The Beauty Denominator

In my never ending quest to find the beauty inside, probably the most beautiful thing I have ever searched for that unites everyone together as one and makes us whole, I discovered a wonderful resource that I would love to share with you and that is Peter Russell. I was so happy to find this site today and spent much of the afternoon reading there.

If you have questions and haven’t quite gotten the answers you need from other resources that maybe you have spent numerous amounts of money on, then I highly recommend you read the site above. Maybe you will find some answers that will free your soul. I was reading ACIM today and that book makes so much sense, but sometimes I just can’t grasp what I know should be right there.

At any rate I did a search after reading for the term “what is real” and was delighted to find this site so after reading, which I am going to return to shortly, I simply felt the urge to share my great find. I hope it helps you as much as it has already helped me. There are so many sources that I have found in my search of spirituality that teach the same core components. This site answers a lot of questions that I had, but didn’t know how to put them into words.

Bill does the grocery shopping in our house because he likes showing how smart he is when it comes to saving on food bills. He knows that he saves more money on Sundays because of coupons and all the buy 1 get 1 for free deals, but he still spends around 50 to 75 dollars a week even with all the discounts just for the 2 of us. Of course we get 10 cents off gas for every hundred we spend so that also cuts down on our gas cost.

Since he’s still working that’s no big deal, but when we get older and retire that means we will have to work within a budget and most seniors now a days find it very difficult to survive if they don’t have a pension to fall back on and most companies don’t even provide a retirement plan and who knows what will happen with social security in the future.

We took Nate a few times to the store and that always proves to be more costly. My advice would be to leave children and grandchildren at home when you go shopping, you will have less impulse items in your shopping cart, plus you’ll be able to get the job done much faster and less stressful without all the crying and whining.

I think more people are becoming better shoppers because we simply have to learn to cut corners especially when we start having a family. It’s very bothersome to know that people rely so heavily on credit cards to get by on and end up so far in debt that there seems no way out. I don’t use credit cards anymore because I found myself in that situation once.

We have one of those vacuum sealers for food and it’s a very good investment because it does keep your frozen food in better shape than freezer bags. Learn how your store operates because each week the store will mark down certain items in preparation for the weekend. Usually they discount prices of fresh meat to get rid of last week’s supply in preparation for the higher priced specials for the coming week.

You can save a lot of money if you know when that stuff is going to hit the shelves, you can score big savings and freeze what you buy to use over the next few weeks and buying the economy packs to portion and freeze can be a big savings instead of smaller packs. It’s also cheaper to buy the whole chicken and cut it yourself than buying the already cut packs.

You should never go to the store hungry and always take a list with you, that will cut down on all the impulse buying. Buying store brands will also help stretch your budget and usually it taste just as good. Buy fresh produce when you can, it’s better for you plus it’s cheaper. If you buy cheese, buy it in blocks and cut your own, a good cheese knife isn’t that expensive and it’s cheaper than buying the sliced, maybe not as convenient, but cheaper.

Many families buy in bulk because it’s a lot cheaper, most items are cheaper at the unit cost level if you buy larger quantities. So if you can buy and store more food at once, you can take advantage of those savings. My brother had a pantry and would always buy in bulk. I went to the store with my brother and his wife once and only once because it seemed like they spent all night there, they always picked a time that wasn’t busy.

In order to check more state sites for myself, I need more questions to inspire me. Since I live in PA then of course those questions would be the ones that interest me more and after seeing someone openly advertise with a sign outside their shop advertising a rental chair it led me to investigate a bit further because I was always told that it was illegal in PA to rent a chair, even though they continue to use this practise. I want to know if it’s legal now, so I shall investigate and report my updated information.

This is what I found:

RENTAL OF BOOTH SPACE: The rental of booth space (i.e., chair leasing,
subcontracting, independent contractor)within a licensed cosmetology shop
is prohibited. A licensee must be em-ployed by the shop and is considered an employee only if taxes are collected by the employer. An employer who does not collect taxes is renting booth space.

The following information is from State Board of Barber Examiners shop licensure application.

BOARD POLICIES/INTERPRETATIONS
Prohibited vs. Permitted Shop Activities

ADVERTISING: Advertising by any medium is permissible as long as the advertising is not misleading, deceptive, or fraudulent on its face, by inference or by actual effect.
CHAIR RENTAL: The Barber Board takes no position on the renting of chairs within a licensed barber shop. It is the consensus of the board that a shop owner could rent chairs as long as the shop owner has a contract with those renting. It should be noted that the shop owner is ALWAYS responsible for any violation in the shop regardless if they occur in the chair rental area.

