As my heart breaks.

I got a call today. The caller ID said Kori. I had to finish up something then went to call my dear friend, my kindred spirit,my sister I have never met,back.
I met Kori through YouTube. Evidently she likes terrible videos of a middle aged chick trying to recapture the style and grace of the 40's and 50's and such. She put up with my terrible lighting and connected with my...just,everything.
As my RSD got worse she became my biggest and most vocal cheerleader. Even when I stopped filming, she contacted me and we started chatting online. She wanted me to know I wasn't alone, she understood chronic pain. Even when she was hurting,she helped me through these past months when I didn't even know my own name. She handled her pain with a grace I cannot even describe. She taught me grace in the midst of suffering.
I have a voice mail from Kori on my phone from the 3rd. Just checking on me. Telling me she loved me and that I was in the family's prayers. This damn disease eats my days. I didn't know this many days had gone by.
I didn't listen to today's voice mail. ' just called expecting to hear "Hello dolly-pop" on the other end.
Kori is in ICU. She is intubated and on a paralytic.I can't breathe as I write these words. My mind, body, and soul scream out against them.
Kori has an amazing husband. He wanted to tell me personally because he knows the connection his wife and I have. He gets that even though we have never met, we are sisters.  He told me this news with such love and peace in his voice. He has turned her over to God and is at peace with whatever happens next. I am in awe at his faith and the depth of his love for his wife.
I am shattered. We spoke a handful of days ago. I heard her voice not long ago.
We have no idea what tomorrow holds. We must make every day we have count.
Kori is hovering between this world and the next. We don't know what the infection is. No idea how to fight it. Kori has suffered so much pain, every day she has lived with a companion we have in common, excruciating pain. She dealt with that companion with grace. She taught me so much. My Kori isn't gone yet. She is, as of now, still here. I don't want to loose her, her husband and little children need her. Yet they know that God is in control an if she never wakes up, she will be dancing and running and will have no pain in heaven.
This woman, whom I have never met, has a huge piece of my heart. I have had to stop and start so many times as I write this. My pillow is soaked. Kori, I have tears in my ears honey...
My heart is shattered. My dear friend is in critical condition. Why didn't I call back sooner. Why can't I keep track of days. I was going to call. I hate my meds,they have stolen time.  Time is so precious. Dammit Kori I want you to wake up and read this and make fun of me for being a big baby. If you can't, if you are just too tired, if you can't fight anymore and it's time to lay down your sword and go home...then go my sweet girl. You wonderful husband has told me you will be waiting for him. I don't want to lose you and it's so selfish of me to want you to wake up back into this world of pain we share. I got used to having you here. I got used to not being alone. I'm scared. I know how selfish this is. You have kids and a family that need you so much. I just want you to know I need you too. Just like you told me not so long ago...
Kori is in ICU. The world needs to stop for just a second and say a prayer for her and her family. I know that she is a fighter but, in this, I know she has given the battle to God. No matter which way it goes, she wins.
I love you Kori and I really hope you read this one of these days and call to laugh at me. If not, you will still be laughing. Either way, I wish you deep and restful sleep and the complete absence of pain.
This song has been engraved into my very being for a long time. It is something we share.
Listen to the words and think of Kori. Leonard Cohen says it best, If it be Your will.
I'm doing this from my bed on my cell phone so, if the link doesn't work, look up the song. Really listen to the words. It's important.
Love and light to you all.
~sharon

Off on an adventure. Homeschool?

So, I haven't been around in a while. Well, there are several good reasons for that. One, CRPS sucks and I've been really bad off with it. Can't even use my regular wheelchair by myself now. Time for a motorized one.
Two...I'm going to start homeschooling my son.
Ok, I'll wait for the horrified gasps to die down. Yes, I'm doing it. My son has been done a huge disservice by the public school system. Before you start with the "oh yes, another mom who thinks her precious boy can do no wrong" I am not that mom. My son is not perfect. He is a good kid and is not a trouble maker but, he is not perfect. No child is.
My son is on the autism spectrum and require some additional help. The school system was supposed to provide this help. They didn't. They ignored him. By ignored I mean...ignored. I had to do something. So, I've decided to home school.
I've spent any time I'm not writhing in pain or hooked up to a monitor in a hospital, finding out what I need to do to become a registered home school. Now...I'm almost ready.
Have you ever considered homeschool or did you homeschool your kids?  I'd love to hear about it.
I will let you know how it goes...and throw a victory roll or two in for good measure...

And the winner is.....

