Is This What They Call The Golden Years?

Does time seem to go too fast or is it just me? I have officially reached what they call the “Golden Years.” I celebrated my sixtieth birthday four years ago and in the past four years I feel like I’ve learned so much, mostly about myself. And it’s not all bad. The way I look at things is completely different than it was just ten or fifteen years ago.

I’ve learned where my priorities are. I’ve always put my family first above everything but I now I guess I look at it even differently. I became a Nana almost twelve years ago. I’ve discovered a kind of love that I’ve never known before. Having kids is amazing in its own way, but having a grandchild is on a whole other level. Maybe it’s because you don’t see them as much as you did when your kids were growing up, or maybe it’s because you are not the disciplinarian and are more relaxed and chill around them. I just know that when that beautiful child is with me, life stops everywhere else, and I just enjoy every minute.

Time is ticking along. Some say time is an illusion and I never understood that, and probably never will. The fact is that it’s moving ahead, quickly. All that being said, the way I prefer to spend my time is different than it used to be. I focus on doing things I enjoy, and I have learned to say no to things that I would have done before because I thought I had to. No more of that.

Giving is so much more fun for me than receiving. You reach a point where you really have what you need, and “things” don’t make you as happy as it once did. I find it more rewarding to share what I have or what I can with others that are in need. Time, money, or awareness can make a difference in your life and can help those in need. When you realize how blessed you are, in what ever way that may be, it makes you want to share that with others.

There’s more to life than what we have in Indiana. Yep, a lot more! I’ve always enjoyed traveling but these days, we travel every chance we get. I’d rather spend my money doing things and having experiences than buying material things. It’s a big world out there and we want to see it while we still can. We’ll be taking our first scenic train ride in a couple of months. It will be an experience. I’m glad my husband isn’t into taking pictures and videos because I’m sure it will be quite a sight watching me climb up into the upper bunk at night.

I realize that my health is my most important asset. No truer words have ever been spoken. As I watched my parents and others age, I realize that not only do I want to remain healthy to live longer but I want to keep my mobility. Years ago, diet and exercise were something I attained for vanity purposes. Today, it’s all about my health and mobility. I’ve gotten a good hold of that lately and am working hard at trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Next, I’m going to add strength training to my daily routine.

If you are still with me and haven’t fallen asleep while I ramble on, thank you. My final thought is that I hope you are inspired to take good care of yourself and those around you.

The photo above is my favorite photo from a two-week road trip we took last year. There are a lot of beautiful places out there!

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Dry Shampoo Hack - Great Tip and so Frugal!

I don't remember where I saw this or how long ago it was but this simple and super cheap hack has saved my hair more than once.

For the past couple of years, I have discovered that my hair looks healthier (and the color last longer too) if I only wash it 2 or 3 times a week. Every time you wash your hair, you are also washing away important natural oils that your hair needs.

If you need to run out of the house and your hair is getting to the end of your hair washing break, or it's a little oilier than normal, this hack will have your hair looking fresh and beautiful. I find that this is best when done before bed if you plan to run out in the morning for a quick meeting or errand.

The simple ingredients.....cornstarch and baking cocoa. This does make sense because cornstarch absorbs moisture. And the cocoa powder is simply to take away the white powder look. I'm blonde so I just use a small amount. For dark hair, you can use more. 

***Just be sure not to let your cat or dog lick your hair because unsweetened chocolate is highly toxic to them.

I keep mine in the bathroom in a 1 cup size container and apply it with a large makeup brush. It's really that simple! That cup will probably last me a lifetime since I don't use it all that often. You can also put it in a shaker container and shake it on, then brush it out.

You only need to put it close to the scalp then give a good brushing or combing.

Don't miss any sewing tutorials, helpful tips, or free embroidery designs! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

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. 

Are You Ready for the Three Dune Challenge?

The photo on this blog post is one I took while hiking the dunes. Long before the park became a National park (was just a state park) they didn't have the "3 Dune Challenge." They had the three big and steep dunes, but they didn't call it a challenge. We locals just thought of it as "Trail 8." And it's a tough one! When I first started hiking that trail, I thought I was going to die. I had this vision of DNR arriving to my aid on their 4-wheel vehicles. By the end of that sumer after going about two or three days a week, I had them mastered. I can even say that I never had to stop and rest, just breezed on through! 

