Here We Are...with Luci

10 Easy Tips To Stay Healthy This Winter

A Guest Post by Marie-Christine Lochot, NCTMB (republished with permission)

We are almost half-way through this winter season. Some people enjoy each day while others struggle to maintain their physical health and mental well-being. If you are counting the days until springtime, then try these 10 easy tips to help you be well this winter.

1. A good night's sleep is more important than ever. Studies show that half of Americans are sleep deprived. Eight hours a night is the goal. Interestingly, the hours spent sleeping before midnight are the most beneficial.

2. Eat warm, nutritious food. Cold foods like ice cream, salads, and iced drinks use a lot of energy to digest.

3. In traditional Chinese medicine, winter is "kidney" season. A few of the most beneficial foods to eat at this time are: shellfish, black beans, toasted walnuts. {Please avoid these foods if you have allergies.}

4. Keep exercising, especially walking, even when it is cold outside (or visit your local mall and window shop as you walk indoors). Try to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Short on time? Remember that taking mini-exercise breaks of 5 or 10 minutes several times a day is very effective.

5. Keep stretching. Establish a 10 minute routine every day of slow, easy stretches.

6. Think you are coming down with something? Using your fingers, tap the sides of your body for 1 to 2 minutes.

7. Laugh and have fun with family and friends. This will boost your immune system.

8 & 9. Keeping a positive attitude and expressing gratitude - inwardly and outwardly - are two of the most powerful things we can do to take care of ourselves. 

10. Treat yourself to a massage or an energy balancing session!

Like a lot of things, the more of these tips you practice, the better you will feel. Start today and enjoy the rest of the season, it will be over before you know it!

February: Warm and Fuzzy

Announcements, Updates, and Reminders

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Love, Love, Love: It's the month to celebrate being in love. When we think of this, we usually think in terms of a significant other. Hallmark, Godiva, and 1-800-Flowers spend a lot of money on advertising to sell a lot of cards, candy, and flowers. Why not make this month about loving yourself? While you are giving gifts to special people in your life, remember to treat yourself well, too. Indulge yourself with a new trinket, get a massage, meet a friend for lunch...do whatever makes you feel special. Don't wait, do it now, and enjoy it -- Live Your Life Out Loud. 

Speaking of Love and Diamonds: Congrats! You got engaged on Valentine's Day. There are lots of plans to make in the next few months, be sure one of them is a Prenuptial Agreement...especially if you own a business. Join us live on Sunday, February 21, at 6:30pm EST, on the Here We Are Radio Show. My guest, Judith Hartz, Esq., will discuss this thorny topic -- as well as WHO gets to keep the ring if you break up. Everyone knows someone who has been in this situation, so tune in and be prepared!

Hearty Hearts: Friday, Feb. 5 is the American Heart Association's national Go Red For Women day. Has it been a while since you put on your red dress and dancing shoes? Then get moving toward a healthier you with the program's BetterU, the 12 week Go Red Makeover That Can Change Your Life! 

Heartfelt Acts: February 15 - 21 is Random Acts of Kindness week. While I wish kindness was promoted everyday, at least there is a movement toward improving the lives of others. Studies show good deeds may even be good for your heart!

UPDATES

Gifts, Gifts, Gifts: The December gift donation has been made on behalf of the HWA readers to Canine Companions For Independence. HWA pledged $1.00 per the 28 comments posted on the blog during December which was added to a predetermined base amount. Thank you to all who commented, please continue sharing your thoughts; we love to hear from you.

The call for comments in January to win a new CD of the movie soundtrack for New Moon is over. The gift recipient will be announced in the March "Announcements..." article. Again, thank you all for contributing.

Facebook Review: A "Reviews" tab on the HWA page on FB has been added. We invite you to leave a review of your experience about the HWA blog or FB page. The February gift, a box of Godiva chocolate, will be given to one of the sweet reviewers (randomly selected).

REMINDERS:

Eat Red: Put some "red" on your plate with the following "good for you" foods: Apples, Cherries, Red Grapes, Raspberries, Strawberries, Pomegranates, and Red Onions. 

Valentine Crafts: Need some easy gifts for the kids to make? Check out these Sweets Served Up Without The Sugar for nifty, inexpensive ideas.

Wishing you a warm and fuzzy February!

Thirty days hath September,

April, June, and November.

February has twenty-eight alone,

All the rest have thirty-one;

Excepting leap year, -- that's the time

When February's days are twenty-nine.

