'The key to wisdom is knowing all the right questions' John Simone
Reflection: Look at your life. Are you living the life of your dreams?
Monday muse... take a moment to answer today's question. Pass it on... Find out more about the people you know. Even the small things provide BIG revelations! Engage in conversation. Build relationships. Speak to someone new!
Monday 14 September 2015
Sunday 13 September 2015
Lunch on the GO... to keep you on the GO!
Salad in a Jar: One of my favourite ways to put a quick take-out salad together is to layer lettuce or spinach, seeds, legume, fruits and vegetables with beans or chickpeas and dressing in either a screw top or clip top jar. You can put pretty much anything that you want together - just remember to layer your salad leaves on the top to stop them going soggy and shake together when you are ready to eat to make sure that your dressing covers all of your layers.
Low-Carb: If you are trying to cut back on the carbs a great idea is to make a lettuce wrap. You can fill the lettuce leaves with leftover chicken or fish plus any veggies. Add guacamole or houmous for extra flavour and wrap and eat!
Speedy Eggs: Scrambled eggs are super quick and so easy to make. Rather than topping toast, top your eggs with chorizo, feta and paprika for a spicy kick. If you prefer the classic; choose wholemeal or rye bread and add rocket or spinach leaves and couple of cherry tomatoes. I really like poached egg with avocado on seeded bread with a mixed topping of seeds (pumpkin or sunflower work well).
Keeping it Balanced: For an equal mix of protein, wholegrains and veg, make a mezze-style meal and dip sticks of carrot, pepper, cucumber, cheese and seeded pitta into houmous and guacamole. The variation of tastes and textures keeps you interested and full enough to keep the hunger at bay for the rest of the afternoon!
Super-Quick: This version may sound more like breakfast than lunch but you will find that this will fill you up far better than a shop bought sandwich! Buy a small pot of greek yoghurt and add a handful of nuts, seeds, blueberries or raspberries - seconds to put together, minutes to eat and the combination of fat and protein will keep you full for hours.
Healthy Pitta: A simple sandwich - stuff a pitta bread with chicken, lettuce, tomato and salsa - this final spicy touch delivers flavour as well as giving a great balance of protein and carbohydrates.
Fast Lunch Rules:
- A Protein Fix: It must contain a good mix of protein and fat to keep you full well into the evening.
- Fruit and Veg: Lunch must contribute to your 5 a day!
- The Right Carbs: Pick good quality wholgrain carbs to keep blood sugar levels even and prevent mid-afternoon sugar cravings!
Friday 11 September 2015
Friday Focus: Art as Expression: Being Happy with YOU!
We all have days when we don't feel 100% about ourselves and the way that we look; I am sure many of us have experienced 'fat days', 'thin days', 'good days' and 'bad days'. I truly believe that we know deep-down when these perceptions stem from being valid (feeling and looking overweight and being proactive in tackling it) to just completely unrealistic (picking fault with everything about how we look). So why do we feel like this?
Let's look to the media and the fashion industry - I know that there are so many strong minded individuals out there, who know what they want and don't care what other people say or write about; but for every one of these fabulous people; there are plenty more who consciously/subconsciously filter through and focus on the unrealistic body shapes and lack of diversity which is in the media.
Rather than putting women under pressure to achieve the 'perfect' body - which for the record, doesn't exist! - there should be a fairer representation of 'real' women in the media. I'm not championing being overweight and being happy about it, but we are all different - we are not identikit robots - we should be supportive to each other to be fit, healthy and embrace the way that we look. We need to be happy in our skin - I don't think that if you are unhappy, accept the way you are - as we all have the power to change things for ourselves - but don't try to set unachieveable goals.
For today's exercise we will focus on creating a self portrait. It doesn't matter if you are not great at art; the whole point is to have a different experience in front of the mirror to create a new perspective. This exercise helps you to get comfortable with looking at your reflection and practicing the art of not judging but playing with materials to help to alleviate some of the critical thoughts that you may have about yourself when we look at our reflection. This can be a difficult experience for people who spend time only to critique themselves in the mirror and attaching emotion to those critiques. This exercise is more about looking at the face as a set of shapes, lines and colours which builds the appreciation of the beauty of it rather than finding the flaws within it. With more practice this exercise can gradually decrease the initial instinct to judge.
Let's look to the media and the fashion industry - I know that there are so many strong minded individuals out there, who know what they want and don't care what other people say or write about; but for every one of these fabulous people; there are plenty more who consciously/subconsciously filter through and focus on the unrealistic body shapes and lack of diversity which is in the media.
