Tips for Beautiful Eyelashes

Long, luscious, thick eyelashes are always in style. Most of us, however, were not fortunate enough to be born with such beautiful eyelashes. Thankfully, the cosmetic industry is here to help! Whatever your need, there is a mascara out there for you. Short lashes? Try a lengthening mascara. Thin lashes? Try a thickening mascara. Straight lashes? Try a curling mascara. All three? Try a volumizing mascara. Which one is the best choice for you? Here are a few tips to help you decide.

Decide between normal wear, water resistant, and waterproof

Mascaras are formulated from wax, pigments and resins which are then dissolved in either water, petroleum jelly, or a combination of both. As the water or petroleum evaporates, it leaves behind the wax to help make your lashes look thicker, longer, or both. Formulas made from water are, by their nature, not waterproof, so they smear and run easier. Mascaras made of petroleum are waterproof, but can be clumpy-looking and difficult to remove. Water resistant, which combines both water and petroleum, offers a nice balance between the two. However, if you're a crier at weddings, you may want to go ahead and wear waterproof for such an occasion!

Don't buy more help than you need

If you have long lashes, but they're thin, don't buy mascara with a lengthening agent. When lashes clump or get that weird spider-looking effect, it's usually because there are more agents in the mascara than the lashes need. Volumizing mascara is tempting, but avoid it unless your lashes truly are short and thin. This will also save you a little money at the register. A general rule is the more things a mascara can cure, the more expensive it is.

Learn how to curl or thicken your lashes without the extra agents

To get great curl on your lashes, take your eyelash curler and place it at the root of your lashes. Hold firmly for ten seconds and release. If your lashes are stick straight, you can move up slightly away from the roots, repeating the curl. Do this until the ends of your lashes. With a curved mascara wand, hold the wand so the brush looks like a rainbow. Brush the roots of your lashes back and forth a couple of times (a similar motion to brushing your teeth), before sweeping through to the tips. Not only will this help curl your lashes, it will also help thicken them. Want those thick, Red Carpet lashes? Quickly apply ten thin coats of mascara (yes, ten!). If you let it dry between coats, you'll ruin the effect and have clumps. Quick strokes are the key.

Choose the right color

Basic rule of thumb: black lengthens, brown thickens. A fun look that will both thicken and lengthen your lashes is a process called minking. To mink your lashes, apply a coat of brown mascara. After that layer has dried, apply black mascara just to the tips of your lashes. Your lashes will look thick at the roots and phenomenally long at the tips.

Use eye make-up remover

Even if your mascara is not waterproof, using regular soap or facial cleaners can wreak havoc on your eyelashes. If it requires a lot of scrubbing to get the mascara off, you run the risk of pulling out lashes. Losing eyelashes at every washing is not something a thickening mascara can help you with. Fight the problem at its source. The best eye make-up remover will be oil-free, using a saline or silicone base, preferably both, that will gently wash away even waterproof mascara. Never scrub at your lashes. Gently rub away the mascara with a soft cloth or cotton balls.

Toss your mascara every three months

Even if you've only used the tube once, throw out your mascara every three months. Mascara tubes are breeding grounds for lots of microbial infections and eye mites. Three months is the longest shelf life any tube of mascara has. If you notice that your mascara is clumpy in the tube or smells odd, throw it out. Never, ever let someone else use your mascara. It's the quickest way to spread an eye infection.

Source: K. Pantinas

GreatestLook.com

AWESOME WEBSITE!
 

Gratitude and charity

After a year of financial disaster and getting myself back on track, the following article from Smart Women Guides really touched me. While I am on the way back from horrendous economic times, there are those who are not as fortunate.

As a result of my recent experience and the fabulous new job which involves community service and helping others, I can relate to being grateful for everything I have been blessed with and plan on joining the ranks of those doing what they can to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate . . . I was one of them.

By the way, Smart Women Guides is an excellent blog to follow . . .

"It’s the color of the season, the color of an open heart, and the new black - gratitude.

Never before in my life have I felt such an outpouring of gratefulness, generosity, and caring as I have witnessed over the last several weeks. Don’t know if I was just wearing the right clothes, or smelled just so, but I have had the pleasure of seeing some amazing things first hand. And, I feel glad from it.

