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Neal's Yard Remedies Independent Consultant Sue Kaup

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January 17, 2021 by Sue Leave a Comment

Valentines With Stampin’ Up Hot Dog Stamp Set

Stampin' Up | Hot Dog Stamp Set | Valentines | Hand Stamped Cards | Paper Crafting | Card Stamping

A Blue Bottle Stamping post!

Once Christmas is over, it’s time to think about Valentine’s Day! The new Hot Dog photopolymer stamp set was my inspiration for Valentines this year. The sweet little heart stamp is just begging to be used on a Valentine! This Hot Dog Stamp set is so versatile!

Stampin' Up | Hot Dog Stamp Set | Valentine's Day Cards | Card Making | Card Stamping

I love to start with Kraft paper card stock. So versatile! And I hope you didn’t hide away all your holiday designer series papers, because those red prints come in handy for Valentines. Designer Series Paper Brights would work as well. I used the Real Red Classic Stampin’ pad. Additional supplies I used are an old wood stamp for the greeting, a bit of washi tape and baker’s twine.

Hot Dog Stamp Set | Stampin' Up | Valentine Cards | Card Making | Card Stamping | Hot Dog Stamp Set Hot Dog Stamp Set | Stampin' Up | Card Making | Valentines | Card Stamping

I started out by cutting circles with my die cutter to stamp the dogs on. The photopolymer stamps make centering your stamp so easy, unlike the wood stamp I used for the greeting. I need to remember to stamp first, then cut out as you can see I struggled to center the ‘love’ stamp! I colored the dogs with our Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack. The Ivory Card Stock worked with the Stampin’ Blends far better than the scrap of white paper, which tended to bleed. Below is the basic layout, and you could stop here and call it done. I used one and a half-two inches of the red print down the middle, and a bit of washi tape under the greeting.

Stampin' Up | Stamped Cards | Cardmaking | Hot Dog Stamp Set | Valentines | Paper crafting

I wanted to add those cute little hearts, so I stamped those kind of random, and added a baker’s twine bow to the dog with a mini glue dot.

Hot Dog Stamp Set | Stampin' Up | Cardmaking | Stamped Cards | Valentines

So I was ready to leave it go at that, but the circles the dogs were on didn’t pop quite as much as I hoped. I thought a band of red print would be enough, but I decided to try cutting a slightly bigger circle in another random red print. Also, the dogs kind of appear to be floating, so I added a shadow underneath. You could put a few blades of green grass, but I didn’t really want to add another color.

Hot Dog Stampin' Up Stamp Set | Hand Stamped Valentines | Stampin' Up | Cardmaking | Card Stamping

So that’s how I will finish the rest. Inside I plan to stamp the phrase from the Hot Dog set that says “I love you – that’s the long and short of it.” As a Basset Hound owner, I love the short legged pups. My brother-in-law’s comment about Rosie, our pup, was she’s half a dog high and a dog and a half long. I’m making a total of 6 with this basic design, so the first 2 maybe aren’t quite as cool, but I always say, done is better than perfect. If I waited to get them perfect, I’d never finish any, lol!

So what are you stamping for Valentine’s Day? If I can help you with your Stampin’ Up products, give me a shout. Be sure to follow my Blue Bottle Stamping page on Facebook for all the latest news and specials. Sale-A-Bration continues through Feb. 28, 2021. Earn fabulous free products with every $50 purchase! Happy Stamping! And if you want to read more about Rosie, check out my post, Life is Better with a Dog.

Filed Under: Stampin' Up Tagged With: card making, Card Stamping, Hot Dog Stamp Set, paper crafting, Valentines

December 9, 2017 by Sue 4 Comments

Life is Better With a Dog

Basset Hound, puppy, dog, dog ownership, getting a puppy

After ten years without a dog, I suddenly found myself wanting, no make that needing a dog. It happened out of the blue, really. I was minding my own business, checking out the latest photos on Instagram, when I was blindsided by some adorable pictures of Basset Hounds. Each day I looked forward to seeing these cute photos, and even searched #bassethounds to follow more. I commented to the owner of a Basset Hound, that her dog photos were enough to make me want one of my own.

