photo credit:http://msf.ca/blogs/MelS/2007/04/

As we watch the world’s aging population, we might be missing what’s happening with our youth today. We put so much emphasis on childlike activities for adults (like the gaming industry, NASCAR, and treasure hunting) that we forget to notice how grown-up our kids are capable of being.

In India, as young as four years old they are doing everything from hard labor to running the family business. But you don’t have to feel sorry for all of them – read these accounts of amazing things some of today’s children are accomplishing. A seven year old child started a foundation dedicated to helping homeless and poor children; another started selling greeting cards at the age of nine, a business which net over $15,000 per day by the time he was twelve.

Meanwhile, amongst very serious talk about the intentional dumbing down of America, education is becoming even more accessible through virtual classrooms. Although children can learn in more tailored ways, it also raises concerns. Is the curriculum high quality? Will these children be too socially isolated? What about identifying and helping children with special needs, such as those suspected of having ADD or Autism?

The question is, how do we strike a balance of nurturing their gifts and strengths without exploiting or damaging our youth? Entrepreneurship is strongly encouraged today so it’s no surprise we see more and more children who embrace that ethic. But will these little go-getters improve our future or will we see more adults acting out the childhood they missed by becoming video game testers? I’ll let you be the judge.

photo credit: 84area.com

Whether or not you are aware of it, you may already be considered part of a power couple. If you have a workout buddy, or you own a business with someone, or do competitive ballroom dancing then you know what it means to be a dynamic duo. But I think it’s time we take a new look at the role of today’s romantic power couple.

The term “supercouple” was coined some time in the early 1980’s and is defined by Wikipedia as popular or financially wealthy, nearly perfect pairings that are widely admired in an intense or obsessive fashion and influence society’s expectations of what a great love story or relationship should be; they may or may not be romantic or high-profile, but are often culturally significant.

It doesn’t say anywhere in there that they should be a positive influence, or a healthy relationship. They just say what a great relationship should be. What should a great relationship be? If I may be so bold, I define great as a relationship where both parties love, trust, and respect each other. It’s people whose romantic life and business life are approached with the same work ethic and passion. Those who are a constant source of support, an endless supply of inspiration, supremely selfless, and show an unyielding commitment to one another.

Given the example shown by today’s so-called power couples, you would think it was defined as power-hungry, jealous, strategic, superficial, convenient, self-serving, competitive, obsessive, and media-crazed people who are constantly trying to out-power each other.

Having tremendous influence is a key factor here. So is magnetism and popularity. This is where our culture has become something of the culprit. What we aspire to is not worth aspiring to. What we think of as influential, magnetic, and powerful is a relationship that breaks up one’s marriage, then refrains from making the union legal (keeping one’s options open), and has several children (some adopted) who share both names. What about how “loyal” we think a wife is when she stands by her man as he admits publicly to having intercourse with numerous women (some prostitutes) and keeping it secret from her for several years. Or, when we are such hopeless romantics that we choose to believe in the staged coupledom that gets exploited by Reality TV.

I challenge today’s power couples (and those who aspire to be), along with their adoring public, to rise above. Let’s take relationships seriously. Love is a gift, and shouldn’t be taken for granted. We can shake off this sense of entitlement and really throw ourselves into creating a balanced and selfless union with our beloved. It is possible and worth the effort, worth what might even feel like work at times. And, for those who allow sub-par treatment – stop tolerating less than the best. I’m not asking you to turn into a prince(ss), but every one deserves to be treated well. As Shakespeare said, “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” Amen brother.

photo credit: www.deviantart.com

When you’re career is on the fast track, there’s bound to be bumps along the way. You can take precautions, and map out your route, but you may still get stuck from time to time. That’s when you need AAA – Assistance, Attentiveness, and Action.

First, you need to seek out assistance. This can be anything from asking for advice from an expert to appealing to a higher power by praying to God. Then, you have to pay attention so you know when the answer is being revealed. This may take some detective work. And lastly, take action to get back on course. It won’t do you any good to have the answer if you don’t put it to good use.

