The Magical Qualities of Wintry Stones

blue lace agate

Post by Sharon 

Rocks, minerals, semiprecious and precious gems have amazing looks and qualities. Some of them have a very wintry iceberg and snow-inspired look to them. Here's some of my favorites for looks and also for their healing qualities. I carry turquoise and labradorite on investigations.

Winter Decor: Nordic Home Accents

Post by Sharon (Thorvaldsen)  

Touches of the Northern latitude in the wintertime is an ideal marriage of style and utility.  My favorite is everything from the icy climes and with about 80% Scandinavian DNA, I can't help but look at my father's homeland for inspiration that touches my spirit and makes me dream of frost in this godawful desert I live in. 

Bone Broth: Collagen For Joints, Gut, and Skin

Post by Sharon

As we go through the regular rhythm of changing our diets for the newest trends, some of the most ancient and logical items remain the best. Bone broth is seeing a brand new following and there are many reasons why this should be a part of your diet. 

Indoor Gardening

GROWWALL

As an avid  gardener who is also a baby boomer, I think less and less about fighting bugs, critters, weeds, and Bermuda grass on my knees working the earth and more about alternatives that are easier to access, cleaner, and less likely to compete with creatures/bugs wanting to eat my goods. 

Baby Boomers Vintage Skateboarding, Vintage Rolerskating and Vintage Surfing

Post by Sharon 

The 1950s, 1960s and 1970s personified skateboarding, rollerskating and surfing culture. I admit to being a very avid skateboarder and freestyle rollerskating, spending a few hours a day on both! I wanted to be a surfer, but I was on the quiet Chesapeake, so I daydreamed of growing up, moving to LA and surfing like Gidget. There was a whole music, lifestyle, and fun culture built around these things - from Beach Boys and Dick Dale surfing attitude to roller disco skating and half-pipe-loving skateboarders. 
Let's relive some of the fun and find ways to recapture it, even if we aren't willing to get on a board in our middle years -

Choosing Men's and Women's Boots: A Variety For a Variety of Purposes

It's boot season! And you figure a boot is a boot, but they are all VERY different from style, heel, weatherproofing, function and more. Here's some of my faves for men's and women's boots this season - 

Finland: Winter Wonderland Getaways

Post by Sharon and Julie

Santa's Village in Finland is one of many magical getaways in the icy magical North. Imagine saunas, sleigh rides, fine food, and a charming cozy cottage to enjoy the snowy scenery and northern lights? LINK TO SANTA'S VILLAGE

And this is just one northern possibility. Let's look at some more - 

Winter Getaway: Cruises With Casinos and Amusement Parks!

A winter time cruise getaway always sounds like heaven, but if you want more to do than watch movies or lie out by the pool, you might be excited to know there is some action on cruise lines in the form of casinos! 

Delightful Christmas Book

Post by Sharon

Mystic Publishers (the company I publish with), put together a delightful Christmas anthology book, "Christmas Across Time." My story "A Different Kind of Christmas" can be found starting on page 99. A teenage girl's move to the desert right before Christmas has her distressed until the true meaning of Christmas becomes apparent. 

Creative Handmade Christmas Gifts

Post by Sharon 

From the mouth's of babes - the meaning of Christmas

When I was a wee tot of 6 and had no $ of my own to buy gifts, I contemplated the situation.

My mother offered to take me out to buy gifts for my siblings.

I thought about it long and hard and told her.

"Mom, God made me an artist. That's His gift to me. I'll use that gift to make my gifts."