I thought about how our lives might be better with a dog. After our last dog passed, we felt too busy for a dog. The kids had moved on, and it was nice not being tied down by a dog. Then I realized at our age we really are home a lot, now. Denny offices out of the house. I’m a real home body. A dog’s unconditional love would certainly enhance our lives, right? We would get more exercise walking the dog and enjoy watching TV with the dog by our side.

My friends had mixed reactions to my plan of getting a dog. Those without dogs thought I was crazy, and those with dogs thought the idea was brilliant.

puppy, Basset Hound, dog ownership

I dreaded telling Denny. Our dog experiences were not always the best. The first was the worst. We were newlyweds. Someone outside of the grocery store where Denny worked had a box full of puppies they were giving away. He knew I loved dogs, so he brought one home for me. We had an unfinished basement, so while we were at work, the dog had the run of it. The entire basement. Every day when Denny got home (he got home first, thank goodness!) there were piles all over the basement. Who knew a small puppy could create so many large piles? And we couldn’t figure out why we couldn’t house train this poor dog. After many piles in the basement, we decided this puppy needed someone home during the day. But God bless him, he was supportive of getting another dog.

There were other dogs after that first one. And we did learn more about training. I was home more with the kids. Some dogs worked out better than others. I have many fond memories of some really great ones. In the past, our dogs were for the kids, and we didn’t really think about whether a specific breed would fit in well with our lifestyle. This time was different. I really wanted the dog for me.

I did some breed research. There is a lot on information online about what breeds are best for older people. I bought a book about the Basset Hound breed. We applied to the Minnesota Basset Hound Rescue, and were approved. I assumed we would end up with an adult dog. Then we waited.

I was sure we would get a dog around the holidays. Because who doesn’t want a new dog to train in the middle of Thanksgiving and Christmas? I came across a pet adoption and sale group on Facebook with a post about Basset Hound puppies for sale about three hours from us. Messaging the breeder, I found she had 2 females left. I contacted the Basset Rescue to see if any dogs were likely to be available, and there just weren’t any guarantees, so we drove out to see the puppies.

If you ever saw or held a Basset Hound puppy, you can probably guess the only decision we had was to take one or both. Denny said one would definitely be enough. Rosie was the smaller of the two puppies, and she had pretty white markings around her neck. She seemed to enjoy cuddling and being held, so she was ours.

Life With Rosie the Dog!

It has pretty much been chaos these first couple of weeks. Good thing we only took the one! The dog training books talk about taking your puppy out every hour. It’s more like every 20-30 minutes or there’s a puddle. At times I didn’t know if I was coming or going. How do people housebreak puppies that are at work all day?

Now after 3 weeks, we are settling into a bit of a routine. Rosie is so much fun. She’s getting me moving more, that’s for sure. I’m not on my hands and knees mopping up puddles quite as much, but I am going in and out of the house a lot. There is something about the joyful tail wagging when you come home that makes you feel so good, like you are the most important person in the world. I think she’s going to be a wonderful addition to our family.


Would you consider getting a puppy in retirement? How do you feel about vaccinations and what to feed your dog? Continue the discussion and stay informed about all the Neal’s Yard Remedies news and sales on Facebook.

Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission, at no additional expense to you. Any commissions will defray the expense of this blog. Whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

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Filed Under: Holistic Wellness Tagged With: Basset Hound, new dog, puppy

December 28, 2020 by Sue Leave a Comment

Stampin’ Up Sale-A-Bration! – 2021

saleabration | Stampin'Up | paper crafting | stamping | rubber stamping

What’s new for Sale-a-Bration 2021? Fabulous stamp sets and designer paper!

*A Blue Bottle Stamping post*

I love being able to see the new catalogs before they become available! This year’s Sale-a-bration catalog does not disappoint!

SALE-A-Bration Products

Darling Donkeys (155264, free with $50 purchase) was the first item to catch my eye. These stamps will make adorable cards for everyone! Just a bit of color from Stampin’ Blends will take your Darling Donkeys cards to the next level. For easy projects, you can purchase a Darling Donkeys Project Collection for $62.25 to get everything you need including cardstock, Designer Series Paper Assortment, embellishments and ink. The project purchase qualifies you to get the Darling Donkeys stamps for FREE!

