Shape Yourself
What Are You Drinking?
By: Mehan Dossani

As the weather cools down and it officially becomes fall, take a moment to think about what you are drinking.  In the summer, when it's hot and we are sweating, it's often easier to think about drinking water to quench our thirst.  As the weather cools we often forget to drink water as our bodies naturally feel cooler and we don't feel the urge to cool it down with a tall glass of water.  In drier weather we actually need to be drinking more water, so don't forget to be drinking plenty of this essential nutrient.  Yes, water is a nutrient, vital to our health.

H20
Doctors have always agreed on the fact that drinking water is the single most important thing for your body.  Water is essential for all functions of your body.  Your body requires hydration and drinking water is easy.  Drinking water helps keep your energy up, rejuvenates your body, makes you less moody, and improves your skin and your overall health.

Did you know that drinking warm water is actually better for your body than drinking cold water?  Warm water helps your body digest food.  Many doctors suggest drinking a glass of warm water first thing in the morning, before drinking coffee or eating anything.  It actually wakes up your metabolism better than anything else.  Add a slice of lemon for added Vitamin C!

Caffeine and Wine
Many of us look to caffeine as a quick source for energy.  While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a nice cup of coffee in the morning, just be mindful of just how much caffeine you are consuming.  Did you know that caffeine interferes with our bodies' ability to absorb calcium, an absolutely essential nutrient for women?  Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means you should be more conscience of how you are balancing your water consumption with your caffeine intake.  Coffee provides a quick jolt of energy, but too much coffee with too much sugar means your body will crash just as quickly as it was lifted.  This holds true for energy drinks which provide an unhealthy jolt of energy for your body.  If you had a glass of wine with dinner drinking water before you go to bed is even more essential as alcohol greatly dehydrates our bodies and hurts our ability to have restful sleep.
 
Tea
Try more gentle ways of providing your body with some caffeine, such as drinking tea.  Green and white teas will provide your body with a more balanced amount of caffeine.  Try and stay away from black teas such as Earl Gray as they often have as heavy a dose of caffeine as strong coffee.  Green teas are even proven to be packed with antioxidants which work at keeping your body healthy.  Drinking herbal teas is also a great way to stay hydrated, and calm your body down after a hectic day.  As the weather shifts and we become prone to falling sick, remember to drink tea to sooth a throat that may become sore (and adding honey will taste even better).  Keep tea bags in your purse so that no matter where you are you can make yourself a cup.  Even if you are traveling, asking for some hot water is easy to do everywhere.

Soda & Juices
While we may want to drink sodas or juices throughout the day, try and stay away from these overly sugary, processed drinks.  Just try and stick with water.  If you really don't like the idea of not having a glass of juice in the morning then try this trick: pour yourself ¼ glass of cranberry or orange juice and then fill the remaining portion of your glass with plain, sparkling or seltzer water.  This will significantly cut back on your sugar intake and increase your water intake.  Don't be fooled into thinking diet sodas or diet energy drinks are a good low-cal, guilt-free option.  Your body would much rather have a glass of water than a sugar free soda as consuming sugar-substitutes tricks your body into pumping out insulin unnecessarily which is harmful to your health.

How to Drink More Water
Don't feel guilty about purchasing cases of bottled water, as long as you recycle the bottles after using them.  Keep a bottle of water everywhere - in your car, at your office, and in purse.  If your office has a water cooler, keep a reusable bottle or cups on your desk as a constant reminder to be drinking water (if you are using reusable bottles just make sure to keep them clean by washing them thoroughly).  Making small changes like keeping a pitcher of water with a glass next to your bed will make a big difference.  We often slip into bed, feeling as though we are a little thirsty, but are too lazy to go all the way to the kitchen.   You'll be surprised how often you'll reach for a glass of water before you go to bed, which will help you sleep better and even make you wake up feeling more refreshed.

Drinking water and staying hydrated is easy to do, as long as you are conscience about it.  Make drinking water a priority in your life as it will improve your overall well being.  Living healthy and feeling good starts with you.  Here's a toast for more water, tea and great healthy habits.

First published October 2009



Finally, An Exercise Routine You Can Stick To!
By: Leontine Armstrong

Typically, it takes a few weeks to turn a discipline into a habit (just make sure it's a good habit). In order to establish a routine there are several important key elements to follow. These key elements are intertwined with different stages that you will go through when you are working towards your ultimate goal. Just a few changes will make all the difference if you stay determined to achieve your goal.

An Encouraging Technique
Encouragement is important not only to help motivate you in whatever achievements you choose to pursue, it also boosts your enthusiasm to continue the great work. Whether you are working hard at losing weight, working out, trying out a new sport, balancing your diet, or any other ambitious goal; encouragement is one element that helps you move forward. Don't undo all the great accomplishments you have already worked so hard to reach. Encourage yourself in anything you do and don't lose hope when you hit a speed bump. We all run into difficult situations and get discouraged at times when we don't immediately see or get the results we were hoping for. When you keep yourself encouraged you will notice your progress and continue to reach your goals.

Letting yourself down won't do any good for you. Encourage yourself to be patient. You should keep reminding yourself that you are working towards a goal and it takes time to reach that goal. Try not to stress about not getting further than you expected. Remind yourself of everything that you have already done and keep encouraging yourself!

Looking for encouragement from friends and family will also boost your confidence in keeping up the great work. Just remember that you can do anything you want but it just takes a little work. Nothing is worth anything if you don't work hard to earn it. Let friends and family know of your goals so that they can support and encourage you.

