Healthy, Fit & Fabulous: Holiday Celebrations Without Regret
The holiday season can be a dieter’s worst nightmare. Tempting treats and schedules filled with tasks and events can quickly take a successful wellness plan off track. Parties and shopping combined with baking and planning make heading to the gym difficult. Selecting the healthiest items on the holiday buffet can be challenging when so many other seemingly more delicious and less nutritious choices are on the table.
Members of TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, know that making conscious food choices, practicing portion control, and managing fitness goals are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But what happens when the temptation gets to be too much?
“As the holiday season quickly approaches, it is important to plan healthy eating strategies to prevent weight gain,” according to Dena McDowell, M.S., R.D., C.D., nutritional expert for TOPS. “Every day we are faced with obstacles that could derail a weight-loss plan.”
“But planning in advance can help one stay on track,” McDowell said. Consider these holiday scenarios and their solutions to enjoy a healthful holiday season.
The Shopping Excursion Gone Awry
After shopping all afternoon, you realize that you missed lunch and are now ravenously hungry. You figure that eating at the food court won’t hurt since you’ve been walking throughout the mall.
“What you didn’t realize is that certain food choices can sabotage your exercise efforts,” McDowell says. “Don’t let hunger win. Instead, plan ahead and pack some healthy snacks in your purse such as almonds, a piece of fruit, or a high-fiber granola bar.”
She advises snacking on healthy, low-fat, high-fiber foods to help stave off hunger and make the French fries or dessert not look as appealing. “Remember to pack a water bottle to drink throughout the day,” she adds.
The Office Holiday Party
“Work parties offer many opportunities to make poor food choices as they often are buffet-style meals with unlimited dessert choices,” McDowell says. “Couple large portions with alcoholic beverages and you may have a calorie nightmare on your hands.”
Planning properly can help to make holiday work functions a good networking tool instead of a nutrition nightmare, according to McDowell.
“Eat a light snack before leaving for the party such as an apple and a glass of water. Then, once at the party, use a small plate and look for foods that are not fried or oily-looking,” she says. “Aim to fill your plate with lots of fruits and vegetables to decrease the overall calorie content. Limit alcohol and balance each beverage with a glass of water.”
Fun Family Gatherings
“When families get together, food choices are plentiful and those favorite recipes are not only delicious but also comforting,” McDowell notes.
She suggests preventing overeating at family gatherings by planning in advance to spend more time socializing and less time at the counter. “Offer to do kitchen clean up instead of going back for second helpings,” McDowell adds. “Washing dishes will help prevent going back for more food while allowing for extra calorie-burning potential with this task.”
Consider these additional TOPS tips for making your holidays heathful:
• Set food and beverage limits for yourself in advance.
• Order a glass of low-calorie juice or water.
• Grab a small-sized plate for your meal.
• Load your plate with vegetables and fruit.
• Eat smaller portions of the meats and starches.
• Choose a piece of hard candy or gum to prevent snacking on high-calorie treats.
• Ask for non-fat milk or sugar-free sweeteners in hot beverages.
• Allow seasonal drinks for times of celebration or just once a week.
• Skip the free samples when out shopping. While they may seem insignificant, calories can add up if multiple snacks are eaten during the day.
“Remember that food is only one part of holiday gatherings,” McDowell adds. “Make the meal a secondary aspect of the celebration. Spending quality time with family and friends is more important – and rewarding.”
TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss support and wellness education organization, was established more than 62 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success. Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, TOPS promotes successful, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.
Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos
The Cool Communicator: Make Reading Fun For Babies
By Jacqueline Shaprow ~
When it comes to brain development during infancy, research shows that early experiences play an important role. Learning spoken and written language skills is a highly interactive process. Infants and toddlers develop literacy skills through positive interactions with adults and books. Author Judith Shickendanz, who studies early literacy behaviors, describes how an infant mouthing a book and a toddler turning pages of a book are early steps of language and literacy development.
These behaviors are the building blocks of language development:
- Book Handling Behaviors
Turning pages and chewing on books. As a baby chews on a book, he or she is learning about the physical characteristics of books. Babies use their mouths to learn about the objects around them.
- Recognition
Pointing at pictures of objects, gazing at pictures, or smiling at pictures in books.