Darling Donkeys | Stampin'Up | Saleabration | Paper crafting | Card Making | Rubber Stamping

The Berry Blessings Stamp Set + Berry Delightful Designer Series Paper (1576123, free with $100 purchase) was the next item to top my list of must haves. This is a Two-Step set of photopolymer stamps for easy coloring. The stamps are great with the paper, but they also coordinate with the Sweet Strawberry Bundle in the January-June Mini Catalog.

Berry Blessings | Saleabration | Stampin'Up | Card Making | Paper Crafting | Rubber Stamping

Of course there is Designer Series Paper in a rainbow of gorgeous florals and patterns. (Three other sets!) There are four other sets of stamps with greetings, bouquets, hummingbirds and butterflies. Your choice of item free with each $50 and/or $100 purchase!

2021 Mini Catalog

So what to buy to qualify for free items? Well I’m glad you asked, as the January-June 2021 Mini Catalog has so many great options!

The Hot Dog (154497, $17) was my first must have. I’m a sucker for cute puppies, and even though these are probably weiner dogs, I plan to color them to look like Rosie, my basset hound. So cute!!! I’m thinking Valentines with this sweet set!

Hot Dog | Stampin' Up | weiner dog | Dachshund | Paper Crafting | Card Making | rubber stamping | saleabration

My craft supplies are not as organized as I would like. Sometimes, the idea of gathering what I need to craft seems so daunting, I don’t even start. Fortunately Stampin’ Up has some solutions! The You Are Amazing Project Kit (155370, $30) and the You Are Amazing Stamp Set (154534, $21) has all the major occasions covered. Beautiful greetings for birthday, congrats, and thank you. Simply add a Stampin’ Pad and adhesive of your choice and you are ready for anything!

You Are Amazing | You Are Amazing Project Kit | Stampin'Up | Card Making | Paper Crafting | Rubber Stamping | Saleabration

The other set I ordered to preview is the Hydrangea Haven (154470, $26) Two-Step photopolymer stamps. Dies are available to take your stamping to the next level, and really, who doesn’t love hydrangeas? 

Hydrangea Haven | Stampin'Up | Paper Crafting | Card Making | Rubber Stamping

I can’t wait to begin crafting! If you are interested in seeing some of my finished projects, I will be posting them on my Facebook page. Follow the Facebook link below. Shop Sale-A-Bration from Jan. 5-Feb. 28 2021!

Check out the digital brochure:

https://s.tamp.in/Gsa94d


Follow my Blue Bottle Stamping Facebook Page for all the latest Stampin’ Up news, sales, product, and crafting tips information! Here’s a quick and easy card tutorial. 

Filed Under: Stampin' Up Tagged With: card making, paper crafting, rubber stamping, Sale-a-bration, stamping

April 3, 2020 by Sue 4 Comments

7 Steps to Survive “Sheltering at Home”

Corona Virus | Shelter In Place | Covid19 | Pandemic | Self Quarantine

Sheltering at home is definitely not something I ever thought I’d be writing about. And I certainly do not consider myself an expert. But I do consider myself a survivor at this point, so here goes.

Stick to a Schedule

Sure it’s tempting to binge-watch the hottest series late into the night, but getting a good night’s sleep is important for your health, both mental and physical. Stick to a bedtime you can live with, and get up the same time every morning.

Get Dressed

I’ve seen lots of jokes about staying in pajamas all day, and it’s certainly tempting when you don’t plan to see anyone. But resist the temptation, and put on a bit of makeup and jewelry. It just feels better!

Plan Healthy Meals

Whether you live alone, or have a family, don’t underestimate the importance of eating healthy. Don’t beat yourself up for snacking more than normal, just make sure you are getting plenty of fruits and veggies, whether fresh or frozen. Look on Pinterest for a new Instant Pot or sheet pan meal.

Take a Walk

If you have family and a dog with you during this time of social isolation, you are blessed indeed. Get outside, first thing each day if possible. If you can’t get out to walk, find a youTube video to exercise with.

Socialize Virtually

Reach out to friends and family, whether by phone, text or email every day. Check on those who live alone. We’re distancing, not isolating, even though it feels that way more often than I’d like.

Nurture your Spiritual Side

I miss attending church most of all. Our church has been posting Mass on their website, and so I can watch it on Sunday mornings. Choose someone to pray for each day, without telling them. We all know someone with serious issues that will benefit from extra prayers. Our leaders certainly need prayer during these times.

