Fashion/Makeup Thursday

A lot of us love to be dressed to impress, not dress to depress. I know during these times it's tough trying to afford anything these days especially clothes. NOT TO WORRY! There are websites who cator to us that have wine minds, with beer wallets.

Here is a list of my Favorite AFFORDABLE Clothing Websites:
1. Make Me Chic > http://www.makemechic.com/
2. AMI Clubwear > http://www.amiclubwear.com/
3. Forever 21 > http://www.forever21.com/Default.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1
4. Alloy > http://www.alloy.com/index.htm
5. Delias > http://store.delias.com/frontpage.do

Relationship Tips!

Showing Love
Although hearing the words, "I love you" is special and important, sometimes you wish you could tell your mate as well as hear from your mate those words, but in special and unique ways. Here are some ideas of how this can be accomplished:

• Rent his favorite movie, even if it is something you do not like, and plan an evening alone where you can be with him as he enjoys his special treat.
• When she gets out of the shower, hand her a warm, cozy towel just heated in the dryer.
• When you make him pancakes, first pour the words, "I Love You" on the griddle and cook for a minute to brown. Then, pour more batter over the words to create a round pancake. The result will be a pancake displaying those three special words when you flip it over.
• While she is out of town, wash her car and surprise her by picking her up in a clean, shiny car at the airport.
• Take him out to lunch.
• Have his favorite breakfast on the table along with the morning newspaper.
• Instead of bugging him to go to the grocery store with you, let him stay home.
• Display your favorite picture of the two of you on the refrigerator.
• Buy her a subscription to her favorite magazine.

Split The Responsibility
Whether dating or married, weekends are always full of errands and chores. If you find that on the weekend things are lopsided, help your mate out. For example, if there are kids involved and one has a soccer game while the other has a baseball game, at the same time, offer to take one of the kids and your mate take the other. Make this a special time by packing a special lunch or snacks. Perhaps one of you has company coming and the house needs to be cleaned, laundry done, and groceries purchased. Set aside something you need done and offer to pitch in to help. Simply say you want to help and ask which of the jobs you can take over. This gesture will show your mate that you really care by sacrificing your time.

http://www.affirmations-for-success.com/relationship-tips.html

Is Weight Loss Stressing You Out?

 

Take the Weight Loss Expectations Quiz

-- By Dean Anderson, Fitness & Behavior Expert

There’s no doubt about it: trying to lose weight can be a stressful thing! There’s nothing like trying to stick to a “simple” weight loss plan for bringing you face-to-face with the frustrating complexities of human nature and the limits of our rationality and will power. And even when we do manage to do what we know we should, often our bodies seem to operate according to a different kind of math—where a 3,500-calorie deficit doesn’t always equal one pound of weight lost.

The unfortunate part is that this constant stress can make losing weight more difficult than it needs to be. Research shows that chronic stress can affect your metabolism, promoting fat storage, and increasing cravings for sugary, high-fat “comfort foods.

There are lots of things you can do to manage this stress, ranging from yoga and meditation to a hot bath or a pleasant walk in the park. In this article, however, we’ll focus on how certain (very common) expectations about weight loss can cause stress, and how you can adjust your expectations so that you’re not stressing out about your own weight loss (or lack thereof).

To find out whether your expectations about weight loss may be increasing your stress levels, take the following brief quiz. Indicate whether you think the following statements are true or false. To benefit from this exercise, your answer should reflect how you honestly feel most of the time, NOT what you think the “correct” response might be.

