Monday, December 19, 2022

Missing a Chick

I'd love to say all of our chicks are in the nest but sadly we are missing one (she's in MS with her future in-laws for the holidays).  Chick #2 (but #1 in our hearts hahaha!) arrived yesterday after a two-hour delay (typical KJ fashion!  That kid is never on time!).  

But seriously.  We're just glad her flight arrived safe and sound and better late than never.  She was supposed to get in around 4:30 PM and her dad made arrangements for the suite @ Hyde at the Crypto.com arena (formerly the Staples Center) for the 6:30 PM Lakers game.  Unfortunately she didn't land until 6:30 PM, the shuttle bus from the gate to the terminal took forever and her luggage didn't hit the carousal until almost 7:30 PM.  The trek from LAX to the arena was clocking in at around 30 minutes with LA traffic so, we decided to forgo the game and just grab a bite to eat at a cute little pizza place in El Segundo.  

We have lots of fun stuff planned while KJ is home for the next 10 days.  This afternoon she and Coach are doing some shopping, Tuesday they are going to Disneyland, Wednesday they are going to a Beastie Boys exhibit in LA, Thursday we are going out on a boat in Newport to look at the Christmas lights, Friday she's getting her hair cut and colored, not sure what we're doing Christmas Eve but Christmas Day the two of them are going to the football game.  Coach and I have off from work Monday, Tuesday we have seats in the suite for a Kings game and then she leaves Wednesday.  Whew!  



Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Thankful

We had a lovely time at T and The Dewd's (my brother's nickname for Johnny Frat Boy) for Thanksgiving.  Very relaxing and low-key.  We all arrived Wednesday afternoon (and by "we" I mean us and KJ).  Wednesday night we made homemade pizza's and just chilled.  

There were 13 of us for Thanksgiving dinner.   T always does such a nice job with her turkey, her friend brought over a ham and there were plenty of sides to go around and one friend brought the makings for adult root beer floats.  

Coach and T had to go car shopping (again!) on Friday.  She was in a car accident a couple of weeks back and they originally thought her Jeep Cherokee was fixable but ending up totaling it a few days ago.  She ended up buying a 2021 Subaru Outback.  Which is ironic because 4 years ago almost to the day, she bought the Jeep when she totaled her Outback on the way to our big family Thanksgiving retreat in Gatlinburg, TN.  It's become their black Friday tradition to go car shopping. hahaha

Saturday the girls and I did some shopping at a pop-up market kind of place in Denver.  A bunch of different vendors and clothing trucks near a pub/brewery/food court type place.  T and I went last year too.  Both years the weather cooperated and we had a good time getting a jump on Christmas shopping.  The guys met us for BBQ and then we all headed to the Stars vs. Avalanche game.

It's never easy being a fan of the opposing team at an away game and Saturday night was a total ass-whooping but man!  The Avalanche's marketing department and music team positively killed it!  They had a fantastic pre-game show and played awesome music all game long.  The only bright part of the night was the fact that my favorite player tossed a warm-up puck to T in the stands (so now I have TWO warm-up pucks from Mr. Seguin!!!).  

Sunday we went out to brunch at Snooze (love the OMG French Toast!) and then headed over to the https://www.christkindlmarketdenver.com/ for some beer, mulled wine, pretzels, pierogies and polka dancing.  The Christmas lights were lovely and the weather was perfect to get us Californians in the mood for the holidays!




Coach and I flew out late Monday morning.  Our flight was uneventful -- the TSA  line at Denver was super quick, the Marriott shuttle bus was empty at LAX and the valet brought out car out before Coach had even finished settling up.  Usually that shuttle bus is packed and makes a bunch of stops.  We flew United to Denver and it's the last terminal at LAX so, bonus!  

Mississippi is expecting some very bad weather tonight so Coach changed KJ's flight to get her in earlier rather than driving in the thick of it.  She's already called and said she's home safe and sound.  Can't wait for her to get out here on the 18th!


Tuesday, November 15, 2022

You probably had NO idea that today is National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day (what in the actual hell???), National Raisin Bran Cereal Day, National Philanthropy Day, National Clean out Your Refridgerator Day (one of my favorite days!  Seriously!  I love cleaning out my fridge and pantry.  So satisfying.).  It's also National Bundt Day and America Recycles Day.  

NATIONAL SPICY HERMIT COOKIE DAY

National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day celebrates a cookie flavor reminiscent of autumn spices. Recognized on November 15th, this time of year is ideal for baking up a batch of these delicious cookies. 

Considered an old-fashioned cookie, its spice comes from cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and sometimes nutmeg. And the added bonuses are the raisins, nuts, and dates.

Hermit cookies originated in the New England area. In 1880, the young ladies of the Trinity Church, Plattsburgh, New York published the cookbook Champlain Valley Book of Recipes with a Hermits recipe. This local cookbook was a 3rd edition suggesting its first printing was a year or two earlier. Soft and chewy, these cookies sure put a smile on the face of all who taste them.

Add hermit cookies to your holiday baking list. Host a baking party and invite friends to join you. Snuggle up with a plate of these delicious cookies and share them while drinking a cup of hot cocoa.  https://foodess.com/spiced-date-raisin-cookies-hermit-cookies  #SpicyHermitCookieDay


NATIONAL RAISIN BRAN CEREAL DAY

National Raisin Bran Cereal Day on November 15th pours a bowl of one of the country’s go-to cereals. Made from toasted oat or wheat flakes with plump raisins added, these cereals have been a staple in many American breakfasts for generations. 

Since 1925, a variety of companies have been producing raisin bran cereal. Those companies include Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, General Mills, Total Raisin Bran, U.S. Mills, and Ralcorp’s Post Raisin Bran. However, the first was U.S. Mills. In 1925, Skinner’s Manufacturing Company based out of Omaha, Nebraska, introduced the United States to Skinner’s Raisin Bran. While other bran cereals existed, Skinner’s debuted the first with raisins included. 

For several years, Skinner’s held the exclusive right to the name “raisin bran” but that didn’t stop others from making their own. Skinner’s Manufacturing Co. had been in business since 1918. And as the country’s largest producer of macaroni, they weren’t going to let that go without a fight. They took their trademark to court. Despite being first and trademarking the name, Skinner’s lost on the grounds that the words “raisin bran” are merely ingredients. 

Since raisin bran is the star of the day, enjoy it as a snack or for breakfast. Raisin bran is a good source of dietary fiber.  If you’re not a big fan of bran, you can always separate the raisins. Or maybe you’re not a raisin fan. Did you know you can make wine from raisins? It’s true. So, have your bran and wine, too! Celebrate and use #RaisinBranCerealDay to post on social media.


NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY

On November 15th, National Philanthropy Day honors those who give back to their communities. 

The word philanthropy comes from Latin and Greek philanthropia which gives us kindliness, humanity, and love for mankind. From this, we take the philo (tending to, fond of) and join antropos meaning mankind or human beings.

Philanthropists give of their time and money in ways that provide a lasting impact: 

  • Supports education through scholarships, grants, foundations, and more
  • Foundations support scientific research
  • Development of charities
  • Funding grants to programs for local, national, and international needs
  • Encourage art through grants and foundations
  • Invest in advocacy platforms for the underprivileged

The day recognizes philanthropists for their many significant contributions, help, and good deeds and for the differences that they have made in our lives and our communities.

