Gilded Living

I do my best to focus on the good, to be mindful of gratitude, to keep it all positive. But life certainly isn’t all new boots and mojitos (I know that most people would use “sunshine and rainbows” or “something-or-other and unicorns,” but if I’m being honest, boots and really good mojitos, for me, are pretty sublime). Life can be tough, disappointing, and dreadful; it has been known to make me cry uncle, to wave a white flag, to bring me to my knees. A dear friend told me l ast week she was impressed by how I’m always happy. It was a lovely thing for her to say, but as I walked away I got to thinking, the accolade really isn’t mine. And it isn’t really happiness she was referring to. It’s joy. What’s the difference? Well, to always be happy would mean I’d always feel fortunate and cheerful and lucky. And that’s not true. There are definitely moments/days/weeks I’m not all that happy. Times when I have a lot on my mind, times when I may be quieter than normal, when I’m conce...

The nights are getting cooler and the days are getting shorter...fall is in full swing in Wisconsin.  Each year, as the leaves change color, my skin changes texture and becomes a bit drier...and I find myself turning time and time again to Dr.Hauschka's Soothing Mask . My skin is very sensitive to both the outdoor elements as well as most products with any sort of chemicals in them. Dr.Hauschka's  holistic products  work wonders on my skin! They're not cheap, but I've come to accept that my purchasing a few products that work perfectly saves me money in the long run since I'm no longer purchasing many different products at the drugstore in hopes one will work...and then throwing the majority away or giving it to a friend to sample. I simply buy what I know works and call it a day! And when used according to the directions, one tube of products last me almost all fall and winter! The mask has quince seed extract and hazel hydrosol which restores and maintains skin...

I first heard the term dry brushing back in 2010, but at that time, I only learned of the exfoliation benefits.  When I started incorporating the process into my morning routine a few years later (to prep my skin for bare legs and tank tops), I was pleasantly surprised to discover the additional health (and beauty) benefits. In addition to removing dry skin (think knees, ankles, elbows...), it also evens skin tone, stimulates blood flow, aids in cell renewal and tighter skin (goodbye cellulite), and helps the lymphatic system with toxin release, digestion and kidney function.  All of that from a quick two minute, pre-shower routine! The only tool needed is an inexpensive, natural bristle brush (not synthetic) that is sturdy, but not too rough.  One with a long handle is great for hard to reach areas. To dry brush, start at your feet, and then work your way up, making long sweeping strokes with enough pressure to feel it, but not hard enough fo...

A few years ago I found myself living out a dream: I was sitting in the studio audience of the Oprah show watching the taping of an episode of her final season!  The guest was Martha Stewart! (For those of you who don't know, I have a daughter named Martha...I'm kind of a big fan...)  As I sat there pinching myself, I saw a women with long hair pull out two twisted pieces of metal and pull her hair into a perfect bun in about 15 seconds flat. As a fellow long-haired girl I was in awe. I wasted no time asking her about the products during the next commercial break.  The next day I picked up my very own  Goody Spin Pins ! As Oprah would say, they are one of my Favorite Things.   I'll admit that they do take some practice and getting used to, but over the years I've mastered many different quick but stylish hair styles with these little gems...even my my Martha's waist-long, super thick hair!  As I type this, I have three small messy buns at t...

Dearest Anthropologie, You are a long-time, trusted friend...one who has proven to be there for me time and time again throughout each stage in life.  Our relationship began back in 1998 when I was on the market for a new blazer to wear to my college internship interview.  Of course you came through for me.  And as I saved money earned from that first job (landed in part, I'm sure, to my stylish jacket), I peppered my apartment with unique home goods I found in the pages of your catalog.  When my family expanded, you did too, opening brick and mortar stores in Chicago where you displayed a lovely dress for my bridal shower, detailed dog sweaters for my dear wire fox terrier Skone, unique shirts I could disguise as maternity clothing, and baby hats and sweaters for my children during the holiday seasons.  Oh, Anthro (can I call you Anthro?), how do I describe the joy I felt when it was announced you were opening a st...

I am a faithful person...to family, friends, and products that work.  Aztec Secret is near the top of my Favorite Product list; I use it religiously each week as a face mask (and many other ways that I'll get into shortly) and have given it as gifts to friends.  This magical clay is a must-have in your medicine cabinet!  What is it?    Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is bentonite clay from Death Valley, California, that is sun-dried for up to six months in temperatures that sometimes reach 134 degrees.  The unique structure of the molecules in Aztec Secret carry a negative electron charge. This comes from the valance electron count from the specific minerals found in the clay. When a spectographic analysis is done on Aztec Secret, almost every mineral found on Earth is present.  When a facial or clay poultice is applied to the skin it forms a negative charge. Poisons and toxins stored in the epidermis have a positive charge - A...

I have tried just about every natural deodorant on the market in the past 20 years...all with disappointing results.  I was about to give up on my search when I happened upon a recipe for one a few years ago.  Without much hope, I whipped up my first batch of homemade deodorant and was pleasantly surprised to find myself thrilled with the results!  It even works on my husband.  Even through summer. I'm not exaggerating when I say I whipped it up...it takes minutes to make and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand: coconut oil, baking soda and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch).  If you want to get fancy, you can add some essential oil (I prefer tea tree oil and lavender).   Once you've mixed it together, you can either keep it in a jar and apply it with your hand or a cloth or you can refill traditional deodorant containers like you see in my photo above.  No matter how you apply it, you'll need to be sure it's either rubbe...