"Relationships"

From the moment we arrive here, to our last breath, our lives are given meaning by the relationships we form. Of course, not all of our relationships are going to be ideal.
Since our personalities differ, it is not always easy to have a satisfactory or enduring one.
In our lifetime, if we are lucky to find at least one loving person who accepts us for who we are and brings out our best, we are lucky.

Being emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally fulfilled is a blessing.
Sharing our life with that "special person", does require some work.

Never take anyone or anything for granted, and be grateful on a daily basis.
What you give to a relationship, you should hopefully receive in return.

Since life is a journey, where we continue to learn and gain wisdom, if we do not learn from our past mistakes, we will keep repeating the same patterns.

After all, loving and being loved, is what life is all about.

Be good to yourself, be kind to others.

A kind word goes a long way!

"Thank You"

With all my blogging geared toward Fashion and Self Image, I find it important to formally thank my wonderful son Terry for all his help, love and inspiration.

Terry lives in Paris, France and is my biggest fan. Returning home to Los Angeles on a visit, he presented me with the most amazing gift. He had all of my Blog articles published in a book. A mere thank you is not enough on my part to show him my appreciation and thus I deem it necessary to put it in print. Thank you, my most wonderful, loving son.
You are truly the light of my life.
From a Mother who adores you.
Love,
Mom

"Memories"

Sharing our memories of love, life, and the way we were.
Each one of us leaves an imprint in this world. Who we are, our likes, dislikes, loves and needs would be of great interest to our families and to new generations. 

These memories will show how our hopes and dreams may have a connection to our children and grandchildren.

Recording information about our past, is storytelling, and keeps our memories alive.

"We are but mirror images of our ancestors". 

If we can make a connection with our future generations, then perhaps they can better understand who they are, and where they are going.

"Find and Embrace Your Calling"

Whether we believe this to be our "Calling or Passion", it is what can bring true meaning into our life.

Finding our "Path" and following it, makes our life happier, and more worthwhile. This energy emanates  from our soul. It puts our life into focus, gives us the commitment and motivates us to deal with this wonderful responsibility. It validates us as an individual and can change our life.
I was thirty-one years old, when I discovered my true calling, or path. I have always loved helping people to be their best. For me it was to physically enhance their appearance with makeup and clothing.

The satisfaction I have received all these years can never be duplicated.

"Surviving Menopause"

Just as we approach middle age, gaining wisdom, accepting who we are, retiring and getting ready to enjoy the next phase of our life, we go through Menopause.

Some of us suffer more than others. The hot flashes, loss of sleep, energy, and weight gain. Looking at ourselves in the mirror is very disturbing. What happened to that youthful glow? All we see is wrinkles, droopy skin, and a lackluster look. We need a toning of our entire body. It does not take very long for everything to go South. How do we accept ourselves and how we have changed? Getting old is no easy task. What are the alternatives?

Getting the proper nutrition, supplements, exercising, and movement plays a key role in helping us to keep strong, manage our weight, and overall good health. We must work extra hard to combat the aging process. We cannot let ourselves go, for if we do, then we will suffer the consequences.

You must embrace the mindset to "think young". With that said, what we believe, can only work to help us achieve our goals.

"You're not getting older, just better"! Aging gracefully takes a lot of effort!

"Empower Yourself"

Allowing people to act out their bad behavior, is to enable them to continue with their actions.

Whether they are bullies or they just exhibit a bad, hurtful attitude, they will never change their ways unless they are made aware of how their actions are unacceptable towards others.

Confronting this person, will not only be helping them in making them aware of how their actions affect others, but by speaking up, you are taking back your power and not letting them get away with this bad behavior.

Be clear, Be strong. Take back your Power!

"The Meeting Of The Minds At The Mall"

Is this the new "go to place" for our entertainment? Where does the average person go to spend time these days? Not only for shopping, but for meeting friends, eating, and passing the time away. The trend to meet at the mall seems to be the place to go.

Is it because of the difficult economic times we are experiencing, when so many places have closed their doors, movie prices have risen, and there are not many places to "hang out". Where does one go to meet friends?

Times have changed. Going to night clubs, art galleries, or just entertaining at home seems to becoming obsolete.

Is this a sign of the times and of what is to come? Are we just experiencing the cycle of change?

"Living Your Passion"

The creative soul knows no bounds and therefore may have many interests and ideas how to create. Whether it be to express oneself in the written form, in the form of color and art, putting together fashion, interior design, or even the performing arts, we have that calling.

However challenging your dreams may be, attempting to "go for it", will bring you much satisfaction and happiness. Bringing out your authentic self, whether it be a hobby or career will help you to " Be the Best You Can Be".

