Esteem Yourself E-magazine - Women Building Confidence & Self-Esteem. Shape Fitness Health Workout

Supportive Exercising
By: Leontine Armstrong

Supporting a friend in any way they need you is sometimes one of the best things we can do for them. Try encouraging one of your friends who is struggling with keeping up a routine of working out, or trying to be consistent with something physical. An interesting fact is that when we help our friends with their difficulties we are also helping ourselves because we are putting forth positive energy towards assisting someone in need. You will feel great and they will feel great too. Showing you are genuine in trying to help your friend will help them with whatever is going on in their life. If you motivate and support them, you are showing your friend that they have someone there for them.

Supporting your friend becomes important when they really need you. Being there for them when they are ready to talk with you is very important. Some people won't accept your help, however, offer your help and wait for them to accept. It is difficult seeing a close friend in pain, but the best thing that you can do is to offer your help whenever they need your assistance. You can support your friend by doing several different things. You can be there to listen to them when they need to vent and just talk. You can also offer up advice and what you think might help them. Let them know that you won't be offended if they don't take your advice and that you are there to perhaps bounce ideas back and forth. Exercise is always a great idea for them to take on and encourage them to go out with you and do fun things.

Help your friend by encouraging them to set a goal. This goal can be to lose a certain amount of weight, get better at running, or working out with more weight. Whatever the goal is, it will give your friend something to look forward to with your help. Try and make one of the goals hanging out with friends, meeting other people who love to workout, and joining a gym or group exercise.

You can also support your friend by doing exercises with them. Try fishing, golfing, walking, bowling, or some other relaxing sports. When you help to distract your friend's mind you are helping them take a moment of relaxation they probably really need. Playing sports and exercising stimulates your mind and will help your friend release some of their anxiety and frustration.

Try supporting a friend by going on a walk with them. You'd be surprised how relaxing just walking and talking can be. There are several very useful reasons for doing this. You will be improving your cardiovascular system because you are moving your body and breathing a lot while you walk and talk. This is a wonderful way to help your friend de-stress and relax because walking has so many positive aspects. Your friend's mood will improve because they are venting to you as they are moving around and they will feel better because of this unique combination. Their attitude towards whatever it is that they are dealing with will improve as well because they will be discussing their problems with a trusted friend. If they decide not to talk about what is bothering them, the walk will still be helping them burn up some pent up energy and they will feel better because they are moving their bodies around.

Another way to help your friend is to encourage them to spend time with you and other friends. Invite your friend out for a group workout. Classes such as pilates, yoga, zumba, kickboxing, and many others are perfect ways to encourage your friend to get out, meet new people, and brings their spirits up. These classes and groups are great for encouraging your friends because they will be interacting with other people who enjoy getting out and exercising. Group exercising is such a powerful encouragement for so many people because when we are around a positive energy we automatically feel better about ourselves and our lives.

Be patient with your friend. Whatever they are going through, you need to remain supportive no matter what and be there for them whenever they need you. Don't get upset if they are slow in accepting help. They probably are trying to independently get through their problems, but it doesn't mean that they don't want your help. Be there, and be ready. Be the encouraging and supportive friend they need.

First published July 2010

Eating Real Food
By: Mehan Dossani

When we eat well, we feel good. It's a simple equation yet one that is often hard to wrap our brains around. How do we translate that statement into daily habits? To quote Michael Pollen "eat REAL food".

What does real mean to you? Instead of over thinking it, make this a simple question. Open your pantry. Take a look inside your fridge. Does what you find look like real food? Sure, you can eat it, it has energy, you can digest it, but do those tortilla chips with a picture of corn stalks on it actually resemble corn? It has a corn-like taste, but somehow we went from fruits and vegetables grown on a farm to processed, packaged foods that can sit in our pantries for months and never go bad. As Michael Pollen writes, there are simple choices to make when we make decisions about what we eat.

Getting back into the kitchen
Get into your kitchen and start preparing your own food. If you are craving some cupcakes, don't go and buy one the size of your head for $6, make some from scratch. No, not from a box but mixing flour and eggs yourself. It's easy! You'll satisfy your sweet tooth, and unlike those kind you buy at the store, yours will go stale after a day or so. This means you bring them into your office or share them with neighbors. A tub of ice cream isn't meant to sit in your freezer for two weeks, sitting and waiting for you to reach for it night after night until it's finished. Food is meant to be prepared and consumed the day of, the next day, and then you move on to something new. What's the fun of eating snacks from the same bag day after day? It makes it feel less special and it starts becoming too much of a habit.

Read the ingredients
If you can't pronounce an ingredient, put it down, and step away. Eating real food is about eating ingredients you can recognize.   Eating real food is about eating food that spoils, not eating food that has been injected with so many preservatives it never rots. Don't make eating junk food so easy for yourself. Grocery stores make eating unhealthy foods incredibly easy. So you have to be in control. It's almost hard to find the natural food as our aisles are filled to the brim with processed food (if you can call it food) that is almost unrecognizable as real sustenance. Don't make things so easy for yourself. Buy ingredients, don't buy ready-made meals or snacks that only require you to open a bag. As long as you have a good plan, you'll find making your own dinner with a few fresh ingredients a simple part of your daily routine. If you have time to watch your favorite TV show or catch up with friends on Facebook, you have time to prepare your dinner and your lunch for the next day. Ignore the size of the walk in pantry your builder thought you needed. Just store flour, salt, sugar, nuts, dried fruit, simple things like that. Don't snack on some energy bar with bizarre words under the ingredients, just toast up some oats, honey and nuts and you've got some granola bars.

Make eating real food a real habit in your daily life and you'll enter the summer months as a healthy, happy individual.

First published June 2010

Build Your Metabolism
By: Leontine Armstrong

Our metabolism slows down for several reasons. It happens when we skip meals because your stomach is trying to compensate for the loss of nutrition it needs while being forced to instead feed off of your muscles. It also happens when we skip meals which might actually result in over eating to catch up. When people go on extreme unhealthy diets such as only eating one food group or substituting a healthy meal for a fast food one they can also have a result of low metabolism. Eating healthy is very important and should never be over looked because of the important nutritional values needed for the human body.

Many people have an immense amount of physical stress in their daily lives and this can surprisingly affect your metabolism. In some instances, stress in a person's life will take away energy from their body. From this we can understand that the person will not have much remaining energy to focus on eating right and exercising properly. As we all grow older our metabolism slows down because we may not be as active as we once were. This does not need to be the case for you. If you keep a healthy routine of exercise balanced with proper nutrition, you will increase your metabolism despite your age.

Any of these problems may affect the way your metabolism operates and can have a negative impact on your life style and body. Make an effort to build your metabolism by doing the following:

Daily Rituals

Make sure you eat breakfast
Remember when you were told that breakfast was the most important meal of the day? Well, it's true. It is the most important meal of the day because it gives you energy to burn throughout your tough day. Eat something that provides energy and will stay with you until lunch such as: oatmeal, milk, orange juice, fruit, bagel and jam, whole grain cereal, nuts, raisins, eggs, sausage, non fat yogurt, high fiber bars. These are some suggestions for foods that will help you get a jump start in the morning.

Drink lots of water
The human body is composed of approximately 60% water. This is why it is so important to stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout. Water, believe it or not, will give you that boost of energy after taking a quick sip when you're thirsty. What's even better to do is to drink before you're thirsty. Thirst is the first sign of dehydration and you don't want to lose too much water when you workout. Drinking cold water is also healthy. Your stomach has to heat up what you put into your stomach. When your body has to work to make your contents of your stomach the same temperature as your body, your metabolism will speed up and burn a few calories. However, drinking too much cold water will cancel out this effect because you want to trick your body in small moments, so it works to your advantage.

