Lamps, Lamps and More Lamps…
My name is Beverly and I am a lampaholic! There I feel better! The word is out; show me a pretty lamp and I will do whatever it takes to find a place for it. Just this week, I got a lamp in that I saw on an ad that screamed, “BUY ME!!!” I was a good girl though, I got rid of two lamps that didn’t make me smile too much. The lamps that I said goodbye to were a plain little buffet lamp and the other was cute, but the shade never stayed on straight. I was patient with him though, I corrected his shade for years, but, he had his chance….he is now gone!
As a young girl, I remember my mom driving us through a beautiful neighborhood on our way home from church during the Christmas season. We would drive through the neighborhood because of all the lights in the trees. Each house had twinkling lights in every tree. I began noticing that most of the houses had their windows open and I enjoyed seeing the beautiful lights shining through the windows. I would always see a lamp on a table that would softly light up the room and oh, how cozy it would look. I so wanted to go in each home and see the beauty. I think that may be when my love for decorating began; while seeing the beauty from the streets into beautiful windows and the lamp lighting up the room. I always would tell my mom that I was going to have a beautiful house someday and decorate it perfectly. Even to this day, I get a cozy feeling when passing a house in the evening and see a lamp on as it reflects the beauty of the room.
Jim and I get tickled when we are shutting down the house for the night. We get a workout turning all the lamps off. I always like to leave one on in another room to give a little light if one of us gets up in the night. If you have guests, it would be a welcome feeling to see a little light far away from their room.
I would count my lamps for you to give you an idea, but, you may think I’m crazier than you already do, so I will just keep it to myself. I did have a guest one time and she mentioned my lamps and wondered how many I had. I simply said, “I don’t know.”
Lampshades are just as important. Those are hard for me to find as I don’t like just a plain lampshade. I’ve dressed plain lampshades up with large glittery pins, flowers, ribbon, trims, whatever it takes to make it pop. I have even tried putting fabric on the shades and am in the process of putting Christmas fabric on a shade this week. I had a lamp that was a bronze color and painted it a Christmas red. Now it is asking for a cute Christmas fabric shade. I hope it turns out like I think it should.
I hope you will take a look around your home and see if there is a spot for a lamp. Get in the habit of using lamps instead of an overhead light. It makes such a cozier difference.
My challenge for you is:
*Drive in your favorite neighborhood and see if you see any lamps shining through the windows. See if it gives you that feeling that you would like in your own home.
* Find at least one spot in your home for a lamp and decorate around it. I would love to see what you did.
*Do a lamp inventory. Do your lamps make you smile? If it does, yay! If not, do something to it to make you smile. Paint it, change the shade, embellish the shade or say goodbye to it and get a fresh one.
Lamps? Who knew they could be such a life changer.
Think about this verse….I love this verse!
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
I told you lamps were important!
If you missed the last post on the subject of Lights, click on the link:
Until next time,
Welcome Lights
On our first trip to Hawaii, we had a reservation for a hotel close to the airport as we would get in very late. When we arrived, the hotel was nothing like we had hoped and saw online. I’m a hotel snob….I’m extremely picky so you know what happened. I refused to stay there. So, we got our bags and headed back down to the desk and a miracle happened; they refunded our money. We got in our car and began driving to look for a new place. Little did we know that we would not find anything for another 4 hours as we drove around the island. We had never been there before so we really didn’t know where we were or how long it would take to find something. All we knew is the road was driving along side the ocean. The moon was reflecting off of the water and we stopped at a couple of places that looked like a bed and breakfast. They were closed of course and we kept driving. Around 4 a.m., I could see a cluster of lights down in a valley area. We decided to head toward the lights. As we pulled up, it was the most beautiful hotel. The girl at the open air desk was so kind and friendly. Such a welcome for two weary travelers. She told us we were getting one of their best rooms. At the time we could have cared less, we were just thankful to be somewhere safe and to get some rest. We got to our room and crashed. The next morning we opened the window and I can’t describe how beautiful it was. We had a corner room on a high floor with surrounding windows. We overlooked the ocean and it was breathtaking! When I think back on that adventure, all I can remember is those lights that we saw in the distance. How thankful I am for the lights and that we had sense enough to follow them. Of course, I know who was guiding us the entire time. All that to say, lights are important. I love lights of all kinds. I love them so much, that I will be writing about lights for a few posts on my blog. I hope you will follow along and we can be enlightened on a few things. How did you like my word that popped in my head just now…..enlighten? I love that word!