Assistance

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.” – 2 Cor 10:4

Sometimes we forget that we don’t have to do it all on our own. Have confidence in God. If you ask for anything according to his will, he hears you. Prayer is powerful, and makes miracles possible. Numerous studies support this; some simply state that prayer helped people cope enough to get through the difficulty and others are amazing accounts. If you are really at an impasse, the hope and clarity that comes from prayer can be helpful. There is also value in guidance from someone who has done it before. But, be careful whom you get advice from; there are a lot of politics in the corporate world. Thankfully, you have access to a vast network of experts on the Internet and should consider finding a mentor; they are a rich source of information.

Attentiveness

“Young birds on their first flight are hardly so hovered around.” – George Bernanos

Once you ask for guidance, you need to be watchful for when you receive it. It may not be obvious, and actually seldom is. Your boss isn’t going to hold your hand either, the reason you are chosen for the fast track is you can be trusted to get the job done. This is why you have to become a detective. Even the best detectives start out as beat officers, so don’t be too hard on yourself. It takes time to have a trained eye. A good place to start is learning to be an excellent observer. How do you take in information? When do you have difficulty remembering things? You can create habits that help improve your ability to pay attention, and interpret the things you notice.

Action

“Do nothing which is of no use.” – Miyamoto Musashi, Japanese Martial Arts Master

There are so many people who fail simply by getting the timing wrong. Taking action isn’t enough – you need to become an expert on timing. Part of timing something is balancing the right group of activities. Choose carefully which things you will take action on and when. Master the art of prioritization. Learn when to not do things, too.

Avoiding the problem in the first place by anticipating it and planning ahead is the best tactic. Like in project management, take a strategic approach to achieving objectives. But, if you ever find yourself having a breakdown, you can always count on the AAA technique to get you through it.

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photo credit: www.deviantart.com

Whether your goal is spiritual transformation or you simply want to look good in a bathing suit, a colon cleanse is a great way to get you there. Here are some key ingredients you’ll need:

• Prayer
• Lemons
• Pure Water
• Maple Syrup
• Cayenne Pepper
• Sea Salt
• Psyllium Husks
• Vegetable Broth
• Vegetable Soup
• Fresh Greens

Master Cleanse Lemonade

Combine, shake, and drink: 8oz. pure water; 1/10 t. cayenne pepper; 2 Tb. maple syrup; 2 Tb. lemon juice (about ½ a lemon).

NOTE: For best results, it should be consumed immediately and at room temperature. Over time, the enzymes die and when cold, they go “dormant” reducing the health benefits of this drink.

Prayer

Verbally say a prayer or blessing over your food/ drink. It’s been proven to increase the nutritional value and subsequently, it’s positive effect on one’s health.

Lemons

Use fresh ripe lemons (preferably organic) not the bottled juice. They need to have active, living enzymes.

Pure Water

Specifically, PH balanced to 7.0 (ion neutral), has a natural balance of trace minerals (measured by the electrical conductivity), and distilled to remove impurities. The easiest thing to do is to bring your own container (preferably a glass jug or “BPA Free” polycarbonate bottle) to the grocery store (PCC, Whole Foods, QFC, Fred Meyer, etc) and fill it yourself at those machines. It works best at room termperature.

Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79% and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

Maple syrup

Be sure it’s pure Grade B maple syrup (preferably organic), not corn syrup-based. Although some people use honey, maple syrup has fewer calories and a higher concentration of minerals.

Cayenne pepper

Hot cayenne pepper is an immediate and dramatic way to assist the body in assimilation and elimination. It also helps rebuild body tissues (i.e., strengthening the intestinal tract), helps increase metabolism (via the venous structure), improves circulation and blood pressure. Health benefits of cayenne pepper include stopping a heart attack and killing cancer cells.

