A Rustic Home: April 2008 Archives

A day at the beach

This past weekend I was in Tahoe. The dog and I wandered off the beaten path in search of a quiet spot for him to roam untethered, when we stumbled upon a nude beach. If you haven’t been to a nude beach lately, it is an interesting exercise in body acceptance.

It takes a lot to let it all hang out – literally. Initially, a self consciousness makes one very aware of one’s flaws. However, you look around, realize no one cares and then it’s just another day at the beach!!

Ultimately, it is you that needs to be comfortable in your own skin – clothed or not. Sure you might have some flaws, but who doesn’t? I am not suggesting you seek out a nude beach to build self esteem – but consider the freedom. Not caring what others think. Not worrying about covering this or hiding that. Just being you.

Oh, and if you do elect to go to the nude beach, bring sunscreen!! Trust me!!!

Posted by BearatHome at 04:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Remember mom

Mother's Day is Sunday May 11, 2008

With over 2000 items (and growing!), you’re bound to find something from Big Sky Silver Jewelry that is a perfect addition to her collection.

Posted by BearatHome at 04:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The things we do for love . . .

The other day, I went into the boyfriend’s medicine cabinet for a Q-Tip.

How was I to know what lurked inside? What I saw would fill my nightmares for weeks . . .

A toothbrush, toothpaste, a razor, shaving cream and a hair brush.

How could that be? Where was all the stuff? There must be product here somewhere? Distraught, I confronted him immediately? “Where is it?” I demanded. “Huh” was his simple reply. Oh, don’t play games with me, Mister – no one could live such aesthetic existence!

There were 5 – count ‘em 5 – items in his grooming repertoire. That’s just wrong!! All, I wanted was a Q-Tip - is that really asking so much?

That evening, I went home and opened my own medicine cabinet; three things immediately fell out and spilled all over the sink. I perused the supplies that keep me the natural beauty that I am -

There we tweezers, wax, paste, hair spray, hair gel, hair relaxer, hair curler, pore strips, 7 different moisturizers, 4 toothbrushes in different stages of use - including the one I use to clean the grout behind the sink, four half-used packages of floss from dentists who over the years have held high hopes for improving my dental hygiene, mouthwash, dental picks, the head of a long ago discarded electric toothbrush (hey, I can use it for something), 3 types of toothpaste, whitener, whitener strips, anti-wrinkle crème, line reducer, astringent, toners, Witch Hazel, cotton puffs, cotton swabs, Q-Tips, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and matches -- all used for sterilization, Band-Aids, Motrin, Tylenol, Sudafed, Imodium, Afrin, Calcium pills, Nail polish of all colors -- one in a bright shade of green (even I don’t understand that one), bottle of nail polish remover, Tums, a cough drop from the 1992 flu season, Calamine lotion, Pepto-Bismol, a prescription bottle from 1998, emery boards, toe nail clippers, finger nail clippers, a nail brush, three bottles of varying SPF sun protection, bronzer, peroxide (what was I thinking?) spray in highlights, six shades of henna, various soaps and little bottles appropriated from every hotel I’ve stayed at in the last three years, and a variety of colognes that were meant to allure, but usually simply overwhelmed (remember the 80’s and Polo?) And this is not to mention, the variety of remedies that are tucked away under the sink.

I work hard at keeping every thing this natural!! I wax, tweeze, pluck, strip, moisturize, tint, blend, blush, powder, tease, straighten, bleach, shave, spray, clip, tuck, lift, pad, etc – all in a day’s work. And he has the nerve to simply shower and go?

OMG, I hope he gets jock itch; at least it’ll add something to his medicine cabinet.

Posted by BearatHome at 05:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Earth Day

Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth's environment.

Global observance originated by Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in, and since January 1970 also called Earth Day, is celebrated in many countries each year on April 22.

History of Earth Day - Learn all about how Earth Day was started

Organizer's Guide - What can you do to help celebrate Earth Day in your community?