1. I have taken a careful look at my eating and exercise habits, and I have a good idea of what I need to change and how I want to do it.
2. I have accepted the idea that I need to make permanent changes in my lifestyle to lose weight and keep it off permanently.
3. I will feel successful only if reach my weight loss goal.
4. I know that it took time to gain weight, and I believe it is best to try to lose the weight slowly.
5. I am working on weight loss now because I really want to, not because someone else thinks I should.
6. If I can manage to lose the weight, I think many other problems in my life will be solved.
7. I am willing and able to do a significant amount of physical activity on a daily basis, including planned exercise.
8. I can lose weight successfully with no slip-ups.
9. I am ready, willing, and able to spend enough time each day planning and tracking my food intake and exercise activities.
10. If my weight loss slows down or stalls out, I usually lose my motivation and stop my program.<
11. When I am having problems sticking to my plan, I usually get on the message boards or the phone and talk about it with other people.
12. I have many stressful situations in my life right now, but I'm determined to be successful at weight loss.

Scoring the Quiz
Look at your answers to questions 1,2,4,5,7, 9 and 11, and give yourself 1 point for every True answer, and 0 for every False. For questions 3,6,8,10 and 12, give yourself 1 point for every False answer, and 0 for every True. Add your total points up to get your score.

A high score (7-12 points) shows that your expectations about weight loss are more realistic, and you are more likely to reach your goal.

Each question you scored a zero for represents a misconception or unrealistic expectation that might be adding unnecessary stress to your weight loss efforts.

For example, a zero on Question 11 (you don’t talk to others when you have trouble sticking to your plan) may indicate that you tend to keep problems to yourself, which can add even more stress to the difficulties you are already having.

Scoring zero on Question 8 (believing you can lose weight successfully without slipping up) may mean that you are unrealistically expecting perfection. Slip-ups are inevitable, but they also help you learn from your experience. Expecting to be perfect creates more stress when things don’t turn out as desired. Plus, you will learn less about what does and does not work for you in different circumstances.

Likewise, a zero on Question 12 (determination for weight loss despite high stress in other areas of your life) may indicate that you don’t fully appreciate the difficulties of trying to lose weight, or the importance of modifying your weight loss expectations when other aspects of life become difficult. Sometimes, just holding your own and not gaining (or regaining) weight is a very significant accomplishment!

Finally, the most important concept—if you scored a 0 on Question 6 (believing that weight loss will solve many other problems in your life), you may be expecting more than weight loss can deliver, setting yourself up for problems both now and after you reach your goal.

At least two negative things can happen when you start looking at weight loss as the “magic” solution to everything. First, this puts an awful lot of pressure on the daily ups and downs of your weight loss journey. Every slip-up or bad day, every weight plateau, becomes magnified in importance because, in your head, it is linked to so many other important things. You can imagine how much extra stress you generate if going over your calorie budget or skipping an exercise session has come to mean that the career or the relationship you want is that much further away.

Second, the belief that you have to lose weight before you can start living the life you want only keeps you from creating that life right now.

When healthy eating and exercise are just a small part of what you do to care for yourself, you'll likely decrease stress and progress towards your weight loss goal. A big part of making a successful lifestyle change is putting your weight in meaningful perspective—and you can start doing that right now!

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=473

Inspirational Verse

John 16:33

 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

Health/Wellness TUESDAY: OATMEAL

I am addicted to Oatmeal and I have made it a habit of eating it every morning for a great nutritionist breakfast, I have been told that eating Oatmeal along with drinking Hot Water is the perfect way to start your day off right!!

The oats in "Oatmeal" are a great source of Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, and Magnesium, as well as a great source of Protein.

We all know that without sugar Oatmeal can carry a very bland taste. Here are ways to make it taste better!

5 Tips to Make it Taste Better:
1. Make your oatmeal w/ milk instead of water
2. Add Stevia instead of Sugar to sweeten up the taste.
3. Stir in your favorite-flavored protein powder after it's been cooked. This gives it an extra burst and more protein!!
4. Definitely add in your favorite fruits!!
5. Do not cook your oatmeal in the microwave, this takes away that moist flavor. Instead pour in hot milk!

PRS and Martin Luther King Jr.

PRS is in the community! We were volunteering at the Parade making a difference :-) What are you doing to improve your community?

