Wednesday, December 28, 2011

New Years Resolutions - Out with the old and in with the new!

New Year's Eve


Happy in between week ladies, we hope you had a fabulous Christmas and overindulged totally, because after all that is what its about heh?? well its that time again...... time to talk New Years Resolutions aarrrgh!!!!!!!!1
New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make our top ten list?

1. Spend more time with family and friends.


Apparently more than 50% of Westerners vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends in the New year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of camaraderie at a fave Restaurant or take the family to one of these fun outdoor hangouts for some family fun Work shouldn't always come first!
2. Fit in some Fitness.
The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape for one of these popular charity walks or runs. 
3. Tame the Bulge
Over 66 percent of Adult westerners are considered over weight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Years resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of people who made a New Years commitment to shed some extra kilos.

4. Quit smoking


If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides so much easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!  Locally, there are a variety of free support services, hot lines and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the smoking habit. 

5. Enjoy life more


Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of people, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you!  Just get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at bike riding Go to a theatre performance or head to the local spa.  A wealth of artistic and recreational activities to meet just about any one's wishes, is at your feet. 

6. Cut back on drinking


While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. Set yourself a goal such as "just on weekends" and see how you go .

7. Get out of debt


Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of people who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. 

8. Learn something New


Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep.

9. Help others


A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. Or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need, rather than leaving them out by the curb to fill up our landfills. 

10. Get organised

On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life. There are quite a few professional organisers around who can help you reduce the clutter in your life and find peace in your home.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Making a Difference


.....starfish.....



The Starfish Story Original Story by: Loren Eisley


One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and 

gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?" The 

youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I 

don't throw them back, they?ll die." "Son," the man said, "don't you realize there are miles and 

miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference!" After listening politely, 

the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at 

the man, he said, "I made a difference for that one."

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Motherhood - Children of the World




















G'day Ladies,

I came across some of these beautiful shots of different children throughout the world, arnt they all just beautiful? if you want to see some more check out Lisa's page and there are hundreds, so it made it very hard to choose some to display, hope your Christmas preparations are going well??  xx A


Tips on Tuesday - The perfect Christmas Lunch!

Christmas Table decor idea - crafty and super easy to make at home.
Hello again girls
Well here we are at that magical time of year again. The countdown has officially began to your Christmas dinner, so it is time to get planning!! 
  1. So the number one key to the perfect Christmas meal is planning!! Sit down with your books and decide what culinary delights will be on the menu this year. To keep things interesting, mix some new recipes in with your trusty old traditional dishes ones. Maybe try a new starter or a new side dish. But remember, Keep it Simple, the last thing you want is to spend all Christmas morning slaving in the kitchen!!!
  2. Make sure you get loads of help. It is Christmas time, the house is full of people that should be able to peel a potato, so make sure you delegate any jobs you can.
  3. OK, so it is Christmas Eve, the menu is planned and the shopping is done. It is time to pour yourself a glass of Baily's and start the prep work for tomorrows feast. Prepare any food you can in advance, peel the vegetables and leave them soaking overnight in water, prepare the stuffing (it will taste better the next day anyway) and remember to leave your turkey at room temperature overnight ( this will reduce the cooking time, leaving you time to enjoy a glass of ANYTHING before dinner).
  4. Lay the table the night before, so everything is ready to go for the big event. Remember to set the plates with a small treat such as walnut whirls yum! this makes the table setting look super special.
  5. Make sure you are cooking recipes you have tried out and are comfortable with the timings. Timing is the second key ingredient to a perfect Christmas dinner, the last thing you want is your veggies getting all soggy while waiting for the turkey to finish cooking.
  6. Serve your meal with some nice wine, it is the one meal of the year you can splash out a few extra dollars on a special bottle of wine to accompany all that delicious food you have spent hours preparing.
  7. Don’t make too much food. I know it is hard to do, but just think the money you save from not overbuying food, you can spend on that special bottle of wine!
  8. The final key ingredient is to relax and enjoy yourself. There is no point in stressing out in the kitchen, armed with some basic tips you are guaranteed to enjoy the perfect Christmas meal.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas inspiration - Have a hap hap happy Christmas!