Setting Reachable Goals
Try setting goals that you want to reach. Set small goals that you know you can meet and then expand upon those. You can do this by creating a schedule so that your routine is set. Let's say you are planning a workout regiment that you want to try. Start by writing down the final goal you want to reach. Next, break it down to the small steps you need to take to reach that big goal. Having small goals to complete before you reach you big goal can keep you on track with your routine.

Pacing yourself is very important so you don't feel overwhelmed when you are doing all of your hard work. You don't need to try to jam in everything at once, doing that will actually discourage you because you'll be thinking too much about the next goal while you haven't accomplished the first goal. Pacing yourself can assist you in making a smooth transition into a routine.

The Importance Of The Setting Stage
Setting your goals realistically is another key element in your daily routine. Let's say you create a schedule for working out it will be easier for you to stick to your schedule if you set a weekly time frame. Creating excuses for why you can't workout such as being tired or too busy will not be a deterrent since you know you need to stick to your schedule. Also, creating goals to meet on a specified timeline will help to remind yourself that you will only get your desired results if you work for them. Keeping a schedule of what you will be doing will help you stay organized and achieve your goals.

Tips: There are several stages that you may go through before you reach your goals so try to break down your goals in fragments. You will become more motivated to continue as you accomplish each goal individually.

Exercise Tip: Everyone's exercise routine is different and you'll figure out what is best for you in due time. Make sure that you are putting safety first as you keep working towards accomplishing your goals.

First published October 2009




Eating Well Is Simple
By: Mehan Dossani

We all have those days. We're in a race against the clock and we don't slow down until we slip into bed, only to wake up and do it all over again. Often those days include a fog of unsatisfying snacks and unhealthy food that was fast and cheap. Our priority becomes simply getting everything done and what we put into our bodies takes a backseat. It's those days that we are truly doing ourselves a disservice and our actions are doing us harm: what we put into our bodies has both short term and long term effects. While it seems there simply isn't enough time to eat healthy all it takes is a simple and straightforward plan to be successful. As the saying goes, you are what you eat, and therefore it's essential to ensure you are eating healthy. Eating well means you feel better, you have more energy and when you are proud of what you have put into your body your confidence shines through. Once healthy eating becomes part of your routine you'll forget the days when you thought you didn't have time to eat well. It soon will become easy to ensure loved ones in your life that look to you for guidance are also eating well. So as summer comes to a close, schools reopen and your days grow busier, take a few minutes over the weekend to plan ahead. It's simple and well worth the time.

Fruits and Vegetables
Browse the grocery store inserts to see what seasonal fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins are on sale. Sign up on online for additional grocery store coupons and to receive emails on what fresh foods are on sale that week. Spend some time each Sunday prepping ahead, washing and cutting vegetables for use throughout the week.  Pack your lunch the evening before so you don't risk the lack of motivation a sleepy morning can bring.

Morning and Breakfast
Always make time to have something for breakfast. If you run out the door on an empty stomach you will find yourself making an impulse decision later in the morning. Start off your day by making good decisions with what you eat. Yogurt, fruit and oatmeal are great options for the morning.

The Magic of Tupperware
Try and bring Tupperware containers of salads to work or to school. Fresh vegetables keep extremely well mixed with orzo and cous cous. Both these pastas can be found at any grocery store and simply need to be boiled with water. They can be kept for several days in the fridge and can be seasoned with salt and pepper and tossed with fresh vegetables such as cooked eggplant, peas, chopped bell peppers, spinach and arugula.  Instead of buying precut fruit, buy whole fruits and cut them up yourself and store in tupperwares. It only takes a few minutes. They will taste better and your dollar will go much further.  Buy baby carrots for an easy vegetable to transport and snack on.   Edamame (soybeans) also makes an incredible snack or side dish. Toss boiled, shelled edamame with some peas and goat cheese and a spoon of mustard for a wonderful side dish.

Snacks
Sometimes our days are so busy we don't even realize we are hungry until we hear our stomachs growl. Snacking is fine, as long as we are snacking on healthy food and food without processed sugars. Snacks high in fiber will keep you full longer. Keep snacks everywhere so you are always prepared and never need to make a beeline toward a vending machine and run through a drive through. Keep snacks in your car, in your purse and in your office. Keep a bowl of fruit such as bananas and apples not in your kitchen but on a table by your front door so you never forget to grab some fruit as you head out. Buy granola bars high in fiber with natural sweetness from dried fruits to sustain your energy. Keep ziplock bags of power nuts such as almonds. If you get salty cravings store ziplock bags of pretzels or rice cakes. Dark chocolate makes a great healthy treat and will satisfy your cravings more than milk chocolate.

H20
Always stay hydrated as drinking lots of water throughout the day will keep your energy up and make you more alert. Water helps your body flush out toxins that slow you down. We all have moody days where the slightest inconvenience brings out our irritability. Did you know that being hydrated has actually been shown to improve your mood? And an added benefit is that drinking plenty of water keeps you feeling less bloated and makes your skin look better! Try and avoid a large afternoon jolt of caffeine and instead drink some herbal tea to provide a nice balance.

You can start making healthier decisions with what you eat now. If you plan ahead, your fridge can be full of healthy options and you won't be tempted to order take out or eat fast food. When you eat well, you feel better and more confident. Show the world the best version of yourself: a healthy and happy one. 

