November 22, 2009
Green Tea Uses
For many years, green tea has been a drink that I enjoy, especially in the mornings.
But over the years the recycler in me became unsettled over throwing out all of those tea leaves. I figured that there has to be a use for them. Then I remembered something that my parents used to have me do as a child.
Living in the near perfect climate of Southern California, we had a beautifully landscaped yard consisting of my Father’s favorite plants and flowers. I came to love those same flowers and to learn their names. One day, my Mother told me to take the tea bags and to put them in the garden around a specific plant. My Dad instructed me to gently incorporate the tea leaves into the top of the soil for these acid loving plants. It is something that I have always remembered because it was so unusual.
This came back into my consciousness while I was pondering my used tea bags. Then I remembered that green tea is now a popular ingredient in some cosmetics. Hum-m-m-m, I thought. I now have three uses for these tea bags. And that sounded like a bargain to me!
So after I make my green tea, I remove the bag. I then like to ‘wash’ my face with it as a toner. Then I let the tea bag dry. When the tea bag is dried out, I put the tea leaves into a little container and then I sprinkle them around my beautiful roses. I had the most fantastic long-stemmed roses this summer —they were over four feet tall!!!
And the recycler in me was satisfied that I was actually helping something in the environment instead of adding to the landfill problem.
November 19, 2009
Broken Fingernail?
My recent post about green tea reminded me of something that we would do as Flight Attendants.
Appearance is an important part of being a Flight Attendant because, lets face it, we are what I like to refer to as the ‘In-Flight Entertainment’. Passengers watch everything we do and this is most evident when we are serving beverages or meals. That means that you are watching our hands; so having nicely manicured nails was part of our appearance standards.
But what do you do when you are on a flight and you catch a nail on a galley carrier and your nail starts to rip off? One enterprising Flight Attendant came up with the solution that was always readily available to every flight attendant.
She took a tea bag and tore off a small part of the bag and applied it over the torn part of her nail. If no one had any nail glue, then we would use nail polish to secure the tea bag patch to help hold our nail in place until it could grow out or we could get to the nail salon.
This is a solution that I was most thankful for on many occasions and perhaps it might come in handy for someone else out there some day!
November 15, 2009
I Met the “Hat Lady”
When I was at the Cancer Center before my trip to Spain, I was waiting to be taken to the lab for my blood draw. I had an unusally long wait because there was a mix-up regarding my appointment day.
While waiting, a lady struck up a brief conversation with me and we continued talking for some time. At one point I sat in the chair next to hers in order to present her with my business card and it was then that I noticed a large bag on the chair on the other side of her. The bag was bulging over the top with items that were somehow familiar to me. My immediate sense was that they look exactly like something that belongs to me and is in my house. How can that be? I looked more carefully and then I recognized the items in the bag. The bag was over-filled with the soft Chemo hats that someone had made for the cancer patients at this center.
It became very clear to me who this lovely woman was. She is the “Hat Lady”. She is the one who selflessly makes and donates hundreds of hats each year so that we can have some sense of dignity in the baldness that accompanies our killing Chemotherapy treatments.
I have two of them and I wear them all the time. They travel with me, even on a short overnight stay at my Son’s house. I love these hats. They are so soft and so comfortable and they keep your head warm, which is sometimes the primary reason for wearing one. Now I was able to thank her personally and to give her a very heartfelt hug for providing these hats for us.
She told me her name, but since she wishes to remain anonymous, I will not reveal it here. She has been making these Chemo hats and donating them for over 8 years. What a wonderful thing to do and I hope she realizes how appreciated her efforts are by all of us who are the lucky recipients of her generosity! Thank you so very much, A…….
October 23, 2009
Self-Defense for Women
Every woman needs to have the emotional and physical resources to protect herself. Portland Firefly came across this web site for a school that teaches several different classes on self-defense. A class such as this will give one the tools to help fend off an attacker.
As a disclaimer, I have never been to this school, nor attended any of their classes, but for $45.00 for a 3 hour class it certainly sounds reasonable.
“Real strength is having the confidence to be who you are in the world. Tulen self-defense builds strength from the inside out. You learn to set boundaries and to respond to any situation with calmness and confidence. You gain a sense of power and competence that will benefit all aspects of your life.