Everywhere around us, we witness the world. Some of it can seem frightening. If you listen to the general attention monger media, you might conclude that we should all be in a constant state of fear.

But here’s the deal - fear is a state of mind, not an automatic reaction. When we open our eyes to beauty and miracles, we see that instead. Call me a rose-colored glasses wearing optimist, but hope and forward looking visioning feels better to experience. It gives me more strength of spirit to face the issues that need addressing and to take action. Fear cripples - hope and love uplift. Fear is a choice and it is not my choice today.

In honor of this elation and well…gratitude I feel for the wondrous and hopeful things I see around me, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite causes. If you have one you love, please list it in comments below so we can all know about the good work they are doing and how we can help.

Kiva.org - Microlending site: For as little as $25 you can provide much needed credit assistance to deserving entrepreneurs worldwide. Most entrepreneurs who use microlending are women.

RoomToRead.org - Literacy program started by ex-Microsoft executive, John Wood, that builds libraries throughout the developing world. Room to Read’s programs have reached more than three million children so far and hopes to improve literacy for ten million children by 2020.

WomenForWomen.org - Women for Women International provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency.

Charity: Water - Almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. That’s one in eight of us. charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund water projects.

We have the power within ourselves to create a world of peace, understanding, tolerance, and health. Thank you to everyone who is working toward this vision - know that many of us stand in gratitude for what you do.

Together, we are stronger!"

Vicki Flaugher, CEO
SmartWomanGuides.com

Shimmery eye makeup

I admit it . . . I'm makeup obsessed! Furthermore, I LOVE shimmery eye makeup and found this blog post fascinating. Hope you find it enlightening . . . experiment with shimmery eye makeup . . . try it, you'll love the results!


Can we wear shimmer in our makeup after 40?

September 17, 2008 by Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler - The Glam Gals

Came across an interesting blog post the other day at Raising Angls.com. The writer told the story how of how she was at the makeup counter recently and was asking the woman behind the counter , ” Is it Ok for women over 40 to have those “shimmer things” in the eyeshadow. The woman’s reply was “Why YES!, you can shimmer all you want after 40 you just don't want to sparkle!”

We were curious what our favorite expert Christopher Hopkins (The Makeover Guy) thoughts were on the difference between shimmer and sparkle.

Here is what he said:

“I agree. A little shimmer in the right places can be very effective. (Key: right place). The brow bone, a touch in the eye lid, a soft shimmer in lip color. It’s the size of the particles, really. It’s like eggshell vs. matte vs. gloss. But it is pretty difficult to tell how much shimmer something has until you’ve worn it for a few hours and it has settled into ‘areas’ we’d rather not accentuate with shimmer or shine.”

If in doubt, save the shimmer for evening, and eliminate highly frosted or seriously shiny makeup altogether.

Christopher Hopkins is the author of Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45

Lifestyle changes to drop a dress size fast

One of the best weight control/diet/lifestyle change blogs I have found . . . Eat2BSlim

The following post is from that blog . . . lifestyle changes are more important to maintaining good health than a "diet" and losing weight temporarily.




Here are ten tiny changes you can make to your daily routine to drop a dress size fast.

1. DON’T starve yourself. Fasting is not the most effective way to lose weight. To drop a dress size fast you should eat five small meals a day to help speed up your metabolism.

2. Start each day with a healthy breakfast. Try oatmeal with banana and cinnamon, low-fat yogurt with fresh berries and chopped walnuts, whole-wheat toast with almond butter, or a fresh fruit smoothie.

3. Swap your coffee for herbal tea. You’ll save around 148 calories per cup (a latte with low fat milk has about 150 calories, a cup of herbal tea has about 2 calories). If you really need your morning coffee, allow yourself one cup of black coffee a day (just 5 calories).

4. Increase your water intake to 2.5 liters a day and add a slice of lemon to each glass. It will help suppress your appetite and flush out toxins as you lose weight.

5. Increase your fiber intake to help to keep you feeling full for longer and maintain even blood sugar levels. If you really want to drop a dress size fast, make sure you fill up on whole grains (bread, cereals, pasta and brown rice), nuts, seeds, legumes (dried peas, beans, lentils), fruits and vegetables.

