It’s 2017: What Would You Like to See on PLANK?

Wow, it’s 2017 and we’re moving into the third year of PLANK … I can’t believe it! I’ve had so much fun here – sharing with, and learning from and about all of you! And most of all, I love the positive, supportive and inspiring platform that we’ve created together!

As we move into this new year, I want to hear more from you! What do you want to read about? Who would you like to see as a guest blogger? Which recipes would you like me to feature? Please comment here and let me know about any ideas you have for topics, or any questions that I can answer for you.

 Thank you – I am grateful for your continued support and readership, and appreciate the time you take to engage with me here!

A Journey through Skincare

Recently, several people have commented about my skin, and asked about my skincare routine. While I have been lucky to have not had major skin issues, I do, like most women (and men), suffer from the occasional breakout. Add to that dry skin, and the issues that come with aging (I mean who would have thought I’d still be dealing with pimples when wrinkles started to appear?) and it’s become more and more important to me to take good care of my skin.

I’ve always been a firm believer in clean skin; and over the years, I’ve tried all kinds of cleansers and moisturizers – everything from drug store soap to expensive creams. Electric brushes and magic serums … I’ve tried those too. But I’ve only recently found a skincare regime that I think is really right for my skin. And the truth is, I didn’t find it on my own … I had the help of an excellent esthetician!

Meeting People, Making Friends & Dancing!

As this Summer unfolded, I was dismayed by my lack of plans. My family and friends had busy summer schedules, and even though I worked, I still had some free weeks. I am never one to sit still, so, as always when I have no plans, I got moving.

First, I re-committed to exercising more (I know I always say that, but it’s true!). Then I looked for “crafty projects” – did you see our blog on cupcakes? When the weekends rolled around, I grabbed them with gusto! My husband and I rented (junky) boats and challenged our seamanship, went paddle boarding and hiked … anything outdoors! We made the most of those two days, so by Monday we felt we’d really had a vacation, albeit a mini vacation. And that seemed to make all the difference in the world. Each week, we came back refreshed, rested and connected … which, I have to say, after being married almost 31 years, is invaluable.

Then, after not really leaving home all summer, I have spent the last three weekends traveling. Two of those trips were spent reconnecting with viewers of Days of Our Lives, first in Nashville and then in NYC. As I have mentioned before, for me and my fellow castmates, it often feels like we work in a warehouse with just our friends, and we rarely see anyone else at the studio. Plus, we are all working our hardest to keep up with the lightening speed of the production each day that we have very little time to even socialize with each other.

On the Farm – Touring with Missy & Scott Reeves

I first met this beautiful gal in in 1986, when I joined the cast of Days of Our Lives, and she was (and still is) the doll baby of the universe. She was only 18, but had already been on the show for a year.

About 10 years ago, Missy and her adorable husband, Scott, decided to leave the rat race of Southern California and head to Nashville, Tenn.  Scott, who had been doing soaps for quite a while, is also an amazing singer/song writer … who had evidently always wanted to be a farmer. Nashville was a great fit.

Taking Care of Beauty: Microneedling with PRP

Last week I shared my recommitment to myself, including health, fitness and beauty. And, I told you I was going to try something new at my husband’s medspa. This week’s video blog takes you inside the spa treatment room with me, and gives you an up close and personal look at my microneedling with PRP procedure.

As I’ve shared, I’m not typically too obsessed with appearance, but I do think it’s important to take care of yourself. A basic facial is more my norm, but I wanted to try a little something different … and I wanted to share the experience with you.

In the few weeks since my treatment I’ve been very pleased with the outcome, although I understand it could take 3-6 months to see optimum results.

(This is the actual treatment, and while it’s not too bad, if you’re squeamish … be warned. Please note, this treatment should only be performed by a trained, licensed professional – RN, PA or MD. Also, I’m not prescribing this … talk to your medical advisor to see if it is the right option for you.)