Tulen self-defense is simple to learn and highly effective. Inspirational and experienced martial arts instructors teach how to live strong, assertive lives and prepare participants to respond to real life situations. We offer dynamic, practical skills for all ages and abilities. Our courses affirm the limitless power and potential of each individual.”
October 2, 2009
The Best of Beauty
Every year Allure Magazine publishes an issue with what they call “The Best of Beauty”. These are new products that the staff and editors at Allure magazine have tried themselves and voted on for inclusion in this annual issue. If you are looking for … say … a new mascara, body lotion, nail polish, etc. you can check their website for their recommended products. At the store, if I see the round red Allure symbol on a product that I am considering purchasing, I always buy it because I feel it has been road tested by my peers and must have a degree of quality to make the cut.
Some of the awarded products that I may purchase this year include the Sallie Hanson Insta-dry nail polish (drys in 1 minute); The Dove Body Wash with Nutrium Moisturizer (people undergoing Chemotherapy have dry skin) and the Georgio Armani Beauty lasting Silk UV foundation
September 2, 2009
Skin Care VI
Sixth Installment:
This one deals with vitamins. Remember, there is nothing so beautiful as healthy skin and healthy skin starts with what you eat and the nutrients you take into your beautiful body. Be sure to drink at least 8 8oz glasses of high quality water every day.
The following Vitamins are helpful for nourishing good skin health:
A, E, C , D, Alpha-lipoic Acid, Co Q-10 enzyme, and a good multi-vitamin.
Milk thistle will detoxify your liver – which will cleanse your system.
Note: Do not take any supplements unless you check with your health care provider first.
August 24, 2009
Farmers Market
Farmers Market Bounty by PDXFirefly
With this new Chemo schedule, I have more energy on the weekends instead of during the week. This enabled me to go to my local Saturday Farmers Market today which I thoroughly enjoyed. This was my first outing to the Farmers Market all summer, so it was a special trip for me.
The best part of all was the close parking space that was left for my car. It was as close as one could park to the Market. I pulled right in! I put my hat over my scarf over my bald head, grabbed my reusable shopping bag, locked the car and had an enjoyable stroll across the street to the market. I told you I parked close!
My first stop was at the first stall! Actually, I walked past it when the smell of the fresh ripe peaches drew me back into the stall. I left with two of the biggest peaches I have ever seen. 3 pounds for the two of them! The next stall had fresh made scones. Scones!! The biggest scones I have ever seen. They were the size of a bread and butter plate. Almost the same size as the peaches I had just carefully placed in my shopping bag. I love scones. Well I walked past that stall, too. But then I turned around and came right back and purchased a marionberry scone. I was a little disappointed in it, but I managed to eat the rest of it after my dinner.
The third stall had beautiful fresh flower arrangements. I had to remind myself that this was my first outing to the Farmers Market and I had told myself that I wasn’t going to buy anything — well maybe something special if I saw it. And food doesn’t count because we all have to eat. And here I was at only the third stall on one side the first street and I just kept getting cash out of my purse!
I think I passed up the next stall, but the fifth stall was my nemesis. Lauri had beautiful jewelry that she had made. I had been watching QVC off and on this week during my “chemo daze” and was now up on the latest jewelry trends. At least I like to think I am. Anyway, she had beautiful large necklaces and so I spent a considerable amount of time exploring the possibilities until I saw IT. I picked up the amethyst and silver work of art and looked at it. I set it back down . It was about $6.00 more than I really wanted to pay, so I kept looking through her prolific stock for something similar at a lower price. It wasn’t there.
Now remember, Portland Firefly hasn’t been out of the house since Chemo on Monday. I’m still a little “chemo-dazed” which means “ditsy”, ”not thinking straight” , “not a good time to be making quick decisions”. ”This is a handmade, one of a kind piece,” I tell myself. “I am going to be taking a vacation when I am able,” and “This would be just perfect for those trips.” Another shopper comes to the area of the booth where “my” necklace sits back among its friends on the tabletop. I have that fleeting panic thought “What if she picks up my necklace?” “How would I feel if she buys my necklace?”
