"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".