Sherry McGee Shares Tips for Aging Fabulously

Clever Repurposing of "Gently Used" Household Things

Colander as Ice Bucket

Make ice cubes last longer at your next cocktail party: Put them in a colander set into a bowl. As they melt, the water will drain through the holes instead of sitting and turning the ice to slush.

Ice Cream Scoop as Sand-Castle Tool

An ice cream scoop deposits perfect domes for a Taj Mahal (or a yurt).

Book Cover as a Tourist Disguise (even stateside)

A travel guide screams "I’m lost!" but cloaking it in pretty paper or the jacket of a book in the native language will let you blend in with the locals. You'll be more likely to be asked for directions than taken for a ride. Sidebar:  I learned the hard way that many residen of NYC HATE to be asked for directions!

Bucket as Side Table

For more serving space (without begging and borrowing from the neighbors) top a bucket with a tray for an instant side table for your lawn chairs. Your guests will have more spots to rest their cocktails.

Aya Brackett

Bundt Pan as Corn Holder

Cut corn from the cob without the mess. Place an ear in the center of a Bundt pan. As you slide the knife down, the corn will fall right into the pan.

Yunhee Kim

Citrus Peels as Bowls

Serve sorbet in a memorable way. After juicing (or eating) grapefruit, orange, lemon, or lime halves, scoop out and freeze the peels. Cut a small slice off the bottom to create a level surface (without creating a hole), then fill with ice cream.

Aya Brackett

Citrus Peel as Firestarter

Kick-start a fire with citrus peels. Leave orange or lemon peels on the counter for several days to dry out. Then use the pretty pieces as kindling in your fire pit or bonfire for a fragrant flame starter.

Beatriz Da Costa

Croquet Wickets as Hose Stakes

Make an arched pathway from the waterspout to the flower bed, then feed the hose through the wickets. Now the hose can’t migrate and crush your impatiens.

Egg Slicer as Strawberry Dicer

Give this classic tool a permanent spot on your kitchen counter and―presto!―you'll have perfect slivers of your favorite summer foods.

 

David Prince

Beach Towel as Shower Curtain

Make a summery shower curtain by hanging two boldly patterned towels using clip-on drapery rings.

Cupcake Liner as Ice Cream Bowl

Serve ice cream at parties without the drips. Freeze individual scoops in liners the night before.

Ice Cube Tray as Sunburn Soother

Freeze cubes of aloe vera for instant sunburn relief when you forget the SPF.

Monica Buck

Shower Curtain as Picnic Blanket Liner

Do dew diligence and layer a liner underneath a picnic blanket to avoid soggy bottoms and grass or mud stains.

Sunscreen as Shaving Lotion

While a bottle of expired sunscreen will no longer protect you from UV rays, it can still protect you from razor burn. Use it when lubing up to keep legs smooth all year long.

Hose as Bucket Grip

For a handle you can comfortably handle: Snip off a section of an old garden hose, make a slit down its length, and put it over a skinny bucket wire.

Baby Oil as Tar Remover

Bare feet left with a bit of tar after a long day on the beach? Lift it off with a dose of baby oil.

Basket as Summer Carryall

When you’re ready to hit the beach, just throw everything in a large handled basket and take off. Or, for backyard barbecues, line it with a plastic garbage bag, then fill it with ice and beverages.

Ice Cream Cones as Cupcake Holders

Bake your cupcakes directly in the ice cream cones. Fill 24 flat-bottom cones two-thirds full with cake batter. Place the cones in a high-sided 9-by-13-inch baking pan and bake in two batches at 325° F for 30 minutes. Let cool, then frost with two 16-ounce cans of frosting. You can have your cake and eat its holder, too.

Kazoo as Bubble Machine

Blow your little one’s mind with this two-in-one toy. Just dip the big end into soapy water and huff and puff away for a sudsy symphony.

Cocktail Shaker as Iced Coffee Maker

Upgrade your ice coffee by preparing it in a martini shaker. Fill it with coffe, ice, millk, sugar and flavoring and shake for a frothy, evenly blended caffeine fix.

