Yoga

Yoga has always interested me. The whole flexibility and cool poses, makes me want to learn. It’s like a Yoga movement going on and I want to be apart of it. Yoganians(word I made up) live the yoga life, it’s not just an exercise but a way of life for them. Exercise is said to be just one part of yoga, well that’s the part I am in for . It is about disciplining your body, mind and soul. I believe I can handle that.

     There are many different poses and types of yoga. The benefits of yoga go on and on. A few of them are hand-eye coordination improves, immunity increases, sleep improves, (here’s the biggie) weight normalizes, energy level is increased, and improved flexibility and joint range. You can go to almost any city and any gym and learn yoga. You can also go online and take some classes….lol. If for nothing more than the cool equipment and outfits, I am going to take me some Yoga…sooner or later….. I want to be a fit, healthy Yoganian, too! Which do you prefer yoga or regular exercise? Also, would you rather do yoga or pilates?

Benefits of a Massage

There are a million reasons why you should be getting a massage every two weeks or so. But the main reason people get them is the relaxation and pampering they experience from it. The whole setting you experience can be overwhelming for the best of us, I know always fall asleep on the table. I worked for the past 7 years as a massage therapist and there are many other reasons, useful reasons, to get that regular massage. Whether you want a deep tissue or Swedish, you should be regularly getting one.

Thought of as a luxury, it actually has many healing therapeutic benefits. A few of the benefits are stress relief, pain management, muscle maintenance and repair, increases joint flexibility, lessens depression, reduces spasms and cramping, releases endorphins (natural painkillers), and enhances sleep quality. Many of us walk around with problems that can be solved by a few sessions with a massage therapist. Ever feel a knot or pain in your neck or shoulder? A massage therapist can help, if not remove, the knot, pain, and kinks in your body.

A massage is so relaxing and calming, it makes me wonder why everyone doesn’t get them. More amazing, there are many people walking around who have never experienced one. After a massage, you will feel energized and ready to face the world. Just remember to drink lots of water after, to help flush the toxins and help with any soreness from deep tissue. The effects are so profound, if you haven’t ever gotten a massage, make an appointment today! You can thank me later .

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Free Wedding Guide

Hearing that title, I am sure has sparked a lot of attention. Seems impossible, unless you win a free wedding but with a little ingenuity, persistence, and flexibility you just may pull off one. Free Weddings don’t just grow on trees, though, you have to put in the work to get a “free” or inexpensive wedding. I will tell you some tricks and ideas to help you on your way there.

     I can’t stress enough, the word to keep in mind is ADVERTISING! A company only survives by advertising, whether it be word of mouth or television commercials they need to get their name and what they do public. This is where you have a sweet advantage…you are getting ready to have a wedding, which can be a company’s jackpot. Here is a list to check off:

• Be Flexible - Keep your wedding dates open, some businesses may be able to help you out more if you can go by their schedule. Be open to whatever comes
• Seek out local businesses - when choosing bakery, or tuxedo rental shop find local company’s and see  if they would be willing to trade the cake and tux for advertising at the wedding. You can put cards around the cake stating “cake courtesy of ___”.
• Photography - Most photographers are freelance, self employed. This can be a great opportunity for both of you. You can get free photography and in exchange let the photographer have a table with business cards and samples of work or put up a banner somewhere. You may also be able to get your engagement pictures free or inexpensive by letting the photographer know you are willing to put them up at the wedding, that way everyone can see what great work the photographer does…..Great Idea!!
• Another trick for photography, in the invitations ask everyone to bring disposable camera’s (as a special gift) and have the guest’s snap away ton’s of pics…then get them developed and make your own wedding book. (I bet you get some great pictures)
• Invitations - Do them yourself. You can print them off the computer and add all kinds of scrapbooking items or you can go out and buy a do it yourself invitation kit. If that’s too much for you, ask to trade invitations for, what’s the key word, ADVERTISING.
• Wedding Dress - See about trading for advertising with a local boutique, you may end up with a gorgeous dress (borrowed of course) you never could have gotten. After all they want you to look your best when it’s their name on the line.
• Catering - have an evening wedding, that way you only need the wedding cake and  hor’dourves, get family and friends to help out with those. (can also try trading services for advertising)
• Wedding location - try your family church or a country club that someone you know is a member, usually both places will offer free services for members. Also, keep in mind a beach wedding or a great backyard wedding with a garden reception. Combine wedding and honeymoon together, do a cruise or special location, both will give free wedding with reservations…do some research into it.

These are some ideas to get you started on your way. Start asking around and you may sponsors you never thought would go for it. I know I did when I needed them. I have had a dress donated, fitted and redesigned for me, so it can be done! You just have to look in the right places…..local businesses are a good place to start!Remember to be creative when thinking of things you may need or you want for your wedding. Have fun and have a happy free wedding!

Let me know what all worked for you and how you did it!!!

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Bargains 04/11/08

  Here are my bargains and discounts for this week.