The way we light up our home on the outside is very important to us. I’m loving this time change where it gets dark early in the evening because not only things slow down and we can enjoy peaceful evenings more, but, I can enjoy all the lights longer. Yes, I’m one of the crazy ones that like the getting dark early time change.
Porch lights are important. We turn ours on as soon as they are needed. I do not want a dark house. I want it to look welcoming and having lights on outside to me, look welcoming and safe. I want our house to be like those lights that brought me comfort in Hawaii while looking for a place to stay. We like to walk in the evenings and it’s interesting to pass by houses that are completely dark. Such beautiful homes but, if they only knew how more beautiful their homes would look if they had some lights shining. Maybe it’s just me, but, you can’t beat beautiful porch lights reflecting the beauty of your home. It speaks coziness, welcoming, safety and a beautiful life is happening in that home.
Landscape lighting add even more to our homes. We had lights put on our trees. I love that look! We are now working on getting some soft lights that shine up from the flower beds onto the house. If that isn’t enough, we added “party lights” in our back yard. We have large windows across the back and looking out in the back yard with the lights on the trees and then the party lights glimmering, well…I just love it!
Have you ever been invited to someones home in the evening and you pull up and its all dark. You see some lights peeking through the windows and that lets you know someone may be home, but, you make your way to the door and you feel around for the door bell. Then someone turns a bright light on and after your eyes adjust you make your way into their home. What a difference it would make if when you pulled up and saw lighting around the house and you could clearly see your way up the walkway and as you ring the door bell you would have such a different welcome feeling, don’t you think?
Lights…..they are so important! I hope this encourages you to take a look at your home tonight and see what you can do to make it look welcoming and cozy to those that pass by or who are coming to your home for a visit.
*Drive around your neighborhood or other neighborhoods and notice how people light or don’t light up their homes at night. What are some things that you like and don’t like?
*Make adjustments if needed to your home to get the look you want.
*Take a drive around your block and take a look at your home. Does it make you smile? Go for a walk and as you walk up to your home, do you get that feeling that you hope others have when they see your home?
*Don’t save the lighting of your home for special occasions, keep your lights on each evening.
*Bonus! Invite someone over in the evening for dinner or dessert and have your lights set just right and see what a difference it makes. Of course, you probably won’t have anyone say, “Oh, your lights are beautiful, I feel so welcome here!” But, I have a feeling they will feel welcome the second they pull up to your home.
I hope you will follow along the next few posts as we talk about lighting. You are probably wondering, “What more can Beverly have to say about lights?” Well, I have lot’s to share on this subject that I only hope it helps you think about things differently than before or affirms your thoughts that you already have and not to mention, my brain is always thinking and it helps me to write about it.
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I can’t wait to hear what you are doing about the lighting outside of your home. Your home is a reflection of all that you are; let others see it.
Remember the song when you were little from Sunday School, “This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna let it shine, this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! Hide it under a bushel, NO! I’m gonna let it shine…..”
I love that song!
Don’t hide your home, let it shine!
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14
Until next time…
Fall 2021 Beauty Series – Self Care
If you love beauty products and trying new things, you have probably had fun in finding your perfect nail color, hair products, skin care and of course the even more fun part….make up! I understand some people would rather not think about any of that….you just do your best and get by with what you have to. That’s what makes our world go around….we are all different, we have our own likes and dislikes. I’m on the boat that loves it all! If I’m going to do something, I might as well enjoy it and have some fun with it.
I felt I couldn’t talk about beauty tips if I didn’t hit on the body image area…..Okay…this is where I don’t have so much fun. So, as you read this, keep in mind that I’m probably talking to myself. So here we go….I do pray that something I share is what you are needing to hear for encouragement or affirmation.
On the subject of basic health. If you have followed my writings for long, you know that I had a deep fear of doctors most of my life. I will say this, when I had my two babies, which everyone is always shocked that I actually went through that….I had the best OBGYN ever! I still remember him and his nurse. I had the best nurses at the hospital. Matter of fact, the same nurses were there when I had my second baby. Yes…they remembered me! Not sure if thats a good thing or not. They were the best. My main nurse had a name tag that is implanted in my mind. Ann Fear! Yes….I’m not kidding. The only time I went to the doctor before that was when I had to as a child. We just didn’t go to the doctor for much. When I was about 6 years old and very sick with I guess a flu bug and a dr. came to the house and gave me a shot. My brother had a cowboy suit on with his toy cowboy gun and told the doctor to leave his sister alone as I was basically running from him. I bet that was a wild visit for that doctor.