6. If you are hankering for a snack, fill up on negative calorie foods – foods with so few calories that you burn more than you consume by eating them. Negative calorie foods include cabbage, lettuce, cucumbers and celery.

7. Cut out all soda and other sugary drinks. Instead, drink water and herbal teas. This will help you reach your goal to drop a dress size in no time.

8. When you feel an energy slump coming on, avoid sugar and caffeine. Instead have some healthy snacks handy to keep your blood sugar levels even. Try oat cakes and hummus, sliced apple and almond butter, a handful of raw unsalted nuts, edamame or chopped up vegetables.

9. Cut down your portion sizes. Put less on your plate and eat slowly, savoring your food. If you’re still hungry at the end of a meal, wait 20 minutes before getting a second helping. That will give your brain enough time to work out whether you really are still hungry.

10. Exercise. Sadly watching what you eat won’t be enough on its own. If you want to drop a dress size fast you will need to burn some calories. Try going for a hard 30 minute walk each day before dinner.

For more information and dieting strategies to help you lose weight . . . Click Here to Visit StripThatFat.com. Thank you Ester Jane!

The little girl in me is screaming . . .

Much to my delight, I spent many summers and weekends at my girl cousin's house. We are separated by months in age and were always interested in the same things . . . much like sisters. Aside from the tropical yard with lush grass that had an awesome ditch that ran along it which was more like a little creek complete with tadpoles and little fishes, she had the most awesome little girl's playhouse. For little girls in elementary school, it was paradise! I always looked forward to my visits . . .

As I cruised the internet today, I ran into Linda MacDonald's blog,
Restyled Home, where I found her post on the most inviting playhouse for little girls and big girls alike. It quickly took me back to those days of being a little girly girl at my cousin's playhouse.

What a lucky little girl . . . I remember thinking what an awesome feeling it must be to have my own little place to hang out in. awwww the memories her story took me back to.

This big girl would love to hang out in that beautiful and comfy looking playhouse!

UPDATE:

Unfortunately, Linda MacDonald has made her blog available to invited readers only :(

Here are more awesome dollhouses . . .

http://rilane.com/outdoor/15-amazing-outdoor-playhouse-ideas/

https://www.hayneedle.com/product/8x16mansionplayhouseplayhousefloorkitloft.cfm

http://www.poshtots.com/baby-furniture/posh/ultimate-posh/victorian-playhouse/18/1376/1360/519/poshproductdetail.aspx


http://lashuts.blogspot.com/2015/02/build-shed-playhouse.html

http://furnikidz.com/wood-outdoor-playhouse-by-green-house/

Stuck in a rut?

Nine Simple Ways to End Boredom and Feel Reenergized

By Dr. Annette Colby, RD
Annette@AnnetteColby.com or www.AnnetteColby.com

Ever feel stuck in a rut and not sure about how to get out? If so, you're not alone. It's easy to get bored in the comfort of doing the same things in the same way at the same time. Here are nine simple and practical ideas to get out of a boring routine, and back into the enjoyment of life.


1. Conscious Breath
It all starts with breath! Conscious breath. Taking a conscious breath relaxes and energizes. Breath after breath, real life comes forth again. It brings you back into into the present moment, out from the past, and out from the future. In the here and now, breath brings energy, relaxation, and clarity. Breath in deeply, slowly, and consciously, and exhale. Do it again! Feel the difference?

2. Do Something You Aren't Doing Now
It's easy to get into a rut with the same uninspiring routine every day. You get up out of the same side of the bed, shower and wash your body parts in the same order, drive to work on the same route, then come home to watch television on the same spot on the sofa every There is an easy way out. Do something you aren't doing now. Do something different! Something big, something small, something silly, something out of the ordinary. Wear one black sock and one red sock. Wash your feet before you wash your hair. Hold your tongue instead of bickering with your spouse. Take a walk to the neighborhood grocery store instead of driving. Do one thing different and make a positive difference in your life today life.

3. Talk to Yourself Lovingly
Self-talk tends to gravitate toward the negative. This self-critical self-talk rut can rob you of your enthusiasm for your dreams and leave you feeling less confident. It's not necessary to control your negative thoughts or to only think positive ones. Instead, look into the mirror regularly, focus on what you're doing right, and speak constructively to yourself. Realistic constructive self-talk can reduce stress, leave you feeling more capable, and help you put more enjoyment into your life.

