Mermaids of the Lake Blog

Pretty and functional

By Mermaid Shelley

Our friend, Stacey, has a creative flair that both Debbie and I admire. She arranges pictures in unusual, yet captivating ways and pairs keepsakes and functional items in displays that are eye-catching.

This last visit to her home, I asked her about the great smelling glassy rocks she had in a variety of dishes around the place. Where did she get them? Stacey got this mischievous smile and answered, "Walmart." Then, we took a trip to her local store and she turned me on to something pretty and functional: Renuzit Crystal Elements.

When I got home I took her creative inspiration with me. Here are a few dishes I made and have placed strategically around the house.

I first filled this little dish with the blue Renuzit crystals. I added a few small shells and topped it with rice-sized glass beads (I got a package of these at Walmart in the floral section). This dish is about 3"x3" which is small enough to set on my chair-side table. It's just a little pretty something that adds interest.

I used the same process with one of my favorite crystal bowls, but I added larger shells. I also added a few of my favorite rocks. I think this is a fun way to use my crystal in a different way.

This is leaf-shaped dish is my favorite color and I like to have it out. This time I added small trinkets to the Renuzit crystals and glass beads: a couple of marbles, a few "word" rocks, several small metal hearts, and an actual crystal. This dish I put on my coffee table:

Finding a ways to combine pretty and function is always fun. I'm so excited about this little creative process! And, the great things is, you can use dishes, cups, and other containers you already have in new and imaginative ways. 

Under the sea...

 

The seaweed is always greener
In somebody else's lake
You dream about going up there
But that is a big mistake

... Just look at the world around you
Right here on the ocean floor
Such wonderful things surround you
What more is you lookin' for?

Under the sea, under the sea
Darlin' it's better down where it's wetter
Take it from me.
Up on the shore they work all day
Out in the sun they slave away
While we devoting full time to floating
Under the sea

A blessed Easter to all!

He has risen!!!!

 

An attitude of gratitude

By Mermaid Debbie

Webster's Dictionary defines gratitude as "The act of being grateful; thankfulness."

Being grateful is a simple act, and yet so many people find it difficult. Our world seems to be moving faster and faster, and our constant access to the media doesn't help. To be in a state of gratitude is to be content, even if for just that moment. Being grateful makes us feel better about ourselves and each other. Being grateful makes the happenings in the world and our lives easier to handle.

Several years ago, while going through a difficult time in my life, I took
Oprah's advice and bought a blank journal to record the things I was grateful for. Boy, some days it sure was hard to come up with anything to write in my "Gratitude Journal." However, I found that by going through the process of thinking about what was good, I actually began to feel good. I remember one day when I felt so sad and burdened that all I could come up with was, "I am grateful that I am not constipated!" Well, it counts because in my mind that is something to be grateful for! Most days I can make a really long list, but on a day when life feels overwhelming I simply remember to be grateful for the small things.

Take a few moments each day to jot down things that you are grateful for. Here are some examples of what I am grateful for:

A beautiful sunset
The right to vote
Food on my table
Good coffee
The smell of good coffee
Chocolate
Generous, kind friends
A sunny day
A rainy day
My husband
My healthy children
Green grass
The scent of freshly mown, green grass
My pets
Flowers
The smell of lavender
A wildlife sighting
The sound of children laughing
My community
Leaves rustling in the breeze
Waves lapping on the shore
Beautiful scenery
Wonderful supportive parents

After a few weeks of following this routine, you will feel better. Some experts say that feeling grateful even brings about physical changes, such as sleeping better, having more energy and a general feeling of contentment.

I am grateful for this wonderful venue to express myself and
inspire others. I am grateful to be working with two of my wonderful friends,
Shelley and our new Mermaid, Chrissy, who are both kind, good women.

Lavender - It just shouts Spring!

By Mermaid Shelley

It is a glorious spring day here in the Great Northwest! The birds are busy, the flowers are popping up everywhere. It's beautiful. The smell, color, and taste of lavender epitomises the essence of spring. This little light purple to deep blue flower, compliments berries in sauces and desserts with it's pungent floral essence.



