Icy Ground Stabilizers

Californians and those residing in other warm climates are lucky -- while an occasional mudslide, earthquake or fire may occur, rarely will they worry about slipping on glazed icy surfaces. A fear since falling on black ice in 2004 and breaking a kneecap, a search for ice stabilizers has ensued. Previously discussed here, ice stabilizers keep one on their feet while walking on icy glazed surfaces. Some stabilizers look heavy and clunky and now some don't.

Stabilicers snow and ice cleats bite into ice and snow keeping the wearer on their feet. Available in two strengths, original Stabilicers ($49.95) provide heavy-duty traction for walking and hiking and Stabilicers Lite ($21.95) pull on fast for quick errands. Both come with strong adjustable elastomer straps. Additional replacement cleats are also available. The stabilizers can strap onto any pair of shoes or boots, providing safe footing in poor weather.

Plow & Hearth offers the product in several sizes to keep even Chicagoland commuters up and walking from the train station to their office without looking dorky or cumbersome. Still think these are dorky? Have you ever slipped and landed under a vehicle? That, my dear readers, is dorky.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

DFC Skin Care - That Works

For anyone wanting to decrease facial wrinkles and increase firmness and moisture, hope is a phone call away. In seven days, Platinum Silver Nanocolloid Milky Essence has not only reduced the deep horizontal facial wrinkles that crossed the bridge of my nose but actually removed them. Honest. Past tense. After applying morning and night for a week, the 2.7 ounce wonder is worth much more than its $23 price tag. A potent moisturizer, Platinum Silver Nanocolloid Cream was layered over the milky essence, further hydrating skin for an additional $23. Three days into using the products the nose wrinkles were not as visible, and the facial skin texture was softer and more radiant. It felt good, not "tight," and was also non-greasy. But it not only worked on me, it also was diminshed deep lines on the beautiful face of my 86 year old mother, Milly, who is equally amazed.

DHC Skincare not only offers skincare products for all skin types but also provides free samples of all products so customers can try before they buy. Still wondering if these products are for you? Customer testimonials of various aged clients from 29 to 78 , along with amazing photos, will convince you the products work well, if I haven't already done so. The photo at right shows 78 year old Betty of California, who has been a DHC customer since 2002. Pretty amazing look.

DHC believes in the restorative properties of olive oil. Used in salads and cooking and now suitable for one's skin, though in a different consistency, DHC believes olive oil is one of nature's finest ingredients for helping women (and men) achieve and maintain healthy, younger-looking skin. DHC's basic skincare products are free of unnecessary fragrances and coloring agents, and are manufactured and clinically tested for irritancy at labs in Japan where they are manufactured. There is no animal testing of DHC products.

What has worked for me could work for you: Deep Cleansing Oil (olive oil removes make-up and cleans skin), currently on sale for only $20 for a large bottle. DHC Eye Make-up Remover is gentle and on sale for $8.50. Mild Soap is used after the deep cleansing oil to remove any oily residue and it is amazingly soft and pure. A combination of honey and olive oil, it is currently only $10.50 until January 31. It's up to you now. You know these products work, you know you have wrinkles, and short of a painful chemical peel, dermabrasion or face lift, they're yours for the long haul. Until now. Try the Platinum Silver products as well and watch yourself become younger as wrinkles disappear in a few days. Amazing.

Photo attribution: DHC Skincare

Waiting Room Civility

Kindness begins in one's heart, and civility begins in one's home. Acting in a kind and civil manner is learned at home and appreciated at all levels, by all ages, and in all environments. Civility includes, but is not limited to medical waiting rooms where expected behavior includes patients who sit quietly, often for long periods of time, waiting their turn with the beloved doctor. Well outfitted waiting rooms provide up-to-date reading materials, magazines for various ages and interests, water or coffee, and most importantly, peace and quiet. Not all medical waiting rooms measure up.

A recent visit to a Chicagoland medical office offered it all: plush chairs, the newest home furnishing magazines, water, and the most uncivilized small person on the planet. Upon entering the office, protocol required the patient sign-in, but the small unruly person was "doing his numbers" on the sign-in sheet, not permitting anyone near the desk. Proud he was of his numbers skill, sharing his ability with all in the office and the next office as well.

