HOLIDAY SURVIVAL TIPS

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE !!!!!

image courtesy of the graphics fairy

RIGHT NOW:

* Wear simple matching colored clothes, accent with jewelry for variety

* Use dry shampoo for extra hair lift

* Create a separate makeup bag for the next week with basic essentials~mascara, eyeliner,  eye primer, face primer, foundation, blush, eye & face makeup remover, a lipstick in your favorite shade

* Use clear or light colored nail lacquer, you won't see any chips!

*Have your utensils handy~ hair straightener, brush, eyelash curler !!

The holidays are here, stay on schedule with your fitness and beauty routines!

We have 4 1/2 weeks of holiday season beginning at Thanksgiving in the United States, which includes Hannukah, then Christmas, ending at New Years. If you follow the Roman Catholic calendar, add 3 more days to the Epiphany on January 4th. Either way, that is not much time to accomplish all that we plan!! 

STAY FIT!!

This year I have a plan: HOLIDAY SURVIVAL.  It will allow my fitness to continue, enjoy the holidays, and help others to the extent capable :) Plus, learn a little something extra, too!

First, ADMIT that the holidays are a different time AND for everyone else around you, too.

Second, CHANGE UP your routine. This is a must if you are to keep your fitness level as it is  today until the holidays conclude.

Third, TAKE CONTROL NOW.  You can do this, just as I am right now as I write this!

Here it is, HOLIDAY SURVIVAL -

OUR EXERCISE PLAN

• Plan your exercise routine one week at a time
• Map out the routine you want to accomplish

• I usually swim at the end of the week, I will now swim at the beginning or middle week, PLUS at a completely different time than usual, and THEN plan accordingly each week as it goes 
• I will keep to the schedule I have already committed to, for example, my pre-scheduled pilates class and tennis group
• I will remain flexible with my scheduled planning, making sure to include what I need to stay at goal

Map out your plan NOW!!


OUR NUTRITION

• Carbs will be consumed early in the day
• Incorporate sliced apples or tangerines as snacks, carry in a plastic bag in your purse!
• Eat as much fresh greens as possible
• Chocolate and nuts to a minimum!! Only once a week :) This will be tough....
• Drink coffee 1/2 cup in the morning, 1/2 cup in the afternoon- the coffee bean cuts the appetite, satisfies chocolate cravings!!

OUR WORK

• Arise 30 minutes earlier, so as to take in the day for a fresh start!
• Stay on track with work schedule minimizing distraction
• Keep paperwork organized with regular removal of all unnecessary items
• Make lists for organization, then check off what  has  been accomplished

and SOCIAL...:) :) :)

• Keep positive even when things may not go your way- there are other ways to do things!! Stay positive to keep your time and mind most active!!
• Attend gatherings, enjoy, avoid alcohol, have some seltzer with cranberry juice and a twist of lime in pretty stemware, use a wine glass!
• Get a manicure, hold that stemware with style!
• Eat BEFORE you go out, remember Scarlet O'Hara in Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
• SMILE! And be sure to floss at least 4 X a week, use a whitener too
• And please be considerate of others, not easy sometimes, but make it a daily goal
• Be a GOOD listener, you will learn so much!
• Give someone a compliment!

Enjoy, and ring in the holidays!!

TENNIS BEAUTY

Okay, here it is! Tried and tested beauty on the tennis court, what stays best under tough conditions? I have been wanting to post this information for quite a bit, so here goes, this is what I wear on the court~

 LIPS~ I use Revive Intensite Volumizing Lip Serum. This serum is to be applied in the morning (after brushing and flossing). It is a necessity to keep lips full, lush and wrinkle free, YES, wrinkle free. It is a bit costly, but the .08 oz. lasts a long time, and the pen holder design is quite handy and specific. It DOES plump lips and erases 10 years immediately, without 'bee sting' lips.

If you want a quick fix without the face lift, try this product.

You can find Revive at Neiman Marcus, Blue Mercury, and Revive skincare website, of course.