4. Love Your Body
It's easy to fall into a routine of neglecting, mistreating, or even hating your body. No matter what your weight or health, do something radically different today. Walk on over to the nearest mirror and have a real conversation with your body. Tell it what a great job it's been doing of helping you go through the experience of life. And no matter how much abuse or neglect you've put it through, it's still done its best to give you a home to live in.

5. Stop Complaining
Complaining about how things are is an easy habit to fall into. But complaining doesn't resolve a situation. And deep down it doesn't provide much satisfaction. Next time you find yourself complaining, take a breath and switch your focus to something that is going right or well in your world. What you give your attention and focus to will grow.

6. Get Outside
Have you been hibernating indoors? Too many hours sitting behind your computer or in front of the television? The average person spends about 90% of their times indoors. Staying indoors for too long can leave you bored, not to mention unhealthy. Fresh air, sunshine, and natural scenery provide peace, relaxation, greater psychological resilience, and stimulation of all your senses. No matter what the weather is, get geared up and head outside into nature. Sharpened senses, psychological health, and greater connection to your spirit will all get you out of the rut.

7. Clean the Clutter
Get your energy moving by taking a good look at your environment. Clutter drains your energy and can leave you feeling uninspired. Are your closets stuffed with too many clothes and shoes? Are your kitchen pantry, shelves, and drawers filled with old boxes of food, stacks of unorganized Tupperware, and trashy catchall drawers? Is your office overflowing with piles of magazines, stacks of paper, and unfiled receipts? It's never easy to start cleaning your clutter. To avoid overwhelm, take fifteen minutes every day to tackle one area. When the time is up, just leave it until the next day. You'll feel successful and your clutter will be gone in no time at all. Think of all the energy you'll free up to enjoy life!

8. Redecorate
Give your life a much needed lift by redecorating your living or working space. How about painting the walls a new color? Vibrant colors can leave you feeling invigorated and enthusiastic. Don't feel like painting? Rearrange the furniture and rotate the pictures on the walls. Rearranging furniture is one of the easiest ways to feel refreshed. Rearranging brings variety, clears energy, and helps you sort things out in your head.

9. Define Fun
It's a big world out there and there's so many ways to have fun. And so many definitions of fun. Where do you find fun? Is it being creative, being alone, being in good company, enjoying the fresh air, laughing, going on an adventure, or perhaps trying something new? Write down your list of ideas, activities, and actions that bring the fun back into your life. Then go out and have some fun!

Being stuck in a rut can leave you unmotivated and uninspired. If you find yourself in a rut, use these eight ideas to break free. Simple changes can get you energized, happier, and living life the way you really want to once again.


(c) 2009 Dr. Annette Colby, RD


About The Author

Dr. Annette Colby, RD can help you take the pain out of life, turn difficult emotions into joy, release stress, end emotional eating, and move beyond depression into an extraordinary life! Annette is the author of Your Highest Potential and has the unique ability to show you how to spark an amazing relationship with your life! Visit www.AnnetteColby.com to access hundreds of content filled articles and sign up for a Free subscription to Loving Mriacles newsletter.

Note: Are you looking for fresh content for your e-zine or web site? Feel free to reprint this article as long as it's kept intact and unaltered (including the 'About The Author' info at the end).

A good night's sleep

Sleep deprivation has been linked to weight gain, depression, anxiety, heart disease . . . and can result in accidents that can occur from limited mental alertness, which can be very dangerous depending on what you do for a living and even driving around the block. It affects more areas of life than we realize.

Many people sacrifice sleep since there are so many things to accomplish and not enough time in the day. How about sacrificing less important commitments, and maintain a routine, setting a regular bedtime to get a full 8 hours sleep?

As a result of living with dysfunctional sleep patterns and bad habits developed from no regular routine, I have come to the conclusion that becoming "normal" involves a "normal routine" . . . not just drifting through life. Even a bird wakes up at dawn, following a routine, even though it is a free spirit like me.

Here are some facts to help you get a good night's sleep . . .

