We all enjoy lovely long warm bubble baths- but sometimes the cost of luxury can make us feel more like paupers then princesses!
Another great hint from one of my grandmothers- (I had no idea how much I have learned from the great women in my family- and with no daughter to pass these tricks onto I must share with other women)
We all get those great little sample perfumes- but not much can be done with them- well of course other then trying them on, leaving them open to evaporate in your linen drawers, scattering the scent on your front entrance area rugs, pouring the perfume over old rose petals in a lovely container in your closet, linen closet, shoe closet or drawers-- okay other than those ideas- this is the one my rather simple farm grandmother used.
We have all used dish soap for bubbles I think- okay I have as I LOVE bubbles- but only IVORY dish soap- so you can add the Ivory for bubbles or not.
Take some simple baby oil in a cup pour in the sample perfume-mix it then pour the mixture into the tub- with or without the 'bubbles'.
Voila- instant luxury!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A lady in public, a cook in the kitchen and a ‘shhhh’
A lady in public, a cook in the kitchen and a ‘shhhh’
(and how not to get it backwards!)
You know her - she is one of THOSE girls - dresses impeccably, complete with a host of adoring men swarming over her at all times. She is married or maybe she isn't - she is the woman you hate, the woman you are jealous of, she is the woman YOU wish you were.
Please let me explain. I have watched women very closely for the last 4 years. I have conducted surveys with men, had the privilege of in-depth conversations with men - married, single, divorced, rich and poor, young and old - and they all tell me the same things.
I have learned from them what they are truly looking for in a woman.
Many women have not had the time resources or the opportunity to learn some of the fine arts of being a woman. In our society the game of making money –and more then your nieghbour- has become priority and the you miss out on the true luxury of being a fabulous woman and the ‘goodies that go with that.
To sum it up ladies, I have seen many women behaving like self- indulgent ‘princess brats’ — in a word, rude. This "Princess" " Diva" thing has simply gone too far. Please read the definition of a Diva—not nice! (Hint Webster’s Dictionary defines a ‘diva’ as a prima donna. Prima donna = "an extremely sensitive, vain or undisciplined person".) I doubt that is the label these women are coveting!. If you would rather learn how to be a modern day lady - with a flirty side - adored by your husband, lover(s), boyfriend, co-workers and family, read on!
Who am I to tell you? I am the granddaughter of an elegant Grande Dame - married and divorced by 23, excommunicated from the Catholic Church (after being raised in a convent) then a mistress for 23 years!
"Be a lady in public – a cook in the kitchen and a whore in the bedroom
and don’t get it backwards
………………….like most women do!"
(Lesson number one from my grandmother ---- who truly believes that is the mistake most women make)
Being a rebellious teenager, my mother married at 18 was divorced by 25, with two children. Mom became the muse of the Harper Valley PTA; her skirts were so short she needed matching underwear, not to mention the go-go boots. Her first ‘after children career’ was as a coat-check girl at the first strip club in town!
I was packed off to the suburbs with my father. My stepmother? School bake sales – I toted trays of perfect one-inch by one-inch little pink and white petite-fours. China dessert sets do exist and they are used at my stepmother's. She has never uttered a rude word, which I know of. She gets up first thing in the morning and does her make-up, works out daily, has an adoring younger husband (not my father, though he was younger too) and a long-term happy marriage. She is a true lady. She does not even gossip!
That is the quick story of my strange and marvelous life. The privilege of growing up with these three remarkable and utterly completely different women has given me a unique outlook on women, men, and women and men. Oy- what you can learn from them!
I will share with you what I have learned - how to flirt correctly, without looking like a tramp. Men love ladies who flirt, yet this is becoming a lost art. Simple social graces - how many women do you know have them any more? Etiquette - I know you think that is old fashioned, but you need to know it the basic rules before you can choose what to use and what to discard
We will also delve into details of fashion, flirting and please ladies clean the toilets before male guests arrive! Then we will explore some to the secrets of the secrets from famous courtesans for a touch of spice!