Revive at Neiman Marcus

Next, I wear a light lip color by Clarins, the Joli Rouge lipstick~

Clarins Joli Rouge Intense, shiny, long-wearing mineral lip colour that deeply moisturizes, plumps, smoothes and beautifully shapes lips with creamy colour and silky, smooth shine. With a unique gel-souffle texture, the more you wear it, the more moisturized your lips become.

For a soft line with added color, I like nude shade, this lip liner stops feathering and lasts!~

Clarins Lip Pencil This easy-to-apply lip liner will be offered in 8 new permanent shades.

 For the FACE~

If playing tennis indoors, I like to give myself a mini beauty treatment by applying face serum, here is a top favorite from Jurlique, soft, absorbing, beautiful!~



Sunscreen! This Neutrogena formula when applied 20 minutes before an outdoor match, absorbs, does not sting the eyes (mine are quite sensitive being blue), and lasts for a good hour, then I recommend re-applying as needed~

Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock Lotion Var Wccpi = "Prod6011698";

I like to add a neutral shade of blush so I have some color in my cheeks with an added touch to the forehead, so I heartily recommend~

Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick Convenient cream-to-powder blush stick glides on colour for a natural, all-day glow. Blends easily with fingertips to desired intensity and coverage. TIP: Use bronze shade Glow Blush to give skin an allover glow. Non-drying.

EYES !!! !!!
When pressed for time, I apply eyeliner first.  Only waterproof, as a tough match will melt away any color fast!


My favorite waterproof beauty products for the eyes are from Makeup For Ever Aqua Eyes. You can best find this brand when shopping at Sephora.

For my blue eyes and to match up with a soft, neutral face palette, I prefer an eye pencil in a metallic grey shade, silvery grey, it gives my eyes definition without being too harsh, especially if playing at 8 AM, who needs black eyeliner so early in the morning??

Silvery Grey 22L at Sephora

A top favorite waterproof mascara of mine is Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof in 01 Extreme Black. This mascara lasts during a match, plus afterwards in the shower and beyond. I love this mascara!

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara Extreme volume. Even when wet. Lashes seem to multiply, magnify and grow. Three different high-volume fibers act like lash extensions, creating audacious lash effects-that last through all wet conditions. All weather. All waterproof.

Before, after the match and beyond, nothing like bright eyes to make your day complete! I have tried so many moisturizers for the eyes, you have to test them to see what you are most compatible with, and the Rhoto Cooling drops at Walgreens works for me.  Give it a few minutes to do its brightening, and then your eyes are sparkling**

Rohto Cooling Eye Drops Maximum Redness Relief Refreshes And Lubricates Fast Acting Long Lasting Comfort

And there you have it, tennis aficionados, a simple beauty regime for the tennis court, it takes a quick 5 minutes to apply this beauty, then you have your best game face, bring it on!

DOVE BEAUTY PATCH TEST

What is beauty? American company Dove rises to the occasion with a patch test! Dove rolls out its 'Campaign for Beauty,' and the results may astound you!

First of all, a small test group is given a patch to put on their arm, and was instructed the patch would enhance their self image. 

I saw 2 women interviewed on the Today Show, with psychologist Dr. Ann Kearney- Cooke a scholar of Columbia University, discussing the RB-X 'beauty' patch, beauty, and how beauty as a pursuit fits into our lives every waking, and I may add, non-waking moment.

We have heard of the 'pursuit of happiness' from our American Declaration of Independence, and authored by Thomas Jefferson, but I submit to you, the concept of the 'pursuit of beauty.'

Here is a Forbes Magazine article, entitled The Outrage at Dove's 'Patches' Advertisement is Outrageous, cites curent commentary, links. From a man's point of view :)

The end result of the study (warning~ spoiler moment here), and as said by the female participants, their personal discovery was that "beauty comes from within."

the reveal, courtesy of Dove

Yes, we have heard this statement many times before, but what makes this situation different is that a study is involved, a controlled scenario where the subjects are told one thing, that the patch makes them beautiful, but in fact there is nothing in or on the patch!  It is simply a patch.  