Eat protein filled meals
Building muscle and getting rid of fat requires eating protein. Your muscles are composed of protein and in order for them to grow or tone you must utilize the protein located in specific foods. It's better to replace fat with muscle by eating protein so your body is eating away the fat you are burning while not damaging your muscles.

Cardio, Weights, & Cardio
Try mixing up your workout routine by doing cardio for 5-10 minutes, weight lifting for 45 minutes and then ending with a 20-30 minute cardio routine to finish up. If you do cardio before and after building muscle during your workouts you will be forming muscle as you lose fat. By doing this you are toning your body with muscle as you lose fat that will be burned during your workout. This is a very healthy way to lose weight because you are improving your cardiovascular and muscular fitness.

Change your exercises around frequently
By doing this you while keep your body busy. After doing the same exercise routine over and over your body will get used to that kind of activity and know when it is ok to stop. Switching up your routines will remind your body that there are other muscles that need to be used, as well as other ways of exercising the same muscle. Keeping your body alert with new exercises will keep your metabolism moving even after you are finished with a workout for the day.

Snack smart throughout the day
When you are consistently giving yourself healthy small snacks and meals, you are giving your body energy to keep going throughout the day. We all have our moments in the day where we start to drop in energy levels. When your energy drops eat a snack to replenish yourself and keep going. When you eat small meals you are making your stomach work all day long by processing food that is healthy and full of energy. When you eat large meals you are putting a lot of food into your stomach at once which makes it difficult to process quickly. It sits in your stomach and some of it can't be digested properly if you consistently do this. You might feel that weighing down in your stomach and you really don't want this feeling to keep reoccurring.

Eat some spicy foods
According to recent research, when you eat something spicy your body's metabolism accelerates because it's resting metabolic rate is elevated. Your adrenaline is also kicking into gear from the spicy food making your body react to burn more calories. The spicy food also has the effect of making you feel full and satisfied so you won't be as hungry for an extra helping.

Cramps & You
During the time of the month women may experience cramps, bloating and pms. By consistently exercising your period will not be as painful as it usually is. You will be less stressed out and less prone to be a little moody. Cramps won't hurt as bad because you have been working out your muscles so they are warmed up, stretched and healthy. Bloating won't be as bad because if you are drinking plenty of water you will have worked off some of the bloating that would otherwise ruin your nice day. Consistently drinking water and working out your body will burn calories during your painful part of the month.

Get a good amount of rest
Oversleeping isn't good for your body because you are lying down for too long of a time. It makes your body sleepy for the rest of the day as well. Not sleeping enough will make you feel drowsy throughout the day and you won't have much energy either. When you do get 7-8 hours of sleep your body will be much better rested than having too much or too little amounts of sleep. Taking quick power naps are also good for you. Studies show that if you take nap in increments of 15 minutes you will have that quick little boost of energy to push yourself through the rest of the day and an exercise you have planned.

Note:
Please be sure to check with your doctor to see what nutritional route is best for you. Check with your doctor to see what physical activities you should focus on and which ones you may not be able to do. Safety is important to a long and healthy life, so please be sure you find out what would be the best course for you.

First published May 2010

Exercise Your Life
By: Leontine Armstrong

Depression is a major problem for some people and anyone can get it. It's even worse when you don't know how to handle it. There are ways of recognizing it and making an effort to get out of it is important to your well being. Trials and obstacles are a part of life, we must handle them well and have confidence to overcome. One way to overcome sadness and depression is to stay active. Doing something proactively to become yourself again. Although you may feel empty, hollow, meaningless, and lost inside, if you notice you feel this way you are at the beginning of the healing process. Recognizing you are having a problem is extremely important to fixing the problem. This is the first step to overcoming.

What You Can Do For Yourself Physically
Research has proven that there is a correlation between exercise and overcoming depression. Studies have shown that when you exercise your body creates endorphins that assist in the creation of a positive mood.   Exercise is important to any part of your life. Exhausting yourself doing something fun and physical such as swimming, cycling, running or just simply walking with your friends will help get your body working to feel better. By engaging in exercise and fun activities you will be making a positive move towards healing yourself.

When you are feeling depressed you may feel like you can't do anything at all. Try working out. Working out will help you build stamina and help you get motivated. Exercise does many things for your well being and here are a few of them:

1. Your energy level increases a great deal when you keep yourself physically active.
2. You will be working off some stress and frustrating emotions that you've built up and haven't let out.
3. You boost your self-esteem because you start to feel good about yourself and what you are doing to cope.
4. Your body's health starts to increase positively because you are using your muscles and your body needs this kind of activity.
5. You may sleep better because you are venting your emotions through your physical activities.
6.You can build a friendship by finding an exercise partner that encourages helps you during your workout. By keeping a close workout buddy you will remain positive and feel great after your workout.

What You Can Do For Yourself Mentally
During depression people think that it is a good thing to make dramatic changes to their lifestyle by dropping or eliminating their workout routine. However, you need to stick to a routine and make sure you continue the routine so that you can keep yourself healthy. Here are some things that you can try:
1. Make some new reliable friends to exercise with.
2. Join an exercise club that might interest you.
3. Try a sport you've never tried before.
4. Make some small exercise goals you can meet.
5. Express your emotions through your sports.
6. Acknowledge and appreciate your body and what you can do with it.

Things You Shouldn't Do
1. Don't over stress your routine workout. Only take it as much as you know you can handle.
2. Don't over load yourself with too much lifting weight or too much cardio.
3. Don't lose touch with close friends and family members , as well as workout buddies. Remember that they are always there for you when you need them.
4. Do not hold your emotions in. Holding your emotions in will only prolong your hurt. Instead you should go exercise to help yourself feel better.
5. Do not completely disconnect yourself from your life and reality. It is important to continue doing your daily activities such as eating healthy, working out and playing sports. It may be painful to try and keep your daily exercise routine, but by continuing them you are establishing a solid foundation to keep your life in control.

Remember
What you do physically may help you overcome mentally. Do an exercise that feels right for you whether you've tried it or not and don't give up on yourself. You will feel great about yourself again and exercise is a major part in helping your life stay on track.

Note: Talk to a psychiatrist and a psychologist so that they can figure out what will continue to help you most through prescriptions and counseling. Please consult your doctor to make sure that what you decide to do concerning any exercise is right for you.

First published April 2010

Safety For Your Workout
By: Leontine Armstrong

Making smart choices in your daily activities will help you in the long run when you plan
your workout. There are several actions you can take to make your workout better and safer for yourself.

Water
Drink plenty of water. The more water you drink, the better hydrated you will be. By drinking more water you will decrease the possibilities of overheating and losing too much water as you sweat. Hydration must be taken seriously because lack of water can cause severe damage to your body as it is deprived of this necessary substance.
A little known fact about water is that it can assist you in dropping those couple of pounds you're aiming at losing. When you consistently drink a lot of water you are actually giving your body energy for momentary exertions, as well as for the workout you're going to be doing. You will feel less light headed and have more of an active role in working out if you keep water with you and drink it when you need it.

Food
Eating healthy meals and snacks will give you energy for your exercise ventures. Keep protein bars or diet bars with you so that when you feel a small decline in your energy level you will be recharged. Protein rebuilds the muscle you use while working out. If you eat protein bars you will be assisting yourself both during and after your workout. You will feel better after you eat because your body is straining and needs the necessary fuel.