If you want a blog that tells you how wonderful you are, pick another one. If you want a private secret hideaway to share your hints and faux-pas sometimes frank, sometimes humorous, sometimes "salty" Mae West style. Grab a glass of champagne, (or from time to time a scotch and cigar—not really ladylike however it does add some spice to an otherwise perfect lady) or tea in a china cup. Settle down and get ready to learn how to be a ‘Lady in public, a cook in the kitchen and a whore in the bedroom’
(and how not to get it backwards!)
You know her - she is one of THOSE girls - dresses impeccably, complete with a host of adoring men swarming over her at all times. She is married or maybe she isn't - she is the woman you hate, the woman you are jealous of, she is the woman YOU wish you were.
Please let me explain. I have watched women very closely for the last 4 years. I have conducted surveys with men, had the privilege of in-depth conversations with men - married, single, divorced, rich and poor, young and old - and they all tell me the same things.
I have learned from them what they are truly looking for in a woman.
Many women have not had the time resources or the opportunity to learn some of the fine arts of being a woman. In our society the game of making money –and more then your nieghbour- has become priority and the you miss out on the true luxury of being a fabulous woman and the ‘goodies that go with that.
To sum it up ladies, I have seen many women behaving like self- indulgent ‘princess brats’ — in a word, rude. This "Princess" " Diva" thing has simply gone too far. Please read the definition of a Diva—not nice! (Hint Webster’s Dictionary defines a ‘diva’ as a prima donna. Prima donna = "an extremely sensitive, vain or undisciplined person".) I doubt that is the label these women are coveting!. If you would rather learn how to be a modern day lady - with a flirty side - adored by your husband, lover(s), boyfriend, co-workers and family, read on!
Who am I to tell you? I am the granddaughter of an elegant Grande Dame - married and divorced by 23, excommunicated from the Catholic Church (after being raised in a convent) then a mistress for 23 years!
"Be a lady in public – a cook in the kitchen and a whore in the bedroom
and don’t get it backwards
………………….like most women do!"
(Lesson number one from my grandmother ---- who truly believes that is the mistake most women make)
Being a rebellious teenager, my mother married at 18 was divorced by 25, with two children. Mom became the muse of the Harper Valley PTA; her skirts were so short she needed matching underwear, not to mention the go-go boots. Her first ‘after children career’ was as a coat-check girl at the first strip club in town!
I was packed off to the suburbs with my father. My stepmother? School bake sales – I toted trays of perfect one-inch by one-inch little pink and white petite-fours. China dessert sets do exist and they are used at my stepmother's. She has never uttered a rude word, which I know of. She gets up first thing in the morning and does her make-up, works out daily, has an adoring younger husband (not my father, though he was younger too) and a long-term happy marriage. She is a true lady. She does not even gossip!
That is the quick story of my strange and marvelous life. The privilege of growing up with these three remarkable and utterly completely different women has given me a unique outlook on women, men, and women and men. Oy- what you can learn from them!
I will share with you what I have learned - how to flirt correctly, without looking like a tramp. Men love ladies who flirt, yet this is becoming a lost art. Simple social graces - how many women do you know have them any more? Etiquette - I know you think that is old fashioned, but you need to know it the basic rules before you can choose what to use and what to discard
We will also delve into details of fashion, flirting and please ladies clean the toilets before male guests arrive! Then we will explore some to the secrets of the secrets from famous courtesans for a touch of spice!
If you want a blog that tells you how wonderful you are, pick another one. If you want a private secret hideaway to share your hints and faux-pas sometimes frank, sometimes humorous, sometimes "salty" Mae West style. Grab a glass of champagne, (or from time to time a scotch and cigar—not really ladylike however it does add some spice to an otherwise perfect lady) or tea in a china cup. Settle down and get ready to learn how to be a ‘Lady in public, a cook in the kitchen and a whore in the bedroom’
Friday, May 16, 2008
Pimples and wrinkles
Oh my- what a sense of humour mother nature has! After struggling with pimples since my very early teenage years, now I have wrinkles and still get pimples. Being a tad out of date with the newest and best pimple solutions, and having a teenage son, I took to finding the best solutions for him- and then tried them on myself.
