Beauty Blog: Alaska Glacial Mud Company

I have never written a beauty blog before -- or any blog other than to share my own thoughts. Recently, the Alaska Glacial Mud Company was looking for blog writers to indulge in some mud, and blog. I jumped at the chance - because...I.  Love.  Their.  Mud. 

Go check out their website.  Go now...I'll wait. :) 

Turns out, they were looking for beauty bloggers, and I had to explain that I was not one, but that I loved their product. So Lauren, the company president, took a chance and let me test & write. 

A little backstory so you'll know how I managed to fall in love with Alaska Glacial Mud. Since 1998 or so, I've been receiving facials from my dear friend Kerri (visit The Skin Clinique in Melrose MA and tell Kerri I sent you). To some, facials are an indulgence. To me, they are a lifesaver. My skin is sensitive and regular facials help keep it in balance. Spending time with Kerri, while she pampers me, keeps my mental health in check. Win Win Win

Last winter, I asked Kerri for something to help when my skin felt stressed between facials. She suggested Alaska Glacial Mud purifying mineral mud masque in Lavender-Peppermint. She told me it was perfect for between facials and that once a week use would be just right. What Kerri loves about the products is how eco-friendly they are. They use only natural, wild and organic ingredients. They do not use synthetic fragrances, color fillers, parabens or other things that aren't going to help me or the environment. Their products are cruelty-free and allergy tested for all skin types. And they smell sensational. Sold!

I have been using the Lavender/Peppermint regularly and love it. It comes with a wonderful brush, goes on smoothly and washed off easily. My skin never feels tight or dried out afterward. The brush needs a wash in soap and water and it cleans right up.

When I received my test package, it contained three samples of the purifying mineral mud masque: Lavender-Peppermint, Lavender-Vanilla and Unscented along with a wonderful brush. I could hardly wait to try the Lavender-Vanilla and Unscented. I was not at all disappointed. Both did the same awesome job of helping my skin to de-stress while taking care not to leave it dry or overworked. Now I will to keep jars of each on hand because I loved them all.

In addition to the joy of using the purifying mineral mud masque, I was really pleased to learn that this is a company that cares. The mud is harvested from the Copper River Delta in south central Alaska. That's where the company is located. They aren't just asking that the mud be scooped up and sent to -- this is where they live. They are also advocates for the Copper River Delta/Watershed and pledge 10% of their profits to local organizations that love, work and fight for its protection. This make them a great corporate neighbor in my book.

Did I mention that these products are not and should not be limited to use by women only? Men---do this---you will love it. Taking care of your skin is sexy.

Caring for your skin should not be an indulgence - it should be part of each day. If you think you don't have time to pamper yourself once a week with an Alaska Glacial Mud purifying mineral mud masque - I say to you - you owe it to yourself to find the time.

I received a sample package of each mineral mud masque and a brush, but the words and opinions above are mine.

Let Karma handle it

Ever have one of those days when things suck because of someone else?  Maybe someone cut you off in traffic, or took a parking spot you were patiently waiting on. Perhaps someone embarrassed you to make themselves feel powerful or undermined something you did for their own benefit. Did they lie to look good and try to make you look bad? Convince you that you needed to do something where you'd be screwed but they would benefit?

Happens all the time. We're human and we are, all of us, imperfect. Many of us try to walk the high road no matter how often we think it would be easier to walk on a lower path. We are honest and we really do make every effort to do the right thing, only to wind up being hurt or harmed just the same. It isn't easy to turn the other cheek over and over and over without wondering when you can run out of cheeks and just hit back. We worry about what's going to happen next - how much more can we take?

I'm very much one of those "just in case" kinda people. I develop a false sense of security that if I can somehow plan for all possible outcomes, I'll be ready for anything. Truth is, what often happens is never as bad as anything I planned for, and, I waste energy worrying over things that don't come to fruition. I can also never plan for all possible outcomes - especially when other people, weather or animals are involved. Still I keep trying and keep wasting energy.