Biography of Martin Luther King Jr.:

by Clayborne Carson
One of the world's best known advocates of non-violent social change strategies, Martin Luther King, Jr., synthesized ideas drawn from many different cultural traditions. Born in Atlanta on January 15, 1929, King's roots were in the African-American Baptist church. He was the grandson of the Rev. A. D. Williams, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist church and a founder of Atlanta's NAACP chapter, and the son of Martin Luther King, Sr., who succeeded Williams as Ebenezer's pastor and also became a civil rights leader. Although, from an early age, King resented religious emotionalism and questioned literal interpretations of scripture, he nevertheless greatly admired black social gospel proponents such as his father who saw the church as a instrument for improving the lives of African Americans. Morehouse College president Benjamin Mays and other proponents of Christian social activism influenced King's decision after his junior year at Morehouse to become a minister and thereby serve society. His continued skepticism, however, shaped his subsequent theological studies at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania, and at Boston University, where he received a doctorate in systematic theology in 1955. Rejecting offers for academic positions, King decided while completing his Ph. D. requirements to return to the South and accepted the pastorate of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

On December 5, 1955, five days after Montgomery civil rights activist Rosa Parks refused to obey the city's rules mandating segregation on buses, black residents launched a bus boycott and elected King as president of the newly-formed Montgomery Improvement Association. As the boycott continued during 1956, King gained national prominence as a result of his exceptional oratorical skills and personal courage. His house was bombed and he was convicted along with other boycott leaders on charges of conspiring to interfere with the bus company's operations. Despite these attempts to suppress the movement, Montgomery bus were desegregated in December, 1956, after the United States Supreme Court declared Alabama's segregation laws unconstitutional.
In 1957, seeking to build upon the success of the Montgomery boycott movement, King and other southern black ministers founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). As SCLC's president, King emphasized the goal of black voting rights when he spoke at the Lincoln Memorial during the 1957 Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom. During 1958, he published his first book, Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story. The following year, he toured India, increased his understanding of Gandhian non-violent strategies. At the end of 1959, he resigned from Dexter and returned to Atlanta where the SCLC headquarters was located and where he also could assist his father as pastor of Ebenezer.
Although increasingly portrayed as the pre-eminent black spokesperson, King did not mobilize mass protest activity during the first five years after the Montgomery boycott ended. While King moved cautiously, southern black college students took the initiative, launching a wave of sit-in protests during the winter and spring of 1960. King sympathized with the student movement and spoke at the founding meeting of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in April 1960, but he soon became the target of criticisms from SNCC activists determined to assert their independence. Even King's decision in October, 1960, to join a student sit-in in Atlanta did not allay the tensions, although presidential candidate John F. Kennedy's sympathetic telephone call to King's wife, Coretta Scott King, helped attract crucial black support for Kennedy's successful campaign. The 1961 "Freedom Rides," which sought to integrate southern transportation facilities, demonstrated that neither King nor Kennedy could control the expanding protest movement spearheaded by students. Conflicts between King and younger militants were also evident when both SCLC and SNCC assisted the Albany (Georgia) Movement's campaign of mass protests during December of 1961 and the summer of 1962.
After achieving few of his objectives in Albany, King recognized the need to organize a successful protest campaign free of conflicts with SNCC. During the spring of 1963, he and his staff guided mass demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama, where local white police officials were known from their anti-black attitudes. Clashes between black demonstrators and police using police dogs and fire hoses generated newspaper headlines through the world. In June, President Kennedy reacted to the Birmingham protests and the obstinacy of segregationist Alabama Governor George Wallace by agreed to submit broad civil rights legislation to Congress (which eventually passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964). Subsequent mass demonstrations in many communities culminated in a march on August 28, 1963, that attracted more than 250,000 protesters to Washington, D. C. Addressing the marchers from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" oration.
During the year following the March, King's renown grew as he became Time magazine's Man of the Year and, in December 1964, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite fame and accolades, however, King faced many challenges to his leadership. Malcolm X's (1927-1965) message of self-defense and black nationalism expressed the discontent and anger of northern, urban blacks more effectively than did King's moderation. During the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march, King and his lieutenants were able to keep intra-movement conflicts sufficiently under control to bring about passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, but while participating in a 1966 march through Mississippi, King encountered strong criticism from "Black Power" proponent Stokely Carmichael. Shortly afterward white counter-protesters in the Chicago area physically assaulted King in the Chicago area during an unsuccessful effort to transfer non-violent protest techniques to the urban North. Despite these leadership conflicts, King remained committed to the use of non-violent techniques. Early in 1968, he initiated a Poor Peoples campaign designed to confront economic problems that had not been addressed by early civil rights reforms.
King's effectiveness in achieving his objectives was limited not merely by divisions among blacks, however, but also by the increasing resistance he encountered from national political leaders. FBI director J. Edgar Hoover's already extensive efforts to undermine King's leadership were intensified during 1967 as urban racial violence escalated and King criticized American intervention in the Vietnam war. King had lost the support of many white liberals, and his relations with the Lyndon Johnson administration were at a low point when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while seeking to assist a garbage workers' strike in Memphis. After his death, King remained a controversial symbol of the African-American civil rights struggle, revered by many for his martyrdom on behalf of non-violence and condemned by others for his militancy and insurgent views.

