I hope everyone had as wonderful a Christmas as I. For the first time in years, my entire immediate family (which totals 20 people) was present under one roof for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was awesome. My sister and I combined our creative juices and made this video of which we are quite proud. :)
In support of my fashion endeavors, my family was kind enough to give me a total of 5 scarves and a new brooch. Who's excited? ME! My cat, Luna, helped me photograph them, and apparently her favorite is the orange one.
Due to the crazy blizzard, we are snowed in today, which gives me great opportunity to return to my exercise routine with gusto. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season kept me from working out during the last two weeks. I was eager to get back into things this week, so before doing much else today, I got out my leg strap and resistance band and restarted the 30 Day Challenge on EA Active. I'm going to do my best to follow it's schedule, but as I've mentioned before, I find it difficult to work out 5 days a week. I have completed the 30 Day Challenge in 60 days before, and if I can replicate that again, I'll be more than happy.
Interestingly enough, my father has enlisted my aid in getting his health and fitness back on track. My father is a man of strong will power, and when he puts his mind to it, he does really well. But like so many of us, life's busy schedule creeps in and before you know it, you fall back into to your old habits and looser jeans. So, I agreed to hold him accountable, so we can keep him motivated and on track. I'm not sure if he realizes what he's in for! :) I think many of the "tactics" I'll be using to help him along are valuable to anyone who wants to take better care of themselves. So, I'll be sharing some of them via this blog.
Concerning my personal health and fitness (so you know I do try to practice what I preach): knowing I would not be able to find the time to exercise, I tried to be very careful in terms of what I ate. I allowed myself cookies and other great treats, but tried to keep the portions small and grazing to a minimum. Curious as to what the two weeks off did to the number on the scale, I weighed myself this morning. As it turns out, I "lost" 0.2 lbs. Now, I wasn't trying to lose weight; my goal is to remain where I am currently while improving overall tone. Nevertheless, based on this finding, I think I'm doing pretty well! Go me!
So, stay tuned for health and fitness strategies and enjoy the remainder of 2010. The start of a new year means more and different fashion trends will be emerging and opportunities to better yourself, however you deem fit, will be plentiful. "You are what you give yourself the power to be." Remember that.
The Thoelen Clan on Christmas Day minus mom; she was taking the picture.
I recently marvelled at the versatility of Q-tips. Have you ever taken the time to read the back of a box of Q-tips? I'm a reader. Not so much of books, but I was the type of kid who always read the back of the cereal box on Saturday mornings. I read shampoo bottles and toothpaste tubes when *ahem* sitting in the bathroom. So naturally, at some point, I did read the back of the Q-tip package and thought, "Yeah, I bet that would prove useful for...." On Q-tip's website, they have a whole section dedicated to its "Variety of Uses," including Holiday Crafts; take a look!
But since this is an HBA blog, I want to focus on their great efficiency as it pertains to makeup application. I always knew that you could use Q-tips as a makeup applicator, but somewhat scoffed at the idea. Why use a Q-tip when my compact comes with those fancy brushes? Yeah, those fancy brushes that, if you are like me and use quad eyeshadows, end up messing up your application due to residual makeup. I would be carefully trying to apply a light, golden shadow to my upper eyelid (after having applied black eyeshadow up to my first eyelid crease - a feature of my smoky eye look) only to get an outline of black at the recess of my brow bone - not flattering at all. I was attempting to accomplish this very same thing the other day when I spotted a Q-tip on a nearby shelf. What did I have to lose?
Answer: nothing. Outcome: glorious. My application was flawless! There was no residual, unwanted shadow. Every shade went on cleanly and precisely, and after I was done, I simply tossed it in the garbage! Simplicity's genius! As it turns out, Q-tip is no stranger to how well it performs in the makeup department, and knowing that women put them to use in just that way, they have packaged the suave swabs in such a fashion that they are counter top friendly.
May I present to you the Q-tip Vanity Pack! It contains 285 Q-tips and retails for about $3-$5. They are biodegradable and also made from 100% cotton. The convenience is outstanding. I'm sold.
In addition to listing its many uses, the Q-tip website kindly gives consumers a guide for how to achieve a few commonly sought after makeup effects, such as the smoky eye. And since Q-tips work well for more than just eyeshadows, techniques for your lips and/or for "facial contouring" are also provided.
Q-tip firmly believes in its product and its versatility. What makes Q-tips better than other generic cotton swabs? They boast that because the swabs are made with 100% cotton, they are the softest ones on the market. Furthermore, my mother says that unlike other imitations, the cotton sticks to the stick! Other brands have been known to unravel or pull away from the stick in mid-use - a scenario you do not want to be met with as you are hurriedly readying yourself for ____ (fill in social situation here).
So, for the time being, I think I will shy away from "fancy brushes" and start using Q-tips with more frequency. And for those who are environmentally friendly and may be cringing at the thought of the additional waste this adaptation will cause, may I remind you, they are biodegradable. Problem solved! I encourage you, readers, to try them as well. Part of the cause of my makeup mishaps likely has to do with the fact that I do not own a nice set of makeup brushes (a must have for makeup die-hards), so if you do own a set and have no problems, stick with them! But in a pinch when those brushes are not within reach, remember you can always grab a Q-tip and be confident in the resulting look. Happy Swabbing!