Sea Salt

This must be un-iodized organic sea salt, not table salt. This is very important. Note: the Salt Water Flush (32oz. water to 1 Tb salt) will cause a bowel movement almost immediately after drinking it, so be sure to plan ahead and have at least an hour free to allow for the affects on your system.

Psyllium Husks

When you aren’t eating food, your body needs help moving things along by giving it some roughage. Psyllium husks are a great source of fiber, and will reduce your appetite by making you feel full. I also recommend taking it in capsule form on a regular basis as part of a healthy diet. BONUS: Psyllium reduces flatulence and bloating, an advantage over other sources of fiber.

Getting Started

Plan ahead and make sure you don’t have anything on your calendar that will interrupt the cleanse. You will want to take things easy, and even stay home from work if you think it will be a problem to get to a bathroom easily (like if you drive a bus, or work in retail).

Before You Begin (Saturday)

Some people anticipate the deprivation of a cleanse and respond by binging the day before they start. This is not only very harmful to your body, but can actually make it more difficult by causing increased withdrawal symptoms and appetite. Be sure to refrain from drinking alcohol for at least a couple days before starting your cleanse. Take some time to do a little research; set aside some books on nutrition and spirituality to read during your cleanse, and plan activities around the process.

Pray and Meditate (Sunday)

Preparing for your cleanse is as important as doing one. Not only physically (such as eating smaller quantities of food), but also emotionally. Take time to reflect. Focus on the healing quality of what you are about to do, be mindful of the process you are putting your body through and respect it. Pray for clarity, strength, and wellness.

Day 1 (Monday)

Eat Simply. Upon rising, drink a salt-flush and stay close to the bathroom for at least an hour. Refrain from drinking alcohol, eliminate all processed foods, meat and dairy, and reduce portion sizes to prepare your stomach. In moderation, eat steamed vegetables, fruit, and 80% dark chocolate. Throughout the day, drink at least six 8oz. glasses of water and three cups of herbal tea.

Day 2 (Tuesday)

Again, upon rising, drink salt-flush. Continue to refrain from drinking alcohol, eating processed foods, meat, and dairy. Also eliminate fruit, grains, nuts, legumes, and chocolate. Eat vegetables only (including warm vegetable broth, and vegetable soup (like squash or broccoli). Throughout the day, drink ten to twelve 8oz. glasses of water and at least six cups of herbal tea.

Sample Menu:

Breakfast: Dandelion Root tea; 2 dates; 2 Psyllium capsules with 8oz. water

A.M. Snack: herbal detox tea; 1 Fuji apple

Lunch: One small tomato sliced and drizzled lightly with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and teeny pinch of salt; Dandelion Root tea; 2 Psyllium capsules with 8oz. water

P.M. Snack: 2 Psyllium capsules with 8oz. water; herbal Detox tea

Dinner: 1c vegetable broth; 1c squash soup; 2 Psyllium capsules with 8oz. water; herbal tea (your choice)

Dessert: Chamomile tea with 1 t. honey

Day 3 (Wednesday)

Repeat day 2, but reduce the amount of food you intake and increase the amount of water you drink to at least twelve 8oz. glasses. Continue to drink herbal tea. Again, drink the salt-flush in the morning. If you can, repeat the salt-flush in the evening.

Day 4 (Thursday)

Stop eating solid food (stick to vegetable broth and warm vegetable soup, but refrain from eating steamed vegetables). Drink at least twelve 8oz. glasses of pure water, and increase the amount of herbal tea to at least 8 cups. Eat nothing for at least 6 hours before going to sleep; stop drinking water 2 hours before bed.

Days 5, 6, and 7 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)

Upon rising, and at least 12 other times throughout the day, prepare and drink the “Lemonade”. Refrain from drinking any liquids at least 2 hours before going to bed.

Day 8 (Monday)

The penultimate day of the cleanse is the same as Day 4. Refrain from eating solid food. For dinner, eat vegetable soup. You don’t want to shock your system, so continue small portions and drink at least twelve 8oz. glasses of water.

