Bella Life » Healthy Living

What Your #1 Job Is This Spring!

Natalie Berthold — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:21:09 +0000

Energetically and numerologically, 2012 is the year for change. Couple that with the fact that Spring is here, and you get a recipe for the whirlwinds–but, this does not need to be the case. Spring is the season for reaping what you sowed. With that, comes a lot of excitement, and also, what feels to be a big responsibility! It it clear that we are being called to step it up in life–relationships, businesses, etc. It can feel overwhelming to try to figure out where to start, who to involve, etc. The important thing here for you to know is that actually, a lot of the work is already done. You’ve spent the fall letting go and planting seeds (releasing and manifesting), the winter nourishing them, and now the spring is when it all blooms and comes to fruition. So, the most important thing is to actually pick the crops–recognize what you’ve sown. So often, I get clients who aren’t seeing what they’ve created. They have their blinders on, which prevents them from seeing past their limiting beliefs. Some will say, “I’ve worked so hard, and haven’t gotten any results”. One of two things is happening here. a) You are trying to knock down the wrong door or b) you have gotten results, but you just can’t see or acknowledge them. In Spring, people come out of the wood works and people often misinterpret this buzz and excitement for potential energy to do more work. That is not the case. Notice that the animals in the animal kingdom (squirrels, bears, etc) are actually doing the most work in the fall (gathering food, building warm shelter, etc), so that they can chill and hibernate during the winter, so that they can in turn celebrate and play during the spring. We too work best and most efficiently when we are following nature’s natural rhythms.

Here are your only “jobs” in the springtime in order to make best use of this season:

Keep a daily running record of your accomplishments. You can call it “My Awesome Accolades”. With each one you write down, you should actually and literally give yourself a pat on the back. As mentioned earlier, so often people don’t “see” what they are creating or doing. Putting it on paper helps. I can recall so many times where I couldn’t “see” where my bloated belly was coming from. Upon recording for a week what I ate, I could finally “see” that it was the dark chocolate that I was eating between every meal…a little too much. The same is true in this case. We get so caught up in what is NEXT, that we don’t stop to smell the roses and recognize our accomplishments right now. This sets us up for a cycle of failure, because our mindset is always in the quicksand…focused on how we are sinking and not doing enough, versus “hey, I’m kind of a bad-ass and have accomplished a lot of cool shit!”. So, again, make a running list of all the cool shit you’ve accomplished. My guess is that once you start, you wont be able to stop. Every day that you write your new kudos down, you will gain confidence in your abilities, instead of doubt them. If you want bonus points, share 1-2 props a day with family or friends.

Celebrate and have fun. The universe does cartwheels when you do. The universe frolics when you do. The universe smiles when you do. When you celebrate, the universe knows your grateful and sends you more stuff to recognize and celebrate. Spring is the season of new life and birth. Everyday in the Spring is a BIRTHDAY! Doesn’t that deserve a little extra SPRING in your step? A little cupcake/candle action or a hat or blow horn? Spring is a CELEBRATION. What an awesome job you have this season–to HAVE FUN! I want you to sign a contract with spring. Something like this:

Dear Spring,
I, __________, hearby accept your job offer of ‘to celebrate and have fun this season’. I solemnly swear to be your #1 employee at all times. I vow to have a shitload of fun, and to not half-ass that job. I will not take shortcuts, come in late, or leave early. I will not multi-task during this very important job of having fun, but instead, will be in the present moment during these tasks. The ways in which I will take the job seriously and have fun include, but are not limited to the following tasks: ______________, _________, ____________, ____________, _______________. (Fill in fun things you can commit to doing). I will make this commitment to you throughout the duration of my freelance work with you, including, but not limited to March 21, 2012-June 20, 2012.
I look forward to working with you very soon!

Date________
My Signature__________
Spring’s Signature___Spring___
Witness ____Universe_____

Print this out and hang it on your refrigerator or put it in your planner as a daily reminder of the commitment you’ve made. Sow, baby sow!

Natalie Berthold is a featured Healthy Living contributor and is an intuitive healer who uses her gift of insight to help others. For more about her click here for her full bio and all of her articles!

Dove Launches The “Show Us Your Skin” Campaign!

Nitika Chopra — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:21:56 +0000

Thousands of women have asked to be in a Dove® ad, and starting today that dream can become a reality for real women everywhere. All women need is the confidence to upload a photo showing off their beautiful skin. This is part of the brand’s national “Show Us Your Skin” campaign which celebrates the beautifully soft and smooth skin Dove® Body Washes and Beauty Bars give women. For the first-time ever, every woman who uploads a photo will appear in a Dove® ad – including online ads and a dynamic billboard in the world-renowned Times Square. Women will be able to search for their ad and share it with family and friends so everyone can see their “spotlight moment.”

Beauty expert Jenn Falik (pictured here) joins Dove® to encourage women everywhere to have the confidence to participate in the brand’s largest campaign of real women. Falik has spent her entire career in beauty and shares the brand’s commitment to helping all women feel beautiful. We recently had the chance to sit down with Jenn and get the scoop on some of her beauty tips for all of our Bella Beauties as well as what makes her feel truly beautiful!

