No one ever prepared you for those weird moments in life. You know, the areas where things happen, but no one warned you about them? I know that having children young made me have several issues after my kids were born. I wasn’t even aware of some of the issues because I was so busy taking care of my children. There is a history of depression in my family and that’s why I always make it a point to have certain resources available whenever I know someone who may be suffering from a mental disorder.

Although I have never personally dealt with any major mental issues, I know several people who have.    Places like pchtreatment.com have been a wonderful resource for my many family members who have dealt with some type of mental health issue. Since I live kind of far away, I still read up on their website and recommend them to who I can.

I know that mental health issues are often the “elephant” in the room, so to speak. No one wants to talk about it and it’s not always something you hear talked about on a blog. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from because mental illness has no boundaries. Anxiety disorders, personality disorders and even depression are real issues that Americans face every day.

Talk to someone you know or love if you are having these types of mental issues. None at PCH Treatment is here to judge you; instead they are here to help you. I hope you find as much solace in their expertise and experience as I did.

Make sure you visit pchtreatment.com.

This is a guest post from Tess Marshall of The Bold Life.

If you feel like your life is dull and your energy is flat there are several small things you can do to change your emotional state.  You only need direction, a little willingness and a decision to take action. What do you have to lose? Your best life awaits you!

Read on to learn how ignite your inner light.    

Learn to say no. How many times per week do you say “yes” to something you don’t want to do? When you feel uncomfortable telling someone “no” use the following sentence,  “ No  that’s not going to work for me.”  Then pause. If the other person asks again, repeat the statement, “No, that’s not going to work for me. Pause.  Remember you don’t owe anyone an excuse or explanation!

Give yourself an extra hour. Either rise an hour earlier or go to bed an hour later than normal. Make this your  time. I love to exercise. When my girls were young, I would write in my journal and go for a four mile run before they were even out of bed. It was a great way to begin my day.

Keep your commitments. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Put each promise that you make on your calendar and follow through with it. Lead by example. Your children will notice and become responsible as well.

Celebrate what you get right. Moms are good at beating themselves up. Each evening reflect on what you got right during the day. Regularly praise yourself for a job well done. Parenting is the most difficult job in the world. Give yourself credit.

Notice the beauty around you. Life is difficult. Things go wrong. Tragedy happens. The media would like us to believe that the world is coming to an end.  It is not. Begin to take notice of the small beautiful moments and things in your life. For example, notice a smile, a bird’s song, the fresh smell of clean clothes, the foam in your latte. We are rich in so many ways. Don’t miss them.

See the humor in things. Laugh. You can tell how healthy a family is by the amount of laughter in the home. Don’t take yourself or others so seriously. Learn to lighten up. My husband used to advise me when all four of our girls were teenagers to “lighten up” when I was worried. He would say, “No matter what happens, “the sun will rise and the sun will set” and “the balls rolling, you can’t stop it!” He was right on both accounts.

Reward yourself. Give yourself regular rewards: a night out, a long walk, a hot bath, or new music. I used to feel depleted and resentful especially during the teenage years. Kids can be greedy and demanding. If you don’t reward yourself, who will?

Eat together and eat mindfully.  Make dinner time sacred. Slow down. Enjoy. Make it uplifting. Don’t discuss problems. Save those for regular family meetings. We used to set a timer for 20 minutes at the dinner table. The girls had to sit at the table even if they weren’t eating.

Don’t put it off until “someday. “One of my friends has a very stressful job. She has always wanted to learn how to play the piano. She decided to take lessons on Thursdays during her lunch hour.  Find a pocket of time and learn something that brings you joy. Make the time now.

Love. Love. Love. Give up the need to be right. Give up petty arguments. Choose happiness instead. Always remember that no matter what happens, we can begin again in any moment. Learn to apologize and forgive each other. Grievances are a waste of time.

Let go of fear. Stay in the present moment. Learn to expect the best. Make positive assumptions about the future. Stop listening to negative media in all forms. Expect things to go well. It’s a wonderful time to be alive!

Be Bold. 

Go after your dreams. Dare to take a risk. Ask for what you need. Be who you are. Speak your truth. This is your one chance to  live life to the fullest. You can do it. I have all the faith in the world in you.

Tess Marshall works as a life coach and author who teaches others how to live a bold, fearless, and meaningful life. Download her FREE ebook, “How to Be Bold” and check out her course, “Take Your Fear and Shove It.” Follow Tess on Twitter and Facebook.

Photo: Stuart

Women want flawless, beautiful and vibrant looking skin.  We all want it but what does it take to get it?  I’ll tell you one way in just a few moments.