Day 9 (Tuesday)

On the last day of your cleanse, you may eat vegetable soup and broth, but wait until dinner to eat any solid vegetables. Continue to drink lots of water and have herbal tea.

After Your Cleanse

Congratulations, you did it!! Once you complete the 9-day process, you will still want to eat “clean” for at least a week since your system is more sensitive at this time. Eating foods with wheat, dairy, or grease (like pizza) can cause severe stomach pains and bloating. This is actually a great time to start some new, healthier habits.

REMEMBER: When you release toxins into your system, sometimes they come in the form of emotions, physical sensations, dreams, and memories. Be prepared for this, and clear them along with the physical toxins you are releasing. Don’t be alarmed if you feel like breaking down in tears one moment and start laughing the next, it’s all part of the process. Your body is working extra hard at this time, so be sure to give it plenty of rest and keep stress levels to a minimum. Breathing is important, as is body movement. Activities like walking, yoga, and reading are extremely beneficial. This is also a great time to do some spiritual reflection, prayer, and meditation.

It’s also a good idea to stop taking any vitamins, herbs, etc. during a cleanse (if possible) so your system can rest. However, you may need to wean yourself off some medications to avoid harmful side effects, check with your doctor to be safe.

It’s a good idea to assist the process of elimination by doing skin brushing, sweating, etc. A side effect of cleansing is headache so expect to have a few of those.

WARNING: This program is a guide and is meant to compliment thorough research and education on health and nutrition. Before beginning this cleanse, or making any changes to your diet, be sure to consult your doctor.

photo credit: Anna Ziliz www.art.com

There is something about the freshness of spring that can inspire people to make changes or start something new.  Or, maybe after procrastinating for a few months, they are just finally getting around to those New Year’s resolutions. I know for me, spring is when I think about doing a cleanse.

Many people are under the impression that a cleanse is this intense process that costs a bunch of money and has lots of complicated rules. That doesn’t have to be the case. Use these five easy tips to find a more fit and fabulous you:

1) Baby Steps.

Do a little bit at a time. Try giving your body a rest for a week every month, or indulge only one day a week for a whole summer, or do a light cleanse every three months, something like that. Not only is it easier to follow, but a lot healthier for your body in the long term.

2) Trim The Fat

According to Forbes, people on diets are spending about $85 per week on food (that’s a whopping 50% more than the average single American spends). The good news is you don’t have to! To save money, approach eating like the French do and don’t deny yourself; simply tone it down a little. Start by cutting out things that have the biggest impact, but only a little at a time. For example, let’s say you are in the habit of drinking a glass of red wine with dinner. Try instead to have ½ a glass with dinner four days a week, and drink water the other three days.

3) More Greens, Less Grains

In addition to cutting back a little on certain indulgences, choose a week every once in awhile to eat “simple and clean”. But, it doesn’t have to be boring. Having a piece of salmon drizzled with olive oil and a side of asparagus instead of a chicken breast with brown rice and broccoli is a lot more appetizing and much healthier.

4) Swap

Find healthy substitutions for your favorite foods. Use herbs and spices with olive oil instead of salt and butter to flavor your food. I like to make a dressing with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a little Dijon mustard. It’s simple and healthy but packs a punch when it comes to flavor. Keep in mind everyone has his or her own unique eating habits.  The point here is not to put undue stress on your system by making drastic changes. Someone who normally eats a pop tart for breakfast, Quizzno’s for lunch, and pizza with soda for dinner is going to make different adjustments than someone who normally eats fruit for breakfast, a steak salad for lunch, and sushi for dinner.  You know when you feel good after you eat something and you know when you feel bad so listen to your body.

5) Drink Tea

The final trick is to find some herbs to help things along. The point of cleansing is to rid your body of toxins. When you flush your system, it releases these toxins into your body first and if you don’t eliminate them they will be reabsorbed which can make your health worse. There are forms of elimination in addition to urination and bowel movements including skin brushing, sweating, and blowing your nose.

