Journey to Being a Happy Chic

Words of Wisdom

2011-05-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Ladies, this is going to be a short but powerful blog. Here are some great words to live by:

Learn from the past
Laugh at the present
Live for the future

If you can pull it off, everything else will fall into place!

Passing on a Little Encouragement

2011-05-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...it's been awhile since the last time I've blogged. Between work, kids, relationship, friendships, and everyday routine, it's easy to put yourself and your interests last. But I'm determined to blog once a week...it makes me happy, and I hope it helps someone out there from time to time!

Getting to the big point I want to make today...Let's face it ladies, we do ourselves (and everyone else around us) some good when we treat ourselves better. It amazes me that we can get so down on ourselves. We criticize our weight, our finances, our decisions, but is this the way we would talk to our friends? No, probably not. Truth be told, most of us would probably NEVER say such discouraging and negative things to our friends. Then why not treat yourself like you would treat a good friend? Be positive about yourself. Encourage yourself and be more confident! It's a GOOD thing! And for those times when we fall a little short, always remember this: We all fall sometimes, but if you fall 7 times, get up 8 times! You'll thank yourself!

No More Diet Deprivation

2011-02-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

It's been my experience that the biggest downfall to dieting is depriving myself of foods I love. It's amazing that when I realize I can't have a certain food, I seem to want it even more, and I obsess over NOT being able to have it! Here's the trick...let yourself have a small splurge everyday.

Allow yourself one treat, whether it's a piece of chocolate or a small order of fries or whatever your Achilles Heel might be. Knowing that you can have one treat per day keeps you from feeling deprived and helps you to keep on track the rest of the day. You know it won't be the end of the world because you can have a small treat again tomorrow! If you deprive yourself, you tend to overdo it when you finally have a taste of the foods you love so much (that don't necessarily love you back). Everything in moderation, right?

Be mindful of serving sizes and make sure you counteract your treat with the appropriate amount of exercise to balance out. Better to have a small treat everyday than to go all out and REALLY set yourself back by overindulging! Think of it this way, it's easier to work off 2 pieces of chocolate than to try to work off a whole box because you've felt deprived!

The Beauty of Multi-Tasking

2011-02-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

As women, we are always doing 10 things at once, right? Well, as much as most of us don't enjoy housework, why not put a positive spin on it? Keep in mind as you're cleaning your house, you're burning calories, so you're knocking two birds out with one stone! A workout and a clean house! It's a win-win situation!

According to www.fitday.com, the average sized woman burns about 86 calories per hour with doing light housework. Now, if you straightened up every day, that adds up! In the end, we can all be happier, fitter, and organized!

So when you have one of those days where you don't feel like working out, disguise it! Or vice versa if you don't feel like cleaning up! You'll be glad you did!

I'm Becoming My Mom!

2011-02-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

It's funny that as kids, we all start off thinking that we're not going to be like our parents, but I find as I get older, I become more and more like them, particularly, my mother. I find myself saying things that I remember her saying and reacting in similar manners. It used to drive me crazy when my mom would say things like, "When you have kids, you'll understand." The time has come...I understand.

I understand that my parents took great care of me. I understand that my parents wanted the best for me. I understand that they didn't enjoy punishing me (even though I thought that as a child!). They did the things they did for me so that I would grow up to be a caring, thoughtful, and productive individual. They loved me enough to be great parents.

I've had several jobs, but none as important as being a parent. I hear from time to time that being a parent is a thankless job, but I disagree. At this point in my life, I'm very thankful to my parents for all that they've done for me and the lasting gifts that they've instilled in my life. And I know that one day, my kids will understand too.

So, as far as becoming my mother...it's not such a bad thing after all!

Say Cheese! Part 2

2011-02-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

If you read my blog last week on Laughing Cow Light Blue Cheese, then you know that I mentioned trying all the new flavors, one each week. The flavor of the week: Sun Dried Tomato and Basil...

Frankly, I thought it was okay. I found it a little more bland than I had anticipated. I tried it on its own and didn't find it bursting with flavor the way I found the blue cheese. Not to say that it was bad though. If I were working with it, I think it would be great spread on bread as a substitute for mayo, offering a healthier alternative and a new twist on sandwiches. Might I suggest a Mediterranean-style sandwich??? How about you? If you've tried it, jump in with some suggestions!