The requirements of a shop license concerning supervision and control of a shop mandate that the shop owner or shop manager must have the ability to control and supervise all aspects of the operation of a shop. Any agreement for the rental of a chair must reserve to the shop owner the right to supervise and control the services rendered in the shop in accordance with the Barber Law and Rules and Regulations of the Board.

The agreement should be made in writing and should clearly state that it is the intent and understanding of the involved parties that nothing in the rental agreement should be construed to prohibit or limit the owner from operating the shop in accordance with the Barber Law and Board regulations/requirements. The shop owner must make arrangements for employer/employee business affairs. The board cannot advise the owner regarding business affairs.

MANICURING: Manicuring is permitted within barber shops if the services are performed by a licensed manicurist or cosmetologist.
NAIL ENHANCEMENT PRODUCTS (METHYL METHACRYLATE): For barber shops that offer manicuring services performed by licensed cosmetologists or manicurists: Licensee use or possession of nail enhancement products containing methyl methacrylate or similar like harmful chemicals is prohibited. Any such use or possession will be considered gross incompetence and/or unethical practice subject to prosecution.
PETS IN SHOPS: Nothing in the Barber Law or Rules of the Board prohibit pets from being in shops provided they are kept in a clean, sanitary condition.

I was thinking today about all the tragedy I hear about and how people cope with devastating things that happen to them and it reminded me of someone I once worked with. Everyone deals with tragedy in different ways and when I worked as a bartender there was a lady that I worked with that found out she had breast cancer. She had to have a mastectomy and undergo radiation and chemotherapy. She was a funny person and would give anyone anything they admired, she was very giving and sweet.

She was a very hard worker and always stopped up after her shift and would have a few glasses of wine. She had lost her hair of course and wore a wig while she worked, but the first thing she would do after ordering her wine was to promptly remove the wig and lay it on the bar and let her scalp breath. She wasn’t shy nor was she vain, she would sit there with her husband and they were both bald.

She had straight hair before she lost it and when her hair grew back because of all the drugs in her system her hair was so thick and kinky she couldn’t do a thing with it. It eventually returned to it’s normal state and then there were no more problems of shocking people by tossing her wig around. She actually looked good bald because she had a well shaped head and her facial features were quite striking.

I personally viewed it as simply removing her cap, but it was very unnerving for other paying customers so after several complaints, I politely asked her to at least put the wig in her bag and that made everyone around her much more comfortable and everyone was happy. I thought she enjoyed the shock value and it was her way of dealing with what she went through.

However she went a little too far one evening when she removed the prosthetic and laid it on the bar. Now that truly is shocking and it didn’t bother her at all, but it sure bothered those around her. We all knew she had a mastectomy, but I guess no one really wants it thrown at them as she had literally done back in the kitchen to one of the cooks and to say he had been shocked was an understatement as he caught it in his hand. The look on his face was priceless.

I often thought that was her own brand of therapy. I don’t know how I would behave under the circumstances she had been through, but I’m pretty sure I would have kept all my feelings and parts bottled up and to myself. I haven’t heard from her in years, she left soon after those incidents occurred to go work for UPS and I’m sure she probably livens up that place too.

I received a 3 pack sample of Sunsilk which I had never used before and it was the green pack for well behaved curls and waves, the de-frizz which has aloe-e to help tame those unruly curls and frizz. I have to admit I was very skeptical and dreaded using the product because I didn’t want to tell you how bad it was.

Now I have to tell you that it was very pleasant to use with a nice smell and my hair felt smooth during and after using it. The top of my hair was very manageable and not flat, which made a big plus for them, because usually when I use conditioner it weights my hair down and this didn’t, so I was pleasantly surprised.

The overall feeling I received was one of cleanness and I kept touching my normally frizzy hair and it felt smooth, but just to make sure the ends felt the way I wanted them to feel, I had to use my normal anti frizz serum from John Frieda, that man really ought to give me a discount because I love to recommend his product.

I have used many products that just left my hair feeling so heavy and my head would itch because it was horrible and you should never use your nails to scratch your scalp, always use the balls of your fingers for rubbing and massaging, never ever use your finger nails.

I can recommend this product because I can still style the top of my head or hair with out that weighted down feel you normally get from products that promise the ultimate style and you never achieve it. I don’t like to endorse products that don’t work so I wont, but this one was okay for me.