Vitamins & Minerals
Every single person on this planet should be taking vitamins and minerals so as to prolong their health. There are many different vitamins being produced both naturally through food and medicinally for additional health assistance. You and your doctor have the choice of which vitamins and minerals you need to improve your workout, health and well being.

Equipment
Having the proper apparel for working out is very important to the positions your body will be in. Tennis shoes are good for your feet because they are built to hold your weight. A big no-no for exercising is to wear jeans and regular shoes. These items are not created for the working out process. Try wearing lose fitting and comfortable clothing such as sweats, a t-shirt, sports bra, and tennis shoes. When you are working your body hard you want to make sure that you are ready for it. Limiting your body movement will only hurt you. So be prepared by wearing the right clothing.

Note: Most importantly, you should be aware of your body and its limits. Do not attempt to do anything that is out of your personal control and safety. Pay attention to your body and what its reactions are to the exercises you perform.

First published March 2010

Romancing Your Kitchen
By: Mehan Dossani

"Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon, or not at all" Harriet Van Horne

As winter settles in and makes itself comfortable and we start spending more time in our warm homes than out in our cold yards. Although we spend more time in our homes, our kitchen often feels neglected and most of our time is spent in front of the TV. Turn off the TV and walk over to your kitchen. Give it a good, long look. What do you see? Do you see something you love? Do you see a place where you long to be? Do you see a place where your family can have fun, can spend quality time together? Do you see a place where memories can be made? Or is it just the room that everyone travels through. The place where mail gets dropped, the place the dog gets fed, the place where take-out is thrown on the counter, and the place where microwave meals are heated up? If you find yourself answering "yes" to the latter descriptions you may need a new crush. You may need to start flirting with your kitchen. You need to romance your kitchen, rekindle a love for recipes. Make it the place where love is created, shared and savored.

"There is no love sincerer than the love of food" George Bernard Shaw

No matter how small your kitchen, how humble your accessories, or outdated your appliances, anyone can create delicious food with what they have on hand. However, sometimes it takes a little new addition to entice us. Go out and buy a new pasta strainer, a cookie cutter, a new chef's knife, some bowls with a fantastic pattern, something new and exciting that you'll want to put to use. Reconnect with your kitchen and get inspired.   Get cooking! Pull out those dusty cookbooks you've never flipped through or look for those family recipes your mother once gave you. Call up your mother, your friend, your aunt, who made a dish you always loved, and ask for the recipe. Peruse beautiful food photography on your favorite recipe website to spark some creativity. Get those culinary juices flowing! There is nothing quite as satisfying as washing and chopping vegetables, stirring a sauce, roasting a chicken and having everything come together as a meal you can sit down and enjoy with your own thoughts, or over great conversation with those you love. Don't ruin a home cooked meal by eating it in front of the TV. Savor each bite slowly, reminding yourself of the effort you put into the food, you'll absorb the love and finish your meal feeling incredibly satisfied. When you have a healthy relationship with food and an engaging relationship with your kitchen nothing but good things will come.

"There is no sight on earth more appealing than the sight of a woman making dinner for someone she loves" Thomas Wolfe

You may think that to be an old fashioned quote, but this month, as you perhaps think of a way in which you can show someone how much you care for them, what better way than preparing something special in the kitchen.   Forget the candy hearts, the boxed chocolates or the cupcakes with red and pink frosting. Bake something from scratch in your kitchen! It's begging for you to dance with it and start a love affair. All it takes is some flour, some eggs, some butter and some sugar and chances are you can bake something unique. It's not suppose to look like it stepped out of a bakery, it's suppose to look homemade and only then can it truly say "I love you". And don't think you need another person in your life to express your love by way of your kitchen. Show yourself some love and bake yourself some cookies (after all, one is never truly alone in the kitchen). Your kitchen is yours, it's your family's, it's there for you to enjoy.

First published February 2010

The Happier and Healthier You
By: Leontine Armstrong

Your overall health is important to the longevity and happiness of your life. Keep yourself and your body happy and you will be ready for anything. Being happy with who you are inside and out is key to a fulfilling life. If you are not happy with yourself in any way seek for self confidence improvement. Self confidence and esteem is very important to your happiness. Being self confident in yourself can literally improve your mood, day, life, attitude, and much more.

Being healthy should be very important to all of us. Gaining a healthy lifestyle and maintaining it is just as important too. Try focusing on what makes you feel good about yourself and keep that in mind whenever you are doubting yourself or are feeling down. Don't concentrate on what others think of you to determine how you feel about yourself.   Also, remember that it is you who should care most about what you do with your body and life. Keep your self-confidence shining in your life. There are many ways to boost your self confidence. However, you have to realize the importance of self confidence.

- Think about how you feel when you are confident about yourself.
- Think about the long term affects of your self confidence.
- Think about why you are building self confident and hold onto that key idea.
- Think about what gives you confidence.
- Think about how you can utilize your confidence so that it reflects in your everyday life.

Your mental health is important as well as your physical health. So, why is it important to be mentally healthy in order to improve your physical health? Well, your mind determines how your body reacts to different things. Sometimes the body is strong while the mind needs to catch up by preparing itself for an activity. The mind needs:

- Sleep
- Rest
- Relaxation
- Constant stimulation

Sleep is necessary for your body and mind to function. Sleep should be a priority because your mind and body need to reboot. We need to pay attention to what condition our minds are in before we attempt to do anything mental or physical. It is important to make sure that when we get stressed we find some way to relax. Such as exercising by running, walking, jogging, swimming, or anything else recreational. Stress can have many negative impacts on the body, so make sure that your mind is just as healthy as your body. This is important for an overall synchronization of your lifestyle.

Just as your body gets tired, your mind gets tired too. Relaxation is important for each and every exercise you put your body through. Hopefully you can see now why exercise for your mind and body is so important to the overall you. You should love yourself for who you are because you are unique and wonderful in your own way. Loving yourself also includes keeping yourself healthy. Keeping yourself healthy will make you happier than you would have ever expected. So why wouldn't you want to keep yourself happy.

First published February 2010

The New You In 2010
By: Molly Kukachka

It is January… the time of year you look forward to and dread at the same time. Each time you start to make a new resolve throughout the year, you seem to postpone and decide that starting in January would make more sense. When January rolls around, your resolution list has become quite large and may often seem daunting. Another change we experience with the rotation of the calendar is the annual renewal of hope, the one we are filled with every January first.

We are certain that this is the year and fantasize about all of those things we wish to accomplish, becoming the person we have always dreamed of, getting the job we want, dropping our bad habits and finally transforming into the new and improved self. However, as we look back at the dawning of previous years, we realize that we have had the same aspirations for many years running. January is always started with vigor and energy and ground work, the basic foundation for change, is laid. Time elapses, energy is lost and the comfort of old habits returns followed by the over-used excuse of, "Next year!"

No one has the power to change you, however you can do anything you want if you set your mind on it. Reality television has introduced to the American population that change is possible in many ways, and every day individuals like you and me, are making drastic life changes every day. Visualizing change is a good start at recognizing your goals, however, do not get trapped by the fantasy in your mind. It takes commitment and action to implement a new lifestyle and dreams to become actuality.

Put It In Writing
Having an actual list to look at serves as a reminder and keeps these goals at the forefront of your mind. After the list is made, discern between unrealistic and realistic. Cross off anything that is unrealistic. After you have a reasonable list that you can commit time and energy to, outline each goal further. Break it down into small achievable steps. What can you do on a daily or weekly basis? Are you going to need outside resources in order to accomplish the task (i.e. registering for classes, getting a gym membership, making a food plan, finding a good counselor, finding informational books etc).

