Antioxidant Drink

The latest studies have shown that hot cocoa has more antioxidants than a glass of wine or a cup of green or black tea.  Antioxidants are known to help prevent cancer and heart disease.  One cup of cocoa has 1,100 mg antioxidants compared to 600 mg for a glass of wine, and 1 cup of green tea has 430 mg...so sip your hot chocolate and do your heart good!

Achieving Financial Success

In order to be completely fashionable, one must be in control of one's finances.  I just read a great article about achieving financial success.  Being in control of your money is the key.  Our choices and priorities will determine our destiny.  Setting goals is of primary importance and being realistic about what you can and cannot afford.  It is perfectly OK to say:  "I'm so sorry, but I can't afford that!"  People will understand and realize that you have control and know what you can and cannot do.  Here are some suggestions:
1.  Set up a financial filing system.  Gather your records, your expenditures, and KNOW what you have and what you spend.  Record what you need every month.
2.  Live within your means.  Use it up.  Wear it out.  Make it do.  Do without.  Be in CONTROL!
3.  Identify your needs vs. your wants.  Try to limit the times you eat out.  Make your own meals.
4.  Track your spending to reach your goals.  Get a grip on reality.  Money can go quickly so start making a journal or record of everything you spend.  You will be surprised how fast it adds up.
5.  Start to save.  Buy an affordable home.  Pay yourself after you pay God.  (tithing and savings)
6.  Create a spending and savings plan.
7.  Remember the "latte factor".  Small purchases such as a doughnut or a candy bar can add up over the year if done daily.  

London's Look For Less

Do you want to look like the Londoners who are at the Olympics?  You can try to copy any one of these outfits to look smart and sassy:
1.  Flowing Polka Dot Dress
2.  Black and White Color Block Dress
3.  All Black Pant Outfit
4.  The Royal Kate Lady Look

5.

THOUGHTFULNESS

I have very thoughtful sisters who are always giving.  This poem reminds me of them:
"When someone does a kindness,
It always seems to me
That's the way God up in Heaven
Would like us all to be.
For when we bring some pleasure
To another human heart,
We have followed in His footsteps
And we've had a little part
In serving Him who loves us,
For I'm very sure it's true
That in serving those around us,

We serve and please Him, too."  By Helen Steiner Rice

Revitalize Yourself!

Revitalize yourself and prevent yourself from going crazy.  A walk, an hour of lying on the couch reading a good book, a car wash, or a swim can relax and revitalize you.  Here are some hints on how to preserve YOU:
1.  Establish YOU time-this could be as simple as going to bed early or sleeping in, or going to a movie, or getting your nails done, or buying fresh flowers, or taking a bubble bath.  Just do something for YOU to make you happy.
2.  Take a "whatever" day-this is where you do whatever you want to do.  This can revitalize you.
3.  Commit to a scheduled time for renewal-say from 2:00-3:00 pm is YOUR time.
4.  Take breaks throughout the day-sit down, deep breathe, relax, visualize your dreams
5.  Exercise-I used to think that if I took any time to exercise away from my children, that I was being selfish.  I now see the opposite where mothers demand time every day to exercise.  This is essential as long as it is in proper balance.
6.   Stretch and Breathe-take 5 minutes every morning to stretch and deep breathe.
7.   Listen to your favorite music-this can eliminate stress
8.   Bathe-soak in a hot tub with your favorite bath salts or bubble bath.
9.   Get adequate sleep-this is essential and naps are a must for young mothers.
10.  Reduce time urgency-slow things down a bit. .. pace yourself.
11.  Focus in on essential tasks and erase the rest from your mind-prioritize...you can only do so much.

12. Simplify your life-eliminate the non-essentials...learn to say "no"...slow down...enjoy your life...take the weekend off...be realistic and less harsh on yourself!

Anti-Aging Guide

There are a few things we can do to slow aging.  Here are some tips:
1.  Shrink your pores-slough away dead skin by scrubbing away dead skin cells with an apricot scrub.  Switch to a cleanser with salicylic acid.
2.  Let it rip-with pore strips once a week.
3.  Get more beauty sleep-get to bed 15 minutes early and avoid caffeine.
4.  Pile on the antioxidants-drink pomegranate juice
5.  Wipe out dark spots-wrinkles are a sign of aging but dark spots are worse...dab on hydroquinone.
6.  Brighten up-use an at home glycolic acid peel twice a week.

7.  Don't forget your hands and neck-moisturize daily.

Trends To Follow For Cheap

Here are some trends to follow that you can purchase for cheap.  You may already have them in your wardrobe:
1.  Wild Print Tops-think zebra or cheetah
2.  Clutch Purse-in snake skin
3.  Boy Cut Trousers
4.  Floral Dresses
5.  Gold Necklaces
6.  White Swim Wear