- Picture Comprehension
Imitating an action observed in a picture.
- Story-Reading Behaviors
Babbling in imitation of an adult reading. Before you know it, your baby will gurgle, laugh, and babble as you read to them.
Integrate reading into the daily life of your baby and make it enjoyable:
- A few minutes is fine!
Infants have short attention spans, so they may not be able to sit through a whole story. Don’t rush through the story; instead enjoy the pictures, words, and sounds on each page, and if you only get through a few pages – that’s fine!
- Make it a morning or bedtime ritual
Create an enjoyable reading ritual that fits in well with you and your baby’s schedule. Some parents prefer to read a short story at bedtime, and others find that their baby enjoys stories most in the morning. Do whatever works for you. My baby enjoys our story telling time in the park – we’ve made a little ritual out of it.
- Make it fun!
Learning is not a competition. Books are supposed to be fun. Allowing your baby to have fun with books will facilitate the learning process.
- Let them turn pages
Allowing babies to turn the pages of a book, is a great way to engage them in the story. Remember that babies may need small books with thick pages so that they are able to turn the pages. It is ok if you skip a few pages while your baby is turning the pages, the act of turning pages will make reading a more interactive process for them.
- Keep it simple
Find simple, fun books to read aloud to your baby.
- Breathe life into the story
Use interesting voices as you tell the story, and use your facial expressions and body language to convey the actions in each story.
- Show babies the words
As you are reading to your baby, you may want to run your fingers beneath the words.
- Be responsive to your baby
Respond to your baby as she laughs and gurgles. Encourage your baby to babble by mimicking the sounds she makes while you are reading.
- Personalize the story
You may want to talk about your own family or pets, as you read a story about another person’s family and pets. For example, at the end of a story that describes all of the Sesame Street characters, I personalize it by describing our own family members to my baby girl.
- Singalong
Babies love songs. As you are reading a story, you may choose to sing a few pages to keep your baby engaged and entertained.
- Turn the television off
Reading time should be a quiet, special time – and there should not be any background noise from a television or radio.
- Play word games
As you read to your baby, play rhyming games and give her an opportunity to make sounds with you.
- Engage your baby in a conversation
Even if your baby does not understand the meaning of the words you use, you should talk to your baby as often as possible. Talk to your baby while you are reading to her, and talk to your baby while you are changing her diaper or giving her a bath. Allow conversation to happen naturally – a book does not always have to be present for learning to take place.
Sharing books with infants is essential to early literacy, and making reading an enjoyable experience is important when it comes to early language development. The tips above will help you create a more relaxed and engaging learning environment for your baby with books – one which promotes learning.
About the Author
Jacqueline Shaprow is a writer, an attorney, and she is a graduate of Yale University. Her psychological research was published in the Journal of Health Psychology, presented at the NAASO Conference, and distributed internationally. Shaprow resides in Los Angeles with her daughter, Arianna, and teaches a Decision Making Course to pregnant women and new mothers. This course assists single mothers with making positive life decisions, and it evaluates the psychological processes underlying the decisions we make.
Photo credit: Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos
The Career Connection: Easy Steps to Red Hot, Red Carpet Product Placement
By Susan J. Ashbrook ~
Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez are just a few examples of celebrities with tremendous sway over trends in the market, as well as, influence over consumer dollars. Just one twirl on the red carpet can take merchandise from the unknown to a big retail business. Celebrities have become an advertising vehicle—and sometimes at no cost. A hot celebrity can help get press for a brand, product or fashion designer’s name. The designer/company gets press because of the celebrity – and both benefit for a “win win”.
One example of star power was Madonna’s last-minute Christmas shopping at Steve Madden’s Beverly Hills store. The stylish celebrity set her sights on a pair of pink suede boots with pom-pom laces called the “Iglou”. The store was out of the star’s size, but Steve Madden’s corporate office heard about her obsession and over-nighted her a pair. The story didn’t end there. Steve Madden immediately notified several news and entertainment outlets and the self-proclaimed style guru, Steven Cojocaru, wound up mentioning Madonna and her passion for Steve Madden’s pink boots on the “Today” show. In the 13 minutes following the segment’s airing, the company registered 240 orders for the $125 “Iglou” on its Website. The tally? $30,000.