Short Term Goals
Make easy to accomplish short term goals that are attainable. Set weekly or monthly goals rather than a hefty long term goal. By breaking your endeavor up into smaller steps, you are rewarded more often which in turn increases dedication. You have already made an outline of how you can accomplish your goals. Now, make a separate list of your smaller weekly/monthly goals and possibly implement a reward system that coordinates with the goal. If your overall goal is to lose 30 pounds, you can make this more realistic by committing to four days of exercise a week (a weekly running goal), losing 5 pounds a month, and rewarding yourself with a massage.

Make A Commitment to Yourself
No one can make you change. If you are responsible and accountable to only yourself, it is easy to slack off. If you have a hard time motivating yourself, there are always ways to turn over some accountability. There are online support systems for almost anything: you can chat or blog daily and have the loose support system by others working at the same goal. If you can find a partner to work on the goal with, you can keep one another accountable and create a social activity out of the goal. Working out with a friend is much more fun and you are more adventurous and willing most of the time. Maybe the two of you would want to try a fitness class or two. It is a lot easier going with someone the first few times for moral support. If you have the financial means, you can receive specialized help with just about anything. When you have a financial investment your level of obligation increases.

Stay Balanced
Do not over do it. In starting something new, it is often exciting and possible for you to give it 110%. Be careful with the amount of energy and time you submit to any one thing. Balance is ultimately the goal. Dedicate a reasonable amount of time and energy to the goal. You want to slowly implement the new task into your everyday life. When talking about dieting and weight, doing too much too soon causes burnout and a quick loss of interest. We call this the yo-yo diet and weight is constantly off and on. Pay attention to your body and your health, and set up a small daily plan that you can stick with for years. If you become overzealous and use the "more is better" tactic, you are setting yourself up for a short-lived pursuit and often times dropping the interest all together.

Stay Positive
Finally, don't beat yourself up. Negativity only leads to failure. If you feel like you have stopped progression and aren't making your short-term goals, relax and revise your plan. When you feel frustrated make a list of the small progress you have made. By replacing negative thoughts with positive, you will avoid hitting the wall. Exercise is a great way to release endorphins (those feel happy little hormones in your body). If you need a quick pick-me up, go for a brisk run and think positive thoughts the whole way. Keep the final goal in sight knowing how accomplished you will feel when you get there.

Stay Strong
In short, it is simple to make changes that will stick. Listen to your intuition: you know what you want and ultimately what is best for you. You also know your limits and capabilities. Put your goals in writing, create a plan of action, set short term goals, find outside support, be reasonable and stay positive if you want 2010 to finally be the year of change.

First published January 2010

Exercises You Can Do Every Day At Anytime
By: Leontine Armstrong

Have you ever felt so tired that you couldn't complete your work? Well, we all experience this once in a while. Our energy level drops down for several reasons during the day. We could be tired because we didn't get enough sleep or maybe we could be mentally exhausted. There are a numerous amount of reasons why we may have a loss of energy during the day. There are a couple of exercises you can try during your busy day to get a little boost of energy that may help you last throughout the day. However, don't despair, there are a couple of exercises you can try during your busy day for a little boost of energy. Follow these simple exercise routines to feel that energy.

Hand and Foot Presses
1. As you're sitting at your desk, place both of your feet flat on the ground.
2. Place your hands flat, palms up and underneath the desk.
3. Push your hands upwards while pushing your feet on the ground.
4. Hold for fifteen seconds.
5. Repeat at least three times.

Alternative Foot and Hand Press
1. As you're sitting at your desk, place both of your feet flat on the ground.
2. Place your hands flat, palms down on top of the desk.
3. Push your hands downwards on the desk.
4. Hold for fifteen seconds.
5. Repeat at least three times.

You can do these exercises almost anywhere. These exercises can increase blood flow in your body so that you are revved up and ready to go again. This can also help you concentrate by releasing some of your excess agitation or stress.

Walking The Stairs
Don't take elevators anymore. Try taking the stairs instead! Whether you are only two stories from your desired destination or if you're eight stories away, try taking the stairs. Not only is taking the stairs much faster than elevators, but you can also get a little bit of cardio in your day. During your lunch hour or during a quick errand, the stairs can give you that needed energy. The more you do this, the faster you'll get. Go ahead and try it. No matter how tired you are, you should try taking the stairs. In fact, sometimes the perfect time to push yourself is when you're tired. Trust me, you'll be happy you did every time. However, the times you didn't take the stairs you'll regret it. If you can't walk more than two flights of stairs just yet, go ahead and try to do three flights before you go into the elevator. Push yourself a little each time you take the stairs. Once you are comfortable with this exercise go ahead and try different approaches to stair stepping such as making your pace quicker or making a conscious effort to use every muscle in your leg as you step onto each step.

Parking The Car
Try parking your car farther away from where you normally park. Doing so will force you to walk more and get more cardiovascular endurance into your daily schedule. When you park farther away than usual, you will have no choice but to walk to your car. Think of this as tricking your body with you mind. If you aren't ready to park your car far away, go ahead and park it a little further each time, little by little, so that you are pushing yourself each time. Build up to it.

Why Try These Routines?
This is a great way to break yourself from bad habits of making excuses as to why you can't exercise. Adding in little routines such as these will boost your energy so that you can get through the rest of the day. After a few weeks of doing these simple and effortless exercises you will feel great about taking on challenges both at work and physically!

Note: Before attempting any exercises consult with your physician.

First published December 2009

Staying Healthy
By: Mehan Dossani

This season, staying healthy and not falling sick is on many of our minds. As the flu season picks up, colleagues bring colds into the offices and kids bring home germs from school. Knowing how to protect yourself from getting sick is important. The holidays brings busy lives and a lot of heavy, unhealthy eating. Additionally, the cold weather keeps many of us indoors, resulting in less activity during the day. We all need to do our best to keep our immunity strong and there are many ways in which we can do this.

Be Happy
Stress is one of the biggest culprits in weakening your immune response. Try to stay calm and relaxed this winter and holiday season. Don't wear yourself out, get plenty of rest, and stay positive. Spending time with family and friends can boost your mood, so take pleasure in quality time with those you love. Laughter is in fact, the best medicine. Take time to laugh every day, even if it's forced, many believe the simple act will put you in a better mood and boost your immune system. Take time to participate in activities that make you happy, bring out your creative side, and put you in a good mood. Turn off the TV, listen to some calming music, and curl up with your favorite book and a cup of herbal tea. You'll be glad you took a few minutes out for yourself and your immune system will thank you.

Fresh Air
Although the weather is getting colder, fresh air will do wonders for your immune system. Be sure to dress appropriately. In the spring, the weather tends to draw us outdoors, however, during the fall and winter seasons we must remind ourselves to get outdoors. Don't eat your lunch while sitting in front of your computer. Get out of the office for just a few minutes and get some fresh air and movement, which are both great for your immune system. While the sun may not feel strong during the winter, expose yourself to a good healthy dose and your body will be boosted by the Vitamin D. Additionally, many individuals experience a shift in mood in the winter as their bodies become deficient in Serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that is found in the brain and is integral to a healthy body and its functions. There are many different factors that can affect the levels of serotonin in our bodies, including an increase in stress, lack of sleep, lack of exposure to sunlight, lack of exercise and a poor diet. Getting some fresh air and sun will give your body the opportunity to absorbs Serotonin and can perk up your mood.

