Do You Crackle?

I remember the days when nail polish only came in shades of red and pink. Oh, yeah, there were those ugly brown colors too that only your mom would wear. I felt lucky when I could actually find an Electric Pink, because the hot pink shade was not seen on many people. Shades and hues of purple made their appearance. And that felt like hitting the jackpot.

Then recently other colors starting hitting the stores, anything from green to blue to yellow. Now you can find a nail polish in just about any color your heart desires. Since I absolutely LOVE color, I’m a huge fan! Oh, and you can never have too many nail polish colors, because some times the color needs to match your mood.

Someone today made a comment about my teal nail polish. Although I love this color, because it’s different than the reds or pinks, he didn’t seem to like it. I don’t wear this color very often and not to impress him either. So his dislike didn’t bother me. If he feels that strongly about my teal polish, he will absolutely hate the new trend in nail polish.

Crackle, as it’s called, is what the recent fad is for nails. You paint your nails like you normally would. Then you put a crackle nail polish on. And as the name suggests, the polish cracks showing the first color through the cracks in the top coat.

For some reason it reminds me of something you might wear for Halloween. But people aren’t just wearing it for a holiday, they are wearing it all the time. It gives a unique appearance to your fingertips. And if nothing else, people will notice them.

We have all seen nail polish, like a Shrek olive green or a bright pumpkin looking orange that we wonder who in their right mind would wear those colors. Well, those are the perfect colors to put on under crackle. You need to have a bright or vibrant color as the bottom coat, otherwise, you won’t be able to see it through the top coat. For instance, if you have a royal blue under a black crackle, there isn’t too much of a difference in the color for the blue to be distinguishable. You want to be able to see the bottom coat under the crackle. So you need to use a light blue with black crackle or a bright yellow under a blue crackle. Be creative! Pick your two favorite colors and work your magic. Whatever colors you decide make sure the shades contrast enough to make a large impact when they are painted on top of each other.

Crackle is the new trend in nail polish, so try some and see how you like it. If you aren’t sure, try it on your toes first. It may take a week for it to grow on you. Once it does, you are sure to have your nails polished to the nines in it. You can use your go-to red and pink shades or you can break out those bright, vibrant colors that look like you should be wearing them to a rock concert. Better yet, go buy a new shade just for crackle use. You never know when you’ll find your next favorite color. It might even be a brown shade you thought only your mom would wear. I won’t tell her, if you don’t.

Are Your Legs Restless?

Have you seen the commercial? The one where they lady sits in a recliner and her legs move. Then the voiceover comes on talking about restless leg syndrome. Well that is the only time I had ever heard of this condition…until last night.

Last night in a restaurant, an acquaintance, Sue, randomly gets up from the table and stands beside it, using her right hand to massage her thigh. I knew she wasn’t about to leave, because the tab wasn’t paid yet. After her standing there for several minutes, I hear her saying she has restless leg syndrome.

Not knowing exactly what it is, except for the few seconds I remember from the commercial I want to know more about it. “Restless leg syndrome is a disorder in which there is an urge or need to move the legs to stop unpleasant sensations,” according to ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Ten years ago when she was first married, her legs would twitch, Sue said. She thought nothing of it, until it started progressing, where they would twitch several times a day. Then when the sensations aroused several times an hour, she knew something wasn’t quite right. She saw a doctor who didn’t properly diagnose it. After several years of suffering, she finally got an accurate diagnosis and medication for it.

There is no set time that the feelings come, and there is no telling how long they last, she said. The medication takes effect quickly and relieves the pain. “It starts in my legs and spreads throughout my body,” Sue said, as she motions up through her stomach, chest, and arms.

If she doesn’t get up when the sensations start, the pain magnifies. But once she stands and moves around, the feelings decrease. “If I was up cleaning or moving, I wouldn’t even know the restless leg syndrome was occurring then. It’s just when I’m still or motionless, that it really starts to hurt,” Sue said.

