Toxins in all our skin and hair products! I'm livid!

I attend a lot of free seminars that my Humana insurance offers and this one was most interesting to me and should be to everyone.  It was about skin and skin cancer caused by beauty products that are loaded with toxins.

I knew toxins were in hair color and even in Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo, as I saw that on the News. Names that we have trusted for years.  I know that most reputable companies have removed the harsh chemicals from their products but not all did.

These chemicals cause a wide range of adverse health conditions from skin irritations to cancer.  Unfortunately, skincare giants do not want you to know about them, as there is too much money at stake in the anti-aging market.

I was shocked when I got home after the seminar with my notes in hand to check the ingredients in my facial cleaners, moisturizers, sunscreen creams and they all had chemicals in them from the list I learned about.

Parabens:  Widely used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of moisturizers and anti-aging products may actually cause premature aging and sagging skin.  Studies suggest parabens can cause cancer, allergic reactions and skin rashes even breast tumors!  Oh my.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate:  This is a foaming agent used in facial cleaners; chemical sulfates can be contaminated with measurable amounts of the cancer-causing agent ethylene oxide, which can harm the nervous system.  My very well-known brand name facial cleaner listed this in the list of ingredients.  I was livid.  I’ve been using this product for over 40 years.

Padimate O:  this ingredient is usually found in sun-screens and it may increase the risk of skin cancer.  I found this in the recent sunscreen I recently purchased and after one day, I had white spots all over my arms, legs and chest where I applied the product.  I live in Florida so sunscreen is a must here and no matter where you live actually.

I do water aerobics in the pool for exercise because my arthritis is so bad that I can no longer go to the gym for my regular classes.  The chlorine in the pool water is not good for my skin either and I have discussed this matter with the Condo Commandos to change the pool to Salt Water instead.  The cost is not that bad to reverse it but they are thick headed and snowbirds so they don’t care.

I can’t believe the government allows these products to contain such serious harmful stuff.  I’m livid.

US researchers have reported that one in eight ingredients used in personal care products are actually industrial chemicals such as pesticides, plasticizers, degreasers, reproductive toxins, hormone disruptors and carcinogens and they even use the same ingredients that are in weed killers.  Nasty stuff.  How do they sleep nights knowing what they are doing to our own people?

There has to be a way to scream out to stop all this.

It takes forever to shop and read ingredients on the food we eat, the shampoo and soap we buy……………We never had to do this when I was a child growing up.  We didn’t have all these chemicals in our products.

Companies are getting greedy and they don’t care about our health and people are just not informed about this serious matter.

It may cost more to shop at WholeFoods but at least you will know your purchases will be pesticide free.  I bought my bottle of shampoo there just recently.

One good thing…………..Dewars Scotch containes NO CARCINOGENS!  Other brand names do.

I’m doing research on red wines now.

Enjoy Life's Little Pleasures!

Every day is a blessing, whether it seems like it at the time or not.  I think all of us never show enough gratitude.  Gratitude is not merely the result of having good and valuable experiences in your life. Being grateful is an essential part of causing life’s goodness to come your way.

Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation for what a person has and I'm not referring to material things; what I mean is taking the time to appreciate the beautiful things in life. 

I remember my first trip to Key West, FL for a weekend was a Mother's Day present from my son many years ago.  I remember it was the most spectacular sunset on the planet!  And, it was a ritual every evening at sunset that a crowd would be outside with a drink in hand and applaud the amazing sunset of bright orange that looked like it was sinking right into the ocean.  

Believe it or not, I've never been to Disney in spite of the fact that I have been living in Florida for nearly 25 years now.  I had the opportunity to go many times with friends but the thought of listening to people dragging whining kids around the park themes did not appeal to me.  Walking around in the heat and humidity in Florida is not pleasant for me either.

 

Another wonderful Mother's Day present was from my daughter not that long ago..................taking me to the Red Sox game!  What a thrill.  Oh, "Sweet Caroline" "So good, So good, So good"!  It was exciting to be in my home town for a visit with my family and seeing my favorite baseball team.  The fans at the game are so exhilarating and it makes the experience all that more wonderful!  Love being a part of "the wave".

I'm grateful for my beautiful children.

Life is good!

