Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Moms:Take Time for Style
Moms, how is your style looking lately???
Remember when you knew all the latest trends and styles—and how to wear them? If you are like most women, it was probably before you had kids. Why is that? Our beautiful children are gifts from above, but somehow in the process of becoming a parent, we miss-place our sense of style.
Now you have a budget and anything stylish seems suddenly not important. On the contrary, dressing stylish is very important to who you are! I found this out the hard way as a young mom I let "frumpy" style take over my look. I knew better, but thought that is what moms do....everything for their children. I soon realized this all or nothing attitude is not what I should be doing. I just needed to shop wisely to get my stylish look back. I put my style and budget savvy mindset together and started dressing better. As a young mom in my 20's, it feel fabulous to be a mom w/ style!
Great style doesn’t have to cost a lot. Even inexpensive accessories can really up-date your look and make you feel special. I also found shopping in second-hand stores kept my budget intact. I started by building my wardrobe with the needed basics and took it from there. The fact that I was able to sew (alter) the clothes I purchased made it an even more affordable way to shop.
Taking care of our appearance maintains our sense of identity (as a woman, not just a mom) and makes us feel more confident in general. An improved self-esteem makes us a better mother, wife, employee, etc. Why wouldn't we want to do everything we can to be our best?
Women have a way of giving so much that there is nothing left for them. You don’t have to be a martyr in order to be a good mother. No need to lose your sense of style or identity either. You can do both—have style and be a great mom!
In fact, being the mom that dresses nice and cares about her appearance is actually the one that is teaching her children an important lesson. You are telling them how an adult woman, mother and wife should take care of herself. Set the example for your children by showing them how you love yourself! You are worth it! FlyLady at FlyLady.net tells us to take time and pamper. Heed her wise advice and care for yourself.
Take time for style! Add a splash of makeup, a touch of accessories and wear styles are right for your body type—your attitude will be more positive. You will feel like you are no longer blending into the background—you will find that you get noticed and love how you feel. You are a woman of importance after all! You are—just ask your family! Moms, take time for you, take time for style!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Good Skin is Beautiful!
Dear SYSters,
If you have been a MSP SYSter for awhile, you know I advocate good skin care as one of the best ways to look your best.
I'm always looking for products that help us keep our skin youthful and healthy. I encourage you to avoid too much sun exposure and wear sunscreen DAILY.
I just started using this skin care system faithfully and I'm seeing fabulous results! It is made of all natural ingredients and I'm quite pleased with how it makes my skin feel and look.
I've arranged special pricing for all of my MSP SYSters since I love this skin care system so much!
Join me and keep your skin healthy and looking its best!
Love, Leslie MSP
P.S. Dr Mike Hegi is the chemist behind The Skin Society website he works closely with dermatologist and plastic surgeons to create these products. He has been on my BlogTalk Radio show in the past and I'll twist his arm (okay, just ask nicely) to get him back to answer our skin care questions!
Friday, June 18, 2010
A Lesson From Larry
Sometimes we don't know how lucky we are until we lose someone or something. Why does it always take a loss or something devastating for us to realize how lucky we are? So often we take for granted the gift of life and the pleasures we have of living each day to its fullest. Recently I had this brought to my attention and it has made a huge impact on my life ever since.
I learned a lesson from Larry. I didn't know him and I still don't, but I wished I had taken the time to get to know him better before he walked out of my life. For Larry was reaching out to me and my husband and we didn't know how to respond.
A couple of weeks ago my husband and I were shopping at Trader Joe's (a small specialty grocery store). Half way through the store we were at the back of the store where they offer free coffee samples. We were tasting our mini cups of coffee when this man came up and tried to strike up a conversation with both of us. He asked us if we liked the coffee and we made small talk for a few seconds.
Moments later we were at the refrigerated cheese case, the same man boldly again came up and asked us if workout at a certain local gym. We said we both go to the gym regularly, but not the one he mentioned. He mentioned that my husband had on an exercise shirt (Under Armor), looked familiar and his hair was a "military" cut...so maybe my husband was former military (like him)? Well, since my sons ARE in the military, we got to talking with him. We found out his name was "Larry".
Larry was a pleasant (and obviously friendly) man (and in good shape for being 57 years old). We learned what he did in the US Army back in the day, explained what our sons are doing now in the Army and Air Force, etc. We learned his only son is only 2 years older than our youngest...and they both went to high school together. Perhaps they know of each other? We talked about exercising and staying healthy. Then Larry dropped the BOMB on us!!!!
Larry has been alone for 6 weeks. His wife passed away suddenly after being ill (undiagnosed) for a month. He brought out a picture of this beautiful blond woman that was only 52 years old. It was an obituary card of her life. My heart sank and broke at the same time. He said they had been married happily for 32 years. Suddenly she (her name was Patty) was gone! When he came home from work, he found her on the bed and she had died there. It turns out she lost lots of weight, felt like she had acid-reflux and no energy. Larry's wife Patty passed away from a heart related issue. Suddenly, this man has his life pulled out from under him! It was so overwhelming and quite shocking to hear.