The hubster and I were talking about getting our season pass and making it a regular activity once again. It has been about 15 years since I've climbed those dunes and I just know that I'll be back to near death again the first time. Between age and added weight, it will be rough but I'm bound and determined to make it happen. That is my goal for 2023.

If you want to see what I'm talking about, I've dropped a few links below so you can check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XZK2mWxljI

https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7013463/trail-8-3-dunes-challenge

https://www.indianadunes.com/explore-the-dunes/indiana-dunes-state-park/3-dune-challenge/

What will you challenge yourself to do?

Dreams Can Be Crazy - Keep a Journal for Them

Every night before I go to bed I wonder where I'm going to go before waking up. My dreams are so real that I really think I'm living them. Some are so crazy that I wonder how my mind can actually make them up.

I've recently been journaling them because some of them are so out there that I don't want to forget about them. They are actually fun to read later.

I'll share two favorites of mine that I never want to forget:

Our parents live in Florida and we were down there visiting one day (yep, 2000 miles for just the day) and they put out a big spread for lunch. The only thing funny about it was that the sandwiches were made from felt. Fabric felt sandwiches. Yummy!

My all time favorite dream was about three years ago. My friend and I were riding our bikes to the Gary, Indiana lakefront. I actually live by the lake several miles from Gary so I don't know why we rode to Gary instead of our own part of the Lake. The best part of the dream is that my friend and I were riding our bikes while carrying ironing boards. IRONING BOARDS! One of us got a flat so we stopped at a gas station to fix it. While we were there someone stole our wrench. I then said to my friend that we could buy another ironing board at WalMart for around $20 so we left our ironing boards at a laundrymat and went on our way. I seriously can't read that one without laughing.

If you plan to keep a journal for them, be sure to jot them down right after waking up. They are so easy to forget about if you don't do that. I always have a notepad everywhere in the house where I can quickly jot things down. If I don't have time in the morning, as long as I jot down some notes, I can record them in my dream journal later.

Hit the Reset Button - Get Out in Nature!

 

Some people love a vigorous workout. I am not one of those people. But mention a hike in the Dunes or any other trail, and I'm there! There is something about nature that makes me feel alive, energized, and renewed. We had some unseasonably warm weather today so when the hubster mentioned going for a hike on a trail, I grabbed my water bottle (OK, it had iced tea inside) and my gym shoes and away we went! You can take the same trail every day and see something new. I also feel like the creative energy flows so much better during and after my hikes.

One of the things I noticed today were these two yellow leaves in the front of the picture. Do they look like dinosaur feet to you? Or is it just me? I did do a little research when I came home and found out that they are Sassafras leaves.

They say we have a couple more days like this. Looking forward to another hike!

Daily Walks - More Than Just for Fitness

Several months ago I started my walking program. I thought it would be a nice way to ease myself back into a healthy lifestyle, which it was. The more I walk, the more I've come to realize that it's more than that. It's a time to listen to some educational audio books, get to know the neighborhood, the neighbors, enjoy the beauty around you that you would otherwise not see, or just clear you mind. If you're not walking alone, this creates some excellent, uninterrupted, quality time with the person you are walking with.

I'm not even close to being a great photographer but I do enjoy taking photos for my own personal use to reflect on, or create some fun scrap pages. If I'm alone, I'm usually listening to some audio books on my cellphone which has a great camera, if I'm walking with someone, I'll grab my camera.

I'm getting close to adding some new exercises and activities to my routine but I'm not going to give up my walks because I've come to look so forward to them for so many reasons.

Whether I'm walking alone, or with someone, I never respond to the phone, emails, or text messages because this is my time. If I do bring my phone, it's only for listening to audio books.

My Standing Workstation

As many of my blogging friends and Internet business owners know, one of the hazards of the job is too much time sitting on your butt! Unfortunately, spending hours at the computer is needed for editing photos, blogging, listing items, promoting items, and some of us even have to do the actual designing and publishing on the computer. This means that we are not moving enough, and not moving enough is very very dangerous to your health. Even though I try to get up once every fifteen minutes to get the blood moving, it's really not enough.

