Random Thoughts on Ageism, Insulting Women, and How Social Media Plays a Role

I remember for many years thinking that men were the ultimate enemy against women and their self-esteem. That is how it was pushed and publicized for ages. Many people might still think this is the case, but I surely have changed my mind. It turns out that the ones who seem so against the choices women make are in fact, other women, especially the younger ones. If you're thinking I am talking nonsense, it's okay. These are my thoughts, and I have decided to share them. 

If you frequent apps like TikTok, X or Instagram, you will see posts from people with every taste, from every walk of life, and with so many differing opinions on anything and EVERYthing. I am noticing so much more lately that a lot of women who are age 50+ post videos responding to negative comments that were left on a previous post. I am the type of woman  who isn’t doing all of that. I simply block the person who was behaving ugly, and delete their comment. You can’t allow yourself to be hurt over some random person on the internet saying something about you that you didn’t like. Believe me, you will get past it and life will go on. 

However, these newer “influencers” aren’t having it. They are clapping back and calling folks out. What gets me is that these are often gorgeous women with a huge following, and seemingly living a really nice life. They are speaking out when a follower tells them they are too old to wear something or to behave in a certain way. I saw a TikTok yesterday of a beautiful woman who I believe is a makeup artist with gorgeous gray hair and artfully done makeup. She was responding to a younger woman who commented that she was too old for pigtails. The TikTokker proceeded to style her long locks with pigtails on both sides, and let me tell you something, she looked damn good! 

That was her response, and I was internally applauding her for doing what made her feel pretty and happy. After all, the goal for any person is to be happy and feel good about themselves. Once you have that, you can succeed in every area of your life. 

Another TikTok I recently viewed was of a stunning beauty in her late 60s wearing a sporty sweatsuit. She was being harassed that she was too old to wear that. I was shocked! What does age have to do with a cute sweatshirt and matching jogger pants? It seems like no matter what women over 50 choose to wear for THEMSELVES, there is always some young female troll telling her she shouldn't wear it. 

So the next time you find yourself thinking that a 50+-something woman shouldn’t be wearing crop tops, short skirts, bikinis, or doing what doesn’t suit your taste, please STOP IT. Leave women to be who they are. The world is already harder on a woman’s appearance, so please keep your negative thoughts to yourself. Thanks for stopping by today! 

March 15 Application Deadline for Education Scholarship Trust Fund

 

March 15 Application Deadline for Education Scholarship Trust Fund

5,000 scholarships will provide more K-12 options for low and moderate income families

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is reminding South Carolina families that the deadline to apply for the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) Program is March 15, 2024.

The program, signed into law by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster in May 2023, allots $30 million to be used for scholarships for educational expenses. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first served basis for up to 5,000 qualifying South Carolina families for the 2024-2025 school year.

At $6,000 per student, the scholarships can be used to support a customized, flexible education. Families can use the funds to pay for tuition, textbooks, curriculum and educational materials, as well as for tutoring, online courses and a wide range of educational therapies including speech, physical, occupational and vision. Approved applicants will receive their first quarterly payment of $1,500 in late July 2024.

“For over a decade, policymakers have diligently worked toward allowing parents this type of ability to customize their child’s education,” said State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver. “This program has the potential to truly transform lives and make sure the unique learning needs of every child are met.”

Easy Three-Step Process to Apply

To apply for Education Scholarship Trust Fund scholarships, families need to complete this three-step process:

Step 1- Complete a simple application, available at: 

https://www.classwallet.com/programs/southcarolinaestf/ for which they will need:

A) Proof of guardianship (tax return with dependents listed, birth certificate, etc.)

B) Proof of income (2022 or 2023 tax return documentation. If they don't file taxes, they’ll need to provide information on income.)

C) Proof of residency (driver's license or state-issued ID, utility bill, etc.)

After the application has been reviewed to verify eligibility, families will receive another email notifying them of the eligibility decision. The application review process and notification may take up to 14 days. To help determine their students’ eligibility for this program, families can refer to the frequently asked questions at https://www.classwallet.com/programs/southcarolinaestf/



Step 2- Access scholarship funds:

Once a student is approved, the family will receive a welcome email from ClassWallet, contracted for programmatic support and to manage the distribution of scholarship funds to participating families, with the next steps on how to access their scholarship funds. Support and training will be provided to answer any questions families may have regarding how the program works.

Step 3- Use scholarship funds:

Families will be able to make payments and purchases for approved expenses using their students’ scholarship account.

Relax with Grace & Stella Lavender Skin Care Products

Lavender is an exceptional and highly sought-after ingredient in beauty products due to its remarkable benefits for both the skin and overall well-being. Its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help soothe and calm the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin types. The gentle floral scent of lavender also offers aromatherapeutic advantages, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can positively impact skin health. Its natural antibacterial qualities aid in combating acne-causing bacteria, while its ability to boost circulation contributes to a healthier complexion with a radiant glow. Whether used in lotions, creams, oils, or serums, lavender proves to be a multifaceted botanical that nourishes, revitalizes, and enhances the beauty of the skin. 