That pretty much says it all. Frantically, trying to be totally cool, I move toward the place I had set it down. “Where is it?” I know that she hasn’t been here long enough to see it on this part of the table. I spot it just to her right. My left hand casually stretches over toward it. I pick it up again. It is not going to be hers. I examine it again….not really examine it …just admire it. It is really beautiful and it is my colors. I know I’ll wear it. I am not setting it down again.
I want to try it on first. The craftswoman instructs me on the easiest way to fasten the beautiful clasp. She has the tiniest mirrors possible, but she offers to hold one up for better viewing which she does. I am now in the “preening” and “admiring” part of the buying process. My sunglasses come off and I really wish that she had a larger mirror. I don’t want to insult her by bargaining, but it is just a little more than I want to pay. I think about the prices on QVC and then I remember the added shipping and handling cost…as high as $7.00 on some items. “That mirror is really small” I think to myself, as I try to get a good view of my new necklace, which isn’t really mine yet.
I really want this. I reach into my purse and pull out the cash for my necklace and she removes the hang tag from it for me. As an added bonus, I am given a pretty little mesh bag to protect my confection when I finally take it off later in the day. As my change is returned to me, I remark that I’ll be taking this with me on my travels and I thank her for the storage bag as it will come in handy.
As I walk around the Saturday Market, my only other purchases are some green beans, some purple heirloom beans and a Chia Latte. But before I can return to Lauri’s booth as I exit the market, I have been complemented 4 times on my new necklace. I think I got my money’s worth already!!
July 13, 2009
How to Apply Falsh Eyelashes
One of the side effects of chemotherapy is the loss of hair. What the average person may not realize is that someone undergoing Chemo looses all body hair, not just the hair on ones head. I lost the hair on my head within 2 1/2 weeks after my first Chemotherapy session. But I didn’t lose my eyebrows and eyelashes until more than 8 weeks later.
In preparation for loosing my eyelashes, I had purchased a set of false eyelashes so I would have them ready when I needed them. Well, last Saturday, I needed them.
Here is how to apply your false eyelashes. Apply all of your other make-up first, including ALL of your eye make-up, including liner. If you are fortunate enough to have your own eyelashes, you can apply a thin layer of mascara, just to plump up your own lashes. Allow it to dry before proceeding.
Before the first use, you must make sure that the eyelashes you purchased are the correct width for your eyes. If they are too wide, then simply snip off a little bit from the outside edge of the lash. You want to keep the integrity of the inside of the lash where it is shaped. Having the correct width is important because you want the lashes to look natural and to lay flat against your eyelid which they will not do if they are too wide across your eyelid.
I purchased an eyelash starter kit made by Andrea. I purchased black lashes which I would recommend for most wearers. The exception would be if you have extremely light blond hair and light lashes and eyebrows. In that case you should consider a brown lash. It is difficult to pick out a set of eyelashes the first time because there are so many styles to choose from. My Andrea lash Starter Kit has the number 53 on it. This corresponds to the actual style of the lash that I purchased since I prefer a more natural looking eyelash. I am not interested in a fakey, showgirl type of lash which can be fun to wear at times, but not for what I needed. I needed to look as normal as possible and just to give my eyes the semblance of a lash.
The reason I purchased the “Starter Kit” is because it contains a tool to help you apply your eyelashes. When I wore false eyelashes years ago, I always used a pair of special tweezers to hold and apply my eyelashes and I wanted to compare the new tool to my previous method. I think it would be a fair investment for the beginner, but I found the tool not as easy to use as I had hoped it would be. But then, I am out of practice myself!
A word about the eyelash adhesive. They now have one that dries a dark grey or black. In the future I would invest in the dark lash adhesive, because the dark glue will help to create the impression of eyeliner and hide any unevenness in applying your lashes. My kit came with clear adhesive which is fine.
Now for the fun part! Take one eyelash and insert in your tool or in your tweezers. Carefully apply a thin line of lash adhesive to the edge of your false eyelash. Remove any excess adhesive with a toothpick. Wait about 20 seconds. Then bring the lash up and over your own eyelash setting it down firmly along your eyelash line making sure the ends are secure. You can check with a small compact size mirror to see if your lashes are on securely and where you want them to be. The glue will dry in about 4 minutes.
Don’t allow yourself to become frustrated. You are learning a new skill and it takes time to master new skills. Portland Firefly strongly advises that you practice applying your lashes a few times before your big event… just to give yourself more confidence and to get the hang of it.
