Spring Ahead

 What a joy it has been to spend time with people that have been in my life but not on a real personal level. Sometimes it's easier to stay with old friendships than to try and build new ones. .
But during spring break week, I was able to spend some good quality time with  some of the girls that had taken the time to go on spring break.  I was able to reconnect with girlfriends on a much closer level. I was able to learn a lot more of what was going on in their lives. I felt a real connection.I am so very thankful for them. We had some really good talks, good times and of course great wine. The weather was beautiful, the food was good, and the time was right
I have found as women get older we start to change. You can blame it on age, menopause, children growing up and moving out, or just plain life. There is more  peace and serenity that we desire. Less stress, less drama and more relaxing, reflecting and recharging. We all work hard and save for these getaways. 
Many of us have come to enjoy camping life where men cook the food, get the bonfire started and we sit and enjoy this with our favorite adult beverage. We can visit or we can be quiet and enjoy the mood. The phones aren't ringing, there is no internet, TVs or game boxes.You communicate together, plan together and play together. .
People are busy with their everyday lives. They have stress from their jobs, their spouses and their family. So instead of focusing on the negative, focus on the positive.
I am thankful for the friends I have, and the time we share. Because no matter what happens at the end of the day, I know they will be there for me as I will be there for them. 

Plans

A thought came to me this past winter. What about a trip in the spring with my girlfriends? And because we own a timeshare about 6 hours away, I thought it would be a quick and easy getaway. So I started putting the plans together. I notified many girls in my circle. Put the thought in their minds. Then the new year came, and I revisited them for more information of who could go and when. Because we have the condo for a whole week, we could split the week among all of us. The condo sleeps 6 comfortably. When March 1st rolled around, I needed to get a status on who was coming and when. I then realize that I would have to have some sleep on a air mattress as the count went up. So I asked those  who are self employed if they would mind coming at the end of week. But if that didn't work, it wasn't a big deal, I stated. I know the others work for a company with other employees so there is more to arrange.  Next thing you know, 2 people had backed and  2 others couldn't make it because of work schedules. Well it looks like all the hard work and effort to make this a great spring break has left some disappointed  and upset. It looks like there will be a lot less of us. But that will be fine also. It gives us a chance to really do what we want without conflict.
So, I reflect on the plans  put together and have learned a lot. I caused myself a lot of stress and work that I didn't need in order to do something nice for my friends. The lesson I learned in this is a good one. And I won't be doing that again.
When I tell someone I will do something, I do it. Unless an emergency arises. I don't change my plans if better plans are offered. Even in my business,  I plan ahead and I don't reschedule my appointments with my clients unless absolutely necessary.

I look forward to the plans I made for Spring Break. I know we will enjoy the warmer weather, the tourist attractions which will include wineries and the relaxation at the end of the day. This week I have worked every night in order to take a week off. This also meant I was gone from my husband. He will be on spring break next week at home, at his job and with the dogs while his wife is away. Then I come back to another full week of business.  In closing I will just say that I am very grateful and thankful that I have the life I do!!!

Kathy

Printable Guides and Tip Sheets | NFCA

Printable Guides and Tip Sheets | NFCA

Life

I got a call from my son the other day. He was complaining because he didn't have enough money in his bank account and he had plans for the night. Actually he had a date. Keep in mind, that my son is 23 years old and lives in Portland, Oregon. He stated that he should have more money and that he was getting tired of being broke. I asked him what I could do about it. He then continued to rant and vent about how I wouldn't understand, that we have money etc.  Really? You think we have always had a new house, nice cars with gas in the tanks and food the frig? He doesn't know about the first Valentines day as a married couple and how both vehicles wouldn't start. How we had to pull one vehicle 30+ miles by chain to get it fixed. By the way, that is totally illegal. He also doesn't know about the time his dad was going to college and how we rolled pennies every week in order for him to have gas money. Then lets talk about the times before we were married and how I used my "tip" money from beauty school to put gas in my car. How I went to school 40+ hours a week and also worked at Target. I missed my own bridal shower because I chose work instead. What about as a kid, when our phone was disconnected.



 Or how I had to heat water on the camp stove outside in order to take a bath or do dishes. How about how I went to highschool, all the activities, and also cleaned the church, mow church yard and clean houses, plus babysat. Then in the summer I walked beans in the morning and night.  Growing up without a father. I could go on and on. But guess what? I am hereand a strong person because of it. One of the things I learned from it is that all things are possible if you put your mind to it. I could of let those things break me but I didn't. We all struggle. Each and everyday. Maybe it's a physical challange. Maybe it's a mental one. Or financial.  Or maybe it's just LIFE!