The youngster's father, a thirty-something, was intrigued by his clever offspring's ability to write, and smiled quietly, saying nothing. Running in jubilation from the desk to the dad, the young'un threw off his Velcro-held shoes, almost hitting a patient sitting less patiently in a chair. Did the father stop his child? Of course not, he condoned the hopping, skipping and throwing of the shoes behavior as cute, "but something you should only do at home." Good advice to all sitting with their clothes and shoes intact, waiting, and all followed it, except the child.

Loudly proclaiming his love of an indistinguishable television character due to the young child's poor diction, the father was charmed with the child's admiration. The patients, however, were continuing to lose theirs. Every event has a final moment, a last straw, when formerly genteel and civil adults begin to act in a somewhat unkind and less-then-civil manner. The straw that broke the camel's back had been delivered. And then the dad's phone rang. Relief was on the way, we all thought, as the dad would leave the room and take the kid with him to continue his needless conversation, but that was not to be. Why would a previously unconcerned parent suddenly become the king of etiquette in a stream of mis-steps?

Dad spoke loudly into his phone, proud he had one, sharing his location, medical condition, local weather and suddenly a white coat appeared, whispered in his ear and voila! He was gone. The foyer was his new chatty location, but the uncivilized child was left behind, to jump on chairs, run in a circle, and finally pound on the glass door to be let out into the foyer. The door was opened to release the beast into the wild, with his dad. Peace arrived, albeit for a short few minutes, until dad and kid reentered. Nothing had changed except he was the next patient called to the next level of waiting rooms. Note to all: in a public location remain silent and alert, do not speak to others, do not create a scene and do not jump on the furniture, something even Tom Cruise now understands. Above all, keep all clothes intact, refrain from removing any and throwing them at unsuspecting strangers attempting to remain uninvolved. If you recognize yourself in the scenario, shame on you. It's time to act in a civil manner in all places. And take your young child with you when you step outside.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Hydrogen Peroxide Does It All

According to news reports, hydrogen peroxide purchased at drug stores in the 3% strength is a cure-all for just about everything. But is it real or is this just another urban legend? Some will say teeth are whiter after gargling with a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 4 parts water, just don't swallow it. Blood stains on a shirt collar or other fabric? Hydrogen peroxide will "eat" the blood and remove the spot, learned while attending an attempted murder trial and listening to the prosecution's case. Keep mirrors and windows spotless with full strength peroxide that won't streak. The 3% solution seems to be a fast fix for many problems, and you may have some of them so read on.

The Center for Disease Control cautions against drinking it, but why would you? "Ingestion of dilute solutions of hydrogen peroxide may result in vomiting, mild gastrointestinal irritation, gastric distension, and on rare occasions, gastrointestinal erosions or embolism (blockage of blood vessels by air bubbles). "

Is this real or simply an urban legend? Used to kill bacteria, peroxide can be poured over tooth brushes after each use, used to clean counter tops, and poured on cuts and abrasions. Since it is the weaker 3% solution, hydrogen peroxide will kill germs, but it won't be "the sudden death answer to all germs" like chlorine bleach, and it also doesn't have the powerful odor or color removing properties. Pour peroxide on the item to be cleaned and let it soak for 5-10 minutes to allow the oxygenating bubble action to work. Adding a cup of peroxide to a load of white laundry, along with laundry soap, actually does whiten items, remove deodorant residue, and clean better then non-peroxided loads. Though it is dangerous when ingested, gargling with a mild solution of 1 part peroxide to 4 parts warm water when a sore throat hits relieves the pain and seems to cure it as well. Cuts and sores washed with peroxide heal quickly. And watching the bubbling action as germs are allegedly slowed and then killed is second only to watching bread rise. Pick up a few bottles of hydrogen peroxide to have on hand, just in case you need it. It's cheap, easy to use, and apparently a wonder-all.