A few weeks ago, I shared with you my chance to review the Meaningful Beauty anti-aging skincare system.  I’m sure you’ve seen the infomercials featuring a flawless and amazingly youthful looking Cindy Crawford.  Yeah that one!  The first thing that came to my mind after seeing it was…Really?  ( in a really sarcastic tone).  Mind you, I’m a skeptic and don’t always believe what I hear on infomercials but I was presented with the opportunity to try it so I couldn’t pass up the chance.

So it’s been about a month now and I wanted to share with you my experience.

About my skin

I have pretty normal skin. Partly a combination of oiliness and dryness in certain areas.  My main concerns however are to maintain firmness and to combat those nasty little crows feet.  Overall, I think I’ve done a pretty good job in maintaining my skin but I’d like to stay on good terms with father time so if it includes adding in a daily skincare regimen, then I’m all for it!

Before You Read More

Let me just get this out of the way.  If you’re thinking, you’re gonna just magically turned into Cindy Crawford or even look like her in the slightest way then forget.  The products are good but not that good lol and results will probably vary for each person.

The Routine

The Meaningful Beauty routine is a 5 step program that is to be used both day and night.  It may sound like a lot but it really isn’t.  My skincare routine was probably one of the simplest prior to starting this one and I’ve had no problems adjusting. It takes all of about 5 minutes and the results are well worth it.  My skin feels amazing!  No more breakouts and my skin feels really soft.  I think I am worth the extra 5-10 extra minutes to do something good for myself.

The Meaningful Beauty 5-step kits will consist of:

• Skin Softening Cleanser
• Antioxidant Day Crème SPF 20 UVA/UVB
• Crème de Serum (New)
• Lifting Eye Crème – Advanced Formula (New)
• Skin Brightening Décolleté and Neck Treatment SPF 15 (New)

 My Experience

I’ve never really followed any type skin care regimen before but I’m enjoying using these products. I LOVE the way my skin looks and feel. The first time I used the system, I could really feel a difference in my skin.  I have very sensitive skin so I was hoping it would not get irritated.and it didn’t.   The cleanser has a mild scent, silky texture that will leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

The moisturizers are amazing and a little bit goes a long way.  I never realized what a difference a moisturizer makes until I started using one.   As I mentioned earlier, I am really trying to target the crow’s feet. I have not yet formed a solid conclusion about how effectively the eye cream works just yet but I do see an improvement. I can’t exactly pin point what it is just yet but it is promising. I don’t have that usual tired look around my eyes so that in itself is a plus.  I’m beginning to see a more refreshed look.  I’ll keep you posted as I continue to use it

Overall I am very pleased with the Meaningful Beauty skin care regimen.  The more I use it, the easier it is becoming a part of my routine. I shared the additional kit with my sister and she is really pleased as well. As busy moms, it is not always easy to create time for ourselves but I found that by taking just a few extra moments in the morning and at time really makes a difference.  I enjoy doing something just for me and when I look into the mirror and see the results, it is such a pretty picture.

Do you have a special skin care routine?  Share with us how do you take care of your skin?

I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf Meaningful Beauty, and received a 5-step treatment kit to facilitate my review, a second 5-step treatment kit to giveaway, and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Now that I’m getting older, I’m starting to notice a change in my complexion and my skin.  Is this a sign of me “getting older”  or a sign of my once young looking skin starting to let me down.  Whatever the reason, I think it’s time I start taking better care of the skin.

Up until this point, my skin care regimen has been really simple. Plain water, witch hazel and at times a  moisturizer.  Real simple right?  Even with such a simple regimen, I still get that I look like I’m in my twenties.  So why is it that when “I” look into the mirror, I don’t see a twenty something year old?   But I’ll take the compliment!  I think it’s time that I do more- be more proactive to keep my skins appearance looking healthy and radiant.  I am very excited to be participating in the Meaningful Beauty Test Drive. Over the next four weeks, I will be using this anti-aging skincare system created by Cindy Crawford and anti-aging specialist, Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh.  I’m excited to what this system can do for my skin!

As a part of the test drive, I also received a second Meaningful Beauty kit to share with someone meaningful in my life.  That would be my sis.  My mom, at 71, looks FABULOUS so I think whatever she is doing is working great!    My sis and I are hopeful that mom’s genes will help us out along the way but for some added reassurance,  we welcome all the help we can get.  Our skin is very different from one another so it will be very interesting to see how the system works for us individually.

