I visited with my mom recently and I was immediately reminded that she is a Worrier (capital “W” intended).

In fact, I’m pretty sure that if there was a Professsional Worrying Competition, she’d be the World Champ.

Morning, noon, and night and yes, even in her dreams, she’s worrying.

She’s worrying about things she can change and things she can’t. About people she knows and people she doesn’t know. About big things, small things and, sometimes, things she just makes up in her head.

Me? I just think worrying is a huge waste of time and energy and effort.

I look at this way.

Either you’re worrying about something that you can do something about, in which case you should just DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

Otherwise you’re worrying about something you can’t control and you should release the outcome and let it go.

Instead of being a Worrier, why not be a Warrior?

Warriors don’t sit around driving themselves crazy asking “What if this terrible, horrible, awful thing happens?”

They sum up the courage to face those terrible, horrible, awful things head-on. They stare the dragon in the eyes, feel his hot breath on their face and then slay him.

Warriors don’t sit around hoping and praying that someone else will come to their rescue and they don’t wait for permission to save the day.

They discipline themselves to seize the moment, take action, and exercise their will even when victory appears doubtful. And once they accept a challenge, they commit to following through.

All of us can be Warriors instead of Worriers. It’s quite simple.

When you find yourself worrying, ask yourself if what you’re worrying about is something you can affect or control.

If the answer is yes, TAKE AN ACTION. This gets you out of your head and into your body. It helps you move from helplessness to power.

Note that you don’t have to necessarily slay the dragon with this action. Just take one baby step toward it. Maybe acquire your sword or polish your suit of armor or reconnoiter the dragon’s lair.

If the answer is no, LET IT GO. Take a deep  breath and release your worry into the wind. Wave it goodbye, watch it fly away and feel the inner peace that replaces it within.

So take the Warrior Challenge. Every time you find yourself worrying today, just STOP, breathe and say, “I am a Warrior.” Let your concern go or decide to do something about it. Stop that loop in your head that keeps repeating the same concern over and over and over.

And for a more visual clue to remind yourself to be a Warrior, slap today’s VPOD on your wrist. This vintage enamel and copper cuff is adorned with a slew of brave African warriors.

It’s a fab find for a Vintage Crusader!

Available at vintagebitsblitz on Etsy.

(To receive the VPOD via email along with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.)

I spied this clever and decorative organizing idea in a 2005 issue of House & Garden magazine and I’m lovin’ the quirky combination of bracelets + candlestick.

It’s a fine way to display two of my favorite types of vintage objects at the same time and squeeze more style bang from my buck.

And that makes it an idea I just had to share with Vintage Crusaders!

GET READY, GET SET, BID!!!

CLICK IMAGE TO GO TO EBAY AUCTION

Vintage 1990s Chanel Silk Blouse (claireinc*) | Vintage YSL Bracelet (mrbmax) | Vintage Evening Dress and Coat Set (efind894) | Vintage 1970s Goddess Maxi Dress (sistersoftheblackmoon) | Vintage 1950s Satin Party Skirt (pmainstudio) | Vintage 1960s Adele Simpson Kilim Coat (promking59) | Vintage 1938 Geissman for Coro Brooch (kaysglitz) | Vintage Ossie Clark for Radley Maxi Dress (sunny1968_0) | Vintage 1960s Ann Barron Cocktail Dress (afro*chic) | Vintage 1970s Deerskin Embroidered Purse (indiecultvintage) | Vintage 1970s Plaid Coat (bustownmodern) | Vintage 14k Gold Mabe Pearl Ring (urbantiques) | Vintage 1960s Leather and Coyote Jacket (indiecultvintage) | Vintage 1960s Bohemian Suede Coat (redhousevintage) | Vintage Pauline Rader Ram Head Necklace (batmobile$) | Vintage Hermes Ostrich Clutch (lovesurf1) | Vintage Gucci Bangle Watch Set (jamie52282) | Vintage 1980s Colorblock Dress (orangesuitcasevintage) | Vintage Hermes Henri de Linares Scarf (jajezus) | Vintage 1970s Peacock Print Maxi Dress (sistersoftheblackmoon) | Vintage 1970s Roberta di Camerino Bamboo Print Dress (slini) | Vintage 1970s Pocket Boots (thriftwares) | Vintage North Beach Leather Jacket (sleepyheadvintage) | Vintage Alfred Philippe for Trifari Bracelet (trifari.com) | (Disclosure: Editorial selections are made by Zuburbia without promotional consideration from Bay sellers but Zuburbia is an affiliate member of the eBay Partner Network)

PLEASE NOTE that Zuburbia does not endorse the use of fur, feathers, leather or animal skins in fashion. These selections are offered only as more thoughtful and eco-friendly alternatives for contemporary fashionistas who have not yet eliminated animal products from their wardrobes.

(To receive the eBay Roundup via email, sign up for the growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.)

If white is for christenings and weddings, and black is for funerals, then color is for just about everything in between!

And if you’re going to wear Color with a capital “C” then why not make it the boldest, most saturated, deepest, craziest hues you can find.

Take today’s VPOD, for instance.

Sure this vintage 1960s enamel trapezoid bracelet would look dandy in primary red or a gorgeous green, but its electric blue and yellow just elevates it to new style heights.

It’s an eye-catching find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Atelier Mayer.

(To receive the VPOD via email along with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.)

Just as diamonds have their 4 C’s (carat, cut, color and clarity), turquoise also has properties that help determine its value:

Size. Large pieces are rarer and more valuable.
Color. Sky blue or robin’s egg blue is ideal.
Inclusions. These are the other minerals that produce the stone’s pattern and, in general, stones with no inclusions or inclusions in a regular or spider-web pattern tend to be best.
Finish. In general, look for stones that are shiny, dense and hard with few rough spots or chips and a nice cut and polish.
Origin. All things being equal, turquoise from famous mines is going to be more valuable. Prestigious mines include Kingman, Bisbee, Lander and Cerillos.

Of course, the most important factor is to make sure you are purchasing real turquoise in the first place. With depleting turquoise sources, don’t be surprised to find some unscrupulous types trying to pass off fakes as the real thing. And don’t be surprised to find the best turquoise pieces gaining value as the laws of supply and demand kick in.

Which is just one more reason to grab today’s VPOD now.

Produced in the 1970s, this vintage turquoise cuff bracelet combines many of the best turquoise properties to produce a stunning piece of jewelry. Crafted with heavy silver, its beautifully polished stone measures a hefty 3.25 inches.

It’s a terrific turquoise find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Beladora2.com.

(To receive the VPOD via email along with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.)