Happy Mother's Day

She smoothes my edges and keeps me on balance.

She's my mother.
She saw me draggin' my feet,
heavy from burden, and gave me her heels.
She's my mother.
She satiated my emptiness  with love.
Reconstructed my self-confidence with care.
I'm under construction.
She's still building.
She's my mother.
(original poem)

(Stock photo taken from internet)

I live in southern NJ which I also consider to be a suburb of Philadelphia. On mother's day, I love to go to the Silver Diner and get my free carnation and give my 5 year old quarters to put in the jukebox. We eat pancakes and listen to oldies. The simple but meaningful lyrics take me to my "happy place" and then we stop by the aquarium to collect yet another free carnation and spend more time together. It's great. So to all the moms out there, with or without a physical child, Happy Mother's Day!

Loose Laundry Socks UPDATED

What to do with those loose children's socks?

1. First cut the tip of the toe and also cut a hole for the thumb. I've found that the added thumb hole keeps the cut sock from rolling and sliding up kid's arm. Have your kids wear it as an 80's "bracelet" when they're snotty. Instead of wiping snot on their sleeve, the cut sock can act as a boogie wipe!

2. Create sock puppets!!! For the non-DIYer, don't feel embarrassed. These basic toys are a gem!

Edible Beauty Products

The TV was randomly on the live well network channel which I didn't even know existed and saw some really cool ideas. I'm not a fan of make up and wear a lipstick for a special occasion. I also don't believe in spending tons of money on beauty products because I can't understand what 99% of the ingredients are and don't trust the product. What's great about these natural beauty products below is that they can be composed with items found in the grocery store or in your pantry and are so safe, they're edible!

(Stock photo taken from internet)

Java Exfoliant Scrub

• 2 cups ground Coffee
• 1/2 cup Himalayan Pink Salt
• 1/2 cup Turbinado Sugar
• 1/3 cup Olive oil
• 3 Tbs. Almond oil

(Reduces appearance of cellulite)
Scrub on hands, gets rid of dead skin

Sencha Mask

• 3 tsp. Green Tea Powder
• 2 tsp. honey
• 2 tsp. water
• 2 egg whites

Make mask & chill in fridge
Apply and let sit for 15 min. Will last a week.

Ginger-Grapfruit Elixir

• 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 tsp. fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 Tbs. honey

These can be great gifts for friends and family if put it in a glass or see through jar and tie with a ribbon.