Oh Boy, It's The Holiday Season

Yes, it's the day after Christmas and I'm feeling relieved. As much as I look forward to the holiday season, I probably look forward to it ending more. I can't really tell you when this transition started, but it's been here for awhile. Personally, I think we put too much pressure on ourselves during this time of year. Coming up with the perfect gift idea, spending money we just don't have, acting jolly when we really just don't feel very jolly. This morning, the first thing I did when I got up was begin to strip my home of all the vestiges of the holiday season. Took down the lights, stripped the tree, put away the holiday village taking up space on my dining room table and I felt free, albeit somewhat empty. My next task is to make it through the day not partaking in the leftovers sitting quietly in my fridge just waiting for me break down. It'll be tough, but I think I can do it...maybe. If not, I'll just add extra time to my exercise regime, right? I play these games with myself quite often! I guess it's my way of justifying whatever I decide to do or at least try and make myself feel less guilty. It doesn't always work, but I like to be prepared just in case of emergency.

CHANGE IS TOUGH, BUT NECESSARY

I recently made a significant change in my life. I made the decision to seek new employment after my current employment just wasn't allowing me the opportunities I'm looking for, especially at this point in my life. Probably one of the toughest decisions to make, as well as the most stressful, I decided some weeks ago that if change needed to occur, I was the only one who could make it happen. Not an easy decision by any stretch of the imagination. I hate starting new jobs. The whole orientation process, getting to know your co-workers, feeling half way competent, and so forth. For the most part, I think it takes a good year before I really start feeling comfortable in a job and I had clocked in almost ten months at my previous job before deciding to leave.

I've always been of the belief I'm the only one who can make changes in my life, but with that said, it's also very easy to become comfortable in the current situation no matter how uncomfortable. I think most of us shy away from change and are therefore, willing to put up with situations that are less than satisfactory at least for a time. Sometimes, I think the idea of change is more stressful than the process of change itself. For me, the process of change began long before I actually made the decision to take action. Everyday I would prepare myself for another long, tedious day in hopes something would change, but it never did. Co-workers around me complained about their experiences, but never took action to change their circumstances. I even found myself in that same dysfunctional interaction amongst my peers, complaining, but never working towards a solution. It wasn't until I woke up one morning and realized I was as much a part of the problem as I was a part of the solution. And, it was that same day, I began looking for change rather than shying away from it.

I've completed my first week on the new job. I feel comfortable in my new circumstances, albeit a tad bit on shakey ground. It will take some time to realize my full potential in my new circumstances, but I'm open to the possibilities I've opened myself up to.

Inner Beauty Tip of the Day-Mirror Mantras

I realize this may sound a little crazy, but I think that it's a really great way of starting the day off on the right foot. A mirror mantra is simply a way of encouraging and reminding yourself of what a good person you are, especially if there is something you're struggling with. Basically, while you're brushing your teeth or putting on your make-up, repeat a positive statement to yourself. "I am beautiful." "I am kind." "I am giving." It does take some practice, but it really does work. Give it a try!

Inner Beauty Tip of the Day-Give to Others

I realize that most of my tips are related to outward beauty, but I'd really like to focus this particular tip on giving to others. I really don't think there's anything more beautiful than reaching out and showing others some love. In order to present outward beauty, I really do believe that it needs to start from within. If you are truly comfortable in your own skin and love who you are, giving to others will come naturally and only enhance who you truly are from the inside out.

Beauty Tip of the Day-Stop Stressing Out!

Yes, I realize that this is a lot easier said than done, but very critical to not only mental well-being, but physical health as well. Too much stress in our lives can cause major problems, such as insomnia, fuzzy thinking, more frequent colds or flu, general anxiety, feelings of frustration, frequent headaches and a lowered libido. Aside from the physical and emotional ramifications, stress can also reak havoc on our appearance by causing breakouts, dark circles under eyes, and muscle tension.

Because stress is so prevalent in many of our lives, it's important to not only learn what the signs and symptoms are, but also learn what steps to take to manage our stress effectively. Some ways to do this are through physical activity, yoga, tai chi, relaxation techniques, and meditation.

All Day Kissable Lips

We've all experienced this. The unending re-application of our lip color throughout the day. What a pain! Wouldn't it be a dream of come true if we could actually find lip color that's not only all natural, but stays on all day and comes in every color imaginable? Well ladies, it's finally here. The name of the company is LIP-INK International. Here, you will find just about anything and everything you need in terms of lip products, as well as products for your eyes, skin, and hair! I came upon this site quite by accident and I'm really excited to share it with everyone. I've already put in my first order. Take a look:)

Beauty Tip of the Day-Sweat Girls Sweat!!

I realize that sweating isn't the most pleasant thing in the world, but it's so good for you. Sweating actually releases toxins and disease from our bodies. Many viruses and bacteria can't live in temperatures above 98.6 degrees, so in many cases, sweat burns away illness.

Two ways to get your sweat on are through saunas and exercise. The newest infrared saunas stimulate the body at a cellular level so toxins deep in tissue can be eliminated. These saunas are also able to heat the body while keeping the air cool, resulting in a more pleasant experience. Exercise is the other obvious choice for producing sweat and sweating helps keep skin soft and clear pores.