March 11, 2010

Yoga You Can Do In Your Sleep

Posted by befaithfulbefabulous under wellness | Tags: , , , , |
Leave a Comment 

If you’ve ever had a sleepless night, you know how frustrating it can be to lie in bed wide awake, mind spinning or body aching, when all you want to do is sleep.  Lucky for us, yoga can help – and you don’t even have to get out of bed to do it.

Savasana, or corpse pose is a yoga asana that you can use in bed to help calm your mind and ease physical tension.  Jon Kabat-Zinn in his best selling book Full Catastrophe Living teaches a technique called body scanning which borrows from the ancient yogic teachings.

The first step is to bring your awareness to your breath noticing each inhalation and each exhalation as it moves in and out of your nostrils.

As your mind begins to relax, you direct your breath awareness into your chest, sensing the rise and fall of your breath.

Slowly move into your abdomen, again noticing the rise and fall of your breath in your belly.

If you’re still awake at this point, begin to scan your body as you internally “look for” places of tension.  Start from your toes and work your way up slowly all the way to the crown of your head.  Use auto-suggestive phrases like: “My feet relax”, “My legs relax”, “My thighs relax”, until you’ve scanned your entire body from the tips of your toes to the top of your head.

By the time you’ve reached your torso, you’ll likely be asleep.  On the odd day where you’re still awake after your first scan, work your way back down to your toes and keep scanning body part by body part until you drift off into the land of deep sleep.

Love and delight,
Feature Writer
Zahra.

Zahra Haji is a trained and practiced yogini inspired by the Goddess Ixchel to reconnect women with the Divine Feminine. Through the wisdom of the moon, kundalini yoga and meditation, Zahra guides women to discover the rich, treasure-filled sanctuary of inner-self. Currently Zahra is a Sessional Lecturer in the University of Toronto’s Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health Program. She offers women-centered yoga and meditation classes and retreats through her business ‘Yoga Goddess’.

For more info contact Zahra at iam@yogagoddess.ca 416-901-4032 www.yogagoddess.ca

 

March 9, 2010

30 Tips That Can Save Your Money This Month

Posted by befaithfulbefabulous under wellness | Tags: , , , |
[2] Comments 

As a self-sufficiency coach for women, I know that financial independence comes from two sources: getting control of your spending (reducing debt) and increasing your assets (investments, savings and income).  Unfortunately there are many families with household incomes in excess of $100,000 who are struggling financially because they refuse to curtail their spending.  It doesn’t matter if you’re making$30,000, $50,000 or $250,000 a year, you can have expenses that have you living paycheck to paycheck. You can’t afford your lifestyle if you can’t comfortably pay your monthly expenses. Comfortably in my book means that you’re consistently paying your bills on time and that you have money left over to put into a savings or investment account.

I’m not an advocate of deprivation, I enjoy my lattes and my manicures.  I also want to be able to take my son out for a burger or some other after school treat without planning weeks in advance.  However to afford those luxuries I’ve learned to cut back in areas that are less critical to my family’a happiness.  Today for instance I’m reviewing my household bills and usage to see where I can make reductions.  Already I saved a few bucks on my Netflix account and on my DirectTV bill.

Two years ago Ramit Sethi, author of the book, I Will Teach You To Be Rich had a month of posts titled, “Save $1,000 in 30 Days.”  His posts are well worth reviewing. You may not implement all 30, but I’m sure that even if you saved $100 or 200 this month it would be well worth your time.

Ramit Sethi’s Full list of tips
Tip #1: Pack lunches for the rest of the week
Tip #2: Turn your thermostat down 3 degrees
Tip #3: Sell something on eBay today
Tip #4: Involve your friends in your savings challenge
Tip #5: Optimize your cellphone bill
Tip #6: Use gas prices to become your own hedge fund
Tip #7: Create a “No Spending” day once a week
Tip #8: Implement the A La Carte Method
Tip #9: Only buy new things when replacing something old
Tip #10: Use the free rewards from your credit card, car insurance, and workplace
Tip #11: Never pay full retail price for clothes or eyeglasses again
Tip #12: How I’m saving $2,000+ on eating out in 2009
Tip #13: How to negotiate your car insurance
Tip #14: Use self-persuasion to share how much you’ve saved so far
Tip #15: Forget going to a bar — ask people over for dinner
Tip #16: Cancel any large purchase this month
Tip #17: Buy generic for the stuff you don’t care about
Tip #18: No Christmas gifts this year
Tip #19: Save Money, Eat Well and Look Hot in Less Than an Hour
Tip #20: Change the date of Christmas
Tip #21: Save thousands by pre-paying your debt
Tip #22: Analyze your progress in the 30 Day Challenge (plus, see how I’m doing)
Tip #23: Go cash only for 15 to 30 days
Tip #24: Cut your commute expenses by 40%
Tip #25: Earn more money using your God-given skills
Tip #26: Gardender? Cleaning lady? DIY instead
Tip #27: Use barriers to prevent yourself from spending money
Tip #28: Use price-protection guarantees to always get the lowest price (travel, retail)
Tip #29: Stop being a loser and spend money to save money
Tip #30: How I’m saving $25,000+ in 2009