A dentist…oh my! I won’t share much…but, huge fear! As a child I had a really bad experience with a really mean dentist. Let’s just say my tooth he pulled flew across the room. That’s all I’ll share on that one. But, we had a neighbor who was a dentist when the kids were young. I went to him and he was the most gentle and kind dentist ever.
After my last baby was born, I went for a check up. Let’s just say I was horrified at the questions this doctor asked me. I was embarrassed, I never wanted to go for another check up again. I didn’t.
Last year opened up a new world for me. I went through several months of anxiety issues. I went to a doctor who is the husband of a dear friend of mine. He was so kind, so gentle and very understanding. Yes, he was shocked I actually went to a doctor. This began a few months of going to a gynecologist, dentist and even a natural health doctor. Yes, I even had a short stay in the hospital to have a test done. I have to say this…..I never felt so cared for and treated so kindly than I have at all of these various doctors and hospital. I know without a doubt the Lord blessed me in a great and mighty way. You just have no idea, the fear that had built up in me for doctors. You also have no idea, the amazing way that I felt total peace with every doctor and nurse I had to see last year. I’ve even been back for check ups. Yes, I break out in a sweat before I go, but, I almost skip out of their offices due to the peace and assurance I have felt. I know who goes before me. I can’t imagine not having that peace.
So here I am, encouraging you to take care of what needs to be taken care of. Even if it’s just a check up. You can do it. If you need encouragement, I’m here. If I could go with you, I would. Who would ever believe that Beverly would encourage someone to go to the doctor. I do have a long way to go in the fear area, but, I’m so much better, trust me. Deep down, I pray I never have to go back, but, I know check ups are important. Let’s don’t talk needles just yet, though.
Since this is October, we are seeing all the prompts to go have a mammogram, right? Lot’s of talk about breast cancer which will put the fear in to you for a month or so. I was encouraged by my natural doctor and friend to do Thermography instead of a mammogram. Yes, it was way out of my box and I just had to back my ears (as my mom always says) and do it. Yes, it’s embarrassing…..but, the peace of mind is worth it. Click here for more info on the office I went to for this. I can’t say enough good things about them! I follow their social media as well for much information and encouragement in the area of health.
That’s my crazy world on the doctor issue. Let’s move on as I’m now sweating just thinking about it all!
Now we come to diet and exercise. Yep, my other area of struggle. Okay, okay! I hate to exercise! I don’t like veggies or anything that looks strange. Yes…..I just got off the elliptical a few minutes ago and did some floor exercises, I try to walk each night a couple of miles and I try to eat healthy. But, put a croissant in front of me or a piece of chocolate cake and it’s all over! I am an emotional eater. I eat when I’m sad….I eat when I’m happy…..I eat when I’m bored. Breads, chips and mexican food are my favorite. I know! It’s a struggle. So in order to lose some weight, I have to say no to all of that and how hard it is. The I read after someone who says, “I just cut back a little and lost 50 pounds!” That hasn’t worked for me either. or….the weight loss groups…..I’ll lose, but the second I go back to eating normal….it comes back as fast as it left. The real story is, I have to make a lifestyle change. This is where it gets tricky…..I love my life….I’m happy…..so….making a “lifestyle change” is doubly hard. Again….I’m working on it. If it works, you will be the first to know. I’ll keep you posted. I’m not sharing my plan as I may change it a hundred times before something works for me. I never really had a weight issue until after my last baby was born! It’s all his fault. I’m laughing, it’s a joke. To have that little cute red headed boy, I’d gladly gain it all back again. Oh, wait…..maybe that’s already happened before….let’s move on.
Here is what I think it all boils down to. We can look great on the outside, but if we don’t feel good on the inside it will eventually show. We want to feel good on the inside so we can live long happy full filled lives. Don’t you think? How do we do that?
We make sure we are in good health. If not, we get it fixed. (yes, I’m a black or white person)
We exercise and take care of our bodies. We stay in good shape so as we age we can keep living that long happy fulfilled life.
We eat right. Our bodies need various things, so we make sure we eat properly.
We take vitamins and various supplements that make us stronger.
We think positive good thoughts. We fill our mind with good things so we have a good outlook on life.