But truly, what a wild study! Here we have subterfuge (the women are duped, essentially), we have an end result of the women feeling 'beautiful' and even forgiving the ruse, because in essence, what matters most? They felt beautiful, were told by others of their beauty, so the subjects win, they get their wish, and the greatest gift of all, is that they know they can muster this beauty on call now, when they need to, who needs a patch now??

A very interesting study, actually, underscoring state of mind, and how we feel about ourselves, and also how others notice, the self image of projected inner confidence shows and is real.

The two girls on the show appear relaxed, confident, and in control of their lives.  They are soft spoken yet energetic, and curious.  And back to the ruse factor.  They were misled, lied to, yet it does not matter!  The inner beauty they found enwraps forgiveness at its core, they have learned restraint, compassion, understanding, and peace, all attributes that come from within.

Here is a YOutube with Dr. Anne and her subjects, 4 minutes of discovery~

These women are radiant, strong, and the story is about them and 'not the patch.' 

What a gift!

TED BAKER FALL FASHION ACCESSORIES

updated December 8, 2013

Check out Ted Baker's latest!

Ted Baker seasonal offers for Women

Ted Baker tones are deep and rich, accented with his signature floral and fun textures!

To set off and complete these fashions, Ted Baker accessories fit the bill, pretty for most fashions already in your closet!

ONLINE NOW~

These are wonderful NAVLIG boots, sleek and sophisticated~

NAVLIG pointed ankle boot 240

Here is a different angle for this ankle~

NAVLIG detail

These ankle boots have Ted Baker's gold signature sole, and printed lining inside!  If you get one fancy pair of boots, these are the ones! 

The NAVLIG also come in BLACK, and both shades have a gold side zip!!

Wear them in a pencil skirt or leggings, casual or formal, your pick!



One last beauty of an investment, the leather jacket, the best accessory of ALL!

LAHARA fold over collar leather jacket 
on sale for $507

Be smart and this LAHARA beauty will last in your closet for a LONG time!  Classic lines., slim sleeves, soft, feminine collar.

Simply LOVE this jacket, strong and feminine at the same time!!

You may also like the NORRAH leather panel dress!

NORRAH leather panel dress

Pair the NORAH with the LAHARA!

And... accent with this absolutely gorgeous mountain print scarf, the CHOOYU~

CHOOYU silk mountain print scarf

Got crocodile?  Try this exotic sling bag, the CROCBOD~

CROCBOD sling bag

What's in YOUR closet??

See also TED BAKER FOR THE HOLIDAYS! 

  

TENNIS BAGELS

Bagels are for more than breakfast, you want to enjoy them in tennis, too! Of course, not when you are on the receiving end.  We have all been there, myself just yesterday, and even Maria Sharapova in her French Open 2013 quarter-final tennis match against Jankovic.  Of course, Maria fared much better than I did! She won her match at 0-6, 6-4, 6-3. AND, is now on her way to the finals, after beating Vika Azarenka in the semi's, converting a first set win in her own favor at 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. How incredible is that??

So, what goes on when you have nothing but a 0 in the first set? A 'bagel' as the vernacular term is in tennis.  I discovered with myself, that my opponent was not playing the singles game that I wanted, being stubborn set in, I kept trying to turn the points and games my way, some worked, most did not, and presto!  A 0 for the first set. However, I was aware of the obvious play tactic of my opponent, and decided I had to fight fire with fire, to even get a game. "Give her a dose of her own medicine," as the saying goes.

How did the points go? What did my opponent do with her tennis game that I did not do in the first set? She got to the service line immediately. Either after her serve, or when receiving.  She just got there in the middle of the court and stayed there.  Catching high balls, low balls, leaning in for passing shots, running backwards in tiny steps for lobs (that most players cannot get), and slamming away at angles I could run to for a few shots but then she got me. My opponent was a very nice player.

The points and games racked up in her favor ever so quickly, I knew I had to get to net by the middle of the first set, but still felt compelled to play the game and match I won the day before.  Mistake. Each match and opponent is different.  Respect that. And I do, but I thought my game would prevail and I thought incorrectly. Stubborn!

So, next set I fought fire with fire, used my approach shot and came as fast as I could to the service line, I need work on this as I made some errors, but I did save face and get a few games.  Thank goodness!

I will work on this tactic much more, and use it in my own games.  I will look to see how an opponent will approach to such boldness. Will she stay at the baseline, or fight fire with fire?

I think more than anything it is the stubborn factor that happens in a bagel first set.  Maria Sharapova, however, was able to convert her game around totally and win the second set, and the third, to place her in the Women's semi-finals and finals for the French Open 2013. She saw something in Jankovic's game, removed the stubborn factor from her own, and congratulations, Maria, you turned a bagel into a complete breakfast of champions!

photo courtesy of Vincent Kessler/REUTERS

Maria, discussing the first set 0-6~

"I wanted to put that chapter behind me," the second-seeded Sharapova said. "No matter how many errors I made or how disappointed I was with the way I started the match, I knew that I still could try to create chances out there; obviously taking them is another question. But I knew that I was capable of doing much better."

Click here for Maria's interview and highlights of her quarter-final match.

And Djokovic, you almost had a bagel in the third set of your match against Nadal in the Men's semi-finals French Open 2013. The commentators call this an 'intermission' of sorts.  Such is true in the middle of a match. Risky however, as the fourth set must be won to get to a fifth. But then Djokovic did get a game in the third set, no bagels on the board for you!

Tennis is such a wonderful sport, the more you play the more you learn, about the game, about yourself and those around you. It is an honor to play with an advanced player, you will learn, and with practice and observation and an open mind (no bagels intended!) we can all become better players.


FRENCH OPEN UPDATE: 

Women's Final on Saturday will be between Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.

Men's Final is Sunday between Rafael Nadal and  David Ferrer.

Click here for television schedule!

The official outfitter for Roland Garros French Open 2013

STARTLING TENNIS INSIGHTS

This morning I have been reading through notes I have systematically made regarding my tennis progress over the past three years, and some startling observations come to light!

It is definitely spring tennis season, and so far the weather has been cold and windy. My match experience has been quite varied, and fortunately each competition does get better for me.

I have had immense struggles over the past years with my tennis game, and reviewing my notes has given me a wide smile on many levels.  Firstly, I am a computer rated 3.5 USTA player, who has improved from a 3.0 about 4 years ago. Over that span of time I have not competed a lot, but enough to raise my rating and improve my game.  I am thankful for my coaches, my opponents, my Monday contract players (quite a tough bunch!) and anyone who has had to suffer with my endless excuses, because my excuse list IS endless...

But, really folks, not anymore!  It is correct to say NO EXCUSES, because truly, your opponent has the exact same conditions you have. Fine, maybe the wind DID blow profusely only in your direction for two hours, changed direction each time you switched sides, each time you went for a winner, each time you.... yes, you get the message! Excuses are actually quite silly. No more.

Instead, improve upon your game.  One shot at a time.  I am quite actively working on this, and someday hope to raise my rating one more notch.  We shall see.  Meanwhile, my growth curve continues.  I have not looked at most of these index cards for up to three years. Some of these cards I tossed out today, because the information was necessary at the time, but no more.  Others I have saved and will yet refer to, these are the ones from tennis lessons, books I have read, specific matches that were difficult on many levels.

The most startling insight is this~ going through my notes, I realized that my tennis game has progressed. The basics that I wrote down are no longer necessary to refer to on paper, instead these lessons are ingrained in my psyche for match play.  These lessons are now automatic.  Do something long enough, and it becomes a part of you.  Such is true in learning any new skill.

Trust is so important.  I chose to trust my coaches, and work through the incorrect thinking of my own choices, which seemed in my mind to help at the time, and maybe they did to a certain degree, but going to a master will give you the quickest route to learn the right way. Then, you trust and you practice. And practice some more.

So, I am happy to say that by following the correct way of doing things from trust and lots of practice, from a smashing serve to a slice backhand helps, really helps! Yesterday I played in two matches first a singles match for 105 minutes (yes, I wear a watch on court and only regard the time before and after a match), then took a 25 minute break, ate a banana and small sandwich, changed my socks, and back out on the courts for a doubles match, which my partner and I won in 90 minutes.

