There's Only One Golden Rule When it Comes to Leggings .... And No Matter Your Age, You Can Wear Leggings if You Follow this One Golden Rule...
"Be sure the Top you chose to wear with your leggings completely covers your behind"
And guess what?
No matter your age, you can still wear a Mini Dress! Yes, that's right, YOU can. Simply wear your mini-dress with leggings or narrow fitted pants, and be sure your Mini Dress follows the same golden rule .... that it covers the behind. As we get older, we tend to think there's no possible way we could EVER wear a short dress again. In fact, for some, it's so engraved in the mind that short, cute dresses are completely disregarded as a wardrobe choice. However, a mini-dress is merely a fancier top, isn't it, so why ignore it. How About You? If you're over 50, have you been guilty of passing by cute dresses in the mall or via online shops thinking, "my time has come and gone, and I'll never be able to wear this style again" ?? Well, stop that stinkin' thinkin' today! You CAN wear mini dresses, just add a pair of leggings.
If you prefer a more conservative look, try to build an outfit along these lines:
Choose solid dark-colored leggings (Black, Navy, Dark Brown)
Choose a mini-dress that has a higher neck
Choose a mini-dress that has sleeves (long or short)
Choose a mini-dress that compliments your shape - as an example, if you have an hourglass frame, try an A-lined mini-dress or tapered dress. If you have a full upper frame, try a mini dress that slightly flows away from the body
Add a nice pair of knee-high boots, and if you have to, get a pair with a sensible heel. There are many pretty knee-high boots with low or flat heels. Keep the color of the boot dark as well, like the leggings: That'll help your look flow in a nice lean way without breaking up the length of the leg. However, if you happen to have very long legs, you may be able to get away with a contrasting colored knee-high boot
You can also match the legging color with the mini-dress, as an example, red leggings with a red mini-dress
If you have to have color in your outfit, try to keep the color on the Top and choose black, dark brown, or navy blue leggings
Stay away from busy patterned leggings
If the outfit calls for it, accessorize your outfit with scarfs, jackets, belts, and jewelry - Accessories add another level for age appropriateness
There are numerous features to consider when choosing leggings with feet, leggings with stirrups to help keep them in place or traditional designs without feet. Deciding which style works best depends upon the shoe you're planning to match with the outfit as a whole.
So go ahead, stop limiting your clothing choices and wear something that makes you feel good!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Monkey Day is one of those unofficial holidays that is celebrated internationally on December 14. The day is mainly about monkeys, but also recognizes other [non-human] primates such as apes, tarsiers and lemurs. (Our own Sylvestermouse knows about the Mouse Lemur!) The holiday was started in 2000 when artist Casey Sorrow was an art student at Michigan State University and one day jokingly scribbled “Monkey Day” on a friend's calendar. The holiday grew from there to include many “Monkey business” celebrations which bring about awareness of the animals and to raise money for primate-related issues.
Some 'monkey lovers' go on shopping sprees for Paul Frank 'Julius the monkey' fashions.
Competitions are held to see who has the best costumes and who can act like a monkey the longest
Celebrate the day by eating Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream, which is, of course, Banana Ice Cream with Fudge Chunks & Walnuts. YUM!
Hallmark cards describes it as “one day when monkey business is actually encouraged.”
In 2016, the Chinese New Year was the 'Year of the Monkey'. The next time will be in 2028.
Sock Monkeys
Sock Monkeys have been popular long before “Monkey Day” came about. The original 'Red Heel' sock monkey design has become an icon.
The famous red-heel sock monkey was originally made from red-heel socks knitted by the Nelson Knitting Company, which invented the sock-knitting machine in 1880. This automatic machine invented by John Nelson knitted a sock without seams in the heel.
This hand-crafted sock monkey created from genuine Rockford Red Heel Socks can be found in the Etsy Shop called StarlightSockMonkeys and can be found right here.
These Amigurumi-style Monkeys are handmade in crochet in tan and brown ombre yarns and a pink and pink ombre yarn. They are soft stuffies who are cute & cuddly and fun.
The monkeys measures 12 inches tall (8 inches tall in a sitting position) and about 3 inches across. Tails are 6 inches long.
These cute monkeys are available in the eBay Shop of Wednesday Elf.