Remember how I said to make yourself a research project. Do that today and figure out what you need to do to take care of the body God gave you. Study to learn some new things about health, be open to think outside of the box a little bit in the area of natural health. There is so much information; stay on track for what you need to do to live that happy healthy fulfilled life! Even with various ailments, you can still be positive and still be happy, healthy and fulfilled! Let’s do it!
Disclaimer*I’m not a doctor. Nor, could I never be one…I’d faint first! Take care of your body, it’s all you have. Pray, do serious research and talk to a doctor that you trust if you need to.
Did you miss previous posts in this series? Here are the links:
Don’t miss the next post….be sure to subscribe. The box to subscribe is on the right side of this post. If you have any issues feel free to contact me. Hope to see you soon!
Fall 2021 Beauty Series – Skin Care
When I was a young teen I washed my face with Camay soap. I don’t even remember putting a moisturizer on. I probably used hand lotion, I just don’t know. I do know that I loved Camay soap mostly because it had a cameo on it. I’ve loved cameos since I was a young girl. Show me a cameo and I want it! (I even wore White Shoulders Perfume simply because of the cameo on the bottle.) When I was about 15, my forehead broke out in little bumps. I was horrified. My mom took me to a Merle Norman boutique. We couldn’t afford much in those days and my mom splurged greatly and bought me the complete kit of face wash, toner and a moisturizer plus a bottle of pink stuff that was a mask to use once or twice a week. When I used the mask, I would hide in my room as it dried my face up like a hard shell. I always thought it looked like I had a severe burn accident on my face. When I would wash it off, my face would be red for hours. She also got me the make up. I used Merle Norman for many years. When it became too expensive while my husband was in seminary and those crazy years of zero money, I would use my favorite…Camay soap, Noxema (loved that smell) and Sea Breeze which would sting horribly. Then I would use Cover Girl make up. Aww…those were the days.
Many years later, someone invited me to a Mary Kay presentation. I loved the products and bought it all! I even signed up to sell it. I really did love the products. I was a Mary Kay consultant for 4 years and one day I just decided it wasn’t for me to selll. I’m still a consultant, but I just buy it for myself, family and friends.
I’m thinking about 5 years or so ago, I became bored with with the Mary Kay products. I love trying new things and I was always attracted to the pretty bottles and colors of other products when I was out shopping. I played around with Estee Lauder and Clinique. I always struggled with finding people that worked the counter that knew what they were talking about. It seemed they could care less what you bought and what was right for my skin. I kept trying other products though. I also tried Bobby Brown, IT and Elemis. I also have tried Rodan and Fields, which I love. Right now I am using Rodan and Fields lash booster. It really works, by the way. I am now back to using Mary Kay and I have my eye on another brand when I go through this last set.
I have another skin care set that I want to share with you. As you might have read that I love Southern Lady magazine and I have been to several of the conferences. There is a company that advertises in this magazine and at the conference this company always has a booth. I’ve been attracted to it for the way it looks and the story behind it and of course….it’s a southern company. Last year they sent me a sample set to try. I loved it. The only thing is while I was trying it out, was about the same time I went through a hard time with my health. So after I used it a few times, I set it all to the side and I just recently tried the rest of it. Click here to go to the Sapelo Skin Care site. I just love the packaging…that’s what always attracts me first to anything. The ingredients are natural and if your skin will look like the two ladies who created it….well…..it’s hard to not want to buy it all! Be sure to visit their blog as well.
I would love to hear what skin care is your favorite and if you are satisfied or looking for something new.
Now that we are in a new season and the weather is changing, this is a perfect time to make some adjustments in your skin care. If you are like me and you get bored easily, it’s a great time to try something new. I have dry skin and it gets even drier in the cooler months. I’m always looking for a moisturizer that is very moisturizing but not greasy feeling. If you use products from the department store, this is a fun time as most are offering special gifts with purchase. That is always fun. I have to be careful as I’m attracted to the beautiful colors and the special cases they offer. I’m a perfect candidate for marketing. Oh…..put a cameo on it and I’m SOLD! Or a PEARL….double SOLD.
A few years ago, a make up brand actually did their compacts of eye color and blush in sparkly cases with cameos on them. YES….I still have them…I bought several….I couldn’t stop myself!
Okay, back to our topic of skin care.
Now is a good time to set your sites on the skin care you want to use through out this season. Keep everything you use in one place. Some like to set it out, especially if it’s in pretty bottles on a pretty tray. I tried that for a while, but, I like a clear counter by my sink so I now keep it all in it’s own drawer in trays.