Most recently I've added a standing workstation to my studio. The hubster built me this wooden stand a few years back for something else, but as you can see, it makes a perfect standing workstation. It's big enough for my laptop and papers for reading from, or taking notes, and it's the perfect height. When I need to use my table for a sewing or craft project, I just slip it under the skirted table and it's out of the way. I really love working this way, it's more comfortable. It's also easier than getting up after sitting for a while due to pain in my knees. I'm also finding myself swaying and moving around which is better than sitting still.

I did a lot of research on this, and one of the articles that I read was very enlightening. It was written by the Smithsonian Institute. If you read this article and you are one of the many people that spend many hours at the computer, you might consider this option as well. If you use a laptop, You can find about anything to raise it to a comfortable standing height.

My Walks are Now More Fun!

Sometimes I walk with Brian, but sometimes I walk alone. I'm very committed to my exercise program and my healthy eating. Walking the same roads over and over again can get boring when you don't have anyone to talk to. I've just made it much more fun with my discovery of audiobooks. The first book I downloaded is how to make more sales with Pinterest marketing. Now I can learn while I walk. I have a couple more books that are next in line.

Audiobooks would also be nice to use on the elliptical but since I'm in one place and can actually look at something, I like to watch youtube videos.

Do you exercise? What do you do? Eventually I'm planning on adding some Pilates to my program.

Favorite - Getting Healthy With Craftsy!

It's time for another one of my favorites!

Craftsy and getting healthy, what could they possibly have in common? We all know that a good creative flow is good for your mental health, but what about your physical health? Can Craftsy play a big role in that as well?

The answer is YES! I am really struggling to get on the healthy track and my biggest obstacle is exercise. I just hate it! OK, I said it, I hate exercise! I wish I didn't, but I do. But what I do love as much as the thought of being healthy and fit, are the Craftsy classes! I love the fact that I can take my tablet or my laptop to my elliptical and exercise while I'm learning a new skill or technique. Before I know it, my time is up!

If you haven't tried the classes yet, I strongly suggest that you give them a try. You don't even have to exercise while watching them, you can sit in the comfort of your favorite chair or your desk. You can even follow along while making projects. I have learned so much from these classes.

My favorite one so far, has been the "Design Your Own Handbag" class. I've been designing my own handbags since I was fourteen and I thought I knew it all, but I was amazed at how much I learned from this class. I also loved that fact that it's interactive with the Craftsy community.

The last class I bought is "Machine Quilting: Free Motion and More." I haven't really gotten into that one yet, but I'm really looking forward to it, while sweating on the elliptical of course. When I want to try something I've already seen, I can always go back to that part later. 

If you are unsure about the concept of the classes on video, I suggest you try one of the many free ones they have to offer. Love them too!

I love selling my patterns there and I love taking their classes too. I'd also like to mention that their customer service is the best around. Every time I write them with a question or comment, they get back to me right away.

So that has been my experience with Craftsy. Why don't you stop by there yourself and check out their patterns and classes. If you are into sewing and crafting, it will quickly become one of your favorite websites. You can even be like me and use it as an enjoyable (in informative) way to get you through a workout!

If you want to head over there right now, there are two graphics on my sidebar that will take you there. Or you can just click HERE.

Happy Crafting!

I'm Such A Loser!

Another goal has been met. As of this past weekend, I've lost a total of 20 pounds! At first it was slow going down a very rough road. Now, I've got a good grip on things and it seems so much easier. There are many things that have helped me along the way such as a supportive family, having access to our own elliptical (more on that later), and a husband who is a pro at watching what the eats and making sure that he works out regularly. Those are just to name a few.

One of the things that has been a big help to me is my myfitnesspal.com (screenshot above). It's a website where you can log your weight, measurements, food, and exercise. They also have a community if you are interested. I don't join in on conversations or groups, but I find the smartphone app helpful to log my progress. It remembers the foods you use most often and it also stores your favorites so you never have to enter that food again, you just scroll down to it. It tells you how many calories you have at the start of your day, then adjusts as you eat and exercise. You know exactly how many calories you have left. My favorite part is at the end of the day when you choose "complete" and it says, "If you eat like this everyday, in five weeks you will weigh 135 pounds." Or whatever the case might be.