The Meaningful Beauty 5-step kits will consist of:

• Skin Softening Cleanser
• Antioxidant Day Crème SPF 20 UVA/UVB
• Crème de Serum (New)
• Lifting Eye Crème – Advanced Formula (New)
• Skin Brightening Décolleté and Neck Treatment SPF 15 (New)

The 5-step program sounds easy enough to follow and I’m excited to get started!  My goal is to see an overall improvement of my skins appearance but I will be paying close attention to my eye area.  I will be following up with my experience in a few weeks so make sure you check back for an update on my experience and hopefully some skintastic progress!

Working from home is every mom’s dream but it can be your body’s worst nightmare. Staying healthy is hard enough when working outside of the home; however, working inside of the home can create unhealthy habits that need to be solved rather quickly or even prevented. We all have our tricks to try and stay healthy– but you need tricks that are going to work. Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy while working at home:

Make time to exercise

If you are anything like me, then you do not necessarily like to exercise. You can change that though.  Make time to exercise and see how fun it can be. I say that because the more you exercise, then the more energy you will have throughout the rest of the day. Try exercising one or two times a week to start out. Overtime, you will find more and more time to exercise.

Watch what you eat

This seems like common sense but it’s very hard to do. When you are hungry, you simply walk into your kitchen and grab something to eat. You probably have threatened yourself to put a lock on the fridge. But that’s really not necessary. You can either stop buying junk food altogether or just watch what you eat. Eat smaller portions or whatever it takes to keep the junk food away from your mouth.

Play with your kids

Playing with the kiddos can help burn calories. Have you ever tried to run after a toddler? Take the time to play and chase your kiddos around and you are guaranteed to burn some of those unwanted calories. No kids–try playing with your pet.  Go out in the yard and play fetch with your pooch.  That’s a calorie burner also.  The key is to just get moving.

Keep Healthy All Around

You may hear the importace of physical health being tossed around a lot. The truth is that you should pay attention to more than just your physical health. Mental and emotional health is just as important. Talk to your friends about how you’re feeling. If your mental health is not good, then make sure to talk to a professional. Surround yourself with moms that know exactly what you are going through.

What ways do you try and stay healthy while working at home?

Diabetes is a disease that millions of Americans suffer from each year. There are several different types of diabetes but each one is a struggle. It’s important to take care of your body whenever you have diabetes so that you can live a long and healthy life. Talk to your doctor if you are having any troubles with your weight or sugar levels because it may just be diabetes knocking at your door.

How can I live with diabetes?                      

• The first step to living with diabetes is changing your lifestyle. No one lives a perfect life but there are ways to keep your body healthier. One of those ways is watching what you eat. There are tons of articles on diabetes that can give you the information you need to stay healthy. With the holiday’s right around the corner, try and stay true to your body and diet. Messing with those sugar levels is serious business.
• Try and connect with others who are living with diabetes. It’s not always a fun lifestyle by any means but it’s possible to live a very fulfilling life. Diabetes living is easy with someone else by your side. Use all of your resources like your spouse and children to help keep you on track. Remember, your family loves you and wants to see you live a very long life.
• Listen to your doctor. No one likes to listen to what “the doc” has to say. It’s essential to listen to your doctor so you can keep living a healthy life. Meet with a nutritionist to maximize your resources. Finding a nutritionist is an excellent way to receive diabetes help. A nutritionist can sit down with you and help you plan out your diet.

Who suffers from diabetes?

The main types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Various people are diagnosed with diabetes for different reasons. Some pregnant women suffer from gestational diabetes, which occurs only while they are pregnant. Young children are also susceptible to getting diagnosed with diabetes.

Utilize all of your resources for diabetes so you can live the fullest life possible and be there for your family.

Does someone you know suffer with diabetes?

When I was younger, I always wanted to look a bit older.  It always sucked being the oldest in the group and always mistaken for the youngest.  Still this day, folks are amazed when I tell them how old I am.  I guess being taken for a teenager when you are in your thirties isn’t all that bad just embarrassing at times when trying to buy a lottery ticket or alcohol and get carded. 

Now that I’m thinking about it, it probaly was more of an inconvenience being carded more than anything else so now I just take it in all in stride and am thankful for the good genes.  Now that I’m older, I don’t want to look OLDER.  Looking my age is just fine with me.   

So my question to you is, do you obsessed with how old you look ?  Do you want to look younger or older?  I came across this test recently that tells you just how old you look.

According to this test, I still look YOUNG!!! My results were 2 years younger.

What about you? How old do you look? Take the test and find out.  Have Fun.

When it comes to better quality, better tasting produce, it is usually better to buy them in season and local seasonal foods would be your best bet.  They are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.  But don’t let that discourage you if you do not have access to a local market.  You can enjoy the taste of any fruit or vegetable year-round.  Fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice –  they all count!.

Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that are in season for October:

• Apples
• Beets
• Blackberries
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Chicory
• Cranberries
• Dates
• Figs
• Grapes
• Leeks
• Lettuce
• Okra
• Oranges
• Parsnips
• Pears (late season)
• Peppers
• Pumpkins
• Quince
• Shallots
• Star fruit
• Sweet Potatoes
• Turnips
• Watercress
• Winter squash

Our hands tell us a lot about ourselves. In fact, mine are telling me that I need a manicure BADLY. Don’t laugh; yours are probably in need of one too. If you’re like me, you probaly don’t have the time or extra money to visit a manicurist regularly; learning to care for them yourselves can be a great way to save money while giving yourself a little pampering session.

I used to be a nail biter so my hands have not always looked their best. Once I broke that habit, the appearance of my nails became very important to me. I’ve had to learn how to maintain them, keep them healthy nails and am no longer embarrassed of their appearance. The quest for beautiful healthy nails doesn’t have to break the bank, in fact, it is easy and affordable if you know how to.

Here are some tips for better looking nails.

Remember I mentioned that I was once a nail biter. Well, that one is first on the list as a big no, no.

Don’t bite, chew, or peel your nails. Chewing on your nails and cuticles can cause bleeding and infection and sometimes permanently damages nail growth. Some habits are difficult to break, but you can do it!

Use nail clippers and a file regularly. Short nails are fashionable and healthy right now! Trimming nails regularly promotes healthy growth. If a nail gets snagged, trim it and file it right away. Also, trim hangnails with clippers instead of biting them off.

Moisturize. Nails and cuticles need moisturizer just like your skin does. Rub lotion into your nails and cuticles when you are moisturizing your hands at night.

Maintain a healthy diet. Yes, eating healthy is good for your entire body including your nails! Eat a diet that is rich in zinc and calcium. Eat foods with protein! Stay away from lots of sugar and alcohol. Your nails will reflect what you are eating.

Wear rubber gloves. Gloves can serve as a protectant. When you are engaging in activities where your nails could get dirty, damaged, or extremely dried out, wear gloves to protect them. This includes activities like dishwashing and gardening.

All in all, I think nails are an extension of our skin and they reflect our personal habits and health. You can achieve beautiful healthy nails yourself and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to do so.

I don’t know if it’s just me, or do you also think more about your health as you get older? I’ve always been one to take a multi-vitamin and not much beyond that but I figured as we get older our needs might change so I did a little research trying to find good quality vitamins and supplements specifically for us women.

To my discovery, there are quite a few out there and it can be quite overwhelming. “Just too much information”.  The two (2) questions that have been hanging over my head is “What exactly does my body need and how much?”

I read an article in Women’s Health Magazine, that states that we are most likely getting the nutrients we need. However, in order to give us the extra edge and stay out of the doctors office there are supplements that can give us a boost in the right direction.

That works for me.

The only thing is that it appears you would have to take each of these individually unless you find a one size fits all multivitamin. I haven’t come across one that has so if you should know of one, please let me know.

According to Keri Glassman, M.S., R.D., these are the ones that top the list.

Grape Seed Extract
What it does Protects against wrinkles and skin cancer.
How much you need 150-300 mg daily
Grape seed extract is rich in proanthocyanidins, a class of antioxidants 50 times as potent as vitamin E. Preliminary animal research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has shown that it may reverse wrinkles, skin cancer, and other damage from UV rays. In pill form, it also helps maintain collagen and elastin, two ­building blocks of smooth skin.

Coenzyme Q-10
What it does prevents migraines
How much you need 100-300 mg daily
One possible cause of these killer headaches‚ which women are three times as likely to suffer from than men‚ is a lack of coenzyme Q-10, a compound made by the body. A study in the journal Headache found that when patients with lower CoQ-10 levels started taking a CoQ-10 supplement, their headaches were less frequent and less severe.

Cinnamon
What it does Boosts energy
How much you need 1-4 g daily
This spice may help regulate blood sugar levels, which can keep your energy up through the day, according to a new study from the University of Birmingham in England. And no, you don’t have to carry a cinnamon shaker in your purse‚ take two 500-milligram cinnamon capsules around midday to help steady your levels before the afternoon slump.

Vitamin D
What it does Protects against cancer
How much you need 1,000 IU daily
In a review of 63 studies, getting more vitamin D was associated with a lower risk of colon, breast, and ovarian cancers. It’s hard to get enough through food alone, so taking it in pill form is your best bet.

Calcium
What it does Quells PMS symptoms
How much you need 1,000 mg of calcium citrate daily for the two weeks before your period
According to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, women who get 1,000 milligrams or more have a 40 percent lower risk of having PMS symptoms.

Do you take multi-vitamins? Do you think that they make a difference for you?