A Conscious Aging-Plan

Ah, yes, the sands of time keep falling through that hour-glass! Can you tell I just had another birthday? Time to reflect on the aging process and look ahead to another year.

Tracy Gaudet, M.D. is the author of several books, including Body, Soul and Baby and Consciously Female. She has put together a "Conscious-Aging Plan". Her plan includes these 5 steps:

1. Know your preconceptions. What's your image of an older woman? 10 years older than you? 20 years older? 30 years? What are your greatest fears about your own aging. Take time to explore these...I think my greatest fear is not being able to take care of myself.

2. Do a reality check. Think about the older people that you know and love to be around. What is it about them that you admire? Do you know anyone in their 80's or 90's that is still full of vitality, has a sharp mind and is filled with joy?

3.Visualize your future. Imagine yourself at age 90 vital and glowing--someone that others would like to be around. What does it feel like? What do you look like? How do you feel? Imagine yourself to be the oldest person around that young people gravitate to. Give yourself permission to think of this possibility as reality!

4. Make a list. Think about how many years are between you and 90. How much do you have to ask of your body? What changes could you make in your life that would support your body as it ages? Make a list of these changes.

5. Start now. Look at your list and choose one thing you'd like to work on. Think of it as a baby step that will start you in this direction and go for it! I think I need to work at keeping my mind sharp--more crossword puzzles or maybe learning a new craft. My memory is not as sharp as I'd like it to be.

I don't love the fact that my body is aging but I am ok with it. I feel I am a much more interesting and smarter person now than when I was younger. I've had a lot of life experiences to draw from and I love the fact that I have become a grandmother! I guess embracing aging will make the years ahead possibly my healthiest, most vital and joyous yet.

One of the things that also gives me joy is making and using products from Gathered From The Garden. Check out our website: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Your Real Beauty

For years I envied my tall, blond, thin sister-in-law. I was always a little on the plump side, average height and a brunette. My self-esteem was low all through high school and the beginning years of college. The media didn't help, suggesting that to be popular and well-liked you had to look like Twiggy. (Boy, am I dating myself!)
Although I am happy with my shape today, I think the media still presents an unrealistic standard for physical beauty. Statements related to negative body images are still one of the first things you hear from female adolescents. Fortunately, two new media programs are making positive steps toward helping females accept their bodies in a positive, realistic way.
One is the "Dove Campaign" website (campaignforrealbeauty.com)that mothers and young daughters can use to discuss body image. There are articles and activities just for girls. There are also articles for Moms and Mentors. The other program is a new Lifetime TV show, "How to Look Good Naked".(lifetimetv.com) This show spotlights positive ways for women to view their body images.
I think a goal for us women is to help each other enhance and project our unique personal beauty, regardless of our body shape and size. We can improve our body image through the use of fashion and skin care tips and healthy lifestyles. Letting younger girls see us enjoying who we are instead of complaining about our bodies would be a great example for them! I also think they need to see us practicing healthy lifestyles too. What are your thoughts on this?

Hand, Foot and Skin Care
If you love to dabble in the kitchen here's a great site for you: makeyourowncosmetics.com You'll find lots of really fun recipes for hand, foot and skin care that you can make on your own. Lots of them use ingredients you probably already have on hand.
The one featured there right now is for a Foot Spa using milk, sugar, water and your favorite lotion. (We are sure it's Gathered's Goat Milk and Honey Lotion!) Head on over and see what beauty recipes you can use to feel like a goddess! Let us know if you try some and which ones are your favorite.

Are You Ready for an Adventure?

On the news this week were two dramatic rescues of women who had been hiking in the mts. and became lost. One was in the US and the other was an American woman in the Alps. In both instances the women were resourceful enough to attract attention to get rescued. I'd say they had very adventurous spirits.
I have never been very adventurous. I kind of like the safe and known. But sometimes I think I might be missing out on some very interesting activities. SARK says that adventuring is developed by practice. The more adventures you embark on , the more adventures will begin to seek you out. She says that adventures can by tiny or large, they can be expensive or free. She also says that we are creatures of habit (I know I am) and that we should make a habit of adventures.
So this summer one of my goals is to start breaking out of my safe routines and look for adventure. I probably will look for small ones to start. I will be going to Paris is August and I'm pretty sure that will be a LARGE adventure for me!!! What adventures have you been on? Have you made adventure a habit in your life?
I plan on taking some great Gathered From the Garden products along on my adventures. Check out our website for some products to take with you too! gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

10 Ways To Brighten the Day

For us here in MN I think summer has finally arrived! We had an exceptionally cool and rainy spring that has lasted into June. But hurrah--today's high should be about 80 degrees! So with all of the sunshine today it got me thinking of how to brighten your day and that of others. Here are some ideas:

