Thursday, January 21, 2010

PRIDE.....an ever mystical entity with many faces

Hello my Lovelies!


It has been a whole CENTURY since I've penned a blog but I'm back!  It's 2010, what a majestic number that seems.  A 'New Year' frought with all the expectation and hope it always brings.  Sometimes it doesn't bring that, sometimes it seems to loom threateningly around the next corner like the Boogyman and you feel only dread and trepidation. I wonder how yours feels? I always think, well okay, that's that year done, now let's see about this one. Like most things, it will be what we make it. In all honesty over the past month I've felt as though I've completely lost the plot. I was struck down in my high heels by a veritable Ninja Virus that lodged in my sinuses and continues to make camp. You bet I've done any and all good things to fight and kill it, alas and alack, to no avail. Resorting to antibiotics in the fourth week was a tough decision but one that seemed necessary.


  A week after finishing said sketchy drugs I remain sick.  I am functioning yet the phlegm children are still alive and well in my head.  We are pressing on regardless and continuing all efforts.  It can't last forever, right?  RIGHT.



So pride. I had a conversation with somebody who I hold excrutiatingly dear to my heart today about that very thing. Very tricky is pride. The way I see it there's pride and there's dignity. Dignity I'm a huge fan of, pride......not so much.

Taking pride in something is one thing, allowing pride to colour your behavior, something I am guilty of on many occasions, frowned upon.


Honesty.  Now there's one I'm eternally fond of.  Not always an easy choice but it's hands down almost (and I do say almost) always the right one.  Pride can sneakily weave its way around the truth and distort it or hide it altogether. 

For example, if you're witholding truths about yourself because you're embarassed by them and pride dictates you conceal them, things are most assuredly pear shaped.  The truth of the matter is that who you are is the one thing you must have pride in.  It doesn't matter about what you have, what you don't, or that you wish your situation were different.  The person you are IS the greatness and we must try our damndest to remember that as the reality. Never feel you have to apologize for who you are.  Being honest with dignity trumps pride everytime.  This beloved person I spoke to is a truly great woman.  She has struggled and faced many, many hurdles as have all of us.  She presses on.  She's hard on  herself, not really seeing all her wonderful triumphs at times.  There are small ones and big ones but they are many.  Worrying about how someone else may see her because of things that are not to her liking saddens me.  To me she is magnificent.  To an unknowing world she is magnificent.  That is the dignified truth.


Time for a New Year's Resolution?  Yeah yeah I know.....enough already with all that rubbish. But why not?  Here's one I'm going to strive for.  Focusing on my triumphs and letting the failures slip away. That is what will give you the balls to keep at it!   The fact that we have failed at something only means we tried.  It requires strength and courage and hope to make effort, all things to be proud of.  The results were not as we wanted?  Fine.  The fact that we aspired to something at all is a win.  And we continue to move forward, some days it's absolute shite.  You just can't be bloody bothered to make any more effort.  Other days it feels like 'I can do anything....or at least I can make a really epic effort toward it.'  The point of the matter is.....you are your best work, and there's a HELLUVA lot of greatness there.....take a moment and adjust your head space to the right channel.

Until next time.....stay strong and represent.  Here's a little snapshot of a rather peculiar gift my sister and I received Xmas Day.......they're 'juicers'.....you be the judge.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

FRENCH KISSING under the mistletoe and other healthy passtimes.......HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!


Hellooooooo!!!  I know, I know....I've been a total slack ass!  What with moving parental units, renting apartments, packing, shopping, oh and of course vacations in sunny climes.....well I've been spread a tad thin!  Now we have Christmas looming in a DAY no less!  Ahhh the joy!  The bliss!  Come on now......show me the joy and the bliss dammit!! There you go......slap on that smile until you mean it!  Seems this time of year gets so bloody lost under a toxic waste pile of stress, money issues, traffic jams and some rather nefarious criminal types driving in mall parking lots (you know who you are)!  My darlings PLEASE try as hard as you can to STOP and take a moment.  Center yourself.

