I don't know about you but the thought of wearing a girdle makes me gag. Being a figure skater growing up, I never had to worry about wearing something to hide the fat. I knew that girdles were worn often in my mother's day, but I figured women were beyond that sort of thing now. Then, along came Spanx, and it seems that many women were looking for something girdle-like that wasn't called a girdle.

As I've aged, there are certain occasions where a little tucking and trimming is called for and I would get some tummy-control pantyhose. Recently, I purchased my first pair of Spanx and they are really tight but definitely do the job. So, I was immediately drawn to the title of this article by new Squidoo writer brokersaunders, "My Girdle Ate My Fat – And That Is A Good Thing!"

I learned of this page through the Fresh Wonders group, where we work with new writers on Squidoo. The talent that shows up there continually amazes me. A real estate broker by profession, brokersaunders is a fabulous writer with a wicked sense of humor. Her article outlines the history of the girdle and also modern girdles like Spanx.

Take a look at the thought process she goes through in her introduction. She begins by saying that your grandma probably wore a girdle and that many of the well-known Hollywood actresses of the 50's also wore them. Their purpose was to make a woman feel more "womanly." This, of course, is a universal and timeless concept for what woman doesn't want to feel more womanly? She then goes on to wonder where all that fat goes when you put on a girdle? Thus begins an exploration into the history of the girdle and how they actually work. Did you know that the word girdle came from a word meaning belt and that the first girdles were like belts. Did you know that men wear man-girdles or "mirdles"?

This article also provides an opportunity to give your say about the future of girdles. A hilarious video shows a pretty skinny girl putting on her Spanx and a pair of pants that are clearly too small for her. What do you think? Is there a place for girdles in today's world?

Visit: My Girdle Ate My Fat

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Dreamcatchers are beautiful and magical. I mean just the name alone is interesting. Dreams can be elusive, very real while you’re in them, and then once you wake up they quickly fade from memory. I have often felt like I wanted to catch one of my dreams.

According to Wikipedia, dreamcatchers originated with the Ojibwa culture and are “handmade objects based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net or web, then decorated with personal and sacred items such as feathers and beads.” While different meanings are attributed to them, they are generally seen as providing protection from bad dreams. I have had a gorgeous dreamcatcher hanging in my family room for the past fifteen years. And while it is a lovely decoration, it also gives me great comfort.

You can find out much more about dreamcatchers in this article, “What is a Dreamcatcher and How Do You Make One?” by Kathy McGraw. Kathy does not believe that there are “fake” dreamcatchers, as anyone can make one. However, someone should not pass off a dreamcatcher as being authentically Native American if it is not. Kathy once made unique and customized medicine wheels and dreamcatchers for others. She would lovingly spend days or weeks incorporating a person’s uniqueness into the design. On her page, she shares the history of the dreamcatcher, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to make one, including what supplies you will need and where to get them. There are videos of someone making a simple, contemporary dreamcatcher as well as one of a Native American making a traditional dreamcatcher. There are even links to Native American music that can provide inspiration while making your dreamcatcher.

I think that making a dreamcatcher would be a great project to do with kids, to introduce them to Native American lore and to give them a vehicle for expressing who they are.

Visit: Dreamcatchers

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Today is a special day here at Squidoo Lens Reviews. We would all like to wish a very happy birthday to the blog creator, editor-in-chief and our friend, MiMi!

MiMi is known as GrowWear on Squidoo and has a range of motivational t-shirts and other gifts on Cafe Press by the same name. While everyone should have a happy childhood, MiMi knows from her own experience that this is sadly not always the case. Her mission in creating this range was to inspire and encourage others who have suffered from neglect and need reminding of their worth. Her compassion and wish to help others in their own journey of personal growth is reflected in several of her 81 Squidoo lenses, including Children: Building Character, Top 10 Personal Growth Songs That Inspire, Quotes About Success, and The Top 10 Motivational Quotations.

She joined Squidoo in January 2007. During this time, she has also served as a Giant Squid Greeter, Giant Squid Challenge Leader and an Honorary Squid Angel. She is one of Squidoo's most popular and respected figures.

Squidoo Lens Reviews was a project that MiMi launched in July 2008. She ran the blog single-handedly, giving shout-outs, nods, and promotion to remarkable Squidoo lenses, until early 2010 when she extended an invitation to write for the blog to a small group of lensmasters. Needless to say, we all jumped at the chance! These days, MiMi's work is for the most part behind the scenes, but don't be fooled, she works as hard as ever to ensure the smooth running of this project in addition to promoting Squidoo Lens Reviews to reach an ever-widening readership.

MiMi has established herself as the queen of pink with her top-ranked lens, Pink Tool Kits For Women, and not far behind it the companion Pink Gardening Tools For Women. Her lensography also includes tributes to two of her dearest Squidoo friends in Be Positive: Like Joan Adams and Drifter0658. But I first encountered MiMi through the remarkable Homeless in America, which was the lens of the day when I first discovered Squidoo, both inspiring me and leaving me a little in awe as a brand new lensmaster.

I know MiMi has made a great many friends during her Squidoo journey and is both widely respected and held in great affection. I have a feeling they will add their own personal wishes here or elsewhere, but on behalf of all of us at Squidoo Lens Reviews, we wish you all the best on your special day. Many happy returns to you, MiMi!

Visit MiMi's full lensography

Image Credit: Princess Cake by aggiebutterfly

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