There is nothing better than the Griswald family especially at Christmas dont you think? xx A

Beauty - in the Silly Season



Ladies, we have talked diet now we will talk beauty, here are my tips for getting through the silly season, looking radiant and relaxed. Even if you’re not ha ha x



HYDRATE YOUR SKIN LIKE NEVER BEFORE.
Now is the time to pack your skin with more moisture than a sea sponge, and the way to do that is with a moisture mask. Y’see, when your skin is dehydrated, it looks dull, sallow and dare I say it, old. So, by popping a hydrating and radiance mask to your face the morning after a big night, and probably the night after that, too, you’re chances of faking feeling alive increase significantly. Factors like alcohol, poor diet, lack of sleep and not enough water all contribute to lifeless skin, so if you can’t curb those vices, you better hit your tub of moisturiser and facial masks STAT. Oh, and drink, drink, drink as much water as possible. Try: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Masqueor Dermalogica Multivitamin Recovery Masque (an ambulance in a bottle)
2. WHILE YOU MAY BE TEMPTED TO PLASTER ON THE MAKEUP, DON’T.
It’s only natural to wake up, see our ‘not as radiant as it once was’ skin and think, ‘Eek, where is my full coverage foundation?’ and plaster the stuff on like wallpaper, but ladies, now is not the time for that. No, no, the more you clog your pores, the more your skin will freak out and the cycle continues. Instead, try a tinted moisturiser with illuminating particles (you know I’m obsessing over the Napoleon Perdis Advanced Mineral Makeup is a weightless liquid foundation laced with light diffusers, long-wear capabilities and a semi-matte finish.  , a touch of creme blush and some concealer to cover those dark circles of yours.
3. FAKE IT IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE.
First up, if you’re not sporing a fake tan right now, I suggest you skip off immediately and get one. Yup, right now. A fake tan will help you look and feel amazing and also lift the colour of your skin, giving you a healthy, fresh, natural glow, try a MagicTan for a natural all over colour Secondly, fake wide awake eyes by curling your lashes and applying a brown Napoleon Perdis mascara. Avoid dark colours on your eyes if you’re tired, they’ll make you look worse. Then, grab a metallic white eye shadow and apply it to the inner corners of your eyes, this is another one of those super handy makeup tips we learn from the pro’s and LOVE.
4. NATURAL MAKEUP IS ALWAYS BEST
When you’re tired, rundown and maybe even a little bit hungover, you really don’t want to draw attention to yourself,  So, keep your makeup neutral (no bright lipstick this week, please) and perk up a tired looking mouth with a natural lip gloss that’s as close to your natural lip colour as possible. One of my personal favourites is the Napoleon Perdis Luxe Lipgloss It smells yummy so you get the mad added bonus of lollies. Winner.
5. IF ALL ELSE FAILS, WEAR MASSIVE GLASSES AND A DO NOT DISTURB SIGN

Quote Of The Day

Word.

Body Image - Moderation moderation and some more moderation!

Happy Monday Ladies, wow this has been a busy year and I cant believe the silly season is upon us already, I have finished my shopping and ordered my food, so i feel at least a bit in control....... for now,
Ha ha ha APPARENTLY Christmas is the time of year when you're 'allowed' to indulge in all foods, yet you're also expected to look fabulous in slinky outfits. So how do you manage it? Check out the following five steps and try to avoid weight gain during the festive period.
1. Decide now to be more careful about what you eat this Christmas, but still enjoy yourself! You don't have to eat mince pies (unless you want to) to have a good time! Enjoy the company of friends and family you don't see that often, dance at the work party and play games with the children.
2. Be prepared. It is essential that you are mentally and physically ready. To get yourself mentally prepared, ask yourself these questions:
Do I seriously want to eat healthily and feel great at Christmas?
Am I resigned to the fact that I will gain weight over the Christmas period?
Do I want to face the task of losing the same weight a second time around?
If after serious consideration your answers are 'yes, I am serious; no, I am not going to gain weight and no, I don't want to lose weight a second time', then we're in business! Your attitude is the most important factor towards staying healthy and staying slim over Christmas. Don't underestimate the power of the mind.
Thoughts like 'Oh, I am bound to gain weight at this time of the year, I always have', or 'I'll get seriously down to losing weight again after Christmas' are negative. Ensure that your thoughts are positive. Replace, 'This year I want to stay slim during Christmas', with 'This year I will stay slim during Christmas'.
Develop this positive attitude and use the power of imagination to assume greater control over what you eat this Christmas. Then you can easily survive the temptations that will present themselves to you.
3. Know what your 'Christmas weight maintenance' goal is. It's the holiday season, you'll be eating out more and eating more rich foods, so your goal over the next few weeks can be simply maintaining your weight. That way, you won't be disappointed if you don't lose weight, while any loss will be a bonus!
But also remember that a healthy eating plan will give you a better chance of losing weight. Know what you are aiming for and be very positive about how determined you are to keep weight off between now and Christmas. Then, go for it!
4. Really want it! This is a weight maintenance goal for you, not for your partner, your family or anyone else. You really want to stay slim now that you've started taking care of your body and your health. Be selfish about it; this is your goal and the rewards and the benefits are also yours. As it is, you are the only one you disappoint here.
5. Believe that you can do it. It is certainly possible to keep the weight off leading up to Christmas. The only thing that might prevent you from doing it is yourself.
Lastly ENJOY and believe in moderation moderation and some more moderation xx A