These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things – 2025 edition

by Cynthia, posted in Lifestyle, Reviews

Every year Oprah Winfrey launches her list of Favorite Things.  All wonderful, but they can be a bit pricey. If you are a billionaire, it really doesn’t matter what it costs, does it?  My friend, Susie, for many years at Christmas would share a list of her favorite 12 things that she had discovered during the past year. It was fun to see what new salad dressing she had found and on and on.  I looked forward to seeing her list each year, and it was disappointing when she stopped.  So, this year for the New Year, Cynthia and Mary Ann are going to share some of their favorite things in a joint blog.

Mary Ann’s Favorite Things

Sabon Rich Foot Cream – If you ever get a chance to walk into a Sabon store, you will find their iconic vanilla, patchouli, and lavender signature fragrance surround you. It is unforgettable!  Sabon is a French company (originally Israeli} and has four stores in NYC – that is where I discovered their luscious products.  All the lotions are divine, and my all-time favorite is their foot cream.  It smells wonderful, it is so silky as you apply it, and I haven’t had a callus since I began using it. All their products are online – us.sabon.com.  It is a bit pricey, but they run sales all the time.  That is when I stock up on the Rich Foot Cream.  Their products make great gifts for a special person.  I gave my daughter an advent calendar from them that was full of samples to try each day.  You can also get the products at Ulta.

Hinza Swedish Totes – I discovered these at a Scandinavian Festival and have been in love with them ever since.  They are made of eco-friendly plastic and have a multitude of uses – grocery baskets, craft storage, and you can carry ice and drinks in them – they are that sturdy!  I have four large totes in a variety of colors that I use to carry my school materials for the classes I teach, and a small one as my upstairs-downstairs tote to carry around my daily necessities.  Large totes run around $60.00, and the small totes are $42.00 – a bit pricey but remember you will only buy them once.  You can find them at hinza.com and on Amazon, but there are many vendors listed online. 

Walker Bags – I found these durable plastic mesh bags and cases at CO Bigelow’s Apothecary in NYC (fun store to visit).  The cases come in a rainbow of colors and variety of sizes.  I use them everywhere, and they are my go-to bags for travel.  With all the colors, I can color code their uses and find them quickly in my suitcase.  Blue bags for toiletries, orange case for first aid supplies, and red bags for my upstairs-downstairs tote. The Walker website, walkerbag.com, has everything you could possibly need. I have never had the mesh or a zipper fail.  The price is worth it!

Ganz Charms – This company makes tiny treasures that highlight a variety of events and holidays.  I have a thing for miniatures, so I buy these to put on my desk and give them as gifts. I often gave them to my teachers for inspiration.  Each little treasure comes with a card that explains what the item represents. It could be a little lighthouse, a miniature blue bird for happiness, a prayer box, or a tiny bucket list that can be carried in your pocket or in your purse.  All of them are under $10.  They are cute and meaningful.  Many gift shops or bookstores carry them, or you can go to the website, ganz.com, which has a large selection.    

Acropodia Boots – I have been wearing Acropodia shoes from Portugal for years.  I found them in a travel products catalog.  They are comfortable (soft uppers for your toes), supportive, and last forever. Then I found their boots.  L19 is the style I really like. They come in a wide range of colors and textures.  They fit like gloves, have excellent arch support, and fit snuggly around the ankles.  They are made of vegan leather, so they clean up easily and are waterproof.  I always get compliments on them – maybe people are surprised that an old lady can have cool boots!   You can get them at their website, acropedicousa.com, on Amazon, or at magellans.com.  They are pricey, nearly $150.  I look at them as an investment for my feet. 

Holiday Jam – This discovery came in a random catalog from American Spoon during the Christmas season a few years ago.  I ordered the Holiday Jam for me, and Christmas Cherries filling for my brother as a Christmas present. The website, spoon.com, has all kinds of jellies and jams.  They have wonderful recipes to make with their products.  The Holiday Jam and Brie Pull-Apart Bread is scrumptious. Holiday Jam is a seasonal product, and I stock up to use throughout the year. Bon Appetite!

These are a few of my favorite things. On the next post, you will read about some of Cynthia’s favorites.