The secret to a great night’s sleep start with a dark, quiet and cool room, which will help your body realize it’s time for bed, and will help you stay asleep longer.

Exercise early . . . you may not be using up enough energy during the day if you can't wind down by bedtime . . . it helps you use your energy more efficiently during the day, boosts your metabolism and helps you think more clearly. The restless feeling you experience at night could possibly be replaced by the need to rest your tired body and mind, eager to hit the sack.

Watch what you eat . . . are you eating or drinking caffeinated foods late in the day, too close to bedtime? Caffeine’s effects can last up to seven hours . . . start slowing down consumption after noon so that caffeine left in your system will be used up by the time you’re ready to sleep.

Opt for eating a healthier evening snack, such as fruit or popcorn . . . stop eating at least two hours before you go to bed. The digestive process can trigger strange dreams and nightmares, and disrupt your sleep cycle.

Stress is linked to a weakened immune system and promotes disease . . . and it can also affect your sleep cycle. Spend a little time clearing your mind, taking deep breaths and try to relax your body before going to sleep.

Develop a routine that is comfortable for you and stick to it . . . your body and the sleep cycle craves routine and in time will respond accordingly.

Turn off the television which keeps you awake longer . . . it captivates the mind and the imagination, stimulating your brain with vibrant colors and sounds.

Chamomile tea promotes restful sleep!

A full night's sleep allows your body to rest and prepares you for the day ahead . . .

A guide to interior paint colors

It is time for me to start changing things around the house. The least expensive and easiest way to change the look of a room is to paint . . . perhaps change colors. 

Click here to go to an excellent resource from HGTV that is all about interior paint colors with lots of tips and inspiration.

Interior decorating with red

I absolutely adore this red bathroom!! Actually, I already have all the plans in my head on the new "red" look for my bathroom. I'm known for my bizarre decorating style . . . my current bathroom look is a "beachy Florida style" in shades of hot pink and aqua with a black and white check floor featuring a very retro flamingo themed shower curtain. 

Red is my favorite color and I indulge myself in the color wherever I can. Take a look around my websites and blogs and the reoccurring theme is RED :-) My mustard gold faux finished stone looking walls with black trim and of course, the black and white check floors are highlighted by an area above my kitchen cabinets in BRIGHT RED . . . it is awesome. I'm still working on it . . . but I will do an entry with photos when it is completed. 

Start laughing . . . lose weight

Time for some funny flicks . . . according to a study at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, the metabolic effect of 15 minutes of laughter per day potentially could burn 14,600 additional calories per year.

Besides that, laughter engages many muscle groups . . . including the abs :)

Doesn't stress lead to overeating? Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones as well as a stronger immune system.

Fragrant Bedsheet Powder

I haven't tried this yet, and honestly, never heard of doing this before . . . but I thought it was an interesting concept.

If you try it before I do, comment on how it turns out for you.



Materials Needed:

Baking soda, cornstarch, and favorite fragrance oil.



Directions:

In a bowl mix together 1 cup of cornstarch and a 1/4 cup of
Baking soda.

Add 1 tablespoon of your favorite fragrance oil and mix well with your hands.

If you get clumps of fragrance and powder, rub them between your hands to powderize.

Store in a glass cheese shaker and sprinkle on your sheets when needed.

This will not stain your linens.


Tip:

Essential oil of Lavender is a great scent to use for this project.

Not only does it smell great, it's a natural sleep Enhancer!

Laundry tips from the refrigerator

Out of bleach or have a big bottle of

RealLemon sitting around that’s expired?

Toss in 1/2 cup of RealLemon juice

when laundering your whites.

You could also keep in a spray bottle to spray
on stains as a pretreater and stain remover for whites.

52 PROVEN STRESS REDUCERS

1. Get up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning. The inevitable morning mishaps will be less stressful.

2. Prepare for the morning the evening before. Set the breakfast table. Make lunches. Put out the clothes you plan to wear, etc.

3. Don't rely on your memory. Write down appointment times, when to pick up the laundry, when library books are due, etc. ("The palest ink is better than the most retentive memory."- Old Chinese Proverb)

4. Do nothing you have to lie about later.

5. Make copies of all keys. Bury a house key in a secret spot in the garden. Carry a duplicate car key in your wallet, apart from your key ring.