They say: “Age is something that doesn’t matter – unless you’re a bottle of wine.”

They say: “Age is something that doesn’t matter – unless you’re a bottle of wine.”

“You are only as old as you think you are.”   But if you wake up every morning with a new ache and/or pain, yes age is interfering with your golden years.

I feel like a brand new person since my Primary Care Doctor finally gave me a referral to a Rheumatologist for my pain.  Now, why didn’t he send me there 9 months ago?  The Specialist said I suffered in pain needlessly.  Major improvement within days but I still have not received the results of the Specialist’s blood work taken.  At least, I now have movement in my arms.  So grateful.  Now, if he can’t get rid of my swollen hands and feet, life will be good again!

I’m looking forward to getting back to the gym soon.  I miss my Silver Sneakers classes and friends that I have made at the gym.

We seniors all try to embrace new opportunities and seek new learning and to try and stay motivated and lively at heart.  But, in fact, we can’t do most of the things we used to do.  We do have the wisdom and experience we have acquired over the years which is a plus.

It is so important to keep your body lively through healthy diet and exercise.  I still cook all my meals, that way I have full control of the ingredients in my food choices.

I try to stay in touch with the world via modern technology, that way; the world will stay in touch with me!

Time to pour the wine!

Not everything at the Dollar Store is cheaper!

Everyone is trying to stretch a buck these days and resorting to Dollar Stores for some savings on certain items.

I realized that three items I purchased were actually cheaper at my local grocery store.

One way to avoid this is to keep a running list of stores in your area that have the best prices for products you use regularly. That way, if you see a product you use for sale, you can quickly and easily know whether or not what you see is actually a good deal.

I was told to pay attention to sizes and the price per ounce -- not the price overall.

I never buy food in the Dollar Stores either.  Another issue bothered me was that some brand name items for toothpaste for example are not made from the same manufacturer as the ones you find in your regular stores………hmmmmmmmmm!  Yet, the packaging look almost identical.

I think people like the idea of seeing the word “Dollar”!  So, I decided that these type stores are not for me.  Do you like them?

A new Walmart Neighborhood Market opened near me that only sells food.  I tried it and since the store is new, I loved the fact that it was so clean.  My total savings there was $15.00 because I used my discount card from my medicare insurance company.  I don't think I would buy my meat there though. I eat less meat these days so that is not an issue.

I hate cutting coupons these days and feel the stores should just give you the discount automatically.  It would save them tons of money not having to print the coupons and advertising on flyers.

Let me know your savings tips!  Happy Shopping.

Today's youth is one of the rudest!

Gosh, watching the News lately..............so much sadness going on.  So much violence night after night.  It makes you wonder what kind of upbringing these people had.  It makes me change the channel, as it is too depressing to watch.

Today’s youth is one of the rudest and most sadistic generations. Teens are developing cruel attitudes towards violence and crimes. Teens are unaware of life values and morals. Teens use inappropriate language and etiquette. And teens display large amounts of disrespect towards authority and being the big "Bully" in school among their own classmates.

Even worse, these teens turn into mean, disrespectful adults and always taking the wrong road through life's journey.  It is sad because in my heart, I know most parents taught their children to respect others.

I remember when my children were young and in school.....whenever it was report card time, I always naturally carefully viewed their grades but the other side of the report card displayed their behavior in class and how they treated others.  That part, a parent teaches a child good manners. We all hope and pray that they practice good manners when they grow up and on their own.

When you encounter a person displaying disrespect to you, I’m sure you are feeling unworthy.  But, it also can leave you with a thickened up skin and it will open your eyes to see when certain people bring nothing but drama to the table, you know it's time to let them eat by themselves.

This goes for celebs too…………Oh my……….Bieber and Miley….such train wrecks.

People need to be kind to one another.  Life is too short.

Curling up with a good book!

Unfortunately, our inner quiet is unusual for most of us. Even when alone, we all talk to ourselves right? We hear the sounds of our own thoughts, remember musical melodies, and so on. We become easily distracted by random memories, noises and other intrusions.  During these times, I turn to reading a good book especially when TV has nothing of interest to offer.

Reading a good book is like taking a mini-vacation.  For me, it naturally gives me a moment to relax and forget. It takes me away to another land where my imagination has no limits.

