Mid-winter shimmer and shine

By Elle

My granddaughters who are between 3 and 5 years old love Shimmer and Shine, two spunky cartoon genies, one of whom has a particular penchant for glitter.  (That’s Shimmer, and she’s my favorite.)

Those two genies came to mind a few weeks back when I pulled out my fiber shawl, by MZ Beads, to wear to the art museum . I love how the metallic fibers shimmer in the light and give my spirit a lift during these mid-winter days.

This is the time of year when wearing vibrant colors, shimmery textures and lots of bling (and maybe some glitter) can pluck you right out of the January/February doldrums. Too many of us opt for traditional dark colors for our winter wear, but what we really need is color! If your winter wardrobe needs an overhaul, look for brilliant, textured cold-weather gear such as this pink thermoball jacket from Northface, these red waterproof leather boots from Overland, and this bright blue faux fur scarf from H&M (although I’m not suggesting buying all three and wearing them together).

Back to my Cleveland Museum of Art outing. Turns out, it’s a good thing I made myself presentable that day. Later that afternoon, I returned home to a houseful of people shouting, “Surprise!” when I walked through the door.  And, yes, I was mightily surprised. Although it’s rough getting older, I am heartened and blessed by the number of fabulously thoughtful friends and family members I have, not to mention my partner, Arkady, who planned the entire party down to the last details.

In a few weeks, I’ll be escorting my 4-year-old granddaughter into her surprise birthday party. She was so excited about my surprise party (she hides from me when I come home from work just so she can yell “Surprise!”) that my daughter is planning one for her. Theme, you ask? Why, Shimmer and Shine!