And it's all FREE!!! Free is good! This has been a big help to me. I think that logging and keeping track of my progress has added to my success. Whatever program you use, it does help to keep a log.

Images in the photo above are from my "Health and Fitness" clipart/graphic sets which are available at my website, clipart shop, and Etsy.

How You Want It Honey Mustard Dressing

I call this recipe my "How You Want It Honey Mustard Dressing" because you can make it low-fat, high-fat, or non-fat by simply using the mayonnaise of your choice. I always use the Kraft brand but you can use any brand you like. I first came up with this recipe some twenty or so years ago when I was looking for a good tasting fat-free honey mustard dressing. I could never find one that didn't have an aftertaste, or that was even close to delicious.

I've made this all three ways and it's delicious every time.

1/2 cup of mayonnaise (regular, non-fat, or reduced fat)

1/4 cup of Dijon mustard

1/4 cup of honey

1 Tbsp. prepared mustard

1 Tbsp. cider vinegar (actually white will work fine too)

1/8 tsp. paprika (I don't measure, I just shake and taste)

It will be less lumpy if you whisk your Dijon mustard and your honey first. Then whisk in the mayonnaise, followed by the remaining ingredients. Enjoy!

Banana Nut Chocolate Chip Muffins - Low Fat

This is one of my favorite healthy recipes! I've been making these for years. I can probably make them blindfolded!  They are so good and guilt free. They have about 220 calories each and the only fat they contain comes from the small amount of nuts and chocolate chips. But don't leave them out, for such a small amount, they add a lot of flavor! 

They also freeze very well.  As you can see, the recipe is so easy to half, which I do a lot. And if you're going to make them, be sure to eat one fresh from the oven. Yummmmmm! They are great for breakfast, as a snack, or with soup or salad. Enough talk.....

2 small to medium bananas
2 eggs
2 Tbsp water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. choc mini chips
6 Tbsp. chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 325.  Mash bananas.  Whisk in egg, water, sugars.  In small bowl combine flour, soda & salt.  Add to banana mixture.  Fold in choc & nuts.

Bake 25 - 30 minutes.  Makes 12

Deep Woods Off & Another Goal Met

It was only about three to four years ago when I was in the best physical shape of my entire life. I've recently made a commitment to myself to get back there.

I have set lots of mini goals for myself on this quest to good health. One of them was to get our annual pass to the Indiana Dunes State Park and get back on the hiking trails, which we did. The next one was to make it to the water's edge on Trail 9 (that's what I call it) in less than 40 minutes. We did it in 35 minutes this morning. As you can see in the photo above, it's so worth the view once you get there. I was sweating, and times it was a struggle to meet my time, but we did it! I have several other little goals to meet before reaching my final goal for fitness, which is to once again master Trail 8 without stopping once.

I hope I don't bore you all with healthy recipes, and beautiful photos of my hiking at various places. But I know that I've done this before and I have a good feeling about it. 

As for the Deep Wood's Off, it is my new best friend! We had some old stuff in the trunk the last couple of times we were on trails and we were still attacked. I bought some fresh cans and what a difference! So we keep a can in each car, and a pocket sized one in our pockets. No bug will get in our way!

I'm so glad my husband likes hiking too!

What's in Your Vitamin Cabinet?

As many of my readers know, I've been taking the road to good health very seriously. I've been exercising 4 to 5 days a week, eating so much better, and have even lost 5 pounds! I've probably lost a little more but I wasn't brave enough to get on the scale until a couple weeks into the program.

I've also been taking vitamins and supplements. Several years ago I took them all regularly and I swear I was in much better health and felt a lot better. So I've been taking them once again.