Scarves are outrageously popular right now, and I am totally in on this one. I currently own 12 and counting. They vary in shades, prints, and fabrics. I love the variety possible with this accessory; manufacturers offer so many different ones to choose from! I also am a big fan of their versatility as most contain a few different colors within their patterns, which makes them adaptable to a greater number of outfits.
Here is my collection thus far:
Plaids
Chunky Ones
Dark Green & Black
Reds W/"Jewel" Accents
For Anytime
You can hardly mess up on this one. The key is in the tying. Sure, it is perfectly fine to employ the simple toss, basic knot, or European ascot. They are efficient and easy! But if you want, you can go that extra mile and employ some less known or worn techniques. This proves especially advantageous if, like me, you own quite a few scarves and jump at any opportunity to wear one. I recently learned how to create a pretzel-like knot, thanks to this video on YouTube. I had seen pictures of it, but could not figure out how to create it for myself. I think it's a neat spin on the regular knot.
I also found this video very helpful. It offers several how-to's that are rather easy, yet fun and stylish. I especially enjoy how one of the styles allows for a brooch to be added to the scarf to dress it up a little more. :)
For the men folk, this website offers 9 different tying techniques. Most techniques are universal and can be worn by men or women, but some of the more dainty looking ones I'm sure you would pass on, so hopefully this helps. (As a side note: KinoWear is a blog dedicated to men's practical fashion; it may be worth book marking if you are into that).
Lastly, I found this fabulous website that shows pictures of various styles with step by step instructions on how to create them. Score! Not only does it provide hints useful for chunky or pashmina scarves, but also for head scarves and bandana-like styles as well!
Scarves are an amazingly fun accessory. I absolutely love them and enjoy the flare they give my every day clothes. I hope these tying resources help you stay warm and stylish the whole winter through.
I really enjoy yoga...now. When it first became popular back when I was in college, I thought, "You'll never find me in a downward facing dog!" But how wrong I was for writing it off! My initial hesitation was due to the fact that I thrive off of heart pumping, sweat your pants off, sore the next day workouts. They energize me and make me feel strong. In short, they're empowering. Yoga seemed to me to be a snooze, having to extend through all off those awkward movements like a ballerina. And with grace? I do karate! I have little of that (just ask Jon). So, I never tried it. I totally respected those who did, as I recognized that they possessed a different type of discipline than I.
Downward Facing Dog
When I got the Wii Fit Plus last year, I was intrigued that it had the training option of yoga. Nevertheless, it was many a boxing exercise and strength training session before I even opened the menu. Eventually, I did - more out of necessity than want. I truly do strive to make exercise a daily part of my life. I don't usually succeed every day. Generally, I average a sweat session 2-3 times per week. Thankfully, my job is very active, so I do not feel so bad about that number. But anyway, if I find myself with the time to bang out a 20-minute workout, I do. (It is amazing once you discipline yourself to carve out 20 or so minutes for exercise how small a time commitment it actually is and how quickly it goes by - just saying). But there are some days when I have karate training that evening or my body is just physically tired from flipping kids all week that a hard, strenuous workout is impractical and could be injurious. This is precisely the predicament I was met with the first day I decided to give yoga a try.
I applied myself to several of the poses, paying close attention to the directions given by my virtual personal trainer. And to my amazement, I really enjoyed it. It did not give me the same endorphin high I usually got from working out, but the stretching eased some of my aches and pains. Furthermore, I've always been a fan of stretching. Training in the martial arts works your muscles rigorously. The only way to ease the after-class tenderness, and/or avoid injury during it, is by stretching. Plus, after having achieved a full straddle split somewhere around brown belt, I was not about to let my limbs' flexibility go by the wayside. Yoga, I found, is like advanced, intentional stretching. Combine the elongation of muscle tissue with deep breathing, and you have a lovely recipe for relaxation.
Gate Pose
Recently, I've been engaging in yoga with more frequency. I stick to the poses I can put together in the My Wii Fit Plus Routine feature, so I would still dub myself a novice. But I love what I do. The downward facing dog is probably my #1 favorite pose because of the nice stretch it gives to my lower back. I also really enjoy the warrior and gate. poses. They both engage a few different muscle groups, and the greater the overall stretch, the better I feel.
I've heard/read stories like this many times - someone was wary, even terrified, to try something new, and after mustering up the courage to try it, fell in love. I will likely never replace my strength/cardio training with yoga, but I enjoy supplementing with it. Variety in your fitness routine allows for your body to never get bored with or used to the familiar movements, which will allow for continued growth, not stagnation. (You're probably all too acquainted with that dastardly plateau everyone hits at some point in their fitness life). It still amazes me every few months when I take a week off completely (rest is important) or throw in something entirely new, how results appear so quickly. Changing things up is like a jumpstart to your body and in many ways to your metabolism also.
Warrior Pose
So, if you find you are in a fitness rut, change it up. If you run, try biking. If you dance, try boxing. The key is to challenge your muscles differently so you can "shock" them into further growth and/or refinement. Give it a try! What do you have to lose?
Undoubtedly, one of the most beloved features of the holiday season is the decorations. What would the holidays be without the trimmings? The bright colors, garlands, mistletoe, lights, etc. all turn our neutral homescapes into beautiful, wistful wonderlands that help get us into the holiday spirit. I love this time of year.