Restless leg syndrome affects almost 12 million Americans, according to sleepassociation.org. The cause of restless leg syndrome is not known in most patients, and there is not cure for it. There may be a genetic link, because it is known to run in families. If your parents have the disorder, you are more likely to get it, according to sleepassociation.org. If you are having an irresistible urge to move your legs and think you might have restless leg syndrome, don’t wait any longer. Please see your doctor to decrease your pain and discomfort.

The Two Hardest Words To Say

They are only two words, yet somehow most of us find it difficult to verbalize them. Why is it so hard to say, “I’m sorry?” It seems especially so when we need to say them to those that we love most.

When we fight with our family, loved ones, or friends, “I’m sorry” just doesn’t seem easy. We should know that these people will love us no matter what. So these three syllables should roll off the tongue. These people shouldn’t judge us or think of us differently, yet most people tend to speak those words less to them than they would to complete strangers.

I understand that most of us don’t like to be wrong, and by uttering these two words, we are in some way admitting that. No one goes around saying, “I want to be wrong.” The truth is, we just don’t want to be wrong. But really what’s wrong with being wrong? It only means we are human and can make mistakes just like everyone else. No one likes people who come off as perfect. Being fallible makes us destructible, vulnerable and even more likeable.

Many people don’t take responsibility and admit that they might have hurt another person’s feelings or offended her. No one likes her feelings hurt. Sometimes we just need the acknowledgement that’s what happened. But the quicker you want things back to way they once were, you need to take the time, be the bigger person and say, “I’m sorry.” It’s not a cakewalk, but think of the alternative.

It’s a pride thing, I know. But mastering the art of apologizing starts with setting your pride aside. Because if you don’t and the other person doesn’t either, it comes down to a pissing contest and just who can be more stubborn. Then days, weeks and maybe even years can go by without talking. Do you really want that to happen?

I’m not implying for you to apologize if you don’t mean it, because trust me, the other person will know. She will know if it’s genuine. Maybe you need to apologize for your tone, words or that you hurt her feelings, when you know that wasn’t your intention.

Those two words might be some of the hardest words that you utter, but they help with communication. They will take the stress and pressure off the other person and diffuse the situation. Once you do say, “I’m sorry,” be open to the receiver’s response. Maybe it will even allow the other person to see your side, but don’t say “I’m sorry” for any ulterior motive. Do it because you mean it. You just don’t know how it might affect the other person.

“I’m sorry” might be the two hardest words to say. It’s almost as though it actually takes something away from you to apologize. You somehow feel like you’re sacrificing part of yourself by doing it. Maybe it’s the pride you’re giving up or the notion of never being wrong.

Those words may make you feel an inch high when you’re speaking them. They force you to put your stubborn pride aside and admit that you were wrong. But those two words can form a stronger connection, open communication, and allow the love to grow. The more you say, “I’m sorry,” the easier it becomes, and the more respect you will have for yourself as an imperfect person. Soon they may be the easiest words you utter. So don’t be afraid to say “I’m sorry.” They might be the most important words you speak.

The Artist's Mind

It comes around once a year, but the fun and excitement is felt for days after. People come from miles and across state lines to experience the weekend. Grab your kids, spouse, or friends and head to downtown Fort Worth, TX for Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival.

It’s a time for artists of all kinds to showcase their work, get some recognition, and sell some items. Most are set up in booths to display their talents. Others showcase some of the larger items, like sculptures or twenty feet high blown glass contraptions, outside, because they won’t fit into the ten by ten tents.

Every booth has it’s own unique flair and flavor. Whether it’s jewelry, paintings or ceramics, you will find something for everyone.

One of the booths I enjoyed most last year was an unusual jewelry booth. They take old tins, whether it’s a can, lunch box, or scraps and make unique earrings out of them. I say “unique,” because literally no two sets are equal. Even if they have two tins that are the same, which is uncommon, they don’t cut two sets of earrings identical. They are like nothing I have ever seen before. And I can’t wait to see if they are out there this year and what new earrings they brought with them. When I find something as interesting as this, their reasonable $30 a pair is worth it. You can also visit them at fatcatjewelrystudio.com.

A lot of booths offer paintings and framed drawings. An interesting spin on this is framing dresses. They take baby dresses or young girls’ dresses and dip them in an unknown substance, which helps create a hard outer texture. This way the dress stays in perfect form, as though you could slip a little girl right in it, and it wouldn’t alter the shape or look of the dress. It’s a great way to preserve a baby outfit or keep a favorite memory alive.

