Appreciating the finer things in life is a good trait. Like anything else, though, striking a balance is important.
If you want to buy a gorgeous scarf, are you going to automatically buy one that is the most expensive?
Why don't you try to find the "next" Hermes instead? It could be a fun adventure and you'd save you a boatload of cash!
Here's the artice: Find The Next Hermes
It was early June in 1989, and I was just married. My husband had planned the most wonderful honeymoon for us. It was a trip to Tahiti. We visited three islands: Moorea, Bora Bora and the island of Tahiti which is where the capital, Papeete is.
Tahiti is below the equator. So, winter, rather than summer was approaching. The days were quite short at that point. But because of its location, the outside temperatures were delightfully moderate (in the seventies).
Our first stop was Moorea. We stayed in over water bungalows at the Sofitel Moorea hotel. We were greeted with beautiful wedding pareos and flower crowns.
Pareo is the Tahitian word for a wrap-around skirt. Today, the word is used for any material that is wrapped around the body. A sarong is basically the same thing.
We were greeted with another pareo when we arrived at Bora Bora. These were white pareos which were made out of cotton. It was a great cover up for my swim suit as well as a nice wrap for over the shoulders after several hours in the sun. A pareo is so much easier to deal with than regular clothes and when you fold it in half and wear it as a skirt, it's so much prettier and more flattering than shorts. Not to mention, a lot cooler because the material is lighter.
These pictures were taken on the coral reef ring that surrounds each of these islands. They've been there so long, there is often a lot of vegetation. Beyond these reefs is, of course, the Pacific Ocean. If memory serves, its about 4,000 feet just beyond the outer edge of the rings.
The lagoon that is created between the island itself and the coral ring is only a few hundred feet deep and its filled with lots of colorful tropical fish. If you have sufficient canoeing skills and can figure out how to stay clear of the currents that exist where the coral rings have breaks, you may be able to make your way safely around in an outrigger. This can be a lot of fun! Many parts of the coral ring surrounding the Tahitian islands have long stretches of magnificent beaches, which you can have completely to yourselves! Nothing like a romantic picnic lunch on a completely secluded, beautiful beach. This can also become a nightmare if you don't know what you are doing. For example, these currents can both prevent you from getting to a destination or getting back home.
More recently, I have discovered sarong buckles made out of coconut and mother of pearl. And there is one particular tying technique that transforms a sarong into a gorgeous and very sexy wrap sun dress or bathing suit cover up. It's surprisingly simple. You place the longest side of the sarong behind you just under your arms.
Hold the material by the top two corners and pull to the front. For a moment, hold both corners in one hand. Hold the coconut buckle in front of you with the other hand. Place the top left and right corners of the material through the left and right holes of the buckle.
Pull the material through until its very snug against your skin above your chest. Then, bring these ends under your arms and tie in a simple knot behind you. Next, pull the gathered material that is above your chest over your chest. And you are done!
I'm not exactly sure why, but I have always bought scarves that seem to reflect how I feel or want to feel inside: happy, beautiful, vibrant, and special. Certain ones seem to be so perfect year after year for those formal important things like job interviews or weddings. But, I also like to wear particular scarves for fun, casual things, like apple picking in October or going to a surprise birthday party. Wearing a scarf is uplifting for you and sometimes even for the people you are with!
It's not that different for me when it comes to music. I listen to music that reflects how I feel or want to feel inside. So what I like in music is pretty distinct and diverse. I am crazy about:
Music in particular is so powerful when it comes to being able to affect how you feel. I can have the most draining day at work. But on the way home, if I listen to a piece of music that is hopeful, energetic, and/or positive, I'm just about guaranteed to be heading in that direction by the time the song finishes.
My dad studied music at Boston University, both voice and instrument (clarinet). He taught music in public schools to children for many years in Massachusetts and Maine. Although I learned to play flute and piccolo in the 1970s (and here I am in this concert photo- the flautist in the striped shirt), I have minimal skill.
My sister Sharon sings and directs choral music and teaches music to elementary school children at a private school in New Jersey. She went to Westminster Choir College, has sung at Carnegie Hall a couple times and sounds like Jessye Norman. It's such a gift! The next generation of children in my family could yield a couple musicians.
And if not, we'll make sure they will know how to enjoy and use music as much as their parents do.
It's hard to believe fall hits in a couple days! Time to pull out the flannel sheets and the sweaters. There is a great alternative to sweaters. Do you know what it is? A wrap!
They are really pretty and in many cases are a better choice than a sweater for keeping you warm. Here's an article I just wrote on the subject:
This past Sunday was Super Bowl Sunday. And, I always look forward to it. Why? It's not so much the great football that you MAY see. But, it's the fact that it marks the half way point for winter.
Once the snow melts, one of the things I get ready to do is drive my 1972 Jaguar E Type. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. And, when I tuck her in for the winter every November, it's hard to believe I could become even more fond of this car by the time we get to spring.
You might be saying to yourself, "What is she talking about?". Well, let me share with you a story that I wrote over a decade ago. And if after reading it, you are at all intrigued, I encourage you to get your hands on anything relating to the history of and specifications for this special vehicle: Jaguar E Type Article
Here is video footage from my first test drive which was taken during the ground up restoration. And here is video footage from the final body work and paint inspection.
The beginning of February marks the halfway point of winter. Can you make plans to go to a Caribbean island or perhaps take a cruise? I hope so! Just one week away this time of year really helps you make it to spring.
When you are lucky enough to be lounging around in the sun whether it's this time of year someplace down south or in the summer, one thing women should be aware of is a swim suit cover up that is amazingly flattering and fun to wear. Some of you may know about this already. Based on what I see on the beaches and pool side, most don't yet!
Instead of shorts and a shirt to cover up your swim suit, there are sarongs and pareos you should be wearing! They are slowing making their way to the United States. I first saw them twenty years ago in French Polynesia.
If you get a traditional sarong, you can fashion it as a sexy sun dress. Nothing beats a beautiful color and print combination.
For those of you who want to keep it simple, there are now sarongs and pareos with no-fuss built-in ties. A chiffon white or black sarong in half or full length is extremely attractive and easily matches your swim suits.
It's not your imagination. There is something very special about silk scarves. A picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look. What do you see?
I think it's luminousity and softness. Here's an article I wrote about silk scarves which explains the five aspects that control quality and need to be considered when making a purchase: Silk Scarves - They Are Not All The Same.
Warm weather is approaching. Are we getting ready for looking our best during the spring and summer months?
I know from years of trying different diets or eating plans to maintain a good weight, if it's not straight forward, forget it! I have too many other complications in my life to want or to be able to add another one. The good news is, it is possible to have a plan that is simple and satisfying and successful in terms of meeting your weight goals.
For many of us, low carbs or lower carbs needs to be a way of life once we hit 25 or 30. But, you do not have to feel you are making huge sacrafices and are going without something that you'd really like. Did you know this? It's true! If you don't have a course of action set up for this year yet, you should consider this approach. There is just one main requirement (I also refer to this as "the trick"!) for this simple low carb diet plan. But it's very reasonable. See for yourself!
Infrared saunas warm the body the same way as natural sunlight does.
Far-infrared radiant (FIR) heat therapy penetrates, refracts, radiates and reflects. When it penetrates through the skin, the thermal effect causes blood vessels and capillaries to dilate. This promotes better blood circulation and elimination of toxins via sweating.
FIR heat therapy aids in weight loss by speeding up the metabolic process of endocrine glands and vital organs.
Other information, including the specific benefits I experienced is provided here: Infrared Sauna - Benefits Are Unique and Real
Let's share thoughts on great things you can get wrapped beautifully in. It's not just clothing!
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