Mini Cooler as a Side Dish Warmer

Use a small cooler to fake a perfectly timed meal if side dishes (like corn on the cob) are ready before the main course. Simply store the early sides in the insulated case to retain their warmth.

Mitten as Sunglasses Protector

Save your shades from scratches by slipping them into a spare mitten before stashing them in your purse or glove compartment.

Play-Doh as Sparkler Holder

Prevent burned fingers by planting a sparkler’s stem in a  tub of Play-Doh before lighting it.

Rubber Band as Glass Gripper

For more OJ in your child’s belly (and less on the kitchen floor) use rubber bands to provide some grip around a chilly glass so it doesn’t slip through a child’s small hands.

Sand as Candle Holders

Prevent a half-melted candle from sticking to its glass holder by filling the bottom with a layer of sand.

Drink Carrier as Condiment Kit

Cart condiments to a backyard barbecue. Slot flatware, ketchup and mustard in the compartments for easy transport.

Tea Bag as Bug Bite Soother

A smart way to soothe itchy mosquito bites: Place a cold, used tea bag on the sting and let it sit for five minutes. Tea will help ease sunburn, too: Brew a pot and pour it into a bath of lukewarm water. Soak until you feel relief.

Toothbrush as Corn Cleaner

Use a clean toothbrush to remove stray threads of silk from freshly shucked ears of corn. The bristles will lift them away quickly and efficiently.

Toothbrush Holder as Vase

Display individual blooms (peonies and ranunculus work well) in each hole and fill with water for a foolproof, evenly spaced arrangement.

Cupcake Liner as Drip Catcher

Before serving that Popsicle, slip the stick through a foil liner to catch drips and keep hands from getting sticky.

Frisbee® as Paper Plate Holder

Don't lose your dogs! At your next barbecue, place flimsy paper plates in sturdy plastic Frisbees® so guests can better balance their meals.

Ice Cube Tray as Sundae Bar

Set up a self-serve sundae bar and let guests dish out cherries, sprinkles, crushed nuts, and other dessert toppings to their liking.

Oven Mitt as BBQ Utensil Holder

Slide all the utensils you'll need into an oven mitt and use the fabric loop to hang it on your grill. No more burned steaks because you forgot the meat thermometer inside.

Ice Cube Tray as Paint Palette

Mix watercolors in the tray’s compartments. (There’s actually one for every color of the rainbow.)

Source: realsimple.com

Toothpaste as Goggle Defogger

Prevent goggles from fogging. Before hitting the pool, smear some paste onto the lenses, then wipe off.

http://www.essenceofmotownlitconference.com/

http://www.essenceofmotownlitconference.com/

Don't Wait for the World to Change - Be a World Changer!

My dad, Dr. William Anthony Mason

This past Saturday, Baker College conferred a Doctor of Humane Letters degree upon upon my "70-something-year-old" dad.   This auspicious accolade is proof that it's never too late to realize dreams and reap the harvest that only comes from sowing the seeds of hard work, sacrificed time, energy, emotions; and yes, money.   

As recipient of this most coveted honor; and as part of his duty as a Trustee of the Board of Regents, Dad addressed the Graduating Class of 2011.  I would like to share a portion of his speech with you:

In 2006 a young song writer, musician, singer wrote a song that’s still popular today. Some of you have the song on your iPods and iPhones.

The young man’s name is John Mayer and the name of the song is Waiting On The World to change.

In case you don’t know the song I’ll read a few verses: It goes like this

Me and my friends

We’re all misunderstood

They say we stand for nothing and

There’s no way we ever could

Now we see everything’s that’s going wrong

With the world and those who lead it

We just feel like we don’t have the means

To rise and beat it

So we keep waiting.  Waiting On the World to change.

It’s hard to beat the system

When we’re standing at a distance

So we keep waiting. Waiting on the world to change.