"Elegant Glamour"

"Color, how it can affect us and make us feel"

Color is once again showing up on the runways and in the magazines.
It is great that we have the option to wear the "neutral look", nude colors, or the more vibrant hues. We can wear whatever look we enjoy, and still be in fashion. Accessorizing with the different colors on our lips, cheeks, and eyes creates variety, and keeps our look fresh and interesting.

Don't be afraid to experiment to see how the different colors make you feel.
Since color can affect our moods, when used in makeup and clothing, it can brighten your skin tone or do just the opposite, and make you appear tired.
Wearing complementary colors will give you the lift you may need.

As with clothing styles, experimenting is the only way to determine your "Best Colors".

"How We Deal With A Loss"

Veering away from my usual articles on "Image" or "Fashion", I find it appropriate at this time to explore the different ways we may handle our time of grief. Some of us may experience going through different stages until we come out of our grieving process.

For some, overindulging in food, or alcohol may be a way of coping. Others may find an abundant amount of exercising helpful.

Just having lost my Mother recently, and feeling like an orphan, because of the finality of it all, makes me want to re-access my life and experience everything on my to do list immediately, for fear of losing myself into life's every day dramas.

There are many things we consider as losses, besides losing loved ones.
Whether it be a job, love relationship, a home, or anything that is special to us.
The way we handle our grief, and how we move on can be devastating and lead to other problems.

After processing my grief and trying to move on, I find that my anger takes over and I go on a shopping spree. Feeling cathartic for that moment, eventually turns and makes me realize what I am doing, which then turns into guilt.

It is not easy to cope with loss. Maybe time can heal certain wounds. Realizing why we react the way we do, can be a beginning to helping us find our way and heal.

"What goes around, circles back again"

" The Retro Look"

Happy to see some wonderful, modern versions of the long, or mid-calf length dresses and skirts. This elegant look has returned!

It is wonderful to dress up as we did in the past. It is easy to become so complacent, wearing our same old look daily. Put on a pair of jeans and a top and you will not have to worry about putting together an outfit. Where is the fun in doing that?

I, myself, have begun buying a wonderful, new wardrobe and am looking forward to planning my "New Looks". Change is good for the soul and re-inventing ourselves and the way we look periodically, gives us an exciting new outlook on life and the way we feel about ourselves.

It is great for our "Image".

"Compassionate Communication"

"Communication, is it a one way street?"

Is the way we communicate, a mirror of our personality?
As a part time writer, and full time observer, I have always been aware of how people communicate.

One's age group, education, or financial status, has no bearing on the quality of how we communicate with each other, or our ability to have that give and take while conversing. Those who are self absorbed will carry on a conversation about themselves, without asking about the person with whom they speak.

Is this the way of the future? Is caring or empathy a thing of the past?
Experiencing several of these conversations, made me feel quite sad. Being very one sided, has lead me to believe that there is a need for an education in communicating.

In this complex world, the way we speak to one another should be of utmost importance. It may determine how we lead our lives, and is a reflection of us, and the Image we project.

"Some Great Stores"

There are many wonderful stores across the United States, that offer high fashion at affordable prices. It is easier to shop when you know where the best places are available. Depending on your clothing size, these stores have amazing looks, and can help you put outfits together.

Many boutiques with sizes from x-Small-Large, now extend their sizes to the Plus Size lines. No one need be excluded from finding exceptional style.

Franchise Stores for Plus Size clothing include:

Mode Plus stores in Southern California
Torrid
Forever 21
Across the U.S.A.

Other stores that carry Small-Large include:

Forever 21
H&M, Clothing for Women, Men, and Children which offers European sizes, European flair, great looks!
Express
Charlotte Russe

There are also Department Stores that carry all sizes.

It is always exciting to step up your look and try the various styles. This may help you evolve and by adding another look, may do wonders for you!

For Men,  J.C. Penney offers a wide selection and great style!
If you are interested in any of these stores, you can check online to see their locations and what clothing they have to offer.

"A New Year, A New Beginning"

Wishing all of you a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

As we begin this new year, we have a clean slate to assess the past and continue on with our life's journey. We now have the opportunity to create a new Image as we evolve.

How we progress in our journey, is to some extent, in our own hands.
Looking at that which has transpired in the past, we have the ability to make changes.

How you wish to proceed is up to you. Being truthful with yourself is not easy, but once you recognize your weaknesses and strengths, you can make better choices.

Learning about yourself is the first step to creating the life you want and becoming a better person.

Breaking the old patterns can help us to "Be the Best We Can Be".