Earth Day 2008 Calendar - Find events in your community

Posted by BearatHome at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Free Online Plant Information Database

Are you looking for a source for a special plant? Are you looking for an expert gardening Web site for information on growing plants in your area?

Want to learn more?

Expert Advice

Posted by BearatHome at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hand poured candles

Each candle is hand poured to order and made with the highest quality ingredients.

Also available in the following scents: Apple Blossom, Blackberry Sage, Basil Sage Mint, Cappuccino Brule, Cedar, Cherry Tobacco, Country Roads, Gardenia, Ginger Fig, Harvest, Indian Summer, Lavender, Lilac, Lily of the Valley, Lime Cilantro, Mango-Papaya, Pear Berry, Pineapple Cilantro, Pomegranate, Pumpkin Spice, Spiced Cranberry, Sweet Grass and Vanilla Fields

Posted by BearatHome at 03:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tip of the Month - Spring Cleaning

We all know that now is the time to clear out all the cobwebs and dust that accumulated over the winter. While you're doing that - give your home a fresh new look with these simple ideas.

Be Generous - If you haven't used it in a year - donate it to Goodwill. Did you know that Goodwill accepts e-waste? Yup that dot matrix printer may finally have a home other than the corner of your den! And get a receipt for next year's deductions.
Really, a bobble head collection? Put away all of your "tchotckes". Display your very favorites now and save the rest for when you want a change.
A designer's tip - group collections together for maximum impact! Less clutter will give your room a simplified, organized look...

Enjoy your springtime!

PHA – Affordable, Sophisticated Home Decorating & Staging, Moving & Relocation and Organizing Services.

Posted by BearatHome at 03:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A few of my favorite things . . .

When I can find a quiet, free moment - I like to slip away to my favorite leather chair and browse these guides. My first love is the garden, so Sunset has been an inspiration to many a weekend project. Secondly, well I do love to eat. I not exactly the watercress type - so give me a good steak, corn on the cob and mom’s potato salad and I am a happy camper. Finally, whenever I can - it’s off to explore brave, new worlds.

Lonely Planet Travel Guides – I never leave home without one. A much worn copy accompanied me to China providing great back stories to my many travels.
Sunset Western Garden Book – The ultimate garden reference book. What plants to grow, how to nurture them and what seems to be eating them. For more than 70 years, Sunset has been the source for no-nonsense gardening advice, easy-to-follow diagrams, and encyclopedic knowledge of plant varieties.
Weber’s Art of the Grill – Does anything say rustic living more than a great outdoor feast. America's preeminent grill maker offers tips, techniques and 100+ stylish, really varied recipes for contemporary outdoor entertaining. America's preeminent grill maker offers tips, techniques and 100+ stylish, really varied recipes for contemporary outdoor entertaining.

I hope you enjoy these resources, as much as I do.

Posted by BearatHome at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

Sexual Assualt Awareness Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) raises awareness of sexual violence and its prevention through special events while highlighting sexual violence as a major public health issue and reinforces the need for prevention efforts.

Women’s organized protests against violence began in the late 1970s in England, with Take Back the Night marches. These women-only protests emerged in direct response to the violence that women encountered as they walked the streets at night. These activities became more coordinated and soon developed into a movement that extended to the United States and, by 1978, the first Take Back the Night events in the U.S. were held in San Francisco and New York City. Over time, sexual assault awareness activities expanded to include the issue of sexual violence against men and men’s participation in ending sexual violence.

2008 SAAM Campaign

Prevent Sexual Violence… in our workplaces.

The Sexual Assault Awareness Month theme for 2008 is Prevent Sexual Violence... in our workplaces. Designed to help employers recognize the vital role workplace culture plays in the prevention of sexual violence, this theme promotes a healthy work environment. We wish you a very successful 2008 SAAM campaign!

Please visit the links below for more information.

SAAM Day of Action

Featured Event

Community Activities

2008 Palm Card

Posted by BearatHome at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)