With the renewed interest is the book Eat, Pray, Love (by Elizabeth Gilbert) conversations today are often geared towards prayer and meditation more than in recent past. It’s free and totally individualized (unless you prefer ritualized prayers such as those said jointly and uniformly in established churches, ashrams and synagogues.) No matter what your method, the power of prayer is being recognized as a tool for personal growth and transformation.

What a wonderful event we recently attended at a local restaurant. It was a wine tasting and food pairing. It was a great evening but I couldn’t help but notice that for many, it was their first wine tasting. Now, not to say that I’m a pro by any means but I have attended quite a few and can now say that I can see, sniff and sip like a pro!

Here are a few ideas as to what to do with some of the items that you have rediscovered and now want to get rid of.
Books: Your local library is always willing to take some …

Gone are the days of leaving your house open or walking without being some what conscious of your surroundings. We need to be more vigilant. We need to be alert and prepared in order to remain safe. Here are some safety tips to make second nature in order to prevent you from feeling vulnerable.

When in a parking garage pick a well lit, public spot. Remain in a high foot traffic area and never walk next to the cars but toward the middle of the lot, holding your keys in your hand, ready to use. Of course whenever possible, walk with company. And once you’re in your vehicle, lock all doors and move out from the lot as quickly and safely as possible.

Shopping:

My husband discovered this web site that publishes one item to sell daily at a reduced price. They offer this item until their inventory is gone. New sites are launched each day after midnight. It a good site to check out every once in a while. www.woot.com

There are many charities that are asking for our help these days. Here is one for you to consider when opening up your checkbook. Partners, Ivanka Trump and Elizabeth Gore, have joined forces to launch Girl Up, a campaign to get women here involved with girls from developing countries without leaving home.

“While girls in the United States are more educated, socially connected, and empowered than ever before, many girls in developing countries still struggle for the opportunity to go to school, see a doctor, or be included in their communities.”