The Coastal Grandmother’s Favorite Things

The meaning of the word “liefde” is “a feeling of great fondness or enthusiasm for a person or thing”

In this blog, I would like to share with you some of the things I have found that make my life easier or happier. There is no particular order or rhyme or reason. Most are things that have been shared with me, and I would just like to pass them on.

Not long ago, I had guests at my beach house. One of them came out of the bedroom, and said, “how do you keep your linens smelling so fresh?” I brought out my bottle of “inis home”. It is a linen mist that is sold in specialty shops. I saw it the other day in Hallmark. You can spray it directly over your bed, and it just leaves a fresh mild scent on your linens. Sometimes, I will just spritz it in the air in the guest bathroom if I have people coming over.

Light Linen Mist “Inis Home”

Between my daughter and I, we have probably tried almost every anti-aging foundation on the market. Even though I am a long time user of Merle Norman, I am always open to trying different products. My daughter introduced me to La Mer anti-aging liquid foundation. I loved the way it looked on my skin. In fact, the first day I wore it to church, the greeter at the door said, “your makeup looks beautiful”! I was shocked. Who compliments you on your makeup if you are not in the cosmetics section of a department store? Both my daughter and I stopped using it for a time because it is so pricey. We tried other products, but we have both gone back to it because we can’t get that look with any other foundation.

Note: This is a “Bobby Brown” makeup brush that is also expensive, but worth it!

One of my most challenging features is my nails. I’m not sure why, but in recent years, I have developed some type of fungus that causes my nails to split and discolor. Again, I have tried most every product on the market to help them look better. I wore sculptured nails for awhile and also gel nails. I ended up getting a staph infection from a salon that took a year, and, very strong antibiotics, to clear up. Along comes “Dazzle Dry”. It was touted to stay on a full week without chipping! Guess what, it does! It was touted to dry in five minutes! Guess what, it does! The only problem with Dazzle Dry is, it is hard to get off. I have found that what works for me is to just peel it off. If you have two or three coats on, it will peel off in almost one piece. It does not peel the nail. It just slides off once you get your nail under it at the cuticle. If there is some left on the nail, polish remover will take it off.

This is my favorite color, but it comes in a variety of colors. You can order it online.

For years, a friend has been telling me that she takes vinegar and honey in the mornings and swears by it. Like most of us, I didn’t pay much attention until I got reflux so badly that my doctor put me on Prilosec twice a day. It was so bad, they were afraid I was aspirating food into my lungs, yikes! I decided to try the vinegar and honey, couldn’t hurt right? After two weeks, I realized I had hardly had reflux at all. I went down to one Prilosec a day, and after a month, I stopped the medication altogether. I have maybe had one small, mild case of reflux since. I use Manuka honey since it is a natural antibiotic, and very good to fight off colds, viruses, or any type of infection. I also take “Prime One”, a dietary supplement, that I get from Saba Labratories. I have taken it over twenty years, and I believe it is one of the reasons that I don’t seem to look or feel my age. Two tablespoons of vinegar and one of honey. Prime One instructions on the bottle.

Bragg vinegar, Prime One and Manuka honey

And, last, but certainly not least, I would like to share my favorite devotionals with you. I find that by having a devotional for each day of the year, it is a perfect way to start my day. I am inspired and encouraged, and no matter what happens, my day just goes better.

I also like “God Calling”.” He Whispers Your Name” was my daughter-in-law’s devotional so it is special.

Note: I do not get any type of remuneration from any of these products. I just want to share some of my “favorite things”. Also, I do not claim that vinegar, honey or Prime One is in any way scientific or a cure of any kind. I just like to share what has worked for me.