Count your Blessings

I really miss going out to eat, but I’m blessed to have plenty of good, healthy food here at home. I’m tired of not seeing friends and family, but I’m blessed to live in a comfortable home. Look around.When Life Hands You Lemons | Shelter at Home An attitude of gratitude goes a long way during difficult times, including sheltering at home. When life hands you lemons, make lemon pie.

 

Filed Under: Holistic Wellness, Spiritual Wellness Tagged With: Corona Virus, Covid19, Pandemic, Quarantine, Shelter In Place, Survival

December 30, 2019 by Sue 1 Comment

A Better Merry Christmas, Next Year

Christmas | Family Traditions | Holiday Planning

You’ve received the Christmas cards and seen the Facebook posts. The perfect families wearing matching pajamas. Even the dog. You’ve watched the holiday movies. In the movies, they always find/receive the perfect gift. In the TV commercials, everyone always makes it home for Christmas. Guess what. It’s not real. I repeat. It’s not real.

No wonder we feel so stressed around the holidays. Apparently everyone else is having a perfect Christmas. We’ve been conditioned to believe everyone else is getting a car, or diamonds, or a big-screen TV for Christmas. December to remember, and all that. How many people do you know that actually received a car for Christmas?

In real life, your loved one may have to work, or your kids may not be with you at Christmas. They may not buy you a gift. They may be with their in-laws or an ex-spouse, or live too far. One of them may get the stomach flu. Your kids may be trying to figure out how to keep the various branches of their family happy. If you believe your Christmas will be ruined if your children aren’t with you, it just may be ruined.

For years Denny and I spent every Christmas Eve with his family, and Christmas Day with mine. Mom and Dad were divorced, so we had a third Christmas with Dad a few days before or after. Christmas with our own three kids was squeezed in there somewhere, until we finally decided if we didn’t start our own traditions, the kids would be gone and we’d never have one.

Let’s learn from this Christmas, and plan for a better one for next year. What will help you make the most of the holidays next year? Grab that 2020 planner, and start planning. If you are religious, start with pencilling in the service you will attend. If you know you will be alone for part of the time, decide what you’d like to do in advance. Maybe some Netflix binge-watching or reading a book you’ve been wanting, but been too busy to take time for.

Christmas | Christmas Traditions | Holiday Planning | Family Traditions |

What didn’t you squeeze in this year that would make next Christmas extra special? Whether it’s cards, crafting, cookies or whatever, pencil it in that planner, and make it happen.

If you are stressed by shopping, send quick thank you notes, and let the recipients know you plan to cut back next year. They may be relieved as well!

Set yourself up for a better holiday next year, by planning more, and expecting less! 

Happy Holidays!

Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission, at no additional expense to you. Any commissions will defray the expense of this blog. Whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.Shop Family Organizers at Calendars.com Today!

Filed Under: Family, Spiritual Wellness Tagged With: Christmas, Family traditions

September 25, 2019 by Sue 4 Comments

Lessons Learned While Downsizing

BabyBoomers | Downsizing | Moving | Homeselling

We’ve been talking and debating about downsizing for a while. Stay or leave? Age in place or not? Put money into our home of nearly 33 years, or buy something newer? It’s different for everyone, but for us it came down to this. We aren’t getting any younger, so waiting didn’t seem like the best option, as packing and moving will only get harder. If something happened to one of us, the other would never stay alone in the house, and the task of moving would be overwhelming.

We’ve lived in our house for close to half my life. Yes, thinking about leaving can feel daunting, and I’ve shed a tear or two, preparing the house to go on the market. But hard as it is, it feels right to be downsizing.

Did I mention the process can be daunting? Denny and I are both savers. Our house made that easy, as we have a large attic and a pole barn. Three years ago we sold our lake home, and the buyers didn’t want the furniture. We gave most of it away, but a significant amount of items from the lake ended up here.

We’ve been talking about going through the attic for years, but there was always something that seemed more important, or more fun. We didn’t expect to find the perfect home for the next phase of our lives so soon. We swore we would not build a new house. Surely there was something already built out there that would work. 

So Aug. 25 we signed on the dotted line and committed to building a new home. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of trips to the storage facility, Goodwill, and photographing items to list on Facebook Marketplace. 