As I was walking down the crowded streets of what seemed like thousands of people, I see something hanging about twenty feet in the air. I can’t quite make out what it is until I’m about ten feet away. It’s a ballerina that looks as though she is dancing. The artist has taken twine and literally created a ballerina. This would be perfect for any little girl’s room. Even as I walk away, I’m so enamored by the ballerina, I keep looking back over my shoulder in awe.

Don’t forget the famous food, corn dogs, funnel cake, corn on the cob, and barbeque galore that you will find and your kids will consume, without knowing they have eaten enough for several meals. Oh, and there is plenty of alcohol and drinks too. Those are some of the best reasons for going.

Many interesting sights intrigued me last year. It’s amazing how creative an artist can be and how many ideas that most of us would have never thought of live in their minds. I love the idea of just going to the Arts Festival to see the different talents that exist. And I look forward to seeing what’s in store this year. I’m really hoping my earring stand is there. So from April 14-17, 2011, spend a few hours enjoying the skills of artists in Fort Worth. Make sure you take your pocketbook, because you won’t leave empty handed.

Back to School

Do you remember the Rodney Dangerfield movie, “Back to School?” We all thought it was quite funny, when someone of his age, was actually attending school. Well today it’s not a laughing matter, with people of all ages enrolling in school.

With the recession, many people found themselves without jobs and not knowing how they might find another. This was their prime opportunity to take a chance and discover their true passion. With this in mind, they might have decided to go back to school to learn the new skills set they need or develop the skills they already have.

Since people nowadays know it’s never too late to go back to for an education, colleges and universities across the nation saw a rise in their enrollment, with people of all ages attending. While they are in school, students can apply for grants and loans, which will help them out financially, especially considering if recently they found themselves out of work.

Although the economy is not in the downward spiral we saw a few years ago, there are some careers that you may want to consider if you’re thinking of going back to school or wanting a career change.

I know so many men who dreamt of playing professional ball when they were younger. Since they are adults, they know that dream won’t come to fruition, but there are still ways they can be involved in sports. Coach high schools kids or better yet, become a physical therapist or an athletic trainer. Once you graduate, you can apply to be a trainer for a sports team. You might not be playing, but you will be the next best thing. The bonus with this a career in physical therapy or as an athletic trainer is on the rise.

If social media or the internet in itself is any indication, get into a field that centers around these. With companies knowing the importance of these, whether it’s graphic design, computer systems software engineer, or network systems and data analyst, you are bound to always have a job.

A field that is not dying is nurses. We will always need them. One great benefit is many healthcare companies offer signing bonuses to nurses. Remember although nurses only work three days a week, they work 12-hour shifts, usually 7 am to 7 pm or 7 pm to 7 am. Think about if this is a schedule that appeals to you. Working only three days might makes up for the long shifts. Oh, and don’t forget about the handsomely paid overtime you could make.

If you love working with numbers, a smart option would be majoring in finance. The need for financial advisors and analysts is increasing. You can assist people with their money, investments, and portfolios. Or you can make sure banks and financial institutions are complying with laws and regulations.

If you’re up for a career change or find yourself no longer loving your job, going back to school is always an option. Don’t discover another five or ten years have past, and you still didn’t take the opportunity to love your job. You may not even know what career you want to do or what to major in. But you can always start taking classes in order to narrow it down by saying, “Well, I KNOW I don’t want to do that.”

Just take the first step. You have to start somewhere, and taking different classes may lead you to the career you heart longs for. So cut the rope and set sail, because going back to school may be the answer to why you found yourself jobless in the first place.

To Feather or Not To Feather?

Extensions are a trend that’s been around a while, but the newest hair fad is adding feathers to your hair extensions. Yes, they are actually feathers, usually rooster feathers, which women wear in their hair.

