I have 10 grandchildren and love to have adventures with them, everything from road trips to summer “Cousins’ Camps.” And I always try to document these adventures with lots of photos.

Technology Has Evolved

Today, the technology available for still and video photography is just phenomenal. What the average non-techy person (like me!) can capture and do with a smart phone is nothing short of miraculous.

Many years ago, I started with a little Brownie camera and a black and white roll of film. When our children were little, my husband lugged around a large video camera that sat on his shoulder. I am now using an iPhone Pro Max 11 that takes stunning still photographs, as well as videos. And it fits in the palm of my hand!

But there are a few caveats that come with the blessing of this new technology.

Producing Tons of Photos Isn’t Fun

The first one is, I have so many photos on my phone! And most of them stay there and are never seen. In the “old days” I used to plan my photos more carefully. Now I just click away and tell myself I’ll go back and delete all but the very best. Except I don’t. I would be too embarrassed to confess how many photos I currently have on my phone!

Creating Photobooks

One good thing I have done is put the best photos from each year into photobooks that each grandchild receives at Christmas time. (But I still never go back and delete the other photos!) The kids seem to really love these. Every year they look forward to the next book. Even though the books are a lot of work to put together, I believe my grandkids will appreciate them even more when they’re older.

Here’s some helpful advice I can share from putting together these photobooks:

Make Sure You Be Part of Some of the Pictures

In some of my first photobooks, I realized that someone important was missing: me! Because I was always the one behind the camera, it appeared that I was never part of the activities. Years from now, I want my grandkids to look at these pictures and see me as part of the fun. This might mean (carefully) handing the phone to an older grandchild or even a trustworthy-looking stranger for a quick shot.

Get at Least One Group Shot!

While I love all the individual photos, there’s just something special about capturing a group shot. My 10 grandkids always seem to be in motion, so it takes effort to get them stopped and into a group for a photo – but it’s always worth it!

Fair Share of Photos

Try to have fairly “equitable” representation when you put together the final photobook. This can be a challenge sometimes because some children are “hams” who hog the spotlight or are more naturally photogenic than others. Some are more skilled at certain activities than others. Be careful to include winning photos of each grandchild. Believe me, each child will be looking to see how well represented they are in the final product!

Don’t Miss Out on the Fun!

A final caveat to all this wonderful technology is more subtle, but I’ve begun to feel it keenly. I don’t want the photography to intrude on enjoying the time I’m spending with my grandkids. To be honest, I’m struggling some in finding the right balance.

I used to be annoyed with a daughter who was constantly “posing” her kids for photos during every activity (plus taking lots of selfies!), but now I have to look at my own behavior. I want the photos, and I want enough photos to “tell the story.” But I can tell when the kids are starting to get annoyed with my saying, “Wait a moment – I want to get a picture” or “Stand over here for a picture.”

In addition to sighing and acting annoyed, they invariably respond by saying “cheese” – along with a cheesy smile.

I have tried being less obvious and obtrusive in my photo-taking, hoping to get those candid shots, but on the last trip with my seven-year-old granddaughter (a hiking, biking, and beach trip), I was still aware that often when she turned around to tell me something interesting, I was holding up my phone.

I explained that I was taking pictures to make a book for her similar to one I’d made for her sister that she liked. It seemed to help a little, but I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that I was, if not “ruining” the moment, somehow compromising it. I tried to ease my conscience by thinking of how much she will appreciate the photos in years to come.

I did get some beautiful photos, so… was it worth it?

What I don’t want is when someone says, “Do you remember your grandma?” after I’m gone, my grandkids respond with, “Yeah, but I can’t quite remember what she looked like because she always had a phone in front of her face!”

Let’s Have a Conversation:

So, are you like me? Do you have thousands of photos? Do you print them out or put them in books or share them in some other way – or do they mostly sit on your phone? Do you feel that maybe you take too many photos, and it becomes intrusive? How do you try to strike the right balance?

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Dandruff can be a real nuisance. It’s embarrassing, uncomfortable and can even lead to hair breakage if left untreated. Luckily, there are plenty of shampoos on the market that specifically target this pesky problem. We’re talking about a hair care product that’s a lifesaver for those of us who deal with flaky, itchy scalps: anti-dandruff shampoo. They’re formulated with ingredients such as salicylic acid, ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione to help exfoliate the scalp and prevent the growth of yeast and fungi that can cause dandruff. They also often contain soothing ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera to calm any irritation or inflammation.