To celebrate, here are a few of the Mermaids' favorite recipes using this spring-time flower:

Croissants Filled with Braised Lavender Strawberries

4 large croissants
4 tablespoons butter
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon fresh lavender, chopped
1 cup Lavender Whipped Cream or plain whipped cream
lavender buds for garnish

Heat croissants in a low oven.  Melt butter in saute pan, add strawberries.  Cook over high heat until they start to become juicy. Stir in honey.  Continue to cook until juice has thickened. Add lavender and remove from heat.  Cut each croissant almost in half, spoon filling into center and add a large spoonful of whipped cream.  Garnish with lavender buds.

Honey Lavender Ice Cream

2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup dried lavender
1/3 cup honey
5 large eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream

combine milk, lavender and honey in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, cover and remove from heat. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and discard lavender. Return to low heat and simmer. Combine eggs and sugar in a bowl, beat until thick and pale yellow. Add half of the warm milk to mixture to eggs and whisk until blended. Stir the egg mixture into remaining half of milk in saucepan. Cook over low heat until thick enough to coat back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and stir in cream. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. 

Lavender Honey Wafers

4 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
10 tablespoons flour
1 egg white, light whisked
1/4 cup clear honey
1/4 teaspoon lavender, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream the butter and sugar. Gradually mix in flour with egg white, honey and lavender. Place mixture in teaspoons on a greased baking sheet and spread each spoonful level to make a round 2-3 inches across. Bake for 7-10 minutes until edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and as soon as they can be handled, wrap each loosely around the handle of a wooden spoon to make a conical shape.  Cool on wire rack for a few minutes and remove the spoon handle.  Serve plain or filled with Lavender Whipped Cream.

Lavender Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon dried lavender or 3 tablespoons fresh lavender
1 tablespoon sugar
Scant 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Fresh lavender buds for garnish

Combine cream and lavender in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours (cream will absorb lavender essence). Strain cream and discard lavender. Beat cream until almost stiff, add sugar and vanilla. Continue beating until stiff.  Sprinkle lavender buds over the cream before serving with fresh fruit or cake.

Lavender Teacakes

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons dried lavender 
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tarter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar, beat in egg and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients, add to mixture and stir. Mix in nuts and chill up to 1 hour. Shape into 1 inch balls, dip tops in granulated sugar. Arrange 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Sprinkle several drops of water on each cookie. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on racks.

Lavender Spritzers

4 cups water
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons dried lavender blossoms
4 ½ cups sparkling water, chilled

Bring water and sugar to a boil in a large saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add lavender; remove from heat. Let stand for 30 minutes. Strain. Return to pan, and boil until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Let cool completely. Fill each of 6 glasses with ¾ cup sparkling water. Stir ¼ cup syrup into each.

Lavender Lemonade

6 cup water
1 3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup dried lavender or 1/3 cup fresh lavender flowers
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
lemon slices for garnish

In a 2 quart saucepan, combine 2 cups water, sugar, lavender and lemon zest. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let syrup stand for 10 minutes. Strain and discard lavender. In a large pitcher, stir syrup, lemon juice and remaining 4 cups water. Serve over ice with lemon slices.

For more Mermaid recipes, please visit our magazine Featured Recipes Directory. 

Spring clean your makeup bag

By Mermaid Debbie

It's Spring! You're on a roll, cleaning and organizing every drawer, cupboard, and closet in your house. Don't forget your makeup bag!

Grab two grocery bags, (one for throw away items and one to donate) disinfectant wipes, or rubbing alcohol and cotton balls. Dump the contents of your makeup bag out on a flat surface and consider each item. If it is old, toss it. If it is fairly new, in good shape and just not your color, donate it. Anything you are keeping should be wiped down with disinfectant. Wipe the bag down too, inside and out. Consider buying a new bag, if need be. I get my makeup bag really grungy and enjoy choosing a new one every year or so. This is one of those Spring Cleaning projects that is fast and feels so good.

Below are some general guidelines for how long you can keep the various cosmetics that may be taking up space in your makeup bag.