The singles match was difficult for me because my opponent was physically strong and had a fabulous 'wheelhouse' topspin forehand and great net play.  I thought I was finished before the match began!  I still dug in deep, and played the first four games with focus, calm and at 65% level.  Not forcing winners, simply getting the ball back one more time and varying my serve. I was able to pull out the first set at 6-3. I was still quite worried, thinking, oh my goodness, she is just getting warmed up, we will go to three sets.  But then, something happened in the second set. I was down 0-2, and somehow turned the match around to take the second set at 6-3.  How did I do this?  I kept watching my opponent, I continued to take away her topspin forehand, even though a few times she readily placed the shot in the far corners, and I continued to focus on her weaker side, the backhand.  I could tell she was quite uncomfortable with this shot as she had tight returns with it, albeit some good returns, but others not, and the ones that did not work for her I simply tried my hardest to keep from returning that tennis ball to her forehand. And that strategy is what shows up in my notes time and time again~ rob thy opponent of their strongest shot, capitalize on their weakness.

After my short break and fresh tennis socks, back on the courts, and I followed that same strategy in doubles.  The same plan worked.  6-3, 6-2. Very nice players, but we took away their best shots.

The moral here? Keep good notes, trust them, and see what develops! You will soon recognize that your learning will pay off as long as you give it time, time to test the data and time for it to become a part of your playing, to the point where you do not have to look at notes but instead use the knowledge in a split second.

Now, on to the Kick Serve, a new goal in mind!

THE BEAUTY SEEKERS

You know why you are here, we all seek beauty in one form or another. Beauty does come in many forms, and it takes a little bit of training to seek out that which adores and is adorable!

Such is the main purpose of this website, to provide a lasting mindset that will guide you through life and all its challenges, good, bad, uneventful.  Whatever your circumstance, with beauty in your being and the forefront of your mind, over time you will discover a new layer of life and personal rewards!

Let us try something different today. Wherever you go, whatever you do, look for the beauty of something, anything in your line of vision, a thought, words expressed by a co-worker, pick anything and be objective and analyze. And SMILE!  This is not a hard exercise, it does take training and self discipline however.

Look for the beauty of a line, the curve of a chair, the hint of teasing, dancing eyes when you make someone else laugh. And be patient with yourself and those around you. You never really know what is going on around you, and the same pertains to those you associate with as well.

Someone on the sidewalk gives you a push? Well, maybe they don't know, and yes, maybe they don't care, but instead of reacting in a negative, defensive way, be glad you are there! That life has given you this opportunity to interact with others, to learn and be learned, to have a presence that is meant to be!

And beauty of thyself? Yes, we love gorgeous clothes and a symmetrical face, science has shown that through numerous studies, you have heard those of babies happily responding to a smiling, evenly proportioned face.  BUT, what about the rest of us who have not been gifted such genetics?  There are methods to balance out the face, the use of makeup, for one.  And you do not need a lot, either!

Apply that foundation lightly, no caking, with upward, sweeping motions.  Go light on the eyes for morning and daytime, save that heavy allure for late night parties.

And the best presentation of yourself is to be confident.  With less makeup, deep breathing for relaxation, and shoulders back, you are much more beautiful than simply piling on the color, running out the door with bright red lips at 8AM, and zipping up your dress as you go.

With less makeup, you save time and can balance yourself in the moment you are given.  Keep the negatives to a minimum, and guess what?  

With your confidence and even minded attitude, you will have your own personal symmetry, the most important attribute of all! 

Over time you will see results, so please, give this little experiment of mine a try, look for the little beauties in life, absorb the wonder of our gift of life, and soon you will feel and look better than ever!  Try it!

THE OSCARS 2013

The Oscars, how can we make them special, year after year?  Sounds easy, just do something different, but what exactly is that 'different?' Sometimes the actresses have a theme, whether planned or not, as in most will wear red, or have deep decollete, or their hair up... 

courtesy of www.oscar.org

One billion people worldwide are watching.  Wow! Seth MacFarlane is hosting, young face, multi-talented, and actually funny too! But, the song "We Saw your Boobs?"  Different.... 