6. Practice preventive maintenance. Your car, appliances, home and relationships will be less likely to break down "at the worst possible moment."

7. Be prepared to wait. A paperback book can make a wait in a post office line almost pleasant.

8. Procrastination is stressful. Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do today; whatever you want to do today, do it now.

9. Plan ahead. Don't let the gas tank get below onequarter full, keep a well- stocked "emergency shelf'' of home staples, don't wait until you're down to your last bus token or postage stamp to buy more, etc.

10. Don't put up with something that doesn't work right. If your alarm clock wallet, shoe laces, windshield wipers-whatever-are a constant aggravation, get them fixed or get new ones.

11. Allow 15 minutes of extra time to get to appointments. Plan to arrive at an airport one hour before domestic departures.

12. Eliminate (or restrict) the amount of caffeine in your diet.

13. Always set up contingency plans, "just in case." ("If for some reason either of us is delayed, here's what we'll do..." Or, "If we get split up in the shopping center, here's where we'll meet.")

14. Relax your standards. The world will not end if the grass doesn't get mowed this weekend.

15. Pollyanna-Power! For every one thing that goes wrong, there are probably 10 or 50 or 100 blessings. Count 'em!

16. Ask questions. Taking a few moments to repeat back the directions that someone expects of you, etc., can save hours. (The old "the hurrieder I go, the behinder I get" idea.)

17. Say "No!" Saying no to extra projects, social activities and invitations you know you don't have the time or energy for takes practice, self-respect and a belief that everyone, everyday, needs quiet time to relax and to be alone.

18. Unplug your phone. Want to take a long bath, meditate, sleep or read without interruption? Drum up the courage to temporarily disconnect.

(The possibility of there being a terrible emergency in the next hour or so is almost nil.)

19. Turn "needs" into preferences. Our basic physical needs translate into food, water, and keeping warm. Everything else is a preference. Don't get attached to preferences.

20. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

21. Make friends with nonworriers. Chronic worrywarts are contagious.

22. Take many stretch breaks when you sit a lot.
23. If you can't find quiet at home, wear earplugs.

24. Get enough sleep. Set your alarm for bedtime.

25. Organize! A place for everything and everything in its place. Losing things is stressful.

26. Monitor your body for stress signs. If your stomach muscles are knotted and your breathing is shallow, relax your muscles and take some deep, slow breaths.

27. Write your thoughts and feelings down on paper. It can help you clarify and give you a renewed perspective.

28. Do this yoga exercise when you need to relax: Inhale through your nose to the count of eight. Pucker your lips and exhale slowly to the count of 16. Concentrate on the long sighing sound and feel the tension dissolve. Repeat 10 times.

29. Visualize success before any experience you fear. Take time to go over every part of the event in your mind. Imagine how great you will look, and how well you will present yourself.

30. If the stress of deadlines gets in the way of doing a job, use diversion. Take your mind off the task and you will focus better when you're on task.

31. Talk out your problems with a friend. It helps to relieve confusion.

32. Avoid people and places that don't fit your personal needs and desires. If you hate politics, don't spend time with politically excited people.

33. Learn to live one day at a time.

34. Everyday, do something you really enjoy.

35. Add an ounce of love to everything you do.

36. Take a bath or shower to relieve tension.

37. Do a favor for someone every day.

38. Focus on understanding rather than on being under stood, on loving rather than on being loved.

39. Looking good makes you feel better.

40. Take more time between tasks to relax. Schedule a realistic day.

41. Be flexible. Some things are not worth perfection.

42. Stop negative self-talk: "I'm too fat, too old, etc..."

43. Change pace on weekends. If your week was slow, be active. If you felt nothing was accomplished during the week, do a weekend project.

44. "Worry about the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves." Pay attention to the details in front of you.

45. Do one thing at a time. When you are working on one thing, don't think about everything else you have to do.

46. Allow time every day for privacy, quiet and thinking.

47. Do unpleasant tasks early and enjoy the rest of the day.

48. Delegate responsibility to capable people.

49. Take lunch breaks. Get away from your work in body and in mind.

50. Count to 1,000, not 10, before you say something that could make matters worse.

51. Forgive people and events. Accept that we live in an imperfect world.

52. Have an optimistic view of the world. Most people do the best they can.


Source: American Lung Association

Are You a Foodie Or An Emotional Eater?

