Thursday, July 31, 2008

Quotes For The Day,

You have to have funny faces and words, you can't just have words. It is a powerful thing, and I think that's why it's hard for people to imagine that women can do that, be that powerful.

Ellen DeGeneres

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Quotes For The Day

Sometimes you can't see yourself clearly until you see yourself through the eyes of others.

Ellen DeGeneres

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Girls Weekend-Retreat

Girls Weekend

This past weekend we had a "Girls Weekend". There was 6 of us we went to my cabin up north for some R and R. We had only 2 rules there was to be no talk of work/jobs or discussion of men/husbands or former husbands. There was no agenda of activities. The day and evenings where open to come and go do the things each one of us enjoyed.

Some of the actives we did was swimming, golfing, hiking, biking, miniature golf, bingo, dancing, drive in movies or just sit back have a glass of wine and read a good book. There was even discussion of faith and religion. Many paired of and did activities together. In the evening we had great discussions around the bon fire. Tried to solve many problems of the world. Reconnected as good friends. A few of us where scolded (myself included) for not staying connected or in communications with others.

I was soon forgiven, but looking back it was true I had lost contact with a couple of my friends. Mostly because of the controlling marriage I had been in. My ex husband had isolated me from these friends that are dear and wonderful people.

We have a span of over 20 plus years together. We had lived on the same street together, and some of us had worked together. We had been there over the years to watch our children grow, go off to college get married and the enjoyment of grandchildren. 2 of us had gone through a divorce, 1 had remarried, while others suffered and survived cancer. You might call us another version of "desperate housewives."
4 of us have lost our own mothers and we realized we are now the generation we had always envisioned our parents at. We all had empty nest homes. This was a good time in our lives we felt young vibrant. We laughed so much that we had tears of joy, there where giggles, humor, and good debates on different subjects.

When you get 6 women together there is always going to be room for good discussions. We each have our own opinions. And we all discovered many of us had change our opinions from what we believed 20 years ago.

All in all this was a great weekend and bonding. We reconnected as women, mothers, grandmothers and most of ALL GOOD FRIENDS

Monday, July 28, 2008

Quote For The Day

One must desire something to be alive.

Margaret Deland,

Sunday, July 20, 2008

What is Your Destiny

What is Your Destiny's.

Sunday 7-20-2008

I went to church that morning. The sermon hit me like a nail and hammer. What is your destiny?

Your destiny is what you create it to be.

Sundays are usually the longest day when you are single/divorced. You can make the day what you want it to be. Along with that what is your destiny just to sit and have self pity or to get up and live and dance to a new life song. The choice is yours!

As for myself..this was how I spent my Sunday. Remember you only can take life one day at a time.

That afternoon I went to the movies with a good friend. We saw Wall-E silly but fun show. It was one that was simple and you can laugh and have a good time with. After the show we went for a burger. Yes simple, but enjoyable. We talked of the show and our lives. Good advice shared on simple things, auto repair, weather, and recalling other old movies with animation creatures in them. One came to mind was a robot called No.5. Neither one us could recall the name of the movie. It was one of those items you know you should know it but just can't think of it. We came back to my place to research on the net. our search term was "Movies robot No5." there it popped up "Short Circuit".

The rest of the evening was spent with conversation, good laughs and atruly enjoyable with a good friend. What a great way to round out the weekend or on the other hand start a new week.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

While I Still Can Dance.....


>While I Still Can Dance....

I will share your hopes and dreams and desires.
I will belive that you can turn your dreams into reality.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Women Use Friendship to Tackle Domestic Violence

Women Use Friendship to Tackle Domestic Violence

- Whoever first said that “a friend in need is a friend indeed” certainly knew what she (or she) was talking about. Good friends encourage you to live your dreams, and stand by you through good times and bad. And, as one recent poll shows, women are most likely to confide in a friend when they are facing violence in their home.



“Women draw support from friendship on so many levels, from sharing beauty secrets and common experiences to dealing with life’s ups and downs,” says Shelley Simmons of The Body Shop, whose recent global survey revealed that 59 percent of women are most likely to confide in a friend if affected by domestic violence. “Social misconceptions about domestic violence may make women feel more comfortable confiding in a friend whom they can depend on for caring, nonjudgmental support.”