When I'm wasting that energy trying to control the universe, I'm taking myself away from the good stuff. I'm not 100% present in my life, because I'm squinting at a crystal ball waiting for something to make sense. When I'm not present, I'm missing out...on nature, on people, on peace. A resolution I always have on the tip of my tongue is "be present". Try to focus on now. And when I do it -- WOW! It is generally awesome. Tasks are completed faster and better. I have a higher energy level because I'm not wasting energy worrying over every little thing. I'm happy to be experiencing life with the people I want to be with instead of being locked away in my own head.

Underneath all the over planning and worrying, I want to believe that Karma has my back. At some point, what people get for their behavior is what they deserve. The payback is not always super dramatic or negative. I believe that Karma can be doled out in positive chunks. In Buddhism, Karma is viewed as the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. Really, a person's destiny. Do good now and hopefully good will come back to you. Do bad now and hopefully you will be "rewarded".

It's a tough line to walk. Wishing bad things on others. It's reality - at least for me. I do it. I try not to be specific. In my mind (and sometimes out loud) I just wish that people get what they deserve.  I'm also very well aware that I am on the receiving end. I know it and I try to keep things balanced.

Letting things go isn't easy, but it's necessary. It is difficult to think clearly when we clutter our minds with worry and negativity. When we miss too much because we're so busy waiting for something else - we lose. If you think you can't let go for a minute -- I say to you -- do it. You'll be glad you did and Karma will be there to back you up.

xo

Joy Dare

A few years ago I happened upon some writings by Ann Voskamp.  She creates Christian writings with a focus on the health of the soul.  I liked her writing style - simple, reflective, easy to relate to.

One of her books, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, struck a chord with me.  She maps out the entire year, and on each day, invites you to look for gifts/joys/blessings.  To help, she provides a guide for that day.  If you complete each day's gifts, you'll have 1,000 listed -- 1,000 blessings right there in front of you.  I've done it for a few days here and there and found it a wonderful way to stop complaining and really look at how many things are good in my life.

This year, I wanted to do the Joy Dare for an entire month.  I invited my cousin Richard to join me.  He is very spiritual and is a great writer - I also believed he would enjoy the process.  He invited his friend (and my new friend) Mariann to join in.  Each day or so, they both shared the joys they found, and I learned much about each of them and was so thankful they embraced the task.

While an excellent tool to use for reflection and being thankful, this isn't always easy.  Sometimes, I know I've had to really sit and think about where a particular blessing is.

Instead of sharing mine each day, I saved them up to share in a blog post.  I've chosen 7 of the Joy Dares from February to share here.  There were a couple of days I missed, and when I tried to go back, I couldn't...so my assignment is not actually complete.  Sometimes I really reached and searched while other times I just went with my first thoughts.

3 gifts red

1) My car – The official color is Ruby Red.  It was the first brand new car I ever bought back in July 2008 and I love it still.  90,000+ miles and going strong
2) Cardinals – my grandmother, Mimi, loved to see cardinals, especially in the winter.  Whenever I see one, I feel her in my heart
3) New Balance Shoe Box – there’s a red New Balance shoe box in our living room – one of 5 boxes on the floor for the cats.  One of the cats, Winnie, most especially loves this box.  She plays in it, chews on it, falls asleep in it and sometimes I feed her in it.  Winnie has a neurological condition which affects her balance and this box helps her feel safe.

3 gifts found in writing

1) Daily Devotional - I subscribe to a daily email written by pastors and retired pastors of the United Church of Christ.  Each email begins with a Bible passage followed by an application of the words into real life.  That was one of the things that really turned me onto the UCC – helping me to apply faith to real life.

2) Joy Dare – I suggested doing this to my cousin Richard.  He agreed and invited his friend, Mariann to join in.  Now the three of us are tracking our blessings and I have made a new friend.  I am learning so much about both of them through their joys and reminding myself of all that I have.

3) Diane’s Kugel - My husband’s Aunt Diane shared a recipe with me.  She could very easily have sent it via email or through Facebook.  Instead, she wrote it on a recipe card and sent it tucked inside a lovely note.  I will cherish both always.

A gift stitched, hammered, woven

1) Stitched – In our living room we have a lap quilt.  It was made by the mother of a former co-worker and I won it in an auction at work.  It fits the room perfectly and it always reminds me of the gift of giving.  Someone made this then handed it off to be auctioned without ever knowing where it would end up.  So much work to help raise money for those less fortunate.

