Feeling Groovy in the 1970's

I was a teenager in the 70's. That was a good time to be young. Things were simple. We didn't have cellphones, computers, or even cable. Can you imagine having only three main TV stations? And worse yet, when I got a flat tire and that other time I ended up in a ditch, I had to walk to find a phone to get help. And how about prom? We didn't have our hair, makeup, or nails done professionally. We also didn't rent limos. I'm sure our parents probably appreciated not having to spend so much money. But we still had fun. As I remember it, the day after prom was the most fun because that's when you spend the day going someplace special. For us it was usually a big park, beach, or a day at Great America Theme Park. We also did dinners in downtown Chicago after prom. 

I had a blast looking through my old photos to share some of them with you. What a fun trip down memory lane! In the photos above you'll see me getting my hair curled by a friend for prom. At least we had curing irons! I also included a picture of my sister as she's getting ready to go to school. But the picture of my sister is how I remember the 70's fashion. Bell bottom hip huggers, wide belt, platform shoes, and of course long hair. And take a look at the picture of my dad in front of the floral curtains. Dad looked great but the curtains, yikes! Of course, it wouldn't be a true 70's picture without my first car, a 1970 Toyota. By the time I got to drive it you had to put it into neutral at every stoplight and gently press the gas pedal or it would die. It was mine and my sister's first car and we loved it at the time.

But back then, we really didn't feel like we were missing anything. So many things have changed in that short amount of time when it comes to technology. I can't even begin to imagine all the things my granddaughter will see in her lifetime. I do hope though that she will look back at her teens in a fun way just like I do.

After looking at the pictures I can say that the quality of our photos have come a long way.

Sign up for Sher's Creative News so you don't miss anything!

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week.  

Choosing the Perfect Color Palette

Did you ever notice that the most beautiful color combinations come from nature? Sunsets, flowers, the oceans, and fall foliage are so beautiful, why not think about them when planning your next project? Just use a photo, then take it into a photo editing program and pick colors from the image. You can't go wrong when you choose colors straight from nature.

When my kids were small, we would drive about an hour to my parent's house on weekends. On one weekend I looked at the trees along the highway and pointed them out to my kids. I told them to soak in all that beauty because you won't see them looking that beautiful for another year. They were at their peak, and it was beautiful.

A couple weeks later I took that same drive. I was heading to my mom's house to meet all the ladies in the family for our annual day after Thanksgiving shopping trip to Woodfield Mall in one of the Chicago suburbs. Yes, malls were a big thing back then before the big box stores and Amazon. Anyway, just as I was approaching that area of trees that I pointed out to my kids a few weeks prior it looked really different but in a good way. Since I was driving in the early morning, the frost was still on the ground and the trees. I look over and I see deer surrounded by the glistening tree branches and ground. It looked like it would have made a beautiful postcard or painting. I kind of felt like something was telling me to never underestimate Mother Nature because she will come right back at you in a magnificent way!

So next time you need some inspiration for a color theme, just look outside.

Sign up for Sher's Creative News so you don't miss anything!

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week.  

What Happens on a Girls' Trip...

If you've never gone on a girls trip you are missing out! One of my mom's favorite things was going on girls’ trips. And for those who knew her will know that they were always centered around shopping. Mom loved to shop! Two of my favorites were Mall of America and Gurnee Mills. She always liked to stay in the nicest hotels too. I really miss those days with my mom, my sis and myself just enjoying non-stop shopping and having fun. My most recent was a trip to Frankenmuth with my daughter-in-law, my sis, and our granddaughters. And yes, in the photo above you'll see my 60-year-old sister hanging from the luggage rack. It's hard to believe that no drinking was involved. But that's just some silly fun we would have never had if we had the hubsters along.

What makes for a good girl’s trip? A girl’s trip is anything you want it to be. You can go on shopping trips, state park trips, big city trips, small town trips, and even wineries. For the wineries just make sure you grab an Uber and of course, you must all be twenty-one. And whatever you do, you need to journal it so you never forget a thing. If kids are involved, it's easier when they are older. Just be sure to include as much fun for them as for the adults.

Another fun thing to include is something matchy. If you are the planner, you can give everyone a nice little gift such as fun travel accessories or piece of jewelry. On our recent trip you can see that we all had matching (temporary) tattoos. Quite surprisingly they lasted the whole trip!

OK, one more rule. When you do travel with your granddaughters and they want ice cream for dinner, you have ice cream for dinner!

Where will your next girls’ trip be?

Sign up for Sher's Creative News so you don't miss anything!

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week.