Relationship Tips

1. Cuddle Time

When couples first start dating, cuddling is usually a part of their everyday existence. However, as the relationship progresses or after children enter the picture, the cuddling stops. Take some time just to cuddle. If your mate is sitting on the couch watching a movie, or laying in bed reading, scoot close and tell them that you just want to cuddle. This makes both people feel secure and loved.

2. Breakfast In Bed

When was the last time you or your mate were served breakfast in bed? Never? On a Saturday or Sunday, when nothing special is planned, get up a little early and fix their favorite breakfast. Include the morning newspaper as an added bonus. Although they may be shocked, you can be guaranteed that this gesture of love will be appreciated.

3. Secret Getaway

Plan a nice weekend getaway to some place off the beaten track where you can enjoy some privacy. A quaint cottage or charming bed and breakfast would be ideal choices. Scout out the area ahead of time and choose a few things that the two of you would like to do in the area but just be sure to leave plenty of time for you to enjoy some alone time. Order a nice bottle of wine or some hot cappuccino and relax in front of the fire! Make this a romantic weekend where you can rekindle your love.

4. Communicate
When couples are having problems in a relationship, communication is the first thing to stop. It is often easier to just be quiet than to get mad. When rebuilding relationships, just as communication was the first to stop, it now needs to be the first to start. This will require that both individuals let down their guard and pretty much throw caution to the wind. Healing in the relationship cannot start until you talk. Make an agreement that you will talk about anything and everything and that you will listen, really listen. That does not mean that you will agree with everything, which is perfectly fine. However, if you do not agree, do not yell, rather, the two of you need to calmly discuss the issue and together, work out a solution. This is hard work but within a very short time, you will both feel much better, individually and as a couple.

http://www.affirmations-for-success.com/relationship-tips-2.html

Fashion/Makeup Thursday

Top 5 makeup MUST HAVES:
Concealer
Eye Shadow
Translucent Powder
Mascara
Lip Stick/Lip Gloss

Concealer: Concealer is my FAVORITE makeup product. I carry it no matter where I go, and prefer to use this instead of a heavy foundation. I'm not sure about you but the last time I had perfect skin was when I was a baby, nowadays my face includes acne scars, blemishes, and the worst of all dark under eye circles. The touch of concealer does just that CONCEALS...and if not all the way far enough into the background where they're not noticeable. Create flawless skin with concealer. It comes in a variety of shades, and you want to make sure you find one that matches your skin tone, but is a shade lighter then your foundation. Choosing a concealer that is not your color will only make your skin look uneven, drawing attention to those imperfections that you are wanting to hide.

