What we didn’t realize is that this couple not believes what they preach, they live it.  A few years ago, they purchased a home close to the shop, and then renovated a second home. The second home is next door to where they now live and is the Rachel’s Kids House, which has become a safe house for the neighborhood.  It’s the gathering place to study, work on projects, and strengthen their ties to the community. Rachel and husband, Harry, consider themselves a part of this neighborhood and want to be reachable to “their” children and families. They offer tutoring/ mentoring twice a week, which includes a snack and a full meal. Rachel and Harry have volunteers to help, including teachers and mentors. For years, I had known them as the couple who took the neighborhood children to church and then out to lunch, as we had seen them on a number of occasions. My husband and I didn’t know the extent of their dedication.

The biggest challenge comes in their effort to raise community awareness, to educate others, that it is possible to make a difference in the lives of these children. They decided if they were going to really have a life changing effect on the youngsters’ lives, they needed to be reachable. They encourage volunteers to come and join in and be a part of Rachel’s Kids. This 501(C)(3) nonprofit group depends entirely on donations from those who find this ministry worthy of their support.

The story doesn’t end here.  When went by to see Rachel, there was much activity in the shop, with children and parents present, as well as employees.  When I inquired about Rachel’s Kids, all eyes went to the back where a little elves shop was set up with kids and parents making reindeer both large and small, using logs, drills, hammers and grit.  I had seen the reindeer out in front of the shop and had intended to add one to our Christmas décor.  What I didn’t know is the families make them and receive the profit from the sales.  Younger children were around a large table making smaller, tabletop versions. It made me tear up as I saw for myself what the love and compassion of this couple has done.  Oh, by the way, I came away with 3 reindeer and a greater respect for Rachel, Harry and the kids.

Got it?

Did you picture a gray-haired granny sitting in a rocking chair, possibly wearing a shawl or with knitting needles in hand? Don’t be ashamed to admit it: My guess is that most folks pictured something similar to that stereotype—even those of us who are grandmothers and know darn well that today’s grandmas are anything but stereotypical.

That generic granny in the rocker may be what many of today’s grandmothers knew to be their own grandmothers, more likely even their great-grandmothers. The new generation of grandmothers and grandfathers, however, is far different, far more active and involved, far more difficult than once was the case to assign to a type or a box in which to fit.

Some recent findings on the makeup of today’s grandparents shows we’re not like grandparents used to be, we’re not like many—including ourselves, sometimes—expect or imagine us to be. To whit:

• The average age of grandparents in the United States is 48.

• The majority of today’s grandparents—53% of grandmothers and 54% of grandfathers—are Baby Boomers under age 65.

• Today’s grandparents are more likely to be college graduates (37%) and fully employed than at any time in the past.

• They spend $52 billion a year on their grandkids.

• Three-quarters of grandparents are online. Forty-five percent are on social networks, and six percent have started a blog.

• 70 percent of grandparents see their grandchildren at least once a week.

• Forty-three percent exercise or play sports.

• Thirty-eight percent report having sex at least twice a week.

• Ten percent have a tattoo.

See what I mean? No whiling away the hours in rocking chairs for today’s grandmothers, that’s for sure. Unless, of course, it’s to relax after a long day at work, participating in continued education classes, or round after round of handball at the gym. Oh, and for resting up after the most recent tattoo-parlor visit or rock concert—or night of rocking the bedroom with Grandpa, too.

Stat sources: US Census Bureau, MetLife Mature Market Institute, Grandparents.com

Bright- Colored Pants!
A colorful pant, whether it is denim or not, is the perfect purchase to wear now and later. Pair a red pant with a t-shirt or chunky sweater now, and later, it will provide the contrast of Spring’s print trend.

A  Dress!
Adding a lightweight print or color-blocked dress in February is a smart decision.  Instead of wearing solid red, which many women aren’t comfortable wearing, choose a chic red print or blocks of white, black and red!

A Watch!
Timing is everything ladies! And this is a great time to indulge in a watch with a red band!  Your options are plentiful by browsing the internet.  Here are a couple of our faves from Diesel.