While philanthropy is giving and kind, it is a type of gift that strives to replace social ills with solutions. Philanthropists see issues and try to solve them. Charity often is a temporary solution for a temporary problem. When the issue persists, we seek a cure. There are instances of philanthropy that can overlap with instances of charity. The difference is that charity relieves the pains of social problems, whereas philanthropy attempts to solve those problems at their root causes.  #NationalPhilanthropyDay


NATIONAL CLEAN OUT YOUR REFRIGERATOR DAY

National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day on November 15th encourages us to prepare for the upcoming holidays. Get together a soap and hot water-filled bucket, disinfectant, a sponge, and a garbage bag. Then you will be ready for the day!

The home economists at Whirlpool Home Appliances created National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day in 1999 to encourage people to clean out their refrigerators in advance of the upcoming holidays. At that time, the company even had a toll-free hotline that people could call into for cleaning tips.

With family gathering and a large turkey waiting to be roasted, cleaning out the refrigerator makes sense. Not only will we need room before the meals, but we also need space for all of the upcoming leftovers. Many dread this job. However, it is an important task nonetheless.

Due to our hectic and busy lifestyles, the cleaning of the refrigerator gets neglected. Hence the creation of National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. There may be a surprise or two found at the back of the shelves. Things are often pushed back as new food is put in the front and gets forgotten.

Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International found that the meat and vegetable drawers were the dirtiest spots in our kitchens – well with regards to causing disease.  However, those who clean their fridges more often tend to waste more food. There’s plenty of advice available on the frequency of fridge cleaning. Understanding food labels and the meanings behind “sell by” and “best by” dates are also important. These labels don’t necessarily mean a product has gone bad, but that the quality is best by the date on the label. However, “use by” leaves some of us wondering.

Some suggestions for your refrigeration cleaning are:

  • Empty each shelf.
  • Completely wipe down the inside of the refrigerator.
  • Wash drawers and underneath the drawers.
  • Throw away all expired food.
  • Throw away any moldy food.
  • Get rid of anything that you do not use.
  • Vacuum condenser coils.
  • Vacuum out under the refrigerator.
  • Restock shelves and drawers with good food.
  • Enjoy your nice, clean, organized refrigerator.

Use #CleanOutYourRefrigeratorDay to post on social media.


NATIONAL BUNDT DAY

National Bundt Day, also known as National Bundt Cake Day, is observed every year on November 15th. As people across the United States plan menus for the holidays, a bundt cake is sure to be on the list at least once.

A bundt cake can be any cake baked in a Bundt pan, forming it into a distinctive ring shape. The mold of the Bundt pan was initially inspired by the traditional European fruit cake known as Gugelhupf. It was in the 1950s and 1960s that the cookware company Nordic Ware popularized the style for the mold design and trademarked the name Bundt. Nordic Ware started producing Bundt pans made from cast aluminum. Similar pans are sold as “fluted tube pans” or other similar names.

Due to the difficulty of frosting a ring-shaped cake, bundt cakes are typically served undecorated, glazed, or dusted with powdered sugar.

In the beginning, the Bundt pan did not sell well, and Nordic Ware considered discontinuing the product. Then in the 1963 New Good Housekeeping Cookbook, the Bundt pan was mentioned, and sales increased. In 1966, sales increased dramatically when a Bundt cake called the “Tunnel of Fudge,” baked by Ella Helfrich, took second place at the annual Pillsbury Bake-Off and winning a $5,000.00 prize. The publicity from the Bake-Off resulted in more than 200,000 Bundt pan requests.

Nordic Ware has sold more than 60 million Bundt pans across North America.  To mark the 60th anniversary of the Bundt pan, Nordic Ware designated November 15 as National Bundt Day.

Get out your Bundt Pan and make a cake. There are so many different cakes to make using a bundt pan, and they come out beautiful too. You just can’t go wrong. Use #NationalBundtDay to post on social media.   #NationalBundtDay



AMERICA RECYCLES DAY

Each year on November 15, millions of people across the United States take part in America Recycles Day. The day raises awareness about recycling and the purchasing of recycled products.  The National Recycling Coalition created America Recycles Day was started in 1994. Each year, the President declares the day, encouraging Americans to commit to recycling. Since 2009, this day has been a program of Keep America Beautiful. Organizations host thousands of events across the United States to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and offer personal pledges that you can sign, committing to recycling and buying products made from recycled materials.

How we recycle and reuse products are important. For example, one-use water bottles flood America’s waterways and landfills at a rate of 60 million per day. Reducing this number can be achieved with water filtration devices and using portable re-usable drinking bottles and cups.

Reduce waste by repurposing and reusing old items. One of the bests ways to do this is by shopping at secondhand stores. Not only does it prevent items from ending up in the landfill, but it also saves you money. The old adage, “one person’s junk is another person’s treasure,” holds true. These stores offer more than you might imagine, from clothing and furnishings to kitchen items and replacement parts. If you’ve never shopped this way, consider it.

One area where we excel at recycling is aluminum. In fact, the U.S. recycles about 65% of its aluminum. That’s more than any other recycled item.

  • In America, 105,800 cans are recycled every minute.
  • Your television can run for 3 hours from the energy saved by recycling one can.
  • In 2019, an aluminum can was worth about 1.7 cents.
  • The industry pays more than $1 billion annually for recycled cans.

Your waste management professions are a wealth of information regarding recycling. They’ll give you the hard facts and steer you in the right direction, too. The role of waste management goes far beyond garbage collection. In each community, they provide various services and programs designed to protect and reduce the impact we have on our environment.

Recycle, buy recycled goods and help teach others the benefits of recycling and continue to do so each day! Use #AmericaRecyclesDay to post on social media.

The National Recycling Coalition created America Recycles Day was started in 1994. Each year, the President declares the day, encouraging Americans to commit to recycling. Since 2009, this day has been a program of Keep America Beautiful. Organizations host thousands of events across the United States to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and offer personal pledges that you can sign, committing to recycling and buying products made from recycled materials.


Monday, November 14, 2022

What's on your TV?

 Whatcha been watching lately?  We've found a couple of really good shows that I'm late to the party but would still like to share nonetheless:

  • Game of Thrones / House of Dragons -- this is the prequel to HBO's wildly, hugely successful Game of Thrones.  I liked it.  But then again, I'm a big nerd.  I don't want to spoil it but I jumped a mile at the big dragon sequence in the final episode.  Like, legit screamed and jumped all at the same time.
  • Lord of the Rings / Ring of Power (Amazon Prime)  -- again, I'm a big nerd so I enjoyed this.  A lot.  Especially since the anti-hero is female.  
  • Inside Man (Netflix) -- starring Stanley Tucci.  We started watching this limited BBC series yesterday on the plane ride home from Saturday's Ole Miss vs. Bama game (fantastic weekend BTW) and watched the 4th and finale episode when we got home.  
  • The White Lotus (HBO Max) -- I love a good ensemble show and this did not disappoint.  We also just finished the first season last night and will start the second season soon.  The first season stars Jennifer Coolidge, Connie Britton with Molly Shannon from SNL and beautifully highlights the sights and sounds of the island of Maui.  Jennifer Coolidge returns for season two but the location is now Italy. 
Sadly, Walking Dead comes to an end in a week but the Sex Lives of College Girls, Yellowstone  and Dead to Me all return to our screens so that's good.  