My favorite childhood 'monkey' story comes from a zoo field trip I made with my second grade class in school. This particular 'monkey house' had chimpanzees in a big cage with just a 3 foot tall bar located about 2 feet out from the cage separating the visitors from the monkey cage. Naturally, curious 7-year-old me went under the bar and right up to the cage, fascinated with the antics of the chimps swinging from trees and bars and scampering about. I got too close and suddenly a chimp just snatched away my brown paper lunch bag with my jelly sandwich and chocolate chip cookies that was supposed to be my lunch that day! The 'monkeys' ate my lunch and I cried. (I also got reprimanded by both my teacher and the zoo staff for disobeying the rules, although my teacher later made sure I got something to eat for lunch!) :)
Mark December 14 on your calendar for "Monkey Day"
So, however you choose to celebrate “Monkey Day”, whether you dress up in a costume, take a trip to the zoo to see the monkeys, read a book about monkeys (like the popular childrens' books about “Curious George”), or do your own brand of silly and fun 'monkey business', enjoy celebrating these interesting primates.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I love the song "O Holy Night." It is truly my favorite Christmas song, and it may well be my all time favorite song because of the beautiful message. The easy words and beautiful melody draw me in, sooth my soul and remind me of the real reason I celebrate Christmas.
As we move through the holidays at a breakneck pace, it is so easy to forget where our focus should be. Singing this song always brings me right back to the reason why I sing, the reason why I love Christmas, and the One whose birth I celebrate above all others.
The History of "O Holy Night"
Would you believe the original poem used to write the lyrics for this song was written in 1847 by a wine merchant who wrote poetry as a hobby?
That alone reminds me that God can use anyone to do the most exceptional things. 150 years later we are still singing "O Holy Night" and being touched by the message of the words of a recreational poet.
O Holy Night Sung by Faith Hill
"O Holy Night" Lyrics as sung by Faith Hill
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
The thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O night, O night divine!
Midnight, Christians, it's the solemn hour,
When God-man descended to us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Savior.
People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!
The ardent light of our Faith,
Guides us all to the cradle of the infant,
As in ancient times a brilliant star
Conducted the Magi there from the orient.
The King of kings was born in a humble manger;
O mighty ones of today, proud of your grandeur,
It is to your pride that God preaches.
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
The Redeemer has overcome every obstacle:
The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.
He sees a brother where there was only a slave,
Love unites those that iron had chained.
Who will tell Him of our gratitude,
For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.
People stand up! Sing of your deliverance,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!
Adams via Wikamedia Commons
The Music of "O Holy Night"
The music for "O Holy Night" was composed by Adolphe Charles Adam, a prolific writer and composer. Adolphe Charles Adam was the son of a concert pianist and was trained from a very early age in music and piano. He wrote his first opera in his mid-twenties and two operas per year thereafter. After failed investments in a new Opera House in France, Adam was rescued from certain poverty by the Paris Conservatory who appointed him as a professor of music where he taught until the time of his death.
O Holy Night Sung by Josh Groban
"O Holy Night" Lyrics as sung by Josh Groban
O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine! Oh night when Christ was born!
Oh night divine! Oh night! Oh night divine!
Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother,
and in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his holy name.
Christ is the lord, that ever, ever praise we.
Noel! Noel! Oh night;oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
Fessenden via Wikimedia Commons
"O Holy Night" Published, Translated and First Song Broadcast on the Radio
"O Holy Night" was originally published in French and entitled "Christian Midnight." John Dwight, an ordained Unitarian minister and great promoter of European classical music, translated "Christian Midnight" into the English hymn, "O Holy Night." "O Holy Night" was the first song broadcast over the radio. It aired on December 24, 1906 when an Canadian Inventor named Reginald Fessenden, pictured on right, broadcast the first AM radio program in which he played the song on his violin. Needless to say, I applaud his selection on song to share with the world.
To Purchase Your Own Copy of the Featured Vocalist
Plus, If You Would Like to Learn the History of More Hymns, I Recommend the Featured Book Below
May You All Be Blessed by the One Who Was Born on that Holy Night!