Remember let me know, if there is anything in specific you are looking for or would like to see listed. I’ll research it for you.

Family and friends, let me know you are interested and I have some just for you guys.

ENJOY!!!

AVON - Lift, Firm & Save 50% on top selling skin care items. Get free shipping 

Promo code: SPRING815  expires 4/24/08

 

OLD NAVY - Free Shipping over $50 

Promo code: SHIP4FREE expires 4/24/08

 

AMERICAN EAGLE - Earn double credits now 04/01-04/14/08 (all access pass members) Tee’s buy one get one 50% off. Free shipping orders over $100.

 

BABYCENTER.COM - save up to 15% off (depending on how much you spend..ranges $25-5%, $50-10%, $150-15%)

Promo code: EXTRA15%OFF expires 4/13/08

 

MARTIN AND OSA - 15% off, free shipping, free returns

Promo Code: 52691482 expires 4/16/08

Store Coupon print off

 

 

BORDERS - 30% off with $10 purchase

Store Coupon print off expires 4/13/08

 

40% off List price of Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

Store Coupon print off expires 4/22/08

 

40% off List price of Where are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark

Store Coupon print off expires 4/15/08

 

Buy any 1 Blu Ray Disc, Get one Half Price

Store Coupon print off expires 4/13/08

 

 

TARGET.com - Free shipping when you spend $50 in Baby Gear, plus save 15% on any $125 Baby Furniture order. expires 4/12/08

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Liars

I can’t even count on my hands and feet how many times I wished I could read someone’s mind. Sometimes, I wish life was like the movies where you could just look at someone and hear their thoughts, then again they would probably be reading mine too, so never mind on that. But, seriously, how many times have you told someone just what they wanted to hear….I know I have many many times…better to lie than hurt someone’s feelings. Just like some times call for a lie to be nice, other times there is no excuse to lie. These are the times you may need to become more aware of the situation and the person.      By just paying attention, you can notice some things that will key you in on a lie. When someone is guilty they may:

• become very defensive
• body language - not looking you in the eye, being fidgety, acting nervous or uncomfortable, arms or legs will face the exits, looking up to the right
• Mistaken memories - stories/events constantly change   
• Projected feelings - telling you you are lying
• Touches the face - touches the cheek, mouth or nose
• Rise in voice pitch
• Pause in speaking - needing time to think before answering

Remember that the person’s normal behavior has to be taken into consideration. If the person is an awkward, fidgety, uncomfortable person normally, then this definitely won’t work for them. This is more for the cool, calm collective people. Any noticeable change in behavior can clue you in that something is going on. Pay attention and be alert to what is said and done and you may start noticing things….

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Color your Lashes

  I didn’t know there were so many different colors you could color your lashes! I knew about black and brown. Then I saw Carmen Electra with some weird color lashes and thought…”hmm, that’s kinda cool, wonder how she did it”. There are vast array of colors and brands you can buy to make your lashes just about any color you like. I guess, you can now match your lashes to your outfit .

“While basic black is fine, a well-chosen color can brighten your face and save you time by taking the place of liner or eye shadow”, says B.J. Gillian, a New York City–based makeup artist. Choose a more  subtle shade that will accentuate your eyes, not stand out alone.

     This is the ultimate must have for the all night partier or club scene type or just someone who wants to make a statement!! Wouldn’t it be great if they came glow in the dark, or in black light (really cool). It’s a fun and unexpected change. You can go from blahto WOW in a matter of swipes, seriously. Colors range from blue to fiery red. You can also go more subtle with auburn’s or cinnamon. I initially saw Max Factor’s highlighting mascara, Vivid Impact Highlighting Mascara, and was blown away by the way it makes your lashes look. I thought it would just put a hint of color on your lashes…no it really COLORS them. You can also find this item with Maybelline, MAC, Avon or a thousand other brands. Just start looking around for them, you’ll be amazed,I was!

 

You decide what color you want your lashes to be!

Jelly Shoes

   

Did you sport the old jelly shoe? I know I did, and with pride until I realized how cheap and nasty they were becoming. I think, no I know, my sis first brought the realization of how much I disliked them to mind. She wore these braided clear jellies, yeah you remember those. But they were worn over and dirty, remember that look, not nice at all! So I made up my mind, I would never wear them again…..until, I saw the new jelly. The new jellies are, I hate to say this, GORGEOUS! I am impressed.

     They are sleek, sophisticated and versatile. Now in many different styles and colors, I can see myself owning a pair . Big designers, such as Gucci, Fendi, and Marc Jacobs, are jumping on the jelly bandwagon. Ranging in price from 40-hundreds of dollars, they certainly have come a long way.

JCrew Jelly Ballet Flat

Marc Jacobs Jelly Ballet

Melissa Night Flats

 JCrew

Gucci

Will you become a jelly wearer, again? I may try them  and might even get a pair for my sis (we’ll see on that one)!