First published September 2009




Fall In Love With Fall Sports
By: Leontine Armstrong

Fall In Love With Fall Sports
Being outdoors is good for your body and your mind. You can think clearer when you feel good both physically and mentally. The fresh air and the beautiful sights will stay with you forever. As summer comes to a close and we all go back to work or school, remember that keeping yourself healthy is going to get you through the day and it keeps you going well into the night. There are many activities you can do that are more convenient than you think during the fall season. There are countless opportunities for outdoor sports in the fall.

Hiking
You can go somewhere beautiful on a day hike which takes a minimal amount of packing and planning--it's easy. First, simply go onto the internet and search for your closest hiking trail. You might be surprised to find that hiking trails are actually everywhere! If a trail isn't your level yet, go ahead and just walk around your neighborhood with friends or family. There are many different levels for beginners all the way up to advanced. There is a wide variety of trail levels, so be sure to pick a trail that suits your skill level. Be careful not to make your first hike a hard one because you don't want to discourage yourself. The key to starting easy is so that you can work your way up to the more difficult levels. If you're thinking of getting back into shape or you just want to go on an adventure, hiking would be great for you. Also, be aware that there is less oxygen the higher you go in altitude and you should take breaks as you go so as not to hyperventilate or suffer from hypoxia.

What to bring on your Hike:
Hiking will wear you out if you aren't used to it so it is important that you have the right equipment. Water is necessary for any activity and you should bring plenty of it on your hike. Snacks and a lunch should be brought since you will be using energy and burning calories. These are essentially a must since you will be using energy and burning calories so replenishing your system will keep you going. Snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, apples, sandwiches and any other non perishable food items will be perfect. Some equipment you should have is: hiking boots (or for a quick substitute, tennis shoes), a first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera and film, personal items and clothing. The type of clothing you want should be breathable and warm in case of any change in the weather that may occur during your hike. Checking the weather before you plan to go on your hike will help you bring appropriate clothing. An article of clothing you shouldn't wear or bring is jeans because they are heavy and if they get wet they will weigh you down while at the same time taking a long time to dry.

Kayaking
Another fun outdoor activity you can choose to try this fall is kayaking. It is still warm enough to go into the water and if you want you can wear a wetsuit. Normally you might think it isn't safe and it won't be fun. However, once you try it you'll want to do it again and again. Renting kayaks and taking lessons will benefit you in more ways than one. You actually use your whole body when you kayak. Your lower body is keeping the kayak balanced while your upper body is rowing the paddles in the water. There are different types of kayaking you can do. Start off easy by kayaking in a lake and then you can move onto ocean, sea or river kayaking. It is very fun and will give you an experience you will treasure forever.

What to bring on your Kayaking trip:
You will need a life preserver, water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera and film, a wetsuit and other personal items you wish to bring. Being prepared with zip lock bags to protect your items will keep them from getting wet in case you fall into the water.

Mountain Biking
A really interesting and challenging outdoor activity you can try is mountain biking. It's just as much fun as you could imagine. You can go on outings with friends and family who might enjoy this experience with you. Mountain biking will put your endurance to the test and push you farther every time you step on that pedal. Mountain biking is fun because you can coast or pedal fast depending on what kind of terrain you are on. This activity is fun because your body is centered on your bike and your legs will be propelling you further as your trail goes on. 

What to bring on your mountain biking trip:
Having a helmet and other protective gear such as knee and elbow pads will help to reduce the risk of you injuring yourself. Safety is important to remember and practice in anything that you do. With mountain biking you will be working your body extra hard and you will want to bring snacks, water and other necessary items such as a first aid kit, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Snowboarding
As the winter months roll on in you can try snowboarding. It is a very fun and challenging sport. Many people get discouraged if they can't stand up immediately and be an amazing snowboarder like the pros. Please don't discourage yourself. Life is all about learning new things and trying them out. So, if you like the snow and you want to try a winter sport you will love snowboarding. With snowboarding you will be working your entire body. It gets easier the more you do it and its worth trying at least once. 

What you need for Snowboarding:
The gear you will need is simple and easily found at stores that carry outdoor equipment. Gear that should be used and is not limited to: snowboarding pants, snowboarding jacket, warm long sleeve shirt, water proof gloves, warm socks, beanie, snowboarding boots and snowboard. Be prepared to fall in the snow and get wet. Bringing extra warm dry clothes for later would be a good idea.

No matter what activity you chose to do it is a good idea to alternate weeks and activities so that you don't get burnt out trying a new sport you aren't used to. Trying a new activity can help you enjoy exercising and working out. Different sports target different muscles in the body. Remember that when you are trying something new you might get discouraged if you aren't great at it immediately, however, don't give up. If you enjoy it stick to it.

These activities give you a chance to enjoy nature while shaping your body and mind. Once you find a fall/winter outdoor activity that you enjoy, fall and winter seasons will be full of fun. You never know what sport you will love until you try it. Every experience opens another door to new inspirations and adventures. Don't let them pass you up.

Tip: If you enjoy any one of these activities listed above you may also enjoy the following: rock climbing, snorkeling, surfing, skiing or wake boarding.
 
Note: An important concern when you are doing these activities is to never do them alone. You should always have at least one other person with you so that if anything happens to one of you the other can be ready to assist whether you are in the middle of nowhere or right down the street from a phone.