Yvonne Bynoe, Feature Writer

P.S. If you enjoyed this post today, do me a favor and share it on Twitter, Facebook, Digg, or any of the other sites you see below as well. And I’d love to get your feedback… What do you think? Also don’t forget to download my FREE report: 5 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR LIFE NOW and STOP BEING A GUILTY, STRESSED OUT WORKING MOTHER that can be found at SophisticatedWomanandMama.com

 

March 8, 2010

Posted by befaithfulbefabulous under Fashion, Profile | Tags: , , , , , , , , , |
Leave a Comment 

The two hidden gems I found on my last visit to Calgary. Calgary is definitely smaller and quieter than my hometown of Toronto but I manage to find some great little stores full of fabulous things. The first shop I wandered into was Kismet. The word “kismet” can be found in a number of languages – Turkish, Urdu, Hindi, and Persian to name a few – and it means “fate”. Fate is synonymous with destiny, but also implies change and a power impossible to resist. At its inception, Kismet was an import-based store getting much of its chic and somewhat funky inventory from the far and Middle East. As time went by, the shop evolved into a more up-scale high fashion boutique offering brand-name fashions from about 60 clothing lines and independent designers from around the world. I was super excited to find two of my favourite lines dish jeans and nougat, available in this chic boutique and that my fate lead me there.

My next find was Rubaiyat, a store that looked more like an outdoor garden decor store than a treasure trove of quality handcrafts from the windows I’m so happy that my curiosity forced me to take a peak because I spent close to 3 hours in the store gawking at all the beautiful things. This distinctive 17 Ave gallery and retailer carries imported artifacts and crafts from Africa and Asia, as well as ornate jewelery, art glass and home accessories by local, regional and international designers. Some of my favourite lines that they carry are Aurora Lopez, Me & Ro, Jeanine Payer and Satya Jewelry. It’s like I always say step into stores that may not be all that appealing or isn’t quite your taste because you’d be surprised what you can find. If your visiting Calgary and love to discover new and beautiful things these two shops are a must-see.

 

March 7, 2010

2010 Oscars Best Dress: My Pick

Posted by befaithfulbefabulous under Fashion | Tags: , , |
Leave a Comment 

By far my favourite dress at the 2010 Oscars. Beautiful, Elegant and Feminine.

 

March 6, 2010

The Talking Rose

Posted by befaithfulbefabulous under Poem | Tags: |
[2] Comments 

On a sunny afternoon
I was in a garden
With roses in bloom
A beautiful garden belonging to a Knight

Pruning the garden he was
And I asked him why,
Why cut them
And not let them grow high?

I then heard a sigh
But not from the Knight
Who was looking at me
With a smile in his eyes

He too heard the sigh
But continued to snip
It is then that I heard
A sweet tiny blip

“Please step aside
You are blocking my light”
But how can this be?
That this flower, is talking to me?

A ruby red rose
Who is talking in prose
Glazing in the sun
Until the day is done

From that day
She’s been blazed in my heart
And she’ll forever stay
In the garden of my hearth

I met many roses
On so many journeys
Many shades
And many grades

While I rested one night
Reflecting on life
I picked up my quill
And began to write

Miraculous rose
Miraculous beauty
The symbol of saints
Whom have finished their duty

Fragile rose
Fragile beauty
Strength and growth
Comes after pruning

Envious rose
Envious beauty
The crown and robe
Of queens and beauty

Loathing rose
Loathing beauty
Pricks from a thorn
Memories of the scorn

Blessed rose
Blessed beauty
Muses of odes
Poems and melodies

After many years
And many journeys
I have now returned
To the home I’ve been yearning

The Lady of the garden
Planted roses of bright yellow
To be the suns of the garden
On gloomy days and even those that mellow

Still the red roses
Reign high and might
But amongst all the roses
I hear one’s plight

A lowly red rose
Whose hue, the lightest of the rest
Sings on prose
But I know best

With a cut she is free
And begins to sing in glee
I hold her in my hands
And together we flee

Down the road we walk
And the land begins to talk
“Lucky rose”,
“Blessed rose”

Her hue is now brighter
And my soul fills with laughter
This is the talking rose
That I’ve been after

I lay her down to rest
Onto the Knight’s resting place
Crimson and bright
Now she’s close to the Knight

Who loved his red roses
As much as his mother
Who bore the name of roses
And to be known, by no other.

