Pucker Up! It's Lip Appreciation Day!

Tomorrow is Saint Patricks Day. Time to practice that pucker in preparation for all the Kiss Me's. Today's the day to appreciate your lips!

Even if you're not Irish, Lip Appreciation Day reminds us to take care of those inviting lips or ours. After all, without them your nose would lead right into your chin and your teeth wouldn't have that lovely frame.

Treat your lips to something special today. Get them a luscious lip balm like Sweetest Kisses or Banana-Coconut. Give them a little exercise by whistling. Kiss somebody!

For more about Lip Appreciation Day, check out www.wellcat.com.

A New Spring Cometh

I am well versed in the ways of procrastination, avoidance and denial. But when reality comes and slaps you in the face, I can practice those arts no longer.

Spring is coming.

I do love spring, but my inert laziness has kept me thinking - almost hoping - that it would stay away a little bit longer. This morning, the little yellow crocuses blooming in my yard reminder me that spring is on its way and there's no stopping it. So get ready. And so I shall.


Spring brings forth all the sleeping plants from Mother Nature. Chickweed is already starting to grow in the walkway. Trees and forsythia are pushing out little buds, nurturing them to grow and prepare to flower.It really is a magically renewing time.

So I'm looking around the yard and finalizing the plans that have been ruminating around my mind since the first seed catalog arrived. There's lots to do - cleaning up overgrown plants and shrubs, trimming trees, cleaning out the beds and prepping them for their soon to arrive guests, and collecting the items that have blown across the yard.

I'm looking forward to it.

Why I'll Miss Winter

Just so you know, I LOVE spring and summer. The warmth of the sun shining down, the garden growing, the beach - it's all good. However, as I've gotten older I've gained a real appreciation of winter and the cold weather. I'm apparently alone in this celebration of our snowy season, at least here in New Jersey. So I thought I'd share some of the reasons why I enjoy winter and will miss it when we slide into spring.

• On a cold winter night - there is nothing as absolutely fabulous as hot chocolate chai tea - with or without your spirited libation of choice.
• Snow storms force you to spend time together with your family. Too much together time encourages teens to take a very active interest in shoveling and clearing the walkways and driveways.
• There is still time to get in shape for the summer clothes that you bought 2 years ago and haven't worn yet.
• In winter you are spared the sight of the old guy down the street bent over his garden wearing nothing but a speedo, socks and sandals.
• A day that is warm and bright and sunny while snow still blankets the ground is just plain extra magical.
• Snow covers and beautifully hides the pile of junk in the corner of the yard that you keep avoiding.
• The garden, still hidden with snow, looks so much better in your mind than in reality.
• It is sooooo much easier to bundle up when you're cold than strip down when you're hot. You can only take off so much, but you can always keep layering.
• In winter - you don't have to shave your legs. At least not as often.

You see, winter does have it's benefits. Spring will most certainly be celebrated with planting, gardening and windows open wide, but I will miss winter when it's gone. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find that razor.

Hay for the Horses - and something special for you

I love horse back riding and try to go at least once a year, more if I can find a way to manage it. Riding the trail on horseback is one of the best ways to see some of the finest scenery New Jersey - or anywhere - has to offer. Plus horses are just so cool.

This past autumn, with the help of my daughter and her friends (thank you Emma), we
discovered a wonderful woman, Diane, who has a horse farm in Blairstown. She also works with abused and abandoned horses. She and the volunteers of this organization work to rehabilitate these beautiful animals. It has been a harsh and treacherous winter, and they find them selves in need of some help with their hay fund.


The majestic, beautiful horse not only holds an important place in the history of the world, but in our hearts. They have been our transportation and steadfast workers as well as our companions on wonderful journeys.

To help them out, for every order from now through the end of March, we at Celtic Chairde Creations will donate 10% of every order to The Rivers Edge Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. As an additional thank you, you'll receive a free lip balm.

If you'd prefer you can make a direct donation from the Rivers Edge website. Even a few dollars can help buy hay and pay for other supplies for these darlings who just want to run, love and be loved.

And don't forget that Celtic Chairde is now Facebook! For each new like on Facebook through the end of March, we'll make an additional donation - $.50 each for the first 25 new Like's, $1.00 each for every like thereafter.

Hay - it's for the horses!

Get Your Laugh On

Today in National Belly Laugh Day!

Considering the weather, economy and all else, I think we could all use a good laugh. Laughter not only warms and lifts your spirits - and warms you up from the inside out.

The goal of National Belly Laugh Day is to spread the joy of laughter around the world. They want everyone at "1:24 p.m. (local time) to smile, throw your arms in the air and laugh out loud." It's the Laugh Bounce heard around the world.

But even if you miss the bounce, take some time to really laugh today:

see more Daily Squee

* Check out LOL Cats or the Daily Squee. It can be addicting and worthy of laughing out loud.

* Watch your favorite funny movie - or find a new one! If you really want to laugh, share it with a friend.

* Play a silly game. Games like Charades or Pictionary always get the laughter rolling.

Break the winter blues and celebrate National Belly Laugh Day.

Laughter is an instant vacation. ~Milton Berle