Our real estate agents walked through our house weeks before we found our dream home, to help us estimate its worth. Basically they advised taking half of the furniture out of our home before putting it on the market. At that point we decided we needed at least a year to get our house ready for listing. Don’t today’s home buyers have any imagination whatsoever? They also suggested painting the dining room and the guest room. 

So step one for us was renting a self storage unit. We went with a 10’ X 15’ unit, which I reserved online. I got lucky and was able to take advantage of a Labor Day Sale, and got it for half price. Then we found a moving company and booked them to move the heavy furniture to our storage unit. 

That led to about a week and a half of packing like crazy all the stuff in 2 hutches, a secretary, a couple of desks, and a coffee table with a couple of drawers. Once we had all the extra big stuff moved into storage, it was time to take a close look at what was left, and come up with a plan. Denny and his friend Wayne decided the only way to manage the pole barn was with a dumpster. I’m not sure I’d ever taken a look at what was out there. I thought of it as Denny’s domain. 

What I’ve learned is the more space you have to store things, the more you store. Things like the stroller we bought in 1975 for our first born. Sadly all that time in hot and cold temps did a number on the upholstery. Into the dumpster it went. 

Over the years we got a little casual or maybe just sloppy. Things we use every day, we left on the counters. Why put away the frying pan on the stove, when we knew we’d be making scrambled eggs the next morning? Now that we have to put things away, I decided to make some room by getting rid of coffee mugs. I pulled them all out, and decided which ones we could live without. Eight mugs should be more than enough for two people, right? At least another eight were donated. I told Denny no matter how cool a place we travel to is, we have no business bringing home a mug from there. Ever. 

Picture day for photographing the house for the MLS arrived. Family pictures were packed away. Covers off the furniture. Kitchen counters cleared. The house looked great, but the closets and laundry room were strictly off limits. Not to mention the attic. No sense in scaring anyone or having something fall on someone.

Tips for Downsizing

  1. If you think there is even a small chance you will be downsizing, start going through whatever you are storing soon.
  2. Get your kids to take their stuff. A great way to encourage that is to tell them you are opening an Etsy shop, and you would be happy to list that “whatever” for them.
  3. Sell the items you no longer need on Facebook Marketplace. Or Craigslist. I prefer Facebook Marketplace because you can see the profile of the buyer. This has been magic for us. Not everything sells, but I’ve been surprised more than once how quickly some items sell. And the big bonus is you don’t have to haul it anywhere but to the door.
  4. Find out what Goodwill or other organizations will and won’t take. You don’t want to load up a heavy treadmill, and find out it’s not accepted.
  5. Prepare to be surprised by how little your “collectibles” are worth. Right now I have 20something Bing and Grondahl Christmas plates on Facebook Marketplace for $5 each or 5 for $20, and no one has expressed any interest. Signed and numbered limited edition wildlife prints? Forget it. Grandma’s china? Nope.
  6. As you pack, ask yourself, “how will I feel when I unpack this in my new home?” Will I be happy to see it again, or will I be asking “where the heck do I go with this?”

The house hit the MLS, and we had two showings the first day, and an offer within 24 hours. Now the challenge is finding interim housing for six months that is dog-friendly! Join me in my Facebook Community and I’ll keep you posted how it goes!

Can essential oils help sell your home?

Downsizing | Retired Life | Empty Nesters  

Filed Under: Holistic Wellness, Retirement Life Tagged With: baby boomers, Downsizing, Homeselling, Moving, Retirement

January 19, 2019 by Sue 2 Comments

An Open Letter to Millennials from a Baby Boomer

Retirement Life | Baby Boomer | Millennials

Dear Millennials,

I recently watched a movie set in 1971 that got me thinking about that time in my life. I graduated from high school in 1971. Those of us coming of age around that time thought we could change the world for the better. After all, we watched man walk on the moon. What has actually been accomplished in the last, almost 50 years?

We thought we would see a cure for cancer, or at least the end of the common cold. Today it doesn’t appear we’ve cured much of anything. We just have lots of maintenance or treatment prescription drugs we can look forward to being on for the rest of our lives. In 2016 the odds of getting cancer is close to 40% for men, and slightly less for women.

The cost of medical care has skyrocketed, and yet we are no healthier. In fact the average American probably isn’t as healthy as they were 50 years ago. Medications that were inexpensive years ago, are so expensive that those without drug coverage can’t afford them. Too many Americans are still without health insurance.