Dedicated to my grandfather.
March 2, 2010

Valery Santillana


 

March 5, 2010

GAP 30% Off Our Denim When You Bring in Yours

Posted by befaithfulbefabulous under Sale | Tags: , , |
Leave a Comment 

 

March 5, 2010

Everyone wins a discount in-store only at Banana Republic

Posted by befaithfulbefabulous under Sale | Tags: , , , , , |
Leave a Comment 

*Valid dates are March 5 through March 7, 2010 at Banana Republic Stores in Canada only. Not valid online or at Banana Republic Factory Stores. Restrictions may apply. See store for details.

 

March 4, 2010

London Fashion Week: Being True to Yourself

Posted by befaithfulbefabulous under Fashion | Tags: , , , , , |
Leave a Comment 

I just returned from covering London Fashion Week for my blog and The Fashion Spot. While there, I was struck by how much fashion is a part of everyday life and, more importantly, that it belongs to everyone. London Fashion is about self-expression, not how thin you are, how much money you spend, or even if you know the rules…because in London, fashion has no rules. As a native I know quipped: “You can wear whatever you like in London and somebody will think you’re cool.

In other words, all pressure is off. Practical items like shoes, coats, umbrellas, and especially scarves become fashion statements. I felt naked going scarfless amongst the swathed masses (I kept forgetting to wear one because I wasn’t used to it). Most of the woolly neckwear looked like it could have been knit by your grandmother and the look–thrown lazily around the neck–make it a style absolutely anyone can pull off and, as my friend promised, look cool.


London fashion is intrinsically forgiving. Maybe it’s the weather, or the fact that everyone is too busy to fuss much over what they wear. Loose layers and less structure make clothes flattering for all figures and even the runway shows, at least those by the female designers, featured more wearable, less body-conscious, designs that reflected and catered to the lifestyle of the modern woman: one who cares about her appearance but has more going for her than simply looking pretty.

Local London designer, Betty Jackson, beloved by women who want luxury and comfort in concert, eschewed any pretense of prettiness with her roomy, relaxed clothing that remained haute couture. Jackson has confessed to an aversion to dressing up and delivered a collection that upped the ante for casual wear. Another Englishwoman, Nicole Farhi (in business now for 27 years) featured feminine day and evening wear with silhouettes that skimmed rather than hugged the body. Her philosophy could have been the credo for London Fashion Week and for anyone seeking to attain genuine personal style:

“You should be true to yourself with the clothes you wear.”

Feature Writer
Laura Kim Connell
For Those About to Shop
 

March 2, 2010

Jewelry Box Must Haves

Posted by befaithfulbefabulous under Style Tips | Tags: , , , , , |
[2] Comments 

There are a few key pieces that no jewelery box should be without.   Keep in mind that I make jewelery so I might be a tad biased but here are my top picks for your jewelery box.

Most often your smile is the first thing someone will take notice of when meeting you and that means your earrings could be next.  You can’t go wrong with hoop earrings of any size, precious stone studs and stunning chandelier style earrings.  Your hoops and studs will be a no brainer that you feel like yourself in every day.  The chandeliers will be the pair that makes you feel even more sexy and confident.  Whether they are a $25 costume pair from Le Chateau or a $200 pair that is handmade in your favourite gemstone, what is important is that you feel like a million bucks in them.

There are matchy-matchy people out there who love sets (earrings, necklace, bracelet & ring) and people that can make a statement with as little as one piece.  I am the latter for the record and if you are the statement type you can appreciate the impact of a show-stopping necklace that like the chandelier earrings might just be all you need.   In addition to your show-stopper have on hand a simple and elegant necklace or pendant that you wear on the more casual days or when just a little will do.  Don’t forget the ever-beautiful and practical pearl necklace.  It is not just for Mom anymore.  There are so many colours, shapes and styles out there that you can’t go wrong having it in your repertoire.

When it comes to necklaces, and earrings for that matter, don’t be afraid.  If you don’t think you can pull it off you are probably wrong!  In our shop Flux + Form, where we are all about statement pieces, we hear women often comment on a larger necklace and how they could never pull that off.  Nine times out of ten if they have the courage to try it they are glad they did.

