Tips for a Better Life

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, >
'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy. >

6. Play more games and > read more books than you did in 2007.

7. Make time to practice meditation, > and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives. >

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan
salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. REMEMBER GOD heals everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

Questions to Consider Before Getting Married

Here a few questions to ask yourself before you walk down the aisle.

1. Have we discussed whether or not to have children, and if the answer is yes, who is going to be the primary care giver?

2. Do we have a clear idea of each other’s financial obligations and goals, and do our ideas about spending and saving mesh?

3. Have we discussed our expectations for how the household will be maintained, and are we in agreement on who will manage the chores?

4. Have we fully disclosed our health histories, both physical and mental?

5. Is my partner affectionate to the degree that I expect?

6. Can we comfortably and openly discuss our sexual needs, preferences and fears?

7. Will there be a television in the bedroom?

8. Do we truly listen to each other and fairly consider one another’s ideas and complaints?

9. Have we reached a clear understanding of each other’s spiritual beliefs and needs, and have we discussed when and how our children will be exposed to religious/moral education?

10. Do we like and respect each other’s friends?

11. Do we value and respect each other’s parents, and is either of us concerned about whether the parents will interfere with the relationship?

12. What does my family do that annoys you?

13. Are there some things that you and I are NOT prepared to give up in the marriage?

If one of us were to be offered a career opportunity in a location far from the other’s family, are we prepared to move?

Does each of us feel fully confident in the other’s commitment to the marriage and believe that the bond can survive whatever challenges we may face?

Harmful Cosmetic Ingredients

Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS )
A detergent found in about 90 percent of commercial shampoos that can cause eye damage in young children, cancer, skin damage, and premature hair loss.

Coal Tar
Known human carcinogen. May contain harmful impurities or breakdown products. Found in dandruff shampoos, anti-itch creams and hair dyes.

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben
Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.

Dibutyl Phthalate
Possible human reproductive or developmental toxin. Endocrine disruptor. Found in some nail polish, perfume and hair spray.

Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)
Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea
These are widely used preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal agent, and they must be combined with other preservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.

Mercury
Possible human carcinogen. Possible human reproductive or developmental toxin. Found in some eye drops and ointment.

Lead Acetate
Known human reproductive and developmental toxin. Found in some hair dyes and cleanser.

Formaldehyde
Known human carcinogen. Found in some nail treatments.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate
A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes from coconuts." It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions.

Petrolatum
Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

Petroleum Distillates
Possible human carcinogen. May contain harmful impurities or breakdown products. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union. Found in some mascara, perfume, foundation, lipstick and lip balm.

Propylene Glycol
Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware, these are related synthetics. Although exposure to high levels of Propylene Glycol is known to cause serious and potentially irreversible health conditions, the chemical industry tell us that "small" quantities or low level exposure of Propylene Glycol is "safe" to use on the skin and in food. According to the safety data sheets of industrial chemical manufacturers, chemicals such as Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol will cause serious health conditions, including liver and heart damage and damage to the central nervous system if sufficient is absorbed by the body.

PVP/VA Copolymer
A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons.

Stearalkonium Chloride
A quaternary ammonium compound used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Toxic.

Synthetic Colors
Used to make cosmetics "pretty," synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don't use it.

Synthetic Fragrances
The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply read "fragrance." Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation, the list goes on. Advice: Don't buy a cosmetic that has the word "fragrance" on the ingredients label.

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Read the labels of the products that you are going to buy, and be wary of the above ingredients. Being beautiful is about being smart. Be cautious and conscious. Cosmetics are there to enhance our beauty and boost our confidence, not to cause irreparable damage to our health.

The Most Important Relationship in your Life is with Yourself: 10 Quick Tips to Get You in the Right Track

This article was forwarded via e-mail by a colleague at work. I thought it would be nice to share this on a weekend, as we end another busy week at work and take time off to relax and unwind. love yourself, you only have one life and you owe it to yourself to live it to the fullest! have a great weekend! :)
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Taking care of yourself is so vital to a healthy, fulfilling life that professionals, lay people, clergy, and even business organizations sing its praises. The airlines stress it (put the oxygen mask on yourself first, then the children), therapists give it as homework (focus on positive self talk and affirmations), and life coaches center their businesses on helping clients achieve it (creating work and life balance).

Self care is vital to having healthy relationships yet so few people know how to do it. Here are quick, easy tips that will get you started on the right step for healthy relationships. Start incorporating these into your life today and feel the shift in your self and your relationships tomorrow.

1. Remove ALL negative self talk from your life permanently. When you make a mistake, look for the gift in it. All mistakes have something to teach us so look for the lesson and stop with the put downs. When you hear that inner voice calling you stupid, ugly, fat, or…(fill in the blank), silence it; don’t give it more than a second’s notice and remind your self that talking negatively is not going to help you or anyone else.

2. Remove all disrespect from your life. Know that you deserve to be treated well by all people, at all times…and settle for nothing less than that. Also know that those around you deserve to be treated well at all times, by all people (including you) so do not be disrespectful to others under any circumstances either.

3. Take care of your needs first, followed by the needs of others (when it will not be harmful to you). Do not care-take others; it’s grandiose of you and an insult to the other person. The only exception to this is with a child or an extremely ill person who cannot live without someone to provide for him/her. Even then, get help and do not sacrifice your life for theirs.

4. Learn to say no. Not every request needs to be met by you. Learn to say yes to the ones you truly want to say yes to and set limits, by saying no, to the ones you know you should say no to. Too many people say a thousand yes’s to every one around them and have little left for themselves. This will not help you or your loved ones. Learn to say no when you need to--without guilt.