No one is certain exactly how common domestic violence is since many cases probably go unreported. The U.S. Justice Department, however, estimates the number of annual cases somewhere between 960,000 and 3 million. Across all age groups and social strata, women experiencing violence in the home are far more likely to turn to a friend for help than anyone else, including police, health care providers and support groups, The Body Shop survey shows.



“With the approach of International Friendship Day in August, it’s a great time for women to get educated on how to recognize the signs of domestic violence and what to do to help a friend going through it,” says Simmons. The Body Shop’s 2008 Stop Violence in the Home Campaign focuses on how friendship can provide a lifeline to women in crisis, and promotes education on how women can help each other if they are facing domestic violence. Also, for every “For Me, For You” Shea Lip Care Duo sold, the company will donate $9 of the purchase price towards domestic violence prevention, education and rescue.



Tell-tale signs a woman is experiencing violence in the home include:



* She has become quiet or withdrawn from friends.

* She ends phone conversations suddenly when her partner appears.

* Her friends feel unwelcome or tense when her partner is around.

* She shows signs of difficult-to-explain bruises or cuts.

* She has mentioned that her partner is possessive or jealous.

* Socially, she begins to see less of her friends.



“Once a friend confides in you about violence in her home, there are many things you can do to help her,” Simmons says.



* Be patient. Listen, but don’t judge. She must make decisions about her life in her own way and her own time.

* Don’t be critical of her partner, as this may make her feel ashamed and prevent her from confiding in you again.

* Don’t give up if you lose contact with her for a while. She may temporarily retreat.

* Tell her that the violence isn’t her fault; it’s a choice and her partner is the only one responsible for his behavior.

* Remind her that domestic violence is illegal and the police have to investigate. Encourage her to seek confidential help from the police.

* Continue to support her and don’t give up on her. You may be her only lifeline.

* Finally, if you suspect she is in immediate danger, you have no choice but to go to the police. Saving her life trumps saving the friendship.



“You may not know someone who is dealing with domestic violence, but it’s still possible to help those who are,” Simmons says.



First, education is key. Teach your teen girls that domestic violence is never acceptable. Second, be the best friend you can be; you never know what emotional challenges a friend faces. Simply by sharing love, support and fun times, you could be giving support to a friend who needs it, even if you don’t know it yet.



Finally, support causes that raise funds for victims of domestic violence. “Not only does buying a ‘For Me, For You’ Shea Lip Care Duo support efforts to end domestic violence, it’s also a great way for someone to show a friend she cares and give her a gift that will make her feel good about herself,” Simmons says.



To learn more about how you can support the fight against domestic violence, or to find a store of The Body Shop near you, visit www.thebodyshop.com.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Celebrate the Queen Bee in all Women


Celebrate the Queen Bee in all Women



Although moms get their own special day of recognition every May, what about all of the other women that help make the world go ‘round? Grandmothers, sisters and best friends all deserve to know how much they are appreciated on a daily basis.

The summer months are dotted with special days dedicated to the ladies. This summer, declare all of the women you know a queen bee and celebrate the things that make them beautiful – inside and out. Keep these dates in mind and surprise her highness with a day of pampering.

Gorgeous Grandma Day – July 23
Girlfriend’s Day – August 1
Sister’s Day – August 3

Natural beauty is easy to attain with an item you most likely already have in your kitchen cupboard – pure honey. Used by itself or with a combination of ingredients, honey can help moisturize, ward off unwanted bacteria and help give your skin an all-over natural glow. Not only is honey a humectant, it also contains vitamins, enzymes, minerals and antimicrobial properties, making it one of the more natural ways to indulge your skin.*

Christopher Watt, Hollywood aesthetician to stars such as Halle Barry and Jennifer Lopez, has developed a database of recipes especially for the National Honey Board that focuses on natural ingredients and easy do-it-yourself directions.

* Not a significant source of vitamins, enzymes or minerals.

RECIPES:

The Honey and Gold Luxe Facial

Ingredients:
1/3 cup pure honey
1/4 cup papaya, peeled, seedless (optional)
1 banana (optional)
1 Tbsp. Chamomile tea (optional)
24-karat gold leaf sheets

Treatment Instructions:
Steep 1 Chamomile tea bag for 5 minutes and set aside. Mix together honey, papaya and banana in a small bowl. Add 1 Tbsp. Chamomile tea; mix until completely blended. Apply to clean skin in circular motions. Leave on face for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove using tepid water. Apply gold leaf sheets to entire face and neck. You may need to use tweezers to handle as the gold sheets are very thin and delicate. Leave on skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse. Skin may appear shiny after application. If desired, wash face with a gentle cleanser. Apply moisturizer.