The ones I take everyday:
Women's Multi - Hopefully this will make up for what I miss in my foods.
CoQ10 - My personal FAVORITE. This is actually an enzyme that your own body produces. As we age, our bodies don't produce this as much. It's an immunity booster and it rebuilds your important cells. I will never go without taking this one again!
B12 - Little energy booster
Potassium - Helps with those late night muscle cramps in my old legs
Calcium - Just started taking this. My dentists advises.
Vitamin C - Hopefully it will help keep away all those colds!

I hope you don't mind but I'll be sharing some good health tips from time to time.

Back At It

My elliptical and I have become friends again. For the past week or so I've been concentrating less on electronics and more on life, most importantly, my health.

UPDATES:
Sewing/Craft Room - tomorrow I'll begin cleaning out the dressers so we can remove them.

Snowy Owl - we're still trying to find a new place for him. We had to amputate a wing so he can't be released. You can read his story here. His cute little face is now my desktop background.

Jade Plant - I haven't killed it yet! There is hope.

Favorite - Lean Quisine

I've decided to join the Happy Healthy Me link party at Running with Glitter. Every Thursday we each add a post to the party. It can be anything from a recipe, to exercise tips, to our own personal story.

Today I'm sharing one of my favorites. I just love the Lean Quisine steamable bags. My personal favorite is the Chicken Potstickers but I just love them all! They make a great meal by themselves or with some bread or a side of vegetables. Yummy!

First Time in Pool, Bathing Suit, Blogging Grannies

Well, today was the first time I jumped into our pool. Unfortunately this was also the first time I had to get into my bathing suit. The swim, or should I say float, was lovely, peaceful, and relaxing. Unfortunately getting into the bathing suit wasn't as pleasurable. It was quite depressing! Next year, I hope to be writing something completely different.

So is anyone on this weight loss adventure right now? Do you have any favorite tips to share? How do you keep your motivation? I need all the help I can get!

Also...I just found this great team on Etsy, it's called Blogging Grannies. It's for the "mature (not old) woman" and it's a brand new team. Looks like it will be fun. The founder is a nice and warm person so it's already off to a good start. If you are interested in checking it out, you can find it HERE. You don't have to be a grandma to join. I am not one, hopefully some day I will be. Hint, hint, kids!

So, on to my motivational tips! Bring them on!!!

Photo Above: My baby Bubba last year chillin on the raft. He likes the raft but isn't too fond of the water.

Diet Tip #1

Diet tip #1 - Get the chocolate out of the house! Back in the days when losing weight was easier I was able to keep a secret stash of my favorite chocolates on hand. I would be so disciplined! I would have no more than 2 or 3 in a day. Well, something has happened along the way and it's a bit more difficult. I still have my 2 or 3 a day, but then I go for one more, then one more, then one more, then what the heck, I've already blown it right?

So I have decided that I must keep the evil out of the house because I am weak, I am a wimp, I will cave for that creamy, chocolaty goodness. I'll save my chocolate splurges for special occasions.

Do you think my photo frame is a bit extreme?

Snackwell's 130 Calorie Packs

I thought I'd end the week with another post about one of my favorites. I just discovered these Snackwell's 130 calorie packs. They are delicious! This is the only one I've tried so far but I will definitely try the other snacks they make. The caramel corn is delicious and they are drizzled with chocolate and they are super chocolatey (is that a word?).

They are perfect to throw in your purse. Just yummy!!!

PS...Spellcheck just said chocolatey is not a word, but I'm leaving it.

What Timing!

Since my flight to Florida last weekend was so late I had 6 1/2 hours to sit in the airport. I used that time wisely. I got out the laptop and put the finishing touches on my latest kit. It's called Health and Fitness and it is a two part set. And this could not have come at a better time because it was when I returned home from my trip that I had a very RUDE wake up call on my weight issues. Not only did I have to buy new summer clothes but the needle on the scale is going in the wrong direction! At first I thought my scale must be broken. It must be! But it did cross my mind that perhaps my diet isn't working very well. So, I turned that into a positive and got my butt on that elliptical we have in the hobby room. My husband uses it 4 to 5 times a week. Now, so will I! I will report back here with my progress. And yes, there WILL be progress!

So enough time about me. Here are my two newest kits that are available in my Etsy shop here and here. I think I can see some use for these images in my future.