Along with the opportunity to "deck your halls," the holidays also offer an occasion to incorporate certain colors and looks into our wardrobe we may normally find a bit too over the top for the normal day to day.
For instance, jewel tones tend to appear in full force at holiday parties. They are beautiful and rich, intense and deep. When applied to one's wardrobe, they can really make your outfit pop! Designers have created pieces in many different colors with that great shiny, satiny look, so you can work with the colors that are in your palette. A simple jewel toned blouse or skirt can make this incorporation effortless.
What's more, the fashion industry is trying to lend a helping hand with your outfit shopping. Check it out!
JCPenney offers a "little red book" on their website that showcases some outfits and accessories that implement many of the most popular trends. Black is huge this season, so do not be surprised to see it everywhere.
Charlotte Russe's "Must Have Trends" are saturated with sequins and satiny finishes. They also offer options with lace, feathers, and/or ruffles. If it's hot right now, they have it. The dress on the left is a nice pick, I think. It strikes me as elegant, feminine, yet simple. (And its currently, 25% off!)
Macy's "Holiday Dressing" category has a subcategory solely dedicated to "Shine." Their other distinctions include fur, lace, velvet, and statement jackets. Another good place to find ideas!
Target offers a nifty tool via their facebook page, a My Look Maker. Using Merona fashions, you can piece together a whole look. You can experiment with various tops, bottoms, and even accessories and get a good feel for how the whole ensemble will look. It's rather fun!
And fashion should be fun! This past weekend, Jon and I attended our church's Christmas banquet. We helped with cleanup afterward, so we passed on our best duds. Nevertheless, I added some flare to a simple burgundy sweater and black jeans combo with one of my brooches. Jon kept it casual, but he made me very proud when it came to his outerwear. Not only did he choose to wear his spiffy peacoat, but he also wore a scarf and fedora. He looked great, and I was impressed that my husband was accessorizing.
Next week, I have my work holiday party, followed by Jon's work holiday banquet. I look forward to the adventures I will have in deciding what to wear. I hope the process of outfit decision making goes well for you in the weeks ahead! Feel free to post any pictures of outfits you really loved; I'd love to see them! Happy holiday dressing!
Users & readers beware! I wrote my last blog only a few days after beginning to use the Mitchum Clinical Performance Deodorant. Since then, I have developed two small, severely dry rashes, one on each underarm. They're uncomfortable and remind me of when I had poison ivy in my armpits at age 9 (yes, it was terrible). I am unsure whether this reaction occurred because my skin is highly sensitive right now with the colder weather, or because I applied the deodorant twice in one day as a means of "freshening up". I did a little research and found I am not the only one who has had this experience. Here are two reviews I took from Amazon.com. They are not written for the women's version, but I have to believe the formula is the virtually the same. Read on:
"I loved Mitchum's. I used to use the cream, great stuff but a little messy. I then switched to the solid, great stuff but the residue sucked. Then they came out with some Hydro or was it Hybrid protection and I LOVED IT. I guess they discontinued it but when I saw the smart solid it had all the makings of the hydro stuff. ITS NOT THE SAME. I tried this one and it made me sweat more, I know that doesnt seem to make sense but I have the sweat stains to prove it. I came home today and jumped in the shower because I was so sweaty and itchy (itchy?). Once I got out of the shower I realized my arm pits hurt and were red and swollen. IT SUCKS lol. So I threw some Gold Bond on it and did a search and here I am. I am sure it works for some, but just be aware that it can potentially cause a rash. SENSITIVE SKINNED PEOPLE BEWARE. Bring back the hyrdo (or whatever it was called)." - Clay Sanders
"I know many have had good experiences with Mitchum, but I want to also let you know that there is a large group of people who have had very bad ones. Be wary that this stuff does contain the highest level of active ingredient allowable -- this can mean bad things if your skin has a bad reaction to it. Yes, it'll close up your pores... nothing's getting out of there. If your sole aim is to stop sweating in the arms, then this is the best you can probably get. However, people like me have negative reactions to it. It basically causes this really painful rash and makes the arms quite sore. I don't normally write reviews, but I figured this would be the best way to let others know that this product needs to be used with a bit of caution. Many others have experienced these strange rashes as well. It's likely the result of the pores being clogged and/or an allergic reaction of some sort. Be wary when trying this stuff, and if your arms begin to get sore or if rashes appear, stop using it immediately." - Marcus Stuhr
Thankfully, with the use of Aquaphor's Healing Ointment, the rashes are clearing up quickly. But, I guess its back to Dove for me! I don't claim to be an expert. I write from my experience - both the good and the bad. I still think this product works very well. The high concentration of the active ingredient simply does not bode well for sensitive types such as myself. Hope this helped and saved someone some painful irritation! And I apologize for any I may have caused by my recommendation.
Being that I have a highly active job which requires a highly energetic persona and brute physical strength to lift children and haul around equipment, I cannot work without sweating. On top of that, I sweat pretty easily, so from a bodily odor standpoint, I'm doomed. Thankfully, I don't get armpit stains or anything of that embarrassing nature, but I would appreciate it if, at the end of the day, I don't smell like a boy's locker room.
When HBA companies recently began offering clinical prescription strength deodorants, I was thrilled, not from a wetness standpoint, but from an olfactory one. Unfortunately, these products are not cheap. Generally, they retail for between $7-$12, an amount that seems a little steep when compared to regular deodorants that sell for between $3-$5. But in this sense (no pun intended), you get what you pay for.