When you want to remove them, simply grab the outside edge and gently pull them off. After you remove the old adhesive, store them back where they came from to help your eyelashes keep their shape. Have fun!!!!
June 13, 2009
My Hair
As my regular readers know, I lost all of the hair on my head (which I had dyed a delightful vibrant purple) less than three weeks after my first Chemotherapy session. I just thought that would be the end of it. Not so…..
First of all, my dear friend in California warned me that my head would hurt prior to my hair falling out. That was really nice to know. Chris then let me know that I should be prepared for all of my hair to fall out — not just the hair on my head, but all body hair. No hair under my arms, no hair on my legs (makes for a nice smooth summer) and no hair on my arms (even though I don’t have much hair there to begin with). Those are the good points.
After my hair started falling out, I had my head shaved to eliminate the mess of hair all over everywhere. I thought that would be the end of it. It was not. I started getting little bumps on my head and I couldn’t figure out why. I am not sure the reason. I started washing my head with shampoo every day and that has helped. Even though I didn’t have any hair growing, I think my hair follicles still produced some oils and they need to be shampooed off of my bald head. So, I am not saving any money on shampoo by losing my hair. Besides it feels good to have the water pouring over my head. Sometimes I even pretend that the sheets of water coming off of my head are long golden tresses and I raise my chin and shake my head in that sexy way and for just a few seconds, I pretend that I have hair again. And it feels really good.
Now, about 6 weeks after loosing most of the hair on my head, I find that I am also loosing the hair on my face…. No, I don’t have a beard or anything like that… You Silly Goose!!! But I use to have eyebrows and eyelashes. Please note the past tense that I used here. I was not prepared for my eyelashes and eyebrows to fall out. Lets say that I can cover up my hairless head, but not my missing eyelashes and missing eyebrows.
Enter the world of cosmetics. I have a medical condition that caused my eyebrows to thin considerably many years ago when I was still working for TWA. Since appearance was an important part of my position as Flight Attendant, I invested in permanent cosmetics. In English, that means that I had my eyebrows tattooed on, permanently. And the artist who did them did an incredible job. If you didn’t know, you wouldn’t have known. I also had my eyeliner done at the same time. Yes, it hurt. Yes, one must have touch-ups done every several years. And yes, I did have the touch-ups done on a regular basis, which was a good thing. A very good thing when I was diagnosed with Cancer and needed Chemotherapy.
This was a very good thing on several levels. One, when you have cancer and are undergoing Chemotherapy, you are more prone to infections and your blood doesn’t clot very well. That means that even if you wanted to invest in permanent cosmetics, you cannot do so when having Chemo because of the dangers of infection and blood loss. Luckily I had a touch up done early last summer. My girlfriend told me that she had a difficult time applying eyebrow pencil after she lost her eyebrows due to Chemo, because she didn’t know where her eyebrow line would have been. Since mine are tattooed, I can at least find the general outline of my eyebrows. And that is a good thing.
Now for the eyelashes. My friend , Chris made the following comment, and we both laughed —because what else are you going to do?! She said that she continued to put mascara on her one tiny remaining eyelash. Well, I am prepared for that upcoming event in my life, thanks to her. I purchased a set of false eyelashes, complete with glue and a special “eyelash applying tool”. Back in the 70′s everyone wore false eyelashes — well everyone I knew anyway. I was a Flight Attendant, remember? And applying false eyelashes is an art in itself. They are the last thing that you put on after doing all of your make-up. And you have to develop a special technique in order to get them to set just right on your eyes. I still remember “my arm extending outward and upward then curving carefully into the base of my lashes” technique that I developed over the years. It is sort of like a ballerina’s port-de-bra (French for carriage of the arms), which is a ballet arm exerecise . I do like beautiful things in all aspects of my life and this was a sort of a last dance before I went out the door for an event.
I wonder if I’ll be able to actually apply a set of false eyelashes when the time comes. I am loosing my lashes more frequently now. Of course, they are not growing back in, because the Chemotherapy drugs are killing all of the fast growing cells in my body. Hair being one of the bodies fastest growing cells. And so daily the time is getting closer that I will want to wear my purchased eyelashes. I’m sure I remember how to put them on with a few days practice. And then maybe I’ll feel beautiful again.