The celebrity media business has boomed as glossy weeklies devoted to covering their lives have taken over every newsstand. In fact, celebrity glossy circulation is valued at $1.3 billion a year, and celebrity media TV has 100+million viewers a week. If the right celebrity is seen wearing or using your product and the press picks up on it, the result is hundreds, thousands or even millions of dollars in publicity. In essence, this is “free” advertising. So if Madonna’s Christmas shopping story and the $30,000 in sales that followed caught your interest, then you will want to figure out how your item can land with a celebrity. Here are 4 easy steps to red hot, red carpet placement for your product:
1. Match your brand with a list of celebrities.
This is called building your “target list” and it can and will change as you leap into celebrity marketing. This step is a great exercise for anyone interested in pairing up merchandise with Hollywood because you will think through this process and, hopefully, make sure your target list matches your product’s demographic. For example, if you make a sassy hair ornament that would attract Willow Smith for her new video “Whip My Hair 2”, you certainly wouldn’t want Betty White on your target list. We all love Betty White, but you need to find celebrities with a similar age range, fan base and appreciation for your product.
2. Understand the different categories of celebrities.
Who wouldn’t like to see George Clooney or Julia Roberts using your products? These elite A-list stars are tough to tackle right out of the gate and usually hit the red carpet only when they have something to promote. A-list actors or singers refer to major celebs whose fame resonates throughout the world. The B Lister is someone who is “up and coming” and on the radar for success. Next in line is the C lister who will be young and unproven, mature or even the familiar faces who host entertainment shows or other popular variety shows. The D-list celebrity may sound pretty bad, but comedian Kathy Griffin struck gold (and won an Emmy) for being on the D-list. Confused? Just stay open minded to all opportunities with any category of celebrity. Reality VIP, Kim Kardashian, might not be accepting an Academy Award anytime soon but she is a red carpet regular and offers great opportunities for your product to be seen and photographed. Whether you like Kim or not, you need to consider the best celebrities for getting your merchandise noticed.
3. There is a red carpet event every week in Hollywood.
Not all events are right for your brand, garner media attention or host your target list of celebrities. Since there is a red carpet event just about every weekend, there is no need to get discouraged if you haven’t connected to a star or singer yet. Trust assured, there is always another carpet coming up. The holy grail of red carpets may be the Academy Awards but consider movie premieres, film festivals and charity events as stepping-stones to marketing your product in Hollywood.
4. Build a relationship with a star.
Connections will provide you with priceless long-term benefits, especially when it comes to celebrity marketing. All relationships take time, so don’t wait until a few days or week before an event to try and make those connections. Start by sending out new images each season to your target list. Confirm the celebrity likes what they see from your photo before making the investment to send out product. If a star makes a request to try something, a “relationship” can begin to flourish. Beware, the road to relationships with celebrities who like and appreciate your merchandise can run smoothly or take a few detours, so make sure you are paving the road all the time.
If you have a product you wish to promote, there is no reason you should not take advantage of product placement, no matter what the size of your organization or the nature of your product. However, don’t get sucked into working with the wrong celebrity, and be sure to stay focused for the best results. Pretty soon, your product(s) will be strutting their stuff on the red carpet and you’ll be reaping the rewards.
About the Author
Susan J. Ashbrook has been involved in “product placement” for 20 years, matchmaking top celebrities with a roster of clients such as: Lanvin, Swarovski, Catherine Malandrino, Escada, Isaac Mizrahi, Kenneth Cole, Herve L Leroux, Tadashi, A Pea In The Pod and Harry Winston Jewelry. She has consulted for non-fashion brands like Nikon, Hasbro Games, MasterCard, Bellini baby furniture and Hooked On Phonics. For more information, please visit www.SusanJAshbrook.com
She is the author of the book Will Work for Shoes, which can be purchased from www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and through all major booksellers.
Sierra Symone: Not Your Average Daddy’s Girl
You might say she’s come so far because of her privileged parentage, but Sierra Symone, daughter of megastar CeeLo Green, will affirm that her achievements have materialized because of her devotion and determination to see her goals realized.