First published September 2009




What Makes You Who You Are?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
June 2009

No matter what the circumstances may be, knowing who you are, what you want and what will make you happy is most important. Learning ways to consider yourself in ever situation can help you boost your esteem. Listed below are ways that can assist you in building a more confident you.
 
Trust Your Instincts
Many times we may ignore what we feel and latter wish we had not. Being in tune with how we feel  can assist us in making better decisions. Do not be afraid to trust your instincts.

Fully Appreciate Yourself
Look at your many gifts, talents, skills, and abilities and fully appreciate who you are. You are made to be you and you are unique.

New Ideas
Before you decide to say no to a new adventure or a new task. Think about it. When you take the challenge you gain experience and education. So broaden your horizon and add another accomplishment unto your list of many.

Respect Others
To gain respect from others you have to give respect. Respecting others is a very important step to  fully being the best person you can be. You will feel a sense of self-worth and love for others.

Defuse Anger
Don't spend time on the things that make you feel anger, disappointment or frustrated. Look to happy and cheerful moments.

Have No Regrets
 We are all here to learn. Evaluate your experiences and be grateful for the experience that you can share with others. Know your desires and don't let go of your dreams. Live your life to the fullest.




Be Happy No Matter What
--------------------------------------------------------------------
May 2009

We may feel lonely, worried, paranoid, sad, or even angry at some situations we may face. However, the importance of feeling good about yourself is crucial as you experience obstacles. Finding ways to regain a positive attitude is key to overcoming trying times.

Be Optimistic
No matter what you are going through being optimistic will help you feel a sense of peace and hope. Strengthen your ability to feel good by just being happy with the way things are. No matter the situation learn to say, it's going to be alright. At times just being optimistic may feel like it will not work but the more you tell yourself it will all work out the more confidence you will have to overcome. It truly will work out just believe it.

Be Actively Engaged
Being actively engaged will help you spend less time on the obstacle that you are going through. Find ways to keep yourself positively active. Involve yourself in a hobby, strive for an achievement, dedicate time to service others.

Be Courageous
Don't be scared to try to achieve. Some people assume that instead of being rejected they should just stay far away from rejection by not setting goals or looking forward to  achievements. This is not the best approach to being happy. Being happy is knowing you have tried your best. Knowing that you can use your skills to build yourself and achieve your goals. Have the courage to reach for your dreams. Have the courage to keep trying. Also have the courage to move on if you need to. Not everything is going to go the way you planned. Be ready for anything and ready for the outcome.

Be Devoted
Although, an obstacle may seem hard to overcome, be of good cheers. Only you can make yourself happy. Devote yourself to achieving happiness no matter what circumstances you are in. Embrace happiness today.

Note: Always consult a professional if you feel that you cannot overcome a sad situation. So you can be on your way to recovery.




Letting Go of Bad Situations
--------------------------------------------------------------------
April 2009

So what if on your way to work you fell right on your face and was embarrassed by the audience you attracted. Things happen. Certainly you are not the only one things happen to. We all go through times when we wish we could turn the clock backwards. But we can't. So the best thing left to do is to learn to deal with situations.

Gain Courage
When a bad situation happens don't turn away from it and ignore it. Instead, fully understand what happened and move on. Don't dwell on it or recount it over and over again. This will only leave you replaying the situation in your head which can be very destructive. Gain the courage to face it fully. If the situation is one that needs a solution, resolve the problem and move on with your life.

De-stress
Many people tend to stress over the smallest situations. However, learning to take it one step at at time will help you calm your nerves. Remember that the more stressed you become the worst the situation will be. So just loosen up. Find appropriate ways to let go of the stress.

Talk It through
Find a friend that is willing to listen. Talking it through will help you overcome the struggle and help you to fix the situation the right way. Many times we are so bubbled with emotion that we don't think properly. Your friend might have a different look at the situation that you may not have considered.

Time Out
Don't react to situations out of anger, frustration or despair. It is natural to want to immediately react to the situations that occur on a daily bases. However, remember that some situation call for a time out. Know when you need to think things through, consult with a friend or simply calm your nerves before you react.

Relax
It is always good to remember that no one was born perfect . We are bound to make mistakes. The way we recover from our mistakes is what is most important. If you stick to the situation the situation will never let go. Be ready to address it and move forward. Bounce back into action by just remembering that to err is human. It is okay to make mistakes. It is more important to learn from our mistakes so we don't repeat them again.




Control Your Media Intake
--------------------------------------------------------------------
March 2009

Not all media is bad, however, media can be very damaging to a woman's confidence and esteem. It can be very difficult to ignore the type of media that glamorizes and give a so called perfect view of what a woman should be. Although the media may portray women with perfect facial structures, flawless features and friendly persona, most media elements are scripted to represent a fantasy world. No real woman is perfect. The photoshopped woman in a magazine and the perfect female character in a movie are structured to be appealing in order to entertain the viewer. Don't let what you read or view control your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
 
Control You Thoughts
Block the stereotype that puts restraints on women. No matter what you see on the television, in the movie theater or in a magazine, no woman is perfect. We all should strive to be better each day. However, trying to fulfill a perfect role can be draining and unrealistic. Think of the perfect woman as the woman that is strong, honest, loving and happy. Strive to gain qualities that will help you improve in every aspect of your life. Know that you can do anything that you set your mind to do. There is no limit to your success.