But here’s the thing: not all anti-dandruff shampoos are created equal. Some can be harsh and drying, while others may not be effective enough to really get the job done. That’s why it’s important to do your research and find a product that works for you. When shopping for an anti-dandruff shampoo, look for one that’s specifically designed for your hair type and level of dandruff severity. If you have color-treated hair, make sure to choose a formula that’s safe for color-treated locks.

So, if you’re dealing with dandruff and want to get your scalp back to a healthy, flake-free state, give an anti-dandruff shampoo a try. Your hair (and confidence!) will thank you. As always, if you have more than just a few flakes, or if you have redness or white patches, go see a dermatologist to rules out other causes like scalp psoriasis.

PHILIP B.

Philip B Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo

If coal-based shampoos are drying out your hair, try this hydrating option that still tackles the toughest dandruff. It uses Italian white truffle pil, hops, nettle, thyme, lavender, chamomile and burdock to calm inflammation.

Briogeo.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo

Salicylic and lactic acids remove scalp flaking and calm irritation, all without stripping your hair of vital moisture.

Neutrogena.

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula

There’s a reason dermatologists recommend this coal tar extract-based shampoo: it just works. If you have been diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis, it’s especially helpful at controlling flakes. Just be sure to use a hydrating hair mask after.

Nizoral.

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole

If salicylic acid isn’t working for you and you tried the coal-based shampoos, you might be dealing with scalp fungus. (It happens!) The addition of ketoconazole here will knock that right out.

Image: Jupiter.

Jupiter The “Gotta Get” Set

Those with mild dandruff who also have a dry scalp should reach for this balancing shampoo and conditioner duo. Cleanse with zinc pyrithione, coconut oil and squalane, and condition with colloidal oatmeal. It’s even safe for color-treated and chemically treated hair.

Head & Shoulders.

Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Shampoo Twin Pack

Have an itchy scalp? Use this affordable shampoo made with selenium sulfide, an anti-infective agent that relieves itching and flaking of the scalp.

Nutrafol.

Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Shampoo for Thinning Hair

Many shampoos marketed towards thinning hair work well for dandruff, too. This one cleanses and optimizes the pH level of your scalp with prebiotics.

Kérastase.

Kérastase Symbiose Antidandruff Hydrating Shampoo

Those with a dry and/or sensitive scalp will love this pyrithione zinc shampoo that purifies the scalp by hydrates the hair.

OUAI.

OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Banish oil and mild flakes with this salicylic acid-infused shampoo. Ouai fragrance fans will especially love the CAPE TOWN scent.

Oribe.

Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

This color-safe salicylic acid-infused shampoo contains bilberry fruit and sugar maple extracts to soothe the scalp and protect skin against free-radical damage.

SheaMoisture.

SheaMoisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Apple cider vinegar, vitamin B3 and salicylic acid gently cleanse to remove build-up and flakes from the scalp.

René Furterer.

René Furterer Neopur Balancing Shampoo Oily and Flaky Scalp

This oily scalp shampoo uses the power of plants to regulate flakes while balancing the scalp’s microbiome. Wild ginger extract helps reduce flakes and celery extract helps to soothe the scalp.

Hairitage.

Hairitage Wash It Away Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Oily, Flaky Scalp

Like Head & Shoulders, this new shampoo uses selenium sulfide to help eliminate scalp itching, irritation, redness and flaking. It’s also cruelty-free, color-safe and vegan.

BondiBoost.

Bondi Boost Dandruff Repair Shampoo for Dry Itchy Scalp

Zinc pyrithione and peppermint essential oil work together to soothe and whisk away flakes, all without drying out your hair.

Hims.

Hims Dandruff Detox Shampoo

Pyrithione zinc helps control and oily, itchy scalp, while argan and avocado oil hydrate and maintain scalp health.

Dove.

Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Pyrithione zinc controls flakes but won’t dry out your hair thanks to the addition of coconut and shea butter.

Selsun Blue.

Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Selenium sulfide (which you know by now!) controls oil and flakes, while menthol cools and soothes the scalp.

Act+Acre.

Act+Acre Cold Processed Hair Cleanse

If your dandruff comes from an oily scalp, try this fragrance-free shampoo infused with apple amino acids to gently remove build-up and balance the natural moisture of the scalp.

SEEN.

Seen Skin-Caring Shampoo

This non-medicated shampoo was created for those with all types of scalp concerns. It’s free from fragrances and pore-clogging ingredients so it’s a favorite for those with a sensitive scalp. Use it on the days you don’t use your medicated version.