Eating Right
Eating healthy is absolutely essential to a strong immune system. Though it can be extremely difficult to avoid sweets and dishes with lots of carbohydrates this time of year, these foods can weaken your immune system. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which will improve your immune system and help prevent you from getting sick. Vitamin C is a power player in keeping your immune system strong, so eat lots of oranges, grapefruits or pomegranates this season. Dark greens such as spinach and kale, provide essential nutrients such as potassium, calcium and iron. Vegetables such as broccoli are also packed with antioxidants, which are natural cell protectors. Eat lots of lean protein which will also boost your immune system. Drink plenty of water as dehydration can lead to a weak immune system.

Wash Your Hands
Always wash your hands, especially before you eat anything or put anything into your mouth, especially gum. This time of year can be spent in crowded areas such as public transportation, shopping malls or holiday parties. Protect yourself from germs. Keep antibacterial gels in your office, in your purse, and in your car, so you are always ready to try and kill any harmful germs hanging around. As you begin your holiday shopping, keep your hands clean after touching busy doors, merchandise, and even after exchanging money.

You may even benefit from vitamin supplements, just be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any. Staying healthy is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, so try not to overlook simple steps that can keep you healthy.

First published November 2009

Good Morning Stretches
By: Leontine Armstrong

We all want to move around better without having to work hard for it. If you are limited in the amount of time you have in the morning, then you should try a few quick movements that will get you energized for the day! The importance of stretching in order to maintain flexibility is key when warming up your muscles. Second, doing some small and quick exercises in the morning will help strengthen you in the long run. The benefits of stretching are countless. With a few stretching exercises you can be energized for the day. Let's look at a few.

Benefits of Stretching
Muscle relaxation
Flexibility
Better coordination
Lower chance of injury.
Body circulation
Less stress
Mind relaxation
More energy

Stretching Routines
Stomach Stretch:
1. Lie with your stomach on the floor and stretch your legs behind you.
2. Place your hands on the ground and push up so that they are straight.
3. Try to hold it there for 15 seconds so that you get a good stretch.
4. Repeat as many times as needed.

Back Stretch:
1. Lie down with your back on the floor.
2. Put your arms flat on the ground next to your legs and raise your legs
    towards your head.
3.Touch the floor past your head if you are able to.
4. Hold your legs there for 15 seconds.
5. Repeat as many times as needed.

Leg and Back Stretch:
1. Sit on the floor.
2. Put your legs together in front of you.
3. Stretch your hands towards your toes.
4. Hold your legs there for 15 seconds.
5. Repeat as many times as needed.

Safety Tip: Never bounce when you are stretching. Bouncing will only injure you and can actually rip your muscle in a very bad way. When we do exercises we rip muscle so that we can build muscle. When you exercise you are building muscle and when you are stretching you are stretching your muscles. These are two different parts of an exercise routine and stretching will help lower the risk of tearing your muscles. Hold your stretching position for at least 15 seconds so that you can get a deep stretch before you move on.

Note: Before attempting any exercises consult with your physician.

First published November 2009

The Holiday Armistice
By: Laura-Lee Smith

        Halloween is behind us, yet we are still picking candy corn out of our teeth and dipping into the leftovers from the trick or treater's bowl. However the yearly battle has only just begun. We will barely take a breath after waking from the Thanksgiving induced food coma before we dive back into holiday parties, Christmas cookies in the break room, and quick stops to the the local mall gift wrapping centers. Deserts, stuffing, various meats, and side dishes aka "the enemy" are given a ceasefire agreement and become welcome friends, as we take second and third helpings. We are excited about the prospect of overindulging in the foods we deny ourselves the rest of the year and there is the added bonus of hiding our "trouble spots" in bulky sweaters, coats, and winter gear. However, before we know it the first signs of spring stir and we are faced with the spoils of the holiday.

Lets fast forward to early spring. Imagine you are casually waiting in line at the checkout counter, waiting to pay for your various food items -veggies mixed in with ice cream, which you've let slip past your defensive lines because it's been that kind of week. You look up and then you see it. Tucked among the "Jon and Kate drama" and the "What has Lindsey Lohan gotten herself into now" is a glossy magazine cover with those two dreaded words, "bikini season." Enter crash diets, 10 steps to having Megan Fox's body, etc. You'll look at your double stuffed Oreos and think, "I should put these back." But let's be honest, for some of us, those two words kind of make you want to down that whole bag between the grocery store and your house all the more. Then enter stress and plummeting self-esteem. For some of you the war will be won, and maybe that holiday weight will get lost by beach season. However, the cycle begins again as the summer ends and the weather cools down.

        The holiday armistice is not about denying yourselves the joys of the holidays. This isn't even about becoming a size 4 and fitting into a bikini. This is about becoming aware of the weight and stress merry-go round we find ourselves on year-round. For the average American, these holiday months have come to mean excess. We tend to overspend and overeat. There is an expectation to stuff your face and the holidays often bring about a certain amount of stress that makes us reach for those snowflake shaped yogurt covered pretzels. Now with our economic climate, this stress is twofold. The holidays can become so chaotic that mindless snacking on all of the treats brought into the break-room is normal. The key word here is mindless, and awareness is the best ammunition and at the very least a foundation for change.

This holiday season here are a few tips to keep the stress levels low and
the weight down.

- Instead of snacking on Terri's homemade Christmas fudge, bring your own healthy snacks to munch on at work.

- Try eating a hearty and healthy meal before taking on the masses of holiday shoppers so you aren't tempted to stop by the food court.

- Among the Christmas ham and turkey add in some healthier side options. Mixing in healthy choices into the holiday dinner spread will make bikini season less shudder-inducing and something to look forward to.

- Holidays are stressful enough, so there is no need to add future financial stress to it by charging gifts you can't afford or feeling guilty for not giving your loved ones the bountiful presents they might have been used to. Only purchase with your debit card or cash. Don't feel guilty. If you don't have the money, you can't afford it. Move on.

- Most importantly, amidst all that hustle and bustle take a moment to breath. Go to the gym for some alone time, yoga, or a moment to meditate in a hot bath. Do something good for your body. Remember yourself not just during the holidays, but all year long.

The holidays will be over before we know it and a new year will be upon us. Instead of resolving to resume our battle against food and become a size 4, we should resolve to be good to our minds, our bodies, and our checkbooks. Sometimes we allow ourselves to let stress pile up, so we should always allow ourselves to indulge. However, as the age old saying goes, "Everything in moderation." Adhering to this saying will make us realize that there is no need for an all-out war against food. Maybe it's time to sign that peace treaty once and for all.