Note: Honey may be used alone on clean, damp skin prior to the gold leaf application.

Golden Honey Body Polish

Ingredients:
1/2 cup pure honey
1/2 cup Dead Sea Salt (can substitute Epsom Salt)
2/3 cup grape seed oil
24-karat gold leaf sheets

Treatment Instructions:
Combine honey, Sea Salt (or Epsom Salt) and grape seed oil. Crush 2 to 3 sheets of 24-karat gold leaf until almost powder consistency; add to honey mixture and combine. Apply in bathtub or shower to damp skin. Work the mixture in on rough areas such as elbows, knees and the soles of your feet. Rinse with warm water. Towel dry and apply moisturizer.

Note: You may also add the crushed gold leaf to further enhance your favorite moisturizer.

Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath

Ingredients:
1 cup sweet almond oil, light olive or sesame oil may be substituted
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup liquid soap
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

Treatment Instructions:
Measure the oil into a medium bowl. Carefully stir in remaining ingredients until mixture is fully blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. Shake gently before using. Swirl desired amount into the bathtub under running water - then step in and descend into a warm, silky escape.

For additional beauty tips and recipes using pure honey, visit http://www.honey.com/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Friday, July 4, 2008

Women and Mid-Life Divorce


Women and Mid-Life Divorce


It’s supposed to be forever, for richer and poorer, for better and worse, in sickness and in health, and until death do you part. However, far too many women are finding that when they reach mid life, they are facing divorce. The reasons are many, and sometimes, it may difficult to determine one exact cause why a marriage may end, however one thing is certain, women who are facing divorce must take care of themselves and move on with their lives.

Divorce is equivocal to death. In fact, it is normal to expect that there will be a great time of sadness and even a grieving stage when divorce first takes place. It will take time for women to realize that their relationship has finally ended. Even if the woman knows and understands that the divorce is final and that there is nothing she can to do to change the circumstances or situation, she will still face a period of grieving. The important thing is to recognize the signs of normal grieving and be wary of letting that grief and sorrow turn into depression.

When a woman faces divorce, she must be on the look out for becoming depressed. One of the best things that she can do is get out of the house and become active. Whether it is volunteering in her community, spending time in church or social activities, or just enjoying a day at the theater, women must not stay inside lest they begin to lose hope and vision for the rest of their lives. It’s also important to realize that you are not alone. There are many other women who are facing the same thing that you are. If you feel that you are becoming increasingly sad, you may want to meet with other women who are experiencing mid life divorce. There are many divorce support groups, check with your local community recreation center or church to see when the next meeting is. Sometimes just having someone to talk with is the best therapy of all, and you’ll make new friends.

Taking the time to nurture yourself is one of the most important steps you can take. Many women, who are in their middle years, have spent their time taking care of children and their husband. Once their nest becomes empty and they face divorce they can become very depressed. Instead of giving in to this sadness, take the time to learn something new. Don’t let this be a time of sorrow, but make it a time of joy. Consider if there is a hobby or craft that you’ve always wanted to learn. Take a class in your community. Not only will you get out of the house, but also you’ll be focusing your mind on other things, and staying active. You’ll more than likely meet new people and will feel better about yourself.
It’s also important to make sure that you don’t overeat and take care of your health. When women become sad it is common to turn to food, excessive sleep, and a lack of exercise. This is the worst thing that you can do. It’s a good idea to get out of the house every day, watch what you eat, and make sure that you get plenty of sleep each night. By taking care of your physical health, you’ll be able to withstand the emotional stress that comes with divorce. By spending time with friends, getting out, and engaging in activities you’ll find that you’ll begin to heal from the divorce and move on with your life more easily.

A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land.
Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified.
Marcia is the founder and publisher of a Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents web site “Faithful Grannies.com”, Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, and Work At Home Moms Choices-WAHM Choices.com . She is a well known published and featured author through out the internet.
Marcia’s successful home based businesses now allow her time and freedom to pursue her personal and professional interests. Marcia’s vast knowledge of the cottage industry, internet, and marketing has created success in the business world both on and off the internet.