Girls wear these extensions to add color to their hair or to express themselves, showing more of their personalities. The feathers usually range from about 10-18 inches long and come in a variety of bright colors. They are added to the scalp, just like regular hair extensions. You can shampoo, curl and style your hair like normal, but be careful when brushing. If you brush too hard, you will likely yank them out. Not all salons carry them, so make sure you ask before assuming yours does.

Although feathers are the new fad in hair, not everyone agrees with them. “People do it because it’s trendy, but not all trends are good,” hairstylist Rene Baca said.

Think of other hair fads that you are probably glad you didn’t do like shaving the side of your head you part your hair on and leaving the other side long, the infamous mullet or the striped black and blonde hair. I bet you are happy your best friend talked you out of those.

When you’re a hairstylist, telling your client that the fad isn’t appealing doesn’t come easily. “You want to please your client but don’t want your name attached to something unattractive. Referrals are huge in this business.” Baca said.

What exactly does a hairstylist say? Well she can try to talk her client out of getting the feathers. She can offer regular hair extensions as a jumping off point. If the customer wants to show more of her personality, the stylist can suggest changing the color of their hair or doing a more daring haircut.

So the question is, “To feather or not to feather?” Keep in mind the majority of the population who wears this trend are teenagers and adults in their early twenties, still trying to discover themselves and find their voice. If you are out of that age range, you may want to think twice or even three times about doing it. If you need to show your personality more, there are better ways to do it than following a teenager’s trend. Do you really want to be 35 wearing fads that 20 year olds wear? That may say more about you than it does about them and their feather wearing selves.

The Pill Popping Woman Next Door

“Are you on pills,” a guy asked me the other day.

“I’m sorry,” I said, not knowing what he meant.

“These ladies (as he pointed to the ladies sitting next to him) want to know if you are on pills,” he said.

I look at the ladies trying to register in my mind what the man is saying. “You are so friendly and upbeat, we thought maybe you were on pills,” one lady says.

All of a sudden it dawns on me…pills? Oh those kind of pills. “No. This is au naturale. I naturally have a lot of energy. I even try to stay away from caffeine. I didn’t even know what you were talking about when you asked me that, if that gives you any indication that I’m not on them,” I said knowing how naïve I must sound.

With addiction to painkillers now considered a national crisis, “pill popping” is no more a taboo subject. “Prescription drugs are the second most commonly abused category of drugs, behind marijuana and ahead of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs,” according to presciption-drug-abuse.org.

Although “Prescription drug abuse surged 400 percent in the past decade,” according to csmonitor.com, it isn’t as widely discussed as alcohol or other drug abuse. This type of addiction may be seen as safer than other types of drug use, but like recent celebrity deaths, Michael Jackson or Anny Nichole Smith, it can have just as fatal consequences.

Prescription pill addiction tends to not have the same stigma associated with it that their counterpart addicted drugs too.
Think of the image you have when you think of someone addicted to meth or heroin. You might see someone strung out, with rotted teeth or lesions on her face. Prescription pill abuse is easier to hide to the outsider. She might be a stay-at-home mom that lives next door to you, who wears those cute pink trendy sweat suits and always looks so stylish. She isn’t the strung out rooted teeth woman. And she doesn’t see herself that way either.

She never intended to get addicted. She was having back pain after a car wreck. She started taking the pills to alleviate that suffering. Then three months passed. Another six months passed. She is still taking them, but now she is taking them more often because the effects don’t last as long. In a few more months she will take more of them at once. Soon, she will take even more of them and more often.

These prescription drugs are more accessible than other drugs too. All she has to do is go back to her doctor to get more. She makes an appointment, just like everyone else, to her family care practitioner. She doesn’t have to go to a drug dealer. Her doctor gives them to her legally. In her mind, it’s not the same.

And how will all of this affect her kids? Will they start having to be the mom in the house or will they want to try the pills themselves? If parents lead by example, then those are just a few questions this stay-at-home mom will have to answer and resolve within herself.

In the meantime, there are plenty of places where she can get the help she needs. If she does it for herself, her kids, her spouse, or her future…whatever the reason, she just needs to take that step and start somewhere to get back to who she used to be. Because being addicted to pills is not the person she is or wants to be. It’s never too late!

You can always look online for resources or start with www.prescription-drug-abuse.org/ for more information.