So, it's time to announce the winner!
Here we go!
First I want to thank Dream Essentials for providing the Luxury Sleep mask.
Dream Essentials is right here in NC and they have some of the best sleep masks and accessories I have ever used.

Ok so now for the fun part!


The winner is.....Jael Hicks!!!  Congratulations honey!!!

Click HERE to see the video.

Thanks so much for participating and check back for my next give away!
I do want to say that 20% of the proceeds from sales from Mrs. G's Treasures will go to research to find a cure for RSD through RSDSA.
Much love to you!


XOXO
Sharon

I'm back with a new give away!

Wow it's been a while!
So many things have changed since I last posted so many things have changed since I last posted.  Some good some not so good.  Regardless of the changes.  As long as I keep going.  Everything's going to be okay.  You may notice that some of my sentences are rather choppy now.  That would be because I am losing the use of my arms.  So to combat that, and keep me social,  We have started using the Dragon voice recognition system.  It's still learning but it's keeping up with me pretty well.
Enough about that already.  It's time for a new giveaway.
This is my way of saying thank you to all of you who been so supportive through all of this.  I did a quick video on YouTube about this, so if you'd like to check it out.  I'll be posting the video link later.  But you don't have to wait to go ahead and enter the drawing.  This contest will end at 6 PM Eastern standard Time on July 22, 2013.  It is open internationally.
I want to thank DREAM ESSENTIALS for supplying the eye mask.  If you watched my YouTube video where I reviewed eye masks.  This is the one that I chose as absolutely the best as far as I'm concerned.  Honestly, I don't know how I ever slept before I got it.
The Irish breakfast tea is one of my favorite teas.  Since I launched this giveaway on a YouTube video entitled TEA TAG.  I it was just fitting for me to add tea to the prize package.
The earrings are from my online boutique.  Mrs. G's Treasures is part of the Kitsy Lane community.  At the moment we are only available in the United States but are soon expanding to Canada and Europe.  Don't worry, Australia and New Zealand, you're on deck for expansion soon!
You can check out all that is available at my boutique by clicking here.  Be sure to login so that you won't miss out on any of the deals and prizes available daily.
Good luck everybody!
XOXO Sharon
a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you'd like to see the youtube video click here.

There needs to be a give-away.

Oh yes. There needs to be a give-away on this blog.
I do them all the time on my youtube but I haven't done a blog specific one in a while. Well, I think it's time.
I've been doing a series on vintage head wraps and scarves. I have quite a collection right now and I'm thinking I need to put together a couple for a give away. What do you think?  A little vintage scarf action?  I know I'd be in.

So here is what we are going to do.  I am going to put together two or three scarves. They will be very pretty I promise. I'll even post a photo of them here!  As to how vintage they are...well, one still has a tag on it and probably is 90's but the others...they are older. Nothing super exciting like a 60 yr old silk from China. Just a few nice pieces to start your collection.

This still has tags. It is a Turkish Silk, hand painted from what I was able to find out. 

This pretty piece is from GAP. Made in Italy

This long scarf is a beautiful silk.

Black and metalic gold with a micro pleat. What could be more elegant?

So, how do you enter?  There are several ways.  Check out the widget below!
 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where did you get those????

Ok, ok, so I have been holding out on you. Well, not intentionally but I just can't seem to remember to talk about this.
Weird I know. I'm all about promoting my BeachBody and everyone's homeusinesses but, for some stupid reason I haven't talked about this one.

I get asked about my jewelry all the time. Most of the time I'm wearing at least one piece from my own collection. Yes, the collection I have in my boutique. The one I neglect to talk about.
I think it's time I did.
So, here we go.
I'm going to show you a couple of things that I have in the shop right now. It changes all the time and you can access it 24/7 so if there is something you are looking for and you don't see it, let me know. I'll see if I can source it for you.
So lets get started with a couple of them most commented on pieces.

Go to Mrs G's Treasures

This is my favorite ring so far. It's called the Jezebel Celadon and honestly, I am just in love with it. As it so happens, it's on sale down from $69 to $38 until the 15th of May!

Go to Mrs G's Treasures

These earrings are called Genevieve. Gorgeous and classic. They are on sale this week too! Hmm, I seem to have put all my favorites on sale!

Ok so that's just two of hundreds of pieces you can find in my boutique. Honestly, there is something there for every taste! 

Daily sales, contests, ways to save even more on these designs. It's all there. So why hadn't I said anything about it before?   I was just having too much fun playing with the store. 

Oh, that's the other thing,

the opportunity is awesome and, NO COST. I swear. NO BUY IN. You don't pay a thing to open the store or to stock it. I make a nice little sum and I've never been out of pocket at all on it. EVER. 