1. Smile. (at everyone and just because- if no one else is around!)
2. Start your day with a workout or some kind of exercise or stretches.
3. Enjoy time with your family.
4. Call a friend. (It's really better than email)
5. Get outside! Swing in your hammock, garden, bike, go for a walk.
6. Help someone in need. (turn on the news and you will see plenty of others that could use some help! Prayers help those in need too.)
7. Play like you did when you were a child. When was the last time you played hopscotch, hula-hoop, or scooped up sand in the sandbox?
8. Laugh out loud. Tell a good joke. Read the comics.
9. Praise someone. It will make two people happy!
10. Wear bright colors--reflect the glorious colors of nature in summer.

I'm sure you can add to the list. Let us know what other ways we can brighten our day. I could have added "read a blog"...or check out Gathered From The Garden's website. Buying and using any of our wonderful products will surely brighten your day! gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Could You Live To Be 100?

My mom just celebrated her 77th birthday. She was commenting on the fact that she outlived her mother. We got to talking about longevity in my family. My dad's mother lived to be 94. Could we make it to 100?
I read on the AARP website about a fellow who is studying people who live to be 100. He went to Costa Rica and interviewed a wonderful old woman. You can read about his visit with her and watch a short video. It is quite inspiring! (aarpmagazine.org/lifestyle/living-healthy-to-100.html)
He lists several factors that these people have in common. Some are: they have a sense of purpose, they have a focus on family, they eat fewer calories, they have kept hard at work all of their lives, they maintain social networks and they are genuinely likeable people. This particular woman had visitors stop by her house everyday and she was thrilled to see them.
The list doesn't seem complicated or difficult to do. (maybe the fewer calories part...). I'd like to think that reaching 100 is attainable. I'd only want to live that long if I was in relatively good health like the woman in the interview and if I still had people visiting me everyday! She lives by herself but her 80-year-old son does bike over everyday to check on her. :)
What about you? Would you like to live that long? Are you doing any of the things of the list to increase your chances? I think being a 100-year-0ld "goddess" would be awesome!
Speaking of awesome--check out Gathered From The Garden's website for some awesome products for the goddess in you! gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Girls Just Gotta Have Fun

Ladies you need to check out this site: HairMixer.com!

The site has hundreds of celebrity photos where you can magically insert your own image into the face portal section. Supposedly you can use the feature to see what hairstyles look good with your coloring and face, but more importantly it’s just plain fun! I haven't figured out yet how to post pictures of me using hairmixer so you'll have to go there and fool around with your own picture. Let us know which celebrity style was your favorite.

For more fun go to www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com where you won't find celebrity styles but products that will make you feel like a celebrity!

Memory Like an Elephant?

A very good friend of mine was telling me about her elderly mother and how forgetful she is. She couldn't remember the name of "that thing that cuts grass" (a lawnmower). My friend was worried that her mother was becoming senile, getting Alzheimers or having side effects of her medication.
As I listened to her tell about her mother I couldn't help think of all of the times I had trouble remembering names, dates etc. For me it's only a temporary lapse (something to do with menopause perhaps?) but it still makes me a little nervous when it happens.
I was reading the March 2008 issue of Prevention magazine. In it they listed several factors that we can control which have been shown to slow "mental decline". (I don't like the sound of those two words.) I've listed some of them here.
*Eat more brain food. Blueberries are especially good to improve short-term memory. Cut saturated fat and eat more fruits, veggies and fatty fish such as salmon.
*Sleep 8 hours every night. Your brain uses the "downtime" to sort and store information. Sleep can also strengthen memory recall.
*Do something new every week. Tackling unfamiliar tasks boosts short-term memory and builds up the part of the brain that encodes info.
*Breathe deeply. Processing new information when we are stressed is tough.
*Make a list of tasks. (I do this all the time--don't always get to everything on the list though.) Sometimes we ask our brain to retain too much information.
*Take it one task at a time. (I am very guilty of multi-tasking!) Trying to do too much at once leads to forgetfulness. A mature brain tends to experience "moments of rest". These pauses are what causes us to draw a blank.
These seem like easy things that I can start doing right away. I guess we have to exercise our brains just like our bodies. It's a little scary when those "senior moments" happen and I would like to keep my mind as sharp as I can. For more good information check out the March issue or go to Prevention.com
One thing I never forget is how good Gathered From the Garden products feel on my skin! Check out our website: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Call Your Mom

Just a simple thought today as we look towards May. Call your mom. You'll feel great and mom will feel even better. She is probably still the one who knows you best. She is still the one who probably has the smartest advice. In the cycle of life there will come a time when you want to call her and cannot. So look around--where's the phone? Go ahead, call your mom.

