"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".

"An Independent Spirit"

"Are you a leader or a follower"?

Growing up in New Jersey in the 60's was difficult to say the least. These were times of change. My parents constantly complained of my being "different from others".
I certainly had a mind of my own and hated to be told what to do.

As I became an adult, this rebellious side of me, led me to realize that this quality I embody is not a rebellious streak, but one of an "Independent Spirit".

I raised my son this way, and I am happy to share that he is now raising his two daughters with the very same mindset.

I call it "Being a Unique Individual". Thinking for oneself and not always following the crowd, may be difficult, but shows that you cannot be easily swayed and therefore shows your strength.

We are all Unique souls and we must take pride in that we are all special!

"Accessories / Jewelry"

"How To Update Your Outfits"

What a year for fabulous accessories. They glamorize everything we wear.
The range of merchandise in the stores is outrageous.

From Scarfs in every color imaginable, to Belts in various styles and shapes, to large Earrings, Rings, and Bracelets. Pantyhose and Leggings are also a must.

Where does one begin to choose our favorite find? The more I see, the more I want.
Whatever arrives in the stores, does not remain there very long. Women seem to be on a buying frenzy.
 
It is obvious that "Fashion does matter."
Whatever your Style, accessorizing personalizes your outfit and makes it even better!

"Department Store vs. Drug Store Cosmetics"

So many products, how do you select those that will work for you?

First you must determine your skin type. Next, is to decide what concerns you may have and what you will need to make your skin look its best.

Facial Care Products are based from Normal skin to Dry to Anti-Aging Products. Choosing one that works with your skin type, be it Normal, Dry, or Oily, is essential.

Dry skin needs moisture. Creams with a sunblock work best for the Dry skin type. Both in the cleanser and moisturizer.

Normal skin responds well to a lighter weight cleanser and can use a light-weight moisturizer with a sunblock. Oil-free is also an appropriate way to eliminate the possibility of breakouts or developing enlarged pores.

Oily skin can have problems. For a cleanser, use oil-free, gel based products only. Use an oil-free/oil-control moisturizer with sunblock. Acne skin would benefit by using products containing Salicylic Acid. Keeping your skin clean, not overly drying it out, and eating properly, is the best way to balancing the Oily skin type.

There are a broad range of Anti-Aging products on the market. If you have Dry or Normal skin, you can choose from a variety of brands. However, if you are looking for a good product and have Oily skin, this becomes a challenge, to find Anti-Aging Products that are not too heavy.
Once again, go by your particular skin type. Check to see if it is Oil-free or of a light-weight nature.

To find a good Eye Cream, you may have to experiment to see which one works best for you, and one that will not irritate your eye area.

Shopping for your Foundation :

Normal /Dry /Oily

Liquids, Cream To Powder
Oil-free Liquid, Powder, Powder/Plus foundation
Whatever you choose, you must match it as close as possible to your neck. This way, your face will match your neck and look natural. Department Stores have a great selection, offer better coverage, and you have the benefit of trying on the makeup, before purchasing products.

Some great brands I would recommend:

Revlon Color Stay liquid makeup--- Dry/Normal or Oily/Normal
Cover Girl Liquid Clean Makeup for each skin type
These are two good products, with nice coverage and the matching Powders are equally wonderful.

Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, is my very favorite. With super coverage, oil free, this one-step application, is easy, natural-looking and long-lasting.

All Eye Liners are not created equal.
Almay Automatic Pencil, that lasts for 16 hours is a great find, that will not melt or disappear until removed.

Mascara
L'oreal  Telescopic in the Gold or Black tube. This mascara not only lengthens, but also thickens your lashes.
The best one ever!

Eye Shadows, Blushers, Lipliners, Lipsticks, Lipglosses,
there are so many wonderful choices.

Department Stores or Drug Stores selections, there is something for everyone.

Even though you cannot try on the Drug Store cosmetics, you may be able to return them if they do not work for you.

Creating an "Image"

Changing your style of clothing, hair color, or cut, may be what you would consider, when you want to change your Image. However, there is really more to changing one's Image.

Changing your Image is about changing the way you see yourself. If you are not happy, then you must visualize yourself in a totally different way.

My theory is:

First you must change you Posture, and way you carry yourself.
Do you have a strong presence? How do you relate to others? Do you look people in the eye while speaking to them?

Creating a wonderful posture, helps to create a strong presence.
Becoming a confident individual, does wonders for you.
Now, you can begin to make any physical changes you wish to explore.

Is your hair color and cut best suited for your skin tone and facial structure?
Do you have a preferred clothing style?
Do your clothes show off your best features?
Does this total package meet your expectations?

Now, to your wonderful makeup.
The correct colors for your skin tone, can not only be corrective, but give you a lift.

Since  "Your Thoughts Create Your Reality", change your mindset, and by doing this you will evolve to "Be The Best You Can Be".

These are all examples of how to change an Image. It is never easy, but a place to begin.

Relating to others and being beautiful on the inside as well as your outer being is a real place to begin your evolution.