Go through all of your products you don’t and won’t use….time to say goodbye. I know…it’s hard!
Remember how we talked about doing research? Do a study on your skin type and the products that work best for you.
There are so many books and videos on make-up applications to try. If you know someone who does their make- up really well, ask them for advice. Be sure to keep your make up brushes clean. I clean mine once a week. Let’s don’t talk about all the cute make up brushes…yes…I just bought one that has glitter in the handle….yes I did!
If you have a young daughter, be sure to teach her early the importance of taking care of her skin. Make sure she is using products designed for her skin type. Teach her proper make up application. Never ever go to bed without washing face first. That’s a bad habit to get into. Yes…I did that as a teen sometimes when I was too lazy to wash my face at night…I remember mascara on my pillow….bad girl!!!
Once you find your skin care line and make up choices, be satisfied and content. I don’t think we should worry and always think we aren’t good enough. Just have fun with it.
I really feel sorry for young girls, okay, even us older ones in how we see models in ads, social media and on t.v. who are not really real. They are airbrushed…use filters and other things to look flawless. We can easily begin comparing ourselves when our skin doesn’t look smooth as silk with a beautiful glow and our lashes aren’t reaching up to our eyebrows while our lips are puffed up with the perfect shade of shiny color. The sooner we can learn to be content in who we really are, the better and easier life will be. Of course, isn’t it fun to try new things….who doesn’t want long lashes, smooth skin and puffy lips? We just have to keep our head on straight and protect our young girls from the comparison issue. How can we teach them that when we are comparing ourselves with filtered models? I know it’s a struggle!
Last but not least………You be you, everyone else is taken! Don’t take it all so serious, enjoy the process of taking care of you and finding just the right products that you love!
Previous Posts in this Fall Beauty Series:
#1 – Nail Care
#2 – Hair Care
Until next time…
Fall 2021 Beauty Series – Hair
Our hair is one of the first things people notice. If you are like me, if your hair is not cooperating for the day, you will just feel off. Maybe that’s just a me thing.
My hair is very thick, course and dry. So, I tend to like wearing it on the shorter side and I moisturize it constantly. I so admire people who wake up in the morning and just brush their hair and then style it for the day…..mine, not so much! I’m thinking because my hair is so thick and course, after I sleep on it it looks like I was in a tornado. I’m serious….ask Jim. Many times he laughs when I talking about my plans for the day and he’s looking at my hair in amazement. There is just no helping it. That is why I wash it each morning, so I can start fresh. I’ve learned to be fast in drying and fixing my hair for the day. If I’m too fast, it shows as my hair is just not cooperating for the day.
When I go to the salon I am always wanting to try a new hairstyle. Since my hair grows fast, my style will be outgrown in a couple of weeks. I always say by the time I get the hang of my style, it’s not working any more because it has already grown out. Yes, the struggle is real. But…..I’m not complaining….I’m thankful for my hair.
Are you thankful for your hair? Regardless the color, if it’s thin or thick, dry or oily, long or short; it’s important to love your hair. That doesn’t mean you can’t try new styles or even a new shampoo. Join me in working on not complaining about our hair. By the way, I feel led to share this….if you are going to a stylist and they complain about your hair texture or type….find a new stylist.
I was taught that if you haven’t had a compliment on your hair in a couple of weeks, then it is time to change your style. This could be an issue if you are around people who just don’t ever give compliments or notice anything. But, most women when out and about will notice a great hairstyle and will almost always compliment someones hairstyle. I was in a boutique recently and I walked past a lady that was checking out. She told me she loved my hair. I told her thank you and then she said, “Who is your stylist?” I then told her that I was from out of town and she said, “oh, no!” She was a sweet lady and the funny thing was it was one of those mornings to where I rushed fixing my hair and I didn’t feel up to par. Once she asked me that, I all of the sudden felt different about my hair. Isn’t it crazy how that works? We can really be our own worst enemy sometimes, don’t you think?