May 25, 2009
Skin Care V
This is the fifth installment of my skin care series. You can read them all by clicking on “beauty” under the categories sidebar to your right. You must then click on the title of the post you want to read. Or you may type “skin care” into my search box on the right.
This installment deals with moisturizing your now clean skin.
There are a limitless number of moisturizers out there and they are all price ranges. You can go to the cosmetics counter at a department store or you can go to a stand alone store like Sephora (one of my favorites) and ask one of the saleswomen there for guidance. They are all trained by their company so that they can give you the best advice.
You should know what type of skin you have, sensitive or average. You should have an idea of how much time you spend in the sun so you can get the correct sun screen which is now a daily must wear.
I actually use a moisturizer that I have used for 25 years and I love it. It is high quality and medium priced and I love the results it gives me. I then use a tinted sunscreen moisturizer over my initial moisturizer. this is something new that I have added to my daily beauty routine but I feel that the benefit of protecting my skin from the sun outweigh the cost of the product.
Again, you may have to try several products to find just the one that suits you best. Read the labels and think about what you have read. Don’t be in a rush to make a decision that day. Think about what your skin needs and what suits your lifestyle.
Now, that takes care of daytime. If you have read all of my skin care posts, then you know that cleansing is very important. So, when it is time for nitey-nite, go and cleanse your face , being very sure to rinse it well (20 splashes, remember?). Then pat dry (we don’t want to stretch your skin and create more wrinkles do we?) and then moisturize again for bed.
Our bodies actually repair themselves while we sleep and that is why quality rest is so very important to our daily functioning. Your skin is no exception. And that is the reason why there are daytime moisturizers and night time moisturizers. The night time moisturizers will be a little heavier and should contain different ingredients and nutrients because your skin will take them in during the night and then you can wake up even more beautiful than when you went to sleep! They call it “beauty sleep” for a reason!
May 11, 2009
Skin Care IV
This is my Fourth Installment on skin care. The other three can be accessed by clicking on “beauty” under the category sidebar to your right. Then you just click on the title of the post that you want to read. Or you may type “skin care” into the search box on your right.
There are three phases of skin care:
1. Cleansing
2. Exfoliation
3. Moisturizing
1. You have the cleansing.
2. Exfoliation : This is the one to work on now.
Exfoliation: Removing dead skin cells that are on the top surface of your skin.
The live skin cells are underneath ( right on top of the fat layer).
As your skin grows, it moves outward, so what we see is actually the dead seventh layer of skin. ICK! Let’s get rid of it and get down to the pretty new, clear, healthy layer of skin.
There are lots of exfoliants. This is where you hear about buff puffs, masks, and things like chemical peels, and microdermabraision, laser resurfacing etc.
When the top dead layer is removed, it stimulates new growth, as well as collagen production (responsible for youthful -looking skin).
There are a many different products that can help you achieve this result.
There are many different types of masks. They are designed to remove the dirt and grime that has found it way into your pores. Some of them also “tighten & firm” and make other claims. some are clay masks, some are gel like, others are like a clear liquid that is designed to dry on your face and then be rinsed off. Be sure to read labels carefully and follow the directions. .
One that I particularly like is Avon Clearskin Cleansing Scrub Exfoliant. It is easy to obtain, reasonable and works great. Please note that I am not associated with Avon in any way, and I am not receiving any consideration for mentioning this product. I discovered this product when my children had “teen-age skin” problems. I started using it then and still do. It is a mild, blue grainy cleanser. You will notice immediate result. And teen-agers usually like using it because it shows immediate results.
One soap that I used at one time is called Basis — it is a very mild soap and I actually used with something called a “buff puff” that is like a scratchy pad. I would put a little basis soap and water on my face and then use the buff puff in a circular motion on my skin. This is another method to exfoliate, but you must be careful to not get too vigorous with the buff puff, or you will have red splotchy skin, instead of nice fresh looking skin. I almost scrubbed my face off the first time I used it and it took me a day or so to recover, but all the dead skin cells were gone!
My Daughter started a series of Microdermabraisions and it did wonders for her skin that had been damaged by the stress she was under and the pollution that she couldn’t avoid in the city she was living in at the time.