Healthy

http://m.skinnyms.com/skinny-fruit-yogurt-salad/

Gluten-free

People with celiac disease need to avoid wheat, gluten, and nonwheat gluten sources like barley, rye, tritcale, bulgur and oats. They also need to avoid cross-contamination. Getting the whole house to give up wheat and gluten really helps make  life easier those who suffer from gluten.It reduces the temptation of gluten foods, also the potential of contamination. Keep in mind  your pet foods may contain gluten. Eating outside the home can be especially hazardous. A meal at a restaurant where they forget and cook your food in a pan they previously used to saute a breaded dish is all it takes to go down the wheat reexposure path. Even fast food restaurant that offers a gluten free salad and dressing can cross-contaminate by touching a bun or cookies, or using incompletely cleansed equiptment. Cross-contamination can occur even in single-ingredient during preparation, or by slicing meat with the same knife used to cut bread. That's all it would take to invite exposure to wheat.
Last week was Valentine's Day. My and couldn't remember what chocolate I could have, so he brought me  Ferrero Rocher.. It contains wheat. I bought some Sweethearts  candies for my grandson nevere thinking they would contain wheat.  Allergy information: product is manufactured in a faciliity that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk and eggs. Ugh, I didn't read that until after I had sampled a few and had a  day of bad gut!
It is amazing what items have wheat in them. Things you wouldn't think of such as the adhesive on envelopes, salad dressings, canned soups etc. The main advise I would give is to read all the labels.

Kathy

Wheat

I started to read the book " Wheat Belly" Lose The Wheat, Lose the Weight and Find Your Path Back To Health by William Davis, MD. So I thought I would share some of the things I have learned so far.
First of all,  let's go back to the days of your parent's or grandparent's. Didn't you think everyone looked so thin? Well maybe they had a few pounds, but not obesity or overweight children. And think about it, there weren't any exercise centers, equipment etc. For that matter, they didn't even exercise.
 Today you are always seeing someone jogging or riding a bike. Something you never saw 40 or 50 years ago. But take a good look at those people. Are they skinny? Most of them are also over weight. Why is that? Well if you look at the bran muffin you are eating, you would find little to no trace of  wheat. You would find a transformed product of genetic research conducted during the latter half of the century. The increase of consumption of grains, well really it's increased consumption of the genetically altered thing they call "modern wheat" is why you see slender people of  the fifties and overweight twenty-first century people now. The wheat belly represents the accumulation of fat from years of consuming foods that trigger insulin which is the hormone of fat storage.
Studies have shown that by taking wheat out of your diet you can lose 20 to 50 pounds within just a few months as well as many other health benefits. I know, we were also told to eat whole grain foods, which has deprived us of control over appetites and impulses, which made us fat and unhealthy. Even if we did have good intentions and put forth the effort.
I am here to tell you.. Eliminate the Wheat, eliminate the problem! Really, what do you have to lose? Maybe a wheat belly, man breasts or a bagel butt!!
But how do you do that? The first thing to do is purchase foods from the outside area of the store. Meaning buy fresh organic/fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses and stay away from processed foods. Do your research and you will find many sites to help concur this project. I leave you with  a link to 20 common products that contain wheat, also the "to buy or not to buy organic" and a link to celiac disease.

Bring awareness not only for yourself, but your children and grandchildren.

Kathy

http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php

http://www.3fatchicks.com/20-common-foods-containing-wheat/

http://celiacdisease.about.com/

Celiac Disease

My name is Kathy  and I have celiac disease. I have just confessed to an autoimmune disease that has attacked me at the age of 48. What is celiac disease, you ask.  In simple terms it's an autoimmune disease of the digestive tract. With Celiac, eating  food with gluten damages small protrusions ( or villi) of  the small intestine. The villi is what absorbs the nutrients from the food. This in turn causes a lot of issues.I have been doctoring for about six months on my digestive tract. It is good to have a name to go with all my symptoms. What causes Celiac disease? Well there isn't a doctor with the answer to that yet. Thoughts are that it is genetic. In my case, who knows as I was adopted at the age of two. As I have read many studies as to why, I have come to the conclusion that I was probably exposed as an infant. Could it  be because my birth parents liked their alcohol? The other factor in this is that I also have another autoimmune disease. I have had thyroid disease for 22 years. But anyway, there it is. Now what can I do about it? I started by taking all the wheat, rye, and barley out of my "diet". It hasn't been that hard, though I love a good, cold beer and I love to bake!  Take away the pasta, bread , cereal and processed foods.Which brings me to gluten-free foods and drinks. There are all kinds of choices available for people who suffer with this disease.  There are also support groups that help.And in reality, we all should watch our intake of wheat.
I have been gluten-free for exactly 30 days now. My stomach is finally getting back to normal. I will go to Dr on Thursday for follow up blood for the thyroid and celiac. Probably will test for iron levels and other nutritional deficiencies. I will keep you posted as well as other nutritional facts and articles.
http://www.celiac.org/

Inner circle demonstrates little protrusions affected by Celiac disease.




Kathy

Digestive System

It all started in July after reports of  recreational water illnesses. I had the symptoms and sought a doctor for this. It isn't a pleasant thing to have to do in order for them to identify what illness it could be. The choices are Crypto which is a germ found in peoples stools. Or it could be Shigella which  is from infected pools and water sources. People can get E.Coli by swallowing  lake water. When the test results came back negative, the next step was to go to a "specialist with digestive diseases". After several visits, it was thought to be "passed" and symptoms subsided. Well it wasn't gone. I finally went back to my general doctor and requested some blood tests for many digestive diseases.  The preliminary test came back negative, two days later  the test did confirm celiac disease. This confirms the suspicion that I thought it was.  This is a autoimmune disease. When reading more about this, it is common with other autoimmune diseases including thyroid disease, which I have had for 22 years. At the time of the blood tests, I also had them check my thyroid and the test came back with my thyroid totally out of "whack". Doesn't surprise me, especially when I had gained weight even though my body was reacting to the foods I was eating.
Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important to staying healthy. This is due to the reaction to foods such as rye, wheat, barley and possibly oats. So what does this mean? It means eating healthier,avoiding processed foods, reading every label. Mainly eating fresh fruits and vegetables, main choices of meat, dairy and cheese products. Staying away from breads and pasta are most important but also knowing what is in a food. You need to know what spices or sauces are used and if they are used where wheat can be traced to. Taking beer out of your food group but you can still drink wine. If you cook your own foods at home it makes things a lot easier. In the end, it good to know what the problem is and what I can do about it. There isn't a medicine to fix it, just diet and exercise.
Kathy

Flu and Cold Season

It's been awhile since my last post. Wow after I wrote that, it sounded like a confession. I, as many have been battling the cold and flu season. Mike started battling it soon after we got back from Vegas. Something about the air in the planes seem to always cause him to get sick. Could it be that they circulate the existing air? Which has many peoples germs in it. Before we left we both double up on Vitamin C, honey and other natural remedies. Last week, Mike finally broke down and went to the DR last week. Yep, he has sinus infection. So an antibiotic for him. Kim at the salon lost her voice the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. And let me tell you, it was pretty quiet in there.. LOL. Unfortunately, it was not just a voice loss for her. She ended up with bronchitis as well as the rest of her family. This caused her to miss a week of work. Now, I don't know about you, but this time of year is very busy for salons. So, I am hoping this week she is able to catch up on the clients list without jeopardizing her health again. Me, well I too started feeling under the weather. So I drink lots of green tea. Did you know Lipton has green tea with honey and lemon? I usually add some more honey to mine. I take my vitamins, get plenty of rest when I can. Oh and hot baths feel so good. I also take Airborne which is a supplement with Herbs, Vitamins and mineral that helps support my immune system. I take this twice a day. Especially when you know the environment is susceptible for sickness. During this flu and cold season, take care of yourself and your loved ones.

A Book by Danielle Steel

I don't think I have ever been so moved by a book than "Shared by a Gift of Hope: Helping the Homeless by Danielle Steel.
It is a great read that everyone should read. It made me stop and think about what I have and what others don't have. In this time when gift giving is in full force. Bringing great cheer to others. Let us not forget the ones who aren't as fortunate. Take the time to give to those who are in need.   Let us reflect on those who live on the streets, or in shelters. What about the children whose parents don't have the money to buy them gifts or even provide them with proper food and clothing. So many may think that the "homeless" choose to be that way. Really? Why would someone choose to live in a cardboard box, sleep on a concrete floor or even worse, a dumpster? Some people become homeless because they lost their home in a fire, tornado or hurricane. With economy struggles, some have lost their home. There are more homeless than there is money and support programs for them. The shelters are full, so there is no place in the "inn". The homeless aren't all dangerous. Yes there are those who are hopped up on drugs or drunk. But not all of them are. Most of them are suffering from some sort of mental illness. The programs that are in place are always being cut by government aid, This makes it hard for organizations to reach out to those in need when the funds are cut, and the workload is heavy.
I am thankful for the organizations that are in place to help the homeless, people living in shelters, and those  who are in need.  This holiday season take time and money for those who are less fortunate. Adopt a family which you can get those names from your local human service office or local church. When you hear the bell ringing, give any extra money you can afford. Donate your clothes to your local human service office. And if you see someone on the street, take the opportunity to give them  a smile and say hi.  And remember when you are having a bad day, there is probably someone who is having a  day a lot worse.

