Nine Inch Nails

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There are lots of options for those of us who choose to use nails as an accessory. Some are bold points are view and some are subtle. Some are fake and some are… well, not so fake. 

The types of nail enhancements you choose, or don’t, can be a reflection perhaps of your personality, or maybe your profession for sometimes, yes, we are bound by what the massa says, and so even though we may want to wear neon green on our finger nails, that wouldn’t go over very well with Boss Lady. 

Just a run down of the types of nail enhancements out there today, well at least the more popular ones. There’s a 3D “Hello Kitty” Nail Art that I saw come out of Japan, but we aren’t exploring those here. Maybe one day, but not today. 

Nail Enhancements

Acrylic Nails

Now considered to be very old school. Very damaging on your nail health, and because of the fumes associated with it’s application, on your general health as well. If you are an acrylic nail addict, consider making the transition over to gel nails.

Gel Nails

Gel Nails

An excellent alternative to acrylic nails. Durable, unmistakeable  nails can be created, an acrylate-free gel system that is hypoallergenic and odor-free.

Though there is still some damage that may be done to your natural nail (because there is still filing of the nail involved) Gel Nails are not AS damaging as an acrylic nail enhancement. 

As with all nail enhancements, gel nail applications are both customizable and technician specific, i.e. the final outcome of your nails will depend on the technician’s skill level and experience. You can end up with fantastic nails that look like they’re naturally yours or can just as easily leave with thick, blocky looking square tipped, ‘fake-looking’ ones. 

There are also various tips and tricks to minimize the amount of filing that occurs on your natural nails, so shop your technician smartly. 

NATURAL NAIL  TREATMENTS

For those among us who aren’t quite into the ‘fake’ nails scenario there are a few ways well to jazz up the nail plate other and mix things up a bit. If you’d rather not be classed in one of the four categories of chicks:

- Classic french,
- Siren red,
- Vampy darks or
- Sophisticated (some read this to be ‘Plain Jane’) nudes,

 Here are a few options for you. 

Minx

Minx Nails

From it’s release almost 2 years ago, this trend has grown tremendously, possibly because it has become a celeb favourite.

Fully customizable, it’s pretty much like plastic stickers that are cut to fit the size of your nail exactly, and are adhered to the nail bed with the help of a heat lamp.

The best thing about Minx Nails is that you can flaunt the most intricate nail designs on your nails. From full on true metallic, to intricate flower power or other such designs – you can even get your “Grrrrr” on – there’s no limit really to the look of your nails as the designs are printed on the sticker rather than painted on by a nail art technician. 

Word has it that you can now send in your designs and get one custom made for you. Sounds important doesn’t it? But Minx nail treatments definitely gets full points for the ‘wow’ factor, and are supposed to last for up to 2 weeks. 

UV Nail Polish

CND Shellac- Hybrid Nail Colour

This revolutionary product is the wake up that the Nail Polish Industry needed.

It’s a gel?… It’s a polish?… It’s a hybrid nail polish that is a part polish/ part UV gel polish system that wears as is for up to 14 days, without chipping. There is no buffing or filing of the natural nail bed involved, so it is a much less damaging than regular nail enhancements. 

It paints on like a normal polish application with a base coat, color, top coat – and is cured in a UV light so there is zero dry time. Paint on and put your feet in closed shoes. No smudging, no problem. 

Removal takes about 10 minutes and involves wrapping nails in individual Remover Wraps. No soaking, drilling or filing is necessary. 

However, this hybrid system would be recommended only for those who wish to extend their nail colour wear,  and is not meant to replace gel nails, as although the gel-like polish does provide some strength enhancement to the natural nail, it’s no where near that provided by a normal gel nail application. This system extend also doesn’t extend your natural nail. 

This type of manicure typically runs about 50% higher than whatever your normal manicure would cost at that particular salon. 

Nail “Effects”

CND Nail 'Effects" | Spring 2010

CND (Creative Nail Design) has a variety of nail polish combos that alter or give various ‘effects’ to a standard nail polish base color. Choose to mute bright colours, oxidize dark colours or add a sparkle pop to bold ones. Various base ‘Effect’ options can be paired with even more ‘Colour’ options for a myriad of colour outcomes. 