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Stud Service Coming Soon

Belle will soon be "in heat," and a new husband is in order so she may again become pregnant, carry the baby for eleven months and foal in February of 2009. Belle (not her real name) is a sorrel quarter horse who has resided in my barn for quite some time. Last March she had a colt, a cute little guy named Sampson (not his real name). Born two weeks late, he was a strapping big boy at birth, and the name seemed to fit him well. Sammy is a gentle yearling who enjoys snow, birds, falling leaves, and apples. He loves to be near when one is in the pasture, in the barn, or even in the yard. He has the gentle temperment of his loving mother, Belle, and is easy to work with and train.

Soon Belle will be bred to a grey quarter horse, Smart Berry (his real name), in mid to late February. In the meantime Belle is "under the lights" in the barn to trick her reproductive system into believing it is spring, complete with longer days and more hours of daylight. As everyone knows, in the spring one's thoughts turn to the birds and the bees, and in this case, Belle and babies. Stay tuned.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Nicolina Royale Cuff Links to Go -- Breaking News

No sooner did the post highlighting the "sexy authentic guitar pick cuff links, neck wear, rings and exotic cuffs" hit the wires then news surfaced the designer is on the go yet again, back to another trunk show at the 59th Street Bloomingdale's in New York City. Nikki, of nicolinaroyale , will appear Friday and Saturday, January 25 and 26, in the upscale men's wear department at Bloomies. The spiffy merchandise is also available in several venues, including the Chevy Chase Bloomies, especially helpful for all the DC readers who lust for them.

Who wears the Nicolina Royale cuff links? Lots of people, including 50 cent, Timberland, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Seacrest, T.R. Knight, Jeremy Piven and now you! Businessmen, lawyers, entrepreneurs and New York's heavy hitters all sport the new line. Updates are crucial, and this one came less then 24 hours after posting. This is certainly "breaking news."

Photo attribution: nicolinaroyale

Nicolina Royale Cuff Links to Go

Hot new cuff links are making the scene in Los Angeles and New York, thanks to the design talent of Nikki, of Nicolina Royale. Made of sterling silver and set on guitar picks, these cuff links are keeping the sleeves of many a rock star together looking chic. Bloomingdale's, New York, featured a trunk showing of the sexy guitar pick cuff links, rings, and cuffs in December, and Bloomies in LA held several trunk shows earlier in the season. They must know these are the must have jewelry for guys across America. The cuff links on the left, called "Divine Right," retail for $260.00.

"Life is an illusion" according to nicolinaroyale, so "let 'em think you're a rock star." Good advice for any guy, especially in the rock tumble world of 2008. The cuff links are available with the most popular silver skull and cross bones look, the silver Fluer de leuse, and the royal crown in both silver and gold. Yet Nicolina Royale feature more then cuff links -- also available are Italian leather cuff lets, authentic guitar pick neck wear, and much more as seen on the new website. While no two guys are alike, likewise with nicolinaroyale products: no two items are alike since all products are handmade by Nikki. Check it out. I did and Blogger Boy, Law School Boy, Husband, and daughter's spouse are now all proud owners of sterling cuff links thanks to Nikki and company.

Photo attribution: Nicolina Royale

Flu Report 2008

The flu shot received last October provided hope that the infamous cold and flu season would not land anywhere close to where I was standing. That hope has now vanished, replaced with chills, a heavy chest, bouts of coughing, a fleeting earache, and of course the runny nose and headache associated with the culprit.

Many have the mistaken idea the word "flu," short for influenza, refers to bouts in the bathroom, with one's shoulders heaving as one goes through the process of emptying one's stomach. Not so. According to the Center for Disease Control, "the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year." Although good advice, the vaccination does not always prevent the flu.

Avoiding those who have the flu is always the best way to avoid getting it. If one is ill, one should not go to work. The CDC advises "healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 5 days after getting sick." Ouch.

While the virus is everywhere, as of January 12, 2008, Colorado reported the most "widespread activity." And for those who reside elsewhere thinking they are home free, read on. According to the CDC, for the week ending January 5, "local activity was reported by the District of Columbia and 12 states (Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina Virginia, and Washington)."

What to do if you feel flu-ish? Start taking Zicam asap -- the zinc in Zicam "shortens the severity and symptoms" and I have to agree. The Zicam site actually declares Albany, New York as the worst place for the flu as of 1-11-08. Albanians: wash your hands! Purell hand sanitizers kill flu germs found on grocery carts, door knobs, computer keyboards, and other germy places. Another option is the old time favorite, homemade chicken soup, considered the first course of action for flu fighting due to its medicinal value. Hot chicken soup allows the warm steam to open clogged nasal passages, as well as providing a warm feeling of well-being.