Now if we had the power

To bring our neighbors home from war

They would never have missed a Christmas

 No more yellow ribbons on the door

It’s not that we don’t care

We just know that this fight ain’t fair

So we keep on waiting, Waiting on the world to change

One day our generation

Is going to rule the population

So we keep waiting, waiting on the world to change

Like John Mayer and his friends, some of you are waiting on the world to change.

As you wait for the world around you to change, you feel powerless to do anything about it. You are disillusioned and troubled by:

• Public policies that don’t help the public
• Government policies that benefit big business
• Emergency Managers with the power to void union contracts
• The high cost of a college education
• The reduction of the Michigan Tuition Grant and PELL grants

• Teachers, Policemen and Firemen being laid off.
• Public schools and libraries closing
• Corruption in local and state government
• High unemployment and you also realize that’s not to early to be concerned about the threat to end Medicare and Social Security

And these are just some of the issues that you face.

Well, if you just keep on waiting, the world will change, but the change may not be the change that you’ve been waiting on.

The changes that you are waiting on CANNOT be made from the outside. Substantial and lasting change to current practices, policies and laws CANNOT be made from the outside, from a distance

Substantial changes are made in the board rooms of business and government. That’s where the major decisions are made. You will have to get on the inside to have a voice and a vote.

In the years ahead you need to get on the inside. You do that by pursuing positions on community boards, school boards, city council, county commissions, and other local and state public office.

And when you get into these positions of power and influence, and many of you will, remember, that former generations, like me, your parents and grandparents,

And future generations, like your children, your nieces and nephews are waiting on you to change our world.

I encourage you and I challenge to stop waiting on the world to change and begin the work to change the world.

Good luck to all of you and, I’ll see you at the top.

Medicate Your Confidence - Toy Banks

20 Ways to Be the Best You -

Raise your hand if you’ve stayed diligent to your New Year’s resolutions!
No, really…I’ll wait.

While some of you are proudly throwing both hands in the air, ecstatic that you’ve stuck to your guns thus far, I’m willing to wager that a large portion of you (*ehem* myself included) have fallen off just a bit (ok, maybe completely). Either way, get ready to get back on track or find the inspiration to stick to your goals for the remainder of the year.

June is here, and aside from being the start of the summer, it’s also the midway point of the year. As the temperature rises, and life slows down just a little bit, now is the perfect time to reflect on the goals or intentions you set at the beginning of 2011 and recommitment yourself to the cause.

Back in January, many of us set out to improve our lives. Whether we intended to get healthier, save money, pursue a degree, or fall in love we set goals or charted out our visions for the year. Because I LOVE my readers (and because I can always use a reminder myself), I’ve compiled a list of 20 things that can help us all achieve our goals this year  (Some courtesy of Clutch Magazine).  Even if you’ve been slippin’…it’s not too late!

Because we are multifaceted, I’ll be sharing tips on how to excel in your career, love life, health, friendships, and personal life.
Ready? Leggooo!

Career: Despite the rough economy, you can still be successful in your chosen career if you follow a few simple tips.


Tip #1: Go Back to School. Even if you hate your day job, going back to school—even part time—can garner a huge return on investment. Check out community colleges to brush up on or add new skills to your repertoire without breaking the bank.
Tip #2: Read Up. If you can’t afford to take college courses or if you just don’t want to sit in a classroom, one easy way to make yourself more marketable is by learning a new skill. Hit the bookstore or library and teach yourself some new tricks.
Tip #3: Find a Mentor or Hire a Coach. Want to break into a certain field, but don’t have the skills? Find a mentor and ask if you can shadow them (or be their assistant). Even if you don’t get paid for working with them, the experience, their knowledge, and connections you will build will be worth more than any entry-level gig.  My buddygirl Pam Perry is a walking encyclopedia on how to market your self, your ministry or your business through social media and synergizing with others.













Tip # 4: Network Like a Pro. Because being successful is not only about what you know, but also who you know, networking is a must. From company-sponsored happy hours that will get you a little face time with the higher-ups, to professional organization mixers, you should always be open (and prepared) to shine in front of those who can make or break your career. Keep the convo light, but professional, and always keep business cards on hand.  Still a little shy?  Tammy Turner's book, How to Talk to Strangers, is an excellent tool to help you become a master networker.