• Lipstick: 1 year
• Lip gloss: 1 year
• Liquid foundation: 6 months
• Pressed powder: 18 months
• Powder blush: 2 years
• Cream blush: 2 years
• Pressed powder: 18 months
• Liquid foundation: 6 months
• Concealer: 1 year
• Liquid highlighter: 6 months
• Eye liner pencil: 1 year
• Liquid eye liner: 6 months
• Eye shadow: 2 years
• Mascara: 3 months
• Loose glitter: 2 years

While you are at it, gather all of your makeup brushes and give them a soak in warm sudsy water, rinse well, and allow to dry on a clean towel. (shampoo works great for this)

My favorite place to buy my makeup bags is Claire's. They are inexpensive and cute. I prefer the
rectangular-shaped makeup bags and can always find one there.

For information on donating your new or gently used makeup, please see the
article in this issue of Mermaids of the Lake about Project
Beauty Share.or visit: www.projectbeautyshare.com

Don't hate me if I say no!

By Mermaid Shelley

Saying "no" is one of the most difficult things for women to do. Why? Traditionally women have been trained to be caretakers. How many families expect the mother to take care of everything from making everyone's beds to balancing the checkbook to organizing the school fundraiser? If you are feeling overwhelmed and tired or you wonder where time for you fits in, maybe new attitudes and behavior patterns need to be developed. 

Recognize the limits of your time and energy. Make a list of your commitments and prioritize them. Ask yourself, "How much do I want to do this?" Rate it on a scale from 0-10. Then ask, "How important is this?" Again, rate from 0-10. If you get a combined score of 10 or more, then do it! If your score is less than this, consider saying no. 

If saying no is not currently in your vocabulary, it may take time and determination. The change will feel uncomfortable for many; some will encounter resistance and frustration. It may take months or even years to feel okay about saying no, refusing to clean up others' messes, not always driving the soccer team to practice, delegating responsibility to others. It will not be easy to hold fast when others try to manipulate you into giving in and going back to your "old accommodating self." However, it is necessary to break these habits. The alternative is burnout at best, physical or mental breakdown at worst. 

Who in your life do you need to say no to?  Is it the neighbor who "guilts" you into watching her children while she gets her nails done? How about your forgetful child who constantly needs you to bring lunch money to school? Maybe it's the manager who flatters you into planning the office holiday event. 

Have you found that committing to something incongruent to your agenda usually happens when you are caught off guard? Someone has some how convinced you to get involved in their project or they desperately need your expertise for an urgent assignment. It's women's tendency to want to be helpful. How often after you have spontaneously said yes to someone's request, you say to yourself, "Oh, why did I say yes again?" 

Practice an answer before you are ambushed. You might memorize something like this, "Let me give it some thought and get back to you." This gives you a time-out, time to think before you commit yet again. If you decide you want to help and it's important, feel free to say yes. If you choose no, you might say, "After looking at my commitments, I realize that I will not be able to give you a hand at this time." or "With the commitments I have already made to others, I can't do it justice." Practice these phrases over and over until they become second nature to you. 

Consider using technology to help you. The caller id function on your phone is there for a reason! Use it to screen calls. You are under no obligation to answer your phone, let the caller leave a message. This is another way to take a time-out, giving you an opportunity to plan your response according to your needs. 

How do you say no to a child or a spouse? Sometimes a simple no is appropriate. However, there will be times when you need to describe why you cannot say yes. Express why no is your answer; be specific in giving your reason, and explain the consequences if you were to say yes. 

Resist the urge to be all things to all people! Sometimes saying no is a good thing. 

 

Book Review: Write it Down, Make it Happen- Knowing What You Want and Getting it!

By Mermaid Debbie

We all have dreams and desires. For many of us, our dreams are something we put on the back burner, never really believing they can be achieved anyway.

In this book, author Henriette Anne Klauser, Ph.D., explains how simply writing down your goals in life is the first step toward achieving them. Whether you want to find the perfect job in the city of your dreams, live in a cottage by the sea, or find your soul mate, Write it Down, Make it Happen will help turn your dreams into realities. Seeing your desires written down in front of you sends a signal to yourself that you are ready to make them happen.