Rather than putting women under pressure to achieve the 'perfect' body - which for the record, doesn't exist! - there should be a fairer representation of 'real' women in the media. I'm not championing being overweight and being happy about it, but we are all different - we are not identikit robots - we should be supportive to each other to be fit, healthy and embrace the way that we look. We need to be happy in our skin - I don't think that if you are unhappy, accept the way you are - as we all have the power to change things for ourselves - but don't try to set unachieveable goals.
For today's exercise we will focus on creating a self portrait. It doesn't matter if you are not great at art; the whole point is to have a different experience in front of the mirror to create a new perspective. This exercise helps you to get comfortable with looking at your reflection and practicing the art of not judging but playing with materials to help to alleviate some of the critical thoughts that you may have about yourself when we look at our reflection. This can be a difficult experience for people who spend time only to critique themselves in the mirror and attaching emotion to those critiques. This exercise is more about looking at the face as a set of shapes, lines and colours which builds the appreciation of the beauty of it rather than finding the flaws within it. With more practice this exercise can gradually decrease the initial instinct to judge.
Where do I start?
You will need a canvas (you can pick these up really cheaply), paintbrushes, paint, a palette (or paper plates will do), water, paper towels, a pencil and a mirror. Find somewhere comfortable to sit and make sure that you have a mirror in front of you so that you can see your face. Outline your face shape on the canvas with a pencil - this doesn't need to be exact! This is about spending time with yourself, learning the curves of your face, the colour of your eyes and the experience of playing with art materials. Spend some time painting your portrait. Once you have finished, try not to judge; remember fighting your inner critic is what you are trying to overcome!
Friday Focus: Complete this exercise during the weekend. Pick some quiet time for inner reflection!
Wednesday 9 September 2015
Monday 7 September 2015
The Beauty Deli Big Question
Business/Entrepreneurship: What's your WHY?
If you have a big enough WHY, you will always figure out the What and the How. If you don't have a big WHY you will always use the What and the How as an excuse for the things that you said that you were going to do.
Monday muse... take a moment to answer today's question. Pass it on... Find out more about the people you know. Even the small things provide BIG revelations! Engage in conversation. Build relationships. Speak to someone new!
If you have a big enough WHY, you will always figure out the What and the How. If you don't have a big WHY you will always use the What and the How as an excuse for the things that you said that you were going to do.
Monday muse... take a moment to answer today's question. Pass it on... Find out more about the people you know. Even the small things provide BIG revelations! Engage in conversation. Build relationships. Speak to someone new!
Monday Management - Time Management - Where do I start?
Time Management - Where do I start?
This is a subject quite close to my heart - primarily because it is something that in some way or another, I have had to work on over the years! Many of my friends will tell you I am the last one to arrive for any party or get-together; not because I am trying to be fashionably late but because I am have always had a real issue with getting anywhere on time! I make sure that I allocate my time properly, leaving plenty of time to get ready and choose an outfit but there always seems to be a last minute hitch - an unplanned fashion emergency - the shoes don't match the outfit as well as I thought for example - or my hair or makeup isn't quite right - but we've always been there haven't we?!
Personal dilemmas are a lot different to a professional ones - I suppose subconsciously I am more relaxed about the fact that a few minutes here and there won't make a massive difference, but I believe in business we should take a completely different approach and when I need to manage my time effectively I am always - surprisingly - on point. You have to tackle your professional life in a completely different way - you are not just representing yourself and your capabilities but also your business and any brands which you may be associated with.
I'm not just talking about the importance of arriving on time to meetings, but also the need to manage your time when planning your day, week or month. Effective time management is about finding ways to complete the tasks that will ultimately help you to reach your goals - this is what the foundation of your business is built on - the building blocks that you need, stem from planning your time efficiently.
Really effective long-term time management, however is about self knowledge and involves spending time reflecting on your own preferences and priorities. A common assumption when starting a business is that you will be able to do everything differently and change all of your habits - a good exercise is to think about the things that you manage/juggle in your life at the moment, think about how much you fit into your average day and identify the times in a week when you can viably fit in times to complete business tasks.
Early morning may work well for you or if you work full-time you can plan your time during the evening - maybe when your children are in bed. We all have extra time at the weekend - Sunday is a great day to allocate to planning the forthcoming week. Taking this time to reflect on your life and commitments is important as it means that you can make realistic changes based on self-knowledge about what works best for you.