Here are a few of the products we discovered that work- with varying degrees of success ( some worked find for my son but were too drying for my dry, sensitive, wrinkle forming more mature face).
Proactive- we tried this product line with very good results- it worked well for me as well- but not as well as I would of liked. However the one all star product they have that works very well on my pimples and my sons' larger, deeper more serious 'spots'....Proactive Refining Mask should be one everyone's shelf for those unexpected little blemishes. They miraculously seem to disappear while you sleep!
While this line worked well I wanted to try out a new line by one of my favorite skin care companies ( we will discuss those products in a separate blog) Obagihas come out with a wonderful new line for acne called clenziderm M.D., This three step system has almost completely cleared up my son's skin (I don't use the system as I just need help for some individual spots) his skin looks great (granted I was finally able to get him to go on a oral antibiotic).This new Obagi line- in my opinion is better then Proactive, not as drying, and very easy to use- and it works.
For back problems, due to cost and ease we have found something very simple works- hand sanitizer! An idea from my mom and works very well on large areas that are not as sensitive as the face.
I absolutely love this product PeterThomasRoth- AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel- this is terrific, a little rub on your spot areas, is clear (unlike the proactive white mask) and voila- pimple be gone! It does not seem to extra drying and is good for my sensitive, mature skin.
That seems to be it for the control of those pesky little blemishes we still get (thanks son for letting me sample your products).... next I will chat about some of the fine skin care products for mature, sensitive, thin skin.
Have a great day, and enjoy the wonderful stage of life you are now in!
Here are a few of the products we discovered that work- with varying degrees of success ( some worked find for my son but were too drying for my dry, sensitive, wrinkle forming more mature face).
Proactive- we tried this product line with very good results- it worked well for me as well- but not as well as I would of liked. However the one all star product they have that works very well on my pimples and my sons' larger, deeper more serious 'spots'....Proactive Refining Mask should be one everyone's shelf for those unexpected little blemishes. They miraculously seem to disappear while you sleep!
While this line worked well I wanted to try out a new line by one of my favorite skin care companies ( we will discuss those products in a separate blog) Obagihas come out with a wonderful new line for acne called clenziderm M.D., This three step system has almost completely cleared up my son's skin (I don't use the system as I just need help for some individual spots) his skin looks great (granted I was finally able to get him to go on a oral antibiotic).This new Obagi line- in my opinion is better then Proactive, not as drying, and very easy to use- and it works.
For back problems, due to cost and ease we have found something very simple works- hand sanitizer! An idea from my mom and works very well on large areas that are not as sensitive as the face.
I absolutely love this product PeterThomasRoth- AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel- this is terrific, a little rub on your spot areas, is clear (unlike the proactive white mask) and voila- pimple be gone! It does not seem to extra drying and is good for my sensitive, mature skin.
That seems to be it for the control of those pesky little blemishes we still get (thanks son for letting me sample your products).... next I will chat about some of the fine skin care products for mature, sensitive, thin skin.
Have a great day, and enjoy the wonderful stage of life you are now in!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Bags for Bras!
Ladies, you know those lovely expensive bras we buy, then take them on a wonderful (romantic) trip only to open our suitcases to find the bar completely ruined- creased, crumpled and well ruined!
Now, you can safely pack those lovely bits of feminine intrigue in delightful 'cases' of their own- and they come in a variety of looks to appease the lady in you- or the - well more adventurous 'whore' in you! Delightful- a bra case for each of your wonderful and wicked secret personalities!
I had one delivered to my hotel a few years ago and plan on adding more to my collection. Gosh for what we pay for these bras- we should take care of them, we dry them on the top of the dryer, hand wash and do NOT fold them in our drawers- now take them on a holiday and ensure they will also 'enhance' your holiday plans and come home rested and unrumpled!
Now, they also carry matching panty cases- seperate compartments for your clean and not so clean- nifty and oh so lady-like!
Check it out! log on to---http://www.bra-g.com/
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Bamboo sheeting and menopause!