Kathy

The words "Thanksgiving"

At a time when our tummies are full of turkey and other great foods, I am reflecting on five years ago. Five years ago, we all sat down to share a Thanksgiving dinner. Well not all, someone was missing. And that was just the first of many Thanksgiving dinner that she would miss. I remember it like it was yesterday. The call that came late at night. The late night trip to the emergency room. The look on the DR face. The state she was in. The next day was Thanksgiving. The call I got from the DR, the complications, the decisions that had to be made. Thanksgiving dinner that year wasn't about giving thanks but about giving up someone that had been a  person in our lives. We had all seen it coming to this. The treatments weren't working, the many trips to the hospital, the care she was getting in the nursing home and hospice. There was only so much that could be done. Her body was tired, her heart was working overtime and her speech was limited. She started losing her appetite, they had to feed her, do all the care for her, wheel her to and from. She spoke with her eyes and occasionally she spoke out loud. That day our family was uprooted. This is too hard. I know I said. It is something we have to do. But in the end, we didn't have to do anything at all.  You see, we don't have control on when the body is going to stop working. Only God does. He knew we couldn't make that decision, so November 29, 2008 God decided it was time for my mom to join him in heaven. When I think of Thanksgiving, I thank God for giving me a wonderful mother, a wonderful grandmother to my children and a wonderful mother-in-law to my husband. He gave me my mom when I was 2 years old. She raised me and my brother as a single parent since 1974. And she did the best job any parent can, given the situations. I am thankful for the values she taught me, the morals and the life lessons I have learned along the way. I miss my mom a

lot. But I am thankful she is free of pain and suffering.

Kathy

Winter Hands

Don't let the winter take control on the moisture in your hands. The winter poses dryness for your skin and hands. Start your day with Surface SKIN ACAI AND POPPY SEED BODY WASH! Luxurious acai-rich lather renews and hydrates skin while poppy seed gently exfoliates for smoother, healthier skin. The product is also infused with Babassu Seed Oil to renew skin’s natural moisture and leave skin cleansed and rejuvenated.

 Follow with SURFACE SKIN ACAI AND BLUEBERRY BODY LOTION! Winterize your skin! Give some extra love and attention to keep your skin looking perfectly moisturized and radiant, with the new ACAI AND BLUEBERRY BODY LOTION. This luxurious body lotion works on all skin types and leaves skin hydrated and protected delivering a youthful radiance. The secret weapon in this lotion’s formula is nature’s antioxidant-rich acai berry, which repairs and protects skin from aging

Use BASSU HYDRATING OIL! One of the most multi-functional Surface products, BASSU OIL intensifies shine, softens, defines style and helps lock in color all in one! Work into hair before heat styling to maximize benefits. Want to know an insider secret? The oil is also great for your skin.

Kathy

Las Vegas

A lot has happened since I last posted a blog.  We celebrated Mike and Leonards; 50th birthday Vegas Style.