O Holy Night Music Review Written by:
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Sometimes during the holiday season we can get so busy with all of our Christmas planning, decorating, shopping and baking that we forget to take the time to stop and enjoy the season. I like to do something different each year that helps me to relax and enjoy the season. On this page I will review the activity for this year, a "Photo Walk" on a popular historic street all decorated for Christmas. For our walk, I met with four other photographers in the historic area of St. Charles, Missouri. We met at the old train depot on the riverfront.
St. Charles is located on the Missouri river on the eastern side of the state of Missouri. It is just west of the St. Louis area. St. Charles served as the first capitol of the state of Missouri from 1821-1826. Today the main street area is a popular tourist attraction with lots of shops and restaurants. They go all out for Christmas with lots of decoration throughout the historic area.
Our group spent a couple of hours wandering through the area with our cameras and stopping to take photos of anything we found interesting. We then stopped at a restaurant to enjoy some time together reviewing our morning and discussing photography. It was a great way to relax and meet new friends.
I was interested in all of the beautiful wreaths hanging on the storefronts. I photographed many of them and made the collage below of the different wreaths.
An interesting building we stopped at just off Main street was a reproduction of the first church in St. Charles. The first church was a Catholic church built in 1791 called San Carlos Borromeo. The reproduction was done using the same type tools as the original.
I took nearly 200 photos during the morning. Here are a few of my favorites.
Shops along Main Street. I love the cobblestone streets and walks.
An old sleigh, decorated and sitting on a door stoop.
May you enjoy your preparations for the Christmas season and take some time to unwind as we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Around the holidays you will find me happily creating all sorts of treats in my kitchen. I love to make cookies and treats to give away as gifts and to also have on hand when family and friends stop by. I do believe that if I ever decided to skip the Christmas Wreath Marshmallow treats on any given year, I would be disowned by my family. They absolutely love them!
Mine do not really look like a wreath because I've gotten lazy over the years and don't take the time to form them into circles so, really, mine are more like Holly clumps with berries. It doesn't matter really whether they look like a wreath or not, it is that yummy buttery marshmallow taste that grabs them every single time. I also do not use the traditional cinnamon red hots for the berries, either. Instead, I substitute those little red hots with red M&M's.
Why the substitution, you might ask? Well, truth be told I start making my Christmas cookies and treats in September and October and I found that it is extremely difficult to find the little cinnamon candies at that time of the year. So, I decided to use red M&M's one year and my family actually likes that added bite of chocolate better than the cinnamon.
2 tablespoons cinnamon red hot candies (or red M&M's)
Directions for making:
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a low heat. Add the marshmallows and cook until they are completely melted. Stir this mixture constantly so that the butter does not start to burn. Remove from the heat and stir in the food coloring, vanilla and cornflakes cereal.
Quickly drop the mixture by heaping tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. You can form them into wreath shapes with lightly buttered fingers. Decorate with red hot candies (or my substitute). Allow to cool to room temperature before removing from the waxed paper. Store in an airtight container. They can be frozen!
A Few Tips For This Recipe
I do not recommend substituting the butter with margarine or a butter substitute. It will dramatically change the taste of your treats. Real butter works better with the marshmallows and if you are concerned about calories, well the butter is not the biggest culprit in this mixture. Trust me, use butter.
I make mine in my 6 quart dutch oven pan. It is large enough to accommodate the 4 cups of cornflakes and it is much easier to mix the ingredients together in.
Work quickly when dropping the mixture on the waxed paper from the pan. The marshmallow begins to set-up rather fast as it begins to cool. I do not recommend keeping the pan on the heat because it will begin to burn.
I also do not recommend trying to double this recipe. Although, you certainly have enough marshmallows and cornflakes to do a double batch; it is too difficult to get everything stirred and mixed together and then onto the waxed paper before it cools too much to work with.
Normally, I fix one batch and do my clean up (the pan gets pretty messy with green marshmallow residue!) and then in a day or two, I make the second batch. It is totally up to you as to how you approach it but one thing I would not attempt is to do a second batch in the pan that still has green melted marshmallow in it. That residue will burn while you are melting your butter and that ruins the second batch. Now, why do you think I know that? Hmmm? I learned the hard way that some shortcuts are just not worth trying when it comes to cooking!
If your family loves Rice Krispies Treats, they will love these Christmas Wreath treats! The cornflakes give it a slightly different taste but they are really good!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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