 This is a magical time of year and it's up to US to make sure we feel it.  Choose magic over madness.  I know it may seem rather impossible, but it will be gone so soon and if you don't get some joy into your belly then you'll be feeling mighty blue come Janauary. 
You know what I did?  Glad you asked.  I had to do my wrapping, right?  Right.  And yes I went the gift bag route and dollar store way big time, but I set up the wrapping occasion differently.  I made myself a lovely steaming cup of hot chocolate (light of course), burned some 'Winter' essential oil from Bath & Body (this stuff hits you in the face like a big old holiday wet towel - phenomenal!) and then.....I purposely played Xmas music!!  As a matter of a fact it's STILL playing. 

Funnily enough it didn't affect me the same way it does in stores.....like making me wanna wring a dirty martini out of somebody's neck......it was pleasant!  And I wrapped.  I even bypassed some gift bags once I got into it......went the old fashion route.  Bows, ribbons, lovely name tags, added some Bailey's to the chocolate (NOT light of course)........it was fun and for the first time really, I FELT the holidays.  And not in that bowel clenching, hands shaking, gut wrenching way either!  It was simply quite lovely.  The gifts got wrapped, the time passed happily and I finally felt the presence of Santa (or some fat guy in a red suit stuck in my imaginary chimney!)  But seriously, whatever it takes, DO it.  I rant and rant about looking out for number one and how essential it is in order to have a happy, healthy life.  Your gift to yourself this year?  Self love.....(you're thinking batteries aren't you?) but whatever.  Be kind to yourself, be nice to yourself, be loving to yourself and give yourself a much deserved break.  Be IN the moment, enjoy the holiday and whatever it means to you.  Just STOP and do it.  And yes, that is an order. 
My love to you all and yours for a happy, healthy and safe holiday this year.  Do it like you mean it!

Best Wishes from me and mine! XOXOXO

Monday, November 30, 2009

THE SUCCULENT BANANA EATING CONTEST...and other fun holiday tips!


Well a headline is supposed to grab your attention!!!  So tick tick holidays are UPON us my Lovelies!  Already there are parties going down everywhere!  Some of us survive.....some of us....meh...not so much!  And of course considering it's a winter wonderland outside......HAT HEAD is back in town!  Plenty of plunging necklines abounding...in spite of the cold weather...that's what I like to see!  Let the girls out my intrepid little sex kittens!  And I know you're busy like a cockaroach......shopping, running to and fro, no time for good hair......and what to wear?  WHAT THE HELL AM I GOING TO WEAR???  I've heard your cries.  Here are some ideas to ease your plight.

Want to wear a low cut dress to a holiday party....and why wouldn't you????  Go big or go home, here are some tips to make your decollete look fabulous!  First, prep skin by exfoliating with a moisturizing body scrub.  St. Ives has a whole bunch of cheap and excellent products in this category, but any will do.  To enhance cleavage, apply a shimmery lotion from the clavicle down, followed by a dab of  cream highlighter over the top of the breasts.  Finish with a dusting of bronzing powder in the center of your chest.  Now ladies, bear in mind, you don't want your chest looking like George Hamilton's bum and your face like Marilyn Manson's! 

Think consistency in colour!  And blend, blend, blend!  A super quick way to get a nice looking pair of tatas peeping out at your fans is to just dust some bronzing powder BETWEEN the girls......instantly adds drama and depth, which in this situation, is a good thing!

And along with winter fun and games comes the dreaded HAT.  Even if it's not cold and you're wearing it because you have to...they're so fun!  All those different styles, shapes, colours......playing matchy matchy with your scarf and mittens....sigh......such happy times.  Alas......the removal of the hat can be downright UGLY!  Oh yeah..you know what I'm talking about missus.  Off comes the chapeau and voila!  Phyllis Diller!!


To keep hair sleek and smooth, prep with styling cream (if you have thick hair) or hairspray (if you have finer hair) and spritz the inside of your hat with Static Guard before putting it on!  That's the million dollar tip right there...this time of year you cannot have too much Static Guard.  Big can at home and ALWAYS a purse size in your handbag.  To maintain your hair's volume, twist hair at the crown and pile it into a loose bun under you cap (use bobby pins rather than elastics to prevent scrinchy creases).  When you're ready for the unveiling, flip your head upside down (make sure you have enough space to do this - unconscious with head trauma never a festive look) and shake loose with your fingers.  And here's a quickie solution: Simply switch the direction of your part once you have removed the offending coconut cover! 