Many were protesting the Viet Nam War back 50 years ago. We hoped to end wars on foreign soil far from home. Not only are American soldiers stationed far from home, terrorism in our own country is a constant worry. War was waged on illegal drugs, but opioid addiction and overdose deaths are increasing at an alarming rate.

When I graduated from high school it was possible to pay for a public college education as you went by working part-time after school and during the summer. A college education will soon be something only the rich can afford.

Once we graduated from college we dreamed of getting married and owning a home. Little by little these dreams are also becoming something only the rich can afford.

Our government no longer represents the US citizens. Money and lobbyists control our politicians and the agencies that were supposed to watch out for our welfare. Instead of solving the big problems that have been with us for years, like immigration and providing homes for the homeless, our government regulates non-issues like lightbulbs and the size of soda.

We used to be able to rely on the media to report unbiased news, and even be the watchdogs for corruption. Today the media is controlled by a few, and what’s presented as news is editorials at best, and propaganda at worst.

We now live in a country filled with corruption and controlled by greed.  Every generation hopes to see their children better off than the previous generation. I’m sorry that is not the case for you. We hoped technology would improve our lives, but that’s not what happened.

Your generation is one of the best-educated and most tech-savvy ever to have entered the work force. You have access to more information than any previous generation. Go out and create a better country for future generations. I have faith you will be able to achieve the American Dream.

 Wishing you a future filled with all the best,

Sue

Open Letter | Millennials | Baby Boomer | Man on cliff

Filed Under: Retirement Life Tagged With: baby boomers, millennials

October 25, 2018 by Sue 1 Comment

Remaining Relevant in Retirement

Retirement | Retirement Jobs | Part-time Jobs | Second Career

Everyone’s retirement will look different. How will you make this time of your life count?

If retirement is on the horizon, you may wonder how you will fill your days. If you speak to a retiree, you will probably hear they don’t know how they found time to work. But the biggest fear many have before pulling the trigger on retirement is becoming irrelevant, especially when so much of our identity can be tied to our work. One of the first questions we ask when meeting someone is “what do you do?” Choosing to retire should be carefully thought out.

Retirement can be an amazing time in your life. Finally you have the time and ability to design your life, complete with purpose and meaning. So how do we accomplish that?

Stay connected to family and friends

Now may be the time to get on Facebook, if you haven’t already. Our kids and grandkids don’t communicate the same way we do. Some don’t even get the news the same way. Facebook can open the door to staying connected with your former co-workers, and old friends, even if they move. Join a book club or play bunco with friends. Spend time with your grandkids.

Get physical

Once you’re retired there’s no excuse for not getting exercise. I still invented excuses right up until I got a dog. Get out. Walk the dog. Go to the gym. The best way to feel better and sleep better is to exercise regularly.

Retirement | Retirement Jobs | Life after Retirement | Retirement Life

Be a life long learner

Nothing is stopping you from learning to play an instrument or how to paint. Read books. Take a cooking, photography or computer class.

Get a job

Now is your chance to get a job at that place you’ve always thought would be fun. Is it a bookstore, fabric store, or maybe the airport? You will have a chance to meet new people, and make a little extra cash. If you want a job with lots of flexibility, check out Direct Sales is the Perfect Retirement Job.

Be a part of something bigger than yourself

What’s important to you? Now you can finally get involved in what interests you. Volunteer at a hospital, get involved in politics, chair an event at your church or help out at a nearby school. Start a blog.

If you aren’t ready to sit back in a rocking chair, you have a lot of options. How do you plan to make the most of the rest of your life?


Join my Facebook community and let’s continue the retirement discussion. 

Sassy Suite Attraction Marketing video course

Filed Under: Holistic Wellness, Retirement Life Tagged With: Retirement, retirement jobs

August 12, 2018 by Sue 4 Comments

Let’s Support a Belief in Miracles

Miracles | Lost Items | St. Anthony | Spiritual Wellness

Do you believe in miracles? Growing up, I recall my mother praying to St. Anthony for help in finding lost items. On more than one occasion, he came through in nothing short of a miraculous intervention. One time, a small diamond fell out of my mother’s wedding ring. After a quick prayer, she looked down and saw it sparkling in some sand. Another time a friend of my sister’s had a contact lens pop out. Mom said a quick prayer and found it in the grass.