And just getting to the Oscars can be a tough one. Let us get real, folks, sometimes a person does not feel well (it has been a tough flu season this year, and still raging on), or issues in the family, or just lost electricity and the hair straightener won't work, or your dress is too big from nerves and working out (smile), the housekeeper is too tipsy to see straight, little Johnnie just broke a tooth, the list is endless.

So, appreciate the show and all that has been put into the production, no matter the droning on of the names, the endless film clips, the hopefully fresh jokes.  It is tough up there in front of everyone!

Theme of this year's Oscars goes to~Music in Film.

If you are not borrowing some Harry Winston jewels, be confident in your own Blue Nile red carpet beauty of a statement necklace~

at Blue Nile $165, 000

My top favorite dresses of the evening were graced on the beauties Jessica Chastain and Naomi Watts, both gowns from Armani!!

Jessica works her red locks and coloring perfectly (there's that red color theme), AND the pop of red lip color is genius, it brings the entire ensemble alive~

Jessica Chastain

Naomi Watts is striking in this Armani shimmery silver asymmetric structure dress~

Naomi Watts

It is evident these girls are working out!  So many looked fabulous, strong, and in control.

All in all the gowns were tasteful, well structured and the stars carried them well. Lots of Dior, more Chanel, my absolute favorite is the Naomi Watts Armani. This is one tough dress to pull off, and Naomi does it with ease.

But what is in the #Oscarmysterybox??  Great idea to interact the audience to put their two cents in for a potential correct guess. This challenge was introduced by a commentator as the actors processed down the red carpet. Inside were Dorothy's ruby slippers.

So, what do they say? Oh yes, "Relax folks, and enjoy the show!"

AND... the Oscar goes to......

Jennifer Lawrence, Best Actress! ~

Anne Hathaway for best supporting actress!  AND...

ARGO! For best picture, and well worth the award, brought you right back into the 1970s on all fronts. Riveting.

Here at Forbes is the complete list of 2013 Oscar winners.

And here are the highlights!~

Congratulations everyone, stay well, stay gorgeous!

CLINIQUE SPRING 2013

updated April 9, 2013

There are so many Clinique Loyalists, this post is for YOU!!!

Clinique has many paraben free products!

You must read the labels, any paraben references will usually be midway down the list, keep your boxes for future reference ♡

Clinique has allergy free, fragrance free elements that either immediately or over time protect and heal otherwise irritated skin. This declaration sets the company apart from other cosmetic competitors!

NEW!!!!!!

Clinique Nail Enamel is BACK!!!!!!!!! Formulated for sensitive eyes and skin, who knew??

at Clinique $16
in Transparent

Comes in many shades, my favorite is hot pink Summer in the City.

You may want to consider the following BOTTOM LASH MASCARA, hits those tiny little lashes!~

at Macys Bottom Lash Mascara $10

This mascara loves those tiny fine lashes, above and below. Even fine tunes lash tips, be creative!

at Macys High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara $19.50

For Neiman Marcus lovers, Clinique is also a special brand they carry.

I consistently return to Clinque's powder blushes, they apply evenly without changing color.  

I LOVE their shades, shown is Blushing Blush~

at Neiman Marcus $21

On the Scene for Spring

New Chubby Sticks for Eyes and Lips!!

at Neiman Marcus $16

We have tried the All About Eyes, a combination gel/cream that does not irritate (of course, test gently before trying, yourself!)

at Neiman Marcus $50

You may also like~Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Eye Cream, a Youtube special on 'keep your smile!!'

The Repairware Laser Focus for Eyes $63 at Neiman Marcus, combine your eyewear shopping with a Chubby Stick!!!


Clinique has been a mainstay ever since the 1970s, even then the consultants wore white coats, to exemplify the purity and cleanliness of the product line.

The HAPPY perfume line is gentle and light with a hint of Spring in the air, lasting too!

at Neiman Marcus $48-$63

Just LOVE these Spring selections!!

Already in California the robins are laying their eggs, and in southern United States birds have been gaily chirping, Mother Nature knows that Spring is HERE!!