Write it Down, Make it Happen guides you, step-by-step, through examples and exercises. You will read inspiring stories of successful people who have created the lives that they longed for. Klauser's exercises will help you discover your passions and your fears. Soon, through the simple act of writing things down, you will be on your way to living what you before, only dared to dream!

 
What are you waiting for? Start living your dreams!

Dutch Baby - My kids' favorite breakfast treat

By Mermaid Shelley

My two children, Sarah and Morgan, are now in college. They, like most kids, still love for their mom to make them breakfast on the weekends. When I ask what they want, it's usually, "Dutch Baby!"

I've been making this for my two babies since they were little. It's such a fun dish because it never looks the same twice. Each time the buttery dish comes out with funny bumps and bubbles. It's fun!

The kids like it because it seems like dessert. The sprinkling of powered sugar on the top makes it taste sweet, but the body is full of protien and other good things. If you add berries or sliced apples, it's even better! 

Dutch Baby

1/4 cup butter (do not substitute with margarine) 
1 cup milk 
1 cup flour 
4 eggs 
1/2 cup powdered sugar 
nutmeg

Place butter in pie plate and put in cold oven. Turn oven to 400 degrees. While oven is heating and the butter melting, carefully stir flour into milk.  When all lumps are gone, add eggs one at a time. When oven reaches temperature, pour mixture into hot butter.  Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle powdered sugar over the top, then sprinkle generously with nutmeg. Slice and serve.

Does your family have a favorite recipes? We'd love to hear about it! Find this recipe and more on our Featured Recipe Directory. 

 

Do you remember...the fragrance of your life?

By Mermaid Debbie

"Pleasure is the flower that passes; remembrance, the lasting perfume."  ~Jean de Boufflers

Do you remember your first perfume- not the one that an older sister or cousin passed down to you, half empty, but your very own, new bottle of perfume? I do. It was 6th grade, 1974. I rode my bike to our neighborhood drug store and spent my hard-earned babysitting money (at .50 an hour, it was hard-earned!) on a bottle of Love's Baby Soft Cologne Spray. It's light, baby-powdery, slightly woodsy scent was perfect for a 12 year- old girl's first introduction to the seduction of scent.

 

Love's Baby Soft is back on store shelves and I was thrilled to recently re-discover it. I was perusing the fragrance shelves at my local drug store for something to slip in my 14 year-old daughter's Easter basket. There it was; the perfect gift, so familiar with its bullet-shaped bottle and bright pink lid. With just one sniff, I was transported back to a time of childhood wonder and innocence.

Remembering my own, personal journey through scent has been fun. My taste in fragrance has definitely changed through the years.

• At the age of 16 I discovered a more sophisticated fragrance, Aromatics Elixir, by Clinique. Aromatics Elixir, a feminine, woodsy, floral scent with a hint of patchouli, was to become my signature fragrance for a several years.

 

• Estee Lauder's, Cinnabar, a heady, sweet and slightly musky scent will always remind me of my senior year in high school and a certain boy. When that relationship changed, I went back to Aromatics and stayed with it until the next major phase of my life.
• I wore Opium to my wedding in 1983.
• Calvin Klein, Eternity became my favorite in 1990, until a very nauseating pregnancy changed that in 1991. The scent of Eternity, is lovely, but no longer for me!
• I skipped fragrance all together during my next pregnancy to avoid the issue of having a scent that was forever ruined.
• After the birth of my daughter in 1996, Red Door, by Elizabeth Arden was the one! I still love it and wear it occasionally, but another favorite has stolen my heart.
• Coco Mademoiselle, by Coco Channel is my current favorite.

 

Occasionally, I like to switch out my signature scent and wear lighter fragrances in the summer. Some of my favorites are:

• Dolce & Gabbana, light blue - flowery with a hint of citrus and vanilla undertones
• Bobbi Brown, beach - smells like the beach or neighborhood pool; reminiscent of Coppertone tanning lotion
• Issey Miyake, L'eu d' Issey - fresh water florals, including lilly, with a touch of carnation
• Eau De cartier- yum.... 

What about you? Does fragrance take you back in time? Do you have a signature fragrance that everyone knows you by? Do you switch perfumes with the season?