Control Your Feelings
Push the control button on what you consider to be damaging to your confidence and self-esteem. If you have been reading magazines and viewing shows that leaves you feeling negative about yourself now is the time to stop. It is important to always be engaged in reading and viewing  positive uplifting materials and shows. Read and view materials that will strengthen your confidence and build your   self-esteem. Never fall victim to the media and devices that are meant to have you thinking that you are not good enough.

Control Your Actions
By attempting to change your appearance and conforming to what you read and view you are letting the media control who you are and what you stand for. Find balance between watching and being. What you watch is made to glamorize and what you read is made to seem perfect however, real life is simply not that simple. Stay away from thinking that changing your appearance to what you see or read will automatically glamorize your life or bring greater happiness. Understand the boundaries between what is real and what is fake. Your life is much more meaningful and  than what the media has to portrays. Who wants a flawless life? It would be truly boring and mundane.




Beginners Class 101
--------------------------------------------------------------------
August 2009

We don't know it all but some of us would like to believe that we do. One way to officially put a stamp on the "we don't know it all" theory is by taking a class. Any class. Whether you're interested in studying sewing, playing an instrument or learning karate; taking a class can be a great way to fill your life with new found joys.

Taking a course can be very rewarding in many other ways.

1.  A great way to stimulate your mind. Never let your mind idle. Learning keeps your mind healthy. Plus, it makes you feel good about yourself

2. Mental growth and maturity. It's exercise for your brain. Your brain is eager for knowledge. Furthermore, you can help prevent so many brain related disease by just continuing the process of learning.

3. You have the opportunity to engage in life long education. Educate yourself in any and every field. Don't take any learning experience for granted (even if you are not that interested in the topic or subject).

4. You have the ability to fully concentrate on a subject that is of interest to YOU. Make the course all about you. It's what you want to learn or what you desire to improve on.

5. You feel a sense of freedom. To escape from your many obligation that absorbs your life, focusing on a subject that truly interests you can be very therapeutic.

6. As a student you are able to have a different view and appreciation for what you are learning. Instead of being the teacher (dedicated to all of those who are parents) you can be the student.

7. Not only will you be amazed at what you learn and how much you retain. You also will have acquired another set of useful skills that you can brag about, use to advance your career, you can find valuable in raising your children, use in assisting others around you, or simply a great way to spark conversations. The possibilities after acquiring new knowledge is endless.

Hum, isn't learning so much fun. It bring a new breeze your way when you take the time to concentrate on making it matter in your life.

Tip: Whatever you decide to study stick to your budget. The last thing you want is to learn something new and also learn how much less you have in your bank account.





Goals Accomplished In An Hour
--------------------------------------------------------------------
July 2009

Setting short term goals is a bridge to accomplish long term success. Although some goals may be set specifically for long term there are some goals that can be done in a month, a day, or even an hour if you determine to work hard to achieve those goals.

Goals Stay While Time Flies
It's amazing how much time we have on our hands yet time flies so quickly, and the only answer we can give for not accomplishing minor goals we set is that we didn't have enough time. If you can just take one hour in your day or even one hour in your week you can accomplish some of the goals you have set for yourself.

Scrapbooking Example
Scrapbooking can be tedious work. Between layers, graphics, stickers, notes, and picking out the best pictures, you realize that you have a lot of work to do. However, if done in increment amount of time, an hour for example, you can accomplish full lavish albums for every child, sibling and friend. You can arrange pictures for one of your photo albums or even the entire family photo album. The album can be organized and labeled with several pictures laid out, all in increments of hours. You can accomplish a milestone of work that you have set out for yourself within that one hour.

Small Goals Done On Time - The Challenge
We all have those goals that we have put aside to accomplish another day but never get to them. A goal to do one thing or another but we tend to slip and push it to the side to be accomplished later. We challenge you to take an hour a day or even an hour a week the set goal that you have so desired to accomplish. In time you will have accomplish the goal and find many new ways to accomplish more time stretched goals.

Long Term Goals Turn Short
If you continue to use the one hour increment strategy you will develop the habit to accomplish more long term goals in increments of hours. Although it may take you several hours to accomplish some goals, setting a time line of an hour a day or an hour a week to work on that goal will pay off.  You will eventually see the results of your efforts as time goes by.





What Makes You Who You Are?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
June 2009

No matter what the circumstances may be, knowing who you are, what you want and what will make you happy is most important. Learning ways to consider yourself in ever situation can help you boost your esteem. Listed below are ways that can assist you in building a more confident you.
 
Trust Your Instincts
Many times we may ignore what we feel and latter wish we had not. Being in tune with how we feel  can assist us in making better decisions. Do not be afraid to trust your instincts.

Fully Appreciate Yourself
Look at your many gifts, talents, skills, and abilities and fully appreciate who you are. You are made to be you and you are unique.

New Ideas
Before you decide to say no to a new adventure or a new task. Think about it. When you take the challenge you gain experience and education. So broaden your horizon and add another accomplishment unto your list of many.

Respect Others
To gain respect from others you have to give respect. Respecting others is a very important step to  fully being the best person you can be. You will feel a sense of self-worth and love for others.

Defuse Anger
Don't spend time on the things that make you feel anger, disappointment or frustrated. Look to happy and cheerful moments.

Have No Regrets
 We are all here to learn. Evaluate your experiences and be grateful for the experience that you can share with others. Know your desires and don't let go of your dreams. Live your life to the fullest.