Having moved beyond her days as the star of MTV’s Sweet 16 in which Symone was depicted as a spoiled Bentley-driving, out-of-control teenager, she has matured into an accomplished 21-year-old who has learned that to get what you want involves sheer tenacity and commitment. “I’m a big girl now,” says the wisely ripened Symone, “I use to shut down when I didn’t get my way, but now I just keep moving forward, trying to make things happen.”
“I know I’m very lucky,” she says, “I have an awesome dad who is also a great role model.” Yet for having one of the most famous fathers in the music business, Symone remains humble and hardworking, never taking her “poppy,” as she so sweetly refers to him, for granted.
“I know that as a celebrity daughter I have a bigger advantage but that only makes me more appreciative,” says Symone, “but I also know that it’s only action and drive that’ll get you where you want to go.”
Although she has sung backup on all her dad’s CDs, her upcoming solo album will spotlight Symone and her own unique style. She co-writes her lyrics, a talent she attributes to her father’s careful training. “He had me listen to artists like Robert Flack and Diana Ross,” she says, “and trained me to hear particular features about their individual music.”
In addition to her new album, Symone has a new show brewing on the Oxygen Channel. And having always had an eye for style and fashion, she now produces a cosmetics line called “Kiss and Makeup” and she is in the process of opening a signature boutique venture in Atlanta.
While others her age may be partying or “trying to find themselves,” Symone will be the first to acknowledge she does not have much free time to waste. “My motto is work, work, work now, play later,” says Symone. And she pulls that off by spending her time traveling between Atlanta, Vegas, Miami and Los Angeles.
“I already know where I’m going,” says the unshakeable artist. And for those of us with an eye on Sierra Symone, watching her journey is sure to be a ride both entertaining and inspiring.
Travel and Eats: Healthy Eating Tips for Travelers
Traveling can be exciting and a chance to get away from the hustle of the real world, but it also can derail a person’s healthy routines. People may become relaxed with their nutrition selections or think that it’s too much effort to exercise. With numerous opportunities to travel – whether for business, family vacations, or weekend getaways – TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, along with the Produce for Better Health Foundation, shares hints to help stay on the wellness track, cut out calories, and feel satisfied.
Eat healthy on the move.
• Bring your own meal for the flight or car ride. Homemade sandwiches and fresh fruit are a great option. Not only will you be able to control what you eat, but you will also save time and money.
• Pick up prepackaged fruit and vegetables at the grocery store. You can also buy peanut butter in a tube or small container to pair with fruit or granola bars.
Be smart with snacks.
• Have a sweet tooth? Keep dried fruit, which provides disease-fighting antioxidants, handy for snacking instead of candy. It can also be mixed with nuts and sunflower seeds to create trail mix.
• Pack peppers, celery, or carrots to snack on during a trip. Resealable containers are perfect for dips, such as ranch dressing, peanut butter, or hummus.
• Frozen grapes make great bite-size snacks and are delicious with low-fat cheese.
Eat out without overdoing it.
• Do your research. Check out your destination online and look at restaurant menus before the trip. This will give you an opportunity to find places that serve healthy options.
• Practice eating small portions. Bring half the meal home or share an entrée with a friend. Consider choosing two appetizers instead of one entrée.
Give thought to your drinks.
• Switch from soda to low-fat milk, water, or tea with one sugar or a non-nutritive sweetener.
• Opt for tomato juice or vegetable juice on the plane.
• Out for coffee or a smoothie? Order the smallest size available, request coffee with fat-free or low-fat milk, skip the whipped cream, ask that the smoothie be prepared without added sugar, and look at nutrition facts, if possible.
Watch portions sizes, but don’t deprive yourself.
• Use the half-plate rule. Make fruits and vegetables 50 percent of what you eat at every meal.
• Don’t skip your favorite dessert or fried foods. Eat smaller portions of these foods – just make it a treat, not a regular occurrence.
• Don’t cut out meals. This may lead to eating too much later in the day.
TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss support and wellness education organization, was established more than 63 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success. Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, TOPS promotes successful, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, view www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.