Think of a book that you have been meaning to read and pick it up today. It may be a beloved classic, an old favorite, a biography or something from the bestseller list. Next, pour yourself a cup of your favorite tea, (or coffee) head to your comfortable couch, curl up and let it take you away.

Downloading books to my Kindle from the Library is great!  Saving tons of money from buying books and/or taking books out from the library loaded with bacteria from previous readers!

Sometimes, I do miss cracking open a new book and turning the pages but the light in the Kindle and arranging the font for my comfort is very accommodating.  I love it!

Christmas in Boston/My Birthday/Flight Cancellations!!!!

Michelle's first Xmas tree in her new home.

Love the snowflake on the top of the tree!

I love being with my children for Christmas!  I also wanted to see the snow again but I didn’t ask for 18 inches of snow and freezing temps in the single digits and some days even below zero!  Yikes!  It is hard to adjust after living in Florida for the past 24 years.

Close up of Jimmy's tree zooming in on the red wagon!

I enjoyed seeing my girlfriends from Revere.  They are my Besties! It was a late lunch after 2:30, as I was at the beauty shop.

Left, front to back:  Linda, Joanne, Priscilla, Liana

Right, front to back:  Meri, Rose, Diane, Paula

I was also happy to see a dear friend, Sandra that I have not seen in 8 long years!  It was wonderful to reminisce wonderful past memories together.

Rose and Sandra

My children took me to all my favorite Restaurants.  Saw three great movies and I attended a New Year’s party at Rhonda’s house.  BBQ and Bon Fire in the frigid  temps!  All good times!

Son-in-law, Bill and me

Son, Jimmy and Me

Me.........Brrrrrrrrrrr!  18 inches of snow!

My daughter baked a creamcycle birthday cake for me that was delish!

My daughter is always the one taking the pictures so I never end up having pictures of her!  

When it was time for me to return home, I never received an alert from JetBlue that my flight was canceled.  Thank goodness, Michelle and I checked online before leaving the house at 4:00 in the morning to head out to the airport.  In red bold print the word “Canceled” was there.  I was due home on January 5^th but was unable to get back until January 8^th.  

JetBlue Airways resumed full operations at Logan International Airport and three New York-area airports on Tuesday after a 17-hour shutdown forced the cancellation of more than 500 departures from the four facilities.

The highly unusual reduction in service followed a spell of bad weather and airport closures over the weekend, complicated by new federal regulations that require longer rest periods for pilots between flights. Those rules helped turn delays into more cancellations after pilots maxed out their hours.

JetBlue experienced more problems than most carriers, in part because most of its operations go through Boston and New York which were hit hard by snow and ice causing a ripple effect of delays, diversions, and cancellations throughout the system.

Upon my arrival at home, the Alerts from JetBlue were on my home recorder!  Duh.  My request was clearly to alert me via my cell phone or email address.  

Of course, I called JetBlue to request Customer Compensation and they gave me 5,000 extra points towards a future flight.  You don't ask, you don't get!

Came home to rain but the temp was 69 degrees which is not bad.  No sun today either!  My delay actually was a delightful trade-off, as it gave me more time with my children!

Today, 15 inches of rain and flash floods on the East Coast of Florida!  Yikes!

P.S.  Thank you to everyone for your birthday wishes!

Merry Christmas to my Blogger Friends!

 

 

 

19th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade!





It's been a while since I've viewed the Annual Boat Parade!

Sharing some nice photos with you!

 

Thanks Kathy for the invite!

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stinkin' Thinkin'!

 

 

No, No, No more Stinkin' Thinkin'!

 

Just think, if you never emptied the trash in your house, there would soon be a disgusting odor in your home. It's the same with your mind. Your mind is the home of your thoughts.

If you don't release old thoughts, your life becomes bitter with stinkin' thinkin'.  We all have clutter to get rid of.

We will be starting a New Year soon, so start to empty your mental and emotional trash.
 

We all hold on to unhealthy emotions. Just as you empty your trash at home often, you have to do the same with your mind.

 

Each moment is a gift to you, so turn on the light bulb and think!

 

Focus on your priority. Do the best you can right now where you are and with what you have.  I'm working on this myself so you are not alone.