~ The Return from Parnassus, 1606.

Our Deepest Fear: Stepping Into Your Power

Part 1 of the Here We Are series, Live Your Life Out Loud 

Are you struggling to bloom into the rose you were meant to be? It may be time to step into your power and become the person that lights up a room, lives to her fullest potential, thereby encouraging the best in others. She is in there, and you know it!

Don't be afraid that this is too hard to accomplish or that empowerment will take more energy than you have to make a change. Sometimes all it takes is the realization that you have been "shrinking" in order to "keep the peace," "don't rock the boat," or "protect other people's feelings." If you recognize these feelings in your life, then this excerpt will give you the support you are seeking.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. ~ Marianne Williamson, from the book, A Return To Love

Dare to be brilliant, talented, fabulous, interesting, outspoken, and anything else you want to be. Amazing things will happen when you step into your power and let your light shine for the world to see!

Wave Goodbye To Dry Hands: Quick Tips To Soothe Your Skin This Winter

Are you wringing your hands because they are dry from hand washing this winter? Have you looked down and said to yourself, "Whose hands are these?" Surprised by the cracked cuticles and shriveled skin you see?

Hand to hand combat occurs when we repeatedly wash our hands in an effort to stay healthy because the resulting dry skin can make us vulnerable. Our skin's natural protective moisture barrier goes down the drain with the germs we wash away. That moisture is important because extremely dry, cracked skin allows an easy avenue for cold and flu germs to enter our bodies.

While hot water, soap, and alcohol based gel sanitizers are a helpful part of staying healthy throughout the winter season, they can be harsh on the skin. It's time to knuckle down with these beauty tips to restore dry hands to the smooth and supple beauties they deserve to be.

It may take a few weeks to see a difference, so start today and wave goodbye to dry hands:

1. Dry hands = Dry nails & cuticles: Remove nail polish since it draws attention to hands. Buff and shape your nails to a clean finish. Taking a break from polish means a break from chemical removers; even the non-acetone removers are tough on nails. They may look naked, but nails need time to breathe to be healthy and strong. You will see much better results when you get your next manicure if your nails and cuticles are no longer dried and cracked.

2. Exfoliate the sweet, inexpensive way: In a small bowl, mix 1 Tbsp. of olive oil with 2 Tbsp. of sugar into a paste. (I use Carapelli's Extra Virgin Olive Oil for this beauty recipe.) Over the sink -- Gently scrub your hands for about a minute with the paste (no water). Then rinse in warm water and continue scrubbing until all the sugar has dissolved. The oil will bead up. Use a paper towel to blot your hands, leaving a light layer of the oil -- no worries, in a few minutes the oil will be gone. You will feel an immediate improvement in the texture of your skin. Try this once a week to keep dry, flaky skin away. NOTE: Do not use salt.

3. Lip Smacking Good Cuticle Care: Hand cream and butters are helpful, but dry cuticles need extra help. I've seen the best results from Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment for Lips. A little goes a long way to healing dry cuticles. Plus, you save money by buying a product that does double duty. 

4. Give the slip to bar soaps laden with chemicals: Avoid antibacterial soaps -- there is much concern over the harmful effects of triclosan. Try to select soaps that are made with quality base oils and essential oils. Currently, I am enjoying pleasant results from Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Shea Butter hand soap. It has definitely reduced the dryness factor from repeated hand-washing this winter.

5. The Cream Machine: Pick one you like, but check the ingredient list before you buy. Try to select creams that are made from natural ingredients without perfumes. Confused by Sodium Lauryl Sulfate on the label of soaps and creams? This informative article about SLS by Kayla Fioravanti, Certified Aromatherapist and owner of Essential Wholesale, will answer your questions.

The TRICK is to keep a bottle / jar / tube of cream at EVERY SINK in the house. Think about how many times you have washed your hands, dried them, only to discover hand cream wasn't handy. This is a missed opportunity to prevent dry skin. Use a 1-2-3 step process, wash - damp dry - moisturize. This works to build up moisture for your next washing. It seems simple and repetitive but your hands will thank you so apply, apply, apply!

6. Keep 'em covered indoors and out: Use plastic gloves when you clean or do dishes. Wear white cotton gloves at night after applying hand cream and cuticle care product to help seal in the product (if you don't have cotton gloves, use a pair of old white cotton socks). It looks kooky, but it works to speed up the healing process of dry skin. When outdoors, gloves or mittens are essential in protecting your skin from the elements.