My Favorite New Year’s Eve

by Cynthia, posted in Lifestyle

Okay. I admit it. I am a nerd. I am an introvert. I enjoy my own company. Don’t get me wrong. I like people. I like being with people. I also like holidays and if you have been reading all year, you know I like a good theme party. But the one thing I don’t really care about is the too loud, crowded, drunken New Year’s Eve celebrations to which so many people do look forward.

Maybe this perspective began 25 years ago when I was single and had my first grandbaby (who is now 6’4”!) and I volunteered to keep him so my daughter and her husband could have a proper date night celebration. Or maybe that was an excuse. Regardless, I enjoy a quiet evening at home.

New Year’s Eve is a time of reflection. I revel in my thoughts as another year winds down and the possibility presents itself to begin anew. I realize the timing is somewhat arbitrary. Maybe I could have the same sense of completion and renewal another time – for instance, a birthday.  But there is just something peaceful about curling up on a cool winter evening with a cup of fragrant hot tea, sitting in comfy loungers with a blankie over my body and simply relaxing.

New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to look over the passing year’s goals and task lists to celebrate the accomplishments – large and small. I perpend the whys of those items left undone and revel in the satisfaction of completing the others. Looking over the list is a fascinating reminder of what was important a year ago compared to current priorities. It is humbling to see how far – or not – I have come as a person and to think about others I may have touched along the way.

Upon reflection I turn the page to the new year with renewed determination. I cogitate the direction I want my life to follow in the coming year and the milestones to achieve that vision. Knowing that much of my life is directed by me and my actions, I set intentions, define goals, and list tasks that seem perfect on this night for achieving my dreams for the new year.

While in most years when I have experienced the rarity of time alone, I realize goals are modified, intentions are solidified, tasks are worked (or not). I develop a thoughtful plan on which to build in the next 365 days. I speak of goals rather than resolutions. New Year’s resolutions conjur a negative connotation of unfulfilled dreams. Developing goals gives me an opportunity to stretch myself. Having an evening dedicated to being alone with my thoughts sets the stage for a healthy and productive year to come.

You may have a different perspective of how to spend New Year’s Eve. I trust you will determine what best serves you to usher Father Time out and welcome the New Year’s baby in. Please celebrate in a way that best serves your soul.

Now as 2024 comes to a close, Mary Ann and I wish you and yours Peace, Love, and Light. And a wonderful 2025.

Brain Works

by Cynthia, posted in Uncategorized

As we enter our retirement years, many of us are dealing with aches and pains. To counter, we begin physical therapy, mild exercise, and general movement. Movement keeps our joints supple and activates endorphins to keep spirits light.  We are encouraged to socialize, eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of sleep. The one thing we often forget – or at least slack off – is continuing to challenge our brains.

Suggestions abound when it comes to maintaining a healthy brain in retirement. Strategies may include activities such as puzzles, brain games, and brain teasers.  Reading books, magazines, news feeds and newspapers are typical choices. Engaging in creative endeavors, hobbies, and learning new skills such as playing an instrument or painting may entice some.

Recently one of my girlfriends mentioned she is “reading maps.” The ability to follow a road map is becoming a lost art in and of itself with the advent of GPS systems that tell us when and where to turn, the distance we are going, and how long it should take to get “there.” Delving into her map exercise, I learned that what she is really doing is learning about countries.

Karen purchased a large world map book.  Each week, she opens the book at random pages and begins studying the country she finds there. Since she is in an atlas, she first looks for the capitol city. She finds the terrain, population and other information provided.  Then she begins to research that country.  She learns about their commerce, industry, and agriculture. She reads about their major religions, politics, and health care systems. She finds interesting facts and figures regarding demographics. She delights in determining as much as she can about the country of the week. In effect, she travels to the country without leaving her home. Her exploration has delighted her.

Yet, Karen takes it a step further. Not only does she read about the country, but she also compiles notes on the information she finds. She compares one country to the next, especially when considering bordering countries.

I love this creative way of learning about differing countries and cultures. As a foodie, I would then develop a meal or a gathering with the selected country as a theme. When inviting guests, I would challenge them to bring one little-known fact about the themed country. This would serve as an interesting conversation starter. If people have traveled to the country de jour, they may bring pictures or artifacts to use as table decorations.