Healthy, Fit & Fabulous: The Residual Effect
By Chaton Anderson ~
How many calories did I burn in my workout today? How much fat? We’ve all asked ourselves those questions at one time or another. Unfortunately, many of us are easily discouraged when our workouts don’t yield fast, if not immediate, results. No matter how good our intentions are, it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking immediate gratification.
We all know that exercise gets us into better shape. Yet so many of us get off track when we don’t see the superficial results we’re looking for. Our schedules get too crazy, we’re tired, that chocolate ice cream is calling our name—it’s easy to see why patience wears out. Even when we switch things up and try new routines to maximize results, we may not be willing to wait to see the changes. When this happens, you have to get your health and fitness into perspective and then think about what we call the residual effect.
When an actor does a commercial, they often receive a lump sum for the day’s work, followed by residual payments for every time that commercial airs. Those residuals tend to significantly outweigh that initial payment and are the real source of income for the job. Plus, there’s nothing better than going to the mailbox to find an unexpected check.
Our workouts yield a similar response. “After a training session, you may forget about the weights, reps, sets or even the workout altogether. That’s okay, because the residual effect is what counts—truly connecting to your body and intensely challenging yourself will not only give you a great workout, but you’ll experience a sensation and feeling of peace, contentment, achievement that lasts throughout the day,” says Bing Dinh, founder and trainer at Body Mind Architects (www.BodyMindArchitects.com). “This feeling is the residual—it propels you to listen better, feel more, do things with more conviction and enjoy your day with greater depth. In short, it improves your quality of life in ways that the scale can’t measure.”
Need more reasons to stay on your workout plan? That’s easy because the long-term effects of consistent exercise are vast. It promotes longevity, prevents degenerative chronic disease, alleviates stress and fights anxiety. Your energy is greater and you feel more vigorous, while the non-active are more easily agitated and susceptible to depression. The more regularly you work out, the less damage will be done when you’re ill and can’t exercise or when a vacation slows down your routine. That year of exercise you’ve got behind you will hold its ground better. Ultimately, you’re creating strong, deep muscle tissue that will hold its tone and strength for a long term, and each week of sustained activity builds upon the week before.
An undying commitment to fitness yields benefits that are impossible to pass up. Forget about the scale or the calories burned in each session—think about the residual effect: a longer, stronger, healthier, and happier life. That’s a much greater result than what you can achieve in one session.
Chaton Anderson is a Writer, Filmmaker and Beauty & Fitness expert, as well as a product and pop culture addict. She is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. E-mail her at Chaton@FusionIntegrated.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge
Savvy Style: Shoes, Glorious Shoes!
By Jan Ross ~
I wouldn’t want you to think that I might possibly like shoes, but I have an entire shoe closet. That’s right. A shoe closet. I was just re-watching the second “Sex in the City” movie and I was amused and just a teeny bit smug when Carrie was gloating over her fabulous closet because seriously? She had clothes and shoes in there.
Oh, Carrie. Eat your heart out over my shoe closet.
Actually, the only reason I have a shoe closet is because my kids are grown and gone and I have relegated my husband to one closet in the house and taken over all the others. Honestly, how much closet space does a guy need? A few shirts, some pants, maybe a suit or two. And as far as his shoes? Picture me laughing out loud right this minute. He might have five pairs. Six if you count those dress shoes that he only wears about once a year. Whereas I? Have a lot of shoes.
I have never actually counted my shoes but I have … a lot. I have a lot more summer shoes than winter shoes because, honestly, aren’t summer shoes so much cuter? You really can’t get away with bright yellow shoes or polka dot shoes in the winter but sandals? Oh, yeah.
I love shoes. The great thing about shoes is … wait. There are a lot of great things about shoes.
- If you are having a fat day, you can still buy shoes. You know those days when everything you try on makes you look fat? It has nothing to do with that big lunch you just ate at “Olive Garden,” I’m sure. But no matter how fat you are looking, you can always buy shoes. Lovely, beautiful, fabulous shoes.
- Shoes can beautify any outfit. You know that blue dress you bought because it was on sale and it fits great but it’s kinda … blah. Just put on those blue, green and yellow striped slides with the rhinestone butterfly on the toes (you know the ones I mean) and suddenly your dress has gone from blah to fabulous.