Sexy and cool “green” Luxury
In the world’s new awareness of ‘green’ and being ‘green’ is now a trendy idea amongst the Prada clad stylish and not reserved for ‘hippies’ are propelling a new market.
Bamboo as we are familiar with is the harsh grass used to build huts, baskets, and floors for the super stylish and now it is used for fabric!
In my search for new towels and sheets I discovered the most luxurious ‘hand’ (the industry term for fabric and how it feels- well on your hand) of bamboo. Standing in front of the display shouting to my shopping partner “You have to come and feel this.”
I’ve had a ‘thing’ my entire life for ‘scratchy things’. I simply do not like things that look or feel scratchy. This bamboo towelling had a decidedly not scratchy feel to it- it had an OMG feel to it!
“If you like the towels feel the bathrobes” came a voice from over my shoulder while a thick mass of white terry towel was trust in my hand. Wow- this bathrobe was similar to the wonderful white terry ones we find in fine hotels with their gold threaded logo monogrammed on the front- but this robe was on steroids! Yummy!
“Feel this” a large fine sheet was being pulled out for my fingers to rub over- and yet again the luxury was amazing. The sheet was fine- light silky but not satiny and simply amazing.
“Okay- enough! I have to try these”
Walking away shaking my head- my shopping list got a touch carried away. White bamboo towels, white and ivory coloured bamboo sheets, a silk summer duvet and then pillows made from Kopak. Kopak being a tree from Africa and the ‘fluff’ harvested to create pillows that are allergy free, easy to clean, eco-friendly and also adjustable. Just can open the zipper on one end and pull out enough ‘stuffing’ until you get the correct firmness for yourself, neat idea.
“This feels like 800 thread Egyptian cotton’ exclaimed one of my better heeled friends. Me- I have never slept on 800 thread Egyptian cotton to know. The closest I have ever come to Egyptian cotton was when I copped a feel of some sheets at Harrods department store in London a few years ago. They were light, soft and I did not dare even to look at the price- but they did not cause me to gasp with anticipation like the simple bamboo ones that had been presented to me!
Frette and Pratesi bed linens are two of the favs amongst the fashionable and famous types. However they carry price tags of around $1450.00 a set and are a tad out of my reach. Then following those two luxury brand names comes SFERRA – these I have never had the privilege of touching- and at $15,000.00 a set- I doubt I ever will. Bamboo and me will have to take a chance at this- these I can afford!
Here goes, freshly washed feeling like wisps of nothing, I had no other chance but to think of the Emperors new clothes—there was nothing here! Laying the new silk duvet over the fresh bed wondering how is this flat pancake bit of muslin covered silk going to feel. I like the fluff and down of feathers. This silk summer duvet is flat- not luxurious looking at all. No fluff- and I guess as anyone that knows me will admit I like ‘fluff’. I ‘adjusted my new pillows to the softer end of the firmness scale and crawled in.
OMG- I had now had my sheets, duvet and pillows for a few weeks and every night I enjoy the feel of the smooth elegant fabric sailing over my skin. This is a feel everyone should enjoy it is like being under a whisper of a cloud! Honestly, the bamboo is the most truly amazing feel I have ever encountered, the silk duvet so light with just the perfect amount of density to feel like nothing is on you while still so cozy you do not ever want to get out of bed.
Bamboo towels? Yum--- the fabric glides over your wet skin and lightly absorbs the moisture like a magnet sucking up the moisture- eliminating the exfoliation action needed with cotton towels. The entire collection washes up like a dream.
Only one little glitch – if you like your sheets and pillow cases wrinkle free or close to remember to grab them from the dryer right away as the fabric wrinkles like fine linen. A touch of the iron on the cases and top of the sheets may help to create a true top-notch visual effect.
In addition to the wonderful feel—being a 40 something woman—the sheets feel cool—which makes the sleep for some of us that are having some ‘night sweats’ much more luxurious! In addition the sheets are so soft that you easily ditch your jammies and sleep ‘au natural’. The ‘au natural’ sleep is great for us ‘older’ women- young couples- newlyweds- well you get the idea!
