What's in your makeup?

First things, first. I love, love, love makeup. I never leave home without it. Also, good skin care.

It's no surprise to learn the cosmetic industry is a multi-billion dollar business. That's because we all know we women are not "thin enough", "pretty enough". Good marketing.

But what are we putting on our faces and bodies? Sure, go ahead and read the ingredients. Unless you're a dermatologist or chemist, those words mean nothing; and there are so many of them, impossible to learn what's good or bad.

Last Christmas, our dear friend, Cea, gave daughter Stef and me a book called Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano. I highly recommend it. The section on cosmetics started us both on a tirade to rid ourselves and our family of toxins. I think they want to burn the book.

The cosmetic industry governs themselves. Not always the best idea when the dollars is the bottom line.

I could go on and on about what I have learned about the toxins we are rubbing into our skins, but I found a great website where you can go: http://www.safecosmetics.org/. No only is there a treasure trove of information, you can look up your cosmetic to see how it is rated. They have teamed up with the Environmental Working Group to create this awesome database.

There is one bit of information I was totally bummed by. Some companies still test on animals. I thought that was in our past. That's deal breaker for me. I will never, never buy from such a company. So, I'm on in the market for some new mascara.

Earth Day - April 22

This is the banner on the home page of http://www.earthday.org/. Tomorrow is Earth Day.

No, you don't need to decorate your house or buy candy. And you don't have to get smart about it either. I know some people think it's a joke to be concern about Mother Earth. I've heard it all.

But here's an idea. Let's put all our opinions aside for just one day and do something a little positive.

Go to the website and learn what you can do for future generations. They're counting on us.



My Grandniece



My Granddaughter

My Grandson

I'm sure you can think of your own reasons.

Sandy's Project-Yay! I'm done (almost)

 Remember this? This was my fun "little project" to do in my spare time.

Ha!!!!!

I laugh in your face.

O.K. So I've had my ups and downs. Am I glad I did this? 

Yes.

Will I buy another building to renovate?
Why don't you pull out my toenails instead. It would be less painful.
Here's the current view:

Pretty cool, huh. And, we even have a tenant living in it now. If Ron and I live to be 175 years old; we will actually see a profit.

But the benefits are greater than any profits. Renovating a historial building has its own rewards. This space hadn't been used in over 60 years. We saved the woodwork, honored the integrity and kept the history alive. That was our reward. We love history and the stories that can be told by preserving the tangibles.

Here are some pictures:

Although, I'm "almost" done (I still need to finish the french doors), I'm taking a little break. Then the main floor; soon to become our Rubi J Store, can become the next "Sandy's project".

Just can't wait to break through two layers of bricks.

Garage sales - There's an "App" for that.

Spring is in the air: green peeking through the snow, hot houses setting up outside of grocery stores, red eyes and noses dripping and, of course, garage sales.

Tis the season.

I know we love a bargain and I don't want to rain on your  parade; but, if you're looking for a bargain on baby gear; let's be safe with our most precious little people.

Be on guard when you are shopping second hand for your baby. There is recall upon recall on baby products. I know if you're under 30 you have a smart phone. My daughter couldn't believe when her dad and I recently updated our phones, we purchased the same kind we always had. How 2005's was that?

Here's my advice. Before you purchase that hot deal for your baby; go to http://www.recall.gov/ and find out if that item has been recalled.

We're talking about your baby. Don't be a statistic. A few minutes on your smart phone could change your life for the better.

Happy garage saleing.

Dear Carol, I miss you.

I can't believe I'm writing this post. I just wrote a tribute to my beloved departed brother. I was ready to put my avenger cape back on to save the world and rid our children of toxins. Then, you just couldn't fight the brave battle you had fought for the last 1 1/2 years any more. Who could blame you. My hero, forever. I am grateful you no longer have the pain.

I remember the night we became friends. I knew you before; you had married a childhood friend of Ron's and mine. Then we moved to a house close to you and invited your family over for an evening. That's when our daughter, Steffie, age 5, and your daughter, Lynie, age 3, met and became BFF to this day. Something else happen. We talked. And talked. And talked. We never stopped.

That night started a special friendship I will cherish to my dying day. The memories, oh the memories. We were young new mothers trying to find our way. We stumbled, we achieved, we did it together. I'm remembering the long conversations we had, sharing our hopes, dreams and insecurities. We wanted the best for our little girls. Somehow, they survived us, and became better than us; which was our goal.

I think what I remembered the most was the comfort we had with each other. When we two families were together, comfort. We all enjoyed each other company.

Our children grew. You and Terry added two sons. What blessings!!!! Steffie and Lynie became Stef and Lyn. We sent them to the University of Iowa (two years apart), we watch them get married with each of them being the maid of honor (of course) and then the icing: grandchildren.

You loved my Stef as much as I loved your Lyn.

I'm not saying goodbye. You will be with me forever; and I know I will be happy again; some day soon; because you want me to be. Love you.

So, I'm now going back to saving the world.

Keeping the spirit alive.

Sorry, all of you reader (yes, I said reader). I know I haven't written in quite a while. I've been busy thinking about jokes and researching on the web funny things to send to my brother, Stew.

Cancer, once again, came into our lifes. They discovered it around Christmas; lung and spread to the liver. I'll spare you the details.

Here's a thing about Stew. He loved to laugh. I could always make him laugh. But then, everything and everybody made him laugh. He had the greatest giggle and laugh of them all.

That damn cancer won the battle last Tuesday. It's still hard to imagine he gone; not Stew. He was always so full of life, loving each day, even when he was sick.

There's always the tendency to inflate the qualities on the newly departed. We're not delusional. Stew had his faults. But here's the cool part about him; he could always get away with it. He could take someone's parking space and then, without hesitation, engage them in a warm conversation and the next thing you know, everyone is happy. The thing was Stew never recognize he slipped in front of someone. He was just parking, enjoying the day and everyone around him.

Stew was what we all strived for; living in the moment, and loving it. That's why he was so much fun to be around. Everyone that knew him would have a "Stewy story".

We may not be able to hug him anymore or get hugs from him; but he is still with us. His spirit is alive and well. He's laughing with me right now.

Sandy's List: "I love you, man, Mrs. Dash"

http://www.mrsdash.com/

O.K. This is the second installment of "Sandy's List"; awesome things on the market.

I love Mrs. Dash's Original Blend Seasoning. Ron and I are on a mission to cut our salt intake. You know; processed food - yuch.

Mrs. Dash has been my savior.

We both like foods with a kick. I know salt brings out the favors of even of dullest of foods. Enter Mrs. Dash.

I love because:

• I recognized all the ingredients.
• I can pronouce all the ingredients.
• No salt.

This is the prefect subsitute for salt. Trust me on this one. We have been going without out usual amount of salt of some time and the results are amazing. Prepared foods suck! Sorry, I couldn't think of another work to fit.

The point is - once you start eating naturally, you realize what real food taste like. It's good.

I would be a spokeperson if they ever did T.V. commercials, but I've never seen one. If I was a famous person, I'm sure they would start. (I need to do something important, I would have more clout.)

So, if I have changed a couple of people's  (you know who you are) way of thinking; it's been a good day.