Now on the path to well being: I took the Zicam and will continue to do so; took two aspirin; drinking plenty of water, including Pelligreno. Will hover under the the down comforter (with a dry cleanable duvet for germ killing reasons), and will soon be back to my spunky self. Must sign off before spraying the keyboard and all non-moving objects with Lysol. Stay well.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Fanny Packs: Bad Idea

Men have briefcases and most recently "man bags," and women have totes and purses. There is no need for anyone, at anytime to don a fanny pack to carry whatever they deem is small enough to stuff into the fanny pack, but not big enough to require a purse or bag. Fanny packs rest on the most unattractive part of one's body, bringing unwanted attention to a large protruding object resting on what probably already is a large protruding object. Fanny packs create a two-for-one special, and in this case, a one-for-one is far too much.

One might guess an encounter with a fanny pack bearing person has sparked this post and one is correct. In addition to standing up after a large group dinner and donning the fanny pack, the fanny pack person was wearing a gold lame sweater, tucked into brown knit elastic topped pants. The look got my attention, but what caused one's eyes to open wide and food to almost lodge in one's throat was the addition of what appeared to be a belt at where the natural waist should have been, had there been a waist at all. The addition of the fanny pack caused the wearer to lean forward, thrusting the fanny out even more, and creating an even larger shelf on which to rest the most unattractive pack possible.

Fanny packs are acceptable when hiking deep in the woods where only elk and bear will see one's attire. Any where else they are inappropriate unless in a body cast, or recovering from surgery of both arms. Disney World and Disney Land are not even acceptable applications of the fanny pack, but are far better choices then work events in Chicagoland.

So there you have it -- intense criticism of fanny packs. If you have one, do not donate it, burn it. Nothing says old, out of date and out of touch more then a fanny pack, except mom jeans, and that is yet another topic for another day.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Suck It Up: Vacuum 101

We are clean people. Anything dropped to the floor is sucked up immediately with a hand-held vacuum, always on the ready. Cleaning ladies appear weekly to do their thing, which they do very well. No piles of magazines, newspapers, or mail sit in any location on any flat service. Carpets are cleaned professionally every six to eight months. It has been said "one could eat off the floor" in this house. Apparently we are very clean folks.

Putting away Christmas decorations required pulling out the 20 year old Kirby vacuum, which is now too heavy, too cumbersome and just too old. It has lost it's ability to suck -- a new one will replace it. While some may say Kirby needs a tune-up to be as good as new, that will not happen. Kirby has been tuned up a few times, but still returns heavy and cumbersome. There is no gastric by-pass surgery for fat and heavy vacuums, only vacuum replacement procedures. Kirby will soon live at the local shelter, where someone else can decide the next phase in Kirby's life.

Soon either a Hoover Wind Tunnel or a Eureka Boss Smart Vac will start sucking up anything in its path. Both are $139.99 at Costco, both received high ratings at Consumer Reports, and both weigh only 21 pounds. The difference is in the bag. Eureka has bags that capture the dirt, while Hoover is bag less and apparently is easy to clean. Neither will be used very often, only when something is spilled and can't be sucked up by the handheld. A trip to Costco will determine whether Hoover or Eureka wins the suck-up contest. Life became simpler, and clean will remain the key word in this abode. Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats

Audrey Hepburn had the look, now you can too, when the Tory Burch Reva Ballet flats gracefully house your cute little tootsies. Looking great with everything from slacks, jeans, and even skirts, the comfort is incredible and the style worth the price. Though mine were a Christmas gift from my continuously stylish daughter, yours can be had from a variety of sources, including Nordstrom's and Tory Burch Boutiques.