There are now several “appliances” that can be purchased at your local drug store or on TV (I’m sure you have seen them advertised). these work in the same manner, circular motion, removing that top dead layer of skin, which gives you a fabulous glow because you are seeing the new skin cells instead of the old dead ones.
Then there are several cosmetic companies which sell “exfoliating” products, usually in a kit of some sort because they want you to use their moisturizer afterward. Be sure that you seek out the product that suits you.
April 8, 2009
No Hair — No Problem!
Here are some good things about having no hair:
1. My bathroom sink looks much neater without the hairdryer, curling iron, and brushes and combs all over.
2. Think of the money I’ll save on shampoo, mousse, conditoners!
3. It takes me way less time to get ready in the morning.
4. I now have an excuse to wear adorable hats and scarves! And if people look at me weird –too bad for them!
5. I like hats — I’ll probably get tired of wearing them, but right now, I like my “turban style scarf”. “It brings out my eyes”‘.
6. I’ll probably get fewer colds because my head will always be covered and won’t get cold!
7. I won’t have to waste time at the beauty shop.
8. Think of the money I’ll save on hair coloring products!!
9. I’ll save more money on hair cuts!
10. I can change my hair style on a wim with just a different wig!
11. Can you think of any others?
April 7, 2009
Purple Hair —No More
Purple Hair by PDXFirefly
Last Friday morning I washed my purple tresses for the last time. I had a busy weekend coming up and wanted to look as good as I could while I still had my hair. Most people like my purple hair and I absolutely love it. It has grown on me as a sort of “badge of courage” and I’ll be sad to see it go, not just because I am losing my hair, but because I am losing my PURPLE hair. Portland is so weird anyway that nobody hardly notices it — at least they don’t act surprised when I go into stores and restaurants. The reaction of little girls is the most fun to observe!!!
It has only been two weeks since my first chemo, and my nurse told me that my hair will definitely be gone before my second chemo (which is scheduled for Thursday, 4/9). I figured that I might lose it on the Tuesday or Wednesday just prior to my Chemo. But when I washed it last Friday, I felt something in my fingers as I was putting mousse in my hair. I looked and it was a glob of hair –purple hair –full length, not just a tiny little bit. I set it gently on the corner of the sink, the purple was easy to see against the white porcelain. I stared at it for a while –trying to comprehend the reality of what was happening. My hair is really going to fall out. And soon.
Then I went on with drying my hair, all the while praying fervently that it wouldn’t all fall out until after my lunch date on Monday. Please just let me have my hair for this week-end. I know it sounds stupid, but I really have some people I am meeting this weekend and I want them to see my purple hair and then it can all fall out.
When it does start to fall out, it is supposed to come out in clumps; that is when people go and get their heads shaved if they want. I’ll see how the process goes. My girlfriend in California, who has the exact same type of cancer I do (primary peritoneal) told me that my head will hurt before my hair falls out. She is right; my head has been hurting for days, so it is nice to have a bit of a warning.
Once I lose all of my hair, it will stay gone until after chemo stops. Then about 6-8 weeks after chemo stops, it will start to grow back in. Let’s see 18 weeks of chemo,plus 8 weeks to start to grow in, then another 8 weeks until it’s long enough to see so that would be 34 weeks. Hum-m-m there are 52 weeks in a year, so that would be roughly 9 months! This is April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December! My hair grows so very slowly, that it will take forever for it to grow back in. I guess I’d better get used to my wigs and scarves and hats!!!
PS: It is now Monday night and God answered my prayer. Enough of my hair stayed in until tonight. I was able to have my lunch date, then Happy Hour with some girlfriends, then I stopped by dance class to see everyone for a few minutes, and finally off to Dairy Queen for a sunday before heading home. When I got home, my head was hurting and every time I touched my hair, hair came out in my hand. I would just look at it as though I had never seen hair before. Finally I decided to just cut it as short as possible. Then I decided to wash it to help it fall out. After drying it, I felt much better. Now I look like Annie Lennex with a purple haze. Tomorrow I will call my hairdresser and have it shaved off. A friend who lost his wife to Luekemia last fall, called me tonight (Monday) to offer me her hats. His timing is perfect and his generosity is greatly appreciated on many levels. Yes, I shed a few tears, but this only means that the chemo is working. More blood tests Tuesday and then we see the Doctor and I have my second chemo on Thursday.