I've tried 3 different clinical strength deoderents. Here are my reviews:
Secret's Clinical Strength Advanced Solid - I tried this product first. It instructs you (as most do) to apply at bedtime so your body has the maximize time to absorb into your skin, offering the greatest protection. It worked generally well. It smelled nice, like a typical deodorant. My one gripe with it is that it is not a solid. In fact, it goes on more like a cream. Kind of weird, right? It did not absorb quickly, so if I was not careful I "left my mark" on anything I lifted my arm to. If you go to Secret's website, you'll find that 33 of 46 reviewers would recommend this product to others, so for many this is a God-send.
Nevertheless, due to the creaminess, when Dove's Clinical Protection happened to be on sale when I need to re-stock, I figured I'd "give it a whirl" (Home Alone reference). I went through two rounds of this product and really liked it. I tried both the Cool Essentials & Energizing scents. The deodorant was also not solid; it was akin to other non-solid deodorants I had used previously. The big appeal - it absorbed rapidly. No residue. No long waits for absorption. No unwanted traces left behind on my couch. For that reason, I believe it worked better for me. I would continue to use this product and definitely recommend it to anyone.
However, when I ran out of deodorant over the long Thanksgiving weekend, I found myself at Rite Aid, unwilling to pay $10 for it. I'm not made of money, and the holidays are coming! I happened to spot Mitchum offering Clinical Performance Smart Solid for $5. I figured I had little to loose, so I bought it. However, I approached with skepticism because I had tried Mitchum products in the past with dissatisfying results. To my pleasant surprise, this is now my top pick. Unlike Secret's, there is honesty in the packaging; the deodorant is a solid. It is water based, so it goes on cleanly without any mess whatsoever. Consequently, it seemingly glides on better than Dove's, which requires several swipes to make it disappear. Additionally, although I'm unsure why, it has a cooling sensation after application that is kind of nice. It surprised me at first, but I rather enjoy it. It makes you feel a little more fresh! And for $5, who can complain? I am sure not! And after 2 long workdays that had me sweating significantly, I could not detect any stench from my underarm region at the end of the day. SCORE!
All of these products fared well in terms of wetness protection. An added bonus for me, but not a selling point because that was not why I experimented with them.
If you have tried any of these products, I encourage you to comment and post your own review. Different products work differently for different people, so don't necessarily take my word for it. "Give it a whirl" and see for yourself. Here's to no B.O.!
Before I continue, I invite you to watch this amusing Veggie Tales short:
One of my favorite personal physical features are my lips. They are not outstanding, like Angelina Jolie's pout. But, they are nice, and I like them! My eyes are my most beloved natural accessory. While I do little else with makeup, if I wear any at all, it always goes on my eyes. Yet, because of my deep appreciation for my mouth, I enjoy dressing it up as well, though minimally. I usually use a neutral pink liquid lip tint by e.l.f. - their Luscious Liquid Lipstick line in either Baby Lips (#80530) or Pink Lemonade (#80828). I don't care for super shiny glosses or unnatural shades; they make my pucker a little too imposing for my tastes.
Baby Lips
Pink Lemonade
Recently, I dared to break away from my norm. In a magazine, I had read that plum shades are very "in" right now and would compliment my complexion and natural hues. So, I splurged on a $1.97 NYC lipstick in Sugarplum, #418. At my first application, Jon (my husband) immediately noticed and commented, "Since when do you wear lipstick? It's too dark for you." After I explained myself and a few minutes had passed, he reneged his previous statement; "Maybe it's not too dark. I'm just not used to it." Regardless, I liked it. It darkened my lips enough but not too much and with a deepness possible only with plum. I believe it is my new favorite fall/winter lip glaze.
Sugar Plum
Along with the color advice, the afore mentioned magazine also gave me the idea to use a brand like NYC that allows you to "try on" various shades without breaking the bank. A wise notion, I think. It is not worth spending big bucks if you are unsure you will even walk out of your bathroom with it on, let alone out the door. So my encouragement to you this time, dear readers, is again to muster up the courage to try different things. If something stands out to you, or as my mother says, "strikes you," there is a reason for that. And of course, you won't find winners all the time, but you never know until you try.
Furthermore, know that you can appreciate trends without wearing them. Skinny jeans, for example, are a really neat and fresh take on leg coverings, but with my boxy/pear-like shape, I cannot wear them. My muscular thighs and calves discount me from this one, and that's OK! I can still smile as I see girls prance around in their leggings and Uggs (so effortlessly chic). And while that might cause some initial disappointment, when it comes to fashion, it works both ways - what looks great on me will not look as stunning on others. Thus, we have reason to celebrate each other's uniqueness and individuality! So, go on; pick something! And maximize on it - whether minimally or extraordinarily. I think you'll be glad you did!
So over 7 months ago, my sister bravely stepped away from animal products and took on the dietary lifestyle of a Vegan in the hopes of bettering her quality of life due to endometriosis. I was so proud of her for undertaking such a feat and even prouder when she stuck to it month after month. She and I have had numerous conversations about how interesting Thanksgiving would be as a Vegan, so I asked her to write a post about just that. This is uneditted and highly appreciated. To Erica, thank you, and to all else - enjoy!
