New Year's Resolutions
Another year has come and gone. The older I get, the faster they seem to go by. And the older I get, the more I seem to reflect on the past and this year is no exception. I look at the goals I had set for the year and whether or not I accomplished them. I look at all of the blessings I received and I look at how many times I was a blessing to others or could have been.
I like to set goals rather than resolutions. If I set down goals in writing, I can look at them from time to time. If I make a resolution to lose weight and then don't, it is depressing but I can get over it fairly quickly in time to eat another slice of pie. Goals on the other hand seem more attainable and worth striving for. A goal of mine could be to lose 5 pounds by May to help keep my heart healthy. If I see it written down I will be more serious about sticking to it. Just seems to work better for me.
I also like to look ahead to the New Year and all of the blessings that it could hold for me. My special person is heading to Iraq in Jan. and that just doesn't seem like a blessing to me. But I have been trying really hard to see that maybe it could be. It will make me more prayer centered and aware of what is happening to others around the world. ( I think his going to Iraq may be a blessing to the soldiers he is traveling with if he can analyze what they are doing and help them stay safe.) Each family member that I have here safe in the U.S. will be a blessing to me as they offer their support.
So I am looking forward to the New Year and all that it holds. I am wishing for all of you a year filled with blessings!
One of my blessings is also being able to run Gathered From The Garden LLC.
www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Cards for our Soldiers

I found out that a very special person I know will be going to Iraq after Christmas. I have been thinking about this alot. I am concerned for this person and pray for his safety and the safety of the soldiers he will be traveling with.
I came across the Xerox Co. website. If you fill out a very short form they will send a postcard in your name to a soldier overseas. I think this is a great thing to do. It doesn't take much time or effort but I bet it will really be appreciated. I have already sent several and plan to send more. Won't you check out that site and brighten someone's day? www.Letssaythanks.com
Also check out Gathered From The Garden's website (www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com) for some wonderful products that would also brighten someone's day!

A Gift List Anyone Can Afford

It's the holidays again and most of us are busy shopping for the special people on our lists. Since most of us are looking for gifts that fit our budgets, here's a list of gift suggestions for "the large of heart and small of purse". (Sorry I don't know who came up with the list so I can't give credit...)
These gifts won't cost you a dime, but that doesn't mean they have no value. If you give one of these gifts, you will give the most priceless gift of all: yourself!

*The Gift of Listening. Psychologists tell us that one of the greatests things we can do for another is listen.

*The Gift of Signs of Affection. Take time to give your loved ones extra signs of affection.

*The Gift of a Note. Write notes to your loved ones. They can be as simple as "I love you" or as creative as a poem.

*The Gift of Laughter. Everyone loves to laugh. Give those you love this gift. Just cut out a cartoon, clip a joke, copy a riddle or save a clever article. Your gift will say "I love to laugh with you."

*The Gift of a Game. Offer to play your loved one's favorite game with him or her. Even if you lose, you'll be a winner.

*The Gift of Doing a Favor. This gift is made more valuable when it anticipates a request rather than when it responds to one.

*The Gift of a Compliment. It is great therapy for us all.

*The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition. Your gift of cheerfulness will be a precious gift for everyone--including yourself.

You could probably add more to the list but isn't this a good start? Some of these are so simple yet would really make someone's day. Hope you found the list worthwhile--I did.
If you still need help with your Christmas shopping check out Gathered From The Garden's website for great gift ideas. www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com If you'd like to receive ourweekly newsletter send an email to gatheredgarden@charter.net

Get More Energy!
This time of year do you start to feel run-down and short on energy? Do you feel like YOUR batteries need recharging? In the Dec. issue of Redbook magazine (www.redbookmag.com) top energy solutions are listed.
Go for a walk. Even a short walk will make you feel energized. For the best results, aim for 30 minutes of activity, 5 days a week.
Snack on nuts, not sweets. This sounds like a fairly easy thing to do. Sugary snacks cause blood sugar levels to spike, then crash leaving you feeling wiped out. The protein in nuts digests slowly giving you lasting energy.
Have a banana. Bananas provide potassium which helps convert blood sugar into energy.
Take a power nap. A 30-minute nap prevents energy from flagging further.
Do a mini-meditation. Sit in a quiet place, take deep, slow breaths and concentrate on a pleasing memory. Within three minutes you should feel more energized.
For more energy solutions, pick up the Dec. issue of Redbook.
You can also try using Gathered From The Garden's Bath Teas to help you relax in the tub and then try our Moisturing Mists in a delightful "pick-me-up" scent. Check out our website for other great products. www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Thoughts For Thanksgiving

I asked my students today to tell one thing they were thankful for. I was amazed at how many could not come up with anything! We live in a society that takes too much for granted. I found this article on 1stholistic.com. I think it is great" food for thought" for Thanksgiving!