Shoes
Women love shoes, right ladies?  Well, this season shoes are brighter than ever!  The look from head to toe is all about color.  However, if you aren’t quite ready for this bold look, we Chicks encourage you to at least add some pep-up-your-step with the brightest colored shoe you feel comfortable in.  Try purchasing a great looking red pump in February.  We predict this will be your go-to accessory for months to come. (shoes by Michael Kors.)

The Little Red Blazer
AHHH the power of red!  The Chics declare that the new black is in fact red!  Why not?  We dare you to don this brilliant hue and not get noticed.  Red demands attention!  Ladies we deserve to be noticed.  We guarantee once you add a red blazer to your wardrobe you will instantly feel alive and ready to take on the world with a bold new attitude!

We hope that you enjoy our HOT ideas and take heed!  We Heart You and hope this brightens your lives!  The Glam Chicks love to see pics of our readers so please forward them to us as you brighten others’ lives.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins
• 1 bag (16 oz) ready-to-eat baby carrots
• 2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger root
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 1 1/2 tsp dried minced garlic
• ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• ¼ cup plus 1 ½ tsp cold water
• ¼ cup plus 1 ½ tsp corn starch
• 1 Tbsp sesame seed, toasted
• 2 green onions, sliced with tops

Instructions:

• Spray 3 to 4 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place chicken in slow cooker. Add carrots; sprinkle with ginger root. In small bowl, stir broth, honey, oil and dried minced garlic. Pour over chicken and carrots.
• Cover; cook on Low heat setting 5 to 7 hours. Mine was perfect at 5 hours and 30 minutes in a 3 qt crock.
• With slotted spoon, remove chicken and carrots to serving platter; cover to keep warm. Strain cooking liquid through mesh colander; pour into 1-quart saucepan. In small bowl, whisk soy sauce, water and cornstarch until smooth; add to liquid in saucepan. Cook and stir over high heat until thickened and sauce begins to bubble.
• To serve, pour sauce over chicken and carrots. Garnish with sesame seed and onions. This is best served over rice!

Total Time: 5-7 hours
Serves: 6

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons margarine
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 4 cups half-and-half
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 small can of tomato soup
• 1 cup salsa (we like peach salsa)
• 1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
• 3 cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked & shredded (or 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fajita seasoning mix
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 16 ounces tortilla chips (we like the ‘hint of jalapeno’ kind)
• 8 ounces Monterey jack cheese, shredded
• Sour cream
• Bread bowl – optional

Instructions:
In a large soup pot, melt the butter and add garlic and chopped onion. Saute for 5 minutes. Add the flour and stir together, cooking for 1 minute more. Add the broth and half & half, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Add the soups, salsa, chicken, corn, cumin, fajita seasoning and 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro. Stir and continue to heat for 15 minutes.
In bowls, crumble tortilla chips and ladle in soup. Top with more crumbled chips, cheese, sour cream, salsa and more cilantro. Yum!

Total Time: 30 minutes
Makes: A ton! 10-12+ servings

Every town, big city or municipality has at least one thrift shop where discarded items, like clothing and general household stuff may be donated.  Goodwill, Amvet, Salvation Army, etc., as well as a host of church, civic and privately sponsored stores are everywhere, encouraging savvy, budget conscious shoppers to enter their doors. All seek donations from generous individuals who have items they no longer need.  Not only is it the right thing to do- to donate the un-needed, it’s smart to recycle!  Have you ever wondered what happened to that once favorite dress you donated last year?  We are going to take a little trip, so to speak, with that dress.