Be Happy No Matter What
--------------------------------------------------------------------
May 2009

We may feel lonely, worried, paranoid, sad and or even angry at some situations we may face. However, the importance of feeling good about yourself is crucial as you experience obstacles. Finding ways to regain a positive attitude is key to overcoming trying times.

Be Optimistic
No matter what you are going through being optimistic will help you feel a sense of peace and hope. Strengthen your ability to feel good by just being happy with the way things are. No matter the situation learn to say, it's going to be alright. At times just being optimistic may feel like it will not work but the more you tell yourself it will all work out the more confidence you will have to overcome. It truly will work out just believe it.

Be Actively Engaged
Being actively engaged will help you spend less time on the obstacle that you are going through. Find ways to keep yourself positively active. Involve yourself in a hobby, strive for an achievement, dedicate time to service others.

Be Courageous
Don't be scared to try to achieve. Some people assume that instead of being rejected they should just stay far away from rejection by not setting goals or looking forward to  achievements. This is not the best approach to being happy. Being happy is knowing you have tried your best. Knowing that you can use your skills to build yourself and achieve your goals. Have the courage to reach for your dreams. Have the courage to keep trying. Also have the courage to move on if you need to. Not everything is going to go the way you planned. Be ready for anything and ready for the outcome.

Be Devoted
Although, an obstacle may seem hard to overcome, be of good cheers. Only you can make yourself happy. Devote yourself to achieving happiness no matter what circumstances you are in. Embrace happiness today.

Note: Always consult a professional if you feel that you cannot overcome a sad situation. So you can be on your way to recovery.




Letting Go Of Bad Situations
--------------------------------------------------------------------
April 2009

So what if on your way to work you fell right on your face and was embarrassed by the audience you attracted. Things happen. Certainly you are not the only one things happen to. We all go through times when we wish we could turn the clock backwards. But we can't. So the best thing left to do is to learn to deal with situations.

Gain Courage
When a bad situation happens don't turn away from it and ignore it. Instead, fully understand what happened and move on. Don't dwell on it or recount it over and over again. This will only leave you replaying the situation in your head which can be very destructive. Gain the courage to face it fully. If the situation is one that needs a solution, resolve the problem and move on with your life.

De-stress
Many people tend to stress over the smallest situations. However, learning to take it one step at at time will help you calm your nerves. Remember that the more stressed you become the worst the situation will be. So just loosen up. Find appropriate ways to let go of the stress.

Talk It through
Find a friend that is willing to listen. Talking it through will help you overcome the struggle and help you to fix the situation the right way. Many times we are so bubbled with emotion that we don't think properly. Your friend might have a different look at the situation that you may not have considered.

Time Out
Don't react to situations out of anger, frustration or despair. It is natural to want to immediately react to the situations that occur on a daily bases. However, remember that some situation call for a time out. Know when you need to think things through, consult with a friend or simply calm your nerves before you react.

Relax
It is always good to remember that no one was born perfect . We are bound to make mistakes. The way we recover from our mistakes is what is most important. If you stick to the situation the situation will never let go. Be ready to address it and move forward. Bounce back into action by just remembering that to err is human. It is okay to make mistakes. It is more important to learn from our mistakes so we don't repeat them again.





Control Your Media Intake
--------------------------------------------------------------------
March 2009

Not all media is bad, however, media can be very damaging to a woman's confidence and esteem. It can be very difficult to ignore the type of media that glamorizes and give a so called perfect view of what a woman should be. Although the media may portray women with perfect facial structures, flawless features and friendly persona, most media elements are scripted to represent a fantasy world. No real woman is perfect. The photoshopped woman in a magazine and the perfect female character in a movie are structured to be appealing in order to entertain the viewer. Don't let what you read or view control your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
 
Control You Thoughts
Block the stereotype that puts restraints on women. No matter what you see on the television, in the movie theater or in a magazine, no woman is perfect. We all should strive to be better each day. However, trying to fulfill a perfect role can be draining and unrealistic. Think of the perfect woman as the woman that is strong, honest, loving and happy. Strive to gain qualities that will help you improve in every aspect of your life. Know that you can do anything that you set your mind to do. There is no limit to your success.

Control Your Feelings
Push the control button on what you consider to be damaging to your confidence and self-esteem. If you have been reading magazines and viewing shows that leaves you feeling negative about yourself now is the time to stop. It is important to always be engaged in reading and viewing  positive uplifting materials and shows. Read and view materials that will strengthen your confidence and build your   self-esteem. Never fall victim to the media and devices that are meant to have you thinking that you are not good enough.

Control Your Actions
By attempting to change your appearance and conforming to what you read and view you are letting the media control who you are and what you stand for. Find balance between watching and being. What you watch is made to glamorize and what you read is made to seem perfect however, real life is simply not that simple. Stay away from thinking that changing your appearance to what you see or read will automatically glamorize your life or bring greater happiness. Understand the boundaries between what is real and what is fake. Your life is much more meaningful and  than what the media has to portrays. Who wants a flawless life? It would be truly boring and mundane.





Financial Emergency
--------------------------------------------------------------------
February 2009
We all know that things happen in life, which means there will be good times and bad times. However, with the proper prospective, a survival kit and a positive attitude you can overcome any difficulty that you face. When encountering a time of financial crises it is important to be ready for anything in order to  weather the storm. Learning the proper ways to deal with financial situations will assist your in building security.