Consider the following facts. Then count your blessings.

• If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of people in this world.

• If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

• If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

• If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation...you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

• If you can attend a church or other places of worship without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

• If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare (and your parents too!).

• If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

• If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder ... you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.

• If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.

Pass The Conversation
Since my husband and I have become empty nesters mealtime has changed for us. I don't cook big meals as often as I used to and we have lots more left-overs. Our mealtime is fairly quiet, a nice time for us to catch up with our day's events.
I do miss the spirited conversation that we used to have when our three children were gathered around the supper table with us. They'd share snippets of their day--often funny anecdotes about friends, teachers or how their particular sport practice went. We sometimes tried to help solve each other's problems. Sometimes we didn't all agree on issues and sometimes some of us were a little moody! But it was a time for us all to connect as family.
Now that we have grandchildren sharing meals with us some of the spirited conversation is returning. A three year-old's perspective on things can be very entertaining! We don't mind the spilled milk or crumbs on the floor! We are connecting with a new generation of family.
I read about a website that has something to help families that don't have much lively table talk. You can go to www.earthdinner.org. They have developed "creativity cards". They are printed with food-focused conversation starters like "What foods did your grandparents eat when they were your age?" (You can download free black-and-white versions).
Thankfully, our family will not have to resort to those conversation starters. We seem to have enough interesting conversations when we get together. I'm looking forward to the holidays when my children and grandchildren will all be together and we can connect once again.
Before you sit down to that meal use some of Gathered From The Garden's wonderful foaming hand soap or hand sanitizers. You can find these at gatheredfromthegardenll.4t.com

Can You Be In Love Everyday?

My husband and I just celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday I was a nervous bride walking down the aisle and sometimes it seems like I've always been married. We have been blessed with many wonderful years together.
I just happened to open up the Sept. /Oct. issue of the Saturday Evening Post (www.saturdayevening post.com) to an article by Liz Flaherty. It's called "You Can't Be In Love Every Day". In it she asks what it's like to be married to the same person for over 30 years.
You know everything about your spouse, you've seen them at their worst and sometimes they're a pain in the neck. Yet the person you're married to finds the best in you and makes you smile.
Isn't that boring? she asks. Well, maybe once in awhile. Then she compares long marriages to the sun. Sometimes it's hidden under dense clouds and sometimes it shines bright during the coldest seasons. Like the sun a marriage wraps itself around you to keep warm.
This was a good article to remind me not to take my husband for granted. When you get right down to it, marriage isn't boring. It's incredibly hard at times, yet it's been more fun than I ever imagined! My husband puts up with my moods, my bad habits and the times when I'm the pain in the neck. He still melts my heart whenever he kisses my hand or brings me flowers. I hope we have many more wonderful years together.
Don't take your spouse for granted. Indulge him or her with a special treat from Gathered From The Garden LLC! Check out our website at www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com.

Sole Survivor and the Empty Nest

My husband and I have been empty-nesters for a few years now. At first, the house seemed too quiet and I really missed having our kids around the supper table. Now, I still miss our kids but Jerry and I are having some of the best times! We get to travel, go out to eat during the week and when the phone rings it's for one of us.
One very nice thing we have been doing for each other is giving mini pedicures. I found a book at a garage sale that has detailed instructions and pictures on how to give a massage. So once a week, we soak our feet, use a foot scrub and give each other foot massages. It is SO relaxing! After a hard day at work I really look forward to this! It is so simple, yet we each feel so pampered. (I haven't gotten him to paint my toenails yet).
Of course we use Gathered From The Garden's foot soak, foot scrub and massage oil. The invigorating peppermint aroma is just that! They also carry a foot spray and a foot powder. Check it out at www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

The Autumn Blues...