In any case, it's definitely worth a taste! If you have a serious cheese craving and you're looking for a healthier alternative, they still satisfy as a tasty little treat! Stay tuned for next week's update on the cheese series!

Thank Your Loved Ones

2011-02-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

When was the last time you thanked your loved ones for loving you? And if you've said it, have you said it enough? Probably not.

We're all guilty of it. We get caught up in the daily routine and forget to say it. Personally, I know that I'm not an easy person to love all the time. I get grumpy, angry, snappy...but I know my kids, friends, and boyfriend love me regardless. The hardest time to say, "Thank you for loving me" is exactly when you ARE feeling grumpy, angry, or snappy. But aren't you grateful that even when you're throwing a fit (and you know when you are), your loved ones STILL love you. And you know what? I think that's when it means the most. You might be surprised at how saying those words change your attitude right at that moment. You might be feeling like you're eating crow when you say it, but I guarantee you it will go a long way. Oh, and you have to mean too (no sarcasm!).

And you don't have to wait until you're in the middle of an argument to say it either...sometimes, it's just nice to hear. Don't let another day go by without saying it to someone you love.

Virtual Trainer

2011-02-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

Let me start off by saying that I've been a Shape magazine subscriber for about 3 years. Love it!!! Taking the time to sit and read through it is something I consider one of my simple pleasures in life. I love checking the mail and seeing my new subscription every month...nice change from the envelopes of bills!

To be honest, because I read the magazine, I typically don't visit their website. I decided to check it out the other day because I saw in their magazine that they have a "Virtual Trainer". Well, since I'm still hanging in there to lose 8 lbs., I thought it would be good to freshen up my workout routine with some new ideas. What I found was amazing!

Their Virtual Trainer is an online tool that helps you to keep a food diary, calculates your calories burned from workouts, and tracks your progress. If you've ever used Weight Watchers online, it's actually pretty similar. I had great success with Weight Watchers, so I was psyched to find Virtual Trainer. The best part...IT'S FREE! The downside, I will admit that a few times when I've tried to log in, the site was down. But otherwise, it's a great tool!

If you're on a budget and looking to lose some weight, check it out!

Food Diary

2011-01-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

I heard recently that more people than ever are finding that they have food allergies that they were never aware of. Isn't it funny that we pay attention to medicinal allergies, or allergic reactions to bee stings, etc., but we never really pay attention to whether the foods we eat are making us sick? I'm not just talking about over-indulging in some cake and feeling bad...which, I'm not proud to say, I've done myself!

Food allergies can come in obvious forms such as rashes, but they can also come in more subtle forms, such as stomach aches, gas, and bloating. Most people might blow this off, but it might be a sign of an allergy. Maybe you don't realize how badly certain foods make you feel, but you keep on eating them because you don't know that your body is responding to something is considers a toxin.

A food diary is a great way to find out if you might have a sensitivity to certain types of food. Just jot down the foods you eat and take note about how your body feels afterward. It's a small investment of time to find out if the reason you don't feel well is because of an allergy. After a month, review your food diary and see if you notice any patterns, then of course, you may want to consult your doctor. Maybe you find that you don't feel well after eating eggs, which is a common food allergy. But what else did you eat that contains eggs that made you feel bad? Cake? Bread? I know that eggs don't come to mind when I think of those foods!

This is just a thought to remind us to pay attention to how we're feeling. I invite you to join me in doing this. I'm going to try keeping a food diary for a month and see if I come up with anything.

Teenagers Need Their Moms!

2011-01-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

As a mother of a 16 year old girl and a 12 year old boy, I'm at that point where I don't feel as "needed" anymore. The kids are more independent (which is great!), they're building their circle of friends for suppport, and they definitely don't come to me anymore for every cut and scrape that needs a band-aid and a kiss. Like most mothers, there are days when I'm conflicted because I still want to be needed, but I want the kids to grow up strong and independent.

What I've come to realize is that my role as mother has changed. I will still be there for them anytime, anywhere, and while I'm not needed in the typical ways that children need their mommies, I'm needed in different ways. My kids need me to be understanding. They need me to let them grow. They need me to let them make mistakes. They need me to trust them and the job I've done with them. They need me to continue loving them unconditionally. They need me to give them space. These are all things we've done along the way as mothers, but some of these things need to be done in less obvious ways.