I love bracelets!  My favourite kind is the cuff and for its sheer size and impact it is a keeper.  Two words – Wonder Woman.   If the cuff is on the large and rigid side for you then a few beautiful bangles would work just as well.  Try mixing metals and finishes and you can come up with quite an eclectic combination.

Rings!  These little beauties are at the top my list.  I am definitely a one ring per hand girl (not one ring per finger).  For some of you it may mean an engagement and wedding set and for others it will mean that the sky is the limit design-wise.  I believe a ring can define you.  When making a ring of any kind for a client there is so much of them that make it into the design – from a favourite colour, shape, and motif to traditions, beliefs and memories.  If you don’t have one that means everything to you, save up and treat yourself someday soon.  Until then my advice is to have fun with this one.  Go for a fake but pretty costume cocktail ring.  A little bling goes a long way.

As jewelery designer and maker I usually steer pretty clear of trends and make what I like for the most part.    The key to being a unique individual is to do your own thing.  If you have to have the latest must-have then try not to let it break your bank since it will most likely be on its way out in another season or two.  Classic is always in and simple will never lead you astray!

Jewelery Box Essentials

Earrings – Hoops, Studs & Chandeliers

Necklaces – Casual Feel-Good Pedant & Show Stopper

Bracelets – Bangles & Cuff

Ring – Costume Bling & the Real Thing

Feature Writer
Resident Jewelry Expert
Kim Drosdick
(Kim has made a bracelet, ring and earring set for Tanya Kim and a pair of cuff links made from petrified wood for Ben Mulroney to wear on the red carpet at this year’s Oscars!)
 

February 25, 2010

Stay Motivated Through the Winter Blahs!

Posted by befaithfulbefabulous under Inspirational | Tags: , , , |
Leave a Comment 

photo credit: via weheartit

So we’re about seven weeks into 2010, and this is the time that many of us start to drop off on the goals or resolutions we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year.  Whether we blame our workload, personal responsibilities or the weather, the reality is that staying on track with our long-term goals is not always easy.  I don’t want this year to be like every other for you, so I’ve put together some tips and strategies to help you stay motivated.

1.     Remind yourself.  First and foremost, remember why you’re doing it.  Motivation is much stronger than willpower, especially in the long-term.  This means that you need to have a strong goal that motivates you.  It should also be visible and top of mind every day – out of site means out of mind.  So find a picture or image, or just write it down somewhere where you can see it every day.  This will motivate you to make choices aligned with your goal on a consistent basis.

2.     Book it.  Here’s the thing…. If it doesn’t get scheduled, it doesn’t get done.  With our lives as hectic as they are, we have to schedule everything, from doctors’ appointments, to lunches with girlfriends to carpool and driving the kids to hockey practice.  The same goes with your goals.  You must get into the habit of putting your action steps into your calendar – this includes gym time, meetings, as well as personal time for reading, writing, research or brainstorming.  Still can’t find time for your goals?  Consider this – we make time for what we value.  Re-evaluate where you spend your time.  This will help you find an additional hour or two in your week for the things that mean the most to you.

3.    Narrow your focus.  While multi-tasking seems to be the new standard for our lives and many of us proudly talk about our ability to do dozens of tasks at the same time, studies are showing that we may be doing more, but the quality of our output is actually diminishing.  We are so used to trying to do everything at once, many of us try to tackle too many goals at once too.  If you find you are trying to do too much or change too much at once, you need to narrow your focus.  Pick the one thing that’s most important to you and only focus on that one thing for the next 1-2 months.  Once you have created momentum, you can re-evaluate your capacity to move onto goal number 2.  It may seem initially like you are doing less, but you will accomplish much more.

4.     Ask for help.  Contrary to what you may believe, you don’t need to do it on your own.  In fact, I want you to remember that most successful people have others around them that have helped them to succeed.  So stop trying to be a hero and do it yourself.  There’s nothing wrong with you, it may just be that you haven’t found the right support system that works for you.  Consider your options – friends, family, community groups, mastermind groups, coaches, coaching programs, courses, mentors.  If you haven’t tried this yet and are not where you want to be, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and ask for help.

Giving up is not an option.  Staying the same is not an option.  Pick just one of the above strategies, re-commit to your goals and get going!

Before you know it, we will have made it through February, spring will be just around the corner and you will be that much closer to reaching your goals!

To your health and happiness,
Feature Writer
Victoria Joanna
 

Next Page »