This time of year it's hard not to get the autumn blues. Here in MN we've lost not only our warm temps but hours of daylight. If you're like me, you might need some help to chase away those blues.
*Try lighting a candle. It's warmth and encouragement will help to add some light to the dark evenings of autumn. I like to use a fall aroma such as pumpkin spice, cranberry or cinnamon. (An alternative to using a lit candle would be to try a reed diffuser. You'll get the wonderful fragrance but not the light and warmth.)
*Make a cup of herbal tea or hot chocolate. It's a pleasure just to hold the warm cup!
*Take a soothing bath. A warm soak after a chilly day is just what you need. Using oats in your bath is a terrific way to soothe the skin.
*Dig out the warm, fuzzy socks and slippers. Keeping your feet warm helps you feel warm all over.
*Keep exercising. This seems like a chore sometimes and I think I just don't have the energy. In reality, if you exercise, you'll have more energy to fight off those blues. Add some of your favorite music to get motivated.
*Spend more time with your favorite people. This is a great time to snuggle up with someone special!
These are just a few ways to make the days of autumn go by just a little faster. Soon it will be the holidays and that's a subject for another day!
Check out Gathered From The Garden's delightful bath soaks. A little autumn treat to pamper yourself! www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Do Less, Enjoy More

I came home from work today and took a little nap. I was just wiped-out tired. My day was busy as usual--same as everyone else's I think. Later, I was thinking about my evening and all that I wanted to get done before bedtime. I thought about how neglected my piano has been and how I've been meaning to sit down and play.
Then I read an article about a movement called "Take Back Your Time" in Body and Soul magazine. This movement is based in Seattle and the group encourages people to consider their time as significant and to spend it well. They have actually designated Oct. 24 as Take Back Your Time Day! This is a day to address the stress in your life with various ideas for enjoying life--instead of rushing through it. The article also gave some ideas to help celebrate that day.
*sleep late
*cancel something (I don't suppose it could be work).
*ask an older person about their life (I'm sure they have wonderful stories to tell.)
*set aside a night to have a family dinner
*listen to children's ideas
*reflect on the balance of play and work in your life
*simplify your life (keep to-do lists short, don't multitask, delegate and limit interruptions).
My husband and I have decided to simplify our life by selling our cabin. When we bought it we thought we would spend all kinds of time fishing, laying around in the hammock or drinking tropical drinks on the deck. In reality, we spent way more time cutting weeds and grass, cleaning, blowing out gutters, raking leaves (lots of mature oaks on the lot) not to mention putting in and taking out the dock and lift. We really don't need two homes to maintain so we are giving up the cabin.
As I get older, time seems to be flying by way too fast. I don't want to be sorry later in my life that I spent all of my time trying to "get things done". I want a balance of feeling I've accomplished what I wanted to do and yet got to have fun being lazy once in awhile. I want to measure things not by whether I checked them off my list but did they bring me any joy today?
So on Oct. 24 I am going to take back some time. I'm going to find time to play my piano and put away that to-do list for a little while!
A relaxing way to slow down time is to give your face a treat. Try one of Gathered's facial masks or steams. www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

You're Only As Good As Your Health

That saying never seemed so true as this past week or so. I had a killer backache. I don't know how or why but my back started to hurt and it wouldn't let up. I'm not the kind to run to the doctor but I knew I was going to need help. I went to my favorite chiropractor's clinic for some healing. I also used my Sore Muscle Relief Lotion. These two treatments brought me much needed relief!
After a few days of what seemed like chronic pain, I wondered how people who are suffering day in and day out manage. There is a fascinating article in the St.Cloud Times (sctimes.com) about a young mother fighting cancer. It is about her everyday life and all of the struggles and triumphs she has endured. I also saw on the late news a story about a woman diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease and how she is coping with that. Makes my backache not such a big deal!
I know that to be healthy is truly a gift. I know that prayers are also a gift. It seems a small thing to do--pray for the health of others. But what a gift it must be when there is a miracle (however big or small) in the lives of those who are truly ill.
I hope you are all in good health. If you're not, and you need a little relief, give our Sore Muscle Relief Lotion a try. Your aching back will thank you!
www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You?
Betty Wood the author of "The Healing Power of Color" has some fun things to say about you and your favorite color. Whether you're a vibrant Orange, or a peaceful Blue, your color preferences are a key to understanding your personality. Find out what this color expert has to say about your favorite color: what does it reveal about who you really are?
My favorite color is red. As I was reading the description of a person who likes red my husband was shaking his head and smiling. "That's you,all right," he said. So of course, I had to read about him. His favorite color is green. True again!
Just for fun, go to Care2.com/channels/solutions/bms815 Check out your favorite color and what it says about you. Also, just for fun, check out our website--gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com
What's your favorite lotion fragrance? Wouldn't it be fun to know what that says about you too?