Eye Shadow: My favorite thing to do with my eyes is definitely a smoky eye, it's great for day and night. Unfortunately after a few hours the Eye Shadow does tend to fade away, causing us to have to play touch up; but did you know that with a Eye Primer your eye shadwo will last all day!? One of my favorite products is Urban Decay's Eye primer. [Eye shadow typically goes on the upper lid, all the way to the brow line, and is intended to highlight the eyes] Eye Shadow can come in many forms, pencil and cream form as well as powder, making it even more versatile. Skip the boring old pencil all together! and do your eyes up with a softer line that you can create from an eye shadow.

Translucent Powder: Your makeup should always look natural, not "made-up". Translucent Face Powder is a basic touch up that will help give your face a perfectly blended look. This is a product that I use on a regular basis, especially when wearing a more dramatic look. You just want to apply a light layer all over the face, which will help set your concealer as well as foundation.

Mascara: I am one who is either always on the go or likes to keep my look natural at all times, which means wearing fake lashes is out. HOWEVER, who ever said you have to wear fake lashes in order to achieve the dramatic lash looked....clearly told a [lie]. Depending on what you like, Mascara varies depending on which brand you purchase.  There are thinner mascaras with finer brushes for more natural looking lashes, and thicker versions with fat brushes for a more bold look. Another cool thing about mascara is that each tube is meant to do something different, no matter if its lengthen or thicken it usually will get the job done. A way you can tell which mascara is meant for you: Women with lighter hair and skin usually look most natural in brown shades, while darker hair and complexions often look best in the black spectrum.

Lip Stick/Lip Gloss: My favorite piece of makeup to own would definitely be my lip gloss and lip sticks. This is my MOST reapplied product due to eating and drinking. It is best to carry a lip balm, lipstick and a finishing gloss every day, and use them all. While lip gloss is meant for shine and a more glossy look, lip stick is meant for a more over all opaque look. Both products come in a numerous amount of colors, that are perfect for complimenting your wardrobe.

Tips on how to choose your perfect shade: Darker skin -- Almost anything goes. Try reds, plums, browns, oranges and pastels.

Medium skin -- Reds, berries and browns are good places to start.
Pale skin -- Try light pinks, nudes, beiges and corals.

Health and Wellness TUESDAY: Hot Water

Today is HEALTH & WELLNESS TUESDAY!!...

Now a lot of us may think that hot water is used for certain things only. IE: Bathing, Brushing our teeth, washing dishes, and [sometimes] washing clothes, but did you know "Hot Water" is great for your health and well being as well?

For instance, a cup of hot water in the MORNING to start your day reduces heart attacks and strokes, helps your blood, is great for headaches, bloating, skin care, weight loss, and most of all purifies the entire body.

Getting healthy has become a NEW world epidemic for our society; a lot of us think that in order to lose weight, we must purchase expensive dietary supplements, and fat burners which adds up to us spending an enormous amount of money.

Adding just one decaffeinated GREEN TEA bag to your cup of HOT WATER can make for an easy AT-HOME detox.

Remember to make the water as HOT as you can stand it sipping away, and if your feeling a little risky...go ahead and add some LEMON. Lemon is also a great DETOX as well as a great antioxidant.

Check out these 10 Tips for Hot Water:

1. Good for stomach Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.
   
2. Excellent for Skin Care Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.
   
3. Aids in Dental Care Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.
   
4. Cures Throat Infections Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.
   
5. Good for Weight Loss One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.
   
6. Controls High Blood Pressure Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.
   
7. Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.
   
8. Good for treating Rheumatism Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.
   
9. Reduces Fever Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.
   
10. Acts as a blood purifier The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.
    

Read more: http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/top-10-health-benefits-of-lemon-water-1422542#ixzz1BS3eNDxD

A little Inspiration for you :-)

God is the Reason

God is the reason I am here today and able to share with you that he is the reason I am who I am. God has brought me through some hard times in my life. Are you going throught a hard time? Here are some verses that I found really helpful and encouraging and I hope you do as well! Just rememebr he knows the end form the beginning and it will all be ok. This too shall pass :-)

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:31
If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