I like road trips, so Karen’s idea inspired me to consider studying USA states or cities. Of course, one could use this model to study anything. When in conversation, many of us nod and move on. But why not jot a note to learn more about the topic? Studying a topic of interest will heighten our awareness and maybe help reconsider our perspective, all while expanding our brain power, enriching our lives along the way.

We are retired. That doesn’t mean we stop learning and growing. Virtual travel is one of many ways to keep our brains active. And it gives us something to talk about and helps keep us interesting!

Bibliophile

by sssmahh303, posted in Wellness

Mary Ann

I bet by now you know that I love books.  I am a bibliophile, truly addicted to books.  From an early age, I remember getting a Golden Book when my mother went to the grocery store.  Do you remember reading The Pokey Little Puppy? We had a whole collection by the time I began to read.  

Then you go to school, learn to read, and Scholastic Book Clubs began.  Every month a flier would come full of new books, a reading nirvana!  My father was a high school teacher in the same building that I attended elementary school.  When the flier came, I would race to his room after school to share it with him.  My father would give me $3 or $4 dollars to place an order.  The paperbacks were $.35 or $.50 at the time. The money went a long way, and I could dream, dream, dream about all the books I would read.  I remember that Pippi Longstocking was a favorite.  Didn’t we all want to be Pippi? 

When I got older, I could take the bus to our little town and get my library card.  That card opened the world for me.  I discovered Victoria Holt and Daphne du Maurier. Those books had a hint of romance that was just right for a young teen.  Then a bookstore opened in the town, and as soon as I was old enough to work, I applied for a job.  I worked there during my high school and college years often spending more on books than I made. 

On my 21st birthday, my parents gave me all the hard-bound books that Victoria Holt at written at the time.  It was one of the most special gifts I ever received.  It began my book collecting.  I then needed a bookshelf, so I made one of cinderblocks and wooden boards.  Did you make such a bookshelf?   My ex-husband and children gave me the remainder of the Holt books, so I have the whole collection. 

As the years passed, I collected and read so many books.  Around my house I stack cairns of unread books.  There is a word for that – Tsundoku which is Japanese for the stack of books you’ve purchased but haven’t yet read.  If there is a word for it, I feel there are many fellow book hoarders out there besides me.  When I do go to a bookstore, I am enchanted, under a spell, and always leave with a bag of books that I add to the ever-growing piles.

Even with Kindles and Nooks – I have both — your library grows.  I read current fiction and non-fiction on them.  It has cut down on the number of physical books, but still the number of digital books grows.  I do love the feel of a real book in my hands, even the smell of it, but Kindle makes life easier with traveling whether on a subway or a major trip.  I do need to join the library to use their digital books or Libby to save money.  I hear that zlibrary is an excellent app for free books– I need to check it out.  You should too.

I have moved several times, and each time I do, I give boxes of books away to friends or the library.  I just gave 75 books to local thrift shop.  It’s not like I don’t try to get a handle on my passion for books.  I have found homes for all my schoolbooks – that was 40 years of books.   At least someone else can use them, and the books will help children.  

When I look back on my life, I sometimes think that if I had all the money back that I have spent on books, that maybe I wouldn’t have needed to save for retirement.  However, I really do not regret a penny that I have spent on my love of books.  They are my dear friends.  It has always brought me great joy!  Though, I am toying with the idea of working in a bookstore again…. 

Giving Spirit: Charitable Donations

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

Why do people make charitable contributions in December?  To lessen the tax burden, the time of year makes no difference. If your cash donations are significant enough to count as an income tax deduction, they are reported for the year, thus January through December.  Still, Nonprofit Source reports that one-third of all cash contributions to non-profit organizations are received in December. Ten percent of all giving comes in the last three days of the year. According to Bloomerang, nearly half of not-for-profit revenue arrives from October through December.

One reason people wait may be due to a heightened awareness of need as the days become shorter (at least in terms of daylight) and the weather is cooler. Holidays lighten our spirits, and we become more thoughtful of the needs of others. We reflect on the bounties we enjoyed during the year and want to “give back.”  And for high-income earners, their net pay may be higher due to caps on annual federal payments or year-end bonuses.