Neons

Bored of your usual manicure? Try neon polish. It’s all the rave for Spring/ Summer 2010. I’ve always owned the neon orange, but was sent the entire range of colours to to try well over a month or so ago.

Just got around to trying them. Yeah, not sure if you can tell but the last few weeks have been crazy mad hectic… this post, minus this neon section, was written 6 weeks ago.

Anyways, back to Neon Nailpolish.

I’m wearing a Neon “Baby” Pink – it’s more light and bright, pastel-esq I suppose, rather than dark and bold, on my nails, and the startling purple on my toes.  Even though I’m not a ‘pink’ girl, pure fyah still.

Will try the blinding yellow and the electric blue combo on the weekend.

Barbados, represent. 

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So the question is, designs are one thing, but for nails longer than 5mm (the white of the nail, the part that is not attached to your finger)…

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Paging “Me”

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We have but one life to live.

Sometimes it rocks and sometimes it downright sucks; Just how much of either we feel in this life depends more on our outlook than on our circumstances. 

The key to learning how to deal with others is to have a very good understanding of ourselves.

To understand where we are coming from, where are are going and moreso where we will not be found.

To get it straight that other people’s issues, challenges, thoughts and opinions of us (and the world at large) are not a reflection of us, but rather a reflection of where they are in their life.

How we see the world is in our control. Ultimately, to be happy in this life, we must find our own integrity, self-love, and peace by way of liberating ourselves from responsibility for the unhappiness of others.

Miguel Ruiz’s, a Mexican author, best summarized this concept in his workbook as a companion, The Four Agreements, (featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show if that does anything for ‘ya).

See below the four agreements that he urges us all to make with ourselves:

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

— Miguel Ruiz

His other works include The Voice of Knowledge, Prayers, and The Mastery of Love. 

Thanks Camz!

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Trend Alert | 80s and 90s ‘Vintage’

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Short Shorts. Blumarine and Balmain Spring 2010

In addition to the previous fashion trends highlighted:

- Stripes
- Cutouts
- Wild & Exotic Prints
-  Safari | Nudes & Neutrals
- Bold Brights & Neons

Here is a wrap up  of the rest of Spring/ Summer 2010′s most catching trends. 

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1. Very Very Short Shorts

Also known very affectionately by Caribbean-ers as ‘pum pum’ shorts. Yep, all up in there. Needless to say this is best reserved for the younger age bracket, regardless of how ‘toned’ your legs are. Short skirts/ minis are also an option. 

The key to wearing this look is to contrast the super-sexy by pairing with boots/ booties and some top with long sleeves. 

Tip: Resist the urge to go TOO short. Try to make a suggestion rather than be explicit, noone needs to see your assets.

Body suits are also big. Must be inspired by all the entertainers in leotards, and should also only be worn by them. 

2. All Denim Everything

Head to toe denim ala the Denim Tuxedo. And not just any denim, this one is both distressed AND bleached, either simple bleach or acid wash. If you dare, pair with a simple white tee, and keep everything else as simple as possible. Again, a very fresh, hippy, young look. 

For anyone over 30-ish, a great way to still get into this trend is by donning denim ‘peek-a-boo’ style. A denim shirt, vest or even jacket perhaps, under an oversized blazer or leather jacket, is a very subtle yet fashion forward way to channel the 90s without looking like you just dig into your closet and dusted off all of your 90s gear. 

80s 

The 80s style has been making its way back into the fashion world for a while, but it seems like it’s back in a big way this year, which officially makes the disco decade ‘vintage’. Strong shoulders and oversized clothing are the main contenders. 

3. Masculine Elements

Strong shoulders on blazers (oversized or not)  works this trend well. Pay very special attention to your proportions though, if you are already ‘top heavy’ or carry most of your weight on the upper half of your body (a healthy bust size or a very prominent mid section) this may not be the most flattering option for you. 

Striped textiles, military inspired jackets and oxford shoes also fall in this trend. Pair with shorts or leggings to balance this overly masculine look. Simple, delicate jewelry, like a hairband or locket pendants also help balance this look. 

4. Oversized & Extreme proportions

The super wide tee that’s also shorter in the front and longer in the back. Quite a few of the tees fall into the belly baring category. Remember those? 