Tuesday, November 1, 2022

November 1

Tomorrow is November 1 so you know what that means!  Yup, It's Pop's Birthday,  All-Saints Day and Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).  It's also National Cook for Your Pets Day, National Brush Day, Autistics Speaking Day, National Author's Day, National Biologic Coordinators Day and Coach Cos's personal favorite day, National Calzone Day!  It's also National Deep Fried Clams Day, National Cinnamon Day and National Vinegar Day.  


#NationalBrushDay (sometimes known as Brush Your Teeth Day) follows Halloween, which traditionally is the single most significant day of candy consumption in the USA.  The simple act of brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes can have a substantial impact on cavity prevention. It also impacts a myriad of oral diseases such as gingivitis.

It’s important to encourage brushing after meals and especially after sugary snacks. Teach your children a two-minute song to hum while brushing their teeth. Some good tunes to learn are:

  • Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
  • Row Row Your Boat
  • Wheels on the Bus

Spend some extra time explaining the importance of brushing your teeth to children.  Replace your toothbrush.  Use #NationalBrushDay when posting on social media.

We all look at the world in our own unique ways. However, people with autism experience the world differently from most of us. They approach the world in often novel ways. Maybe one of the most important ways we all connect to and understand the world is through communication. Autistics Speaking Day on November 1 encourages autistic people to tell their stories using whatever means works for them. And everyone else is encouraged to listen, hear, read and comprehend their stories from their point of view.

On November 1, autistic people will flood the internet with their challenges and their celebrations, their interests and their dislikes. They will speak about their rights and advocacy in many languages. Some may speak with art, others with poetry or memes. They may also be speaking through podcasts. Their words and stories may be difficult to hear, but they will be speaking. But, most importantly, they will be speaking about themselves for themselves. And if you want to understand, it will be a day for you to listen.

If you’re autistic, join the movement. Tell your stories for friends and family to hear. Reach out through the internet and connect with others speaking on November 1. Take the opportunity to express your thoughts, feelings, fears and ambitions. When you do, use #AustisticsSpeakingDay to help others find your story.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network founded Autistics Speaking Day in 2010 as a way for autistic people to speak for themselves – to advocate, share their experiences and communicate openly about autism in a meaningful way. A post by Corina Becker in response to an October autism awareness campaign sparked the idea for Autistics Speaking Day. Both the day and the organization were created by people with autism, illustrating the importance of self-advocacy by those who live with autism every day. The observance is open to everyone with autism, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, their friends and families.

Biologic coordinators are some of the most important advocates for patients in healthcare—yet too often, their work goes unrecognized. That’s why, on November 1, National Biologic Coordinators Day will recognize the daily commitment of biologic coordinators everywhere.

Biologic therapy can be an important treatment option for patients. However, obtaining access to these treatments can be challenging, and patients often need help navigating the process. That’s where biologic coordinators come in. A biologic coordinator is a key member of a medical practice’s office staff. They can be a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant, medical assistant, or an office/practice manager. These individuals help patients navigate the sometimes arduous and complex process of obtaining access to prescribed biologic medications.

A biologic coordinator also works collaboratively with the patient, prescribing specialist, specialty pharmacy, manufacturer, and insurance company. Each step of the way, they guide patients through the many steps needed to start and stay on their biologic medication.

As a leader in healthcare, the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson is inspired by the connectivity, dedication, and compassion of these unsung heroes for the patients they work tirelessly to support.

You can show your support for these important patient advocates by sharing a story of, or photo with, a biologic coordinator using #BeCauseYouCare and #NationalBiologicCoordinatorsDay on social media.

Janssen launched the first National Biologic Coordinators Day in 2021 to make sure the work of biologic coordinators is recognized—not just among patients and physicians, but also among the industry and general public.

While being a biologic coordinator is a year-round job, the open enrollment period is one of their busiest times. Open enrollment is an annual period typically from November 1 to December 15 when people can enroll in a health insurance plan. In honoring and celebrating this important group of healthcare workers on November 1, Janssen hopes to establish a positive kickoff to this busy time.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Biologic Coordinators Day in 2021.

Monday, October 31, 2022

I guess I'm Iconic now, too !

It was definitely time for some new make-up (OK, maybe not "definitely" but I was totally bored with the make-up I've been wearing forever).  I've seen good things about the Iconic brand on social media so I decided to give it a try.  

Having "mature" skin, one of the things I like about ICONIC was the GLOW-giving products, loved by professional makeup artists, celebrities and influencers alike since 2015!  

Inspired by a passion for makeup and the exciting, limitless energy of busy, city life in vibrant London, the team at ICONIC London knew they wanted to create on-the-glow products that made their clients feel as good as they look with instant, Instagrammable effects.  Which means no dry, cakey product that settles into fine lines.  

Another plus for me is that all their products are 100% cruelty free.  All their brushes and hero Illuminator are totally vegan. 

So here's what I bought (and love!):

The Dream Skin Duo Bundle (currently on sale for $51.85; originally $61.00).  Prime and perfect your skin with the Dream Skin Duo. The must-have Underglow Primer uncovers your natural radiance with for fresh-faced, smooth, flawless-looking skin.  Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint is a lightweight, ultra-hydrating skin tint, that delivers a blurred and flawless, satin-matte, second skin, long-wearing finish for up to 12-hours.  

After moisturising, apply 2-3 drops of Underglow Blurring Primer all over your face or on any areas that are prone to shine and blend with your fingertips.  Next shake up Super Smoother before applying a small amount to your skin with your fingertips, blender or favourite foundation brush. Start in the centre of your face before blending out for a natural look.


Sheer Blush ($27.00)  Liquid blusher for a soft-focus, sheer, watercolour finish.  Make your glow pop with the ultimate complexion pick-me-up! Formulated with a plant extract known for its anti-pollution benefits, our water-rich Sheer Blush melts into the skin, giving cheeks and lips a beautiful veil of soft-focus colour.

The easy squeeze tube and unique gel-to-watercolour formula put you in full control of your blush. A dream to build and blend, this lightweight gel transforms into a liquid, releasing vibrant coated pigments that leave cheeks looking sculpted and lifted.  Squeeze a small amount onto fingertips and pat onto the cheeks and lips. Blend out over the cheeks using fingertips, a blush brush, or beauty sponge. Mix and build in sheer layers to create your perfect level of blush. I'm using Berry Boom but have a couple of other shades in my cart to mix and blend.  


The Illuminator ($41.00) Liquid highlighter drops with intense, shimmering pigments.  Whether worn alone as an enhancer, or mixed with your foundation, primer or moisturiser to create a "soft focus" effect, this lends light to dulled, lacklustre complexions, and looks stunning when blended along cheek and brow bones to accentuate the "high points" of your face.  Add drops of your Illuminator to cheekbones, tip of nose, collarbones and cupids bow.  Use your fingers to tap the product in, gently blending it for a beautiful high gloss look.  This super-versatile product can be added to many products in your makeup bag for a touch of luxe.  Finish the look with a spritz of Prep-Set-Glow and a sweep of the dramatic mascaras (which was complimentary with my order!).  