  

Count your blessings! Change will come for the better. 

 

 

 

Life's Circumstances!

When you are suffering from severe chronic pain, you have to learn to walk your path one step at a time because you have no choice.  Life's circumstances are not always what you might wish them to be.

I was recently diagnosed with severe arthritis along with neuropathy.  Ouch!

Beyond any understanding, I’ve been led in many different directions with trial and error with my doctor.  I was told there was nothing I can do about it.  No magic pill to take the pain away.  I kept asking for a referral to a Specialist to get to the bottom of all my new ailments but he kept refusing me.  I was livid!

It all started with swelling in my feet and hands and the tingling and burning sensation is extremely uncomfortable. 

Then to add to the existing pain, I developed pain in my upper arms and could barely get dressed in the morning.  I thought I pulled a muscle at the gym.  Well, xray tests proved it to be severe arthritis.  Ugh.

Sometimes, your current medication can cause havoc with your body.  So, I’m off my statin drug that I take for high cholesterol and the only difference I am experiencing is less pain in my feet only.  I will have to see what else may change after 30 days off the meds.

I was concerned and wondering and questioning the direction my life has taken and confused that my only solution is to exercise in the pool for low impact exercises. 

New medical studies have shown that over the counter meds for pain are now very dangerous to take if taken more than two days per week.  So, I guess that leaves me with five days of great discomfort and two days of a tad bit relief.  I saw this on the nightly News!  My doctor confirmed this new study as well.  So be careful taking OTC meds.

Well, the fact that my new path is before me now. I have researched for some alternative medicines and creams and any forms of Holistic healings available.  

I came up with B-Complex and Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplements and Australian Dream cream to massage in the painful areas.  I noticed a big difference in the cream within two days.  So, if any of you out there are suffering with arthritis or neuropathy issues, try the above mentioned and see if it gives you some much needed comfort.

My pool has turned out to be my best friend these days.  I have put my Silver Sneakers classes on hold, as I cannot do the routine like before as it hurts too much.  However, I do the same exercises in the pool.  It is a plus that I live in Florida and have my pool to aid me with my current issues.

The future is yet to be realized. Today is here and I just have to help myself the best I can. 

My September Trip to Boston!

Had an amazing time visiting my children in Boston!  I always do.  I love my children and family so much.

Jimmy did my hair; he made me look fabulous again!  The only damper to my visit was that when I got off the plane; my feet were so swollen after a three hour flight, they looked like balloons, so after elevating  my feet and icing and fluid pills, they managed to go down a bit but hurt during my entire visit.

Went to the movies with Jimmy and Danny and saw the flick, with Jennifer Anniston called “We’re The Millers ”.  It was funny!

Jimmy took me to his house in Maine and then we shopped all over New Hampshire’s outlets looking for sneakers to fit me for comfort.  Bought a pair that felt good in the store but an hour later, I was still in pain.  If anyone has ever shopped with my son; they will know that it means 8 hours of going in and out of stores!  LOL  The long drive to Maine and return drive to Massachusetts didn’t help my swollen feet either I guess.  I was feeling old and a burden to my children due to my current ailments.

Enjoyed the BBQ Michelle and Bill had at their adorable new home.  I love, love, their new house and so thrilled they are out of that third floor walk-up apartment in Everett.  Oh, and loved that Haddock Italiano at Floramo’s Restaurant.  I enjoyed meeting their new neighbors Rose, John and their dog named, Elvis!

Also, loved visiting Rhonda and Brian at their new home and we all got together again my last night at the Tides Restaurant and Brian’s parents also joined us.

My Classmates of 1962 Lantern Luncheon at Volare's Restaurant:

Rose & Diane

Linda Spag, Joanne N., Linda M.. Elaine,

Lee, Roxanne, Kathy and I can't see the last person on

the far left hand side!  I'm thinking it maybe Joanne Struz.

Sal, Peter, John, Scotty

Joanne Struz, Sal, John

Peter and Diane Whiles

Ethel, Meri, Priscilla

Ethel, Roger, Priscilla

Barbara

John, Scotty, Meri, Patty, Joe, Barbara, Roger, Peter

Ethel, Joe, Priscilla

The Lantern Gang had a luncheon in my honor at Volare’s Restaurant in Revere. We had a large turnout and it was so good to see my old classmates again.  