Also referred to as the ‘fishtail shirt’, tunics and dresses are also featured here, where the back length can be anywhere as long as just a few inches longer than the front to past the back of the knees. The key is to keep this as the only statement, as it’s enough as is.

Clogs are also big this spring/ summer season. Bring on the noise.

Tip: If they aren’t already rubberized, professionally resoling this type of footwear with a thin rubber sole often makes for a less noisy lifestyle, as well as one that is less jarring on your knee joints. Shock absorbers almost. Again, if you are over a certain age, preservation is key. 

6. Jumpsuit Shorts

Love it or hate it, jumpsuit shorts and sportswear inspired clothing are here. These are best worn with casual, comfortable sandals/ shoes respectively, for a laid back ‘n fab look, and are best worn for casual occasions or a night in.

Whatever you do, resist the urge to wear either with super high stilettos.

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I think this more or less covers the Spring/ Summer Fashion trends posts. If you missed any, see below.

As you see there is a lot to choose from. The downside, however, is that there is also a lot of margin for major fashion error. 

Consider your body type and your age bracket before choosing to step out in one of these getups, and pair pieces smartly. For example, balance:

- Volume with sleek. 

- Exposed skin in one area with coverup in the others.

- Masculine with feminine.

Keep in mind that feminine has less to do with ‘pink’, and more to do proper fit and delicate details.

- Brights with muted tones

and you should be okay.

Minimalista Chick

When in doubt, your best bet is always to stay ‘simple’ and utilize accessories, nails and/ or shoes to the fullest, to get ‘on trend’.

Go Brave.

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Trend Alert | Shocking “Brights”

Phillip Lim

If ‘Prints’ are too exotic for you, and ‘Safari’ is waaaay too laid back to hold your multiple personalities, an alternative for Spring/ Summer 2010 is ‘Brights’. 

Not make-believe, wanna be brights, we’re talking about NEON brights, a statement that is most effective when it’s the only statement that’s being made. 

Keep accessories either minimal or muted, and makeup beautiful and ‘naturally’ flawless. A little goes a long way when comporting a neon look. 

Simple silhouettes work best with Bright pieces, it’s also best when you use just one colour, rather than trying to mix two neons, and, unless you are a tween, I wouldn’t recommend neon leggings. Period. 

As a twist on brights, and following from the embellishment trend for Fall/ Winter ’09 you can also do shine. Just remember that when donning shine, do opt for matted leggings/ tights if you choose to pair something with shiny and short look.

Just one shiny piece is all that you need; remember, it is Spring, not the Holiday Season.

You get the Prints/ Stripes/ Cut-out-esq/ Strong-shoulders look all wrapped into one with this look.

Necessary Objects

How very efficient.

You can do easy breezy day Brights

BB Dakota

Turquoise is the ‘it’ colour of the season by the way.

You can work your tie-die looks as well with the Bright Trend…

Johnathan Martin

Whoa. That’s major wattage right there.

 You can be stripey and Bright…

Lauren Moffatt

Boho-chic and Bright – Fringe and Gladiators et al…

Tracey Reece

You can blind everyone but yourself at night too.

Tequila Sunrise | Versace

Shades optional.

Oscar de la Renta

Brights are pretty much like the “Exotic Prints” Trend, in terms of the shock factor, but it’s less of a muddled, “Look.At.Me” statement and more of a razor sharp “I.Am.Here” one.

Blue Curacao | Sinha-Stanic

All  very simple silhouettes. You wouldn’t want to do Bright AND Voluminous.

Yup you guessed it, Brights look super sick on darker skin shades. 

Pink Lady Dress | MaxMara

Werq.

If wearing neon colours is not your thing, you can still get into the trend by wearing neon nail polish. Corporate/ conservative job? Wear neon on your (sandal ready) toes!

So which Trend appeals most to you? Stripes, Cut Outs, Exotic Prints, Safari Trends,  or Brights?

Still haven’t decided? You must be a young ‘un. I’ll sum up the rest of the trends – all denim everything/ hot shorts/ feathers/ clogs et. al. in the last post.

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Pick-me-up

Finding the right pick up lines must be all kinds of baffling for guys because some can really screw up a perfect opportunity by doing or saying something insanely inappropriate.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, more than the phrase itself, the wrong delivery of the right intention can really tank a potentially good thing. Crash. And. Burn.