5. Begin to surround yourself with healthier people. Healthy people don’t hang out with unhealthy people--at least not for long. If you’re surrounded by unhealthy people, then it’s time to take an honest look at yourself and ask yourself why. Stop trying to be everyone’s savior and get yourself healthy.

6. Do not excuse abusive behavior for any reason. Too often people make excuses for their partner’s inexcusable behaviors by saying s/he was stressed, drunk, not feeling well, hurt, upset, depressed, etc. Stop the excuses. It doesn’t matter why someone’s mean to you, what matters is that they are mean. We’re all stressed, struggling, worried, etc., at some point in our lives, that doesn’t give us the right to take it out on other people. They need to stop that behavior or you need to move on.

7. Own your worth. Every single human being in this world has the same inherent worth as the next one. No one is worth any more than or less than anyone else. Every person is either someone’s son or someone’s daughter; a life is a life. We are all equal. Know this, own this, and live by this. You have a right to be on this planet and your presence impacts this planet. If you struggle with this then use affirmations to help strengthen your sense of worth. State twenty-five times a day, for thirty days, the following: "I am absolutely worthy to be in this world and I deserve to be treated well, by all people, at all times."

8. Discover the things you like to do and put some time aside to do them. You need to schedule "life breaks" into your weekly routine. If you’re home with the kids 24/7, then take some time to yourself and have your partner watch the kids for a couple hours each week. If s/he refuses, hire a babysitter. If you work 24/7, schedule in a work-free zone each week with no e-mail, phone, or projects. Fill in that time with something you like to do and enjoy yourself guilt free.

9. Stand up for yourself and stop worrying about what others will think or how they will react. Too often people avoid conflict at all cost. They stay away from difficult conversations, "eat" their feelings, and don’t stand up for themselves when an injustice has been done or they’ve been slighted. Excuses include: s/he’ll just get mad, I don’t want to make things more difficult than they already are, he’s not a talker, and on and on. Speaking your truth is not about your partner; it’s about you taking care of yourself. Forget about what you imagine his/her response is going to be and focus on you. Speak it respectfully and with love… AND SPEAK IT.

10. Realize that people in your inner circle need to treat you the best. I’ve seen couples who treated strangers on the street better than they treated each other. That’s not okay! It’s a privilege to be in your inner circle so make sure that only those who treat you well may enter that circle and remain in that circle. (This is also true for your partner…it’s a privilege to be in your partner’s inner circle and you therefore need to treat him/her well).

The 13 Closet Essentials

1. LBD - Little Black Dress
Think Jackie O and her cousin-in-style Audrey Hepburn. This classic item has been around for years and never fails to make it on the list of closet staples of stylish women. The LBD can be paired with a tailored blazer, or a classy scarf, or a string of pearls. You can wear it from day to night, or from work to a cocktail party.

2. Classic Black Pumps
Black heels elongate the wearer's legs, and can be paired with anything from a basic white tee to a power business suit. Every woman should invest on a pair of comfy yet stylist black pumps as this will be one of the most frequently worn item in the closet Make sure that the shoes fit you well and choose a timeless style that will always be present on the fashion do list.

3. A Crisp White Button-down Shirt
Another classic essential. For a casual look, wear this with a pair of tailored denim and boots. Or you may also opt to wear it with a black pencil skirt and blazer for a polished look at work. When shopping for a white button down shirt, take into consideration the style, fit and fabric. The perfect fitting shirt must be long enough to tuck into a pair of jeans or trousers.

4. A Basic White Tee
White goes with everything. This is a must-have for the woman on the go. You can wear it under a jacket, a cardigan or on its own with your favorite pair of jeans.

5. Jeans that fit well
No matter her age, a woman must have a nice fitting, solid pair of jeans. Dark denim is usually best, as it never goes out of style, and accentuates the body.

6. Neutral Colored Trousers
A great asset to any woman's closet is a pair of nicely tailored trousers in gray, black or brown.

7. A Pair of Pearl Earrings and a String of Pearl Necklace
Instantly adds glam and elegance.

8. The Power Business Suit
An up-to-date, well-fitting suit flatters your shape and lets you project confidence and power.

9. Twin Set
The shell and cardigan duo provides a splash of color with your jeans or trousers. The cardigan may also be worn with a simple dress to add some fun and personality without the extra cost!

10.Ballet Flats
If you’ve been wearing heels everyday, then it’s time to give your feet a well-deserved break. However, wearing a laid-back, drab pair of flats is not an option. When choosing a pair of shoes for more relaxed occasions, opt for a style that is feminine and fun. Try a knockout color like red. Heels aren't the only way to fancy up your feet. You'll surely love the way flats look with jeans, dresses and trousers.

11. A Classic-yet-eye-catching Black Bag
Your bag must be roomy enough to keep your papers, cellphone, make-up kit, wallet and other essential items in place. For a put-together look, pick a well-structured leather tote.

12. A Slimming A-Line Skirt
Wear it at work or on a date. A skirt with just the right fit and length to move with you is always feminine and fun.

13. A Fab Pair of Face-Flattering Sunglasses
The easiest way to class up any outfit, be it for work or weekend is with a super-classy (and UV-protective) pair of sunglasses. When shopping for the perfect pair, always remember that it should match the shape of your face: Rounded frames soften a square jaw line, square frames slim cheeks and rectangular frames add width and dimension to your face.

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Fashion trends come and go so fast. While it’s fun to shop for items that we see in magazines, it is best to invest for items that never go out of style. The above list is just the basics. You may mix and match them for an elegant and classy look or you may also opt to pair them with trendy pieces for a more exciting ensemble. Happy shopping!