Silver...

I recently connected with Bay Area photographer, Vicki Topaz, who is a champion of women, aging, and the wisdom that comes after years and years of life experience. Her site is called Women on Aging and she posts daily pics and articles on Facebook. Sometimes recognizable celebs, and sometimes of a beautiful woman walking down the street. She was kind enough to feature an article I wrote a few years ago.

If you are a woman of a certain age, and share my total respect and admiration for the wisdom and beauty that come with age, you can "like" her on Facebook, too!

Women on Aging

Like This PageLiked · July 30

Writer and artist Julie Meulemans, age 47, authored an article "Proud to Be Pro-Age and Pro-Grey," published in MORE. About her silvering hair, she says,
"Since making the decision to let my locks go silver, I have not only grown as a person, but in every other aspect of my life."
Great article...
http://www.more.com/member-voices/your-stories/proud-be-pro-age-and-pro-grey

Emulating This Incredible Philosophy Is My Life Goal...

You may recognize the fantastic Iris Apfel. She was born in New York, but has been a longtime San Francisco resident, known worldwide for home decor, her beyond amazing ability to accessorize, and her specs. She is 92 years old, and still a mover and shaker in the world of fashion and home design. I came across a short snippet that gave me such a smile. I hope you enjoy this special woman too!

► 4:47► 4:47

www.nytimes.com/.../iris-apfel-on-the-meaning-of-styl...

Dec 31, 2013

Earlier this year, the 92-year style maven sat down with T editor-in-chief Deborah Needleman for ...

Who Says You Can't Have A Chocolate Milkshake...

Over the course of the past few years, I have eliminated dairy, refined sugar, and gluten from my daily food options. Initially it was hard to find desserts that tasted rich and decadent. But recently I developed one of my most favorite treats that actually serves up a healthy dose of vitamins and other good stuff that Dr. Oz tells us we need in our diet.

Few people can say they don't love the marriage of chocolate and mint together. I also happen to love a milkshake, and finally have found just the right ingredients that come pretty darn close to duplicating the rich goodness of my favorite frozen guilty pleasure. Oh! And it's only 300 calories. Curious? I thought so. Without further ado, here's my newest craze. Indulge and let me know what you think!

1 large frozen banana (1 1/2 if you are feeling especially crazy)
1 cup almond milk
3 heaping TBSP unsweetened cacao powder
1 heaping cup fresh mint
1 or 2 TBSP sweetener of your choice (I use coconut nectar, but you can also use agave)
1 TBSP cacao nibs

In a blender combine the first five ingredients. Once blended mix in the cacao nibs. Enjoy!

Scary But True~Part II...

A year and a half ago I wrote a blog that has been read and passed along by hundreds of people. It gave the terrifying real life reality of Rohypnol, otherwise known as "roofies." Today, I am writing about an increasingly popular drug that can literally be found online or in your local gas station. Sadly, this synthetic pot substitute is both legal and passed off as an easy way to get a cheap quick high.

Labeled potpourri or incense, the herbal substance is treated with a variety of chemicals. While the small print typically states "not for human consumption", young users are ignoring the warning in an effort to seek a high similar to pot. The street name is Spice. Although, it is sometimes referred to it as K~2, and it is literally falling through the cracks. Because it is legal, the police have no jurisdiction over its distribution among minors. Some gas stations have made the decision to only sell the product to those over the age of 18, but most have elected not to comply because it is a perfectly legal product in this country.

So, why are teens so intrigued? The one thing that is known is that when it is smoked, it is virtually untraceable to a drug test. Typical users will derive benefits of calm and relaxation. Although, others will sadly suffer from the brain or their internal organs immediately overwhelmed by its toxicity. If that happens, the effects are fast and irreversible. For unlucky users, the chemicals will adhere to the brain's receptors, and anything from psychosis to death are certain.

Unfortunately, herbal substances in general have become widely accepted as a safe alternative to prescription medication. I can't tell you how many bottles of herbs and vitamins I have that clearly state that the FDA has not evaluated the claims made by the manufacturer.

This is just my two cents for today so pass it along to your own kiddos or any other tween or teen in our life. After all, it takes a village...