Planning your week - Quick Tips:
Building on your self-knowledge you can plan a week ahead as you go...
- Use a week planner or a diary
- Make a list about what you want to accomplish in the week
- Break tasks down into manageable chunks
Next week: Basic Tools and Materials, Planning and Lists!
Friday 4 September 2015
Friday Focus: Art as Expression: Get Creative and Colour!
The purpose of 'Friday Focus' for the next few weeks is to demonstrate ways of how we can boost our self-esteem, build our inner confidence and learn to set aside time to relax by using art as a way of self expression.
It is hugely important to allocate time for ourselves and to take time out from the distractions of everyday life and of all the challenges that it can throw in your direction. We need time to re-balance, breathe and relax with an occasional few hours of quiet time put aside just for us - whether you are an early bird - taking time to practice some yoga and prepare breakfast before everyone wakes up; or a night owl - making the most of your quiet evening time to have a relaxing bath and read a few chapters of a good book - we all have different ways in which we like to relax.
But how about practising an exercise which uses colour? 'Colouring in' is a well documented relaxation technique (chromatherapy) advocated by Carl Jung in the early 20th century, as it activates different areas of the brain's cerebral hemispheres - which combine logic and creativity - and uses the cerebral cortex involved in vision and fine motor skills. In simple terms, it lowers the activity of the emotional part of the brain, so is great for stress relief.
You may have already seen some of the new 'grown-up' colouring books in your local book shop or supermarket - I have seen at least 10 different examples in a local high street store today. These books are aimed at adults (not children!) and are full of gorgeous fine-art ink illustrations featuring everything from elaborate enchanted gardens to abstract patterns and ornate Art Deco designs. If you worry that this may not be for you because you may not be great at art; someone else has drawn all of the outlines so that you can concentrate on releasing your creativity and imagination! Enjoy!
Friday Focus: If you don't want to invest your cash into a colouring book because you are worried that you won't get your use out of it, print off a sheet on the internet to get you started; there are loads to choose from!
Thursday 3 September 2015
Product Round-Up: Aloe Gel Drink
Honest, truthful reviews of tried and tested products...
How many of us have those days when we just don't feel like our normal selves? When we wake up feeling run-down, tired, with absolutely no energy despite having a full nights sleep? How many days do you hit a mid-afternoon slump feeling sluggish and bloated and craving sugary snacks and drinks? I don't think I have met a single person who hasn't experienced at least one of these symptoms. It is normal - it is part of what life throws at you BUT it is changeable!
Reassessing the way that we treat ourselves and our health by looking at our diets and what we put into our bodies has a huge impact on the way that we feel. Fitness and well-being is a massive market nowadays and is becoming increasingly popular as we become more aware of which foods, supplements and products we can use to make us look and feel better about ourselves.
It is only fitting that I dedicate this health post to the number 1 top selling product - Aloe Vera Gel. This pure stabilised gel is as close to the natural plant juice as possible and contains over 200 compounds, 75 nutrients, 18 amino acids, 20 minerals and 12 vitamins! Don't know much about Aloe? To see how amazing this wonder-botanical is, click HERE for more information.
Many customers were initially introduced to this product through purchasing the Clean 9 detox package and have continued to use it by integrating it into their everyday lifestyle after experiencing fantastic results which, from customer to customer have varied from - considerable sustainable weight loss, noticeably clearer skin, a rise in energy and vitality and an overall improved sense of well being.
Aloe Vera Gel addresses all of the issues which we need to make ourselves feel great. It cleanses and detoxifies, re-balances the immune system, aids healthy digestion and supplies the body with all of the important ingredients which it needs to allow complex enzyme systems to work efficiently.
My view?
Aloe Vera Gel is one of the best nutritional supplements available. I have seen and read amazing results and testimonials from hundreds of devotees. If this product wasn't great, then it wouldn't sell and it certainly wouldn't be the number 1 best seller for Forever. Most importantly it is sustainable. It is a product which can be easily integrated into an everyday healthy balanced diet. It is not a short-term fix, it is a long-term solution to help to maintain good health and an improved sense of general well-being by meeting our bodies nutritional needs by aiding efficient function.
Need a boost? Trial this product!
Aloe Vera Gel - £21.26 for 1 Litre
BUY from my online store HERE
Reassessing the way that we treat ourselves and our health by looking at our diets and what we put into our bodies has a huge impact on the way that we feel. Fitness and well-being is a massive market nowadays and is becoming increasingly popular as we become more aware of which foods, supplements and products we can use to make us look and feel better about ourselves.