In the world’s new awareness of ‘green’ and being ‘green’ is now a trendy idea amongst the Prada clad stylish and not reserved for ‘hippies’ are propelling a new market.
Bamboo as we are familiar with is the harsh grass used to build huts, baskets, and floors for the super stylish and now it is used for fabric!
In my search for new towels and sheets I discovered the most luxurious ‘hand’ (the industry term for fabric and how it feels- well on your hand) of bamboo. Standing in front of the display shouting to my shopping partner “You have to come and feel this.”
I’ve had a ‘thing’ my entire life for ‘scratchy things’. I simply do not like things that look or feel scratchy. This bamboo towelling had a decidedly not scratchy feel to it- it had an OMG feel to it!
“If you like the towels feel the bathrobes” came a voice from over my shoulder while a thick mass of white terry towel was trust in my hand. Wow- this bathrobe was similar to the wonderful white terry ones we find in fine hotels with their gold threaded logo monogrammed on the front- but this robe was on steroids! Yummy!
“Feel this” a large fine sheet was being pulled out for my fingers to rub over- and yet again the luxury was amazing. The sheet was fine- light silky but not satiny and simply amazing.
“Okay- enough! I have to try these”
Walking away shaking my head- my shopping list got a touch carried away. White bamboo towels, white and ivory coloured bamboo sheets, a silk summer duvet and then pillows made from Kopak. Kopak being a tree from Africa and the ‘fluff’ harvested to create pillows that are allergy free, easy to clean, eco-friendly and also adjustable. Just can open the zipper on one end and pull out enough ‘stuffing’ until you get the correct firmness for yourself, neat idea.
“This feels like 800 thread Egyptian cotton’ exclaimed one of my better heeled friends. Me- I have never slept on 800 thread Egyptian cotton to know. The closest I have ever come to Egyptian cotton was when I copped a feel of some sheets at Harrods department store in London a few years ago. They were light, soft and I did not dare even to look at the price- but they did not cause me to gasp with anticipation like the simple bamboo ones that had been presented to me!
Frette and Pratesi bed linens are two of the favs amongst the fashionable and famous types. However they carry price tags of around $1450.00 a set and are a tad out of my reach. Then following those two luxury brand names comes SFERRA – these I have never had the privilege of touching- and at $15,000.00 a set- I doubt I ever will. Bamboo and me will have to take a chance at this- these I can afford!
Here goes, freshly washed feeling like wisps of nothing, I had no other chance but to think of the Emperors new clothes—there was nothing here! Laying the new silk duvet over the fresh bed wondering how is this flat pancake bit of muslin covered silk going to feel. I like the fluff and down of feathers. This silk summer duvet is flat- not luxurious looking at all. No fluff- and I guess as anyone that knows me will admit I like ‘fluff’. I ‘adjusted my new pillows to the softer end of the firmness scale and crawled in.
OMG- I had now had my sheets, duvet and pillows for a few weeks and every night I enjoy the feel of the smooth elegant fabric sailing over my skin. This is a feel everyone should enjoy it is like being under a whisper of a cloud! Honestly, the bamboo is the most truly amazing feel I have ever encountered, the silk duvet so light with just the perfect amount of density to feel like nothing is on you while still so cozy you do not ever want to get out of bed.
Bamboo towels? Yum--- the fabric glides over your wet skin and lightly absorbs the moisture like a magnet sucking up the moisture- eliminating the exfoliation action needed with cotton towels. The entire collection washes up like a dream.
Only one little glitch – if you like your sheets and pillow cases wrinkle free or close to remember to grab them from the dryer right away as the fabric wrinkles like fine linen. A touch of the iron on the cases and top of the sheets may help to create a true top-notch visual effect.
In addition to the wonderful feel—being a 40 something woman—the sheets feel cool—which makes the sleep for some of us that are having some ‘night sweats’ much more luxurious! In addition the sheets are so soft that you easily ditch your jammies and sleep ‘au natural’. The ‘au natural’ sleep is great for us ‘older’ women- young couples- newlyweds- well you get the idea!
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