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m Erica, Holly’s big sister, and she asked if I would write about the joys of being a vegan for her Thanksgiving blog. First I have to say that my sister is an amazing woman, and inspires me every day with her creativeness, her unabashed uniqueness, and her gentle caring spirit. I’m honored to have her as my BFF4L!
Thanksgiving has always been right up there on my list of favorite holidays. It has all the magic and familial closeness as Christmas, but without all the shopping stress and grinches.
Thanksgiving food is, by nature, comfort food and always induces a wonderfully satiated tryptophan coma (pay no attention to the negative food coma comments in the last post!) This Thanksgiving is going to be different for me in that this is the first holiday season that I will be celebrating as a vegan.
I started my vegan journey back in April when I noticed that the symptoms of endometriosis were worsening. Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial cells which normally shed during a woman’s monthly cycle, start growing outside of the uterus. This results in significantly more painful periods, and other not so wonderful symptoms. Endometriosis was something that I dealt with as a teenager, but laid dormant during my pregnancies.
About two years after having Brooke, I noticed that my symptoms were back so I did some research and found that a holistic approach to the condition is a diet free of animal products. Hormones and the inflammatory nature of meat and dairy are said to “feed” endometriosis. Conversely, a diet rich in foods that help your body dispose of estrogen will help relieve the symptoms and “shrink” the endometrial deposits scattered through your abdomen. Those foods are vegetables! Come on…get excited here!
So, back to Thanksgiving. What’s a vegan girl to eat? Obviously the turkey is out and the thought of a jiggling tofurkey is not really appetizing to me. Fortunately for me, my favorite thing about Thanksgiving is the side dishes, and instead of reinventing the wheel, I decided that the best route would be to veganize all those classic sides. The following are some examples of what will be on my Thanksgiving table this year.
The first thing I did in preparation was make about 16 cups of vegetable stock. It’s very easy – just simmer good fresh veggies like carrot, celery, onion, potato, leek, mushrooms and handfuls of fresh herbs for 45 minutes and you’ve got a great rich broth you can use in all your sides. Freeze big batches of this stuff to keep on hand for all your vegan recipes.
Stuffing, unless it’s Grandma’s giblet version, is inherently vegan. I like to add apples to mine for a little sweetness. I also saw on food network stuffing made with collard greens. Interesting, but I think I’ll save that one for next year.
Every Thanksgiving for the last few years I’ve made Bourbon Sweet Potatoes. I dug out my recipe yesterday and was delighted to find that the only substitution that I needed to make was to trade off butter for fake butter. I like to use either Earth Balance or Best Life Buttery Spread because they are made with Olive Oil so they are much better for you than that nasty margarine stuff.
Green Bean Casserole is another one of those must-have dishes for Thanksgiving, but what do you do about the Cream of Mushroom soup? Unfortunately Campbell’s doesn’t make vegan cream of anything, so you have to make it yourself. No worries. A little butter and flour rue, soy milk, mushrooms and herbs and you’ve got yourself a vegan cream of mushroom soup to drown your green beans in. And of course the French fried onions are vegan so you’re all set.
So you see, as a vegan you can look this holiday season in the eye without fear because with a little creativity and ingredient substitutions you can have a wonderful meal full of all the foods that make Thanksgiving great. After all, Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what you have, and this year I’m thankful that my endometriosis symptoms are completely gone, and I can enjoy a wonderful vegan meal with the ones I love. I thank God every day that he has given me a wonderful family, and a terrific little sister who I am more proud of each and every day. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Alright folks, this is it. We are entering the first official week of the holiday season, which usually means over-eating, and not on wholesome, healthful foods. Too often, the holidays send dieting hopefuls careening off the healthy living pathways they have been carving all year long. But what people don't realize is that just because there is a smorgasbord available to them does not mean you have to eat it ALL. You are not obligated to heap food on your plate, go back for seconds and possibly thirds, and finish it all off with waaay too much dessert and a food-induced coma. This scenario may seem tantalizing and an indispensable tradition, but if you stop to think about it, what does the momentary gluttony award you, really? A belly ache? Tight fitting clothes? A downward spiral that won't end until after the New Year that ruins all of your previous hard work? Why bother?
You are in control; you are what you eat. Here are some strategies you could use in the weeks ahead:
1) In preparing your own dish(es), opt for healthier versions, insuring that you have at least one healthy option. Be sure to make one of your favorites in this manner so that you can more "safely" indulge.
2) If you're like me, you may feel hunger pains not long before it is time to leave for the dinner destination. Have a light snack to prevent a pig-out session upon arrival. I've done this several times, and it really does help. Also, don't skip meals thinking you're saving up your caloric intake for the feast later. Eat, but do so lightly. It will actually keep your metabolism running better if you eat something every few hours than if you fast all day and then binge.
3) Be realistic and abandon the all or nothing mentality. Most certainly, holidays offer many opportunities to delight your taste buds with those special dishes that you may only see once or twice a year. Depriving yourself or feeling guilty after consumption is no way to enjoy the holiday season. "Everything in moderation" is the key. Control your portions, and listen to your body when it's screaming for you to put the fork down.
4) In the same vein, eat slowly. If you wolf everything down, you won't be able to heed your body's inner groanings. Also, taking the time to really chew your food and enjoy it will make the whole feasting experience that much more pleasant and full-filling. :) Furthermore, it will extend its duration, and with so much of the holidays centering around spending time with family, what better way to do it than noshing over spectacular grub!?