Health: We’ve all heard the statistics; Americans are getting unhealthier by the year. Whether you’re thin or on the thicker side, being healthy is essential to a happier, longer life.


Tip # 1: Stay Active. If hitting the gym isn’t your thing, find other (fun!) ways to stay active. Perhaps try kickboxing, hiking, jogging, or dancing your way to great health by taking Zumba, African, or Salsa dancing classes. Bottom line, the faster you find something you LOVE to do, the more likely you will be to stick to it. Now move it!
Tip # 2: Eat to Live. I know, I know…food can taste oh so delicious, especially after a stressful day. However, using food to satisfy your emotional needs is a recipe for disaster (and extra pounds!). Remember to use food for what it was designed for—fuel. Limit emotional eating, and when you do sit down for a meal, make it an experience. Pick the freshest meats, vegetables, and cheeses and enjoy every bite.
Tip # 3: Get a Checkup. When was the last time you got physical…with your doctor? Although some may skimp on their yearly exams, making sure you see your doctor regularly (and not just when you’re sick) will help you stay healthy and prevent any number of ailments that may creep up. Make it easy on yourself; schedule annual checkups on or near your birthday so you’ll never forget them again.
Tip #4: Get Some Rest. Let’s get something straight; you cannot function on 4 hours a sleep a night and still look and feel fabulous. As a matter of fact, not getting enough sleep can contribute to a myriad of health issues like weight gain, a lowered sex drive, decreased immunity, and depression. So get your sleep mask, your lavender oil, and comfy pillow and get at least eight hours of sleep per night.  Versandra Kennebrew has more great information about relaxation using holistic methods such as massage and aromatherapy.

Family & Friends: There’s something about knowing you have people who have your back that makes life so much easier.


Tip # 1: Reach Out. Staying in touch with those you love can be difficult if you’ve moved away. But even if you haven’t, work, school, and other commitments can sometimes get in the way of spending quality time with the fam. Before too many of your parents or little brother’s calls go unanswered, try to schedule a set time to reach out and say hello. If you live across country, services like Google Talk, Tango, and Skype can keep you connected.
Tip #2: Schedule a Girl’s Night. There’s nothing like connecting with the homies to help you ease some stress. Although it may be hard to coordinate schedules, having a girl’s night or weekend is the perfect way to reconnect with those that have your back. You may not be able to hang like you used to, but getting love from your friends will give you the umph you need to power through the difficult times.
Tip # 3: Reunite. Summertime is here, and you know what that means: family reunions! Yes they may be far, and even a bit pricey, but getting together with your extended family, seeing your grandma from down south or your cousins from the coast will not only be a blast, but it will also help you reconnect to your roots.
Tip # 4: Get Bookish. Happy hour shouldn’t be the only time you see your friends. If you’re looking for different ways to hang with your girls try organizing a book club. Not only will you have a great time, but you might even expand your circle (and your mind) as you devour a few good books beginning with my novel, Brown Paper Bag. (Shameless plug alert -smile)











Love: What did Billy D say in “Mahogany”? Success is nothing if you have no one to share it with? Well, for those of you who are single yet ready to love, try these tips and maybe you’ll be cupcaking in no time.


Tip #1: Get Rid of the Baggage. Erykah had it correct. If your bags ain’t Louis V., let ‘em go, let ‘em go, let ‘em go. Nothing prevents you from being in love like holding onto the bitterness, anger, and hurt your last partner left you with. If you’re serious about getting boo’d up this year (or the next), you must lay your bags down.
Tip # 2: Ditch the Space Fillers. Sure no one likes to be lonely, however, if you’re really on a quest for love you have to make room for what’s to come. Drop the folks who are just keeping you company “in the meantime” and free up your time (and heart) for the one you’ll fall in love with.
Tip # 3: Date Yourself. Don’t wait for Mr. or Ms. Right to come along before you try out a new restaurant or go on that vacation you’ve always dreamed of. While you keep your eyes open for “the one,” get to know yourself. Make a list of things you want to do with your future boo, and try them yourself. Who knows. While you’re hiking up Mt. Baldy, or on the plane ready to skydive you might meet someone who’s doing the same.
Tip # 4: Avoid the "Date from Hell"  Do your homework.  Don't settle for just anyone who has a pulse.  Get more great tips for singles from Kim Brooks.