Don't forget! You can save up to 15% as a new client when you sign up for e-mails!



Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Surviving the Year


Good Lord!  If I can survive until the end of the year it will be a miracle.  I need to start taking vitamins or doing those IV treatments!  We have so much going on over the next couple of weeks -- hockey games, football games, basketball games, college football games, a couple of business trips and dinners, Thanksgiving, a concert and a trip to Vegas thrown in for good measure.  

We really love living in Southern California.  The weather is phenomenal!  We had some rain last week and it was glorious!  We went to the Monday Night Football game last night and I didn't even put on my new Chargers sweatshirt.  This morning I drove into the office with the sunroof open.  Plus, there's so much to do here.   Just last week we went to the LA Kings season opener vs. the Vegas Knights and the next night we went to the Anaheim Ducks season opener against the Seattle Kracken.  

I still have a lot on my Southern California bucket list (and then I have a Northern California bucket list): 

  • Catalina Island
  • The Poppy Fields in Antelope Valley (mid-February to mid-May)
  • Disneyland @ Christmas
  • Whale Watching in Newport
  • LA County Museum of Art
  • Solvang, CA
  • One of the Getty's (the Museum or the Villa)
Hopefully I'll get all this done before our next adventure!

Monday, October 10, 2022

Something to Celebrate

There's always something to celebrate in our household beginning October 11 but in addition to our family's birthday's and anniversaries, check out the following reasons to commemorate this week:


Monday, October 10  --  Indigenous People's Day (also World Mental Health Day, Canadian Thanksgiving, World Homeless Day, National Handbag Day -- my personal favorite day of the year!)

Appreciating and paying respect to the unique heritage and culture of those whose origins are native to the Americas, Indigenous Peoples’ Day offers the opportunity to honor, learn, celebrate and raise awareness.

History of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Honoring Native American people throughout the United States, Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first officially celebrated in the US in 2021, when US President Joe Biden became the first president to formally recognize the day. However, the idea for the day goes back much further.

In 1977, the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland sponsored the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. Part of the purpose was to begin celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, particularly with the idea of replacing the adoration and glorification of Christopher Columbus with recognition and acknowledgement of the native peoples of the land.

Columbus Day, which is an American holiday, falls on the second Monday of October in the United States, has been less revered in recent years. This is likely due to the fact that the indigenous peoples of the time had their lands and lives taken away from them by the settlers from Europe, and the American people are becoming more aware of the way history has been written only from the perspective of the white person.

In exchange for Columbus Day, many people in the United States have begun the celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day instead. Coinciding with the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus on American soil, a celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day was organized on October 12, 1992 in Berkeley, California. Many other cities and towns have accepted and implemented something similar in their communities, including places such as Los Angeles, California and Washington, DC.

At least twelve of the United States do not celebrate Columbus Day, and the state of South Dakota celebrates Native American Day instead. Tribal governments in Oklahoma have also made declarations regarding the celebration of Native American Day.

How to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day

A wide spectrum of ways for Americans to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day can be discovered and created. Consider implementing some of these ideas in honor of the day, or come up with some of your own clever ideas:

Attend an Indigenous Peoples’ Day Event

Those who have a family history as a Native American or other indigenous people should certainly take this time to celebrate their heritage! And those who don’t can definitely take the opportunity to support and enjoy learning more.

For people who live in certain places where the populations of indigenous peoples groups are strong, like Arizona, California, Oklahoma, South Dakota and many other states, it is likely that some exciting events, educational programs and celebrations will be on the calendar! Join in on a parade, learn a native craft, or listen to a lecture on history.

Even better, brush up on current events of the indigenous peoples in the local area to see what ways it is possible to learn more about their plight, make a donation or even act as an advocate to raise awareness in the community.

Re-Learn United States History

With the recognition that history over the first 200 years of the United States was written from the perspective of the white person, perhaps National Indigenous Peoples’ Day would be a time, especially for white Americans, to consider a different perspective. Get beyond what was taught in school and get educated on how the story actually happened before the territory of what is now the United States was settled.


Tuesday, October 11  --  Our 30th Wedding Anniversary / Our Niece's Birthday /  National Coming out Day (It is also National Sausage Pizza Day and Ada Lovelace Day - look it up; it's pretty interesting)  

For time out of mind members of the LGBTQ community have had to hide in fear for their livelihood and their lives. A constant fear of being rejected by friends and loved ones, as well as the community of which they are a part, has led to many of them remaining in the proverbial closet.

This means living a half-life at best, and hiding who you are from those who should be nearest and dearest to you. National Coming Out Day challenges this ancient standard, and encourages LGBTQ people everywhere to stand proud and claim who they are, and thus reclaim their lives and sense of pride.

Learn about National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day is not just a day that has been designed to help people feel comfortable about coming out about their sexuality. It is also a day that is designed to applaud people for their bravery, as well as help create awareness of the struggles and difficulties those in the LGBTQ community experience.

Even if you are heterosexual, you can use this day as an opportunity to let people in the LGBTQ community know that you support them and that you are proud of them. It is a day of unity and respect.

History of National Coming Out Day

It all started at… well… let’s be honest it all started pretty much at the dawn of time. Throughout the world people and cultures everywhere have had LGBTQ people in their midst, and in many of them they were openly accepted and embraced as natural, or even sacred people in their cultures. In the last couple hundred years the majority of the world’s leading cultures began to villainize them, growing worse with every passing year.

But in the last few decades all that has begun to change, courageous members of the LGBTQ community fought and worked to help gain their rightful place in the world, accepted as just another person rather than some kind of monster or dangerous pervert. Really, the battle they fight is for something much simpler, the ability to have a safe and normal life enjoying the same liberty as their more socially accepted neighbors.

National Coming Out Day was created by Rob Eichberg and Jean O’Leary as a result of the 500,000 person March on Washington DC for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The experience was enough to vitalize them and lead them to establish this holiday, which encourages all LGBTQ people and their allies to stand proud of who they are and to fight for a more equal tomorrow.

Every year there is a different theme, and so we definitely recommend taking a look at the theme for the current year when it is released. Some of the different themes that there have been include Talk About It, It’s a Family Affair, and Coming Out Still Matters. There are also a lot of events that go on throughout the world. You should be able to find out about the events that are taking place in your local area should you wish to join in with any of them.

How to celebrate National Coming Out Day

Throughout the world, there are celebrations being held of LGBTQ people everywhere coming out of the closet and loudly and proudly proclaiming who they are and standing side by side with their allies for a more equal and accepting tomorrow. You can get involved by joining them or by volunteering with local groups and organizations working to raise awareness and support the challenges faced by LGBTQ people in a world still struggling to accept them.

If you have been worried about coming out to your parents or loved ones for quite some time, National Coming Out Day could give you the push you need to do so. It gives you a good lead into the conversation. You can explain a bit about the day, and use this to help you tell people about your sexuality. You can also use National Coming Out Day to provide support to someone who needs it. If you know that someone is going to be using this day to have a difficult chat about their sexuality with someone, then make sure you offer them words of support and that you are there to support them.

A lot of people in the LGBTQ community who have already come out use this day to share their stories with people. If you feel comfortable, you can take to social media and share the story of how you came out about your sexuality. This can help people to feel like they are not alone and it can give people the support they need on a day like this. It can help to hear about the experiences other people have gone through when you are facing the same sort of situation yourself.

