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Beautiful Ischia
Slightly less than an hour’s journey by hydrofoil from Naples (Beverello to Casamicciola) the volcanic island of Ischia lies in the Tyrrhenian sea and the northern end of the Gulf of Naples. Ischia and her sister island, Procida comprise the Phlegraean Islands, aptly named as they came into being during the massive Phlegraean eruption. Casamicciola Quiet island living, punctuated by brilliant sun and surrounded by deep blue seas and sky. Thermal waters are found throughout the island and you should not miss the opportunity to visit one of the spas, gardens or hotels for the experience. Just before the high-season, in mid-June, Ischia is at a quiet hum- the last…
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Dress with Intention
When I get up in the morning, I choose my clothes with care and begin mental preparation for the day ahead. This simple task helps me to dress with intention. It’s making an important distinction- I’m choosing to put myself in the frame of mind to be purposeful. Ready to focus, accomplish my daily work and activities. Putting your best foot forward starts with putting effort into your attire. It is not about dressing to impress others or seek attention. It’s about feeling comfortable and confident in yourself- dressed for success with dignity. Present yourself as you wish to be seen The old saying: ‘Clothes make the man or woman’…
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Ironing and Pressing, Aren’t They the Same Thing?
The terms ironing and pressing are sometimes used interchangeably but they are not the same thing. One removes wrinkles and the other is used most often in clothing construction. Some modern fibers have dramatically decreased the need for ironing; knits can be washed and hung on hangers to dry, which greatly speeds the chore of weekly washing and caring for clothes. Natural fibers like cotton and linen -my favorite go-to summer fabric- require ironing to achieve that crisp look. When I put on a linen dress or blouse, it has to be well-ironed and free of wrinkles. As the day wears on, I’m fine with the creases and wrinkles that…
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Dress with Intention
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The Healing Power of Nature: Wind and Trees
Walk outside on a windy day. Wind and trees, an exhilarating partnership that is always rewarding. Trees bending to the wind affirms the power of nature. It gives me a sense of grounding, being completely engaged by my surroundings. At the end of winter, still bare tree limbs allow full-sunlight to the ground below, giving the wind center stage. So different from a windy, summer day that sends green leaves dancing and placing my focus on their beauty. If you are fortunate to walk among white pine or fir trees, you’ll be able to appreciate the soft, swishing sounds their needles make as wind passes through the branches. March Wind…
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Growing up: Home Economics and Shop Class
When I was growing up, I was fortunate to have experienced home economics and shop class. Both were a standard part of middle school curriculum. I loved both. Well, I loved the sewing part of home-ec, as we called it. Growing up we didn’t have money to spare for luxury items like the latest (and questionable) fashion fad of platform shoes with multi-colored stripes along the wedge heels. Being the eldest child didn’t help; there were no clothes to share or hand-me-downs. It’s awful when kids make fun of you if you don’t have the ‘latest’ when it is the latest. Home-ec would be the door to help change that…
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Preserving the taste of Summer
Late summer signals the beginning of what I call ‘preserving the taste of summer’ time. Tomato ripening is hastened by the unrelenting heat of August. Whether your garden produces enough plum/’roma’ tomatoes to jar or you purchase them at a local market in 25 or 50 pound crates, canning is worth the effort. At my house, we make it a family endeavor – it has to be since this is a LOT of work. The bulk of which is spent preparing the tomatoes; some for sauce and others will be jarred whole. Preparation is key and this is what I’ve honed as my system. All large, deep stockpots come out…
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Sweets to a Sweet and Flowers to a Flower
What I remember about Sweets to a Sweet and Flowers to a Flower comes from two people who were deeply in love and remained that way for their entire lives together. A man was a man and a woman, a woman. No confusion, no illusions. Their example sets the relationship bar high -impossibly so. They came from a time that which each passing year, sadly fades further into the distant past of the early 20th century. I can’t help wishing for a life and love like theirs, even with all the hardships they faced: a depression, world war and separation. ‘Sweets to a sweet and flowers to a flower‘ aptly…