We traveled to Las Vegas via Allegiant airlines. We purchased a "package" trip with included our stay at the Excalibur. When purchasing an airline ticket, you now need to either pay for a "checked" bag or a "carry-on". It is cheaper to pay for it online versus at the airport. It can save you around $20 or more. When looking for the size requirements, rules and regulations, we chose to pay for a carry -on. We also took a personal bag for each of us, which was a backpack and large "purse".The carry-on was an additional $30. I noted that a lot of people brought their "carry-on" which was a full size suitcase on wheels. Then you have multiple fees for who knows what. When on board the aircraft you will need to pay for everything including water. You are able to bring a bottle of water and snacks of your choice, which I would recommend.The water would need to be purchased after you have gone through security.
The resort, Excalibur also has a fee of $15 per day. I don't know exactly what it pays for. We were also able to get a $20 food or drink voucher when we booked the reservation. But you are limited to what places within the Excalibur you are able to use it at..
If you are looking to spend alot of time outdoors be aware that it is difficult as there is a lot of sidewalks closed to due construction. And the fact that the resorts, hotels and such are practically built on top of each other.
Don't expect to receive complimentary drinks when gambling. Some casinos do better than others. We enjoyed free drinks at New York, New York. But I sat at the black jack table for about 2 hours. The waitressess are very busy and have a distance to travel to get the drinks. Please be respectful of this and tip them for your Free drink.
An average beer is $4-$5, mix drinks are $15-up, food entrees are $15-up. There are some great little places along the strip to find breakfast and coffee. We ate supper at Hofbrauhaus. The food was great, the atmosphere was great, great service and such. On Saturday we went to Margaritaville  for lunch which had great food. Walked to an outdoor bar with live music. Saturday night we went to  Fremont street and tried out the famous "hogs and heifers" bar. Be prepared to be yelled at thru a megaphone, cursed at and make sure you tip the waitress. We enjoyed the light show on Fremont street, the entertainment, music, arts and much more. Sunday we ate at the famous "Dicks Resort". Again, they yell at you, scream at you, put funny hats on you that are usually downgrading. The wings are huge, drinks are expensive and the environment is unusual.
Las Vegas is a very busy place. If you can get away from the main stream of things, you may enjoy some different culture. Take in a show or two, enjoy outdoor bars and restaurants.
In closing, I would say go prepare to spend money, walk a lot, see a variety of things. It is true that Vegas doesn't sleep, but that doesn't mean you can't.

Kathy

Dry shampoo

Dry Shampoo: Our Current Favorites http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/intothegloss/VUQZ/~3/s3LeFfykVj0/ (Via Bloglovin')

Veterans Day

Like many families who have loved ones in the military, either currently active or not, it is a strain. A strain on marriages, a strain on siblings, a strain on children, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles. It's a sacrifice to all those who are affected. The time spent at war, training, working and waiting plays a huge toll on the lives around them. Thank you to those who have sacrificed their time, their families and their lives for this country that we call home. I am very proud to be an American. 

Bobbi Brown beauty

The Bobbi Brown Book of Teenage Beauty http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/intothegloss/VUQZ/~3/XrY4CLIIg7A/ (Via Bloglovin')

Lips

BEAUTY BASICS: LIP http://thebeautydepartment.com/2013/11/beauty-basics-lip/ (Via Bloglovin')

Remembrance

It's been almost 5 years since my mom passed away. I have to admit it was tough in the beginning. Losing your best friend is hard. She suffered a fall in May of 2008 that broke her hip. Her hip recovered and healed  but her heart never did. I think in time, she suffered another stoke(or more). Vocalizing became difficult for her. Feeding herself caused troubles as her hand was shaky. She was in a nursing home that care was should we say, inadequate. But her care needs were more than any of the family members could do. I remember the night before she passed away, Kara told her that she was expecting a baby and mom said "wonderful". Those were the first and only words I had heard her speak in months.  As this holiday approaches I am thankful for the many years I had with my mom. I am also thankful she is no longer in pain. She is at peace, in happiness and healthy.

Missing you everyday
I Love you!
Kathy

Keep your hair color from fading

There are a number of ways to keep your hair color from fading. Professional hairstylist use the best in hair color. They also use products before the service to prepare the hair for the color, like a clarifying shampoo. This will remove anything in the hair that doesn't belong and prepare for the color service.This allows the color to penetrate deeper which will allow the color to last longer.Reds wash away quicker because the dye molecule is larger and has a harder time entering the cuticle.This in turn causes the color to escape quicker. Then immediately following hair color service, products can be used to stop the oxidation and any residual color that may have been left in hair. They may recommend that you wait a couple days to wash your hair. This allows the dye molecules to get settled in the hair.They should recommend hair care products that are color safe and with preserve your color. A hair masque or deep condition is recommended weekly. The hydration strengthens the strands making them less prone to environmental damage that causes color to fade. Hot water expands the cuticle allowing the color to escape so it is important to  rinse your hair is cooler water.

Even though you may do all that is recommended, keep in mind the water you use may contain chlorine which is washing your color down the drain. Think about installing a purifying shower head. You can get this at dermstore.com   
You also need to remember that the sun, tanning beds. ultraviolet lights break down the melanin or pigment by as much a 4 whole shades. Wear a scarf when you are outside. The salts in the beach water, the chlorine in the pools can also be hard on your hair color. Take the time to dampen your hair before entering pool or ocean water.

If you have any question, ask your hairstylist for the recommended products

Creative Kathy