One thing you probably don’t know is that the reason you can’t achieve the same effects at home as you get in the salon is because they use a lot more products in your hair than you know about. Also if you use a hair dryer you have to use hair products just to protect your hair and scalp, which most people don’t.

You should always make sure you use some type of thermal products to protect your hair and scalp. You should always keep the hair dryer moving along with the brush you are using and never keep it in one spot. Always start from the top of your head with the dryer and move down and if you have long hair always flip it over and start drying from the backside or under roots and then flip it back and finish. Okay done for the night, I’m going to bed.

Bits of Lace is a Charleston, SC based boutique that offers a European line of fine lingerie. You can find many name brands of some of the sexiest lingerie that simply made my mouth water just to look at not to mention the way it would make Bill feel, but that’s another story. Just a few of the the items they stock among so many are mastectomy bras, bustier & garter sets, pajamas, Sassybax, Hanky Panky thongs, and you can even see Oprah’s picks.

There was so much information to help with learning how to fit yourself and showing you all about bra sizing and as we already know from watching Oprah most women are wearing the wrong size and don’t even realize it. I at least now have an adequate source of information to size myself. I have never really known what my true size is, I always simply guesstimated, but I was never truly comfortable with my lingerie choices, there is always something wrong.

They have some informative articles that will help you learn how to shop for lingerie, pajamas, robes and how to wash fine lingerie. They had so many brands to choose from and I liked the fact that mastectomy information was provided for women and how a fitting is done and by whom. They even have a bridal registry which I think is cool and you can have your friends buy all those sexy garments for you.

I know fuller figured women have a hard time finding quality and comfort that has style so when I was looking through the different brands the Prima Donna was of interest to me. Prima Donna Bra’s range from a B to an H size so the fuller figure can feel comfortable and sexy at the same time. I was reading about the construction of this bra and that it’s made up of 50 different pieces and hand assembled to make sure of the quality.

The prices may be a bit higher than I normally pay, but remember you certainly do get what you pay for and true craftsmanship isn’t cheap and that goes for any product and considering this company has been around for 140 years speaks volumes for the Prima Donna Bra.

I’ve been sitting here listening to the Sedona cd that I sent after and realize that it basically shares the same core message as A Course In Miracles. Maybe the Sedona method might give quicker results because I heard testimonials from people that use the method and have felt an immediate release inside, but in reading A Course In Miracles I have also felt that release. I have been trying to shift my perception for years and it’s been a gradual process for me.

Both teach you how to actually realize who and what you truly are and why we are in this reality and that our true nature is pure love. With ACIM it shows you how to unlearn what we were taught with 365 days of lessons to learn how to perceive and understand who you really are, I have all the time in the world. I do know that if you believe something is real it will definitely become so for you.

When I was doing these lessons I felt a sense of peace, but I let other things into my perception so therefore I still haven’t lifted that curtain to find the true me, but every once in awhile I catch a glimpse and I keep trying. I know I will go back and start those lessons again from the beginning, but I procrastinate and believe me I have learned to let a lot go, but still have a lot of baggage to deal with that I do surpress.

A few years ago I pulled a lot of stuff up from my subconcience and released and forgave myself and that did help, I was letting go. I don’t know if anyone is familiar with the 12 step program? One of the steps is to make a list and go back and apologize to anyone that you did wrong or harm to and ask for forgiveness. I guess in theory that is suppose to clear your conscience and open up your soul or whatever, at any rate I don’t think I would do that because all there is is here and now.

I also did a list of those people that I thought had wronged me and that I might be harboring resentment for and released them also and forgave them. I do need to start reading ACIM again and doing the daily exercises. I would love to totally lift that curtain that keeps everything hidden from me and know the whole thing instead of those tiny glimpses. Years ago I was flipping the channel and something a woman was saying held me riveted, her name was Marianne Williamson and she was telling her story and it sounded a lot like mine.

Only thing was she was Jewish and I am not. I was fascinated with the way she spoke and she had such a glow that I decided right that second I had to go buy her book because I wanted what she had and I wanted to know more. The book was A Return To Love and the very next day I bought it. Then I had to have ACIM so I went and bought that to and that’s been maybe 17 years. I do believe that old expression that says when the pupil is ready the teacher will appear.