You can also use this date to raise awareness about the struggles that people in the LGBTQ community face. Whether it is bullying and discrimination or difficulties in the workplace or problems with their inner confidence, there are many things that LGBTQ members go through. A lot of people are not aware of these issues, and so you can use National Coming Out Day to try and change this. There are going to be a lot of infographics, videos, and other pieces of inspiring and insightful content available, so make the most of this and share it with your followers.


Wednesday, October 12  --  Coach's 55th birthday / National Emergency Nurses Day (also National Pulled Pork Day, Bring your Teddy Bear to Work & School Day, International Top Spinning Day and World Arthritis Day)

Promoted and sponsored by the Emergency Nurses Association and having originated in Australia back in 1989, National Emergency Nurses Day is now an international celebration, intended to honor the hard work and dedication of emergency nurses all around the world. Why do emergency nurses warrant special appreciation? Well, quite simply, because they make a huge difference to sick, injured, and even dying people every single day, offering vital assistance and support.

Nursing as a profession requires a special level of compassion and nurses working in hospital emergency wards face numerous difficulties during their working life, yet still, return every day to provide crucial care for those who need it the most. A special focus is placed on National Emergency Nurses Day, which forms one part of a wider celebration, called Emergency Nurses Week. Various events are held around the world, in order to give thanks and show support for those who choose to work in this essential profession.

Learn about National Emergency Nurses Day

As the name indicates, National Emergency Nurses Day is a day to appreciate all of the hard work that is done by those working in this profession. After all, it takes a special kind of person to work in this profession. You need to be able to take decisive action, think quickly, and have a strong stomach. Emergency nurses work in critical care emergency facilities, assisting doctors, and working with other emergency medical professionals to help people that are in severe pain and experiencing trauma that is potentially life-threatening.

Emergency nurses work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals, including other nurses and physicians, in order to advise patients, perform minor medical operations, use medical equipment, administer medicine, plan long-term care needs, monitor health conditions, and provide care. They also advise a patient’s family on the illness, as well as assisting with continued care after the individual’s hospital day.

When you consider their typical day-to-day duties, it is not hard to see that we have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to the work of emergency nurses all around the world, and so it is only right that we have National Emergency Nurses Day so that we can celebrate all of the work that they do and show our appreciation.

When it comes to allergic reactions, accidents, and other urgent medical care requirements, emergency rooms tend to be the first line of defense. Emergency nurses need to work quickly to make sure the patient’s needs are assessed and that their care is prioritized. Their first aim is to stabilize the patient. Once they have done this, they are able to diagnose the problem and start working on a plan to bring the patient back to health. It is a high-pressure job and there is a lot on the line. These incredible individuals are patient, calm under pressure, compassionate, and they boast exceptional critical-thinking skills.

History of National Emergency Nurses Day

National Emergency Nurses Day has been going strong for many years now. In fact, it first started in 1989, and it has been honored ever since. It was established by the Emergency Nurses Association, and it is part of Emergency Nurses Week. It is deemed as an opportunity for us to shine a light on and appreciate the outstanding commitment of emergency nursing professionals from around the globe.

Emergency Nurses Week came about in 2001, giving the Emergency Nurses Association the opportunity to really show the contributions that emergency nursing professionals make, and National Emergency Nurses Day is arguably the most significant date from this important week.

Speaking about this important day, the president of the Emergency Nurses Association, Patti Kunz Howard, PhD, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, NE-BC, FAEN, FAAN, said the following:

“We give an unsurpassed level of dedication and commitment to our patients. We give countless hours to our departments with all our focus and energy to improving our patients’ outcomes. We utilize our skills and knowledge to save lives. To my colleagues across the world, thank you for your selfless work in helping those that need your help the most. Today, we recognize your contributions that make a difference in your community.”

In order to thoroughly understand National Emergency Nurses Day, we should shed a little bit of light on the Emergency Nurses Association itself. This was founded in 1970 and it is known as the premier professional nursing association that is dedicated to leadership, innovation, research, education, and advocacy for the purpose of defining the future of emergency nursing.

There are more than 44,000 members of the association across the globe. The Emergency Nurses Association advocates for a number of important things, including patient safety, as well as guiding emergency healthcare public policy and developing industry-leading practice guidelines and standards. So, it is a pretty big deal!

How to celebrate National Emergency Nurses Day

There are a number of different ways that you can celebrate National Emergency Nurses Day. If you know someone who is an emergency nurse, you can use this day in order to make them aware of how much you appreciate all of their hard work and all of the effort that they put in. You could send them a greeting card, thanking them for their work.

Or, you could send them a small gift, such as a box of chocolates or something that you have handmade yourself? If you do not know any emergency nurses personally, you may want to consider making a trip to your local hospital and delivering some baked goods or something else that is going to put a smile on everyone’s faces, letting them know just how much you appreciate everything they do.

A lot of people also use National Emergency Nurses Day as an opportunity to fundraise for their local hospitals and medical centers. There are plenty of different ways that you can fundraise. You could decide to host an event. Fun runs and bake sales are very popular here, but you can get as creative as you like. So long as you have an idea that gets everyone involved and raises awareness, you have a winning recipe.

You don’t need to host an event in order to fundraise, though. There are many other things that you can do! For example, you may decide to do a bungee jump or skydive and get people to sponsor you, or you may sell a product online and donate some of the proceeds to your local hospital? The choice is yours!

We also recommend spending a bit of time on National Emergency Nurses Day learning more about the role of emergency nurses and why they are so critical. You can read up on the daily duties of emergency nurses, as well as the education and qualifications that are required to make it in this position.

You can also read up on some amazing tales of emergency nurses who have helped to save lives. Browse around on social media and you are bound to find a lot of fascinating information and heartwarming stories floating around during this week, so you can share these with your followers to raise awareness.


Thursday, October 13  --  KJ's 23rd Birthday / National Train Your Brain Day (also National M&M Day, World Sight Day, Disaster Day, National No Bra Day -- another personal favorite!)

Every day, humans have one particular “muscle” that can’t be taken away from them. It shapes everything they do and informs the details about how they experience the world around them.

In actuality, this isn’t really an actual muscle at all, but it is easily more powerful than even the strongest muscle in the body! The mind can make people sick, or make them well. It can drive them to see deception and paranoia in the actions of others, or simply allow them to perceive other humans just trying to get along in life.

National Train Your Brain Day recognizes the power of the mind, and how training it to be positive can change human lives as a whole.

History of National Train Your Brain Day

National Train Your Brain Day was created to bring attention to, and celebrate, the incredible power of the mind. Whether one chooses to look at the ‘power of the mind’ as being the ability to come up with creative new things, solve math equations, and design towering skyscrapers, or as the ability to change the way people feel and think about themselves and others, it’s undeniable that a mind is a powerful tool and weapon. 

Every day people are actively training their minds, teaching them how to react to situations, telling them what they are capable of, and even deciding how to interpret the feelings and actions of others.

With its ability to have such a profound effect on their lives, people should certainly be taking the time to hone and sharpen their brains every day. Thoughts and patterns can become ingrained in the mind, so choosing what and how to think is of vital importance for those who want to have the best and most positively lived the life they can. 