Meet Mary S., member of the Junior League here in Memphis.  As a membership requirement, Mary is required to donate merchandise twice yearly to the local Junior League sponsored thrift ship.  Her donation can be in the form of household items, cookbooks, toys, lamps, men women’s and children’s clothing, as well as just about anything that is in working order and condition good enough to sell. I met Mary when she brought in a bag of cast-offs from her husband’s and her closets, as well as the kitchen cupboard.  Mary explained she has brought in a once favorite dress, a blue cocktail dress that she has worn to weddings, parties and dinners.  It is still in pristine condition, but she found another dress over Christmas that can easily replace this one.  She also has a sweater of Scott’s, her husband, and a pair of her slacks, a couple of sweaters, and an assortment of mismatched glasses.  Mary places her sack containing the once favored dress, along with the assortment of other items in the rear room of the shop.  This room is where items are categorized and clothing hangs all around. She has entered through a special members only door where she was greeted by her friend Joyce, another volunteer and staff member, Gretchen.  Mary bids her friends, and the blue dress, a cheerful goodbye.  She knows in her heart she doesn’t need the dress anymore, and someone else can make it their favorite dress.

Joyce opens the bag, carefully unwraps the glasses and takes them out to the retail shop where she places them on a shelf with coffee mugs, a flower vase, sauce pans, and a pretty set of antique dinner plates.  Joyce returns to the back where she resumes unpacking the sack. She carefully removes the blue dress, smiles and shakes it and hangs it on a hanger. She notices how pretty it is, with nice lines, and a lovely shade of blue.  This dress will go to a special rack with dressy dresses, cocktail attire, with a price of $10. There’s no time for loneliness, as other members have donated similar dresses, all sizes, colors, degrees of chicness. All are worthy of a new life as someone’s new special dress. The blue dress hangs with good company.

Over the next few days several ladies try on the blue dress. 20-something tries it on today and it doesn’t fit, she settles on a printed pants suit.  Another lady flips thru the rack of pretty outfits looking for something to wear to a wedding, but passes over the blue dress.  Another couple of days go by with no interest in the blue dress; dresses come and go.

Meet Angela. She is single, with two young children. She loves her little boys, her church and the part-time job she has as a receptionist at a local law firm.  It’s important for her to be able look nice on a fairly limited budget. Shopping at the local Junior League Thrift Ship enables Angela to find good quality clothing for her and her little ones, as well as a host of needed items at great prices. Angela’s office has scheduled an evening reception in a few weeks. It’s after work and everyone will be dressed up, and spouses and clients will be there.  She takes her boys with her to the shop, feeling hopeful she’ll find something for the party.  She tells the Junior League staffer Janie, who normally works the cash register, about the upcoming reception.  Janie and Angela know each other from Angela’s previous visits; Janie is caring and supportive.  She positions the boys with toddler books in a central location and points Angela in the direction of the special occasion outfits. Angela approaches the rack with trepidation, but confidently starts looking through the garments. The first to be pulled out is a beautiful dress, printed, with a little jacket.  It has a full skirt, but is shades of green and quite short. Angela wrinkles her nose and knows it’s just not appropriate for the firms’ reception.  She then spies the blue dress that Mary had so lovingly cared for…and tries it on.  It fits perfectly and her boss will be very pleased with its’ conservative lines. She so wants to look good at this important event.  Janie smiles at Angela and gives her the thumbs up. Angela leaves with her new favorite dress, and the boys each have a new book!

So there you go. A new life for something and for someone can be achieved in such an easy way.  Make it one of your New Year’s Resolutions.  Donate that once favorite anything to a local thrift shop.  You’ll feel so good, you’ll reduce the clutter around your house, and someone will be very happy with a new purchase. Who knows, you may have a blue dress you no longer wear…

In closing, I would like to hear from you. How have you made a difference in the lives of others. Do you donate to a local thrift shop?  Do you volunteer with a group that operates such a shop?? There are loving hens everywhere.  Please share with us what you do and how your New Year’s Resolutions affect others??