- You can have the same color shoes in different styles. I realize you already have some turquoise sandals but you know what? These turquoise sandals are completely different and it’s OK to buy them. My husband still does not understand this concept. He thinks that tall brown boots and short brown boots are the same. As if.
- Great shoes give you confidence. Speaking at a conference and feeling some of those pre-conference butterflies? Slip on some fabulous shoes and you’ll feel much better. Just make sure you practice walking in them if they have very high heels and put some tape on the bottom if they are slippery new. Confidence is out the window if you fall on your ass on the stage.
- Shoes do not have to be expensive. One of the most fabulous pairs of shoes I own is a pair of black and white polka dot slides. They are seriously the cutest things you have ever seen. In fact, I fell in love with them so deep and hard that I actually bought a back-up pair which I have since decided to give to a friend. Who knew how hard it would be to wear out a pair of black and white polka dot slides? They came from Wal-mart and cost about $10. Who needs Jimmy Choo?
- Shoes can help you decide if you like someone. Cute shoes or no cute shoes? Friendships have been based on less.
- Shoes set off your pedicure. You might have the most darling pedicure of all time, but if you are not wearing cute shoes, nobody is going to be impressed. And if your shoes color-coordinate with your pedicure? Serious shoe points.
- If the shoe fits, buy it in every color. Years ago, I bought two pairs of perfectly darling, lace-up short boots in brown and black. They had a navy pair and I made the ultimate shoe faux pas and decided I didn’t need them. I have thought about those navy boots a thousand times. If only I had bought them. If only. But them if you love them!
- Shoes do not judge you. Stopping at “Dairy Queen” for a blizzard on your way home and eating the entire thing in your car, then throwing away the cup? Your shoes don’t care. They still look fabulous. The situation is completely fictitious, by the way. We writers think of things all the time that never actually happened. Never. Happened.
- Only your girlfriends understand the shoe mania. Guys will never, ever understand why we need so many shoes. So many colors. So many styles. Never.
Shoes. I think I might need to go shopping right now. I still don’t have a pair of light purple, high heeled sandals to complete my collection. And I need them.
Jan Ross is a freelance writer, specializing in travel writing and has a blog at http://www.wanderlustwonder.com/ and she owns a lot of shoes. A LOT.
Savvy Style: Yes, You Can Wear That Bathing Suit, But Should You?
By Jan Ross ~
I tried not to visibly cringe as the rather large woman with two, no make that three rolls of pudge between the top of her bikini and the bottom strolled by the pool of my cruise ship. She was not the first woman I would see on my Caribbean cruise dressed in an inappropriate bathing suit and she would not be the last. It was not the bikini itself – it was quite darling and it actually fit. Although why the manufacturer would make one quite that large befuddles me. It was not her age – you could be 70 and still look good in a bikini.
It was the rather obvious fact (to everyone else except the wearer, apparently) that the bikini was quite simply very, very unflattering. A well-fitting one piece bathing suit in a beautiful color or print would have looked so much better. Why do so many women do this to themselves? Here’s why and what to do about it. At least for yourself. Because I can’t think of any way to walk to up to a total stranger and tell them the bikini is absolutely not the way to go.
- That high school hairstyle. Remember that hairstyle you had in high school? You should not have that same hairstyle today. Same thing goes for that bikini. You may have worn one back in high school but unless you are one of those women (and can we have a big raspberry for them, thankyouverymuch) who have maintained your weight and your figure for all these years, you should not be wearing one now.
- Throw away those magazines. You know the ones I mean. The ones that tell you what bathing suit fits your style to make your boobs look larger/small, your hips larger/smaller, your tummy flat, and your waist as miniscule as Scarlett O’Hara. They lie. They are in the business of selling products and advertising and those companies provide both for their magazines.
- Shopping. My best advice about shopping for a new bathing suit is to take along a loving friend or family member who will give you the unvarnished truth about what looks good on you. Then take their advice and step away from the bikinis. Just step away.
- Mirror. For God’s sake, look in the dressing room mirror. Really study yourself. Now turn sideways. Yes, it’s difficult but you have to do it. How does your tummy really look in that suit? Are your boobs smushed and flat or nicely supported? Does the bathing suit cover your complete butt or just part of it?