Enjoy The Single Life

Enjoy The Single Life

By examining some of the drawback of being in a relationship you can learn to enjoy the single life. Another aspect of a relationship is that you lose time to develop your own interests and well being. It seems that every time I get into a relationship, I work out less, I read less, and self improvement gets put on the back burner, or even worse, gets tossed out the window altogether. If you find yourself suddenly single, take the time that you would normally spend with a lover and use it to make yourself even more attractive. Take a college course, read that long novel you've been staring at in the bookstore window, do some yoga, go on a diet -- anything to make yourself a better person. Not only will you be better of for it, but you may find that this increase in your charisma will attract potential future partners. Working out, increasing your brain power, etc. will only make you more attractive to potential mates. Of course, this means that eventually you'll give up these new pursuits -- but the improvement you gain while single can't be taken away. Being single is the perfect time to work on the most important person in your life: you.

Being single doesn't have to mean being lonely. Casual dating is a vital part of your development -- believe it or not, it is possible to date without the serious commitments that get in the way of your life. In other words, being single frees you up to date a variety of people. You might consider dating someone you would never think of as a "partner" -- you never know what you can learn about yourself and other people by expanding your horizons. By taking a variety of people out on casual dates, you'll expand your future pool of romantic partners, and at very least you can make some new friends. Dating new people also opens up new activities, things you may have never tried or even considered. I once went on a casual date with a girl from Ethiopia who wanted to take me to an authentic Ethiopian restaurant. This is not a type of food I would normally seek out, but I found out that I LOVE Ethiopian food. I now seek out Ethiopian restaurants in every city I visit. This is just one small example -- perhaps you'll take a very adventurous friend out on a date, and he or she will want to go sky diving or take a hot air balloon ride. The adrenalin rush will not only increase the sparks between the two of you, but its good for your mental health and well being. Being single doesn't have to mean being lonely -- it can simply mean a wider scope of potential partners.

Last but not least another advantage of being single is that it's a million times less stressful than being in a serious relationship. Many of our relationships cause stress, and stress is just plain awful for our physical and mental health, causing depression, changes in blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and all sorts of potential nasty side effects. The single life is a relatively stress free life. You can enjoy your time alone, lounge around the house naked, take part in your favorite activities without wondering if your partner is enjoying it, and just generally relax. People pay good money to therapists and gyms to avoid stress, when simply living the single life can do much to relieve stress.

There is nothing wrong with having a serious romantic partner. In fact, I firmly believe that healthy relationships are the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. But its just as important to recognize when we need to be single, and to acknowledge the positive side of the single life. The next time you find yourself "alone" consider this -- you're never alone if you've got yourself, and being single can be the best way to really learn who you are. So cheer up -- all is not lost just because you don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Now -- I'm off to go bowling with my buddies, but first I have to call my girlfriend and make sure its okay. Man, this single life is looking better and better all the time...

This is a re-post from: http://www.askdeb.com/love/single/  Thank you! All Views expressed may not be agrees by PRS but we found it very helpful!

Winter Beauty Tips

Fall & Winter Beauty Tips

When the temperature changes, so should your beauty routine. Your hair and skin react differently to cooler climates, so you need to redefine your regimen to get the results you want to see.
If you want to adapt when the weather gets colder, take note of these Fall and Winter beauty tips to keep your skin and hair looking beautiful.

Winter Skin Care

Cold weather means indoor heating which will have an adverse affect on your skin. To combat the drying affects, switch to a heavier moisturizing cream to add much-needed hydration. Lock in moisture by doing this while your face is still wet.

Avoid baths and showers that are too hot, and cool the water before you get out. Your skin will retain more moisture this way and you won't go through the temperature shock so much when you get out. Rub in body lotion on your arms and legs and feet, particularly on your elbows and knees.
Use eye cream at night to combat dryness. If you do this on a regular basis, you'll probably notice a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Get your beauty sleep to lower stress and put your best face forward.

Tips for staying warm in your home

Let’s stay warm this winter:

1. Tape over leaky cracks along the edges of windows. (I use clear packaging tape.) Check to make sure it won’t hurt the paint, but I haven’t found it to be a problem.