While you're at it you might want to hint around for some gift ideas for her for Mother's Day. Gathered From The Garden can help you treat yourself and your mom with luxurious goodies. We can help you feel oh so indulged! gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Just like Jerry Seinfeld
Some times you just have to do what Jerry Seinfeld did...talk about nothing. So here I am basically blogging about nothing! Anyway, read on. I think these facts are fun.

1. Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.Treasury.
2. Men can read smaller print than women can.
3. Women can hear better than men.
4. Coca-Cola was originally green.
5. It is impossible to lick your elbow.
6. The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour : 61,000
7. 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 (1-9 forward and backward)
8. If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle.
9. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle.
10. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
11. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace.
12. Bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers were all invented by women.
13. Honey is the only food that doesn't spoil.
14. Father’s Day has more collect calls than any other day of the year.
15. “Good Night and Sleep Tight” - In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by Ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the Bed firmer to sleep on.
16. “Honeymoon” - It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a Month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law With all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their Calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as 'the honeymoon'.
17. “GOLF” – Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden. Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden'...and thus the word GOLF entered Into the English language.

FINALLY~~ At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!

Any silly or fun facts to add to our list? Send us a comment with yours...

You're Never Too Young

This past weekend my two granddaughters ran in their first 1 K race. The older one was very excited to be running. The younger one was too until they got to the race and saw some costumed characters. She was afraid of them and absolutely did not want to be part of the race anymore.

We let her watch the older runners take off. When her age group came up, her mother picked her up and convinced her to just walk behind her older sister and cheer the runners on. That was fine as long as mom held her. So they walked and cheered and about half way through the race, Karalyn turned to her mother and said, "I'm doing it!!" She managed to get to the finish line (although mom had to carry her the WHOLE way--poor mom!) where she received her medal.

This got me to thinking about how many opportunities we pass up because we are afraid. We can be afraid of risk, of failure, of embarrassment etc. But if we would just dive in we might be surprised like Karalyn to find that "we are doing it". I know there are a couple of things I would like to try but fear has held me back. I am going to try to do one of them this week. Hopefully I'll be smiling and saying "I'm doing it!". There's the old saying, nothing ventured, nothing gained...

In case you are out running in races and marathons this Spring, Gathered has some great "Sore Muscle Relief" Lotion to help with those aches and pains. Check out our website: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

On another note, I apologize for not having indented paragraphs. If anyone has some advice for me on how to do this in my posts--please comment!!

The Big Give

Have you been watching Oprah's "Big Give" tv show? Each week a group of contestants has a mission--give big to someone. There are rules and twists to what they have to accomplish each week and those that don't, get eliminated. It's been interesting watching partly because of their creativity and partly because they do get to work with big amounts of money.

Watching the show got me to thinking about how us ordinary people can give big. We don't have tons of money to spend. We don't have a fancy new vehicle to drive around while we figure it out like those on Ophrah's show. But I think we all have the opportunity to give everyday if we just look around. Here are ways to give right now--they aren't big in terms of money but they could make a big impact on someone' life.

1. Hold the door for someone.

2. Donate blood.

3. Give a compliment.

4. Help a fellow traveler with her luggage.

5. Raise money for a cause you believe in.

6. When you see trash, pick it up.

7. Pass on good news.

8. Tell someone you love them.

9. Give up your seat.

10. Send a thank-you card to someone who has shown you a kindness.

11. Smile at a stranger

12.Say a prayer for someone who's hurting.

13. Teach your children about giving.

14. Praise someone who has done well.

15. Kick bad habits, like smoking, that can harm others.

16. Pamper someone with a gift from Gathered FromThe Garden .gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

What would you add to this list? Let us know so we can keep the giving-going!

Quick Sticky Buns
I found this great little recipe in an old issue of RealSimple magazine(Nov.2007) It's for Quick Sticky Buns. It uses only 5 ingredients to make a straight-from-the -oven pastry: butter, a banana, pecans, brown sugar and a tube of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits. There's nothing better than quick AND tasty!! Go to realsimple.com/myfakeitrecipe. I'm thinking it would be a fun one to try with my little granddaughers.
For another quick trick, try Gathered From The Garden's Petite Perfumes! They are sweet little roll-ons of great fragrances. You can tuck them into your purse or pocket. Go to gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com to check these out.