National Train Your Brain Day is a perfect reminder that how the brain feels, what it thinks, and how it reacts to the world are all choices that can be adjusted. This is the ideal day to try to train your brain to make the best out of it all! 

How to Celebrate National Train Your Brain Day

Although this is a great day to find the motivation to get started, training your brain is something that needs to be done on a regular basis by creating new habits. Consider these ideas to implement for National Train Your Brain Day that will make improvements on your mind that can carry you far into a better future:

Work at Training Your Brain

Keeping the brain healthy can come through all sorts of different exercises. The most important thing is to keep the “muscle” of the mind agile with various activities. Try out these interesting ways to improve the way the mind works:

  • Crossword Puzzles. Even just spending ten minutes on a word puzzle can help to boost memory and concentration, and even stave off the possibility of mental memory disorders or dementia. Fort those who aren’t big fans of the crossword variety, Sudoku puzzles and word searches have been known to offer a similar effect.
  • Learn a Word a Day. Choose a calendar or just pick up the dictionary and try to learn a new word each day throughout the year. It will expand the language centers of the brain–and it will just make you seem smarter to friends and coworkers!
  • Study a Foreign Language. Evidence has shown that learning a foreign language can help improve various thinking and memory centers as well as executive function, with the possibility of actually increasing the volume and density of the grey matter and white matter in the brain.
  • Get to Bed Early. People often don’t realize that their brains will function better when they have enough sleep. Even just going to bed 15 minutes earlier than usual can have an extremely positive impact on the performance of the brain. So, turn off that tv, put the phone away, and Train Your Brain to get to sleep earlier for the positive effects it will have on life.

Learn Some Fun Facts About the Brain

When sharing the celebration of National Train Your Brain Day with friends, remember these tidbits of information to share. This will help them see the benefits of the day and give the brain the respect it so deserves: 

  • It is estimated that the average brain thinks between 60,000 and 80,000 thoughts every day.
  • An adult human brain weighs only about 3 pounds.
  • Approximately 75% of the brain is made up of water–so don’t forget to stay hydrated for National Train Your Brain Day (and all of the other days too!)
  • The human brain is composed of approximately one hundred billion neurons.

Train Your Brain to Have a Great Day!

National Train Your Brain Day is best celebrated by starting the path to a brighter and healthier future, and it starts off by deciding what kind of day you’re going to have. When you wake up, decide how it will be best to face the day.

Don’t make the mistake of setting yourself up for failure, remembering that it isn’t beneficial to decide based on the actions of others or what life is going to bring to us that day. But it is certainly possible to choose how to react to it.

View situations that could be frustrating as opportunities that bring with them excitement to tackle. Finding that someone else is mean could instead be seen in the light of them having a bad day and choosing to feel bad for them without it affecting you personally.

The mind is capable of turning almost any limitation or situation into a positive, and it all starts with the choice to do so. So use this day to Train Your Brain to think positive!


Friday, October 14  --  National Dessert Day (also National Boss's Day, World Egg Day, World Standards Day and Vet Nurse Day)

So, What is more fun than making dinner or lunch? Dessert. It can be made with all things that are sweet and juicy or tart and sour and can come out in ways that are warm and soft, flavorful and crunchy, but it’s always delicious. You can indulge dessert with a range of chocolates, candy, or pastries, cakes, and cupcakes, and what about tarts and pies? Preparing them can make the wait for them all the sweeter, or you can grab a pudding or two on the go just to make the day that much brighter. National Dessert Day is your excuse to indulge in your favorite treats.


Learn about National Dessert Day

Are you a starter or a dessert person? If you fall into the latter category, you are going to love National Dessert Day. This day provides us with the perfect excuse to let our sweet tooth take over. You can indulge in as many desserts as you wish, and no one can tell you to do otherwise! What could be better? From pastries and cakes to chocolates and mousses; there is a dessert for everyone. What’s your favorite?

If you do a little bit of digging online, you will see that there are some interesting facts and statistics about desserts and the most popular choices. Of course, you have probably heard of tiramisu, which is the world’s most famous Italian dessert. What about Sacher cake, from Austria, or Baklava, from Greece and the Middle East? Research different cultures and try new desserts on this day!

History of National Dessert Day

The origin of the word dessert comes from the French “desservir,” a word which here means “to clear the table.” This, of course, referenced the dish that came after the clearing of the main dishes served as part of the meal. The earliest references to the term dessert being used are in the 1600’s and arrived at the same time as the concept of serving a meal in courses, letting each part of the meal be its own experience.

While it may seem like a no-brainer now, the idea of serving a sweet repast following the main meal wasn’t something that was always done. Those masters of decadence, the French, were known to serve a sweet wine as an aperitif, and it didn’t take long before the concept of sweet followings to the main dish became commonplace.

The birth of the sugar and honey trade helped to bolster the idea of dessert as it became easier to obtain sweeteners, though for a long time it was still known as a lush decadence reserved for the wealthy.

How to Celebrate National Dessert Day

National Dessert Day encourages us to celebrate by selecting our favorite delicacies and indulging in them, while also exploring the ever-growing number of options we have to experience in the world of sweets. There are so many to choose from cakes, pies, fried dough, chocolate, tarts, candy, jellied desserts, and pastries; it’s all about choosing how you make them and what to make, and maybe even where to make it?

Dessert can happen at home with family, or you can pick them up from your local store, and there’s always grandma’s house? The only important question on National Dessert Day is “What is your favorite dessert, and how would you like it?” Maybe there’s an old family recipe or something that the bakery down the street made fresh that morning. Whatever you decide, National Dessert Day is your opportunity to indulge in your favorite treats and maybe relive some old memories while doing so.

From rich chocolate to sweet strawberries, there are many desserts you can make on this day. How about Sticky Toffee Pudding? This is a British classic. For those that are unaware, Sticky Toffee Pudding is a delicious moist sponge cake that is made with finely chopped dates. The star of the show is, of course, the toffee sauce that is poured over the top.

If you fancy something a bit more modern, how about Green Tea-Coated Chocolate Mousse? Green tea is a massive hit in desserts at the moment. The Strawberry Cobbler is another dessert worth a mention. For something spectacular, serve it with cream cheese and warm vanilla seed custard. It is warm, comforting, and will melt in your mouth.

Or, what about Sicilian Lemon Tart? The balance between the sweetness and tartness in this dessert is spot on. We could go on, and on, and on, and on… after all, there are so many delicious and mouth-watering desserts out there! All you need to do is a quick search on the Internet and you are going to find plenty of exciting recipes to try on this day.

Another fun way to celebrate National Dessert Day is by watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When you think of sweet treats and chocolate, this is often the first thing that comes to mind. It is a great film, and it is something that all of the family can watch. So, prepare your dessert, whether it be an ice cream sundae or a comforting apple pie, and get yourself comfortable in front of the television so that you and the family can enjoy a good movie night together. What could be better?

If you are really feeling adventurous, you may want to try making your own dessert invention on National Dessert Day. After all, the best recipes out there usually started as a bit of trial and error. Get plenty of different baking ingredients in and have fun experimenting with different flavors.

You could even turn this into a bit of a bake-off competition with your family or friends. You can all have your own ‘workstation’ and then you can try everyone’s desserts to see who is crowned the winner. It’s always fun to do something a little bit different with your loved ones, isn’t it?