Stuff The Piggy Bank
Open a savings account. Though you may have heard this many times, you may still be among those who have yet to apply this strategy. Finding the remedy to fully act and feel a sense of security mounts down to investing for your future with a determination to succeed. Be ready to stick to your plan and hold back all urges to do other wise. The best way to save money is to deposit ten percent of your weekly or monthly earnings into your savings. If you can't save ten percent save whatever you are able to, as long as you stick to a number. However, remember the more money you save the more you will have in time of need. When ever you have extra money do not spend it. Instead transfer it to your savings. As long as you are constantly putting money into your saving account and not tacking money out, then you should see your funds grow. Remember that a savings account should be used for emergencies only. Determine what a true emergency is now and stick to your description. Many make the mistake of classifying an emergency as both needs and wants. An emergency account should neither be need nor want. It should be a "can not live without" classification such as food and water.

Food Storage
Water should be the highest in priority when it comes to food and supply storage. Since our body is made up of sixty percent water you can't go wrong with starting your food storage with this basic need. You may decide to recycle your used plastic bottles by filling them with water and keeping them in a dry area. If you plan to store tap water, boil it before storing. Be sure to store it in bottles made for food or water.  Also there has been several recommendation of what to add to tap water in order to store it for long periods of time. It will be up to your discretion as to what method you use and which method will work best for you. If you decide you would rather make the process easier for yourself and you have the money then you can simply buy bottled spring water from the grocery store.

It can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to food storage especially when your are on a budget. The best way to build food storage is to purchase items, preferably in bulks. Start off your food storage by investing $200 (highly recommended) on nonperishable foods. Make a commitment to always purchase one item every time you go shopping. In order to store for more than one individual you will need to follow the same procedure for each individual. Eventually, as years pass by you will need to replace your food storage with new supplies. A this point however, you will have plenty of food storage to feel secure.

Bulks & Supplies
Whenever you see a nonperishable item on sale buy in bulks. This will help you build your food storage quickly and inexpensively. Think of it this way, you store while you save. It can  be very easy to forget everyday supplies. Items such as a first aid kit, bars of soap, feminine products should be included in your emergency storage. Just as you invest $200 for your food storage, you just have a separate investment amount for supplies. Invest about a $100 or so, it all depends on your needs.





Words of Affirmation
--------------------------------------------------------------------
January 2009
Thinking positive thoughts can increase your ability to see your beauty and encourage you to appreciate yourself. Take some time everyday to pick out one positive phrase and surround your daily activities with a self-boost.

Actions
When you are busy making yourself feel bad eventually the bad sticks. It's just the same when you make yourself feel good. Stay away from saying or thinking negative thoughts, especially thoughts that bring you down.

The Word "Not"
Words like "can" and "will" are very reassuring, however, when they are followed by the word "not" it brings a negative connotation. The word "not" can effect your confidence. It can also slow your progression or stop your success. Remove it from your vocabulary when talking about yourself.

Repeat
To get the most out of words of affirmation you have to repeat, repeat and repeat. This means repeating the words, phrase, sentence(s) many times within your day and revisiting the statement multiple times. Some people like to read one statement for the entire day or week, while others focus on a statement for an entire month(s).

Your Own Personal Flash Cards
You can find words of affirmation cards, books, tapes, etc. A great way to save money while boosting your self-esteem is to write down the things you would like to strengthen. However, instead of writing them as negatives turn them all to positive words, phrases or statements. Once you have them writing down you can turn them into positive statements and transfer them onto flash cards.

Example of Words of Affirmation

Self
Stay away from: I don't like my self. I don't like my life. I am unhappy.
Stick to: I love myself. I love my life. I am happy.

Appearance
Stay away from: I am ugly. I am not beautiful. I am not attractive.
Stick to: I am beautiful. I am lovely. I am attractive.

Goals
Stay away from: I can do it. I am not good enough. I don't know how to.
Stick to: I can do it. I am good enough. I know how to.

Interview
Stay away from : I am not qualified. I will not get this job. I can't do it.
Stick to: I am qualified. I will get this job. I can do it.


Tip: It takes time to restructure the way you feel and think. Words of affirmation is just one of many tools that can help you esteem yourself. It is not an over night process. It can take many months to years to actually see a change in your thinking process.

NOTE: It is important to know when you need to seek professional help to overcome any negative feelings or concerns that you may have. Seek a professional counselor or therapist if you feel you need to be monitored or feel your situation is complex. They can assist you in turning negatives into positives. They can also help you tailor words of affirmation to your individual case.





Combating the Negatives  -  Achieving Your Goal
--------------------------------------------------------------------
December 2008

You want to go back to school, start a business or further your present career. You may feel that there is too much in the way of your desired goal. You find yourself thinking negatively and in turn, you feel like you will never be able to accomplish your goals. Don't be fooled. Negative thoughts and feelings are only meant to keep you down. With this New Year, find better beginning to accomplish your desired goals and make them a reality!

We have put together a self-starter Achieving Your Goal form to help you begin the process to combat the negatives while working towards achieve your goals. Complete the beginning questionnaire. Be sure to take time to evaluate goals and how you can  accomplish them. Once you have completed the questionnaire make notes on what you have learned about yourself and your goals. Determine the best approach for you to take in working towards your goal. Then set a timeline to achieve your desired goals. Make sure that the timeline that you set is realistic and is set with the intention to complete. Following the outline of the form below it you will find an example form that has been filled out.

An example of how to fill out the form is provided below.
Achieving Your Goal
Goal:                 
Date of Goal Setting:

Recognizing the Negatives
What do you think is stopping you from achieving your goal?