2) Hammered – Inside of the entertainment center in the living room is a small shelf.  My dad built it to add some space.  The TV sits on top of the shelf and the components go beneath it.  When I looked for an entertainment center, I wanted one that closed up and when you look at it, you have no idea what it contains – which means all components needed to be hidden inside.  Mission accomplished.

3) Woven – Leggings for Life.  This group is made up of volunteers who knit or crochet leggings for animals who suffer from limb deformity or paralysis, and who can benefit from having their limbs protected.  I was recently matched with a Pug named Buddy who uses a walker and needs some leggings.  I pray that what I create can help his little legs feel more comfortable.  I am so excited to make something like this and hope Buddy doesn't mind being my test case.

3 gifts found outside

1) Sunrises and Sunsets – every light show is amazing.  I am blessed to see so many beautiful sunrises on my way to work.  Each is different and spectacular and amazing.  I don’t see as many sunsets, but I generally chat with my mom during my afternoon commute and she has a wonderful sunset view…and she always shares how beautiful it is with me.

2) Winter Smells – I make no secret of the fact that spring and summer are where it’s at for me – winter and fall just don’t cut it.  I do, however, tolerate both seasons because of how good they smell.  Winter smells are crisp and clean with wood fire attached.  Toss in some pine and it’s perfect.

3) Snow for snowshoeing – Brad gave me snowshoes a couple years ago, knowing I’d really like using them to help make peace with the winter.  And he was right.  The right snow makes for a terrific outdoor workout and I almost find myself looking forward to the right snow falling.

3 ways you feel the love of God

1) I feel it when I wake up and know I got through the night & have the day in front of me to experience all the gifts I have and those others will share.

2) I see it in the hearts and actions of those who love and care for animals.  It’s not about glory or money or anything other than saving and loving.

3) I hear it the stories of those who do for others.  We are inundated with bad news every day, but the good news still finds a way to restore our faith.

A gift of tin, glass, wood

1) Tin – the sound of rain on a tin roof.  I have not often experienced this, but when I have, I have found it to be a peaceful sound.

2) Glass – pieces of Belleek my mother and godmother have given to me – I’m looking at them right now and they make me smile

3) Wood – the first Pinterest project my husband and I did – we made little trays from old sanded & painted palettes.  Brad searched for and picked up the palettes, measured and cut them, then helped me assemble.

3 gifts in shadows

1) Wiper blades – one of my windshield wiper blades broke yesterday, during a blizzard.  When things were quieter last night, my husband went out and bought a new one for me.  Today, without success, I tried to attach it.  I could not figure it out.  So when he came home, we stood together in the dark and the sub-zero temperatures while I held the flashlight and he attached the wiper blade.

2) Cats in the dark – each night as I get ready for bed, my cats sit outside the bathroom door and wait on me.  One of them wants a goodnight snuggle (and a little treat) while the other one sleeps with me and goes to bed when I do.  I have learned to step carefully in the dark and to try to adjust to the lack of light quickly so I can spot them and not kick anyone. 

3) “Downton Abbey” in the den – We generally watch TV together in our living room., but when I’m home alone, I love to curl up in a little den we have and watch TV there.  For some reason, it seems the perfect room for Downton.  I am remarkably lucky to have more than one place to relax.

There are blessings and joys and good news all around us.  Some days, it can be hard to find.  Either we aren't open to anything or we don't have the energy or we just feel like focusing on the not so good.  The key, for me anyway, is balance.  I let myself get wrapped up in what isn't nice and isn't making me happy - then I remind myself that I'm wasting energy and missing the good stuff.  

Take the Joy Dare for a day or a week or a year.  If you think you can't do it - I say to you - open your eyes, heart, and mind -- you are surrounded by blessings.

xo

Stuffed French Toast

Inspired by Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop, I'm going to share a story about a holiday-inspired recipe.

A bunch of years ago, when Christmas morning meant only parents at home, they figured that everyone should do their own thing then meet at their house for a late breakfast. Children could wake their parents and open gifts before dawn while the rest of us could saunter in around 10 to eat.

