Some Do's & Don'ts to look and feel your best

Sunday, February 20, 2011

DO wear clothes that fit well and skim your body. Baggy or loose clothing emphasizes size. Accentuate your assets with good makeup and attention grabbing accessories. For example, a bright scarf flatters and draws attention upwards.
Choose long, thin items to layer with shorter ones for a leaner look.
V-neck shirts will lengthen the lines in your neck, unlike polo-style necks.
Avoid stiff fabrics - opt for softly draping ones instead.

DO stand up at work. Research shows you'll burn more calories.

DO keep it simple. Elaborate attempts to camouflage figure flaws (i.e., over-size scarves and shawls, ornate jewelry) only serve to highlight them. Simple accessories make you look pulled together and not weighed down.

DON'T label foods as "good" or "bad."

DO treat all foods equally.

DO have snacks. They'll help you stay on track by making you feel full between meals.

DON'T skip meals.

DON'T weigh youself more than once a week. Let your clothes be your "scale."

DO keep plenty of healthy, nutritional "produce superstars" in your refrigerator. They're available year-round, easy to prepare, and cheap to boot! Some favorites include: garlic, mushrooms, oranges, spinach, sweet potatoes, tuna and yogurt.

DO eat breakfast. Why?
1. Breakfast eaters consume about 12% less fat than breakfast skippers do.
2. Breakfast eaters tend to be leaner than breakfast skippers are.
3. Breakfast eaters tend to have diets that are more nutrient-rich, especially in fiber.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SVELTINGTON 2/20/2011 10:55AM

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HORRORMAEDCHEN 2/20/2011 9:54AM

I agree with every word. Thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

SYLVIALYNN2 2/20/2011 8:48AM

Thanks. Breast Cancer Support groups emphasize looking your best with some of the same suggestions while going through treatment. Report Inappropriate Comment

ONICAM 2/20/2011 8:33AM

How does somebody who is legally blind go with clothes? I am not able to tell distance at all. I am bad enough that I use a cane and screen reader. I am also not sure how someone can treat all food as equal. I have gotten a reduced amount of caffeine and trying to stay away from it, but I am going right for carbs like crazy. I have been eating them non stop even though the sodas are a diet version. Report Inappropriate Comment

LLGALLAGHER 2/20/2011 7:57AM

Good tips! I recently had an experience related the clothes tip. I was in an all day workshop, working out in front of a wall of mirrors. In my first outfit of the day (closer fitting) I would see myself in the mirror and think "Wow I'm looking pretty good nowadays!". In my second outfit of the day (old size, loose and baggy), I'd see myself in the mirror and think I looked big and clumsy. Same body, different reaction, just based on the fit of my clothes! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEDYBEAR2838 2/20/2011 7:51AM

Such tips. Thanks for reminding all of us about the good things in life. Report Inappropriate Comment

JENNIEBENNIE1 2/20/2011 7:49AM

Thanks Report Inappropriate Comment

CO-CREATOR 2/20/2011 7:38AM

Great tips, thank you! Report Inappropriate Comment

Make yourself more interesting

Saturday, February 19, 2011

The minute you lose interest in learning is the minute you risk becoming ignorant. So read. Volunteer. Go to museums. Take a class. Meditate. Never stop education yourself, and you'll be the most interesting person you know.

"Even if you are on the right path, you will get run over if you just sit still" -Unknown

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TEDYBEAR2838 2/19/2011 8:51PM

I hope I don't sit still, anytime soon. I don't want to get run over :) Rocking 2011 Together~! Report Inappropriate Comment

EUGENIAINSIGNA 2/19/2011 3:37PM

Thank you so much for your comment on my blog. This is SO right--it's incredibly important to keep studying, learning, and being open to new experiences throughout life--I'm making a note now to remind myself of this every time I just feel like sagging into the couch. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

SVELTINGTON 2/19/2011 12:34PM

Thank you very much for all your excellent, informative and inspiring blogs! Report Inappropriate Comment

SYLVIALYNN2 2/19/2011 9:24AM

My pastor in Chesapeake, VA, once advised me to choose a new topic each year and spend at least 15 minutes a day reading about that topic. Doing that is another way to become more knowledgeable about a number of subjects. Fortunately, I was then in my mid 30s and took his advice. Report Inappropriate Comment

VERONICAS_GOALS 2/19/2011 7:19AM

I feel the same I love to learn Report Inappropriate Comment

Creating your sleep environment

Friday, February 18, 2011

1. Noise Control
Creating "white noise" with a fan or air conditioner can block outside disturbances. It can also be very soothing. Heavy curtains, double-pane windows, and rugs are also good ways to block and absorb noice. And when all else fails, there are always earplugs.