It is only fitting that I dedicate this health post to the number 1 top selling product - Aloe Vera Gel. This pure stabilised gel is as close to the natural plant juice as possible and contains over 200 compounds, 75 nutrients, 18 amino acids, 20 minerals and 12 vitamins! Don't know much about Aloe? To see how amazing this wonder-botanical is, click HERE for more information.
Many customers were initially introduced to this product through purchasing the Clean 9 detox package and have continued to use it by integrating it into their everyday lifestyle after experiencing fantastic results which, from customer to customer have varied from - considerable sustainable weight loss, noticeably clearer skin, a rise in energy and vitality and an overall improved sense of well being.
Aloe Vera Gel addresses all of the issues which we need to make ourselves feel great. It cleanses and detoxifies, re-balances the immune system, aids healthy digestion and supplies the body with all of the important ingredients which it needs to allow complex enzyme systems to work efficiently.
My view?
Aloe Vera Gel is one of the best nutritional supplements available. I have seen and read amazing results and testimonials from hundreds of devotees. If this product wasn't great, then it wouldn't sell and it certainly wouldn't be the number 1 best seller for Forever. Most importantly it is sustainable. It is a product which can be easily integrated into an everyday healthy balanced diet. It is not a short-term fix, it is a long-term solution to help to maintain good health and an improved sense of general well-being by meeting our bodies nutritional needs by aiding efficient function.
Need a boost? Trial this product!
Aloe Vera Gel - £21.26 for 1 Litre
BUY from my online store HERE
Wednesday 2 September 2015
Product Round-Up: Whitening Tooth Gel
Honest, truthful reviews of tried and tested products...
I've spoken to a number of ladies about their cosmetic wish list (and we all have one!) and their top three recurring choices tend to be .. whiter teeth, longer lashes and clearer, smoother skin. A year round non- harmful tan and killer abs would be nice too but we know that some things may be easier (or more realistic) to achieve in the short-term than others!
Cosmetic perfection can take time, effort, perseverance (and in some cases, money!) but I have a found an amazing natural product which can tick off the first of the 'must-haves' on this list and doesn't cost a fortune like some teeth whitening treatments!
This fluoride free product contains only the highest quality natural ingredients, including patented aloe vera and bee propolis which helps to protect teeth and gums whilst fighting plaque and natural peppermint and spearmint flavourings to freshen breath. As this product is a gel rather than a paste it is non-abrasive which protects tooth enamel and gums.
I have spoken to ladies who tell me that they use nothing other than this product when brushing their teeth and others who say that they have incorporated it into their dental care routine while intermittently still using their usual recommended fluoride toothpastes.
You only have to look at the results posted online by happy customers to see the amazing results that they have achieved by using this product!
My view?
For the cost of this product in comparison to other brands out there which claim to whiten teeth fast (by using chemicals and bleaching agents no less) this really is a great buy. Anything which contains natural ingredients is a win-win for me anyway, but I have found in the past that all-natural cosmetics and skincare sometimes do have to compromise on things such as fragrance and effectiveness (you have to use twice as much etc) but this product ticks every box - it fights plaque, is kind to teeth and gums, is gentle enough for the whole family, freshens breath and effectively whitens teeth with regular use. This is definately a bathroom cupboard staple that everyone should try.
Forever Bright Toothgel - £5.98 for 130g
BUY from my online store HERE
Cosmetic perfection can take time, effort, perseverance (and in some cases, money!) but I have a found an amazing natural product which can tick off the first of the 'must-haves' on this list and doesn't cost a fortune like some teeth whitening treatments!
I have spoken to ladies who tell me that they use nothing other than this product when brushing their teeth and others who say that they have incorporated it into their dental care routine while intermittently still using their usual recommended fluoride toothpastes.
You only have to look at the results posted online by happy customers to see the amazing results that they have achieved by using this product!
My view?
For the cost of this product in comparison to other brands out there which claim to whiten teeth fast (by using chemicals and bleaching agents no less) this really is a great buy. Anything which contains natural ingredients is a win-win for me anyway, but I have found in the past that all-natural cosmetics and skincare sometimes do have to compromise on things such as fragrance and effectiveness (you have to use twice as much etc) but this product ticks every box - it fights plaque, is kind to teeth and gums, is gentle enough for the whole family, freshens breath and effectively whitens teeth with regular use. This is definately a bathroom cupboard staple that everyone should try.
Forever Bright Toothgel - £5.98 for 130g
BUY from my online store HERE
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