First published November 2009

Take Advantage of Your Features We all have features that we adore. Your eyes, lips, hair and so on. Your features can help you heighten your looks. So take advantage of your features. Find ways to bring out those unique, beautiful and fabulous features. Hair If your favorite feature is your hair, focus on color and style. Keep in mind that colors that may not appeal to you can be among the colors that may work for you. colors wearing. Find styles that accentuate the texture and beauty of your mane. Get a hairstylist who and can assist you professionally. If you prefer to color your hair stick to colors that bring out your face or other features such as lips and eyes. Skin Glowing, clean and smooth skin can really boost your confidence. If you have skin problems contact a professional skin doctor or dermatologist. Following simple rules such as drinking 8 glasses of water, washing your face everyday (when wearing makeup washing before bed) can really go a long way. However, speaking with a professional can really help you with your individual situation. If you already have great skin, focus on shades and tones. Knowing the colors that work well with your complexion can help you choose outfits. Other Features Features such as lips, eyes, etc can be heightened by using colors. For eyes, wear shirts and makeup that brings attention to them. You can contact a professional makeup artist to find out what colors work the best for your eyes and lips. If your feature is your eyelashes, smiles, etc you can still take advantage. Go light on makeup and focus on your lashes or simply smiling more often can help you take advantage. Find ways to bring out the feature you adore. Help Me Color Match Do you feel like your clothes never match? Do you wish the world was set in black and white so that fashion wouldn't be so complected? Although thoughts of hiring a fashion guru may sound enticing, learning the rules of today's fashion world can revive your view of color. So don't stress, step away from film noir, put down the yellow pages and read this article. By the time you have finished reading this article, you will have ideas of how color can rejuvenate your closet and give you the confidence to wear every and any color imaginable. Yellow & Green is the new black and white. It is sophisticated and has a touch of freshness. Look for full green or yellow assembles and pair it with accessories such as a bag and shoes of the other color. For example if you are wearing a green outfit accessorize it with yellow accessories and vice versa. Blue & Brown gives you a chic look. There are plenty of great light/dark brown tops that look great with blue slacks. Dresses are another great way to combine the two colors. Also consider wearing jeans with brown tops. Black & White are colors that you can always count on. You can pretty much wear these color by themselves or with other colors. These two colors when assembled together can make a classic statement. One that you just can't resist but to love. Must have black and white attires include black slacks, white shirts both long and short-sleeved, and of course the famous black dress. Black is a uniform color. Black can do what no other color can. Black blends, styles, and resolves color problems quickly and simply. You can always rely on the black to pull you through any fashion madness you may encounter. Black also does wonders with accessories. A great example of this is the black purse or black pumps. No matter the occasion a black purse or black pumps can turn your simple assemble to a chic stylish outfit. So, when in doubt go for black. Red is one of the bold colors and goes well with almost anything. However, since red can be overwhelming or distracting, combine red assembles with subtle calm colors. The one thing to look out for when it comes to red is how you assemble it with other bold colors. The subtleness of other colors will help it blend in with your attire and not make your wardrobe look awkwardness. Pink & Purple are very feminine colors. They are very beautiful colors that can be favored if you find the right shade that works for your skin tone. See our article on color tones. However, be careful how you mix these colors since they can be very similar depending on the shade. Other Colors & Matching is simply a matter of knowing which colors work with each other. at works with what. With the outlined color concepts we have discusses this far you can kind tell what colors work with what. Try sorting colors by looking at the primary colors and choose the right matches from there. Patterns & Multiple Fabrics are definite no-no's when combined. Stay away from wearing multiple patterns at the same time. Patterns are not meant to be blended but to make a statement all on their own. Multiple patterns gives a disorganized and unsorted look. Stick to one patter in your outfit at a time. Also remember that when wearing patterns stick to accessories of one color that matches the pattern. An example of great pattern coordination is wearing a patterned flowery dress with red pumps and red clutch. The red pumps and red clutch should also match exactly the redness of the pattern in the dress. As far as fabrics go, stick to one texture at a time. Fabrics should be consistent and not jump from one elaborate texture to another. For example don't wear silk and suede at the same time. It is not attractive and usually makes your outfit look awkward. End of story.
Best Outfit For Any Interview I have received several Ask Celes questions on what to wear to an interview. With so many different types of interviews the answer to the question remains the same. Below you will find the answer to what outfit fits your specific interview or any interview. No Matter The Job ny and all interviews deserve the same professional attire. Do not think that just because you are going to a certain type of interview it justifies wearing something more causal or less professional. You want to make a great impression. Always go dressed to impress. Remember that the interviewer thinks very highly of his or her company and wants you to feel that same way with the way you present yourself. Slack & Skirt Suits ou really can not go wrong with paint suits. As long as you stay within the preferred colors you can make any suit work. Wearing a skirt suit can also be a great fit for your interview. As long as your skirt is knee length you will have no problem feeling uncomfortable or making the interviewer feel uncomfortable. The last thing you want to do is give the interviewer the wrong impression. Skirts that are not too flashy or over-the-top with designs. If you plan to wear a skirt suit make sure that the skirt and jacket are made of the same fabric. Favored Colors & Your Style here is not a specific color that you have to abide by, however, there are certain colors that are definite interview colors. If you are not quite sure if your suit color is appropriate stick to the definite colors which are black and navy blue. You can make the suit yours by adding your own personal sense of style. An example of your own sense of style is the design of the suit. Find a suit that fits your style and complements your shape. Read Esteem Yourself Article: Wrongs & Rights Of A Suit The Inside Shirt When in doubt about the color of a shirt for an interview it's best to stick with what will definitely work. With interviews, what definitely works is white. if you are not sure of the inside shirt that would be best then stick with a white shirt. However, if you are wearing an all black attire you can also accommodate your outfit with a black shirt or an all blue attire with a matching blue shirt. If you really want to go for a colored shirt stick with colors that are simple and fits nicely with your attire. Stay away from bright-colored shirts. Shoes & Accessories No open toe shoes or casual shoes. Wear close toe shoes. Stay away from shoe colors that are bright/loud. When in doubt stick to black dress shoes. Limit your accessories. One bracelet and small stud earrings will do the job. Comfort & Confidence Most important thing to remember about what you wear to an interview is how you feel in it. Your suit should make you feel great. You should feel comfortable. You should feel confident. You should feel empowered by your suit. Your Image Matters If you were to see yourself walking down the street what would you think of yourself? When we see someone for the very first time we don't always get the best impression of who they are, yet the first impression is usually how we evaluate them. We automatically register our first impression of any individual with the database "stereotypes" we acquire through our personal experiences, statistics, the media, friends, etc. In turn, we formulate who we "assume" an individual may be in a matter of seconds. We may judge them based on their wardrobe, makeup, hair, car, voice (accent), and so forth. Then we make assumptions on their personality, lifestyle, and interests. Sometimes we may be right on target with the first impression, however, many times we are very wrong. What you see is not always what you get. Say you meet person A, who looks like they haven't taken a bath in a couple of days, how would you react to them? Would it be the same way you would react to person B, who looks fresh and clean? The irony is that these two individuals could be the opposite of what you see and you would not even know. Person B who looks like they took a bath might not have taken a bath for months but person A took a bath and unfortunately got dirty during the day for whatever reason. Thus, your perception of person A and B could be totally wrong and you were misguided by their image. Another example of first impressions theory: Person A and B are going to an interview for the same job. They both arrive at the same time. The interviewer approaches both of the interviewees, person A and B. Person A's clothing is disorderly, wrinkled, and maybe is not quiet appropriate for an interview. Person B's clothing is orderly, clean and they look sharp and are wearing interview appropriate clothing. Who