Well, I went to Overstock.com and registered and picked the item I told you about yesterday and checked to see the high scores and those guys must be awesome players because I couldn’t even get out of the first level and I was trying to have cupid shoot everything so even though I read the directions I probably still misunderstood and did it wrong. I had fun though so I know I’ll go back and play some more just so I can get practice and I’ll be there tomorrow to try and win this sofa again.

It doesn’t look heavy or cumbersome and since it needs to go upstairs that’s great and since it’s low to the ground we wont worry about the kids falling off and hurting themselves. My son was always so good at playing computer games, sure wish he had a computer right now, I’d make him go play for me. I managed to shoot some of those bonus boxes so I’ll practice more later. At the end of the contest you could win up to 9,000 dollars worth of prizes and that means everything that is on your wish list.

There is 18 days that I can add something to my wish list and they have so much to choose from, but that sofa will be on my list everyday because I didn’t see a Corvette for 500 dollars there. Yeah, now that would be dreaming and everyone that has a pc would be there to beat me out so at least because the word isn’t totally out there I might have a chance to win. I think I better choose a different gift everyday because what in the world would I do with 18 sofa’s?

Overstock.com’s Valentine’s Day Game starts January 25th thru Feburary 11th and I went to the site to register because I love contest and I saw the Chai Microsuede Sofa Bed that I would love to win or Bill could win it for me for Valentine’s Day because I’ve been looking at futons and this would be perfect for an overnight guest or the Grandkids and probably a lot more comfortable. It looks very stylish also and would fit in my designated home office perfectly. Yeah, I know it’s not a romantic gift, but it could be with satin sheets and champagne.

I wasn’t able to register for the Game O Love yet so I left my e-mail so they could notify me when it was ready to go because  everyday you can enter your name for a chance to win a gift of up to 500 dollars. To date I haven’t been lucky enough to win any contest, but it doesn’t stop me from entering and these types of contests are always fun and there’s always the first time that I might win and this could be it, one never knows when good fortune will smile on them. I spent quite a bit of time looking through their products when I should have been working.

So if you like entering contests like I do be sure to stop by and look around at all the great gifts that could be yours and register to win those prizes and gifts from Overstock.com’s “Game O Love” . I know many people shop at Overstock.com because they have fantastic buys so I’ll look for my e-mail tomorrow, I don’t know why I was thinking today was the 25th. I am starting to get my days confused and hopefully this time I will be a winner. I know the last contest they had I was hoping to win a laptop, but I wasn’t fortunate, but others were.

As I’m sure you know from your own browsing of their site that you can find just about anything your looking for, even cars and their auctions are just as much fun as the other place, but my bids are always beat, but it’s still a fun way to pass a little spare time and amuse myself when I’ve been stressing over work. Be sure to check out the contest tomorrow, I know I will and I’ll be sure to let you know if I win anything and be sure to leave me a note if you do.

I love flowers and plants and at one point in my life I couldn’t grow anything not even weeds. I’m sure I was over watering and feeding and fertilizing and I was always disappointed when I couldn’t keep anything alive, but I have gotten a little better over the years and can now grow weeds and I have even managed to keep my cactus alive for 3 years.

I’m very proud of my cactus, it was so small, maybe 4 inches  when I first got it and I’ve transplanted it 3 times and it’s still thriving, so I’m very excited. I follow all directions when feeding it and I put it outside in the Summer and bring it back in during cold months. I don’t know if you can see the lighter tips, like 2 inches of new growth just since November.

I also love finding bargains and the highback chair my cactus resides on was found at a motorcycle shop that was going out of business and I thought it would be at least $200. Boy was I amazed when the seller said I could have it for $10. I love that piece of furniture it’s so cool. You can even lift the seat and store things in it.

I can’t wait till people start having yard sales again. You can find some of the neatest stuff. I thought it was funny one year when we had spring clean up around here and you put out all those big items or whatever you want to get rid of stuff and it’s perfectly acceptable for other people to go by and take whatever they want. Well that year I put out all my old mannequin heads from school and was totally floored that someone actually took them.

Some years I have been highly insulted when no one took my garbage and it was left for the garbage trucks. I have seen things myself when out driving that I simply had to stop and get because it was something perfect for a project I was doing at the time. Needless to say Bill doesn’t let me go anywhere anymore when it’s spring clean up.

So I think about all the cool stuff I might have missed just because Bill doesn’t want someone else’s junk. It really is true that one mans junk is another mans treasure. Maybe I’ll have my own yard sale this year. It’s amazing all the junk we manage to accumulate just over the space of a year.