I wanted to bring something that would be filling and yummy. I searched for such a recipe and found "Stuffed French Toast" from  Cooking Light. It was a recipe makeover and it sounded yummy.  Assembled the night before, it would be perfect - all I had to do was bake it while I got ready and then bring it with me. Perfect.

It was a hit pretty much right out of the gate. It is very filling and even tastes good cold. Works with or without maple syrup.

So, that's how this became the dish I brought each year. My family tends to be pretty accepting of whatever anyone wants to make--everyone will try what you bring and while not every dish is a hit, we're a polite group. I always liked this dish, but didn't realize how much my brother Michael did, until I thought about changing it.

A couple of years ago, I mentioned to my mother that I'd found another breakfast casserole-type dish to make for Christmas. My mother is generally very open to things, but when she hesitated I was curious as to why. She likes the dish, but I didn't think she cared that much. Her response: "Let me check with Michael. He might not like that." OK mom...go for it...like he'd notice. My mother soon passed along the message from Mike that I was not to substitute nor was I to change the dish in any way and don't think about it again.

That was that. I make the dish every year for Christmas breakfast and never again will I attempt to replace it. My family is important to me and when they are happy, so am I, even if I'm only making French toast once a year for them.  If you aren't sure if what you do matters - I say to you - just try to change something you think isn't a big deal and see for yourself how important it is to someone else.

xo

Out my window

Inspired by Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop, I chose to write a haiku about what I saw outside my window.

I love haiku.  Some people are so super clever with them.  I'm not, but I still like them.  I think what appeals most to me is the order required -- three lines with the syllables counted for you in each line:

5 syllables
7 syllables
5 syllables

Nice and neat.  No need for rhyming (forced rhyming is just wrong)

Here's what I saw outside today - I even took a picture:

     Sun makes it look warm

     Twenty Degrees is just wrong

     When will spring be here?

It's cold here, but fall in New England is generally cold.  We've already had a dusting of snow and loads of frost.  I have even already worn my down jacket.  

Back to the haiku.  I thought of one for coffee:

     I love you coffee

     You help me to face each day

     Without you - I growl

See?  You obviously do not need any talent.  Just have fun.  Why don't you give it a try. Write about anything, just follow the pattern.  If you think can't - I say to you - if I can, anyone can.

xo

Shifting Gears

There was a period of time from early 2012 until late 2013 when I was not employed. During this time, I launched a small on-line business. I combined my love for taking photos with my husband's interest in expanding his wholesale engraving business into the retail realm.

To get started, I made sure I had inventory, a website, business cards, a business license (which was an expensive pain the a$$ to obtain from my town), a Facebook page, and a brand before I launched. I previewed at a church fair. I passed out business cards. I tried every way I could think of to resurrect the lost art of note writing (does anyone write notes anymore or are we all so dependent on email to communicate?). And then I waited.  

I received some orders -- always from people I knew and to whom I shall be forever grateful for showing their support. But there were no orders from people I did not know. I followed all the guidelines the website company set out to increase traffic. No luck. I had a sale. I contacted my local Patch and they wrote a great story for me - terrific free advertising. Cue the crickets.

I like my photos. I love note cards. I love having engraved items -- they contain special messages that no one else has. I honestly thought we'd have a nice steady stream of activity. People need to re-learn the art of note writing for sure.

I never expected the business to cover our mortgage, but I had hoped to make a little go of it -- or at least to recover the start-up costs. I'm no quitter, but finally enough was enough. Operating at a complete loss feels bad.

The thing is, I really don't want to quit, so I'm not going to - I do need, however, to shift gears. Today, I closed the website down and moved the note cards over to an Etsy shop (here). I am a little sad, but it is the best thing to do right now. Keeping my paws crossed that this is the better way to go.

If you ever feel like it's time to quit or to give up a dream - I say to you - don't. Re-group and make adjustments, but never give up.

xo

Mimi

Inspired by Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop - I went with:

2.) Find a photo of your grandmother’s hometown and share it.

I want to share a photo I found (on Google Earth) of the house where my grandmother was born, and, I want to share my grandmother.