should get the job? Which person will the interviewer want to interview and why? Though sad but very true, the interviewer may have already chosen a candidate (because of the first impression of person A and . Shopping For Outfits If there is no way out of a shopping trip make sure you go early in the morning to avoid the long lines. Take time to really find the best outfit for you. Search for outfits that will not only work well for the event that you are attending but will also go great with your wardrobe. During your shopping trip, keep in mind that finding the right out should mean finding an outfit that can be worn to multiple events the out the year. Assembling Your Accessories Who doesn't like a collection of great bags or shoes? Many women adore their handbags and shoes, collecting them by the dozens. However, for those who are unable to collect shoes and bags by the dozen or those who may want to find new ways to wear the old, let's look at some of your options. Simplify Items that are used to heighten your style and complement your attire can make or brake your ideal vision of your fashion style. To stay connected to the fashion statement you have in mind focus on your outfit when it comes to wearing accessories. Keeping your accessories simple and detail oriented is essential. Bags & Shoes When shopping for bags and shoes focus on durability, wardrobe driven colors, multiple outfit coordination and style/occasion. With so many fancy and cute bags it may be hard to really focus on the onces that will work for you. When selecting bags search for bags that accommodate your needs. Purchasing shoes can be very difficult. Stay away from purchases shoes that keep you uncomfortable. Necklaces, Bracelet, Earrings & Other Accessories When looking for the right necklace or bracelet to adore your outfit the type of occasion you are attending should determine your accessories. Also consider your own personal style and what makes you unique. Don't be afraid to wear an accessory that complements your own sense of style. However, be sure to limit the amount no matter the occasion. In many cases less is more.Tips: Stay away from buying items that you will only wear once. This will leave you with limited amount of coordination and limits your spending ability. Go for the accessories that can give you the most for your money. Shop for What Is Right For You What we wear influences the way we feel about our appearance. Stay within your size limit and only purchase outfits that fit. Find the right colors/shades. You may find that certain colors and shades work better for you. Purchase what feels comfortable. If you are not comfortable with an outfit don't purchase it. Regardless of discounts and inexpensive clothing purchasing outfits that complement your figure. So to answer the commonly asked question: Do I look fat in this? No. As long as you focus on keeping you body healthy, you will not only look great you will feel great too. Tips: Learn to be confident in the way you look and love your style by clicking here. How Do You Imagine Your Image? So, what do these two examples have to do with you? Well, first don't judge a book (person) by it's (their) cover (persona), however, be ready to be judged by yours. As we judge, the person being judged may be the most kindest, compassionate and trustworthy person you will ever meet but we may never know because we have already stereotyped them unfairly. However, we all are constantly judging and being judge merely on our appearance which seems to be a natural process that is very difficult to control but can be saved by us balancing the urge to give each individual a chance even after our first impression of them. attention it is very obvious that your dress will be most likely suitable for the wedding. However, as difficult as it may seem to outdress the bride some people sure know how to dress up for an event. Unless you are a bridesmaid or maid of honor stay away from overdoing it (i.e. ballroom style dresses). Look for dresses that do not draw attention to you. Also consider your hairstyle as well as accessories. If you are wear a simple dress then you should be fine. Stay close to common colors in stead of bright of the wall colors. Whether the bride is your best friend or you are in the grooms party remember that it is the bride's day. You are there to support the bride. It is her day to shine. Hey, she deserves it and you deserve to be confident, comfortable, and radiant in whatever you choose to wear. The last thing you want to remember when you see picture of the wedding (which will be an eternal reminder) is how much you disliked your dress or worst how embraced you felt wearing it. Tip: Try to get specific dress code requirements. If you are able to find out exactly the type of attire (i.e. casual, formal, etc.) the wedding party is requesting, work within the specific attire category and don't shift from it.
Your Perfect Little Black Dress Every woman needs the perfect little black dress (lbd). Whether you are going to a party, a date or attending a special event, the perfect lbd works for any and all occasions. However, finding the perfect lbd can sometimes be over-whelming and frustrating. There are a few simple guidelines to follow in the process of finding your perfect lbd. Do Your Research Before attempting to shop for your lbd spend sometime researching what style of dress you prefer. There are a variety of choices, from designers to several styles. Take your time in selecting which designer or style you prefer. Also consider your budget. How much are you willing to spend on your dress? If you are not sure where to start looking, ask a friend who knows you well enough to recommend a place that suits your style. Be especially attentive when speaking to friends that share your fashion sense and style. On-Line Shopping Don't expect the perfect dress to drop out of the sky. Be ready to do some serious shopping. If you decide to shop on-line make sure that the dress can be returned with a full refund just in case it doesn'tfit properly. In addition, there's always the what-you-saw-is-not-what-you-got aspect of on-line shopping. Even if you are not planning to shop on-line, you may find it very helpful to search through the different styles on-line first. This way, you will be able to consider your options right in the comfort of your own home before you make the journey to the store. By browsing on-line you will at least know what stores that sell the styles you like. Of course, once you get to the store, trying on the lbd may present a whole new set of trials. Eventually you will find your perfect lbd. Your Comfort Make sure that the dress you buy will be comfortable. The last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable in your lbd. When searching for the right dress don't make the mistake of thinking that you can somehow make it work. If you see a dress that looks great on the rack but when on you is all too unflattering. Don't be fool! Do not buy this dress! Even if it appears to be what you were looking for. Simply, place the dress where you found it and step away. Continue your search.100% Satisfied We sometimes make the mistake of buying outfits that we may not be totally in favor. However, because of our desire to have it, we ignore our intuition and proceed to make the purchase. You might find yourself thinking, "I'll just lose a few pounds," "I'll get it tailored," "There has to be something in my closet that will help this outfit," "It's just so cute and in style!" These are some of the excuses that you may find yourself making in order to justify your purchase. Even with all the excuses these items just end up taking space in your closet. You may wind up never actually wearing it though you may continue telling yourself that you will. Save yourself the trouble. Don't look for a lbd that doesn't satisfy you one hundred percent! Your "Perfect" LBD It's amazing how an outfit can boost your esteem, build your confidence, make you feel elegant and accent your beauty. If there is such an article of clothing, your lbd should be it. When you put on the perfect dress you will know it. There will be no denying the feeling of, "I want this dress. Now!" You will feel elegant and beautiful. It will be perfect. That's why it will be the perfect little black dress for you! Black's Not My Color So you don't think you look flattering in black. Pick the color that works for you. Make sure the color you pick is a color that complements your look, color, shade and style. Once you have picked the color try to find the right dress that will not be to distracting in that specific color. Stay away from colors that are too bright. If you are going out to an evening event it may be to distracting or you may simply feel out of place. Especially when you see everyone else in more calm and neutral colors. Less Is More Jewelry - Make sure that your jewelry is befitting for your dress. Don't over do it. Keep it nice and simple. A simple bracelet and earrings should be enough. You want to let your dress do all the work. Your jewelry should be complementing your dress not overshadowing. So, don't over do it with jewelry. Shoes & Purse - Your shoes and purse should be simple and elegant. Pick the shoes and purse to make your dress fit the occasion. With the right shoes and purse you will indeed look and feel like a million bucks. Make-up - Your make-up should be very subtle. This way your natural beauty will complement your attire. Try wearing natural colors to blend in with the elegance and simplicity of your attire. Save It Once you are all dressed up, make sure you document your look by taking a picture of yourself. Take a picture of the dress and the accessories that worked with the dress. This way you can go back when you want to re-do the look. Plus, who doesn't want to see the dress that made your look and feel gorgeous! There are so many ways to accessorize according to the latest fashions and reintroduce your lbd. You should be able to wear your lbd over and over again! Have you found the prefect lbd? Tell us you experience.