Ingredients:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar, plus 4 teaspoons
4 eggs
1 bag (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
1 package Betty Crocker devil’s food cake mix
1 1/3 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 medium muffin cups (I ended up making 30). Soften 6 ounces (part of 8 oz block) in microwave in a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup sugar and 1 egg. Beat with mixer until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips and set aside.
Now, prepare the cake mix as directed with 1 1/3 cups water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 3 eggs, and beat with a mixer.
Spoon one spoonful of cake mix into the bottom of each cup, then add a small spoonful of the cream cheese. Top with more cake mix.
Soften the remaining 2 ounces of cream cheese, reserved from earlier. Add 4 teaspoons sugar and blend until smooth. Pour into plastic baggie and snip a tiny corner.
Pipe designs of your choosing into each cupcake.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 24-30 cupcakes

Boots/Shoes Yes, momma always needs (wants!) some new shoes so why not get them while the prices are majorly slashed!  Basic black leather boots and shoes are never out of style as long as they are comfortable. The Glam Chicks have been known to buy the same exact boot  that we’ve worn all winter.  It’s so nice to have them safely tucked away when the weather suddenly turns cold.  Endless  and Zappos are two of our preferred shoe vehicles because of their free shipping and easy-to-sort stock.

Designer Handbags
It’s something about the handbag department in every store that seems to lure us Chicks!  Even when we head to the store for  bed linens,  we somehow end up in the handbag department and exclaim to the sales lady, “OH MY, I’m not sure how I ended up  here!”   Must be because we can never have too many purses!  And, the absolute best time to score a new designer bag is right after the Holiday season as they will be as much as 50 to 75% off.   Department stores must clear these bags out to make room for their new stock, and we Chicks reap the benefits.  And,there are always some fabulous finds!  Our favorite bags right now are:  Michael Kors, Kate Spade and DKNY as these designer labels are always chic and sophisticated without being too trendy.

Winter Coats
The longer you wait after winter’s onset, the better the price!  Merchants need to make room for spring clothing and winter coats take up a lot of floor space. On the other hand, the longer you wait the worse the selection.  So, you do the shopping.  The winter coat has traditionally been considered an investment piece. It still can be, but for those seeking a cheaper warmup, there are plenty of stylish options this season for less than $200 full price.

Jeans – A Perennial Favorite
Has the end of the holiday rush got you feeling ‘Oh So Blue?’  The jeans blues that is!  Ladies it’s time for a new pair!  We Chicks love our jeans and we are always looking for the best bargain, especially in designer brands.  We find that the absolute best time to find some super great deals is after the New Year.  Department stores drastically reduce the prices on jeans.  You will have to dig a little deeper to find your size but you will not have to dig deep into your pocket books which will make the hunt for the perfect pair so much better.  Our favorite jeans and places to buy them are: James Jeans and Not Your Daughters Jeans;  zappos.com  has these and many more Designer Jeans!

Sweaters/Scarves/Gloves
On December 26th most stores will drop prices on sweaters and knits up to 50% off.  On New Year’s Day prices will reduce to 50 to 75% off.  It’s during this time that we chicks hit the stores to stock up on these cozy finds!  Who doesn’t love cashmere?  This is the absolute best time to stock up on luxury items like cashmere sweaters, scarves, and gloves.   We suggest  Ann Taylor, Macy’s or Nordstroms for some serious cashmere finds and deals.

Hostess Gifts and More!!!
We have all attended way too many holiday open houses, parties and soirees  this season on which we have probably overspent on hostess presents. January is the best time to stock up on small gift items to give all year long.  Candles, dishes, plates, vases, etc. which abound for gift-giving during the holidays are marked way down.  It makes sense to purchase these while they are at rock bottom prices.  You will always have the perfect hostess gift to take for  a  spur-of-the minute invite gift.

We just couldn’t resist sharing with you our secrets on post Holiday bargain shopping.  Go Forth And Shop!!!

Until Next time!!!

More than 20 years later I can’t recall the specifics of those cute comments and more my daughters uttered because instead of writing them down for safe keeping, I committed them to memory. And we all know where that leads: to forgetting them.

I won’t do the same with my grandchildren. I’m determined to keep track of the words coming out of my grandson’s mouth—at least the cutest, wackiest, or most profound—by putting them down on paper. I occasionally write about his silly statements on my blog. At the very least, I add them to a list of pronouncements and announcements I have committed to a document saved on my computer. I’m considering purchasing blank journals for such a purpose, one for each of my grandchildren to come.