- Work It. Now be realistic because you are not going to just stand there with your hand on your hip, posing prettily the entire time you are the pool/beach/insert requisite bathing suit scenario here. You are going to move around. So, bend and stretch and even sit down. Still comfortable? Still flattering? Buy it.
- Price is no object. Haven’t you always wanted to say that? Well, in this case, it is true. In general, bathing suits are expensive but a good one is worth any price. Don’t even look at the price tag until you have picked the perfect suit. Then, try not to gasp but suck it up and act cool as you take it to the register. You will never regret purchasing a very good, very expensive bathing suit. How many cheap, ill-fitting bathing suits do you have in that drawer that you don’t wear? I thought so.
- Disregard #6. Inexpensive and great bathing suits are actually available. I have a completely fabulous bathing suit that I bought at Walmart last year – in fact, I just went back and ordered it in a different color. If it fits and is completely fabulous in every way, forget the price. Buy it.
- Work It. Now you have the perfect bathing suit that looks great and fits great. Don’t forget the accoutrements that will really turn heads. A darling cover-up, a matching straw hat, the perfect little sandals – these will take that pretty suit and transform your appearance up to beautiful.
- Change It. If you are determined to wear that bikini, then change your body. It’s not easy but it’s possible. Exercise and diet are the magic words. There are no shortcuts. Just do it. I’m not saying I can do it, but I’m sure you can.
- Take Care of It. I always rinse out my bathing suits whether I am swimming in a pool or at the beach. Chlorine can fade and damage your fabulous bathing suit. Sun and sand can ruin it. Use plain tap water or add a little Woolite, then hang it up to dry and they will stay nice for years.
Jan Ross is a travel writer who only wears beautiful, well-fitting, and flattering bathing suits. Or, at least nobody has ever had the nerve to tell her any different. She also has a travel blog at: http://www.wanderlustwonder.com/.
Healthy, Fit & Fabulous: Crave The Burn
By Chaton Anderson ~
You know it well—the burn. That feeling you strive for, and when you get there, it takes everything you have to stay with it. Some days it’s easy to get there, while on others, it seems impossible. There are times when we fear it and don’t want to get near it, but the feeling of elation and empowerment that comes afterward is just too good to resist.
The “burn” is a term often used to describe the muscle soreness you get during and after a good, solid workout. Then there’s the after-burn, or the calories expended after working out, referred to as “excess post-exercise oxygen consumption” or EPOC. When your body continues to burn calories after a session, you’re in a great spot—but we’re talking about the feeling you get when you’re fully engaged in your workout, to the point where you’re operating at maximum intensity. When you challenge yourself at that level, you’re going to get the after-burn anyway—your body will continue to burn calories like a stealthy, efficient machine and your metabolism will be revved for the rest of the day.
In our ideal world, we all should reach a point where we’re not satisfied unless we feel the burn—we should actually crave it. Beyond statistics and heart rate monitors, it’s about igniting that fire within; the one that keeps you motivated and inspired to strive for your best in every workout. You’re not going to be at your best every single day—you won’t always beat your time or increase your reps each session. We all have our off days; sometimes we don’t get enough sleep or just don’t feel like ourselves. It’s about giving your best in that moment, and being present for each rep, each variation, and each mile.
A true champion is inspired by challenge and accepts nothing less than his or her best. Why not be a champion in your own right? It doesn’t matter whether you’re training for the Olympics, preparing for a marathon, recovering from an injury or trying to get rid of post-pregnancy pounds—giving it your all during every workout is within reach. Striving for the burn will help you get to that next level of fitness faster than anything else.
Engage the mindset of an athlete for each of your workouts. If you follow these tenets, you will yield results before you know it.
1) Focus on being present in the moment.
2) Strive for improvement with each workout.
3) Push through the burn to get to the next level.
4) Get out of your comfort zone.
Body Mind Architects’ founder Bing Ding has some words of wisdom to share, “Achieving your dreams and goals requires discipline, focus and the willingness to train at your fullest capacity for that day,” he says. “Face your obstacles, stay conditioned both mentally AND physically, and challenge yourself every day to be just a little better.” Each small step up paves the way to an incredible life transformation, and ultimately, success.