Bella Life: What makes you feel beautiful in your own skin?

Jenn Falik: I feel beautiful in my own skin when I make the effort to put myself together in a way that makes me proud to see my reflection. Whether that means taking time to plan the next day’s outfit, giving my skin a little extra TLC, or splurging on a blowout- I strongly believe that when women feel like they have done their best, they feel their best. It isn’t about superficial appearance, but rather about taking control of your image in a way that can’t help but boost your confidence.

BL: What is your must-have product to keep your skin healthy?

JF: Dove VisibleCare Toning Crème Body Wash is my go-to for skin that I feel good about sharing- the formula is so hydrating and I love the way it lathers up in the shower. Knowing that sleeveless season is upon us, anything I can do to make my arms and legs look their best, I will do.

BL: What advice would you give our Bella Beauties who have trouble embracing their physical imperfections so they feel empowered to participate in “Show Us Your Skin”?

JF: I think the advice I have lived by in my professional life can really apply to helping other women in their personal life- fake it ’til you make it. Sometimes just the act of showing confidence in your appearance- for example, uploading a photo and being a part of the “Show Us Your Skin” campaign- is enough to make you realize how beautiful you really are.

About Jenn Falik

From teaching her kindergarten classmates the merits of Bonne Bell lip balm, to spending her free time in college helping friends (and friends of friends) put together the perfect first date outfit, Jenn Falik has been a go-to for style advice pretty much since she started talking.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 2001 and taking a job on Wall Street, Jenn quickly realized that her talents were much better spent advising on clothing and makeup than consulting on credit card marketing. So, she embarked on a career in the fields that came most naturally to her- fashion and beauty, in a capacity that best fit her personality- a publicist. In working with some of the most prestigious brands in the world, and developing close relationships with many of the most influential behind-the-scenes trendsetters (from makeup artists and dermatologists to designers and buyers), Jenn honed her skills at predicting and interpreting trends. It is a combination of her insider circle, her ability to dole out practical advice, and her natural instinct to share everything she learns with everyone she knows, that led Jenn to become a Style & Beauty Expert.

Jenn has shared her tips through television appearances on The View, The Today Show, The Rachael Ray Show, E! News and Tyra Banks. From uncovering beauty bargains to helping women get celebrity looks for less, from decoding the latest wacky skincare ingredients to sharing tips on making even the most daunting trends wearable, Jenn loves the challenge of making something seemingly non-sensical incredibly practical. Jenn is also a regular resource for the New York City media, appearing weekly on NY1, Fox 5, CW11 and local newscasts.

Food of the Month: Special Spring Produce

Robyn Youkilis — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:48:39 +0000

I love Spring. I mean really, who doesn’t? Everything is blooming, flowers and trees of the like. The mood and the air changes from the darker, heavier days of winter and we begin to shed our layers, external and internal. There’s a palpable shift in energy in our relationships, often our jobs, and of course the most glaringly obvious place (at least to me!), the farmer’s market.

With warmer temperatures comes a bevy of some very special seasonal produce. These items have a tiny window of life – they thrive at their peak and then they’re off again until next Spring.

Before I know it these guys are gone from the markets, so this year I wanted myself, and my Bella Beauties, to be prepared for these vegetable gems to show up on weekend shopping trips.

Here are the Special Spring Produce:

Garlic scapes: These green alliums are the curled flower stalks of traditional garlic. They add a light garlic bite and awesome crunch to any dish and go especially well in stir-fries and salads. An economical option, you can usually snag a large amount of these guys for very little moolah.

Ramps: These wild leeks are a personal favorite of mine as they are easier to clean than traditional leeks and add that special something to any dish. The flavor is quite pungent so you only need a small amount to go the distance. The root and leaves are both delicious, so use the entire plant in your cooking.

Morels: This intensive cone-shaped spongy mushroom has some of the most mushroomy flavor one could ever hope for in a mushroom. With a short season and hefty price tag these guys are worth the luxury vegetable splurge from time to time. Store them in a paper bag and use quickly after purchase. They go especially well with another spring favorite, asparagus.

Fiddleheads: The most exotic of the bunch (and certainly the coolest name), fiddleheads are the tightly wound coils of ferns and are a delicious spring delicacy. They are a crunchy vegetable and taste a bit like a woodsy asparagus with a hint of spinach. Be sure to rinse them well and I recommend blanching them before adding to any dish.

Spring Bounty Pasta

Ingredients:

½ package of pasta, preferably brown rice or whole wheat

1 bunch of garlic scapes, chopped

1 bunch of ramps, chopped

1 cup of morels, well cleaned and chopped

3-5 tablespoons olive oil

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup fresh basil, torn into small pieces

Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions in an ample amount of salted water (water should taste like the ocean). After cooking drain pasta and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
In a pan sauté garlic scapes and ramps in olive oil until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
Add chopped morels and continue to cook another 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are soft and cooked through.
Add cooked pasta to vegetable sauté. Add a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice and lemon zest and combine well.
Add additional pasta water as needed to form a sauce and add parmesan cheese now if using.