Do OurImperfections Enhance Our Beauty?

This weekend I had a somewhat unnerving experience. A colleague of my younger sister Mary (who is 10 years younger than me) asked if I was Mary's mother! I had never met this woman before so I was a little short with my answer "NO!".
Later, after I had the chance to reflect on it, I realized there will always be someone who is thinner, smarter, better-looking,more creative or younger than me. I can wallow in some self-pity or rail at that woman's insensitivity or accept the fact that we all have imperfections. In the book "The Woman's Book of Courage" by Sue Patton Thoele, she says that even clothes have a disclaimer. "This garment is made from 100% natural fibers. Any irregularity or variation is not to be considered defective. Imperfections enhance the beauty of the fabric."
I hadn't really considered that my imperfections could enhance my beauty. I'm still striving to be the best I can be but I 'm trying to accept that I am unique and can appreciate myself as I am now. This woman doesn't know what's on the inside, she was judging by what she saw on the outside. Yes, I'm older, but I have a lot of life experience to celebrate.
I also have to consider that maybe Mary is just VERY young-looking! If I got to add another daughter to my family, I'd be very proud to be her mother. As it stands now, I am enjoying the relationship that we have as older sister/younger sister. She is intelligent, generous and hard-working--one heck of a woman!! She has her imperfections too but that only adds to her beauty.
To celebrate the beauty of you why not pamper yourself with a jar of our Satin and Silk Shea Butter Lotion. I can't think of a better way to moisturize your skin on these crisp cool days of autumn! www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Through the Eyes of a Child

When my daughter and son-in-law announced that they were going to have a baby I was thrilled! I was less thrilled, however, about becoming "grandma". To me that conjured up visions of my own grandmothers who were always "old". Even though I have fond memories of them, I didn't think I was ready to be an "old grandma".
I was in for a surprise. Watching my two little granddaughters grow and be able to actually call me "grandma" has been one of life's greatest joys! We have so much fun together. I was fortunate to be able to babysit every Wednesday afternoon this summer.
These two little ones taught me to delight in the little things once again. We splashed in the sprinkler, played hide and seek among the flowers in my backyard and watched hummingbirds at the feeder. We made pretend pancakes, danced to a fiddle music cd in the kitchen and had fun using watercolors, crayons and markers. (Sometimes on paper, sometimes on little hands).
I will never forget this summer and all the fun I had seeing life through the eyes of a child. Our adult lives get so busy and stressed that we sometimes forget to rejoice in the little things. I have a sign in my bathroom that says" Enjoy the little things. For one day you may look ahead and realize they were the big things." I found out how true that is!
We have some really fun products at Gathered From The Garden LLC for little ones too. Check out our Magic Pixie Dust, Diva Girl Hand Lotion or Lava Lip Gloss, to name a few.
gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

New Beginnings

Another school year has begun. A time to start fresh with a clean slate (no pun intended). My students don't know me and I don't know them. We may each have heard some rumblings about the other but for the most part we come in as strangers. We learn each other's strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. We learn to tolerate each other's quirks and work to build a community in the classroom.
Wouldn't it be amazing if every nine months we could start over with a clean slate! All of our friends and loved ones (and those that don't love us) would give us another chance. We'd start over discovering what our strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes are. We'd learn to tolerate each other's quirks. What if it worked that way with nations too? We could all learn alot from children and their teachers on how to run the world.
Ardath Rodale in Prevention magazine (www.Prevention.com) writes "Reach out and touch and make a difference...We are like fingers stretching out with our messages of living a special, whole life. Look at each person as a treasured light to illuminate the world. Be thankful for your gift to reach out to make a difference."
Here at Gathered From The Garden we like to think that we can help make a difference too.
We are hoping that you look at yourself as a treasure. Use our products to pamper yourself--indulge in some wonderful fragrances, soften your skin or renew your spirit.