5) Finally, try to work in some physical activity into your holiday plans - whether in the form of a family football game, a brisk walk following dinner, or in a well-thought out workout. Anything is better than nothing, and physical activity to any degree can only help you. This notion holds true all year, but cannot be more important to put into practice than during the holidays.
Having read this, you may think me to be a Grinch of sorts with nothing more than brussel sprouts and celery heaped on my plate. (I have yet to try brussel sprouts). This idea could not be more false. I enjoy every holiday and all their fixings. My favorite holiday staple is yams; I usually make them myself-with marshmallows on top. But for the last few years, I've emerged from holiday feasts fully satisfied and not bulging at my waistline. All it takes is a little careful thought and self-control and you can emerge victorious (and not a pound heavier) too. Good luck!
{I dedicate this post to my mother whose eclectic style and originality has always inspired me to be true to who I am in all areas of life. I love you, Mom!}
One's wardrobe should help express features of his/her own personality. It should be more about you and less about what the runways are flaunting this season. Now, that is not to say popular fashion is inherently evil and rids people of their individuality. On the contrary, I, like many, enjoy reading about the hottest trends and adding a few pieces to my closet from the suggested list of "must-have's." It's fun and helps keep you looking and feeling fresh. But, I also do not have the cash flow or closet space to keep up with all of the trends.
One of the popular fads right now is statement jewelry. The idea occurred naturally following the recession: people do not have an excess of money to spend on loads of exorbitant jewelry. So, construct your outfit around one piece that has the power to communicate volumes in and of itself. Such obvious pieces can include: cocktail rings, chunky cuff bracelets, layered or bib necklaces, and chandelier earrings. However, it matters little what the piece actually is. Simply, by its incorporation, you effectively enhance and compliment the rest of your outfit without overpowering it.
my brooches
Being one who does not naturally wear a lot of jewelry, I have had some difficulty jumping on this band wagon. My favorite type of statement jewelry is actually brooches for which I must give my mother all of the credit. I received one for my birthday or Christmas a few years ago, and now annually, my mother continues to expand my collection.
It is for this reason (and many others) that I pay homage to my mother with this post. She is awesome and inspiring, a pioneer of originality and uniqueness. Let me explain to you why...
Back when I was in 5th grade, my mother began working at a bus company responsible for shuttling airplane passengers to and from parking lots and terminals. No, not the most glorious job, but my mother has a great work ethic and enjoyed it most of the time. Yet, no matter how good one's attitude, the vocation remains somewhat mundane. So, to liven up the third shift she was working, she began wearing hats. I don't mean baseball caps; I mean HATS. Everything from large brimmed ones with plumes atop to berets to straw ones with plastic zucchinis hanging off the back. I kid you not! Invariably, she became known as "the hat lady" around the airport. Her collection was out of this world. And, it only became more interesting when she started creating them herself according to holidays and seasons (hence, the zucchini). Sadly, in more recent years after she stopped working there, the collection has been down-sized. Occasionally, my mother will break one out of its box and wear it to church. But more so now, she continues to leave her mark on society with statement necklaces. She coupled one with a simple black dress this past Sunday; I marveled at how great she looked.
The picture here gives the necklace almost a brownish hue, but it is actually a glossy black. Coupled with such a simple motif, it gave the outfit pizazz. I like it!
Over the years, she has accumulated a decent number of statement necklaces. I had the honor of wearing one on my wedding day, the aurora borealis. At first, when I was looking through mom's collection to find "something old" to go with my something borrowed and something blue, I was skeptical about it; however, in the back of my mind, I knew it was the one. It turned out to be nearly the last one I tried on, and it fit so beautifully. I could not have been happier (or prouder to be wearing it).
Part of the fun of fashion is taking chances. Sometimes, you think something will look awful on you...until you try it on. Every once in a while, you discover something that you would never have even considered wearing previously now makes you look glamorous. And presto! Your wardrobe is reborn!
There are so many other things I could share with you about my mother's great sense of style. In the posts ahead, I'm sure I will. Admittedly, people have occasionally raised an eyebrow when they have seen one of my mother's hats or ensembles. But I relish in the fact that my mother wears what she loves and what makes her feel good about herself-whether that is a hat with a plastic zucchini or a stunning necklace-and so should you!
Good health and fitness are an integral part of my life. In college, one of the best pieces of advice I ever received was: While you may be able to neglect exercise and eat less-than-nutritious cafeteria food day-in and day-out now (with frequent trips to your favorite fast food chains to supplement), someday your age will catch up to you. If you don't change your habits, your waist size will likely grow. Just like so many other things in life, you need to make an action plan now for the future in terms of how you will deal with your overall health and fitness. Now, 3+ years after graduation, I wonder who else was listening?
Thankfully, I formed a habit of regular, independent work-outs during college, but truly, fitness has been a part of my life ever since I received my first workout VHS tape at the age of 9. My sister and I would push back the futon in our family room and get our sweat on doing The Fun House Funk with Jane Fonda & J.D. Roth. With moves like "kick, step, touch" and "Fonda-U's," you could not help but have fun! When we got older, we started doing the boot scoot with Tayna Tucker. Here's a sneak peak into that one (prepare to laugh at its corniness):
After college, when Jon and I lived in New City, I had such a convenient gig! My gym, Fitness II, was literally 3 minutes down the road. 2-3 days a week after work, rather dutifully, I drove past our apartment (which was, indeed, difficult some days) and on to the gym to get in a solid workout. And with a certified personal trainer as a husband, who was constantly providing new workouts that kicked my butt, I was in fitness heaven and loved, loved, loved it. I even got a few of my co-workers to join me!