Friday, September 23, 2022

Libra Season

"The Sign of Justice but also a little flaky"

Libra (September 23 - October 22)


Today officially starts Libra season (unofficially AKA the Best season of the Zodiac).  

Libra (♎︎) is the seventh astrological sign in the zodiac. It spans 180°–210° celestial longitude. The Sun transits this sign on average between September 23 (September equinox) and October 23. The symbol of the scales is based on the Scales of Justice held by Themis, the Greek personification of divine law and custom.  She became the inspiration for modern depictions of Lady Justice. The ruling planet of Libra is Venus.  Libra is the only zodiac sign that is represented by an object; with the other eleven signs represented by either an animal or mythological character..  

Libra is the cardinal modality of the three air signs, the others being Gemini and Aquarius. The main connotations of planets under this sign are sociable, rational, and detached when dealing with situations. Libra is symbolized by the scales and is associated with the Roman deity Iustitia. According to the writer Manilius, Roman judges are born under the sign of Libra.

The Moon was said to be in Libra when Rome was founded and this was based on the historical passage, which state "qua condita Roma."  Everything was balanced under this righteous sign.[citation needed] Manilius once said that Libra was the sign "in which the seasons are balanced". Both the hours of the day and the hours of the night match each other.[citation needed] Thus why the Romans put so much trust in the "balanced sign".[8] Going back to ancient Greek times, Libra the constellation between Virgo and Scorpio used to be ruled over by the constellation of Scorpio. They called the area the Latin word "chelae", which translated to "the claws" which can help identify the individual stars that make up the full constellation of Libra, since it was so closely identified with the Scorpion constellation in the sky.



Libra Personality Traits (some accurate, some not so much)

Libra is an air sign represented by the scales (interestingly, the only inanimate object of the zodiac), an association that reflects Libra's fixation on balance and harmony. Libra is obsessed with symmetry and strives to create equilibrium in all areas of life. These air signs are the aesthetes of the zodiac: Ruled by Venus, the planet that governs love, beauty, and money, Libras adore high art, intellectualism, and connoisseurship. Suave Libras need to surround themselves with stunning objects and create environments that reflect their exquisite tastes. Accordingly, these air signs make excellent designers, decorators, art critics, and stylists.

Libra's are extroverted, cozy and friendly.  Libra's like the scales that symbolize the sign and are often concerned with attaining balance, harmony, peace and justice in the world.  With their vast stores of charm, intelligence, frankness, persuasion and seamless connectivity, Libra's are well equipped to do so.  They might be a little too easy-going and laid-back some times.  But, usually, they are typically dedicated works and leaders in their area.  They excel in "peacekeeping" professions because they have the rare ability to perceive all sides of an argument.  

Libra is an air sign and Libras are noted for their desire to be in the company of others.  Libras are extremely agreeable and honest who believe strongly in the importance of social connections.  Libras are among the most fascinating and intelligent individuals on the planet and they have a lot to give.  Libras are recognized for their charm, beauty and well-balanced personalities.  They enjoy putting things in order and making them seem nice.  They are also looking for a sense of balance and they mabe as self-indulgent as they are kind.   They carefully select their words in order to reach out to as many individuals and possible.  Libras have a strong sense of right and wrong.  They are committed to ensuring that every is heard and that things are balanced.  Particularly when it comes to group activities.  

Libra's desire for harmony might get in the way.  They'll spend hours evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of even the most minor actions.  They try to satisfy every one and this is often misconstrued as indecisiveness.  

Libra is a cardinal sign, which means Libras are accordingly great at launching new initiatives. However, because Libras consider multiple perspectives in all pursuits, these air signs struggle with indecision. Instead of constantly seeking outside perspectives, Libras would do well to develop (and trust) their own intuition. Their characteristic ambivalence aside, Libras can navigate virtually any social situation, effortlessly resolving conflicts by simply turning on the charm.


Libras in Love

While Libra's opposite sign, Aries, represents "me," Libra symbolizes "we." Relationships are paramount for Libras, who find balance in companionship. They love harmonious partnerships with fashionable mates, especially those who make attractive arm candy. (Libra governs the skin, and these air signs are highly motivated by physical appearance. There's no better way for a Libra to relax than with a luxurious face mask.)

Libras, when they are regularly coupled, must be careful about seeking attention outside the agreed-upon boundaries of their relationship. Since they try to keep everyone happy and engaged, they may find themselves tempted to push the limits of their agreements with their partners. People-pleasing Libras must remember that the happiness of their loved ones and the health of their relationships is more important than maintaining the attention of distant admirers.

Libra is represented by the scales, and these air signs strive for harmony in all relationships. When it comes to sex, Libra lovers appreciate a highly reciprocal dynamic. Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of aestheticism, and Libras tend to treat their partners like works of art, adoring both their bodies and minds. Libras value refined sensuality, so even the most flirtatious among them may insist on keeping the intimacy within the bedroom (fiery bathroom trysts are a little too crass for these elegant lovers).


Famous Libras

Celebrity Libras include Kim Kardashian, Will Smith, Barbara Walters, Bruno Mars, Michael Douglas and his beautiful wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, Hugh Jackman, funnyman Zach Galifianakis, Susan Sarandon, Julie Andrews, Bruce Springsteen, Olivia Newton John, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Eminem, John Mayer, Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Watts, Matt Damon, Ryan Renolds, Gwen Stefani, Zac Efron, Kate Winslet Serena Williams, Hilary Duff, Fran Drescher, John Krasinski, and Sting.  


Coming Up for Libras

On Thursday, August 25, chatty Mercury enters the sign, where it will stay through Saturday, October 29. Mercury is the messenger of the gods, darling Libra. The planet rules communication, and of course, is responsible for those pesky Mercury retrogrades. But when Mercury is in your sign, communication flows easily. Use these weeks to tackle conversations you've been avoiding, such as defining the relationship or asking for a raise. You're the sign of justice, Libra, but you're also an air sign heartbreaker who can be a little flaky and flirts nearly as much as a Gemini. Important romantic conversations happen naturally during this time, but you have to do your part, too. To get the clarity you crave in your personal life, cut off any extra flings.  

The sun enters the sign on Thursday, September 22. Happy birthday!  Make sure to treat yourself to some new makeup, and pair that glitter eyeshadow with your favorite party dress. It's your season and your responsibility to celebrate. Sunday, September 25, brings a new moon in your sign, Libra. As mentioned earlier, new moons mark fresh starts. As a result, it's the perfect weekend to throw a birthday dinner and have a dance party (while remembering pandemic safety protocols.) Birthdays are an excellent time to assess your life and see what improvements will make you even happier. Use this new moon and birthday weekend to identify desires and write down a list of intentions.   

Venus comes home to this sign on Thursday, September 29, where it will stay until Sunday, October 23. Pull out that list of intentions, Libra, because the stars want to sprinkle your life with abundance. Because you may receive financial blessings during this month, it's a great time to consider working with a financial advisor, or even make a proper budget. Money could be coming your way, but you don't want to burn through it. As your birthday reminds you, you're growing up, and it's time to act like an adult. 