Self: It’s time to get a little selfish. So much of our time is often spent working for, caring for, or helping others. Remember that before you can be there for others, you have to be there for yourself. Don’t ever forget to put yourself first.


Tip # 1: Take It Easy. How many times have you been so busy you’ve forgotten to eat, get the proper amount of rest, or had enough time to just relax? No matter how crazy your schedule may get, you must carve out some time to take it easy. Whether it’s scheduling a monthly massage, or just soaking in a hot bath instead of rushing through a shower, taking some time for yourself is essential for both your mental and physical health.
Tip # 2: Meditate. Whether you call it prayer, meditation, or getting in touch with the Universe, remember to take a few minutes each day to center yourself and reflect on your life. Instead of using this quiet time to run your to-do list through your head, use it to reflect on what you are thankful for. Despite whatever may be happening in your life, it’s always a good idea to focus on the positive. It will not only help you to remember that you’ve got a lot going for yourself, it might also give you the motivation to keep pushing.
Tip # 3: Kill the Negative Talk. Ever looked in the mirror and complained about your big butt or tiny breasts or tight eyes or man hands? Well, stop it. Although there may be things we’d like to change about ourselves, constantly harping on our imperfections or shortcomings will do little to help how we feel. Instead of picking yourself apart, the next time you look in the mirror tell yourself how beautiful or awesome or smart you are. After a while, you’ll start to believe it and act accordingly.













Tip # 4: Celebrate Your Victories. Got a promotion at work? Dropped 20 pounds? Passed your LSAT? Landed your first “real” job? Celebrate! Don’t ever let an important moment go by unacknowledged. Even if your celebration consist of something as small as a red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles or as large as a trip to Jamaica, don’t forget to give yourself props for accomplishing one of your goals.
Achieving your goals can be difficult, but once you reach your set objectives you’ll feel powerful, accomplished, and ready to do even more.

Learn how conquer your personal obstacles from Shelita Williams through her Reign in Life Program.  She has overcome divorce, low self esteem, obesity and financial ruin. Find out how you too can reign in your life.

Shelita at 226 lbs

Shelita today!

What tips do you have for staying on track and reaching your goals?  I'd really LOVE to hear back from you

Yesterday, I Got a Glimpse of My Future!

Four  and a half  Generations 2004

Yesterday (Memorial Day) I posted a brief rendering expressing my gratitude for my offspring, who are now adults with their own families.  This morning as I reflect on the day, I realize that yesterday was a preview of what life may very well be like for my husband and I in the not-so-distant future.  

What I thought was a happenstance was actually a prelude into  a succession that has been a part of my family for at least three prior generations.  Since childhood, I have been in the presence of elderly people who were part of my extended family. I remember my grandparents taking me with them regularly to visit my Grandma's sister-in-law's mother who everybody called Ma.  My grandmother not only paid her social visits but she went there with purpose - to cut the older woman's toenails.  As a child I couldn't imagine anything any more disgusting, yet Grandma did it for years and then one day "Ma" was gone.  My grandmother once told me that she loved old people and at the time I wondered why.  It's funny but the older I get, the more I find myself drawn to those who are at least a generation above my own.  I want to hold onto them and glean as much of their wisdom and experience as I can...while I can.

As the older generations are fading away, I realize that my generation is getting closer to taking their place as the family matriarchs and patriarchs - the church mothers and church Elders.  I miss their stories about what happened "back in the day" and how things were done.  There are so many things I wish I had asked my grandmother when she was alive.  As close as I was to my grandmother, I still I feel as though I missed many opportunities by not asking questions that I didn't know I'd have now that she's gone.