The more steps you take to lessen the drying process, the better your results. Think about all your hands do for you each day; they deserve some extra care. Incorporate these quick tips into your routine to help soothe your skin this winter so they are ready for spring!

The ABC's of Aging Gracefully: More Than Skin-deep

As another year has closed behind us, here is a wonderful list for making the most of the days ahead.

Avoid Botox

Bloom Late

Celebrate

Dance At Weddings

Eat More Chocolate

Fall In Love Again

Go Grey

Hold Hands

Inspire

Jettison Grudges

Kiss Like You Mean It

Laugh

Mend Fences

Nurture Friendships

Open Doors

Perspire With Aplomb

Quit Whining

Rekindle Romance

Spoil Babies

Teach Someone To Read

Upset Convention

Volunteer

Wear Red

EXpect Joy

Yield Gracefully

Zing   ~ Attribution Not Found

Which one is your favorite? Are you actively "living" this list? Is there one you'll add to your routine? Share with us!

The WOMB Feature Blooms: Introducing "Woman On a Mission in Business"

Here We Are is looking for women who are taking charge, making strides, and living their lives out loud by using their businesses to prosper and help others.

As Here We Are grows, our mission to help busy women make their lives better, brighter, and easier, continues to bloom. We are proud to introduce our new quarterly feature, WOMB, Woman On a Mission in Business.

Don't be a shrinking violet, you don't have to run a multimillion dollar international corporation or be Mother Teresa (and I mean that in the best of ways), but you must have a mission. The splintering of media into a multitude of avenues means every bit of exposure and attention counts these days. If the seeds of your passion are already planted, then the WOMB guidelines will be easy for you to follow.

HWA wants to help you blossom by focusing on your products, services, or knowledge, and the passion that drives your mission. It is our way of helping you run the world. We want to know about you, learn from you, and share your message.

Here are the basic WOMB guidelines (for more details on how to apply, please see the entire WOMB guidelines):

1. You must be a Woman who owns her own business (sorry fellows, this one is for the gals only).

2. You must have an active business website, i.e., "coming soon, under construction, etc." sites are not eligible.

3. There is no limit to the types of businesses which can apply, but a mission must exist. If you don't know what I mean by this, you don't have a mission.

4. Your business can be a start-up, small, mid, or large size one; not-for-profit is fine, too.

5. You and your company can be anywhere in the world, but all communications must be done in English via email.

6. If you are new to HWA, please be a flower in our garden by becoming a HWA email subscriber and friend/fan the HWA page on FB.

The "announcements section" of the January: A New Page article promo'd the upcoming WOMB spotlight. The internet is a great way to draw attention to your mission. Yesterday,   blogger, Bill Van Loan, surprised us by showcasing this coming feature on his blog with very kind words and much appreciated link-love. Thank you, Bill! 

NOTE: The first quarterly 2010 WOMB company has been selected and will be featured soon. We are currently looking for the second, third, and fourth quarter WOMBs.

Let HWA sprinkle a little water on your garden as you grow and put down roots!

Chick Flick Chat: "New Moon" Rises and Falls

Please CLICK HERE to listen to the latest Chick Flick Chat featuring, New Moon - The Second Movie in the Twilight Series.

"If a rush of danger is what it takes to see him, then that's what I'll find." ~ Bella Swan, played by Kristen Stewart, in "New Moon"

Teenage daughter? Niece? Granddaughter? Forget whether she is on Team Edward or Team Jacob and realize that this movie undermines her self-esteem. This follow-up radio show to Chick Flick Chat, Twilight - The Movie, chomps down harder on the not so buried message that true love hurts. 

Sorry Twi-hards, this uber-popular movie promotes bad choices, dangerous chances, self-destructive behavior, the "Cinderella Syndrome," and a request for death as romantic antics. Love it or hate it, the movie offers plenty to discuss about how these messages are presented to young girls.

Calling for Comments: Have something to say? Want to join in on the discussion? Which is your favorite movie, "Twilight" or "New Moon"? Comment on this article OR offer your thoughts on ANY article that is open to accept comments. The January gift is a new CD Soundtrack from the film, New Moon. While we take issue with the movie's messages, the music stands alone. Remember to subscribe by email to be eligible, thanks!

January: A New Page

Announcements, Updates, & Reminders

ANNOUNCEMENTS

It's a new decade, a new year, and a new month. Happy 2010! Welcome back to Here We Are, it's great to see you again. Changes are happening around HWA as we continue to grow and define our mission of helping women make their lives better, brighter, and easier on our way to running the world. Here are a few new items you will notice this year:

- We will be adding more product reviews and how-to articles to save you time and money.