Anyway, that's another story. 

Go check it out and see what you think. Sign in and see what I have to offer in the way of lovely jewelry and accessories.

I'd love to know what you think and

Lets talk about hair styling product.

I don't know about you but I am always on the hunt for a great setting lotion and spray.  My styles take some time to create. Maybe not while I'm actually pinning them up but, there is a whole lot of prep that goes in to them.  Honey, pin curls take time. So do roller sets! Prepping your hair and getting that set in place to hold a sky high bee hive or a perfect (ahem) victory roll is essential.

What ends up as a quick pin up started as a time consuming set.  Well, if I'm going to take the time to set it, I want it to hold.  I mean really, REALLY hold.

You know I've gone cruelty free. Look, I don't need you to burn the eyes of some poor bunny or kitty to prove I shouldn't be spraying hairspray in my eyes. Um...it's HAIR spray, not eye spray.  You would think it was common sense but I won't get started on that.

Let me tell you about what I just found.  The awesome folks at Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) sent me a bottle of their spray gel and their hair spray. Let me tell you, I honestly wasn't sure how this was going to turn out.

Watch this and see.  The proof is in the pudding...great...now I want pudding.

Ok, so obviously you know you need to stop reading now and head over to BWC.
Not even kidding...Go.
Are you still here?
GO!
Hee hee!

Much love to you!
XOXO ~Sharon

"Vintage" skin care...with a new twist!

I've been on the hunt for a new skin care line. One that is cruelty free, really works fighting the hands of time, has proven results and a long history. 
Well, I think I have found one. 
After searching the web I happened upon Elizabeth Grant. This line has a long history. Knowing my love of all things 1940's the story behind the Elizabeth Grant line really caught my eye. Intrigued, I started scouring the net for reviews. Oh boy did I find them. The overwhelming majority of reviews I read were fantastic. So, what was I to do? Seeing my budget is not exactly a hefty one I found that one of the home shopping networks carried it.  Honestly, the prices were great for the amount of product they offered. 
Today, my package arrived.  I was really way too excited about this.  I have the Elizabeth Grant Five-Piece Biocollasis Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Repair Collection gracing  my vanity.

 

photo credit shopnbc.com

As a sucker for packaging, this is right up my alley. The gold is gorgeous, seriously, the packaging on all her product on her website is fantastic. 
I have started filming my journey with this product. Closeup shots of my skin before and with the first application.  Immediate results? I see them. The immediate firming alone is impressive. It feels fabulous and just, decadent.  
Over the next month I will film on a weekly basis and hopefully will end up with one video showing the progression of my skin from ok to gorgeous. High hopes? Yes. Do I think I'm being realistic? Actually, yes I do. 
I'll keep you posted with the results I'm getting. So far, I'm in love with the firming, smoothing and over-all luxury of the serums. My skin looks and feels hydrated, plumped up even. I'm loving it day one!
Stay tuned and be sure to check out Elizabeth Grant to read her story and the story of  her amazing line!  

Much love and hopes for a less wrinkled tomorrow!
XOXO ~Sharon  

Spring clean your...makeup?

When was the last time you purged your makeup collection? For some reason we seem to know that makeup has a shelf life when we are talking about it, but completely forget that fact when we are using it.
Here is what I have to say about the topic. Take it or leave it but...I got this from the FDA and they may approve some questionable things, but they know when stuff is expired.

Yikes! what a thumbnail!





Ok so, now, if you are at all like me you have suspicions about some of the makeup in your collection. Hmmm...time for a spring clean! 

YAY! Another give away!

Ok so...My birthday is next month and I want to do a give away. 

Details?  Check out the video.  You will want to actually click on the youtube icon and watch it on youtube so you can enter.  So excited about this one!

Good Luck!  Oh, and have you checked out ChicStar yet?  Just click on their link over there ---->
XOXO
Sharon

Working from home.

The gals who went before us were really limited in what they could do for work. That was especially true of those with limited skills or young children.  We were relegated to domestic jobs such as laundry, cleaning, and cooking.  Well, what was a busy mom who needed more cash to do?

We are almost in the same boat now.  If we choose to stay home with our children, for whatever reason, we often find we need to make a little cash on the side. We may even find we make a whole lot of cash on the side! 

I want to start a series of videos and blogs posts to showcase some of the awesome gals that work from home.  They may be independent distributors or, they may produce their own line of something. 

This is the first installment of the series.
If you have a business you would like to see showcased, please email me and let me know!





Much love!

~Sharon

What is new in my old world?