After the luncheon, Diane and I attended the swearing in of the Revere Firemen as a friend of Diane was being sworn in.  From there, Diane and I headed to her new home in Plymouth.  It was a long ride from Revere.  Congrats Samuel!

Her home is so beautiful and huge!  I think I got lost in it a couple of times trying to find my way back to the kitchen from the bathroom!  LOL 

Diane, Chuckie and I had dinner that night at a local Italian Restaurant and of course I had to have my veal cutlets!

My daughter, Michelle drove to Plymouth the following day to have lunch with Diane and I and then Michelle and I drove back to Revere late afternoon.  It was an enjoyable sleepover at Diane’s house.

Also, met up with my Everett Friends for lunch:

Nina

AnnMarie

Great to see Nina and AnnMarie again.  Nina now lives in Boxford and AnnMaire now lives in Saugus.  I was able to view the low income senior building in Saugus because AnnMarie lives there.  The building and grounds were lovely.  The inside of the building was clean but I could smell smoke in the hallways.  I was informed that the tenants are allowed to smoke in their units. 

They are also allowed pets, all of which I’m allergic to cats and long haired dogs so my thoughts of viewing more rentals in one of these places came to a hault.  The apartments are extremely small which I knew they would be.  I don’t know if I can handle being in an apartment of only 425 square feet.  It felt very confining.

The smell of smoke in the hallways bothered me a lot.  I could hear and feel the wheezing in my chest and knew I could not live there.  These are government owned buildings and I’m surprised they allow smoking.  I thought by now that most all seniors have given up the nasty addiction.  I know only too well how hard it is to give up.

Moving from my house of 5,000 square feet to my current condo was a drastic change for me 16 years ago but I’m in a two bedroom/two bath and 1200 square feet to move around in.  It was a major adjustment but I managed.  I gave a lot of furniture away then and would have to do it again all over again if I choose to elect to go into a low income senior housing unit.  I do very much want to be back in New England and close to my children.  Seeing them only twice a year is not enough for me.  I miss them.

Niece, Susan at Palm Beach Airport

Rose at Palm Beach Airport

Arriving back home!

My niece, Susan returned home with me to Florida.  Again, my feet swelled up from the flight and now included a rash!  Oh my………….The rash had nothing to do with the swelling.  I have such sensitive skin.  I did have a new pkg. of golf socks that were not previously washed.  That could have been the culprit.  One other thing is that walking in Odd Lots stores causes me to itch due to dust mites.  I had sandals on without socks.  Detergents usually are a major thing I’m allergic to.  I know Michelle had clear detergent but I neglected to ask Jimmy what kind of detergent he used as I did some of my laundry while at both homes.

salad, lump crab/broccoli, sweet potato

It was fun having my niece here with me.  We went to the gym together and Susan was on a special diet so she took over the kitchen to prepare all the healthy foods to eat.  We reminisced of old family times and laughed so hard.  Also, mourned the loss of her parents which is my sister and brother-in-law.

We shopped at Mizner Park and had lunch there too.  Susan only found one area in my home that she wanted to stage and that was the bar area in my diningroom that had so many family pictures in frames.  I knew that area was getting to look cluttered.

Susan bought me a lovely large Vase which has not arrived yet as the store had to have it shipped from the factory.

Melissa and Michelle Murray that currently live in Wellington, FL stopped by to visit us.  (Roy’s daughter and granddaughter) both of whom I’ve never met.

Michelle, Susan, Melissa

Michelle, Rose, Melissa

I felt bad that rain greeted us upon our arrival back to Florida and Susan only had two pool days.  We had rain for the remaining days of her vacation here.  Susan took this picture with her SmartPhone by my community pool.

The sun is shining brightly now and the humidity has come down a lot…..the  way I like it.  I still love the cool temps in Boston of 59 degrees and the fresh air going up your nose!  I live in air-conditioning 24/7.  The heat here in Florida during the summer is unbearable and only nice during the short winter months.  

Can’t live without a pool in Florida!

Just realized that I have no pictures of my children in this entry.  We were having such a good time that I forgot to take out my camera.  I hope my daughter has some to share with me.