How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks... who doesn't have them? OK, what woman who has had kids doesn't have them? And anyone who has been overweight has too. Stretch marks occur during any sudden change in your body size like pregnancy, puberty, or other rapid weight-gain (you know, that fifty pounds you put on for the big movie role last year?) OK, OK, so most of us haven't had to gain a lot of weight for a movie but you get the idea..

We've all heard old wives tales about how to get rid of stretch marks, but a friend of mine swears by the following tip.

1. Make a paste out of coffee grinds and olive oil.
2. Massage well into the area that has stretch marks for approximately five minutes.
3. Then take a hot towel and wrap it around the area for 20-25 minutes.
4. Remove the towel and wash the paste off with warm water.
5. Apply moisturizer to the area.

The coffee grinds combined with the olive oil supposedly stimulate the area to remove the stretch marks. Do three times a week and you should see a difference in about two weeks.

Urban legend? Old wives tale? Or does it really work? You tell me. I don't drink coffee and I'm sure not going to make a paste of coffee and olive oil, I'll live with my stretch marks but for the rest of you, give it a try.

Are You Safe On SEPTA?

Are you safe riding SEPTA? Riders report that taking SEPTA is becoming more and more dangerous. SEPTA provides mass transit for the Philadelphia and Suburban Philadelphia areas. Unfortunately, due to driver disinterest and overcrowding riding the buses and trolleys is becoming more dangerous every day.

Incidents include fights due to overcrowding (with no intervention by the driver), shoving and pushing, drivers allowing the perpetrator of inappropriate conduct to get away with aggressive conduct instead of pulling over and putting them off the bus or the trolley at the next stop.

If you take SEPTA chances are you have either been the victim of violence on their vehicles or witnessed it and reported it with no change in the way drivers react to violence on their bus or trolley. Some riders bully smaller or weaker riders to take seats. Riders no longer feel safe taking the bus in certain areas, even in the safer 'burbs.

In just the last month I have heard reports of incidents on SEPTA where no action was taken and the same events happen over and over caused by the same individuals with no intervention by drivers. Buses are so crowded that passengers who want to get off when an incident escalates can't get to the door to get off.

SEPTA please make it safe to take your buses and trolleys again. Provide an inservice of handling violent passengers for your drivers, because obviously some of them missed the content of the last one. Then followup when a rider complains and ride the bus or trolley where the incident was reported to check on the safety quotient on that line.

I know there are more and more people riding today due to the increased cost of purchasing gasoline but that doesn't mean the safety quotient should decrease. And if you witness or have been the victim of violence on SEPTA please contact them and report the bus or trolley you were on and information on the time and place it took place and the driver's name. We have to be responsible for reporting violence or the SEPTA hierarchy won't know it's happening until it escalates out of control and someone is hurt.

And if you live in a different area and take mass transit be sure to be aware of and report issues on your transit system. This problem isn't just a Philadelphia problem. Be safe!

Fix Those Broken Zipper Tabs

Photo courtesy of Dealfind

 

Ever wanted to fix broken zipper tabs? Broken zipper tabs are the bane of my existence. Now there is an easy and inexpensive way to fix them (and I don't mean using a key ring or paperclip, all of which I've used in the past, they work but don't look so good.)

 

This new Easy Fix Zipper is just that--a fast and easy fix for that broken zipper on your favorite handbag, jacket or other zippers. Not only that it's only $7 from Dealfind. Give it a try and see how you like it. I just love finding those tricky little gadgets that solve the problems of my day.

Planning A Happy Transition

Photo of Jennifer Oxenford, Kate Vecchione and Nancy Vecchione

Volunteering at Alex's Lemonade Stand at Bertucci's in

Springfield, PA (Photo courtesy of Darla DeMorrow)

 

Part of being happy in your transition to living independently is making new friends and becoming involved in the community. Kate joined Jennifer Oxenford, Kelly Moran and Darla DeMorrow helping raise money for Alex's Lemonade Stand and having fun at the same time.

 

 

 

Choose your favorite charity or a way to give back to your community and join in. You'll find you make new friends and expand your support group.

 

They group also raised money with other friends at the Springfield Mall earlier in the month.

 

 

How can you give back or expand your horizons?

 

• find your own favorite charity
• help coach a team
• work on improving the environment of your home town
• join a political campaign
• help with a scout troop or other group for children
• volunteer with your church
• work with the ARC in your county to improve services
• join a community theater group
• join your choir or choral group
• check out Meetups in your area for hiking groups, cooking groups, and more.
• volunteer at your food pantry
• work at the senior center
• and a variety of other choices that fit your own personality