It's been a few minutes since I wrote.  So much has been going on.  Where to start... 
Well, my leg is no better. In fact, it's worse.  I'm not standing much at all now.  Who wants to hear that crap. 
Lets see...My daughter Abi, (pictured at the top of this blog with me) had her wisdom teeth removed today.  Not fun.  What was fun was watching her come down from the pain killers she had during the surgery.  I am such a loving mom that I decided to go ahead and film it. 

For your viewing pleasure and for my amusement....here it is.

Oh yes, the joys of being a parent!

Have a good laugh on us!
Much love
~Sharon

The link is on the right...

Where did I get these for such an awesome price?  Click the link for ChicStar on the right hand side of this page...

Please share this.

I ask that you share this video.  I know most of you do not know my sister Lydia.  I know she is not the only person in the world facing this.  I also know she is the only sister I have facing this. The only sister I have that I can beg your prayers for.  Please, share this, share her fight.  Please...get screened.

Thank you for thinking of her, for praying for her, for sending healing thoughts and love. 
XOXO~Sharon

Then life does this.

It's been a really hard few days.  My little sister Lydia was just diagnosed with colon cancer.  The family is in a tail spin.  They did surgery today.  I pray they got it all.  Chemo will start soon.  I can't wrap my head around it and my heart is shattered. 

I want to ask for prayers, love and well wishes for her.  I'm going to encourage her to blog her experience as she fights. She is strong. She will fight. 
I can't fight this one for her no matter how my heart longs to.  My body is already twisted and broken, she shouldn't have to fight this, I want to take the pain and fear for her. It wouldn't matter if it was me. I'm already a mess.

I love her.  We all do.  I cannot imagine what her husband is feeling, nor can I imagine what it is going to be like to tell her two little children. I pray for strength and peace for them.

I did this for her tonight.
When the time comes and the chemo takes her hair, I will shave my head too.  I will hold her hand. I will hold Rachel's hand too.  There are three of us girls.  There always will be. 

Cancer thought it could destroy her.  I believe it was wrong.

~Sharon

Something new!

Ok so I just got these in the mail and had to put them on.  They are the newest thing in nails!  We have all seen the stick on nail polish but this new technology lasts for WEEKS!  Super easy to apply and amazingly strong.  They can go on short nails, long nails, puppy nails, baby nails, you name it. 
Just take a look!

They come in all colors and patterns.  Solid colors to metallics, they have them all! 
So where can you find out more about them?  Ask Denise at www.lovethenails.com
She can tell you everything you need to know!  So easy, so gorgeous, so affordable!

Try them for yourself!
They also have awareness ones like these on my friend Leah's nails:

Have fun!
Tell her Sharon sent you!
XOXO~ Sharon

The best hair accessories EVER!

So I'm totally excited about these.
Check it out!!!

http://www.lillarose.biz/akeeperofhome

Change, inside and out.

Mid century diet was...not low cal or low fat!  How on earth did those women keep their tiny waists?  Oh, we've been over that.  Waist cinchers and girdles.  Ugh.  NOOOOOOOOOO!  I'm sick to death of squeezing my innards!

Food is the universal language.  Forget love, it's food.  We all eat.  I know I LOVE to eat.  Being a "non practicing diabetic" has gotten me to the lovely shape that I am.  Hey!  0 is a shape.  Round is a shape people!

So, I've been making some serious changes.  Um, ok let me rephrase that.  I've been making some small changes that have made a HUGE impact.

No, I'm not on about my excercise program again.  This is changing my attitudes toward food and how I eat.  Tiny changes that have left me feeling full but NOT leaving me starving or craving things.  (Hello mr. donut!!!)

It takes 8 weeks.  Tiny changes to what you already eat, no expensive foods that you can only find in some remote, dark, frightening, store.  Regular food.  Not dieting. Just changes. 

Since I am totally going to be in this bathing suit by summer, I have to make these little tiny adjustments.

I'm actually starting a group on facebook to give the step by easy step instructions!  Want to join?  No, I'm not selling you anything.  I'm not charging you anything.  Just sharing the info I have that is so totally working for this food lover.

Here is the link to my FB page.  Just click the LIKE button under the post about the group (I pinned it to the top so you can't miss it) and I'll add you to the group so you can do this step by step with me.

I bet you lose more than you thought and...that it's way easier than you thought! 

Are you up for it?  Hmmm....I need to buy that hair flower and some cute shoes to go with this suit!

CLICK HERE

I want to wear...

I know, I know. We haven't even made it out of winter yet but I'm already drooling over some gorgeous bathing suits.