I felt awkward pain and sadness at the same time. What do you do when some kind and friendly who is obviously reaching out tells you something like this...plus you don't even know him???
After another 15 minutes of talking, we said bye, it was nice to meet you--you are in our prayers. My husband and I for days, even off and on for the last couple of weeks have felt we should have DONE something for Larry. He was reaching out and needing a friend. Should we have invited a stranger over for a beer, a home-cooked meal, an ice tea? What would you have done? I feel horrible that the opportunity to be there for someone is now gone.
I feel now I should have done something for this sad and lonely person. However, HE did something for me. He taught me the lesson to stop taking life for granted. Live each day to its fullest. It was so good that my husband and I experienced this TOGETHER...because this month we celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary!
Thank you Larry! Thank you for the gift of loving each day to its fullest--we don't know how much time we have on this earth. I'll keep looking for you in Trader Joe's grocery store...because my husband and I have a home-cooked meal waiting for you. We'd love to have the pleasure of your company one day...
I learned a lesson from Larry. I didn't know him and I still don't, but I wished I had taken the time to get to know him better before he walked out of my life. For Larry was reaching out to me and my husband and we didn't know how to respond.
Moments later we were at the refrigerated cheese case, the same man boldly again came up and asked us if workout at a certain local gym. We said we both go to the gym regularly, but not the one he mentioned. He mentioned that my husband had on an exercise shirt (Under Armor), looked familiar and his hair was a "military" cut...so maybe my husband was former military (like him)? Well, since my sons ARE in the military, we got to talking with him. We found out his name was "Larry".
Larry was a pleasant (and obviously friendly) man (and in good shape for being 57 years old). We learned what he did in the US Army back in the day, explained what our sons are doing now in the Army and Air Force, etc. We learned his only son is only 2 years older than our youngest...and they both went to high school together. Perhaps they know of each other? We talked about exercising and staying healthy. Then Larry dropped the BOMB on us!!!!
Larry has been alone for 6 weeks. His wife passed away suddenly after being ill (undiagnosed) for a month. He brought out a picture of this beautiful blond woman that was only 52 years old. It was an obituary card of her life. My heart sank and broke at the same time. He said they had been married happily for 32 years. Suddenly she (her name was Patty) was gone! When he came home from work, he found her on the bed and she had died there. It turns out she lost lots of weight, felt like she had acid-reflux and no energy. Larry's wife Patty passed away from a heart related issue. Suddenly, this man has his life pulled out from under him! It was so overwhelming and quite shocking to hear.
I felt awkward pain and sadness at the same time. What do you do when some kind and friendly who is obviously reaching out tells you something like this...plus you don't even know him???
After another 15 minutes of talking, we said bye, it was nice to meet you--you are in our prayers. My husband and I for days, even off and on for the last couple of weeks have felt we should have DONE something for Larry. He was reaching out and needing a friend. Should we have invited a stranger over for a beer, a home-cooked meal, an ice tea? What would you have done? I feel horrible that the opportunity to be there for someone is now gone.
I feel now I should have done something for this sad and lonely person. However, HE did something for me. He taught me the lesson to stop taking life for granted. Live each day to its fullest. It was so good that my husband and I experienced this TOGETHER...because this month we celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
At home facials
Since my recent beauty post, I've been getting quite a few requests for my at-home facial recipe. So here it is...
This facial is for all skin types! Enjoy, Leslie
- 1 tbsp oatmeal, finely ground
- 1 tbsp organic yogurt (not flavored)
- A few drops of honey
This facial is for all skin types! Enjoy, Leslie
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Beauty Do's & Don'ts
Sometimes its the smallest things that make the biggest difference. This especially holds true with our personal grooming. By maintaining our eyebrows, wearing appropriate makeup and keeping our hair styled we look polished and put together.
Here's a little reminder list for you. Here is a quick list of "beauty do's & don'ts"...
Don'ts:
- Don't fight curls
- Don't squeeze pimples
- Don't tan in the sun
- Don't cover freckles
- Don't over pluck
- Don't over-accessorize
- Don't let your hair go un-styled
- Do use SPF full spectrum sunscreen
- Do blend makeup
- Do exfoliate weekly
- Do have regular hair appointments
- Do sleep 7-8 hours
- Do drink plenty of water everyday
- Do use an eyelash curler
- Do shape brows and clean up strays
- Do wear a smile everyday!
Monday, May 31, 2010
A Memorial Day Story...
A Memorial Day Story (shared with me by FlyLady Laura, a dear friend)
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.
'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.'
His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.
'This is your thanks..'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base.. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers.
As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...
A US military veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.
Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world.
'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'
May God give you the strength and courage to pass this along to everyone on your e-mail buddy list....
Of all the gifts you could give a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, & others deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best one.
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.
'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.'
His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.
'This is your thanks..'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base.. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers.
As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...
A US military veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.
Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world.
'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'
May God give you the strength and courage to pass this along to everyone on your e-mail buddy list....
Of all the gifts you could give a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, & others deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best one.
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4 Steps to Chic
1. Start with a feminine top 2. Pair with classy slacks 3. Ground with bold shoes 4. Finish with statement earrings ...