Tory Burch has created an empire with her designs and finding a pair of the Reva Ballet flats could a challenge for those who decide they are a must-have. While black has been out of stock for a while in the most popular sizes, new shipments arrive weekly and black is back on the shelves again. Hot new colors of citrus, lime, and pink are also available. Do you need them? Only if you want the hot item that young and hip girls are wearing. I'm so "with it" now, and all thanks to my darling daughter, Jessica. Photo attribution: Somewhatfortyplus

How NOT to Look Old - Part II

A previous article here described Charla Krupp's plan to help anyone "look 10 years younger, 10 pounds lighter and 10 times better." In How Not to Look Old, quick and easy ways are described to lighten cosmetic applications, throw out the dark lip liner, and dress with a "young and hip" air. Real news or hogwash? While some may cast doubt, this is news every woman needs to know as fast as she can speed read the pages filled with factoids and fun. Get the book, then read it if for no other reason than to discover the best hairdressers in 20 towns, moisturizers that really pump up the lines, and foundation make-up that has luminosity and glow.

Positive change will result as each page is turned, and each hint to look "ten times better" is internalized. At the end of each chapter a list of products Charla uses and endorses is included to help readers who encourage change. As for me, I'm all about change; not only will I hit Saks in the morning with "the list," but I'll telephone Ms. Krupp and attempt to hire her for a forthcoming event. She'll be fabulous and those lucky enough to get a ticket will leave younger, prettier and thinner.
Photo Attribution: Michael Waring

How NOT to Look Old

You're hoping for it, working hard at it, and the quest to appear younger will continue till the end. Wilmette native Charla Krupp's new book, How Not to Look Old is the advice you've been searching for. While selling books is not my goal, reading them is a habit developed long ago, and some are just too good to pass up. This one gets my vote and should get your $25.99; it will be money well spent. One look at the author, born in the mid 1950's on Chicago's north shore, and you will rush to the nearest bookstore to start removing years from your appearance.

Written with humor but delivering sound advice, Charla is an expert: a former beauty editor of Glamour and senior editor at InStyle, you will "look ten years younger, ten pounds lighter and ten times better" just by reading the book. Book dust covers and ad campaigns have been known to exaggerate, this one tells it like it is. And here it comes now:

Hair should get lighter as one gets older, the blonder the better. Lipstick should be a light shade of pink once a lady hits 35. Skirts should stop at the knee, or be 3 inches above the knee. Hair should be free to move, shiny and unobstructed. Pony tails should not be worn "high," if at all. Shoes with a heel remove years from one's look. All jackets should be "nipped in at the waist" for a more youthful look.

To see a list of Charla's top five "must have's" click here. Most books are quick reads, yet this one is filled with so much information it needs to be slowly digested. A must have book for anyone getting older day by day, watch Charla talk about the book and aging on YouTube. While aging is inevitable, postponing it seems to be the way to go. Photo attribution: nmv1969

YOU: Staying Young

Life's a race to the finish and how you get there is up to you. According to Dr. Michael Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz, authors of YOU: Staying Young, The Owner's Manual for Extending Your Warranty, you can live a longer and healthier life if you think of maintaining your body in the same way as you maintain your car. Getting the car in for service is second nature, and for most, changing the car's oil is automatic every 3000 miles. The same idea applies to one's body: devote the same care and energy to one's body as to one's car in order to extend the body's full use warranty.

Five ideas gleamed from YOU: Staying Young that YOU, reading this, need to know and follow starting now.

1. Women age more slowly than men because the female pineal gland, located in the female brain, is larger than the male pineal gland, despite the fact that the male brain as a whole is larger. Summary: When a man and woman are the same age, the man is aging faster.

2. Omega-3 fats relax the arteries and "quell inflammation," while trans fats cause arteries to spasm and increase arterial inflammation. Summary: take Omega-3 capsules to reduce artery aging or eat salmon.

3. Eating fewer calories turns on a magic molecule, sirtuin, that helps neutralize aging. According to Roizen and Oz, one way to activate sirtuin is by drinking red wine, which contains the chemical resveratrol. "Muscadine grapes, growing in the southeast United States, have the highest level of resveratrol -- several times more then wine." Summary: drink more red wine to reverse aging or eat muscadine grapes.

4. Women should take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for ten years. Summary: Take HRT to stay young and slow down the aging process.