Guys, here are some tips for talking to/ asking out a lady stranger that you’re into, or perhaps one that you kinda-sorta-know-through-someone-else-but-not-really.

1. Go Standard

Don’t use ‘text’ talk. She’s neither going to understand you nor take you seriously. This applies largely to the women out there who are too busy with their daily responsibilities to be carrying on a conversation via text for the whole day.

As a result, don’t expect her to know all the acronyms and symbol combinations. Not to mention a sentence that appears to be a hodge podge mish mash of words, symbols and/ or numbers, in no particular order, doesn’t LOOK Sexy. 

Can’t spell standard English? Make a call.

And Facebook –  it has it’s time and it’s place. If you don’t know the lady in question, please don’t just send her a random message saying that you think she’s nice/ pretty/ <insert something shallow here>/ <insert something inappropriate here> followed up by a friend request. It’s a step up from sending a friend request on it’s own but it’s still not good enough to be acceptable. 

At least try to have a back and forth, aka a CONVERSATION, with her first and then move on to phase two of becoming ‘friends’. Why? ‘Cause doing otherwise it’s a tad stalkerish and a touch random, and that’s when you both have people in common. If you DON’T, then it’s just a ‘lot’ of the aforementioned. 

2. Channel Rico Suave

It’s all in the delivery, consider it a form of packaging. If is one thing that we have learnt within the past few years is this:

You can have the best thing in the world, if it doesn’t look right, no-one is going to want it. Alternatively, the worst, dumbest thing will fly off the shelf when appropriately packaged. 

1. If you are going to text or email a request:

TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. THERE IS NEVER AN EXCUSE TO USE ALL CAPS FOR A SIMPLE REQUEST. A PROCLAMATION MAYBE, BUT NOT A REQUEST. USE ALL CAPS AND YOU WILL APPEAR TO BE SHOUTING OR TO BE, AT THE VERY LEAST, BORDERLINE ABUSIVE. AND…

2. Enough with the suspension dots…

Say what you mean…

and…

mean what you say…

and finish…

a complete thought…

all in one message will you?…

Thanks…

When/ if the relationship moves forward then maybe we can play tag.

3. Be simple

1. Regardless of what you’ve learnt from  TV, avoid using a cliche to say something that you want to get across on the real. 

“…i dnt tlk abt it, I b abt it… now wht i mean… ”

is not where it’s at. It’s also grammatically incorrect, and serves to only give the same reaction as #1. 

If you are going the comic route or for the ‘wow okay, that was weird’ reaction, then by all means, cliche away. 

2. Don’t reference body parts or bring Mothers (or Parents) into the mix; it’s a very awkward visual for us. 

5. Man up

It may work in your best interest to consider that lady friend of yours out to be a big deal, just so that you think about calling, or asking in person rather than via text.

If the lady in question just receives a random text/ message from you, it  can feel like an invasion of privacy for her when she is bombarded with the random request from an even more random individual.

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Trend Alert | The Safari Trend

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DKNY

If looking like you belong to some sort of rural Tribe isn’t your thing, you can look like you’re just the landscape. On the opposite end of the motley mishmash that is the Exotic Print Trend, is the grounded sophistication that is the Neutral Palette / Safari Trend. 

With this look you are more channeling the desert landscape rather than the camouflage/ jungle one. Think Safari guide without the boots and dirt. Beiges, Browns, Olives, Khakis – earthy neutrals run the … dirt track.

Mac & Jac

See the use of the single (bright) statement accessory.

Reiss

Black and white also fall into this category, but we just came out of black season so why not live a little. 

Ali Ro

Makes for a very clean structured look. I’ve also noticed a lot of button and flap details on dresses, very yin/yang. 

Gladiator/ cut-out footwear work very well with the Safari Trend. So do fringe details on shoes if you are into boho. 

This look is usually paired with natural or wooden accessories, but feel free to pair it with some of those stoned jewelry that we spoke about previously. As it’s a neutral palette you really can’t go wrong with your choice of jewelry or shoes, anything goes.

Mac & Jack

On the borderline of the Safari trend comes the animal print again. I guess you really can’t go wrong with that print. Zebras, and giraffes get a play here too. 

Express

Banana Republic

You can go with one big animal print…

Tibi

Grrr…

or whatever sound a Zebra makes.