Then, a year and a half later, we moved to NJ. Despite signing up for a nearby gym, I found it difficult to go due to schedule changes. Also, Fitness II had spoiled me, and while this particular facility did offer group classes (a feature Fitness II did not have), its exercise equipment was just not up to par. Nevertheless, I did not discard my fitness regimen. I simply worked out at home to the DVD's I've amassed over the years, and then, it happened. I got Wii Fit Plus.
Wii Fit Plus was a dream come true. It tracked my progress, challenged me, and made exercise very, very fun. I loved the calendar and stamp feature that allows you, once you've completed your daily body test and accompanied workout, to mark your progress with a stamp. Also, I love the variety of fitness activities the Wii Fit Plus offers: strength exercises, cardio activities, yoga, and balance games. Admittedly, I was a little skeptical as to how well this video game was going to help me with my fitness endeavors, but I was pleasantly surprised! For beginners who are looking to establish a new habit of consistent exercise and fitness, the Wii Fit Plus is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
Several months later, I purchased the EA Sports Active, and I fell in love all over again. Comparing the two, EA Sports Active better suits fitness die-hards. The exercises challenge individual muscle groups a bit more than Wii Fit Plus through the use of resistance bands and a more comprehensive monitoring of your body's movements via a leg strap and nunchuck. Again, I was skeptical, but the first workout left me dripping with sweat and sore the next day. Again, there is quite a variety of activities available, including sports simulations that feature baseball, basketball, and tennis skills. A further selling point of EA Sports Active is that the cardio demand its workouts place on the participant is far greater than that of the Wii Fit Plus. All things considered, I prefer EA Sports Active, but also still use & greatly enjoy the Wii Fit Plus, especially for Yoga.
Recently, I discovered that Zumba Fitness is coming out with a video game as of 11/18 for the Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360 platforms. I pre-ordered it the evening I found out. :) I cannot wait to try it. And!!!! 2 days earlier, EA Sports Active is introducing its 2nd version that comes complete with a heart-rate monitor and wireless monitors to strap to your arms and legs for more freedom of movement and more accurate movement tracking. Like Zumba Fitness, the game will play on the Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360 systems, but you will need Move and/or Kinect for the latter 2. Who's excited??? ME!!!
Sometimes, people feel the need to exercise outside of their homes, and that approach works really well. Conversely, the notion of having to leave one's house coupled with the daily list of looming To-Do's can also cause people to fall off the fitness band wagon. Personally, I enjoy the flexibility and freedom that working out at home offers. I have my video games and DVD's along with enough fitness equipment to exercise sufficiently without the aid of electronics. Granted, it sometimes takes more discipline to exercise at home, but, for me, that's a non-issue (thanks, karate!). I do sometimes miss my group classes and having workout partners like I had at Fitness II, so if anyone needs one and has a guest pass feel free to give me a call. Likewise, if you want to come over and do an EA Sports Active workout with me, you're more than welcome and can help me earn a trophy for working out cooperatively! Happy exercising!!
Winter weather has arrived, regardless of the fact that we will not witness the winter solstice for well over a month yet. My skin has certainly noticed the temperature shift and has already felt the effects of the dry, brisk winds.
Skin issues run in my family - thanks, Dad! But, they evidence themselves differently in each one of my siblings. My sister and I have been so nicely endowed with dry skin with the resulting irritation (both physical and emotional) only growing as the days get colder. My sister's skin is typically dry. I, however, have a combination of oily/dry skin, which leans more towards the dry description than oily. Most of the time, I do okay; I really can't complain. However, once it gets cold, the tune of my song quickly changes.
If I don't be careful, my dry skin, particularly on my legs, can be become full blown eczema, and that sucks all of the fun (and moisture, haha!) out of my day. Generally, it takes minimal action to thwart the crazed spells of itchiness, redness, and blotches; applying a good lotion to the skin directly after a shower usually does the trick.
Over the years, I've tried many different types of lotions, so here is a list of a few of my favorites.
1. Aveeno Baby, Soothing Relief Moisture Cream - I have to credit my sister with this find. Having had 2 kids (who also have some skin issues - thank you, Grandpa!), she was introduced to this cream and invariably began using it on herself. It works great. Specifically to help ease the ill symptoms of eczema, it is one of the few products I've tried that really does soothe my irritated legs.
2. Look Ma, New Hands Softening Hand Lotion with Paraffin - If you have any degree of cracks in your hands, this stuff will fix you right up! The paraffin fills in all those crevices, making your hands feel unbelievably soft. The only downside to this lotion I have ever found is that due to the paraffin wax engineered into the cream, if you need to wash your hands after applying, you will likely need to lather twice and afterward reapply the lotion. The wax certainly keeps moisture locked in, but also locks it out. An exceptional lotion overall.
3. Victoria's Secret's Body Lotion - If you have fragrance sensitive skin, this lotion could be your worst nightmare because it is highly fragranced, which is actually one of its selling points for me. It moisturizers your skin decently well, but can smell almost as potent as some body sprays. The travel sizes are good accompaniments to your handbag.