Season with additional salt and pepper and serve!

Robyn Youkilis is a featured Healthy Living contributor and a passionate “foodie” who thrives at matching pantry staples with fresh, seasonal ingredients. For more about her click here for her full bio and all of her articles!

Be Impeccable With Your Word and Your Warrior Pose

Kate Lamie — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:59:52 +0000

If you’re not familiar with the book “The Four Agreements” the concept of being impeccable with your word is probably new to you. Here’s how don Miguel Ruiz explains this agreement in his book:

“Be Impeccable With Your Word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.”

I first noticed the link between this agreement and teaching yoga when we started reviewing language during my 200-hr certification. My teacher gave us very clear instructions: When you’re directing people into a pose always start with a moving verb. Honor the action first and foremost.

Here are a couple examples:

Reach through your fingertips

Lift your crown

Draw your navel in toward your spine

Why? She explained that clear present tense action verbs cut through the clutter, and the brain is able to process the desired movement more easily.

Karen Fabian’s MindBodyGreen article does a great job of breaking down why this word choice makes a difference: “The constant stream of information we’re exposed to through radio, television and internet, and the challenges of our jobs and relationships can leave people exhausted and immune to hearing.”

This got me thinking. What if we as yoga students (including teachers who are always students) try to approach our personal practice and experiences in class as opportunities to be impeccable with our word.

Here are three examples of ways I could be more impeccable with my word when I take yoga classes. Would love to hear from you in the comments section with yours!

1. I would stop saying I have a “bad shoulder” when I’m class with teachers who are unfamiliar with my injury. It’s a good shoulder, just one that needs some extra attention for the time being.

2. I would compliment my current teachers more often. Their classes are so phenomenal yet I often hear them selling themselves short with “I wasn’t my best today” or “Was that alright?” type language.

3. I would ask more questions when I’m confused about a particular pose and stop assuming that everyone else gets it. Odds are there’s at least a few other people who are a little lost too.

Kate Lamie is a featured Healthy Living contributor and is a soon-to-be Hatha yoga teacher with four-plus years of experience on the mat. For more about her click here for her full bio and all of her articles!

Losing Weight with a Practicing Mind

Nitika Chopra — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:18:29 +0000

What’s the first thing we do when we set a dieting goal? We aim at the final destination: “I want to lose 25 pounds.” This immediately sets up a perspective that breeds struggle and beckons failure before we have made that first step onto the treadmill or passed up that first donut. Why?

Most of us have a habit of setting our goals too far out in front of where we are at that moment and immediately become attached to the point in time when that goal will be reached. This is both counterproductive and a misuse of the goal. Instead of our goal serving as a rudder to guide our effort, it creates a feeling within us that every moment along the way to reaching that goal is something we have to overcome, something we must endure. We experience impatience and struggle, and if we fail to sustain our extended effort, we can lose confidence in our ability to reach any particular goal we set. We also usually attach a time frame for reaching our goals that is totally unrealistic and not based on any factual information, but instead is driven by the thought that reaching a particular goal will make us feel more complete than we already are.

The key is to break our final goal into more manageable parts. Losing 25 pounds is the end of the journey, but to keep us inspired, it is much more helpful to set a goal of first losing only 5 pounds. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, or even fearful, that we will not be able to overcome our cravings for certain foods on any given day or, worse, for an entire week, we should focus on just breakfast and then just the midmorning snack. We know the rest of the day is out there, but we accept that we are here now and that there is just this one meal, this one temptation to deal with. We see only the physical exercise we need to do today, not the cumulative effort it will take to integrate exercise into our schedule for the rest of our lives.

We focus only on one small, simple task as we move through each hour of each day. Doing this requires the same awareness and control of eating and exercise that we need to reach the final goal of losing 25 pounds, but it sets us up with a much shorter “cycle of dieting” that we must adhere to before experiencing success. That experience of success then breeds the motivation and stamina necessary to keep moving forward.

It’s also wise to limit your number of trips to the scale. Stepping on the scale more than once or twice a week can be counterproductive because it can strengthen your attachment to reaching your overall weight goal as opposed to the process of achieving the weight loss. In systems such as Weight Watchers you only have one weigh-in a week. It is normal for your weight to fluctuate a little day-to-day, and stepping on the scale every day when you are trying to lose weight is like constantly looking at your hair in the mirror after a bad haircut to see if it has grown out. What you are really doing is measuring the distance from where you are to where you feel you want to end up. At some level you are saying, “I am not where I want to be, and until I get there, I am incomplete and so can’t feel good about where I am right now.”

The hidden joy in losing weight is a basic truth that is present in any cycle of creating a goal, working toward it, and then eventually reaching it. That joy is revealed in the awareness that the “moment” of achieving your goal is happening in every moment of your effort. In that awareness, you are open to accept those positive emotions in real time because you become aware that you are “living your success” right now.

Thomas M. Sterner is the author of The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life. Visit him online at www.thepracticingmind.com.

Based on the book The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life, Ó 2012 by Thomas M. Sterner. Printed with permission from New World Library.