So far, I accumulated quite a few anecdotes in my first grandson’s name. I’ve noted the way he says everything from his dog’s name and his granddad’s name, his call-outs for sweets he calls nem-en-nems (M&Ms), and his sweet lyrically incorrect renditions of various lullabies and nursery rhymes. Most recently, I was sure to write down his comment about his grandma’s “big booty patootie.”

That’s just my first grandson, who’s still a wee youngster. There will be more to come from him, and from his younger brother, plus all the future grandchildren with whom I’ll surely be blessed.

It’s not just my loved ones who say such things. Funny phrases and more tumble from the mouths of all kids, all ages and stages from toddlers to teens. They provide not only chuckles and warm hearts but insight into the minds of the little ones we love. In addition, recalling those heartwarming comments from the toddler years make the sting of snarky statements from the teen years (mark my words, they will undoubtedly come) hurt a bit less when put into perspective—if only we could remember such toddler truisms once that three-year-old turns 13. Or 16. Or 26.

With my grandchildren, I will remember. I look forward not only to perusing the pixels and pages of the collection on my own, but sharing their words with the ones who spoke them when they’re older. And, of course, I’ll have pen in paper in hand when I do so to note their surely silly comments to come upon hearing their diatribes and ditties of days gone by.

The Dress!
First, scour your closet and find a plain black or a brightly colored dress. This will be the basis for 3 different looks for 3 different kinds of Holiday events.

For a house party or a low-keyed event, The Chicks simply added a long metallic necklace to the red dress, a pair of comfy suede flats, a pair of gold and silver earrings, and a trendy faux-fur jacket. Throw a  small chain purse in silver or gold over your shoulder and voila….you are ready and in style!

This same dress can take you to the opera by adding a more spectacular necklace and some sparkly, small earrings.  A pair of glitzy gold pumps and evening clutch are perfectly paired for the semi-dressy occasion.  And, of course, you can warm your feathers with the same animal fur jacket.

Now, for that dressy holiday party, this little red dress can easily be transformed. Think Glitz and Glam by adding  gold sparkle earrings, a bold bracelet,  high glitzy pumps or open-toe black platforms, and a fab necklace if you feel the need.  The black sequined evening bag is just the right size for your red lipstick and powder!  Top this off with the perfect sequined cape and we dare say that you will be the most Glam-orous Hen at the ball!

Denim (or Black) Pants!
The Glam Chicks are lovers of denim.  A casual, or dressy party theme gives  some flexibility in combining some everyday pieces, like jeans, with dressier clothing items.  If you opt for jeans, however, please choose a dark wash with no rips or tears.

A get-together with a group of friends for the Holidays is the perfect time to sport your jeans.  To upgrade the everyday denim look, simply add a third layer, such as a jacket, a vest, or a cardigan.  Then, put on a comfy pair of flats or some stylish boots.  And, by all means, put on some simple gold earrings, a statement ring and carry that trendy clutch purse!

Adding a  third layer such as the fur jacket, a vest, or the sequined cape is an easy way to upgrade your denim look for a night of charity giving!   Put on some peeped-toe satin heels, or a glittery pump to elevate this look.  And  don’t forget the hoop earrings, bracelet, and handbag to perfect the high feather style.

If you choose to take the plunge and wear jeans to a “black-tie preferred” affair, you will need to add a dressy top as well as some shiny accessories. Mixing silver and gold metals is acceptable and tres chic. And, no one will even notice that your jeans were also worn to do your holiday grocery shopping!

The Glam Chicks would love to see pics from all the Hens in their Holiday outfits!  Please send them to us!

Items used for our Holiday Looks:
Michael Kors narrow black jeans ($89)
Michael Kors gold metallic wide turtleneck ($69)
Andrew Charles Faux-Fur Swing Jacket ($129)
International Concepts Dressy Top ($70)
Accessories: Macy’s and Chocolat Boutique Memphis
Shoes: DSW Shoe Warehouse