4. Huggies Naturally Refreshing Lotion with Cucumber & Green Tea - Work turned me on to this lotion. Its great for everyday use. "It contains a natural blend of green tea and cucumber along with a touch of aloe and Vitamins A & E." It's a general moisturizer intended for babies, but just works just as well for everyone else. The fragrance is light, and it moisturizes well. I use it daily.
5. Aquaphor Healing Ointment - Use this for those extreme cases, when your hands have become painfully cracked and parched. This ointment also serves as a great tool in healing after a tattoo! However, that being said, be aware that it is not a lotion, but an ointment and, while it does absorb into the skin, it goes on more like a Vaseline.
Wintertime is own of my favorite times of year. The cold and fallen snow sets the magical undertone. Combine the natural ambiance with a few good family-centered holidays, and it is easy to see where the good tidings come from. But do remember, it is good tidings of comfort and joy they sing about, so hopefully these reviews will help with the comfort part so you can be engaged less in scratching and more in joy-making. :) Here's to the holiday season!!
One of the hardest parts of owning a wardrobe is deciding which pieces to wear and in what combination. Females tend to pay far more attention to the "fine lines" of color coordination than do males, which is why we often get hassled by our male counterparts for "taking too long" in our preparation. But there is, boys, a method to our madness. Sometimes, albeit, it is haphazard and potentially misguided, but we females usually know what we're after, whether that be a comfortable chic, refined elegance, or a simple yet stunning look.
One of the defining moments in my never-ending quest of looking great was when I discovered that I look AWESOME in deep purple. Soon after, I forget how exactly I stumbled across it, I found an article that talked about one's personal color palette when it comes to fashion and makeup. When considering your hair and eye color as well as your skin tone, the combination your genetics have created lend themselves quite nicely to certain colors. You already know this! This premise is why you never wear the color (fill in that putrid shade here). Therefore, those colors that you look great in and those others that are wearable but may not be quite as smashing would fall under your personal color palette. You have a primary and secondary set (so I'm told).
One of the ways people look at personal color palettes coincides with the seasons of the year-spring, summer, autumn, and winter. I fall under the autumn spectrum with my brown hair, brown eyes, and peachy complexion. One website pegs me as having a "warm autumn" palette, which features these colors:
There's that deep purple! And when considering the other colors in this repertoire, I do tend to look rather nice in those shades as well! Success! Once I came to the realization that I do not need to try to look great in every color and that certain colors are more well suited for me than others, the doors to the world of fashion were flung wide open. Such a simple notion of coordinating your wardrobe to your genetically determined color preferences offers great freedom and opportunity. Now, when searching for a specific clothing item or fashion trend, you know it will go better for you if you look at pieces that fall under your personal color palette. Shopping can be stressful and frustrating enough as it is. Any "tricks of the trade" that make it go easier for me, I am all for!
For those interested, I found a quiz that helps identify what your personal seasonal color palette is. It takes all of a minute to do. Then, I found this website that breaks things down a little further as well as and includes examples of the different palettes. The same website offers a second standard by which to analyze yourself, called the gold or silver test. This test uses jewelry color, gold or silver, as the guideline. Either it will serve to enhance or wash out the wearer. From this simple determination, a set of colors can then be suggested that will compliment him/her. Easy peasy!
Like I said before, most of you have probably already figured out what your color palette is. You just may not have known that there is a science behind it. I hope this post has served to shed a little light on the subject.
So here goes nothing! I have long since been fascinated by fashion and beauty products. Not the craziest thing you've ever heard, right? But coming from me, it might surprise a few.
I grew up and still largely am a tomboy. While my sister participated in lyrical dance and played with Barbies, I was in the woods with the boys of the neighborhood playing Army with an arsenal of Nerf guns. I was never able to convince my parents to let me play Powder Puff Football (although, I do recall a mischievous gleam in my father's eye at the time I made my request, which makes me believe he was not altogether against it). Instead, I signed up for kempo karate lessons at the age of 12, quickly becoming a force not to be reckoned with.
Soon after I began my training, my mother was involved in a parent-teacher conference with my 7th grade Homeroom teacher. There was no discussion of my grades as I was typically an A student; rather, the topic centered around my ability to exude more feminine qualities, which included a change in wardrobe. My teacher meant well, but the resounding implications of that conversation continue to plague me to this day. Hence, I purport that a blog about health, beauty, accessories, and fashion, written by yours truly, will likely surprise some.
As all awkward teenagers do, I continued to grow & mature, (without a new wardrobe and a makeover, mind you), and eventually I began to assume a more "girly" veneer. I did it at my own pace and according to my own preferences. But beauty is not, and by NO means, only skin deep. I am a firm believer in and an advocate of one's sense of inner beauty and self-esteem. Notwithstanding, being a woman with an athletic build and a demeanor that is more rough and tumble than graceful and chic, I do struggle with all of the same self-doubts and negative self-talk every other woman in the world combats. And so this blog, while it will certainly contain my opinions, views, and impressions on the latest trends, beauty products, etc., it will also likely delve into my personal triumphs and struggles with self-esteem as it relates to my perception of beauty and the expectations placed upon women by pop culture. Hopefully, somewhere along the way, you will find some piece of useful information or some thought inspiring. I am doing this largely because I enjoy the topic, and I hope you will enjoy it too.