You can even bring in some of the tie-died trend into it too, just calm it down a notch with the choice of colours.

Reiss

A very laid back and polished yet fab’ look.

Putting you to sleep? You can always try the next trend, “Brights”.

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St. Paddy

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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It’s Wednesday and all, you might want to take it easy, after all, there’s still the rest of the week to go.

Eat, drink and be merry, and remember there is safety in numbers.

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GlamityCalamity

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Photo: George Stojkovic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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Trend Alert | Exotic Prints

Roberto Cavalli | Spring 2010 | Animal Instinct

‘Exotic’ Prints y’all. They’re everywhere, or will soon be.

This can be considered an extension of Animal Prints, just fresher and less ‘Cougar’-esq.

If you’re into channeling the motherland, this season is yours, Go for it. Though the looks aren’t necessarily authentic exotic/ ethnic wear, they are more inspired. 

It all seems to be about mixing and mismatching. A motley mishmash of [ethnic/ exotic] prints from all over the world. You know the kind of stuff that looks really creative on the runway but really WRONG at the food court in the Mall? That’s it exactly.

Mixing prints is sort of an art, so if you aren’t quite blessed with this talent, wearing just one print and opting for accessories will do just fine. Alternatively you can mix textures, this can work as well.

From bright, bold, rainbow mixes and candy-coloured, chunky (or layered) statement jewelry, to bold floral prints, the heavy print trend is just one cluttered statement.

Think tropical, wait. Forget that.

Lest you mind goes to those insanely unpleasant ‘Caribbean’ get ups that some [tourists] are seen wearing in the Caribbean. Head’s up… that’s not ‘Native Wear‘. That’s ‘Tourist Wear‘. No-one in the Caribbean really dresses like that, seriously. Except maybe the resorts that use them as uniforms, but that’s because that’s what they think tourists would understand ‘Caribbean’ to mean. 

Anywhos, back to the issue at hand, deep, rich, bold colours that reflect inspiration from the Caribbean, Africa, India, Indonesia… and everything in between. I love it.

Just BAT away the premise that spring is ‘dainty pastel season’ – take that. Fabulous. Me ‘n pastels don’t really see eye to eye anyways.

Accessories:

- Tie-died cheese cloths scarfs, tribal printed chiffon tunics, intricately woven textiles, embroidered dresses. 

- Wooden bangles and earrings, stone bib necklaces, and beads. Beads, beads, beads.

Those beaded jewelry pieces from my high-school days come to mind. Those same beaded necklaces that were forbidden as part of the uniform, that everyone so skillfully tried to hide under their blouse and tie combo… yeah.. just like those. Only bigger, more intricate. 

- Leather sandals. Leather earrings. 

- Huge stoned jewelry, – turquoise, tigereye, opal, river stone, quartz, red cherry amber, agate – large chunky, layered jewelry.
And the animals, God bless the animals. Not only the kitty cats get play this season. Python prints, feathers, 

But wait! the prints also extend to the shoes. Of course you can opt for that animal print pump, but what about an ethnic printed one?

And it should be no surprise that braided styles are back. You don’t have to get your Patra on, just one or two well placed braids will do fine. 

And leggings of course. Expect printed leggings to be around somewhere. Whatever you do stay very far away from white or horizontally striped leggings. <shudder>

The key to working all of this drama together?

FOCUS

There must be one focus, either:

1. Similar prints (shapes/ patterns) or

2. Similar colours/ same colour family.

no other iteration works. Try to test this theory and you will end up on in a picture with a black bar across your eyes that carries the title “Don’t”.

Minimalista Chic:

Minimalista Divas can get into the action too. Tribal-inspired assesories can really add a statement punch to an otherwise classic and sophisticated look.

- Beaded pumps,

- Patterned canvas wedges

- A python clutch, 

- Wooden necklaces

- Bold hanging earrings

- A patterned/ tie die scarf

Just one of these well placed accessories and you are channeling a more current version of yourself. It’s that easy. You don’t have to break the bank – just a little thought, a whole new you.

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The sick beats and rhythms too much flava’for you?  Black and white stripes work just fine.

There are at least 8 more trends for Spring/ Summer 2010 that we can chat about so, sit and get comfy. If this isn’t for you, you may like one of the next ones.

Next stop – The Safari Trend.

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2010 Resolution Temperature Check

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We’re nearing the end of the first quarter of 2010, and for many of us the 2010 new years resolutions have more than flown the proverbial coop.

Plans are always easier to make when the year is nearing an end; between the good vibes, good food, and good drinks the upcoming year seems invincible, we FEEL invincible.

Then the new year brings it’s challenges, and our invincibility takes a few hard knocks and we second guess our [sometimes lofty] goals.

Still, it’s a good time for a temperature check; to take a tiki timeout and refocus on what we are about in order to achieve our ‘perfect 10′ for 2010. We still have a little more than 75% of the year to go, lots can still happen.

Here are 5 ways to stress less and keep it together for the rest of the year, so that we can make new [and different] resolutions come December 31, 2010.

1. Release it.

Figure out what it is causing you stress and either confront it or move as far as possible away from it. Person, place, animal or thing. 

Maybe it’s someone that you need to apologize to, or something that’s been on your to-do list for a few years too many, that you never get to but always remember is there.

Or perhaps your to-do list is too long. Revisit said list, see what’s priority and get rid of everything else. Then on your new found ‘priority’ list, focus on doing one at a time.

There is a very freeing feeling that’s derived from scratching items off lists.

2. Plan ‘me’ time

or a ‘Staycay’, if you can’t afford that ‘vacay’ trip to the Fiji islands.  

Just plan to take the time you are allotted off of work to maintain some sort of balance in your life. Do with it as you please.

3. Get moving

Even if you haven’t joined a gym, movement is key. For my temperate dwellers, it’s warming up outside (although it’s been quite rainy recently) so get out and walk more often. Take a stroll in the park, a walk around the block, take the stairs instead of the elevator. 

4. Eat smarter

‘Diet’ can conjure up some really unpleasant memories so we wouldn’t use it here. No-one likes to be told what they ‘cannot’ eat, cause we’re only human, it’s now self that we will want to have it. Forbidden Fruit Syndrome. 

So instead focus on:

- Eating regularly
- Consuming smaller portions
- Cutting down our juice/ soda intake and opting for water as far as possible, and
- Switching out at least one carb portion per meal for a portion of green and leafy veges for starters.

That’s it.

One thing at a time.

When we accomplish that then we can move onto the next one, phase two.

5. Take control

Get into the habit of making daily affirmations. Recognize that you are in control of your thoughts and your actions.

Some argue that this is only psychological, but, with the right actions, “what we believe, we can achieve” not so?

Believe that you are going to get out of debt, and get on the path to achieving this goal.

Believe that you are going to be more sociable, and start meeting people.

Believe that you are going to get to a healthy weight, and start moving and preparing healthy meals/ snacks for your and your family.

Success rarely occurs overnight. Rather it usually is a culmination of various  failed attempts at getting it right. A biography of the blood, sweat, and tears that we encountered along the path of trekking the broken road.

Dreaming big is only a start. It’s our actions in pursuit of this dream that determine if we ever get there.

Dream bigger, Reach further, Climb higher.

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Health Tip: Smart Start

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Yes, studies have shown that starting the day right with a breakfast that is high in fibre and low in sugar can give your body the boost it needs, the boost that most of us think we can get from coffee.

But what about replenishing the fluids lost during sleep?

Your body loses quite a lot of it’s water content during this time.

Drinking an 8 oz glass of water soon after waking up would replace the water that your body has lost.

Doing so will also give your metabolism a boost, enabling you almost immediately have more energy.

Find pure water boring? Add freshly squeezed lemon or lime, or spike it with a dash or two of pure cranberry juice (read non-sweetened). This will add a touch of flavour, as well as vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant.

Whatever you do stay far away from commercially packaged, flavoured water.

One look at the Nutritional Facts on the label will indicate that these drinks often come packaged with more sugar and salt than a healthy diet would allow for just replacing liquids that have been lost overnight.

Start your day off right by just replacing just the liquids that have been lost, rather than putting your daily calorie bank in deficit before you even have a meal. Save the extra calories that come with ‘flavoured water’ for something fun why not, like dessert perhaps.

Follow with that high fibre, low sugar breakfast.

Tip: a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese doesn’t fall into the ‘high fibre, low sugar’ category.

Photo: Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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