5. Aging is a process that is reversible. According to Roizen and Oz, "if you perform a good habit for three years, the effect on your body is as if you've done it your entire life." If that isn't enough to make one start putting life in reverse, "within three months of changing a behavior, you can start to measure a difference in your life expectancy." Summary: reverse aging starting today.

This is not about making another new year's resolution to live longer, eat less, exercise more, yada-yada-yada; if that's all it took, grave-diggers would be out of work. And since it ends the same for all of us, The Owner's Manual for Extending Your Warranty gives factoids and hints that will not only enhance life but extend life. But does it work? A quick look at the authors will tell you it does. A few years ago I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Roizen on a project over a period of a few months; he was charming, humorous and ageless. His Realage book was a huge sensation and he was tickled. He laughed alot, he obviously flossed. His clear wrinkle-free skin looked radiant. He was ageless. Apparently he read the book -- or wrote it.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Horse Wars: Why Pregnant Sassy is Sassy

In six to eight weeks yet another foal will be born at this Chicagoland ranch and we're ready for it. Lucy, also known as Sassy, for what will soon be obvious reasons, is about to become a mom again and apparently her hormones are creating undue stress, or an attitude disorder at best. The once happy go lucky mare ain't what she used to be. The final weeks of a nine month human pregnancy can be most uncomfortable and most inopportune; horses are pregnant for 11 months, and the extra two must create havoc in horseville.

Lucy/Sassy has decided she needs time alone, to reflect on her horse life and prepare her mind for the new little one, albeit 125 pounds at birth. Since horses are herd animals, the need-to-be-alone bit doesn't bode well with the rest of the gang who continue to go about their horse business in a most regular way. When one of her pals gets in her way, or even looks at her in an unpleasant manner, Lucy/Sassy bites, nips, kicks and bares her teeth. To keep her from shaving her head in a Brittany moment, horse clippers and shears have been locked in the garage, as far away from the barn as horsely possible. Extra grain is set aside for Lucy/Sassy to avoid hoarding, hissing and more kicking. Extra hay is distributed to Lucy/Sassy to avoid undue stress brought on by her sudden fear of starvation. And while it is important for her to be large and healthy prior to giving birth (called foaling in horse talk) Lucy is one extremely large pregnant lady, and having birthed three times myself, I can safely judge large pregnant ladies.

In a few weeks a new born foal will again hit the hay, and the photos will be priceless. We're hoping for a filly, though another colt will do, as seen in last year's photo. Stay tuned as Lucy becomes even sassier as her tummy continues to grow.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Personal Best: Top Five Blog Posts of 2007 + Two

While it is true somewhatfortyplus+ is one of the new kids in the big blogosphere, it has been a good run with several viewers, a few comments, and a general feeling of accomplishment. A look back brings the most read posts to the top for one more round. These are the most popular, as determined by Google's stat counter. If you had another personal favorite, so did I, but you can't argue with statistics.

Not my daughter's jeans was the most popular article, but knowing the struggles faced to look good in jeans, once you wear a pair of these slimming jeans you won't go back to yours, and you will never wear mom jeans again. This post had the most readers ever!

Creating a good looking holiday floral arrangement got easier with step by step directions anyone could follow. Easy, sophisticated and fool proof, this post came in second as most popular.

The third most read post was Combating the visible signs of aging , which has to be a priority for men and women alike. This product is actually remarkable, getting the job done, and while skeptical at first, I am grateful today. More to follow.

The saga of cleaning lady antics with broken glass was discussed in Tiffany cup no more - the fourth most read post of 2007. Of course this problem was resolved in Tiffany Delivers.

And Cashmere: How Soft Though Art came in fifth, thanks to cold temps, the anti-itch factor of cashmere, and probably several readers in snow filled Chicagoland. While these posts had the most readers, two not mentioned were the most fun to write, creating that fabulous sought after feeling of accomplishment we all desire. Blogger Boy, the antics of a blog writer, was inspirational in that BB encouraged this blog. But the best, most fun, and my all time favorite gives heed to the blogosphere and all of its benefits in Blogging High. Give it a read.

So while end of year statements are over done, almost to the point of becoming trivial, not here, and not now. If the past year wasn't your best, the new year is yours for the claiming. I'm filled with do-able resolutions, optimism, and a blogging high. Happy New Year!

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank