Wrapped Beautifully

COVID19 Testing Incomplete & Misleading If Don't Use One of These Techniques

Covid19 testing is incomplete and misleading if we are not (1) getting a baseline of a complete population or (2) taking true random samples of populations whether those are at the state or region/county level.  

When you consider what President Trump and the state governors are planning in terms of how the states will open up using three phases, its crucial that they are working with valid data about what a given state or parts of it are dealing with at a given point in time.  Either you take a full baseline of a given population (everyone in that population) or you take true random samples (which let you characterize the population somewhat accurately). And, it would be best to know these 4 things:  (1) who has not had it, and of those with it, (2) is it active or (3) inactive now?  And, (4) did they have symptoms when it was active? 

I just put these numbers together for New England and NY and NJ.

As you can see, the percentage of people tested in each of these states ranges from only .9 % (NM) to 2.8% (NY and RI).  In all cases, we are running essentially blind.  How is that?  Well, in all cases, the data being used is  not a full baseline and its not random samples.  So, for example, MA has not tested 98% of its residents.  And the 2% that it has tested is mostly the symptomatic people.  We believe at this point in time that a fair to significant percentage of folks who are asymptomatic are actually carriers! They are NOT being accurately reflected in these numbers.  If there was a full baseline of tests or valid random samples, they could be.

We know that we don't have the testing capacity in place to take full baselines of populations right now, in highly populated states at least.  So, we must take valid random sample baselines. I have not heard that any state has done that (at least yet) even the states with much lower populations. If this is not done, our economic openings will be both poorly and invalidly planned and therefore executed and set backs (delays in opening a region or state)  will likely be rampant. 

 

 

Pareos and Sarongs: How Could Something So Simple Be So Gorgeous?

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! 

      

 

Video of How To Tie A Sarong For Sexy Sun Dress Look

Here is a video of the sarong tying technique I described in the last blog post.

What You Can Use To Reflect How You Feel Or Want To Feel Inside

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:

• "Early" music from these periods:
• • Baroque (1600 - 1750), which  includes the work of these composers: Bach, Handel, and  Vivaldi
  • Classical (1750 - 1825) which includes the work of these composers:  Beethoven, Hayden and Mozart
  • Romantic (1825 - 1900) which includes the work of theses composers: Brahms, Chopin, Mahler, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Tchaikovsky
• Beautifully structured rock. There are too many groups to name.  But it starts with early 1960s material (like the Beatles) and even continues through today (Lady Gaga!) 

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.

Coconut Buckles- Do You Know What They Are And What They Do?

If you wear sarongs and pareos, you need to know what a coconut buckle is and how it is used.  Wait till you see how it transforms your look.  You won't believe your eyes... really! http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/why-should-i-care-about-having-a-coconut-buckle-for-my-sarong-or-pareo-scarf-3110353.html

Be Ready In A Snap With A Shoulder Wrap

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:

Be Ready In A Snap With A Shoulder Wrap       

Swim Cover Up: Did You Know About This?

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.

Silk Scarves - What Makes Them Special?

 

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.  In this artice, I explain  the five aspects that control quality and need to be considered when making a purchase.

I've been buying silk scarves for 30 years. During this time, I've noticed there is an incredible range of quality that exists for what you can buy. "You get what you pay for.", is something you need to keep in mind.

Here are the five aspects that I recommend you evaluate when you are contemplating a purchase:

Weight Dimensions Design Color Finish

Weight- The heavier the weight, the more it costs to make. Silk is weighed in mommes. Retail labeling does not generally state what this is for a given scarf. But you can tell what it is to some degree just by holding it. If it has a very sheer gossamer look and feel, it's going to be very light, potentially 4 or 6 mommes. If it is fairly substantial with strong coloring that holds up to light, it is probably 10 to 12 mommes. Much heavier than that, you are getting into weights that are better suited for drapery and upholstery. My favorite weight for silk scarves is 12 mommes. It's a perfect weight, not too light or heavy.

Dimensions- Each of the possible shapes of scarves out there comes in different dimensions. The larger the dimension, the more it costs to make. In general, the larger the better. My favorite dimensions in a square are 35" x 35". And for an oblong scarf, 16" x 60". These sizes work the best with the standard ties you can make.

Design- We are getting into more subjective ground to a certain extent. But, if you begin to spend any time studying patterns, you can tell when they are thrown together or not. Yes, it's true, fads can include thrown together looks. A poor design, though, looks tacky, plain and simple.

Beautiful silk scarves have beautiful, well thought out designs. They are attractive to look at. You enjoy gazing at them. They always enhance what they are being worn with.

Color- This is fairly subjective too. I will say though, understanding good colors and how to work with colors seems to come naturally to some and not to others. And you tend to know, with time, which kind of person you are. If you aren't very good at it, get help! It is something you can get better at with a little training and understanding.

Beautiful scarves have beautiful colors, whether they are trendy or classic, timeless colors.

Finish- The main thing to be concerned with when it comes to finish is the stitching used for the edges. There are folks out there that like hand rolled hems. Hand rolled hems can still be done improperly. I have found this to be the case even with extremely expensive scarves (costing hundreds of dollars). When done improperly, the fabric may not be flat enough as it approaches the edge and/or the stitching (thread) can come undone fairly easily. I actually prefer a well executed top stitch, as it can give you a flatter, cleaner result.

There you go. I wish I had this information when I started buying scarves. Practice makes perfect! I'm also glad you can benefit from what I've learned!

 

Low Carb Diet Plan That's Simple and Satisfying and Works Great!

 
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 Sauna - Do You Know What You Are Missing?

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

Sending Flowers - Is There Any Way To Make Them Last Longer?

So, you have decided that you will be sending flowers to someone for a holiday or a special occasion.  Flowers can be so special and so beautiful.  Although they can be fairly expensive, the expense can be justified.   But, it doesn't seem right that sometimes a bouquet of flowers doesn't last and therefore can't be appreciated for very long.

If the flowers were delivered fresh, there are a few tricks that you can take advantage of which can really make a difference.  This article explains these  in detail!  Sending Flowers Article

Now, if you are not 100%  committed to sending flowers as a gift, there are always other  gift alternatives that you can consider which are not perishable.  Fragrant imported soaps and candles can be a wonderful idea for people that seem to have everything.  Something that is a little more personal and perhaps luxurious is a silk scarf.  Silk scarves are a great alternative especially when the woman you have in mind doesn't tend to treat herself to luxury items such as this. 

Gift Delivery and Presentation - Just How Important Is It?

 From the time I was a little girl, I've been very appreciative of the way in which gifts are presented.  When it's done well, it really transforms the experience into something special, almost magical.

Not that much has changed today.  Only these days, I am more often the gift giver than receiver. 

In this article, I explain how and why I feel that the way in which a gift is presented is really important. Hubpages Article

 

Greens - Will You Be Wearing Them For St Patrick's Day?

I grew up where there were lots of descendants from Ireland.  So, everyone in the neighborhood and at school would  celebrate St. Patrick's Day. 

Years later I  learned more about the origins of the holiday,  the Irish, and Ireland, as well as my own Irish ancestry. 

You can bet I'll be wearing green on March 17th!  This is a picture of the actual ring referred to by this article I wrote: Greens - Wearing Any For St Patrick's Day?

There is no question, green has become one of my favorite colors!   You have to be careful with the shades though.  I remember mint green walls in elementary school.  Those were not enjoyable at all. And, it wasn't because they were classroom walls!   The shades of green in the forest including the evergreens, pines and ferns are wonderful.   In fact, its those very shades that inspired the colors in this green silk scarf I designed.

British racing green is very similar to the forest and evergreen shades.  And I used British racing green when I was restoring my Jaguar E-Type.   It's a very handsome,  classic color that you never tire of.

And over the last several years I've added some green sweaters to my waredrobe.  One is an Austrian boiled wool coach length sweater  with beautiful silver ball buttons. Another is a stylelish thick yet short cable knit turtleneck sweater.  I love to wear them!  And, I get a lot of compliments when I do!  Note that it would be a mistake if you assume you have to be an Irish Lass in order for it to be OK for you to wear green on a regular basis!

I wonder if  green articles of clothing calm you as if you were taking a walk in the woods or a forest.   Over the years, I have begun to do this quite a bit.  And you always feel rejuvinated when you do.   And when I wear green, I don't experience exactly the same result.  But,  I certainly feel less stressed!

Try it yourself and see if you experience a similar effect!

 

 

 

Video of How To Tie An Oblong Scarf Into A Peony Choker

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is a video worth? Well, you be the judge!  Check out this amazing tie that really shows off a great scarf.

 

Video of How To Tie An Oblong Scarf Into A Faux Slip Knot

Ever feel like you can't be trusted to wear a scarf in a loose fashion without having to pay attention to it all day long?  This tie can be a great solution:

 

Video of How To Tie An Oblong Scarf Into A Classic Bow

There doesn't have to be any confusion over making scarf ties that are a little complicated.  This video should help demystify this favorite:

 

Video of How To Tie An Oblong Scarf Into An Ascot

Ever wish you could see exactly how to make a great, classic scarf tie?  You've come to the right place!  Here is a wonderful one:

 

 

Video of How To Tie An Oblong Scarf Into A Simple Loop

We are now featuring videos that show you Scarfsense scarves with an outfit on live models!  Here's one of our favorite combinations:

 

Video of How To Tie An Oblong Scarf Into An Oblong Wrap

Our silk scarf tying videos give you are really good idea of the actual textures and colors of the scarves being featured because we film both indoors and outside. 

People often worry about reds as they can appear to change more when the kind of lighting changes.  See what you think: 

 

Video of How To Tie An Oblong Scarf Into A Square Knot

We are putting together short scarf tying videos that will make you an expert in no time!

Many people struggle with a square knot for some reason.  These instructions make the tie easy to remember:

   

Video of How To Tie An Oblong Scarf Into A Fan Choker

Ever wonder if you are not showing off a scarf of yours in an ideal way? 

We know what you mean and can help!  Here's one really nice tie to consider: