Poor Posture? Achy Back or Legs?

When I was reading about women’s health this summer, I came across some information about posture. Like so many women, I can sit for long hours at a desk in front of a computer – doing office work, blogging (a little lax lately :)), researching family. But these activities can lead to a poor posture. Posture is something I wish to keep in good order. Here are two things I’m now using and really seeing the benefits of.

The roll I use on the chair at my personal computer. It provides excellent support for the curvature of my lower back  – to keep my frame straight. It  just feels good. The foot rest I use at my office computer as my legs don’t reach the floor. It supports my feet and  prevents back and leg discomfort! I find it far more comfortable than putting my feet on a box. Since using the footrest my legs don’t ache sitting at my desk.

Maybe one of these will bring you comfort and keep your posture healthy.

I’ve attached this link to an article about posture. Have a comfortable day.

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Time Saving Ideas

I really like these time saving ideas that I came across this morning on Real Simple. Maybe you will too.

1. Send gift certificates for presents. Order online—no shopping, no wrapping, no exchanges.

2. Buy bagged salad greens and rotisserie chickens, two cornerstones of quick, healthy dinners. Add shredded chicken to casseroles, salads, soups, and pastas.

3. Ask for the earliest appointment. The later in the day you book a doctor’s visit, a haircut, or a meeting, the greater the chance it will be delayed.

4. Keep a stash of all-purpose birthday cards on hand, at home, and in the office.

5. Put a list of movies you want to rent and books you want to read in your wallet or smartphone.

6. Keep doubles and triples of things you use all the time (scissors, tape, reading glasses, cleaning supplies) in every corner of the house. This will prevent extra trips up and down the stairs for minor projects.

7. Get an electronic tag for your car if it is accepted at toll plazas in your area.

8. Invest in a wireless handheld e-mail device (such as a BlackBerry). Keep in touch with friends during unexpected downtime.

9. Sign up for automatic bill paying at your bank’s website.

10. Buy a case of your favorite olive oil or wine so you don’t have to make last-minute trips for hostess or birthday gifts.

11. Buy movie tickets in advance using Moviefone or Fandango to avoid wasting time on lines.

12. Whenever possible, double a recipe. Eat half right away, and freeze the rest for a future meal.

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‘If your gonna jack ‘em up you gotta clean ‘em up’

Repost, I first posted this May 10, 2010. It’s that time again Ladies, lets take care of our feet.

Ladies, summers here and  it’s time to look at our feet.  You may be wearing sandals or flip flops already.  Not taking care of our feet can become a cosmetic problem.  I once heard a radio announcer say on the air ‘if your gonna jack ‘em up you gotta clean ‘em up’. If your feet have been neglected over the winter and they are dry and cracked, now is the time to freshen them up. It really is quite simple and inexpensive.  Begin by lathering your feet with lotion before you go to bed.  Any lotion will do. Put on cotton socks and leave them on overnight.  If your feet are very dry and cracked add Vaseline to your lotion or use Vaseline by itself.   Each time you shower or bath, use a pumice stone on your heels and rough spots. You can exfoliate at this time also. Do not try to remove all dry skin at one time.

Once a week set aside time to pamper your feet. Follow these steps:

1). Soak your feet 10 minutes in Epsom salts. Remove old polish.

2). Exfoliate with a scrub – (there are many homemade recipes online)

3). Clean, trim and shape nails

4). Apply lotion

5) Optional – apply a few coats of polish (light pink looks clean and natural)

If you keep this up, you will have pretty feet year round.

My online friend at Ozarkhomesteader has a very nice foot scrub on her site, check it out here.

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A Mother’s Journal

Ladies, have you thought about leaving a legacy for your children? May I suggest a journal that you’ve hand written. I came across this idea a few years ago and I’ve been recording things about my life for awhile now. I think it’ll be treasured by my girls when I gift it to them.  Why not start yours today?  Don’t worry about picking one up, create your own.

Here are a few questions you can answer to get you started:

– what was a fad when you were in school?

– what is one special Christmas celebration you recall?

– who was you favorite teacher and why?

– what is a sound that reminds you of your childhood?

– did you ever go camping with your family? If so, describe one trip?

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Be Beautiful

I’ve been thinking about what happens when a woman develops unhealthy narcissism. I’m sure you’ve seen this, just as I have. As women, if we give ourselves permission to be so self absorbed, we can become out of control and unattractive. To avoid this personality trait, I’m reminded that it’s important to look outside of myself.  By this I mean doing things like: volunteering;  developing good listening skills; looking out for others; and being kind. Regular self examination is really helpful too. Ladies, please don’t become vain, practice a few of the things I’ve mentioned and be beautiful. Have a wonderful day.

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No More Drifting for Me

When my friend Carolyn greets me, she always looks intently into my eyes and usually touches me on my arm.  Her gaze is never broken by a noise or a passerby.  It is like shes connected with my soul.  At times, when I have walked with Carolyn, I’ve noticed that she’s really aware of her surroundings. She sees a delicate vine creeping along the ground; curious mold attached to the bark of a tree; or an interesting rock.  Things don’t seem to bounce off of her, she engages in all that she participates in. I’ve always found this fascinating about her and wondered how I could get some of this for myself.  I recently came to realize that Carolyn has cultivated mindfulness into her life.  Shes perfected paying close attention, on purpose, to one thing at a time.  I really want to have this quality in my life. I’m pretty sure that through my practice of meditation and my love of nature, I should get better at paying attention.  For others it may be through art,  music or contemplation.  Ladies, lets together get good at not drifting through life mindlessly. Have a superb day.

P.S. At times, when  I mention Carolyn’s name to my daughter Erin, she will say ‘oh, I love Carolyn’.

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Style 101- What Every Stylish Woman Should Know

Every now and then I come across a good reference book. This particular one is targeting woman who are interested in style.  The book covers over 100 how- to’s.  The information is very useful and timeless. I first saw this book in a home decorating store. I purchased it and mailed it to my sister – I think shes enjoyed it.  I, myself, have rented it from the library twice now.  I recently gleaned information from this book before buying a double string of vintage pearls I had spotted at a thrift store.  I’m very pleased with my purchase.  Some topics include how to:

Find the perfect pants

Pick a makeup brush

Trim your bangs

Buy pearls

Arrange a bookshelf

Buy vintage clothes

Create a 5 star bedroom

Decorate with color….

I am sure you will find something useful in this book if you pick it up or rent it from your library. Have a great week.

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Urgent and Non Urgent Activities

I was recently reminded of how important it is for me the pay attention to the urgent and non urgent activities I participate in.

I find that if I am not paying attention, my activities can easily be consumed by someone else’s urgency. For example, when someone calls me with a concern I may feel I must respond and help solve the problem. It really has nothing to do with me, but now I am involved. If this continues to go on day after day, these demands can make me feel overwhelmed. Sometimes it is best to say ‘I am sorry I don’t know …..’ I find that paying attention has helped me to see what a valid need is and what drama is.

The daily activities that are most important to me are the ones that have no urgency.  If I am not careful, these activities can be very difficult to fit into my life – but they are the ones that have the most value. They are things like: spending time with my girls; talking with my husband; physical fitness; developing relationships; responding to a valid need & taking care of my soul.

Ladies, why not take the time to write out your daily activities for a few days. Are you spending more time on other people’s urgencies or on the activities you value?  Give urgency to the things that are most important to you. Have a wonderful day. Linda

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Become Great at Accepting Unforeseen Gifts

You know, it really is important to be a good gift receiver.  There was a time when I felt uncomfortable receiving gifts out of the blue. Then I thought about how I like to give a little spontaneous gift just because I’m thinking of someone & want to show them that they’re special to me. I realized that I needed to allow others to experience the special blessing that gift giving creates by accepting a gift graciously – with no strings attached. Now, I’ve become a much better receiver of unanticipated gifts.

Here is a story that illustrates my point better. Over the years, I’ve occasionally volunteered at a local soup kitchen.  I like to work at the coffee/tea counter because I have direct client contact. At this kitchen, it’s suggested that the client pay a dime for a cup of coffee. (If they don’t have a dime, they get the coffee anyway). I wondered about the fee and asked a staff member why the coffee wasn’t free considering the meal was. It was explained to me that charging a fee was providing an opportunity for the clients to maintain their dignity. You see, most of them have a dime. What surprised me was how generous these individuals were with their limited amount of money. If they could, many also paid .10 cents for the person behind them in the coffee line. Believe me; the clients were very happy to have the opportunity to give a gift of a cup of coffee to another. I’m always moved by these acts of kindness.

There is just something so very special about giving a gift – don’t you agree? We all need to help provide the opportunity for others to give gifts by being good receivers – no matter what journey we (or they) are on.  Have a wonderful day. Linda

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Friendship

Recently, I met my dear friend for breakfast.  We hadn’t seen each other for awhile.  When she asked what was going on in my life, I shared my journey with her. We laughed and we cried together.  I felt so much better after I was able to share what was on my heart – with another woman.   I just wonder how many women could avoid professional counseling if they had a close friend to talk with – someone that accepted them for who they are.   Ladies, once again, I encourage you to nurture a few soul type friendships.  Have a wonderful day. Linda

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Look Nice Today

Ladies, I would like to stress how important it is to look nice daily. It really doesn’t take much to look fresh.  It can be as simple as moisturizing your skin; applying mascara; adding lip balm; and combing your hair.

I always like to add a little extra touch when I am going shopping; out for coffee; or to friends for dinner. Sometimes, it is as simple as putting on a crisp tapered cotton shirt;  dark blue jeans; and dangling earrings. My husband and I work together in our home and I like to take a few extra minutes every day to look nice for him too. The extra attention you spend on your appearance will make you feel better and will not go unnoticed.  I believe there is truth in the saying ” if you look good you feel good if you feel good you do good”.  Have a wonderful day. Linda

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Shortcuts

I really see the benefits of not taking shortcuts.  By this I mean, seeing things through; ‘short term pain for long term gain’; perseverance….. I am sure you get what I mean now. There really are long term gains in not rushing into things; taking the time to plan; examining situations; and taking baby steps.  I seem to meet more and more people nowadays who want instant gratification. They do not want to put in the time, energy or resources now for the future.  It seems there are fewer and fewer people waiting on things – enduring.  Shortcuts may look good at the time, but the benefits diminish and can come at a great cost. For years, my husband and I endured and stuck to what we believed to be right, and it really has paid off. We stuck it out through the valleys of our marriage; invested time in our children; developed friendships; managed debt/credit; saved money; are/were content with our first home; and pay/paid for holidays upfront and on and on.  Although all these things may seem boring, they have allowed us to have a comfortable life now. Ladies, please do not take shortcuts.  Work for the things you would like and spend time nurturing your soul and your relationships. Consciously take the necessary time and steps to line things up for a fulfilling future. Don’t just live for today, live for tomorrow too. Persevere.

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‘If your gonna jack ‘em up you gotta clean ‘em up’

Ladies, with the cold weather ending, and summer approaching, it is time to look at our feet. Soon we will be wearing sandals, open toe shoes and flip flops.  Not taking care of our feet can become a cosmetic problem.  I once heard a radio announcer say on the air ‘if your gonna jack ‘em up you gotta clean ‘em up’. If your feet have been neglected over the winter and they are dry and cracked, now is the time to freshen them up. It really is quite simple and inexpensive.  Begin by lathering your feet with lotion before you go to bed.  Any lotion will do. Put on cotton socks and leave them on overnight.  If your feet are very dry and cracked add Vaseline to your lotion or use Vaseline by itself.   Each time you shower or bath, use a pumice stone on your heels and rough spots. You can exfoliate at this time also. Do not try to remove all dry skin at one time.

Once a week set aside time to pamper your feet. Follow these steps:

1). Soak your feet 10 minutes in Epsom salts. Remove old polish.

2). Exfoliate with a scrub – (there are many homemade recipes online)

3). Clean, trim and shape nails

4). Apply lotion

5) Optional – apply a few coats of polish (light pink looks clean and natural)

If you keep this up, you will have pretty feet year round.

My online friend at Ozarkhomesteader has a very nice foot scrub on her site, check it out here.

Read Full Post »

Card/Note Writing

Ladies, I can not stress enough how important card writing is.  Writing a card is a very simple way to cheer up another person’s day (or week, or month).  I love to send cards.  I send greeting of all kinds, but I like to send a note ‘just because’ I am thinking of a certain person that day. You may feel a little uncomfortable, but I promise that you will make someone’s day a little brighter.  Just think of the last time you received an unexpected card and how wonderful it felt. One of my girlfriends makes the most beautiful detailed cards, I am so happy to receive these now and then. Why not bless someone’s life today, send a card.

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Wide Open Spaces

Ladies, do you sometimes feel worn out; overwhelmed; and with nothing left to give? I have felt this way and at times, I long for wide open spaces. I do my best to implement two simples steps that protect my time and space; I hope they work for you.

1). Work margin into your life.  Don’t schedule appointments/activities back to back during the day.  Give yourself a little time in between so that you can catch your breathe.

2). Set a limit on the number of evenings you are out of the home and guard this.  If another evening out sneaks up, try to move one of the others. You may find yourself getting very good at saying “Let me get back to you in the next couple of days’ before you make a commitment.

Start with these two simple steps and begin to breathe a more peaceful life.

Photo: http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-corn-rimagefree2669941-resi1872868

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Stop the Hurriedness – Please

This morning, I headed out to walk Beni, my daughter Erin’s dog.  It was a crisp snowy morning for the third day of Spring. I was content listening to inspirational music on my MP3 and I was nice and warm in my parka. As I walked, a car approached from behind, hugging the curb and on the wrong side of the road! I noticed the driver was talking on her cell phone. She parked the car (pointing the wrong way) in front of a home where child care is provided. Next, she exited the car alone; crossed in front of me; and proceeded to march towards the house – all the while on her cell phone. As I passed by the car, I was startled when the rear passenger door swung open and out jumped a little boy – about 4 years old.  When the little boy saw Beni, he began to gleefully repeat over and over ‘puppy puppy” – trying to get his moms attention.

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Rejuvenating Bath

One of my favorite things to do to rejuvenate myself is to enjoy a nice hot Epsom Salt bath.  Have you tried this? Epsom  Salt baths help remove toxins by increasing blood flow to the skins surface and drawing from the body toxins. Here is what you need to do:   Run a bath as hot as you can stand; pour ½ to 1 cup of Epsom Salt under the running water; dry brush your entire body (to remove dead skin & get the blood flowing under the skin); and now hop in the tub. Soak in the bath as long as you can – aim for 15 – 30 minutes.  Drink water before and during the bath. Now wash your body and rinse well.  After towel drying, lather your body with lotion.  To add a little more pampering, exfoliate your face and apply a very good moisturizer with  SPF.  Have a rejuvenating bath once a week. You will love it and so will your body.

Other substances you may like to add to the bath water:

Apple cider vinegar – 1 cup – works about the same way as Epsom Salts.

Baking Soda – 1 cup – good old fashion remedy for colds, flus, and skin irritations

Note:

You can gradually add more Epsom Salt with time – about 1-2 cups.

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Rebounder or Mini Trampoline

Tonight, before going to bed, I bounced on my rebounder for a few minutes. I must say, this is an exercise piece that is used frequently in our home.  About 4 years ago, while reading, I came across the benefits of rebounding/ bouncing. Some of the benefits include: less stress impact on joints; increase in muscular strength; improved posture, balance and coordination; better mental functioning; lower cholesterol; slowing down the aging process; relief of pain; boost in immune and lymphatic systems; elimination of toxins from the body, weight loss and an overall sense of well-being.

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News – Being Aware

You know ladies; I really want to stress how important it is to know something of what is going on in your city, nation and the world.  I recently spoke with a young mom who said she seldom watched or read news. I suggested to her that she have look at the first page of each section of a local newspaper regularly. This will give her an idea of what is happening outside her world. She can then say when in a conversation ‘I know a little about that, please tell me more’. Ladies, please take the time to be aware.  Have a wonderful day.

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Girlfriends

Today I was reminded of a very special gift that I have – my girlfriends.  My friend, of 24 years, and I went to aquasize and yoga this morning. Afterwards, we went for coffee and chatted about things on our heart.  Visiting with friends is an important part of keeping my life balanced.  I really want to encourage you, ladies, to create and nurture a few ‘soul mate’ type friendships. Remember that a healthy friendship never takes priority over your marriage or children.  If you do not have a female friendship right now, I urge you to develop one, then two and so on. There was a time when I was lonely for a girlfriend.  My children were young and I was a busy stay at home mom and wife. I met a woman, about my age, in my neighborhood and invited her for coffee.  Our children played while we visited. We made it a habit of getting together regularly to talk ‘girl talk’.  She moved away to another city after about one year. I really missed her at first.  Since that time, 25 years ago, I continue to create, maintain and nurture friendships. Some friendships last longer than others; it depends on the season of our lives. Ladies, I hope you take the time to be a friend and have a friend. Your life will be richer.

(Originally written December 24, 2009)

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