We met about four years ago through a community ecumenical Christian Teen program, Southeast Emmaus. In spite of our age difference, we felt an immediate connection in our spiritual life and value systems that spilled over from our ‘church life’ into our everyday life. We both love thrifting, style, keeping our faith centered, and supporting each other in being our truest, authentic selves.
We were chatting not to long ago, and one of us said, “Secretly, I always wanted to start a blog.” And the other said “Me, too! We should do it together!” So we did.
A note about our tagline: Young. Old. Just words. is a quote by George Burns. We hope to bring to our blog both the friendship we share, as well as the perspectives our ages give us.
About Pam
Hi! I’m Pam, the Winter Bee half of our blog. I’ve lived in Southeastern CT for pretty much my entire life, and my grandkids and many of my close friends call me Pamma.
I love grubbing in the dirt and flowers. I’m adventuring this year in starting plants by seed (in thirty years of gardening I have never done that!) and attempting a cutting garden. I’m supremely blessed with a husband with big-boy toys, so having a tractor at my disposal means big garden dreams!
I came late to the party in discovering fashion and clothes and makeup. Honestly, I didn’t have the time or money to invest in clothes when my family was growing. I started letting my inner fashionista out to play in my mid-fifties, and she’s having so much fun.
I hope sharing some of my story inspires you to give your inner sparkly self permission to be seen. It’s a challenge in our culture, for those of us with gray hair, plus-size bodies, and wrinkles to keep a positive body image and celebrate our hard earned experience.
I love repurposing old items in my home, and especially thrifting for clothes. Not only do I like saving money, I also like doing my part for the environment. (Pam and Rachel bonding moment).
Two extra things about me- I’ve always had my nails done. I love lacquered nails and not having my nails manicured is the one thing that makes me feel truly ugly. (Pam and Rachel bonding moment). Now I do them myself instead of going to a salon. The other is my glasses. I started wearing glasses about ten years ago, and decided immediately that they were going to be a fashion accessory. #rocktheglasses
About Rachel
Hey there! I’m Rachel, or Tangerine Tea. This name came from my love of tea. I figured out in college that coffee would be a no-go for me, and I switched to tea. I love almost any kind of tea, but my favorite is tangerine tea! I am a Conneticutian, born and raised.
I love some retail therapy. A couple years ago I came to the realization that, although I love the trends of fast fashion, it is not sustainable. This led me to going thrift shopping and swapping clothes with friends! (another bonding moment for Pam and Rachel) I am often drawn to pieces that others may deem out of their comfort zone. These pieces really help me to express myself and I enjoy mixing and matching pieces to create new outfits.
I have always loved crafts since I was a little girl. Anything from painting, to knitting, to resin pouring brings me pure joy! My most recent project is learning to knit hats! I am still trying to perfect it. I also love buying new resin molds to create beautiful pieces.
Like Pam, I enjoy gardening! I grew my first garden in 2020 and look forward to grow!ing another garden again this year. I especially love growing vegetables because it reminds me of when my grandpa grew vegetables when I was little. I also hope to start composting in the future. I believe it is important to love this planet and take care of it.
I am a huge mental health advocate. It is so important to give yourself compassion always and rest when you need it. Being in my mid-twenties, I am learning new things about myself everyday and healing from my past. Each day is a new day to be happy!
I am so excited to share my life joys of shopping, crafting, and being my authentic self with you!