Many people who make charitable contributions have specific organizations they like to support. If you wonder how the not-for-profit uses your donation, several organizations monitor nonprofit organizations and their financial well-being.  I have used GuideStar to review nonprofits’ financial health and other data.  GuideStar houses data for almost three million nonprofits. Doing your research gives you peace of mind, knowing how charities rank based on effectiveness or efficiency.
They review donors, volunteers, and administration of these organizations.  In most cases, the nonprofit organizations self-report but in some cases the reviewing organization does its own research. GuideStar, Charity Navigator, Givewell, and Great Nonprofits are a few.

Remember local charities, also. There are groups to which I donate lightly used items throughout the year, but often forget they also need cash to support their missions.

Importantly, one should know about the health, status, and focus of the organization to which you are donating.  Don’t go strictly by the name of the organization, assuming their work focuses only on the needs in their name. Personify WildApricot states that two-thirds of donors do not do their research!

I have recently joined a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to donate large sums to other nonprofits.  The idea is that I can make a donation which of course is appreciated; however, when several of us pool our money, we can make larger donations ($100,000) to a few nonprofits.  With that kind of money, their agendas are better supported, and their dreams get a huge kick start. The impact of each large donation makes a huge difference in our community. Of course a nonprofit must apply for the grant and rise to the top of a well-designed vetting and evaluation process.

People and organizations are stretched thin financially. As we consider our hard-earned dollars going to help others, we want to feel confident that the money truly helps make a difference. With a little research and a big heart, even a few dollars will make a difference. So large or small, carefully give as you are moved to do so, knowing your contribution is sincerely appreciated.

Finding Christmas Cheer

by Cynthia, posted in Reviews

One of the most popular storytellers of current times is James Patterson. My aunt loves to read his novels about the Women’s Murder Club, Alex Cross, Maximum Ride and others. Several people enjoy his biographies – stories about well-known figures in politics, entertainment, and even military, police and medical service heroes. Why would I write about violent mysteries smack dab in the middle of holidays season. [Yes, lots of traditions celebrate various holidays this time of year.]

Mr. Patterson has collaborated with writers such as Michael Crichton, Dolly Parton, and even Bill Clinton.  Recently, Mr. Patterson has paired with Tad Safran who writes for TV, film, podcasts, newspapers and books.

This season the gentlemen have produced a timely fantasy centered on the traditional carol of gifts for one’s true love. Many parodies are based on this 1780s song and this story may be considered one such parody, although …. Well, I don’t want to spoil the punch line. Or the story line for that matter. Suffice it to say, the 276-page paperback The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas is a delightful and easy read. It’s just what we need this time of year.

Take a break from decorating, grab a cup of hot tea, cocoa, or coffee with rich cream from the cows in your back yard, put your feet up (if you can find a place to sit) and enjoy the story of Henry, the professorial father who has lost Christmas after the passing of his beloved wife, and Will and Ella, their disappointed children who wish for happiness, good food, and laughter – and Christmas – in their home once again.

Enjoy the antics resulting in gifts from Ms. TrueLove as observed by Dean Grumpf, Dr. Fringe, and Marianna, not to mention the neighbors. If the finale doesn’t delight you, beware.  I may just send you gifts for twelve days.

Annual All Girls’ Movie Night

by Cynthia, posted in Lifestyle

Several years ago I was searching for festivities that would replace Christmas parties so mom could celebrate the season in style, while staying home. I came upon the idea of an all-girls’ Christmas Movie Night. My daughter and granddaughter are local. My sister and her daughter live a little more than three hours away.  So we made it a weekend – celebrating the first annual Christmas season kickoff for mom’s benefit several years ago.

My sister and I love a good theme to direct our gatherings and the Annual Girls’ Christmas Movie Weekend is no exception. The first year was “Let it Snow” – everyone received a Christmas or winter-theme throw as a favor. Our goodies included snowflake cookies, along with other yummy snacks. Glitter was everywhere. And we watched White Christmas.