Something about this lady who complimented my hair. She was a bit older than me (I think) and her hair didn’t look bad at all. She seemed unhappy with her hair. She may have been having a bad hair day and didn’t feel good about herself. When I left, I was thinking about her and I had wished that I told her that I thought her hair looked great and if she just styled it a bit different, it would look even better. Her hair was flat and if she put some fluff in it and maybe tried some product to separate it, I bet it would have been pretty. I’m not a stylist, I have my own problems and I don’t know if that would go over in telling someone how to fix their hair. All that to say….take a look at your hair, does it just need a little fluff, a little product, using a flat iron or curling iron….just try some things and see how it works out. Speaking of curing irons. I used to always use one and I bought one recently thinking I would try it out again. I never felt so awkward and what a mess I made. It’s funny how you forget something that you used years ago regularly.
Okay, enough about my hair woes. Let’s talk about some things we can do to stay on top of our game where our hair is concerned.
It’s important to have a stylist you trust and who knows your hair and what you like and don’t like. You might need to make a change in that area if you aren’t happy with the results when you leave the hair salon. When you see someone that has a great style and cut, be sure to ask who they go to and maybe you can give them a try. Try to have a regular schedule of going to your stylist; depending on how fast your hair grows it could be 4-6 weeks between visits.
Fall is a great time to try something different or new. Try stepping out of your box a little bit. Have fun with your hair.
Have you ever done any research on your face shape? If you know your face shape, you can find certain styles that would look best on you. This also goes for the frame style of your eye glasses and even hat styles. Knowing your face shape is important.
Your hair color is a big part of your color code. Have you taken your color analysis yet? This determines the colors that look great on you or age you.
There are so many shampoos, conditioners and treatments available. Take some time to research and find something that works perfectly for your hair. Remember, you are worth the extra effort to find just the right products for you. In order to be confident and comfortable in who you are….you need to know all about you. You deserve the extra effort and time. Make yourself a research project!
This is a good time to go through all of your hair products that just aren’t working and get rid of them. Clutter with all of our hair products can make getting ready a struggle sometimes. Can you tell I’m talking to myself right now? I love trying new things, so I always make sure I don’t hang on to things that just clutter up my space.
Try to make it a habit to fix your hair each morning; even if you aren’t going anywhere for the day. It will make a difference in how you feel about yourself. Plus, you never know when someone will drop by! You can ask me how I know this to be true!
This fall season, make it the one that you revive some things you’ve let go. We’ve all been in a strange time over the past year and a half and it’s time to crawl out and find you again and what makes you smile when you look in the mirror.
“I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
If you are on Pinterest; make a board of hairstyles that you would love to try someday. Click here for my hairstyle board for some inspiration.
If you missed previous posts in this series, here are the links.
Until next time,
Fall 2021 Beauty Series – Nails
Happy Fall! What a beautiful time of year; the changing of the weather, leaves on the trees, pumpkins, cozy blankets, delicious soups, yummy spice candles and…the list could go on and on. I just love it all, don’t you? What’s your favorite thing about fall?
As I was contemplating my new series on Beauty and Fashion, I thought I would just write each day this week on a different topic that hopefully will be of interest to you. To me, fall is like a fresh start. Really each new season is….it’s a good time to make some changes in our wardrobe, our style, freshen up our makeup with a few changes and of course how can we not talk about the beautiful styles and colors for fashion this season. Let’s get started and have some fun.
I’ll be doing the challenges along with you each day as well. I’m always looking for new ideas and trying new things. I never want to stop learning and improving in areas that need improving…….or just something fresh….I love change, can you tell?
How are your nails looking?
A few years ago, I had acrylic nails. I always loved how they looked with such beautiful colors and it would last forever. I wore them medium length. Long enough to still be able to do things around the house and work on my computer. I wore rubber gloves when I cleaned and washed dishes. Which, rubber gloves are always a good idea when cleaning and washing dishes. After a few years, I decided to give them up. I didn’t enjoy the process, I only loved the outcome. Sitting there for an hour or so and having that drill on my nails made a nervous wreck out of me. Not to mention the expense. What a nightmare my real nails were after taking them off. It took a good while to get my nails healthy again. I recently tried the dip on my nails, but, I had grown used to not having to sit for so long having nails done, I just didn’t think I could go back to that. Even the scheduling time at the salon when you are going out of town, etc. was more than I wanted to do. I confirmed it just wasn’t for me anymore.
If you love having your nails done, I am so happy for you. I think they are just beautiful.
After I got my nails back in shape; it took some getting used to being careful in not breaking a nail. My nails aren’t weak and they aren’t super strong. So needless to say, to have them all one length is a miracle. About the time they are all the same length I will break one and I am one of those that has to have all my nails the same length. It’s a never ending process. I keep files around the house everywhere, so when the break happens, I can fix it immediately.