Our featured product this week--Satin and Silk Shea Butter Lotion.
www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Mother Theresa Instead of the News
As I get older I sometimes have trouble falling asleep. I read in a magazine that watching the evening news with it's depressing stories can cause a person to not be able to fall asleep. I also read on the Care2.com website an interesting article about Mother Theresa and the news. It said:

It is said that just looking at Mother Teresa brings a person closer to a state of Grace. How much better if the world could look at a picture of her rather than the faces of murderers so often plastered over the news. Mother Teresa knew that great opportunities are rare and that the little opportunities that come our way every day provide the occasions for us to grow in love. We can respond with love in all the situations of life and practice compassion without counting the cost. And of course a spiritual practice of meditation or prayer can help prepare us to do everything with extraordinary love in each moment.

I probably won't be giving up watching the news before I go to bed. Instead, I'll meditate on Mother Theresa's words of love before I drift off to sleep and I'll say some prayers for the murderers and their victims. I'll think about those little opportunities that come my way to bring good news to others.

Speaking of good news--check out Gathered From the Garden's website. We've got some awesome Goat Milk and Honey Lotion. My niece says it's the only lotion that doesn't sting or burn her eczema!

Work Hard, Play Hard

I have a sign above my computer that says "Work Hard, Play Hard" (Play is in larger letters).
I hadn't given it much thought until I saw a tv show last night about the teacher, Ron Clark. He is the author of an interesting book called "The Essential 55".
In the show, Ron goes to teach in Harlem. He has a tough bunch of kids to teach so he ends up using all of his creative abilities to reach them. While this method seemed to work great for Ron and his class, I wondered why the things we do have to always be entertaining. I've found that as a teacher myself, the art of drill and practice is falling by the wayside. Students don't want to do anything that seems like "work".
Look at the examples from our adult lives. We hire house-cleaners, lawn services, and even someone to buy our groceries. We don't do simple chores around the house or repair things--we just buy something new. (and yes, I'm guilty of this too!)
Then this morning as I was digging up sod from around my flowerbeds I thought of that "work" idea again. I really didn't want to be working up a sweat pushing my wheelbarrow around. I would much rather have been watching "The View" or some other show on tv. Or maybe even surfing the internet or shopping. But I kept on working until I finished the task.
Now that I'm finished, my flower beds look great. They are neatly trimmed and my flowers are not getting lost in with the grass. I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment (along with my achy back). I knew that I had started a project and seen it through to the end.
Where has our sense of pride in a job well-done gone? Where is that "stick-to-itness" that sees us through? As adults if we don't let our kids see us "working" where will they learn this skill? Do we let our little ones help us if they can?
When my own children were little they got a new job on their birthday. It started with my son putting silverware on the table when he was five. As he got older he learned to clear the table, make his bed, prepare a simple casserole and do some laundry. All of our children became self-sufficient and learned a sense of accomplishment at the same time. We made them feel proud that they were getting old enough to take on a new chore. Yes, sometimes there was grumbling but we all had chores because we were all members of the family.
So I'll try to keep a better perspective when it comes to work but I'll also remember what my sign says. Work hard, play hard. Now it's time to go play!!
To keep your hard-working hands soft and clean try Gathered From The Garden's He-Man Hand Scrub or our Gardener's Hand Scrub.

Chicken Soup for the Blogger's Soul?

I listened to an audio tape by Jack Canfield, one of the creators of the Chicken Soup series. (successprinciples.com) He is a very interesting fellow with a great story on how he became successful. Jack is an inspirational writer and speaker. In the audiotape he shared some of his tips. I'll share a couple of them with you. He said occasionally you should ask those around you "On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the quality of ourrelationship (or my job of parenting, etc. whatever fits...) If you get less than a 10 you need a follow-up question. What would it take to make it a 10? I thought this could be very insightful. We often take relationships for granted. This would be one way to open up some communication and see just how the other person views us! I'm going to try it on Jerry. (Hopefully, my score will be in the higher end range!)
Another bit of wisdom that he share is that we all should develop 4 new habits a year. At that rate, you'd have 40 new habits in 10 years. I suppose to truly take advantage of that you could replace bad habits with a new good habit. I'll have to mull this around a little. I don't know if I want to add a new one or replace an old one. Maybe Jerry will have some ideas on this when he rates our relationship!! :)
I can suggest one good habit for you. Get in the habit of checking out our great products at gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com! Or email us (our address is on the site) and we'll be happy to send out a catalog to you.