Overcoming Obstacles
How can you overcome the obstacles in your way?

Gaining Determination
What can you do to make yourself find the determination to succeed?

Notes
What have you learned about how to accomplish your desired goal?

Best Approach
Determine the best approach to reach your goal.

Set Timeline
What will be your timeline to accomplish your goal


Examples:
Achieving Your Goal
Goal: Get my Bachelor Degree - Working towards becoming a Nurse Practitioner                     
Date of Goal Setting: 3/1/07

Recognizing the Negatives
What do you feel is stopping your success?

1.        I have no time to go to school
2.        No evening babysitter
3.        Will be to stressful for me to go back to school

Overcoming Obstacles
How can you over come the obstacles in your way?

1.        Set a time for school in my busy schedule (Cancel activities that are not a must - like Tuesday's movie night with girlfriends).
2.        Have my mother babysit the children (on a paid basis) Tuesdays like she already does when I go to the movie night events but instead of going to movie night take part-time classes on Tuesdays.
3.        Take few classes at a time.
4.        Do homework after the children have gone to bed (Change bedtime for children to 7pm instead of 8:30pm).
5.        Be determined to complete my schooling regardless of the stress.

Gaining Determination
What can you do to make yourself find the determination to succeed?

1.        Register for school immediately.
2.        Tell my mother what I am doing (since she has always encouraged me to go back to school).
3.        Talk to the college instructors in my field of study to get better understanding of what my classes will be like and what is required.
4.        Find joy in my enrolled classes regardless of the task.

Notes
What have you learned about how to accomplish your desired goal?

        I have been procrastinating about going back to school. I know I really need to. I always think about it and I know that I need to follow what I feel. I now know that I can skip movie night or rearrange my schedule so I can really get important things that matter to me accomplished. I can work my dream job! And get great pay for it.
        I have actually a lot of time to get my goal accomplished. I just have to prioritize. Use my time wisely. Focus on my goals instead of spending time doing things that can wait until I finish school and have obtained my Bachelors !!

Best Approach
Determine the best approach to reach your goal.

1.        Register for classes asap.
2.        Avoid the stress by working towards my Bachelors on a part-time basis.

Set Timeline
What will be your timeline to accomplish your goal.

Timeline:
3/6/09 - Start 1st College Classes - English 101 & College Algebra                                                       Completed 6/26/09
7/3/09 - Start 2nd College Class - English 201 & Nursing 101

continuation of timeline ...

Remember that as you go through the process of combating the negatives You are focusing on finding the solutions. Your main goal is to achieve and reach your goal. This may not be an easy process. Depending on your goal, you may have to work though each section for a period of time or even revise your processes to get it to work for you. However, don't get caught up in feeling like you will not be able to achieve and succeed in whatever you would like to accomplish. Many of those whom you admire have had their own obstacles and struggles to combat before reaching their goals.

Tip: Get the Achieve Your Goal form from the tools page or click here.





Recording Your History
--------------------------------------------------------------------
November 2008
Writing down your thoughts, experiences and documenting your achievements is a great way to keep a record, document your achievements, blessings and history. Another great way to document events and history is to get on tape.

Treasures
Regardless of the occasion getting your camera out and putting it to good use can be a rewarding experience, especially in the future. When you look back at your tapes with countless memories that are dear to you, you will realize that you have a treasure that cannot be replace.

Voice & Face
Recording special events is not the only reason you should keep a camera handy. Just as a diary may give you the opportunity to write down your thought, a camera can given you  the ability to speak your mind.

Take Our Challenge: Are there things that you would like to get accomplished this coming year - '09? Well this is the year to get it done and you can. List your resolutions on camera. Simply record what you would like to accomplished and keep track by going back to your recordings during the year of '09. You  will have no excuse to not work towards them or even think of forgetting them since they are on tape.

Take Our Challenge: List your goals. what makes you love who you are on camera. Simply set up a camera and record. Record ten things that you love about yourself. Don't be afraid to pat yourself on the back. This is also a great way to express the way you feel about any situation. When you have just had a bad day you need to sometimes express yourself completely without any interruptions.

Monthly Gems
Sign Up to receive monthly motivational tips, updates, helpful ideas, news &  info.
Shape Yourself  Articles
What Are You Drinking?

Finally, An Exercise Routine You Can ...

Eating Well Is Simple

Fall In Love With Fall Sports

Combating the Negatives

Recording Your History

Considering You

Can You Forgive Yourself

Sad? Cry Hard. Happy? Laugh Hard.

View of The World

Hopes of A Hobby

Hello?! How Do I Say Not Now?

Beginners Class 101

Tell Mr. Right What You Want

Can You Forgive Yourself?

Center Yourself
 
Would you like to share your self-esteem experience or story? Contact Us.
We want to hear from you!
Contact Us!
Visit our Tools Page for tools you can use
Join Our Network Groups!
Join Our Network Groups!
<  1  2  >


Click Here for More Articles!
Everyday Women Building Confidence & Self-Esteem to Enrich Their
Soul, Beauty, Image & Life.
Esteem Yourself is  giving you the permission to be you!
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.
HOME
ABOUT
CONTACT
ADVERTISE
TERMS & CONDITIONS
PRIVACY POLICY
I
I
I
I
I
I
BLOG
Copyright © 2007-2010, Esteem Yourself. All Rights Reserved
RADIO
I