But I am grateful for the time I had with her.  The Lord allowed me to have both sets of my grandparents in my life until I was 38 years old.  Then, one by one they were called from labor to reward ending with the one nearest and dearest to my heart - Nana made her transition in 2005. My daughters have had the rare benefit of not just hearing tales and recollections about their great-grandparents, but interacting with, being cared for and loved by them.  

"Spa Day" with my granddivas

Nana, the grandmother who helped raise me lived to be well into her 90s and in good health until about the last six months of her life.  I had been helping her care for my Grandpa George for nearly 10 years - until he passed away.  Together she and I not only cared for him, but also my mother who had suffered a stroke.  Before then, Mom had been the one who provided the elder care. My daughters have grown up watching and learning how to be nurturing caregivers.

In a few months, if the Lord says the same I will be 55 years old and  I've been a full time caregiver since January of 1996 when Mom suffered the stroke.  Although I am in good health, without question I feel some changes in my body.  As much as I try to fend off the signs of aging some things are inevitable and I am definitely slowing down.  Don't get me wrong, I am far from checking into Shady Pines, but let's face it, it is what it is.  Every now and then when my daughters, and now granddaughters thank me for something I say to them:  "You're welcome, remember me when I'm old."  Of course they always tell me "I got you."  But yesterday I got a glimpse of the things to come:

Two nights ago I had a terrible allergy attack and could not sleep.  I had been taking a non-drowsy anti-histimine which simply was no match for whatever it was that set me off this time.  I finally went back to bed just before dawn and although it was the holiday and I anticipated that I'd have a ton of cooking and entertaining my grandchildren later in the day, I took a Benedryl tablet and slept for a short while.  In total, I'd received about 3 1/2 hours of sleep.

When I called my daughter to discuss the final menu I was still under the influence of the Benedryl and feeling the effects of sleep deprivation.  I failed miserably at stringing together words that resulted in a resonably intelligent conversation. Apparently my daughter sensed that I was not capable of pulling off the holiday meal.  I had said something so loopy that we both had to laugh and she suggested that I just plan to rest for the day.  She and her husband would handle everything.  I am NOT used to that but gladly conceded.

My wonderful daughters

When they arrived they brought all of the meats that needed to be grilled - already seasoned and marinated.  They also brought plenty of side dishes and even a watermelon for our dessert.  I thought the least I could do was start the fire in the grill and have the coals ready for my son-in-law; but for some reason I couldn't even do that. I had left my barb-b-cue lighter out and it drowned during one of the many rain storms we've had recently - so it had to be thrown away. Then I scrounged up a partial book of  matches which were no more useful as the lighter. Finally I went inside to scout out another book of matches or a renegade lighter.  When I returned with another questionable book of matches and a pile of junk mail to use as kindling, I saw that William had already gotten the fire started and was confidently making preparations to grill his masterpieces.  My daughter again "suggested" that I just not do anything.  

So I gave my mother a snack and retreated to the living room with a novel and a bottle of water. My husband, our children and grandchildren communed in the yard and I went on a literary vacation.  Occasionally the little ones bounded in to tell me about bugs and bubbles then quickly disappeared again.

Several chapters into my novel, my youngest was plating Mom's dinner.  She would take it up to her, and her 7-year-old would carry Mom's beverage up.  Having gotten us "seniors" settled, the others were  packing up and preparing to head home.  There wasn't anything left for me to do except enjoy the delicious feast my daughter and her wonderful husband had prepared for the family.

My daughter and son-in-love,  Mr. and Mrs. Stiff

It occured to me this morning that this was the beginning for me.  This is where the passing of the mantle begins.  Sans any sudden and unexpected illness or injury, the transition should be subtle and smooth. But God forbid that it's not, I know that they will be prepared.  My children will someday be taking care of me.  They will know HOW to do it and they will know WHAT to do.  Because they have been trained from birth so it comes naturally.  Caregiving is what we do, we embrace it and I am grateful that God has given us this gift.

I am grateful for my grandparents and my mother...such marvelous role models. And I am grateful for my daughters and granddaughters who are bringing up the rear.  

This was the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.