Hung like bull???  Too many Dirty Martinis with the cute guy from the I.T. department?  And you only drank said cocktails cause you like the name, don't lie you little minx!!  Yeah well sometimes hangovers happen to good people.  There are definitely ways to prevent and lessen the little bastards PLUS be wary of all those yummy little party snacks!  Naturally NOT drinking is the best way...and if you're good with that....party on dude (oh and could I get a lift New Years Eve??)!  If you'd like to indulge in a little liquor and get through the nibbles guilt free -  then listen up.
Snack on half a banana or a quarter of an avocado beforehand.  The potassium balances the sodium intake in all those bloat inducing appetizers.  I will actually have my morning Protein Shake before going out.....kills all the birds with one stone!  Discriminate!  Mix and match your proteins, carbs and fats so they add up to one mini meal.  Munch on a chicken skewer, a spinach ball and a spoonful of guacamole.  NEVER have two drinks in a row.  One drink - one glass of water.  The main reason you're feeling like badger's arse the next day is because you're dehydrated.  Although having a couple of big glasses of water before bed WILL help.......being really well hydrated going IN is a helluva lot more effective!  You should be taking Milk Thistle anyhow, it's a natural herbal supplement that helps your liver regenerate.  And it doesn't mean if you don't drink your liver couldn't use the help.  Your liver can ALWAYS use the help.  The morning after?  LIMIT the caffeine...I know you're reaching for that, but trust me Zsa Zsa....it will make matters worse. 


You need WATER, and probably some sugar...NO NOT A DOUGHNUT......fruit!  Natural sugars.....some protein water perhaps.  Spritz Sprayology's Party Relief ($20; sprayology.com) under your tongue the next morning.  Ingredients such as charcoal and red pepper help fight headaches, dehydration and more. 
Something else you can add to your favorite holiday cocktail is frozen berries as ice cubes!  Not only is it totally fabulous and diva looking, but you get the kick ass health benefits!  The berries are loaded with age-defying anti-oxidants and heart healthy fibre! 



And then there's the fact that you're the Tasmanian Devil in tights this time of year.  Maintaining fabulous hair 24-7 not very realistic.  You can bring second day hair back to life by breaking up oil at the roots!  Saturate a cotton ball with alcohol based facial astringent and dab it along your hairline and part to soak up scalp sebum.  Flip your hair over and blow dry roots - whammo!  Brand new hair....again! 

Going for third day lucky?  Why not, time for an 'up-do' anyhow!  Mist hair with flexible-hold spray, tease the crown and gather into bun.  Against the syncronized swimmer look?  The ever popular and ever chic ponytail will NEVER let you down!  Try something a little different as a fastener.  Same colour fabric band as your hair, something a little sparkly......hang some mistetoe from it!!  There you have three days of great hair. 

Need a new party outfit in a hurry and outta funds? No problem.  You can mix and match from your own cupboard.  My tried and true is BLACK.  Let's see, which shade of black will I be wearing.  Find a nice pair of black pants and a pretty black blouse or silky tee.  To make it fabulous just add some eye catching jewerly, a showstopper necklace becomes the centre of attention.  Skip the necklace, sweep up your hair and wear some elaborate chandelier earrings!  And don't forget your shoes!  Add ooomph and zazazoo to your look with a splash of colour - one does want a splash of colour - with some hot pink pumps, or sequined boots! 

Your face is another prime resource for creating a stunning and seemingly brand new look!  Add some sparkly eye shadow to the upper lid, use a shimmery paler lip gloss to bring attention to your mouth.  Don't forget to rim the inside of your lower eye lid with an opaque bright white pencil.  That's the trick of all those soap stars that always look so UBER bright eyed and awake!  A dusting of pink blush to the apples of your cheeks is a pretty look on just about everyone. 
But your best, never fail accessory?  A big fat chiclets for teeth smile!  Never scrimp on those......
Cheers!

 
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