St. Anthony was born in Lisbon in 1195, and is traditionally known as the patron saint of lost items. It may have originated with him more importantly being the patron of lost souls – those who have fallen to serious sin or have abandoned the Church.

Friday morning my granddaughter, Ava, realized one of her little fox earrings was missing. She was staying with us while her mom was out of town. She slept while wearing the earrings, and even showered and washed her hair before she realized one was missing, and she couldn’t pinpoint exactly when it fell off. It could have fallen off in her bed, during her shower, she had no idea. It could be anywhere. They were a souvenir of an Alaskan cruise, and she was upset that one of her favorite earrings was lost. Denny and I did our best to look for it, but had no luck.

Later that day, my granddaughter and I drove to have lunch with my mother. On the way I told her about St. Anthony, and explained a little about how a saint has to have documented miracles credited to them before they are considered a saint. I told her St. Anthony is her Auntie Bee’s favorite saint because he’s helped her many times, and how it’s tradition to ask St. Anthony for help finding something missing. I suggested we each quietly say a little prayer in our head.

After having lunch with my mother, we returned home so Ava could pack up and get ready to go to a sleep over. Shortly before it was time to leave, Ava spotted her earring, in the middle of the kitchen floor in front of the stove. It seemed impossible the earring could have been there the entire time. Someone would have stepped on it. The dog could have gotten it. I said, “Wow, Ava, did you say a prayer to St. Anthony, because I sure did.” She admitted she hadn’t. My husband was there, and he said he had prayed for help from St. Anthony.

Could it have been stuck to her clothes, and fallen there right before she saw it? Perhaps, but shouldn’t it have made a sound? I choose to believe it was just another of life’s little miracles, and I pray my granddaughter will always believe in miracles.

“St. Anthony, please look around; something is lost and must be found.”

Miracles | Lost Items | St. Anthony | Spiritual Wellness

Filed Under: Spiritual Wellness Tagged With: Lost items, Miracles, St. Anthony

October 24, 2017 by Sue 2 Comments

Confessions of a Weight Loss Diet Junkie

Diet | Weight Loss | Weight Loss Diet | Keto Diet | Ketogenic Diet | Ketone supplements

You wouldn’t know it to look at me, but I’m a weight loss diet expert. Not what works, just on dieting. Over the years I’ve struggled rather unsuccessfully to maintain a healthy weight. I’ve tried fad diets, Weight Watchers, Medifast/Take Shape for Life, Slimfast, supplements, soup diets, grapefruit diets, meal replacement shakes, the Whole30. You get the picture.

Most of them work for a while, but none of them are sustainable over the long haul. I don’t want to live on shakes as meal replacements or expensive packaged food for the rest of my life. So far, when I’ve reached my goal, or stopped the diet, the weight comes creeping back on.

I’ve read about calories in, energy out, etc. I drank Diet Coke, to avoid the sugar. I ate the Lean Cuisines, the low fat this, and sugar-free that. I beat myself up for having no will power. The conclusion I’ve come to is shouldn’t we have a better handle on the obesity epidemic in our country by now?

Weight Loss | Diet | Weight Loss Diet | Keto Diet | Ketogenic Diet | Ketones | Ketone Supplements

Ketogenic Diet + Supplements

I pretty much decided at my age I was done with the guilt and trying yet another weight loss plan. Then I came across the ketogenic diet and ketone supplements, and decided this was worth researching. You’ll find plenty of information about keto diets online.

I started by weighing myself. No shocker there. If I keep going the direction I’m heading, none of my clothes will fit by the time the holidays are over. I started with a glass of water, and my ketone supplement. I’m waiting until about 10 am to have breakfast. (eggs and sausage today) I intend to stop eating between 8 pm and 10 am.

I’ll gradually increase my activity. We plan to get another dog, so we are waiting to hear when a Basset Hound is available from the rescue. Isn’t it odd I’ll take a dog for a walk because it’s good for it, but not walk for my own health?

So you all are my accountability partners. I’m committed to my plan, and intend to take a very short break for Thanksgiving. Wish me luck!

Have you tried a ketogenic diet with ketone supplements? How has it worked for you? I would love to hear your comments, and continue the discussion on Facebook.

 

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Filed Under: Holistic Wellness Tagged With: diet, keto, ketogenic diet, weight loss, weight loss diet

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