2. Go Green!
Keep plants or flowers around your bedroom. They can have a calming effect.

3. Use Blackout Shades
Bright lights can disturb your sleep and wake you up before you are ready. Keep your bedroom dark. Consider light-blocking shades, lined drapes, or even an eye mask.

4. Avoid Bright Clocks
Watching the time pass when you can't fall asleep can cause extra anxiety. You may get frustrated by how long it's taking you to fall asleep or by how little time you have before you have to get up. The extra light doesn't help either.

5. Consider a humidifier/dehumidifier
If your sleep environment is too dry, you'll know it. Awakening with a sore throat, dryness in your nose, or even a nose bleed are signs of too little humidity. On the other hand, if excess humidity is bothering you, you can also get a dehumidifier.

6. What makes a good pillow?
Like a mattress, what makes a good pillow is different for each person. What's important is that is supports the natural curve of your neck. Choose what feels most comfortable to you based on its firmness and thickness. If you're prone to allergies, consider feather pillows - research shows that synthetic pillows generally hold a greater amount of bacteria, which can trigger your allergies.

7. What makes a good mattress?
There isn't much published research on mattresses, so the best advice is to look for one that comfortably supports your shoulders, hips, and lower back. The average life expectancy for a good quality mattress is between 9 and 10 years. After that, it may not provide proper support. When buying a new mattress, spend at least 15 minutes testing each disply mattress out before deciding which one feels the best to you.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SVELTINGTON 2/18/2011 11:38AM

I am fortunate to be able to fall asleep anywhere or anytime, wha? ZZZZzzzzzzzz Report Inappropriate Comment

Words of Wisdom

Thursday, February 17, 2011

PROVERBS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Night rinses what the day has soaped.
—Swiss

It’s not the fault of the post that the blind man can’t see it.
—Sanskrit

God deliver me from a man of one book.
—English

Old age does not announce itself.
—Zulu

An ounce of patience is worth a pound of brains.
—Dutch


SWITZERLAND HASN’T GONE TO WAR WITH ANOTHER COUNTRY SINCE 1515.

I especially love the first one from the Swiss! That really presents a cool picture in my head!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LILYBELLE8 2/17/2011 7:49PM

I like these quotes and especially the 'old age' one. What is "old age" anyway? Report Inappropriate Comment

TEDYBEAR2838 2/17/2011 7:31PM

Let's Rock Our World in 2011~! Report Inappropriate Comment

LLLAWSON 2/17/2011 3:14PM

Great!! Love that first one too. Report Inappropriate Comment

AZMOMXTWO 2/17/2011 6:43AM

great quotes Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHY HABITS FOR RESTFUL SLEEP

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Avoid big meals before bed.
It's best to finish eating at least 2-3 hours before your regular bedtime. If you're hungry, a light snack high in carbohydrates like bread or cereal may actually help you fall asleep.

Avoid caffeine in the evening.
If you must have coffee or tea, try to finish your last cup at least 8 hours before you plan to go to sleep.

Exercise regularly.
Regular physical activity (especially aerobic) can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful. Be careful not to exercise less than 3 hours before bedtime-it can make getting to sleep more difficult. Late afternoon exercise is ideal. Always be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning or modifying your exercise routine.

Limit your fluids before bed.
Too much liquid can cause you to wake up repeatedly during the night for trips to the bathroom. Getting thirsty will cause you to wake up as well. Try to find your happy medium and keep water by the bed to quench your thirst during the night.

Give your pets the boost (from bed).
As cuddly as they can be, your pet may be interfering with your sleep. Instead of sharing your bed, consider providing your dog or cat with a bed in your bedroom. Well-rested pet owners have more energy and love to give to their pets.

Sleeping with neck pain.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach. This position puts stress on your neck. Choose a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck.

Sleeping with back pain.
A medium-firm mattress might be better for people with back pain than a firm mattress. Use pillows for extra support, being careful not to use a pillow that's too thick, forcing your neck upwards at a severe angle.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SVELTINGTON 2/16/2011 11:12AM

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TEDYBEAR2838 2/16/2011 10:55AM

Super good tips. Thanks my SP Friend LET'S ROCK 2011 TOGETHER~! Report Inappropriate Comment