The Oxygen Mask Theory

What is the Oxygen Mask Theory you ask? If you don't put on your mask first, you won't be able to save anyone else. I was reminded of this when I reread a little book that Oprah magazine subscribers received a few years ago. In it Oprah talks about nurturing yourself so that you are able to nurture others.
Many years ago, when I was still going to confession face-to-face, I told the priest that I was a wife, mother, and teacher. He said you spend all of your time taking care of others. Who is taking care of you? I really had to think about that. My family was good to me but they weren't really nurturing me or my spirit.
This brought me to a decision to stop pursuing an advanced degree in educ. admin. and to instead get involved in something that brought (and still brings) me alot of joy. I became a Master Gardener and started creating a little bit of paradise in my backyard. Working in my flowers every day really feeds my soul. It gives me great joy to see what comes up each spring. I relish every butterfly and hummingbird that visits my garden.
I have a poster in my closet that says "A Joyful Journey is a Successful Life." I truly believe that. Where is the joy in your life?

Summer living...and the weight gain is easy.

Hi everyone,
We are back from a great vacation to Colorado. We visited with family and ate at a cool Mexican place in Greeley. We went sight-seeing and ate to-die for cookies in Estes Park. We celebrated my daughter's new Master's degree with an Italian meal at a wonderful place called Johnny Carino's in Longmont. (Our waiter was a delightful young man training for the next summer Olympics in Bejing.) We also got to spend some time in Boulder wandering the shops on the Pearl Street Mall and ate at the Lazy Dog Saloon. Just for fun, we went to the New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins and sampled their beer.
Now that we are back home and the waistbands are a little tight, it's time to seriously think about losing some weight. So here a few tips I found in Woman's Day magazine (womansday.com/fitness). If you're like me, these ideas need to be simple.

*Skip the sugary fruit-on-the bottom yogurt. (I usually have this for lunch.) Instead make your own with 6 oz. of nonfat vanilla yogurt and add your own fruit.
*Replace your bowl of granola cereal with a bowl of cheerios topped off with granola.
*Substitute the oil and eggs in your brownie mix with 1/2 cup of plain nonfat yogurt. (I haven't tried this one yet but it sounds really simple!)
*Cook an omelet using 1 full egg and 1 egg white instead of two eggs.
*Eat an orange for breakfast instead of a glass of orange juice.

Of course, no weight loss program works unless you exercise. Since it's been so unbearably hot we've been walking at the mall. We keep cool and we get to see the latest fashions in the store windows. We've been really good about not stopping at the DQ for a treat when we're finished!
I also think everyone needs a little reward now and again to keep motivated. Gathered From The Garden has some great treats to pamper yourself whether or not you shed those pounds. Check out our website and indulge the goddess in you!! Gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com
Let me know how the weight battle goes. My goal is to lose at least 5 pounds by Sept. 1.

Rain,rain, don't go away!

We are finally getting much needed rain. My flowers all have their heads up trying to catch every last drop! It has been very hot and humid here much like many parts of the United States. So here are some ideas to keep cool. How about a White Sangria recipe?

Lemon Herb White Sangria

Iowa State Fair winning recipe by Jo Ellen Whitney

2 bottles (1.5 liters) Reisling or Gewurtztraminer
1/2 cup macerated lemon balm leaves
1/4 cup macerated lemon verbena leaves
2 tbsp. macerated orange mint leaves
2 oranges, coarsely chopped
1 lemon, coarsely chopped
1 lime, coarsely chopped

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and allow to steep overnight in the refrigerator. Strain and serve with frozen lemon, lime, orange, and herb garnish.

Super-yummy, cooling, and SO delicious! enjoy!

Now if you are not an "herb" person and don't have access to the lemon balm, verbena or mint I bet the rest of the ingredients would still be delicious. This would be great to sip on while you are giving yourself a clay mask facial or treating your feet to some extra attention. Gathered From The Garden has some great products to help you pamper yourself! Check out our website at www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Try the Sangria and let us know how it turned out.

Kindness...the golden rule in shorthand

I was reading an article in Body and Soul magazine (bodyandsoulmag.com) on kindness. A simple, short article on showing kindness to others. Obviously a wonderful concept. But how many times have we been truly kind to ourselves? Pampered ourselves? My goal this summer is to do something nice for myself each day (well, at least several times a week.) I've done things like bought some Dove dark chocolates, got a pedicure, read an inspirational book, slept a little later on Sat. and put fresh cut flowers in my kitchen. I'm also working on a facial product to pamper my "mature skin". What have you done for yourself lately?