As always, be sure to consult with your doctor first. Not only is it dangerous (maybe even fatal) if done improperly, it may backfire on you. Weight gain and blemishes are common results of improper cleansing. That being said, it really can be this easy. Take a little time up front to educate yourself about nutrition and how your body works, then just take things a day at a time.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a little camp once in awhile (Mad Men anyone?) but not when it comes to office-appropriate dressing. Have a little fun and add a trendy piece to a classic outfit, but be careful when mixing trends together or you’ll just look tacky. I actually saw a pair of denim sweatpants recently! Just because they’re denim doesn’t mean they’re appropriate for casual Friday. And, really – when is a pair of denim sweatpants EVER appropriate.

There’s always a cycle in fashion, but what I’m noticing is that it’s tightening up a bit. I think people just bore more easily these days and fashion is trying to keep up. I know it feels like we just had the ‘80’s make a comeback, but I’m already seeing some things hit the runway (and sidewalk actually) that are very ‘90’s. Watch for shorter trend cycles, and don’t get too invested in a certain era unless you plan to hang on to it until it circles back again (in like 6 years).

Another caution – wearing something too revealing. You may look very Audrey Hepburn, but the office is still no the place for short shorts. It’s appropriate to wear sleeveless tops, but have a jacket with you just in case the boss drops by.

Here are items to avoid unless you want HR paying you a visit:

• Flip-flops
• Short-shorts (for most offices, shorts in general are a no)
• Mini-skirts
• Anything sheer
• Holes – even intentionally (i.e. crochet or lace)
• Strapless tops or dresses (unless worn under a blazer)
• Cleavage or mid-drift bearing tops
• Muscle T’s, band T-shirts, or shirts with sayings

Check out Careerbuilder.com for some other great tips for what to wear to work.
photo credits: www.chictopia.com

10 Key ingredients in your recipes for perfect beauty:

1. Baking Soda
2. Vodka
3. Olive oil
4. Lemons and limes
5. Water
6. Coconut oil
7. Salt
8. Mint
9. Vinegar
10. Sugar

The Marilyn Martini

Want healthy, sun-kissed highlights without going to the salon? The best way is to treat your tresses to a couple martinis. Mix 1 part vodka with 3 parts lemon juice, shake over ice, and pour…into a spray bottle. Pull your hair into a loose ponytail and selectively choose strands that frame your face then spritz just those pieces before you go out in the sun. The more you use, the lighter your hair will be. If you make too much you can always drink the rest!

Athena’s Dressing

For the most amazing legs in the universe, all you need is a Venus Gillette razor and Athena’s Dressing. Use 2 parts olive oil to one part coconut oil. For best results warm in your hand before applying to your skin.  And if you’re feeling feisty, add a few drops of Ylang Ylang and lavender essential oils, and use it for a massage. This one is safe both inside and outside your body so light a few candles and go for it!

Body Shots

Put on your tiniest bikini, because this one will get your body beach ready! You may have thought the vinegar on the list went with the dressing above, but it’s actually a key ingredient for healthy digestion, which leads to a flat tummy.  Fill a shot glass with apple cider vinegar and cut a lime wedge. Do the shot quickly and use the lime as a chaser. For those who are uneasy about the taste, try it in capsule form found at your local drugstore’s vitamin section.

Fountain of Youth

Have you ever heard you can fix just about any skin, age, weight, or emotional problem by drinking enough water? It probably is true, but most people have trouble drinking those “8 glasses/ day”. What you should keep in mind, however, is there are other ways to give your body water. Try keeping a spray bottle on your desk and mist your face every hour. Or, reduce your intake of diuretics like caffeine so your body keeps more water naturally.