The picture shows how my brush looked when I brushed my hair on Monday and then you can see some of the hair that I cut off Monday night.
March 27, 2009
Portland Firefly Now has Purple Hair
I did it on Wednesday. I figured that I only had two more weeks of hair, so I’d better get going if I was going to do it at all. I went to 4 stores to find the purple dye. Every other color was available except purple; it seems purple is “very popular” in Portland!
My Daughter has her own company called The Purple Tornado. She has had purple hair for many years and it totally suits her. I have wanted to try purple hair for many years, but never had the nerve . “OMG, what would people think???!!!” Now, I don’t care what they think. It will all fall out soon anyway! Anyway, she gave me all the “motherly” hints for properly dying my hair and I’m glad she did.
The two products that she recommended are not available here, so I ended up purchasing something else called Splat. And when I rinsed it out of my hair I know where the name came from; the purple color went SPLAT! in the tub!
It was a really messy project and I would have it done at the the beauty shop if I ever did it again. But this time I just could not justify spending $60 for two weeks. Because I colored over my light brown hair, the purple has some depth to it as well as highlights where my hair was highlighted, so there are several shades of purple, which I think looks far better that one flat shade. It is a deep, vibrant bright purple/violet. And I like it even if it isn’t “my most flattering hair color!” I wonder what my Grandson will think!! It will be fun to see his reaction since he is only 1 year old and very observant. The most interesting comment I got was the old standby ” It really brings out your eyes.”! Finally a bit of color in what has become a sombre weblog! Let’s keep it colorful!
Portland Firefly's Purple Hair by PDXFirefly
Yes, that is the color! Splat!
I’m starting to really like it!!!!
March 11, 2009
The Biggest Loser
“ NBC’s popular reality series “The Biggest Loser” is launching a 14-city cross-country search to find new contestants for the next edition of the hit show. Both individuals and teams are encouraged to apply for the new season, which will air in the fall. To keep creative options open for the new season, producers are also looking for certified trainers.
Outgoing and charismatic individuals or teams of two are encouraged to apply, especially those who have the personality, desire and competitive edge to vie for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lose weight, change their lives forever and compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Teams can include family members (siblings, cousins, parent and adult child, etc.), spouses, dating or engaged couples, grandparents, co-workers, former teammates or athletes, best friends and college students. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and legal residents of the United States.
Producers are also looking for certified trainers with strong personalities who have a solid track record of taking the weight off of overweight clients. Nutritional credentials are a plus, and trainers applying must provide references.”
MARCH 14
LOS ANGELES
10 am – 5 pm
Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90040
SAN DIEGO
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Liberty Station Conference Center
2600 Laning Rd.
San Diego, CA 92106
For those who are unable to attend a casting call, information on how to apply to the show as a contestant or trainer is available on www.nbc.com/casting. March 31st is the deadline for submitting tapes.
January 30, 2009
The 11 Wardrobe Essentials for Every Portland Woman
This morning on AM Northwest, Elizabeth Teater was the guest. She gave her take on the 11 items that every woman in Portland should have in her closet. Because of our weather here, there are 4 coats/jackets in the mix.
I have copied the brief list and given you the link to the web page. Even if you don’t agree with her totally, we can all learn something about enhancing our wardrobe from her. http://www.katu.com/amnw/segments/38709882.html
1. Loose-fitting, glamorous overcoat.
2.Trench coat.
3.Warm jacket.
4.Blazer.
5.Button-down shirt.
6.Fitted sweater.
7.Tank top or camisole.
8.Pencil skirt.
9.Classic trousers
10.Versatile dress
11.Jeans.
January 23, 2009
Brides against Breast Cancer
Friday, January 23,
- Power Hour 9 – 10 am Space is Limited
Order Your Tickets Here Today!
General Sale 10 am – 8 pm
Sunday, January 25, 10 am – 6 pm
and
Executive Meeting Center Portland – Lloyd Center
1000 NE Multnomah
Portland, OR 97232
Saturday, January 31, 10 am – 6 pm Free Admission
Sunday, February 1, 10 am – 5 pm Free Admission
Hilton
300 112th Avenue SE
Bellevue, WA 98004
January 22, 2009
Free Cosmetics
As part of a large class action lawsuit, several cosmetic manufacturers have been ordered to offer FREE items to anyone who purchased certain upscale products at certain department stores during a specific time frame.