Dolores Catania’s White and Blue Floral Dress

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 13 Episode 13 Fashion

Dolores Catania’s white and blue floral dress is totally in line with her signature style. And if you act fast it can be in line with yours for UNDER $25. Yes, you read that right. And unlike some other things buzzing around Jersey, this is confirmed and not just a rumor.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her WeWoreWhat Floral Print Tiered Dress

Originally posted at: Dolores Catania’s White and Blue Floral Dress

My back was bothering me the other day. Fortunately, I have a chiropractor who works wonders, so I called his office for an appointment: “The doctor is on vacation, sorry.” “When will he be back?” “Hmm. Let’s see. He just left yesterday and he’ll be gone 10 days, and…” I didn’t hear the rest of what the receptionist said. I immediately went into “fear and dread” mode.

Ok, not dread maybe, but certainly “fear and anxiety.” As in “What if my back gets worse while he’s gone?” “What if he’s all booked up on his return and I can’t get an appointment for another two weeks or more?” Whereupon my hip decided to join my back in its pain, and I thought, “Now, what? I’m falling apart!”

Fear and Anxiety Are Powerful

Hardly. But that’s what fear and anxiety do. They drag us down a negative rabbit hole that frankly does us no good whatsoever. Oh, a little fear nudge here and there is useful. Fear and anxiety are, according to research, basic survival mechanisms which tell us that there is potential danger ahead, and to pay attention.

But that’s all fear and anxiety are designed to do: warn us. Our task is then to look to solutions, life-preserving responses to the potential danger. And the first, critical response is to switch from negative thinking to positive thoughts. No, this isn’t pixie dust magic.

What We Need Is to Refocus

The ability to refocus our thoughts is what changes our perception of what is possible. Literally. We perceive the world around us according to whatever we’re focusing on. The more we focus on disaster, fearful events or possibilities, the less we perceive the opportunities for solutions that abound everywhere.

Our minds obediently jump onto our current negative thought bandwagon and offer more of the same. Of course I began to feel pain in my hip. When you understand the power of focus, it makes perfect sense.

Imagine how differently Ginette Bedard’s life, for example, would have turned out, if she’d trained her focus on all the possible problems and issues she might encounter as she started running at age 69. Like: “Who starts running at 69? That’s way too old. You have to start in your 20s, or at least by your 40s.” “How will my body hold up? Knees? Hips? The rest of me?” “Can I develop the kind of stamina at my age that a runner needs?” Somehow, Ginette managed to train her focus instead on all that would make her running possible, regardless of her age.

At 87, Ginette is still running, having participated in over 350 races, including 44 half-marathons and 20 marathons. She has no plans to stop. Ginette runs three hours a day, every single day of the year, regardless of the weather. Yes, even in winter, on a path shoveled through the snow.

Use Your Focus as a Tool

The power of focus is tremendous, both for and against our desires. Those of us who persist in opening our minds, and thus our eyes, to what will allow and facilitate what we want, are those who, like Ginette, reap the rewards. Those of us who stay fixated on fear and anxiety, worrying ourselves into tortured thoughts of more negativity, will not be open to and not see all the positive possibilities around us.

Is the answer to ignore the warning signs of fear or anxiety? Certainly not. Pay attention to the warning, be grateful for the warning, and then deal with the “warned” situation so you can move on to the fulsome accomplishment of your desire.

Whether it’s running a marathon or having a pain-free back, matters not. What matters is your ability to switch your focus resolutely from negative to positive. Resolve what stands in your way, rather than giving in to fear or anxiety and tumbling miserably down that rabbit hole.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What happens to you physically and mentally when you feel anxiety or fear? What skills have you developed that reduce your anxiety or fear levels?

Rachel Fuda’s Red One Shoulder Top

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 13 Episode 13 Fashion

On tonight’s Real Housewives of New Jersey Rachel Fuda has a meeting about legally adopting her husband John’s son, Jayden. The scene is really emotional since Rachel is all Jayden knows as a mom, and there is a chance his biological mother could try to block the adoption. So while we’d normally be primarily here to talk about her red one shoulder top, our focus is more on the Fuda family the best of luck as they take on this endeavor.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Amanda Uprichard McKinley Top in White

Click Here for Additional Stock in White

Originally posted at: Rachel Fuda’s Red One Shoulder Top