If you are looking for some relaxation and pampering, you must check out the lavender line of body products from grace & stella. Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.

lavender spray (SRP: $26) — Spray all night. Soothing your atmosphere is just as important as soothing your skin. Get ready for the best sleep of your life with this mood-lifting spray for your linens, pillows, and room. Infused with lavender flower water, aloe extract, and chamomile flower extract to calm your worries and combat insomnia. It is also backed up by real aromatherapy science to treat headaches and relieve tension. An absolute must for peri- and menopausal women!

lavender essential oil (SRP: $26) – Calm yourself.  And don’t let a summer headache get you down. This 100% pure lavender oil provides pain-relief that makes you go "ahh"! Promoting relaxation and used to treat anxiety, headaches, depression, insomnia, and more, it is the upgrade your self-care routine has been craving. You've never known a more peaceful sleep - lavender oil is infamous in the aromatherapy world for boosting sleepiness and relieving stress and muscle tension for a relaxed body. It also offers anti-inflammatory properties, and treats fungal infections, allergies, eczema, nausea, and menstrual cramps.

lavender dr. pedicure foot peeling mask (SRP: $26/2 pairs & $34/4 pairs) — Down for the peel. 

Are barefoot summer days and long walks on the beach leaving your feet rough and calloused? This viral and gross-but-satisfying exfoliant foot peel is packed with powerful alpha hydroxy acids (including lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid) that will completely shed the dry, calloused skin off feet. It's formulated to penetrate deep into the skin barrier to soften and repair feet, transforming and peeling them to reveal the fresh skin underneath. Hello, baby-soft feet. Buy them here. 

lavender body lotion (SRP: $25) — Do your skin a favor.  Amazon’s Choice and Overall Pick, this effective, anxiety-relieving but not-overpowering daily body lotion is enriched with the relaxing scent of lavender essential oil to promote calmness and wellness, and the nourishing properties of shea butter to instantly hydrate skin and maintain moisture for up to 12 hours. Does the sun, chlorine or saltwater have your skin looking like raisins these days? This smooth, intensely-replenishing, lightweight formula melts effortlessly into your skin, leaving it soft, supple, moisturized, and smelling oh-so-good.

just the facts:

●      truly clean!

●      100% Vegan

●      cruelty-free - Leaping Bunny certified

●      no dyes are used in any products 

●      paraben-free

grace & stella is available on Amazon and graceandstella.com. 

Thank you so much to grace & stella for the lovely products to try out. We love them! 

Shop the Big Sale at Kidpik

Right now Kidpik, known to keep your kids looking stylish from head-to-toe, is having a BIG Sale on their site for savings of up to 70% off! This is the perfect time to stock up on some items for your kids and tweens sizes 4-16. They have the cutest looks for Valentine's Day for both boys and girls. Here are a few nice choices: 

This Mini Heart Fleece Crew is super cute and will keep your little one cozy with these chilly temperatures. This would look great with leggings or skinny jeans. 

These Rhinestone Heart Sunglasses are the perfect accessory for your little Valentine. It is definitely a sparkly addition not only for Valentine's Day, but every day! A girl can never have enough sparkle. 

Keep your young man looking sharp in this snazzy Corduroy Shirt. It would look so good with jeans or khakis. 

Kidpik makes it easy for parents to shop for outfits with pieces that work well together to acheive the perfect look for your kid. They offer everything from tops, bottoms, accessories, shoes, dresses and more. Don't delay, head over to Kidpik to shop the big sale today. This is the perfect time to stock up for later. 

Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook Tour, in Charleston, SC

Prepare to step into the enchanting world of Noah and Allie as On Location Tours proudly announces the launch of its newest walking tour, Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook Tour, in Charleston, South Carolina. Fans of Nicholas Sparks are invited to explore the charming streets and iconic film locations that served as the backdrop for this beloved romance. 

Highlights of the tour include:

Dance along King Street where Allie and Noah slow dance in the middle of the road

Take a photo in front of the William Aiken House, where Allie tries on her wedding dress for her wedding with Lon

Stop by the American Theater where Noah and Allie have their very first date

Pack your books and head over to Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston, where Allie attends school during WWII

Peer through the window at the restaurant High Cotton, just like Noah does when he sees Allie with Lon for the first time

And more! 

Their expert guide, well-versed in the film's history and production, will provide behind-the-scenes anecdotes and fascinating trivia, making this tour a must for die-hard fans and those seeking a touch of romance in the charming streets of Charleston. 

On Location Tours is thrilled to offer this unique and romantic experience, celebrating the enduring love story depicted in "The Notebook." Whether you're a fan of the film or simply seeking a romantic escape, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the enchanting locations that brought Noah and Allie's love story to life. 

To book your spot on the 'The Notebook' Tour, visit onlocationtours.com or contact Erin at erin@onlocationtours.com. The tour launches on Sunday, February 25th at 10am, and is approx. 2 hours long. The cost of the tour is $30/person. 

About On Location Tours: On Location Tours is a leading provider of TV and movie filming location tours, with tours in New York City, Boston, Chicago, LA and South Carolina. The tours feature sites from the hottest and latest on the big and small screen. Founded in 1999, it is one of the East Coast’s most popular tourist attractions. Some of the tours include: New York TV & Movie Sites, Sex and the City Hotspots, Gossip Girl Sites, Sopranos Sites, Central Park TV & Movie Sites and Boston TV & Movie Sites.