Salt Lick

Here’s one you may already know about – mix baking soda with a little salt for a toothpaste that whitens, freshens your breath, and kills bacteria. It also works well to exfoliate your skin without being abrasive. Not only will your skin have a nice glow but it reduces the chance of bacterial infection (like after hair removal) and makes your tan last longer. Studies have also shown baking soda to help cure cancer!

photo courtesy of Sweet Spot Seattle

The Un-fuzzy Navel

Savannah might have some of the sweetest tea, but Seattle has the sweetest spot for hair removal. Thanks to Lara Olsha, founder of The Sweet Spot, the ancient art of sugaring is fast replacing waxing in popularity. And thank goodness, because it’s a lot less painful! *There’s an ingredient here not on our list, guar gum, which is combined with lemon juice and sugar to make the paste that gets applied to your skin. Bonus, no sticky residue is left like wax!

These six recipes are just the start, all the ingredients listed here can be combined in hundreds of ways to improve your body’s overall health and beauty. Take some time to research and be sure to consult with your doctor before implementing any new diets, you know the drill. But, have fun with it – everyone knows a smile is the most beautiful thing you can put on!

Our clothes send messages to the people around us – like, “I’m a tourist” or “I’m a construction worker” or “I’m a professional”. We are walking billboards so one has to ask: is the message people receive from us an accurate reflection of our personal brand?

Are your clothes working for you? And, I don’t just mean that they should be appropriate for what you’re doing, be comfortable (most of the time), fit your body type, and be stylish. I mean, they should work for you by reinforcing your personal brand message, therefore helping you achieve your goals.

You know the saying, “dress for the job you want”. They aren’t just talking about for the interview. You should be dressing for the life you want, the job you want, and for the people who influence the direction your life goes. That’s why you should be strategic about planning what you wear each day. Start with knowing the persona you want to project to the world and then choosing appropriate wardrobe staples that reflect it.

Here is an easy 10-step process:

1) Start by looking at where you live and how the people in your industry and social circles currently dress. What is acceptable and popular?

2) Now, look at your own style. How would you define that? Try giving it a two- or three-word description. For example: stylish professional, northwest casual, conservative prep, bleeding-edge trendy, retro rocker, New York black, traditional romantic, snappy casual, sporty chic, etc. Take a poll, ask your friends and see what they come up with.

3) Then, ask yourself what you think about your current style. What do your friends think? Do your answers and their answers match up? Do people see you the way you see you?

4) And, probably the most important question you can ask yourself – will they get me noticed for the right reasons? Do they tell people where you are heading in life or who you are supposed to be? What I mean is – do the clothes you wear make a statement congruent with your personal brand?

5) This is worth repeating. You didn’t work hard those 6 years in school just to be passed over for a promotion because they took one look at you and thought you didn’t take your job seriously. Be sure your clothes aren’t making things harder for you than they already are in this very competitive economy. You’re grown up now, and it’s time your style reflected this.

6) Talk to people who have the style you want to have; get their advice or go see a personal stylist if you have the time and resources.

7) After you’ve figured out the style that perfectly describes you, the next step is to assess what is missing. Look at the gaps; look at where you may have gone astray with your clothes. How do you feel about your clothes, have you out-grown them, or are they falling apart? Is it difficult to pull together an outfit with what you currently own? Basically, out with the old and in with the new.

8) Once you have edited down to only those things that fit into your new personal style, you will need to go out and get what is missing. Make a list and keep it in your purse or wallet so you can reference it any time you are out shopping.

9) Once you know what you need to buy, take a look at your budget and decide what you are willing to pay for things. Quality is worth it. But, you can also get a deal if you know where to look so do your homework. Research when the seasonal sales happen, and don’t write off a good consignment boutique just because you hate used clothing. I got a fantastic leather jacket with the tags still on it for $50 once.

10) Once you have updated your wardrobe – remember to check in with yourself every year or so and reassess where you are at in life (you might be surprised how far you’ve come). See if you need to repeat the process for your current goals. Now those are clothes that work!