Messenger Mercury enters Libra on Monday, October 10, staying in your sign through Saturday, October 29. This helps you find the right words in difficult conversations. In particular, because lover planet Venus is also in your sign during most of this time, your romantic relationships mature during this time. Talk about moving in together, opening up your relationship, or even marriage during this time. Consider working with a therapist to make sure that you nail these talks. As the sign of partnerships, you deserve to have everything you want, Libra.

Ceres enters your sign on Saturday, December 18. It will stay in Libra through the end of the year. Ceres is an astrologically-important asteroid that rules nurturing, food, and even grief. While Ceres is in your sign, you're asked to get in touch with all of those emotions that you've been tucked away and compartmentalizing. If you're still getting over a breakup or the loss of a job or a loved one, the end of 2022 sees you finally working through those emotions. Trust the stars, Libra. You'll feel so much healthier after you allow yourself to process your feelings. Stay safe, and see you next year!  


Tuesday, September 13, 2022

2022 Emmys

The Emmys were back last night and while I didn't actually watch the awards portion of the show, I'm always about the red carpet fashion!

Let's start with the stars of Yellowjackets:

Ella Purnell 
Simple, Sexy, love the color.  
I think she could use an accessory or two . . . maybe a thick bangle or an arm wrap.  

Sophie Thatcher
I like this.  
It's youthful, interesting color.  
I think the girls need a bit of a lift though.  

Melanie Lynkskey
The top half of this pic is an A+++.  
It's old Hollywood glamour -- the hair, the bodice, the jewels.  
And then we get to the bottom half.  
Melanie is so curvy and all woman.  Maybe a mermaid or trumpet bottom?

Sammi Hanratty
This gown is sweet, I like the color.  
I bet it has pockets.  

Liv Hewson
I'm kinda diggin' this.  
The cut and color look good, the shoes, her hair.  It's fun and a little badass.  

Christina Ricci
I love her in a bob with bangs but feel like we've seen this silhouette from her before.


I'm going to call this next category "The Next Generation."  Some of them understood the assignment, some of them need a tutor (or a stylist):  

Dakota Fanning 
This is so beautiful on Dakota. 
I love the structure of this gown and the hint of color against her skin.  
However, she would have looked positively regal if her hair was in an updo!  

Issa Rae
This gown looks gorgeous on Issa!  
She didn't over do it -- her hair, makeup and accessories are perfect!

Zendaya
The current Princess of the Red Carpet and definitely the Heir Apparent.  
What an incredible sense of style.  
She can do no wrong.  

Selena Gomez
Selena looks fantastic.  
I just can't figure out the earrings.  

Amanda Seyfriend
She looks fabulous!  
This color is gorgeous on her pale skin.  
Accessories, hair and make-up are perfect!

Julie Garner
This would have been an A+++ for me but she lost me at the belly button cut-out.  
From the waist up she looks so fierce and beautiful, very sexy and confident and the gown has an old Hollywood feel that I love.  
Her hair and make-up are on point.  
The length is perfect and I love the shoes!  

Ayo Edebiri
Super cute and yourthful!  Great color choice and I love the bow details and cape!

Rachel Brosnahan
Another fun and youthful choice.  
Great color and I love the detailing.  
Perfect jewelry choice as well.  

Naz Perez
There are a lot of great details going on here:  the accent on her shoes, her jewelry, the silhouette, the overlay.
The styling is very well done.  

Kaitlyn Dever
I love, love, love this gown but I don't love, love, love it on her.  
Maybe a bit too mature?  
Maybe some fun accessories like some great earrings or a fantastic ring?  

Lily James
I don't feel one way or another about this.  
Not sure how Pamela would feel either.
Maybe if she switched gowns with Kaitlyn Dever, it would remind people of a Baywatch swimsuit.  


Coming up next is our Experienced group of ladies.  This is not their first rodeo or first time on the red carpet and honestly, some of them should have known better.  

Molly Shannon
Very clean lines, her hair and make-up look great!  
The tie at the waist is perfect.  

Caroline Aaron
This is cute and fun!  
I'd totally wear this with some hoop earrings and rhinestone strappy heels.  
I'll bet it has pockets.  

Connie Britton
Everyone loves a cape!  So fun!

Hannah Waddingham
She was wearing sneakers under this gown.  
She must be extremely tall!
Do you think this gown has pockets?  

Cherien Dabis
I love everything about this from top to bottom!  

Kaley Cuoco
This.  Is.  A.  Hot.  Mess.  
There.  I said it.  

Juno Temple
This is just a simple, LBD.  
A different hairstyle and some great statement pieces of jewelry could have elevated this whole look.   

Patricia Arquette
This is quite lovely on her.  
Simple, elegant, clean lines.  

Sandra Oh!
I'm not going to lie.  I love this!  
I mean, purple.  
Sparkles.  Satin.  
Purple sparkles and purple satin.  
It's a total win-win!  

Kerry Washington
There is a lot going on here.  
I like the dress a lot but the hosiery and shoes and hair take a way from it.  

Jean Smart
She looks so glamorous and age appropriate.  
I love the accent at the waist. 

Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett always looks good.  This is a great color and shape on her.  
Clearly the drape at the waist was a "thing" at this year's Emmy's.  

Vanessa Bayer
This is showing up as a simple, almost flowered patterned frock, but I think it was all sequins IRL.  This photo may be a bit deceiving.  

Paula Paulson
One of the greatest, underrated actresses of our generation and she's dressed in a dentist's bib.  
I don't get it.  

Reese Witherspoon
She's so boring.  
Bless her heart. 

Rosario Dawson
This is another one of those "I love half of the dress" kind of situations.  
I love the sleeves, the color, the fabric choices and the skirt.  
There's something off about that bodice.  

Laverne Cox
I love Laverne Cox but this just isn't doing anything for me.  

Laura Linney
Another incredible actress who left the house in a dentist's bib.  
Although this bib isn't near as bad as Paula Paulson's.  
I like the turtleneck.  I like the fabric and the color combination.  Love her hair.  
I don't care for the ruffles up top.  

Mindy Khaling
This color is so beautiful on Mindy.  
Her hair and make-up look fabulous.  


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Some of My Favorite Quotes

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." -- Dr. Seuss

"Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful." -- Sophia Loren



"There must be quite a few things a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them." -- Sylvia Plath

“Life is too important to be taken seriously.” – Oscar Wilde

If people are truly, madly, deeply in love with each other, they will find a way.~Gilda Radner

“Never judge a day by its weather. Sunshine is uplifting; rain, nourishing; wind, exhilarating; snow, cleansing; hail, stimulating. Any weather is better than none.” -- Author Unknown

"Everything you see I owe to spaghetti." -- Sophia Loren

"I know I'm vulgar, but would you have me any other way?" -- Elizabeth Taylor

"After thirty, a body has a mind of its own." -- Bette Midler

"Cherish forever what makes you unique, 'cuz you're really a yawn if it goes." -- Bette Midler

“I know I can be diva-ish sometimes, but I have to be in control. The nature of my life, the nature of what I do, is divadom, it really is." -- Mariah Carey

"I want minimum information given with maximum politeness." -- Jackie Kennedy Onassis

"I've been called a diva, queen diva, diva supreme, and I love it. However, that's really for others to decide, not me." -- Aretha Franklin

"No one loves a party more than I. I am a people person." -- Aretha Franklin

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all." -- Jackie Kennedy Onassis
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