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Simplify

Whether you work or are a Stay at home mom, we all can use a little more time during the day to put on make up. It gets hard when you have to take care of everyone else in the morning, but it can be done. The key is to Simplify. Simplify and find a routine that incorporates your time for make up application.

     I find that the easiest and fastest make up for me to use is Bare Escentuals Warmth, Eyebrow kit, and their blush. Application is very easy to do and it goes on quickly with out all the mess. It’s hard to go wrong with this make up. I bought the Essential Eyebrow kit, which is very easy to master for any beginner. Then I went to, one of my favorite spots, QVC and bought a kit, Glamorista Grand Collection that had everything else I needed, and then some. For my lip gloss I use, this is a shocker, Love My Lips Lip Gloss Lip Juice (strawberry flavor) from Walmart. This is the best lip gloss I have found that I like, and it was so cheap, only like 2.00. Then I end with a little eye shadow (warm earth tone). A little crimp from my eye lash curler and I am done and ready for the day!

     I keep all my items right next to the sink in easy reach. That way I can simply grab, use, and go. A good trick is to sit out everything you need the night before, so you can quickly get your make up on in the morning. Make a routine of waking up, brushing teeth, shower, (while waiting for steam to clear out) get dressed, then back in the bathroom for make up application. Try to do all this before the kids or anyone notices you are moving around (so stay in your room until done). You may feel like a ninja creeping around, but it is well worth it. Otherwise, you may have to balance a baby on your lap while putting on make up. But hey, whatever works…works.

     Get your make up application down as simple and quickly as possible. The easier it is the more likely you are to keep it up. Looking beautiful shouldn’t take all day!

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Perfect Jeans

It can be hard to find the perfect fit in jeans. You have to take into consideration jean color, stretch or no stretch, pockets or no pockets, leg width and length, and not too mention how will they look on YOU. I have an easy time finding jeans I like, but a hard time finding ones I like on ME. There are certain jeans I know I have to stay away from because they make me look like…what’s the word I am look for…oh yeah, a sausage …all squished in and way too tight. They will feel fine on…maybe a little snug…but not at all the way they look. There are certain criteria we all should follow depending on body style, height, and age.

     If you are slimmer, you can pull off the low rise skinny jeans, straight or boot cut. Muscular/athletic body shapes look best in straight and boot cut. If you are pear shaped go for a low rise boot cut or flared jean for more visual balance. If you are more curvier (thicker) try a higher waste line or jeans with a built in hidden high waste, these will conceal the tummy and love handles. 

     Jeans look great on everyone, no matter what your age. They are great for casual and more “dressy” occassions. Jeans are so versatile, you should have atleast 2 favorite best fitting jeans in your closet. When shopping for your next pair of jeans, don’t take into consideration the expense, just get a pair of quality great fitting jeans that make you look and feel amazing. You won’t regret it!

Here’s a tip, if you are not in a hurry to get jeans, QVC makes a customized fit jean on your measurements…what a great idea!

Are you Tired?

There have been so many mornings I have woken up and looked like I have been out partying the night before; puffy eyes, dark circles, skin looking lack luster and I hadn’t done anything. Maybe, waking up with the baby at night was doing it whatever the reason, I paid no real attention to it. Then one day, someone asked me “are you tired”, I felt fine and I hadn’t been dragging around. All it took was one look in the mirror and I realized what they were talking about. I looked exhausted, like I had been on some long journey with no rest and was just getting in, I hate looking that way. It seems like for no reason at all, sometimes we look worn out and drained. Call it stress, fatigue, poor diet, or whatever….I just wanted it gone! So I started my quest of finding any tricks or products to make me look more rested and awake.

      I was watching QVC one day and I saw a product for tired eyes, that was right up my alley. So I ordered with the quickness. The product was Wei East’s Eye Soothers, and I love it. The China Herbal Eyes Alive cream, especially, works great. I don’t know how it does it but when I put some on, my eyes look awake. It also comes with eye pads that feel cooling when you put them on. Another product I tried and liked was Avon’s Anew Alternative Intensive Eye Cream, it helped the dark circles under my eyes and helped with puffiness…not too much different than the Wei East.

     There are other things you can do to help combat the tired look. Limit or eliminate alcohol and salty foods. Drink more water, you should be drinking atleast 8, 8oz glasses of water a day. Do the cucumber or tea bag on the eye, make sure each are cool and let sit on closed eyes for 5 mins. (You can try Wei East’s Eye pads..they are great for this). Cold spoons applied to under eye area can also help with puffiness.

     There is also an eye massage you can do to the eye area. It is very easy to do, you start at the tear ducts using your middle or pointer finger do small circles following the bone all the way to the outer corner of the eye. Then keep going across the brow bone. You can do this about 3-5 times and it will make you feel and look rested. I usually do this at night or when I first wake up.

     If all else fails and you still are fighting under eye circles, go for concealer. I use Bare Mineral’s Foundation with the concealer brush. But any concealer you like can do the trick. Have you found any items or tricks that work well, drop me a line and let me know! “Knowledge is best shared “

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