Let's be honest.  I haven't worn a bathing suit in years.  Too embarrassed to be seen in one.  Well, I'm not going to let that happen this year.  I'm going to rock something like this:
Isn't she too cute!

Or may be this:
I love the cherries!

Or...
I'm loving the pink polka dots too!

So if I'm going to do all this, I have to take off this "fluff".  So far I have 5 lbs and 4 inches off doing my current workout.  Well, I wanted to share this with you...
If you are up for it... I'm going to start Yoga Booty Ballet.   You heard me right.  I'm going to be swimsuit ready.
Yes, I know, I know, I'm a coach.  An out of shape, disabled, old coach.  So?  I know it can be done and I'm going to prove it.
I'm challenging you to prove it with me.  So here is what it's all about: I don't just challenge you, I dare you!  I triple dog dare you.  I'm going to be wearing those vintage swim suits on the beach this summer.  Are you?
So... once you are ready, click HERE  then click on shop.  Search Yoga Booty Ballet.  There are several choices!  Choose the one that suits you best!  I follow up with drinking Shakeology every day.  It gets me results.  Whatever you decide.  I'm getting that swim suit.

Eugenia's Hat Box is now open!

The shop is now open.  I've finally done it.  Hats and accessories!  I've told myself I am not allowed to keep these things and I'm being good, so far.   So, for the grand opening I am having a 50% off sale.  Everything will be 50% off of the advertised price until January 31st when you use the coupon code Grand001 at checkout.

So what are you waiting for?  Go on over to Eugenia's Hat Box and check it out!

New program, old me. How I'm going to get in to those vintage dresses.

So, I have seen soooo many gorgeous, true vintage dresses on line lately.  There has just been one tiny, large problem.  Me.  My butt, my waist, my thighs...ugh.  So I'm obviously doing something about it.  Well, in doing something about it I discovered another something.  What?  Did that even make sense?   I totally found this. So, here is what I'm offering.  I am starting a 90 day challenge. Want to get in to those fabulous clothes?  Join me.  All you need is the Tai Cheng program  and Shakeology. Click here to be taken to the site. The challenge will begin on February 16th.  If you accept this challenge (gee that almost sounded like Mission Impossible!) you will have access to full online support, personal support from me (yup I'll even call you if you like) and get to interact with others who have decided to make a positive change for themselves too.  It's all done in your own home, on your schedule.  If you are in the Cary, NC area, I will be hosting live fit clubs where we can all hang out and work this program together.  Interested?  What better time than now?  All you have to lose is what you want to lose anyway, weakness, stiffness, joint pain and excess weight. 
I'm totally going to fit in those true vintage dresses.  What about you? AND I'm not scared to show you how flabby I am right now. Its' on my profile if you click the link.  I promise you, and I promise me, that picture is going to change.  I will I WILL fit in a tiny wasted dress.  Watch me.

XOXO ~Sharon

Plus size VS. fat. For my body, there is a difference.

I've never been a tiny girl.  I've been larger all my life.  I stand 6' tall and have the shoulders of a line backer.  Yes, I am plus sized.  That being said, I can also be fat.  There is a difference as far as I am concerned.
When I am lean, have no extra rolls and just have an hour glass figure, I am plus sized.  Once the flab hits and I have perpetual muffin top (even when not wearing anything) I am fat.  Yes, fat.  Right now, I'm fat.  I'm not plus sized.  I'm super plus sized.  Not cool.

I love to see a woman with curves.  Healthy, beautiful curves.  Some are thicker than I am, some are not.  What bugs me is when they say "I'm not fat, I'm plus sized" when they clearly could lose at least 20lbs and be healthy.  I think we are obsessed with labels.  So, I'm no longer looking at my size as "plus" or "regular" or "miss" or whatever.  My size needs to be "healthy".  Healthy, that's defined by a few factors. 
These factors include my BMI (body mass index) which can be calculated here, my muscle tone, and my general health.  NOT once did I mention the size of my clothing.

So, I'm getting healthy.  I may always fit in the "plus" category. So what.  What I'm most concerned with is fitting in the "healthy" category.  So far, I've lost some fat and gained some muscle.  Want to see how even though I walk with a cane?  Check out the link at the top of my page.  Come get healthy with me.  Vintage looks so much nicer when it's healthy!

Way too hyper about Borax!

Ok so my favorite, favorite, favorite  product for household cleaning is one that has been around for many years.  Here it is:

Yes, I get really excited about stuff like this.
Have a happy, and clean, New Year!
 XOXO~ Sharon

Have a happy, and clean, New Year!