I'm still a safety net for my daughter and son, but they don't always need to know that because that's how they learn the lesson of consequences. I will admit that as small children, I have been guilty of being a "helicopter mom", but the greatest gift I can give them as a teenager and a preteen is room to fly. I'll still catch them when they fall, but in order for them to soar, they need to fly. That's what my kids need from me.

Blogs by Women

2011-01-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

Journey to Being a Happy Chic

2011-01-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

Let's face it...as women, we deal with a lot. We're multi-takers, mothers, employees, wives/girlfriends, daughters. For most of us, we put so many others first. While there's nothing wrong with that, I've found myself running on empty for what feels like most of my life. And I'm sure many of you out there feel the exact same way.

The fact of the matter is, life is a journey, and I've decided to re-route myself to make mine a happy one. I'm not saying to look out only for number one, but if we're going to be any good to our loved ones, we need to be good to ourselves. And the good news is that you don't have to do anything extravagant to do that!

I'm saying let's limit toxic guilt...you know what I'm talking about. Learn to say "No". (I'm still learning that one myself!) It's when we lower our boundaries to make someone else happy even if it means sacrificing our own comfort or happiness. I'm saying let's do a little something for "us" each day. Maybe it's treating yourself to a bubble bath or your favorite food (even if it IS high in calories), manicures, pedicures...whatever floats your boat! And let's be a little more forgiving of ourselves if we can't do it all. Nobody can...and it's okay.

These are things that I've struggled with for years that I've decided to end here. I know so many other women out there that struggle with the same thing, and while it's easier to tell someone else, "It's okay,", we fail to say it to ourselves. So, for you ladies out there, just know that it really is okay. This is the first step in my journey to be a happy chic!

Say Cheese!

2011-01-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

I'll be the first to admit that I have a love/hate relationship with food. I love it, but sometimes it does NOT love me. So like most people, I try to eat a little healthier, make smarter choices, and watch fat intake and calories. I have to say, there are a few things I just can't go low fat on...mayo and sour cream!

The plus side is that I recently tried Laughing Cow Blue Cheese, which is one of their new flavors. I loved it! I could eat a cheese wedge all on its own, spread on crackers, or broken up into a salad. If you like blue cheese, this definitely is a must-try! It really captures the sharpness of real blue cheese, but at only 35 calories a wedge, you can't beat it for flavor!

I haven't tried the other new flavors yet, but I plan to try a new one each week until I've tried them all. Man, what a tough assignment I've given myself! Stay tuned for next week's evaluation on Laughing Cow Sun Dried Tomato and Basil! If you've tried it, I'd love to hear from you!

Friendship - Something that Should Never Be Taken For Granted

2011-01-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

Recently, I found out that a friend of mine that I had met in fourth grade had passed away from cancer. The news came as a shock because I hadn’t been in touch with her for years, about 10 to be exact. My high school is in the process of planning our 20 year reunion, and with the help of social networks such as Facebook, the committee is able to communicate news, plans, and requests easier than ever before. While I was reading one of the latest updates, I saw that pictures of “fallen seniors” from the class of 1992 were being requested to honor them at the reunion and the list included my friend’s name.

I couldn’t believe my eyes! I responded to the person heading up the committee to see if she knew what happened. She told me that my friend had passed away a few months after giving birth to her 4^th child, which was about a year ago. I was filled with regret.

I had sent my friend a Friend Request on Facebook months ago, but hadn’t gotten a reply back. Although it didn’t seem like her to ignore a friend request, I didn’t put too much thought into it. I figured she was busy, or someone had hacked into her account and she had abandoned it. It never occurred to me that she might be gone.

The last time I saw her was 10 years ago when she came to my house to invite me to our 10 year reunion. I told her that I was not going to be able to make it because I had been very busy with kids, work, a new relationship, and life in general. She was disappointed that I wasn’t able to attend, but she understood. I told her that I would try to make the next reunion and that I’d keep in touch with her. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

I’m here to tell you that many times, we don’t get a second chance. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the day to day stuff that we put things off, banking on the idea that we’ll have another chance to do it. To my friend, I’m sorry that I didn’t touch base with you sooner and that I missed the opportunity to thank you for be-friending me in fourth grade when I was the new girl in class and no one else cared to talk to me. Your bright smile and contagious laugh will be missed, and your spirit will live on in your four boys forever.