Chaton Anderson is a Writer, Filmmaker and Fitness expert, as well as a product and pop culture addict. She is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. E-mail her at Chaton@FusionIntegrated.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.
Savvy Style: Seven Ways to Create Your Style Your Way
By Natalie Jobity ~
Style is ultimately about knowing yourself and expressing who you are. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin. Despite the occasion or the event, the stylish woman seems to have that special charisma that commands attention. Confidence is the hallmark of having true style.
Women often ask me how they can begin to tap into their style persona. I advise them to ask themselves some honest questions: What do you like? What makes you feel good? Whose style do you admire and why? What image would you like to project? In addition to looking at these answers for inspiration, there are seven universal style personalities that you can use as a guide. If you begin to discover yourself in one or more of these personas, your next step is to start ‘owning’ it.
The Romantic:
The “Romantic” is the type of woman who is truly feminine at heart. She wants her clothing to be understated yet fun and girlie so that her beauty can really be the focal point. Her closet may be filled with ruffled tops, soft jackets with bows as accents, lace blouses, and flowy skirts and dresses rather than pants. Her color preferences will be on the softer end of the spectrum, warm pinks, sky blue, aqua, coral, or salmon. She will likely prefer to wear shoes with heels than flats.
The Diva:
The “Diva” is the woman who wants to be in the spotlight. She may not be the most beautiful in the room but people gravitate towards her because she rocks her style and exudes confidence and charm. The Diva’s closet may be filled with bright colors, funky prints, exuberant designs with lots of flash and accessories that dazzle. She wants to be noticed and she wants to be the center of attention so she will go to the extremes of fashion if she needs to.
The Outdoorsy:
The “Outdoorsy” style woman projects a casual, laid back image, characterized by a friendly, approachable look. She’s wholesome, carefree and natural without being sloppy or lazy. Sporty typifies the ‘all American style’ of blue jeans and a button down. This woman’s closet is filled with relaxed separates, classic styles, and jeans and flats. She has minimal accessories because she does not like to spend too much time getting dressed up. Effortless and comfortable are her style watchwords.
The Traditionalist:
The “Traditionalist” is a woman who favors classic styles and projects a very traditional, conservative and business like image. She is practical and functional when it comes to her clothing. Her closet is filled with suits, classic silhouettes, very conservative styles and not much variation in color. She probably has a ‘uniform’ for her casual wardrobe. Being fashionable is not particularly important to her.
The Sophisticate:
The “Sophisticate” is a woman who values fashion as a status symbol. She projects a refined, stately and high maintenance image that is characterized by a cultivated and polished look. This woman will always look impeccably put together from head to toe. She invests in clothing and grooming because they are an important part of her lifestyle. Her closet is filled with timeless pieces from brand name designers, and clothing in the most luxurious fabrics. The Sophisticate values quality as much as she does style.
The Seductress:
This woman is very comfortable in her skin—so much so that she projects a sexy and provocative look. She exudes sensuality and is uninhibited in her fashion choices. She delights in figure contouring designs, and her closet will be filled with pieces that are exciting and designed to reveal and emphasize her sex appeal. She will own the highest heels, the shortest dresses, the most daring undergarments and she will use animal prints and cutouts as accents in her clothing. If she wears slacks they will be figure hugging.
The Eclectic
This woman thrives on the element of surprise and whimsy. The eclectic woman is free spirited and independent in her fashion choices. She wants to be the non-conformist and uses clothing to express her individuality. Her style may be hard to define because it’s so all about her. Her closet will be filled with period pieces, classics, trendy items –everything is fair game. It’s how she puts her ensembles together that makes her stand apart from the pack. This woman is likely to set her own fashion trends.
Whether you identified with one or more of these styles, the point is to use this guide to really establish a style persona that is distinctively yours. My tagline ‘Presence with a Purpose’ conveys that ability to project a sense of ease, poise or self-assurance; it is energy and an attitude. It can be magnetic. Go for it!
Natalie Jobity is the President of Élan Image Management, a premier image consulting firm, a bestselling author and sought-after speaker. She provides coaching and image consulting services to women internationally who are ready to own their spotlight. Natalie is the author of “Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It’” For more information visit www.NatalieJobity.com. Click here for image to tips you can use everyday.
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