It's in the Bag

Okay, girls, if you're like me you have a collection of purses. When switching purses what are the essential items you carry with you at all times? See if you agree with the list below:

1. Wallet. Make sure you have your driver's license.


2. Baby Wipes. They clean everything.


3. Mini sewing kit.


4. Pain reliever.


5. Cell phone.


6. Pen.


7. Gum or mints.


8. Pocket mirror.


9. Sunglasses.


10. Lip balm or gloss.

I have everything in my purse except the baby wipes and sewing kit. I also carry a nail clippers, mini-perfume, kleenex, keys, pictures of my grandchildren, glasses and contact case and more! I was invited to a baby shower where one of the games was to weigh your purse. Mine weighed close to four pounds!! (You can tell that I have a problem using a small purse.)What can I leave out? It all seems very necessary and important. The one really necessary and important thing I can't do without is Gathered's purse-size Goat Milk and Honey Lotion. You can get one of your own at gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

What's in your handbag?

What To Do With Your Left-over Easter Candy

There is a great website cakespy.com that you should check out--especially if you like cool cakes and cupcakes. They also have some wacky ideas of what to do with that left-over Easter candy. Jesse Oleson can help breathe new life into your Peeps, jelly beans or chocolate eggs with her suggestions. How about a left-over Easter trifle, Cadbury Creme Egg ice cream or Peep s'mores? Check out all of their sugar-laden suggestions. Normally I wouldn't suggest anything using so much sugar but heck, all things in moderation, right?

The above website is almost as much fun as gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com. We don't have any sugar-laden products but ours are still awfully sweet!

Tell Your Life Story in Six Words

Smith magazine published a book called "Not Quite What I Was Planning, Six Word Memoirs by Writers Famous & Obscure". It lists great life stories told in only six words. Some are humorous: "baby teeth, buck teeth, no teeth", "tons of calories burned, still fat" some are romantic: "found true love, happily ever after", some are inspirational: "fell in mud, got back up" some sad: (this by a cancer patient) "would settle for bad hair day" and some political: "proud of my country, until Bush".
I tried to sum up my life in six words. It's very difficult! I think this may be mine "Life is good, hope it continues". What would yours be? If you've got one you'd like to share, SMITH is going to publish another book. Go to smithmag.net and submit yours and/or share it with us here! We'd love to see how you describe your life story in just six words.
Here are another six words that Gathered FromThe Garden would like you to remember about us: Soothing skin products to pamper everyone! Go to gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com
to find great products for the whole family.

Another Great Blog

I found this blog and have been impressed with the practical information on health it contains. I am always looking for easy ways to improve my diet or lifestyle. Part of "being your own goddess" means being in control of what you eat, breathe, listen to, buy, read etc. Thanks to Dr.Minser for sharing these smart health tips! Go to docminser.com and check it out yourself. Anyone have other blogs to suggest?

Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month where we celebrate the accomplishments of the women who have come before us. Have you ever thought about the women in your own family and how much they accomplished? I had a grandmother who raised 16 children. Many of the years they were growing up she was a single parent. (widowed young) That had to have taken an incredible amount of hard work, patience, perseverance and faith. I think she passed those qualities on to my mother and hopefully to me. Who are the women who have inspired you?
Here is an inspirational movie to view in honor of women. Check out noglassceilingmovie.com It will make you think!
Check out gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com for some great products. You might order some to give to the special women in your life that have made a difference for and to you!

Diva Dolly

I was reading an article in Ladies Home Journal about Dolly Parton. Even if you don't like country western music you have to admit she is quite a woman! She has copywrited some 3000 songs, has an amusement park named after her, started Imagination Library for poor children and runs a pretty big company out of Nashville. She's been married to the same guy for 41 years. (that alone is pretty incredible!)
In the article Dolly was asked about plastic surgery and she admitted to having it done. She said that's why her husband has stuck with her all of these years---he gets a new woman every five! Although I admire her for her talent and good works I just can't agree with her on the bodywork. What' s wrong with aging naturally? She could have been a greater role model if she had said "No, thanks--I'll keep what I have--wrinkles and all." I totally understand wanting to look your best but not with injections and surgery.
How about you? Would you consider having some work done to look younger? Let us know what you think.
Gathered From The Garden has natural face products to help you look your best. Check out our website: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

I Believe in You

Charlon Bobo writes a weekly email newsletter that I subscribe to. (editproofcopy.com) This week her message was about encouraging others. She reminded me of the responsibility each of us has to encourage, enliven and support others. We are not intended to work alone. We need each other.

Charlon says to never underestimate the power of these words: "I believe in you." They might improve someone's day or inspire them to new heights. They are a gift. And who knows the full range of positive potential impacts?

She says it costs nothing and feels great. So think of someone right now who could use your words of encouragement and send these words to them. You never know how you might make someone's day!

You can also make someone's day by giving them one of Gathered From The Garden's wonderful Goat Milk and Honey Lotions. Check out our website: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com