New Year Resolution?

2011-01-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

Well, it’s nearing the end of January…did you make any New Year resolutions? If so, it might be time to do a spot check. Year after year, people make these resolutions, whatever they may be, and they start off determined to “make it happen”. Kudos!

But do these resolutions do much for making us feel good? If you’re like most people, probably not, and the reason is that most people dismiss the resolution just as quickly as they make it. Why? Because most resolutions are made out of imaginary obligations and are forgotten by the end of the year. Maybe you made it because everyone else was making one, or because that was what was being discussed around the water cooler at work. Regardless, if you don’t have the drive behind it, more than likely, it won’t stick. The end result is an unaccomplished goal and feeling worse because you didn’t “make it happen”. And by mid-year, it seems too late to start over.

For me, I have decided that making huge goals for the year are best taken in smaller steps. For example, I have admittedly failed year after year at reaching my goal weight. It's a matter of losing 8 lbs. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it's the most stubborn 8 lbs. I've tried to lose! And at the end of each year, I feel bad for not reaching that goal. This is a new year...and apparently doing the same thing over and over has not worked.

Why not try something different this year? It seems like making a New Year resolution is biting off more than most people can chew. It seems so daunting! Try taking smaller steps instead of one huge leap. Make a new day resolution! To accomplish my goal, I'm going to cut out something sweet everyday and/or cut my portions gradually. So far so good, I've lost 2 oz. per day. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it's better than seeing the scale stay the same or go up!

Start off each morning with one resolution…and do it! By the end of the night, check yourself. Did you accomplish your resolution? If so, pat yourself on the back and start thinking about what your resolution for the next day will be. If not, don’t beat yourself up, make it your resolution for tomorrow. It seems so simple! Don’t let something be your resolution for longer than a week before you do it. At the end of the year, you’ll realize that you accomplished more each day through daily resolutions as opposed to one WHOLE year resolution. Make it happen!

Why Am I Doing This?

2011-01-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

Growing up, I always wanted to do something that involved creativity. Sometimes I was a dancer, an artist, a writer, or an actress. I was never business minded and the business world never held any interest for me. I enjoyed thinking outside the box and exercising my originality.

Then, the inevitable happened…

We see it all the time. We make decisions that we think are going to be a temporary fix until we can do what we really want to set out to do, but before we know it, we’re stuck in a rut. A great example of this is a job. When I first started out on my own, I took a job as a bank teller, completely confident that I was only going to do this until I decided what I really wanted to do as a career. It paid the bills and wasn’t a bad gig for someone right out of high school. I had time to decide, or so I thought.

Time went on and life kept bringing new challenges (good and bad) into my life. For me, it was marriage, kids, divorce…and even though I wasn’t a bank teller anymore, I was still in the business world, building upon a resume that wasn’t me. It was like fitting a square block into a circle. It felt forced, but I kept going because now, it was all I knew.

I had lost who I was, and in the process, lost my passion for…everything! I had dedicated 20 years of my life to jobs that I never enjoyed; jobs that never gave me personal satisfaction. Don’t get me wrong, I like doing a good job on a project and taking pride in my work, but I felt empty.

Recently, I was having a conversation with my boyfriend about our jobs. He talked about how much he enjoyed his job as a parasail captain and that he loved going to work every day. As he talked, I thought about how I felt about my job. I told him that I had never experienced that kind of joy about my work, so he asked me what type of job I would want to do. I hadn’t thought about that in years, and actually struggled to even think of anything! I told him that I wanted to write, so here I am…writing! And loving it!

When I decided to start this blog, I hoped to accomplish two things. The first was that my blog would fulfill my desire for a creative outlet, and the second would be to help other women. We all need emotional support, and we all want someone to empathize and understand what we’re going through. While all of our experiences are not the same, we’ve caught ourselves reading articles and blogs and thought, “Hey! Been there, done that!”

We spend so much of our lives working in some way, shape, or form. While for most of us, it’s a necessary evil, why not choose something that fulfills us too? I challenge you to ask yourself, “Am I living the life that I want to live?” If not, maybe it’s time to do something about it. I am.