- There will be a new HWA quarterly spotlight article focusing on business women who are making a difference and doing things their own way. Have a product or service to offer with a mission? Are you setting trends? Pursuing your dreams? You and your business could be the subject of this feature; more details will follow soon. Check out the women owned businesses featured on HWA in 2009, Blue Moon Candles and JaLa Designs.

- It's time to speak out, stand up, put your foot down, and take charge. Join us in our Live Your Life Out Loud monthly campaign under the Women In Media & Culture category. If you are tired of being misunderstood, passed over, ignored, placated, or generally fed up in work, society, or life, these articles will have you assessing and evaluating why and how you can tackle these issues.

Radio Show: In keeping with the "new" theme, we are kicking off the first HWA Radio Show of the year with Chick Flick Chat featuring New Moon, the second movie in the Twilight series. The show will air live, Sunday, January 10, 2010, at 6:30pm EST. Call-in to chat by dialing 646-929-2473. My co-host, Sue, and I will continue to discuss the impact and meaning that this popular series has on young women.

UPDATES

Gifts, Gifts, Gifts: The Twilight "secret word" contest which ran from October through December is over. The winners of the paranormal anthology, Hot Blooded, are April of NJ, Laura of PA, and Susanne of NV. Thank you to everyone who listened and emailed the secret word, "Arizona."

November's HWA blog gift winner of the Essentials of Roasting cookbook is HWA subscriber, Amorette of NJ.

Speaking of roasting...Friend of the HWA page on Facebook, John of CA, won the piano CD, In A Sentimental Mood. His tempting turkey photo took the photo contest prize. His wife, Justine, who cooked the turkey received a package of Milk and Cookeez sugar cookie soaps.

Need a gift to give? Tammy Wall-Brodbeck, another friend of the HWA page on FB, is the owner of Milk and Cookeez. She is always baking up deliciously sweet soaps. If you are looking for unique party favors, hostess gifts, or a treat for yourself, look no further than these scrumptiously delightful (and effective) natural soaps. The scents are so yummy...You'll be tempted to take a bite!

Calling for comments: The January HWA blog gift will go to a HWA email subscriber who comments on any article during the month. The gift is a new CD featuring the original motion picture soundtrack of New Moon. No matter what you think of the movie, the music is very cool. So start to Live Your Life Out Loud and share your thoughts, tips, ideas, suggestions.

REMINDERS

Need a little help in changing things in your life? If the subject of your New Year's resolution has you feeling like a failure already, then Resolution Schmezalution can support you in creating a new beginning. Without action, everything stays the same; with action, anything is possible.

Here is a famous quote by Zig Ziglar to get the wheels turning:

You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great!

New Year, New Decade

Happy 2010! Wishing you the best for a wonderful new year and a prosperous decade ahead!

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. ~ Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), 3rd US President, 1801-1809

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To all the HWA readers and subscribers: Thank you for a wonderful 2009, we look forward to sharing 2010 with you. ~ Luci

Changing Your Life: The Top 5 "Here We Are" Personal Growth Articles of 2009

Putting Your Ducks In A Row For 2010

The holidays are almost over, the year is coming to a close, and life goes on. We reflect, revel, and remember the last year as a time capsule. Did you do the things you wanted to do? Needed to do? Longed to do? If not, perhaps you might like a bit of help to shape your hopes and dreams for 2010.

Remember, change is hard but without it there is no growth. It is time to put your ducks in a row to begin living the life you want.

Not sure where to begin? Get behind the wheel with Mind Map: Driving The Road To Success. If you already know what you want, but can't figure out how to begin the transformation, then Part 1 of Goal Getter...What To Write Down will have you inching your way there. Keep moving forward with Part 2 of Goal Getter...Getting What You Want to implement your plan.

Did the holiday festivities remind you that you can't stand your in-laws and your marriage has exceeded its expiration date? Listen for very helpful tips on Much To Do About Divorce: Positioning Yourself Before You Ask or Are Asked.

All too serious for you? Then at least tackle your overcrowded closet. You will feel like a weight has been lifted with Closet Cleaning...Clearing The Way For A Wearable Wardrobe.

As we say goodbye to 2009, these 5 very popular HWA articles will help you jump the hurdles that are holding you back as you begin 2010. Pick one and start today, your tomorrow will be better for it!