Her name was Josephine (we called her Mimi), born in Revere, Massachusetts in March 1909.  She was one of 11 children - named for a baby sister who died tragically not long before my grandmother was born.  Two of her older siblings (one did not survive her first year) were born in Italy and the other children were born in the house in Revere where they were all raised.  Her "baby" brother, Ed, still lives in the house.  My great-uncle is 92 and is still as active and busy as ever.

When I think about the stories she told us and what my dad and great-uncle filled in, there's no way to sugar-coat it -- she lead a hard life.  Her dad died when she was a young teenager and she had to leave school to help support her family.  She started out making sugar/flour sacks and eventually became a seamstress.  For a time in her early 20s she even designed clothes.  My grandmother certainly knew her way around fabric and the sewing machine.  She made so many of our clothes when we we young.  I have memories of my sister and I in matching dresses that she made....white summer fabric with small daisies for trim.  We each had a summer set - white with a strawberry design - shorts & sleeveless top to match - with these fabric strawberries for trim (she liked trim).  I know we had other things but those outfits are planted firmly in my mind right now.  She used to cut out patterns on her dining room table -- this heavy wooden monster of a table.  I can still hear the sound of the scissors on the table - it was a sound I loved.  One of my cousins has that dining room set and has taken beautiful care of it.

She married my grandfather in 1937 - ancient to be married in those days.  They had 4 children.  My parents live in the house where my dad was raised & where my siblings and I were raised.  Around 1950, my grandfather built a summer house in Plymouth, Massachusetts.  We spent may happy summer days in that house.  My aunt and uncle still own that house, and live just next door to it.

Funny story about the date of my grandparents' wedding.  In 2010, my husband proposed to me on August 22nd -- which would have been their 73rd anniversary.  Of course, he had no way of knowing that, but I was so happy to share that special date - it made me feel close to them.

In addition to the sewing machine, my grandmother could crochet beautifully.  I wasn't interested in learning for a long time, but when I was finally ready, the teacher appeared.  I was pathetic at it for a long time and never developed the skill that she had, but she always encouraged me and helped fix my mistakes.  Once I even called her to complain about how something I was making wouldn't come out right and she knew over the phone what I was doing wrong without even looking at my work.  As she grew older and her eyesight failed, she couldn't see up close.  She continued to create beautiful pieces because she knew how the stitches felt.  I still use the first hook she gave me.  Everything turns out better with that hook.

Sewing, crocheting -- all took a backseat to Mimi's pizza.  She made it (of course) from scratch and it wouldn't last.  We ate it hot and we ate it cold.  Most often we'd be walking around eating it - who needed a dish?  It was so good.  My cousin Cheree can make it just the way our grandmother did.  I think a gift of pizza from Cheree to me is way overdue.

I loved spending time with Mimi.  Summer nights in Plymouth with my sister and cousins watching Lawrence Welk.  Sitting at her kitchen table watching her frost cookies.  Listening to the intricate lives of the people on the soaps she watched (her stories).  Finding large print word search books as her eyesight began to fail.  Crying with her after my grandfather died -- he drove her crazy but she wouldn't have lived her life any differently.  How long it took me to convince her that, despite my leaving the Catholic faith - a faith she remained 100% devoted to - the Protestants were not a bad bunch and I could still be a good Christian without a Pope to guide me.  Trying, without success, to comfort her after my uncle passed away -- she would never be the same and would follow him 8 months later. 

This January she will be gone 10 years.  I knew I was so lucky to have a grandmother still at age 41.  I miss her so very much.  I wish she could have met my husband - he would have charmed her socks off.  She always knew I would get married, but reminded me that the good ones were hard to find and to be patient.  I wish I wrote down her recipes - there are things I miss and cannot make the way she made them (Cheree....bring me pizza).  I wish I started to crochet when I was 8 instead of 35.  I wish I wish I wish....

We all know that life is short and people are precious.  Most of us don't learn that lesson until way too late.  If you think you have plenty of time - I say to you - no you don't.  Write the recipe down and make it.  Learn to crochet or sew or whatever.  Record your family history -- good & bad.  And if you have someone to teach you something, let them.  You won't regret the special time you spent together.

xo