I also keep polish on my nails. I love color and I think it looks so much more put together to have color on my nails.
Fall is a great time to try some darker colors. For me, I don’t like super dark colors on shorter nails, so I go with the lighter shades of a gold, beige or bronze shade of color.
If you know your correct color code for your hair, skin and eye color, you might stay within those shades for your nails. My color code is soft, so I choose softer colors so they go with my clothing colors and skin better. (At the end of this post, I’ll have the link to determine your color code.)
Do you paint your toenails? The fall and winter is a good time to go without polish on our toes in order to let them have a rest and get healthy. But….I don’t like seeing plain toes…I have to have color. I tend to go darker on my toes if I don’t do the same color on my nails.
A good file is important. I like the glass files and an old fashioned emery board works great. Be gentle when filing, you can do some serious damage and lose the shape of your nail. Your toes should be filed straight across and your nails can have an oval or square shape to them. For me, I like the oval.
Since we are talking about our toes, we might as well take care of the bottom of our feet. If you don’t get regular pedicures, you might want to take care of the rough, dry skin on bottom of feet yourself. You will feel much better when your feet are all soft and silky. I put foot cream on my feet every morning after showering. I also have one of those pedi-eggs that takes the dry skin off. Recently, I purchased one of those grate things that the nail salons have, but, I’ve been to scared to use it….it looks pretty dangerous. I guess I could use it to grate cheese because that is exactly what it looks like. It’s been in it’s little bag since the day I got it. Yikes!
“…How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15
Hand cream is so important on your hands. With colder weather coming, it’s very important to lotion your hands on a regular basis. I keep little tubes of lotion around the house and in my purse for a quick treatment. Not to mention with us all washing our hands constantly, they need moisturizing. Hands are one of the first things to show aging, so the younger you are in getting in the habit of applying lotion to your hands the better. Make it a habit for sure.
I discovered a wonderful gel polish a few years ago. Sally Hansen gel polish and top coat is what I’ve been using for a long time now… and it comes in a few shades that I can wear. I also like the polish remover that comes in little packets. They are presoaked in the solution and it just seems easier and much faster than getting it out of the bottle. By the way, this polish will last a week and sometimes longer….depends on how active I am with my hands and if I remember those gloves when I wash dishes. )
As you can see, when it comes to nails, I’m simple, but, I love a beautiful nail color and keeping my nails in shape. I don’t want to spend a lot of time on them and I don’t miss sitting at the salon at all. Every now and then I like to go for a little pampering. I’m always on the lookout for a salon that is clean, peaceful, safe, beautifully decorated and not rushed! Who me? Picky…..yes, I am. I think at 62 I can be picky, right?
I hope you are inspired to take care of your nails and try out a new beautiful fall color. You are worth it! It’s the little things.
I hope you will give yourself a good pedicure and manicure, either yourself or at the salon.
Choose a nice fall color that goes with your color code.
While you are at it, clean out your polish drawer or however you store your things. I have a drawer that is just for polish and all the tools, etc. I love polish, so I have to go through it every now and then and get rid of what I’m not going to use and take inventory of needed items. Anyone want a foot grater? Ouch!!!
Find a foot and hand lotion you love and keep plenty and get in the habit of using them regularly.
Start using gloves to clean and wash dishes with. I know it feels weird at first, but you will get used to it.
If your nails chip… time to fix it asap. This is one I have to work on a lot!
I found this precious poem!
Her Hands
Her hands held me gently from the day I took my first breath. Her hands helped to guide me as I took my first step. Her hands held me close when the tears would start to fall. Her hands were quick to show me that she would take care of it all. Her hands were there to brush my hair, or straighten a wayward bow. Her hands were often there to comfort the hurt that didn’t always show. Her hands helped hold the stars in place, and encourage me to reach. Her hands would clap and cheer and praise when I captured them at length. Her hands would also push me, though not down or in harm’s way. Her hands would punctuate the words, just do what I say. Her hands sometimes had to discipline, to help bend this young tree. Her hands would shape and mold me into all she knew I could be. Her hands are now twisting with age and years of work, Her hand now needs my gentle touch to rub away the hurt. Her hands are more beautiful than anything can be. Her hands are the reason I am me. – Maggie Pittman
May our hands always be loving hands and our feet always going to share the good news.
Click here for the Color Analysis
Until next time….