There are certain restrictions and this offer ends on Monday OR when the free items are gone. Two of us went today and they were out of everything except for two choices.
As part of the class action lawsuit, you must sign a form (which will be presented to the Grand Jury) that you meet the requirements. Try Macy’s, Saks, or Nordstroms if you think you may qualify.
January 15, 2009
Curling Iron
The spring on my curling iron broke this morning. I hate that! Why is it that your curling iron only breaks or stops working when you have just started to use it and never breaks when you have just finished using it?
This presents some problems. 1: I’m not able to fix my hair the way I like. 2: Now I must go out and search for another curling iron when I REALLY liked the one I had! And 3: I must undertake this search with my hair looking weird.
Well, I made a careful search of a local store and purchased one that I thought would be fine. After I opened the package and got the iron out, I discovered one big drawback to the particular style I purchased that was not evident prior to removing it from the “iron-like” packaging. I know you know what I mean about those packages! Now what do I do? Return it and continue the search for the type I really like or make do with this one?
December 22, 2008
December Roses
These are the beautiful red longstem roses that I was going to cut for my Christmas bouquet this year. But….the snow got to them first. They are still pretty and I may cut them and bring them inside tomorrow. Hope everyone is keeping warm.
Longstem Christmas Roses by PDXFirefly
December 21, 2008
Butterfly Strength
Butterflies, as fragile and as beautiful as they are, have very strong wings. Their gossamer wings have to be able to carry the weight of their bodies. A recent sermon reminded me why a butterfly has strong wings. It is worth pondering and applying to our own lives in times of hardship.
Before the caterpillar can emerge from the cocoon, it must first break open the cocoon. It does this by beating its gossamer wings against the insides of the cocoon until the cocoon breaks open. The Butterfly is then assured that her wings have the strength to carry her on her way in life. And so, the small trials in our lives, handled with grace and patience, give us the strength to gracefully handle the bigger trials that life brings to us. Therefore we need to embrace and learn from those trials so we can continue on with the joys of our life. I know it is easier said than done –been there, done that—-but worth the effort to achieve the metamorphosis.
December 10, 2008
Tai Chi
I started taking Tai Chi lessons about 12 years ago when I was diagnosed with an incurable condition. I don’t “practice my Tai Chi” regularly (even though I should), but I do practice the warm-up exercises somewhat regularly. They help to loosen up my tight muscles and improve my balance which is helpful for my dancing lessons!
December 1, 2008
Skin Care III
Third Installment:
First you must wash your face and rinse (splash rinse) it thoroughly. Second, be sure to drink plenty of high quality water.
The third thing is to close your pores; and you do this by using an astringent or ph balancer. If you want a good astringent, get some witch hazel. It is an inexpensive clear liquid from an herbal plant “witch hazel” and will close your pores and remove any last residues of make-up. ( But if you have “splash-rinsed” 30 times, there shouldn’t be much left.) Splash rinsing with cool water the last 10 times will also help to stimulate circulation and pore closure.
This is the third in a series of skin care topics. To read the others simply type in “beauty” in the search box to the right.
November 13, 2008
Olive Oil for Wrinkles??
Each week, Ying Chu, the Marie Claire Beauty Director, answers questions exclusively from the MSN audience on all of your beauty dilemmas. (Have an issue you want help with? Send in a question today or talk about it on our Beauty and Fashion message board.)
Q: Does olive oil help with minimizing wrinkles?
A: As part of your regular diet, olive oil definitely keeps the skin supple and more youthful—think of the Italians! But applied topically, you’re going to make the biggest impact on wrinkles with retin-A or retinol creams and serums and laser treatments (specifically carbon-dioxide resurfacing lasers). If you want to take it even further, hyaluronic-acid injectable fillers (like Restylane or Juvederm) physically smooth out your wrinkles and also encourage more natural collagen production in the skin. Of course, whatever you’re doing, broad-spectrum sunblock as a preventative measure is an absolute must. Photoaging (from UV rays) accounts for a majority of wrinkles.