Who Doesn't Like An Extra Pair Of Shoes? As you walk into a shoe store, you find it. The perfect shoes. Yes, it's the one. The one you have been searching for that will complete all your wardrobe coordination problems. It can be yours for a steep amount. Since you just got your eagerly awaited paycheck, you speed to the counter and check out. Now, you can finally add it to the hundred and twenty-four shoes you already own. Which by the way, are in your closet collecting dust. When you take a close look at your closet, do you find that you have a slew of clothing, shoes, purses and accessories that you barely use? Do you have a closet full of clothes, yet can't find anything to wear? Do you have clothes that you have either out grown or don't fit anymore? Are some of the clothes in your closet not appealing to you? Do you spend 10 to 15 minutes looking for an outfit to wear? Have you bought a shirt, pant or accessory, just to find out that you already have one just like it? Are your clothes scattered and you have no clue how to start to organize your closet? Any of these wardrobe mismanagement situations can happen for one or more reasons. Not having a proper way to organize, manage and wear your clothes can be frustrating and leave you feeling hopeless. Not being able to find ways to coordinate colors, styles and designs could make you feel like your left without many wardrobe choices. Also, simply having an urge to buy items spontaneously or splurge can build-up a perplex wardrobe situation. Organize & Revamp
Most of us don't wear every single item in our closet. At times, we may not even realize it, since we are interested in the main outfits that we love. So we ignore the rest. However, not realizing that the underused items could be beneficial to us as well if organized properly. You can make the most out of every single piece of (wanted) clothing (as well as shoes, purses and accessories) and finally achieve organization by revamping your closet. However, to do this efficiently, you must be willing to start from scratch.- Remove all articles of clothing, shoes, purses, etc (from closet). This way you will be able to fully account for all items. - Evaluate what you like about each piece, placing them with outfits that either coordinate or are similar. - Group clothing by sections and colors (black shirts, blue slacks, black paints, blue jeans, white tees, etc). - Arrange each piece of clothing within your closet back, sorting them into categorizes. - Fold clothes that don't have a great chance of wrinkling. - Hang clothes that may wrinkle. You may also decide to be specific in how and where you hang expensive, work or particular occasion clothing. Use durable hangers (keeps clothes from falling and keeps closet neater). - Toss unwanted items (doesn't fit, out of style, don't appeal to you, unwearable, even the ones you "think" you might wear but you know you never do).
- Take note of what article of clothing you have, keeping in mind the items that you don't wear often. This will help you implement underused items in your outfits. Likewise, you will know what you need and what you already own. It will also assist you in making better choices in outfit decisions, so you can wear every piece of clothing. You may even feel like you are wearing a new outfit everyday, since you have an organized variety to select from. Lucky you!
GoodwillAll the clothes, shoes, purses that fit the "toss" category (doesn't fit, out of style, don't appeal to you, unwearable, will never wear) should be immediately sent to goodwill or to other charity donation facilities and organizations. Be ready to take this step of permanently giving your clothes away. Sometimes, we get really attached to certain items that it may be difficult (even painful) to let them go. But once you have made a decision, stick to it. You are serving and assisting others. Be proud of yourself. Spontaneous Shopper Sometime, you may buy an article of clothing and in a matter of days or months forget that you bought the item. You may then go shopping latter and buy a similar item (or even the same item) not remembering that you have it at home. Other times, you will decide to buy an item spontaneously, not sure how or what it will coordinate with. However, with an organized closet, before attempting to go shopping just taking a quick look at what you already have may save you lots of money and time. Once you have taken the step of evaluating the items in your closet, you can be aware of the type of clothing that will add variety to your wardrobe and coordinate with your style. With the continuous up-keep of your closet (once you have revamped and organized it) many of these spontaneous shopping dilemmas will cease. Splurging There is nothing wrong with splurging once in a while. However, some of us can't help but to shop spontaneously and splurge often. You may have an urge to buy. If you can't help yourself, then shop for (or buy) things that can improve your life and future security. - Invest your money in something that can give you some future reassurance like mutual funds, Roth IRAs, college savings, etc. - Extra mortgage payment can come in handy. Take your extra spending money and pay more on your mortgage. Talk to your mortgage company to see what their polices are when it comes to extra payments. Find out if it can benefit you to make extra payments. Or simply put the extra amount in a savings account for emergency mortgage payment. - Pay off Debt. Credit cards, loans, car payments, medical bills, etc. - Safer items. Invest in buying a safer car (reliability and protection), emergency preparedness items (food storage), environmentally friendly items (go green). - Save for rainy days. Rainy days happen. When the rain comes it usually pours. Be ready for the storm. Save, save, save. It will come in handy. - Go on quality vacations. Ok, so some of us just like to work and don't really care very much about the money, however, most of us make money to feed our family, pay bills and have (hopefully) a little extra to spend on what we would really like to do. Which is usually spend it on ourselves, our family members or friends. So do it! Save as much as you can and go on a vacation with those you love! You've been working so hard, take a break! In the end, any of us wouldn't mind having an extra pairs of shoes but what matters is that we put it to good use. Let's be grateful for what we have and not take any thing (whether it's a article of clothing or something of much more value) for granted, invest for our future instead of having frequent spontaneous spending, and simply give to others so they can be able to put their best foot forward. Don't Spend A Million Bucks When you look through a magazine you may not be able to afford the items but you can still afford the style. You don't have to spend a ton of money to achieve your desired look. Learn to achieve the look you want without breaking the bank. Copy Cat If you just have to have that magazine outfit or style, becoming a copy cat may be your best bet. Try to copy the style to the very last detail. For example, if a short sleeve shirt has lace around the top of the neck area look for a short sleeve shirt that has lace around the neck area. Get as specific as possible. You may have to do a lot of searching to recreate the look, however, if you just look for the individual pieces gradually eventually you will acheieve your desired look. Recreating an outfit can be fun especially when you spend a lots less then the original outfit.
Stay Focused When shopping for a particular style or outfit you saw in a magazine try to focus on the style and design of the outfit. Do not focus on the color until you find the style of outfit. The more it appear to be the same look and design that better the outfit will turn out to assemble the outfit you are trying to recreate. Specific Style or Special Occasions If you are searching for a certain style, shopping on line can give you the ability to narrow the store that have your choices. Special occasion outfits can be trick especially if you don't know what type of wardrobe the occasion calls far. Find ways to narrow your style for the occasion by finding out as much details as possible about the occasion. If you are unsure as to what type of outfit a certain occasion requires then do some serious research before the day of the event. Uniqueness It always great to add your own style and uniqueness to the outfit. There is nothing more you then to add your own sense of style and taste to a particular outfit. One you have accomplished the style you want add your own personal touch to make it simply yours. So, the next time you look through a magazine or see someone with an outfit that you just love, know that you can afford the style by shopping inexpensively for the same outfit. Wrongs & Rights Of A Suit When it comes to finding the perfect suit don't settle for one that is unflattering and uncomfortable. Finding the right fit, style, comfort and color in a suit is crucial when finding the perfect suit for you. Learn to differentiate the right ways to purchasing a suit from the wrong ways. Fit Wrong: Feeling awkward and uncomfortable. Not feeling one hundred percent confidence. Right: Feeling confident. Knowing that it fits perfectly. It makes you look great and it is tailored to your shape. Cost Wrong: Buying the first suit that looks like it will fit. Assuming that the more expensive the suit the better. Right: Trying on several suits from different stores to get the perfect fit and the perfect price for your budget. Style Wrong: Looking for styles that does not fit your personality. It will only make you feel uncomfortable and will not boost your confidence. Right: Searching for suits that fit your own unique style. You will feel both comfortable and confident. Color Wrong: The colors will not fit your style or color shades. Right: Sticking to the shade of colors that are best for your skin tone. Looking for colors that goes with your skin tone. Find your skin tone colors by clicking here. Tips: Don't forget that the inside shirt and accessories that you incorporate with your suit can really accent the look of your suit.