By Dr. Annette Colby, RD
Annette@AnnetteColby.com or www.AnnetteColby.com

Are you a foodie? A foodie is a term used to describe someone who seeks out and enjoys new restaurants, foods, and wines. A foodie delights in the total sensory experience of food. For example, at the grocery store, a foodie will joyfully find the perfect plump fruit, squeezing it gently, smelling it, and noticing the ripeness and color. A foodie has a lust for new food experiences, and enjoys the entire experience of eating, which includes exploring food, shopping for food, preparing and cooking food, and of course eating great food.

Foodie Qualities. Below are 14 questions that can help confirm if you are a true lover of food:

1. Do you love to explore new recipes?
2. Do you have a passion for the taste of food?
3. Do you appreciate the wonders of fresh food?
4. Do you smell food, inhaling the aromas, and filling up with the joy of scent?
5. Do you shop for the perfect culinary tools?
6. Do you know the difference between Wusthof and Kershaw Shun knives?
7. Do you eagerly await the newest Sur La Table or Williams Sonoma monthly mailing catalog?
8. Is the Food Network your obsession?
9. Do you love finding new recipes to test?
10. Do you savor food, but stop when your taste buds or body tells you the experience is no longer satisfying?
11. Do you choose the very best food available to you?
12. Do you eat food that your body, senses, and intuition guides you toward?
13. Do you eat the types of food that make you more alive and invigorated?
14. Do you eat food that supports your health and vitality?

If these questions already have you dreaming about gourmet eating experiences, then you just might be a true lover of food!

Are You An Emotional Eater? Many emotional eaters don't know they are eating for emotional reasons. They will say, I don't eat because I'm bored or sad. I just eat because I really love food. However, if you look closely, an emotional eater doesn't enjoy the entire process of eating at all.

Emotional eaters often have forbidden or bad foods. They feel guilty about eating certain food. This have lists of what they should eat and what they shouldn't eat. And they often obsess about when to eat or when not to eat. Overall, there are many rules and restrictions around food.

Do you really love food as much as you imagine? One way to easily tell if you love food as much as you say you do, or if you're eating to cope with life is to notice your style of eating.

Below are 14 questions you can use to easily identify when eating is something other than just a love of food.

1. Do you inhale your food, eating in a hurry?
2. Do you wolf down your food because you're starving?
3. Do you heap mounds of food on your plate?
4. Do you put another bite into your mouth before finishing the last one?
5. Do you shove food in quickly, often using your fingers and often standing up?
6. Do you often have an urgent, panicky need to eat something right away?
7. Are an unconscious eater (eating while doing something else and unaware of eating)?
8. Are you a chaotic eater (over-scheduled life, haphazard eating, or eating whatever food is available)?
9. Are you a free food eater (eat in the presence of free food such as buffets, candy jars, office food, candy bowls, etc.)?
10. Are you a waste not eater, or a member of the clean plate club?
11. Are you a careful eater, analyzing every morsel for calories, weight, and health?
12. Do you skip breakfast and other meals, and then eat all night?
13. Are you a professional dieter?
14. Do you forbid sweets, but then eat them with a vengeance?

If you recognized yourself in one or more of the eating styles listed above, you might be surprised to notice that enjoying your food isn't the motivating factor for your eating. You don't need to become a food connoisseur, but an easy way to add more joy to your life is to take action and make your individual eating experiences more enjoyable. The more you enjoy your food experiences (cooking, shopping, creating, eating, and digesting), the more you enjoy life. And you just might lose weight in the process!

(c) 2008 Dr. Annette Colby, RDAbout The AuthorDr. Annette Colby, RD can help you take the pain out of life, turn difficult emotions into joy, release stress, end emotional eating, and move beyond depression into an extraordinary life!

Annette is the author of Your Highest Potential and has the unique ability to show you how to spark an amazing relationship with your life!

Visit www.AnnetteColby.comto access hundreds of content filled articles and sign up for a Free subscription to Loving Mriacles newsletter.

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