Another year’s theme was Slumber Party. Each lady received pajamas. One year was Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the favors became robes, sleeping masks, lip gloss and fake jewelry.   There were a few others up until last year when we went full-on Grinch! Green everywhere, including the punch. And of course we watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. My sister got mom an animated Grinch doll. Mom laughed every time it danced across the floor. She showed every hospice visitor and anyone else who stopped in to say hello.

Sadly, mom will not be with us this year. To continue the tradition but in an attempt to lighten our spirits, the weekend has been moved to my sister’s home. My daughter, granddaughter, and I will travel on a Friday morning, arriving in time for lunch and some Christmas shopping.  Afterwards we will build gingerbread houses (from kits!) and watch a movie.  You may guess our theme is Gingerbread this year.

My favors will be glass “cans” with metal reusable straws from 1Canoe2 which are adorned with gingerbread houses. Staying in that vein, I have included gingerbread shaped and flavored marshmallow from Walmart (the only place I could find them!); gingerbread men hot cocoa bombs from Target; gingerbread themed cupcake papers; and a gingerbread figure ornament.  Items fit neatly into cute gingerbread house bags I found at Hallmark. Gift tags are miniature gingerbread ornaments on which I wrote each person’s name.

Each of us bring some kind of favor – a small gift that accompanies the theme. How fun it is to discover our creativity in selecting our respective favors.

Of course the best part is to have some girl time with sisters, daughters, nieces, aunts.  Sorry, guys. You are on your own for the weekend. My grandson will house sit and my son-in-law will keep their fur babies company. Admittedly, I leave a special little “something” for them, too. And we will raise a glass – of gingerbread cocoa – to our mom who is now an angel, looking down on us and laughing.

The 12 Days of Christmas

by sssmahh303, posted in Friends and Family

Mary Ann

The 12 Days of Christmas starts on Christmas Day and ends on January 5th, the day before Epiphany. In our family, my grandson’s birthday is January 5th. I decided that I was going to celebrate these 12 days in a special way for my grandchildren.  I wasn’t going to get them calling birds or a partridge in a pear tree or leaping lords.  I was going to do something unique for them starting on Christmas and ending with my grandson’s birthday.  

The first year, I went overboard and bought expensive gifts as all grandparents do.  I wrapped them all up and presented the grandchildren a box of 12 gifts each, and this was after opening all their Christmas presents. The whole idea was that they would open one gift a day until my grandson’s birthday thus celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas.  

As all children would do, they opened all the gifts at once.  My bad.  Their parents weren’t happy that I added more stuff to already too much stuff from Christmas.  My bad!  The concept was good, the execution was not.  I was going to have to rethink the whole idea.  

So, the following Christmas I got sets of 12 mini stockings that were about 4 inches tall for each grandchild and paired down the gifts to things that would fit in the little stockings.  I got the stockings at Big Lots, but Amazon, of course, offers a variety of stocking sizes and prices. I filled them with candy, a match box car, a small game, a bookmarker, money, lip gloss, and whatever action figure was the “it” toy that year.  I put the little stockings in a holiday bag and told the grandchildren that they could only open one stocking a day.  Part of the fun was reaching in the bag to pick a random stocking.  The toy or whatever occupied them for the day for the most part.  I collected the stocking after the 12 days finished to use them again the next year. And so, the tradition began.

When I suggested that I was going to stop the stockings since they were now older, there was a rebellion.  They didn’t want to stop. When they got older, I got them gift cards for iTunes or stores, movies passes, jewelry, makeup and hair adornments, and on and on.  It was good to see them still excited about Christmas and that the 12 Days of Christmas was our unique family tradition.

It was always fun for me to “shop” all year for the stockings.  I was always searching for something special for the grandchildren.  I hope this tradition will be a nice Christmas memory for them, and maybe they will do this for their children and grandchildren.  This can be a special tradition to adopt for any family. It is a fun way to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas!  

75 Hard / 75 Soft / Personalized

by Cynthia, posted in Lifestyle

I have always believed it takes 40 days to make or break a habit. That’s why I found 75 Hard to be an interesting approach to achieving a desired lifestyle.

