought a beautiful tan sweater tunic from Chicos that I plan to wear with everything this fall and winter, so I have been keeping my eye out for a tan bootie that might look cute with it. Today I checked out the new DSW shoe store in Tallahassee - what an amazing place! The very first pair of boots I saw were tan suede booties - which actually fit great and were comfortable. Sam and Libby-here they are, so cute and only $50!
I didn't have to invest a lot of money which was great! I highly recommend checking out DSW http://www.dsw.com/ especially the loads of boots that they have - tall and short, all styles and colors. Fun!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
What to Wear When You Are Feeling BIG or the Beauty of an An Empire Waistline
Last night we had friends over for dinner and had a fabulous dinner that my husband fixed. Downside: I ate sooooo much! This morning I was feeling heavy, so I decided to go to my fall back dress for church on this kind of day. The Empire Waistline Dress. This waistline hits at the ribcage - the smallest part of most women's bodies. Then floats away. Nothing tight around the waist. Perfect. Just make sure it's not too voluminous or it will look like a maternity dress. Here I am with this ultra-comfortable dress on:
Next time you are trying on dresses, try one with a higher waist. I think you'll like the way it looks!!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Great Wig Boutique!
Today I had a great experience at a fabulous wig boutique in Tallahassee called Cynthia's Wig Boutique. Check out the website www.cynthiaswigboutique.com. Beautiful wigs in all styles. Jewelry, handbags and make-up. Cynthia is an enthusiastic, caring owner who works with women who have lost their hair for various reasons. She also fits breast prostheses. I recommend you check out her website and the store in Tallahassee (set back from Capital Circle N.E.). Open to the public on Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and during the week by appt. It is a hidden gem!!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Cool Snakeskin Watch
I am really into accessories this year - so much fun and less expensive than buying a whole new outfit. Found this cool watch at Chicos last week:
Great neutral color, so it can go with anything. Look for a fun watch at your favorite store!!
Great neutral color, so it can go with anything. Look for a fun watch at your favorite store!!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Fun Red So Slimming Getaway Pants
The other day I was in Chico's store www.chicos.com checking out the fall merchandise and found these fun red So-Slimming Getaway pants
There was also a 25% off everything in the store sale going on, so I thought, "What the heck, I'll try them on." I've been wanting something besides navy and black pants. Well, I love them!! Comfortable, fun and slimming. I will wear them with camel, black, white, navy and even a print. Sunday I wore them to church with a white button-down shirt and a print scarf. Got some animal print flats at Shoe Station with birthday money to go with them, too. I say go crazy and have some fun with colored pants for fall!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
My Top 5 Life and Health Challenges
I have been thinking about all the life and health challenges I have had in my lifetime, in addition to the body image problem that most of us women have had at some time in our lives. It is the body image issue that got me interested in starting this wardrobe consulting business- to help women be able to look in the mirror and smile and say "I look and feel good!" It's not just about creating outfits - it is a change in attitude and acceptance of our bodies.
An aspect of this business that I would like to expand is working with women who are experiencing life and health challenges. Changing their stories from a spirit of defeat, discouragement, and/or illness to one of victory, joy and wellness. In the spirit of sharing some of what I have been through in my life, here are my top 5 life and health challenges that I have encoutered over the past 60 years:
An aspect of this business that I would like to expand is working with women who are experiencing life and health challenges. Changing their stories from a spirit of defeat, discouragement, and/or illness to one of victory, joy and wellness. In the spirit of sharing some of what I have been through in my life, here are my top 5 life and health challenges that I have encoutered over the past 60 years:
- Alcoholism of parent and former spouses
- Divorces - parents and myself
- Single parenthood
- Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Early retirement (great, but still a challenge)
Saturday, September 22, 2012
A Colorful Fall Coat/Jacket
Yesterday I went shopping with a client to round out some essentials in her wardrobe. One thing I thought she needed was a versatile fall/winter jacket. I also have been dying to see her in orange (which she said she did not like) because she has peaches and cream skin with freckles and auburn hair. We were in luck at Talbots www.talbots.com where we found a blanket jacket/coat in a cute a-line shape in multiple color plaid (brown/orange/fuchia)-perfect for cooler weather. I also had her try on an orange pullover sweater underneath. Fabulous combination and it looked great with her coloring. Here is the coat:
A jacket in a plaid with multiple colors is fantastic for your wardrobe - you can wear it with so many things. I highly recommend and encourage you to not be afraid of color!!
A jacket in a plaid with multiple colors is fantastic for your wardrobe - you can wear it with so many things. I highly recommend and encourage you to not be afraid of color!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Beautiful Scarves
Last week I posted a blog about using scarves to accessorize an outfit and, if you look at the outfits I have put together on Polyvore, you will see that often I include a scarf. It is a quick way to add color and pizzazz to any ensemble. I am always on the lookout for stores with colorful and unique scarves. Well, I found that store last week in Thomasville, Ga. - it is called EarthLover. Find it online at www.earthlovershopping.com. Tammy was kind enough to give me a tour of the store - filled with fair trade and eco-friendly items from 42 different countries. I was particularly drawn to the jewelry and scarves. The scarves are incredibly beautiful and unusual. They each have a story. check these out
All kinds of fabrics - even some made from Indian saris. Be sure and make a trip to Thomasville to look at these scarves and see the store. Or go online to shop.
P.S. The jewelry was amazing, too. I bought a beautiful Guatemalan bracelet for a friend's birthday and couple of bracelets for myself!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
It's OK to Be Yourself or You Don't Have to Be Perfect
In case you think that I am always dressed perfectly, let me just say that is not true! There are days I hang out at my house with my yoga pants on or days like today when I went to exercise the horses at my favorite stable, Hands and Hearts for Horses in Thomasville, Georgia.
www.handsandheartsforhorses.com It is a therapeutic riding stable for people with various disabilities and riding there has been great help to my grandson. Anyway, of course I'm not going to wear good clothes or worry about my appearance when I am around the horses (doing something I love!) Some days it's fun to not think about putting together an outfit. Today I looked totally non-glamorous, and loved every minute of it! Being yourself and doing what you love is all good!!!
www.handsandheartsforhorses.com It is a therapeutic riding stable for people with various disabilities and riding there has been great help to my grandson. Anyway, of course I'm not going to wear good clothes or worry about my appearance when I am around the horses (doing something I love!) Some days it's fun to not think about putting together an outfit. Today I looked totally non-glamorous, and loved every minute of it! Being yourself and doing what you love is all good!!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Go Wild with an Animal Print Scarf!
Did you ever have a day when you felt down in the dumps and decide that a trip to the mall might perk you up? Well, today was that day for me. Had to pick up a french press coffee pot for my husband (because I broke his over the weekend), so I made my way to Penneys first. I have been looking for an animal print scarf for myself (I love adding a scarf to an outfit!), so I cruised by their accessories department. They did have a large number of really pretty scarves and found one for $15. Here is one I found at Chico's for $49 which I love, so there is a large range of prices you can pay for an accessory that will perk up an solid color dress, suit or blouse. I like it with red, black, brown, gold, white - you name it!
Check out my "Fall Day in NY" post below for another example of how to use an animal print scarf. It can really spice things up!!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
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