2. Roll up a blanket or towel and place it under doors or windows to block drafts.

3. Put on a sweater.

4. Insulate the windows by hanging a clear vinyl shower curtain behind the drapes. We did this in one room with three exposed walls, and it really helped to stabilize the temperature.

5. Bake something.

6. Close air vents to unused spaces.

7. If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed. (Speaking from experience here.)

8. Keep closet and cabinet doors closed (except for cabinets with pipes during a freeze warning).

9. Buy a programmable thermostat — you can take it with you when you move.

10. A humidifier causes the air to feel warmer.

11. Cuddle up under quilts.

12. Use a space heater, carefully.

13. Put an electric blanket on your bed.

14. Drink something hot.

15. Switch the ceiling fans to turn in reverse.

16. Cozy up with a hot water bottle.

17. Apply weather stripping to doors or windows (easy and cheap).

18. Soak in a hot bath.

19. Wear wooly socks.

20. What is your best tip to stay warm?

http://smallnotebook.org/2008/11/17/20-tips-to-stay-warm-in-your-apartment/

Learn to LOVE A.M. workouts!!

1. Exercising early in the morning "jump starts" your metabolism, keeping it elevated for hours, sometimes for up to 24 hours! As a result, you’ll be burning more calories all day long—just because you exercised in the morning.
    
2. Exercising in the morning energizes you for the day—not to mention that gratifying feeling of virtue you have knowing you’ve done something disciplined and good for you. (Much better than a worm!)
    
3. Studies have shown that exercise significantly increases mental acuity—a benefit that lasts four to ten hours after your workout ends. Exercising in the a.m. means you get to harness that brainpower, instead of wasting it while you’re snoozing.
    
4. Assuming you make exercise a true priority, it shouldn’t be a major problem to get up 30 to 60 minutes earlier—especially since regular exercise generally means a higher quality of sleep, which in turn means you’ll probably require less sleep. (If getting up 30 to 60 minutes earlier each day seems too daunting, you can ease into it with 10 to 20 minutes at first.)
    
5. When you exercise at about the same time every morning—especially if you wake up regularly at about the same time—you’re regulating your body's endocrine system and circadian rhythms. Your body learns that you do the same thing just about every day, and it begins to prepare for waking and exercise several hours before you actually open your eyes. That’s beneficial because:
   
   
   • Your body’s not “confused” by wildly changing wake-up times, which means waking up is much less painful. (You may even find that you don’t need an alarm clock most days.)
   • Hormones prepare your body for exercise by regulating blood pressure, heart rate, blood flow to muscles, etc.
   • Your metabolism, along with all the hormones involved in activity and exercise, begin to elevate while you're sleeping. As a result, you’ll feel more alert, energized, and ready to exercise when you do wake up.

6.  Many people find that morning exercise has a tendency to regulate their appetite for the rest of the day. Not only do they eat less (since activity causes the release of endorphins, which in turn diminishes appetite), they also choose healthier portions of healthier foods.
    
7. People who consistently exercise find, sometimes to their great surprise, that the appointed time every morning evolves into something they look forward to. Besides the satisfaction of taking care of themselves, they find it’s a great time to plan their day, pray, or just think more clearly—things most of us often don’t get to do otherwise.
    
8. Exercising first thing in the morning is the most foolproof way to ensure that other things don’t overtake your fitness commitment, particularly if you have a hectic family life. (It’s so easy to wimp out in the evening, when we’re tired or faced with such tasks as rustling up dinner and helping with homework.)
    
9. More than 90% of those who exercise consistently have a morning fitness routine. If you want to exercise on a regular basis, the odds are in your favor if you squeeze your workout into the a.m.
    
10. Non-morning people can always trick themselves in the a.m. Having trouble psyching yourself up for a sunrise jog? Do what I did—tell yourself that you’ll still be so fast asleep that you won’t even remember—much less mind!  

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=468