Andy Frisella is a “best selling author, highly sought after consultant and public speaker.” Many enthusiasts know of the challenge he put forward in 2019 called 75 Hard. His book 75 Hard: A Tactical Guide to Winning the War with Yourself is said to help a person gain mental toughness and achieve one’s real potential. 75 Hard became an internet sensation.

When I first heard about it more than a year ago, I knew I would not be successful in completing the 75 Hard Challenge.  The challenge is extreme goal setting, with predefined rules.  To say you have achieved the goal, you must complete five specified tasks every day for 75 days without fail. No cheat days. No days off. In fact, if you miss one of the tasks on any given day, you must start over to honestly say you completed the 75 Hard Challenge.

The daily rules that must be followed for 75 consecutive days are

  1. Follow a structured diet without deviations, alcohol, nor cheat meals.
  2. Two 45-minute workouts per day, one of which must be outside regardless of the weather.
  3. Drink a gallon of water.
  4. Read at least ten non-fiction, educational pages geared toward improving your life
  5. Take a progress picture.

The idea behind the challenge is to build confidence, self-esteem, fortitude and discipline – all great attributes to have.

Much has been written and reported about the value, or lack thereof, of following this program. Some question its extreme rules suggesting it could trigger individuals into making unhealthy decisions. For me, this pointed to the problem the author was trying to address – people need to think for themselves and act accordingly.

I liked the concept if not the actual challenge. Much as a New Year’s resolution or a health and fitness goal, the 75 Hard Challenge is a guideline for a healthy lifestyle focusing on mental, physical, and emotional improvement.  So, I built a personal challenge* and set a time-line of 40 days. Additionally, I allowed one cheat day per week. A day off, if you will. A day of rest for my mind and body. I found that day was the hardest! I learned through the process that taking a “me day” was my biggest challenge.

Ultimately, my take-away is this. Evaluate your own needs periodically. Ask yourself what you need, to be the person you wish to be. Then set your own guidelines as goals and work towards achieving those changes in lifestyle. You will come out on the other end proud of your achievement, knowing you did it for yourself.

*My Daily Personal Challenge included riding my exercise bike for at least 30 minutes, drinking a glass of water every 90 minutes, going to bed at approximately the same time every night, and writing a minimum of 1,000 words. I also eliminated take-out food during that 40-day period. Taking a daily picture did NOT make my list!

Ready, Set, (Letting) Go

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

Last May, Mary Ann posted about dostadning – the Swedish art of death cleaning. The idea is to free oneself from clutter – to let go. It’s a way to take control of one’s surroundings, freeing future generations for having to deal with one’s “treasures.”

Having cared for my mother for more than six years, I appreciated her lack of sentimentality. She had no clutter in her home. Still, when I had to sell her house, it took some effort to distribute her belongings among siblings (hers and mine), donations, and garbage.  From that point forward I thought of what my poor daughter would have to deal with if I suddenly dropped dead!

My goodies are organized, as I have mentioned before. Still, the inventory of the labeled storage tubs, the multiple sets of dishes, the outrageously full closet of office supplies, and all the collectibles and art will be overwhelming with which to deal.

I enjoy my “stuff”! And I use it. However, lately I have begun to be able to part with things.  I remember a conversation with my executive coach several years ago. I had decorated my dining room and formal living room with female art. My comment to him was that it seemed I didn’t allow space for a man in my life. His reflection was this: “when the time is right, you will make room.”  I have not forgotten because this simple observation was meaningful to me.  And guess what. The time is now right.

Not for a man in my life, but for letting go.  Without trying I have come to the conclusion that I don’t need … or even want … all the stuff. All of the sudden I am ready to relinquish my hold on items that were dear to me in the past.  Frankly, it is a relief!

I know at some point I will want to live in a senior village and will not be able to take a houseful and a lifetime of trinkets, décor, and entertainment pieces. I am finding it satisfying to find people who want my things or organizations who can sell it to support their cause.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I have more than enough to keep me busy for a few years of cleaning, boxing, organizing, and distributing.  Yet I feel lighter already knowing that things my younger self enjoyed no longer have a hold on me.  The time is right. Rest assured, you will be able to let go, too … when you are Ready. Set. You’ll Let Go!