Since I'm always bumming around the Web, when I come across articles or blog posts that catch my eye I want to share them. That's what happened with this post entitled What it Feels Like for a Girl that I stumbled across this evening. The author tells us about  the lengths a friend of hers go through to be attractive to her partner. I urge you to read the post because the style is really engaging and you will get a definite feel for what women feel they MUST do in order to be attractive.




I believe women fall into 2 categories: some do it for themselves and some do it for their partner or mate. I do think there are benefits to both...let me explain. I'm not saying you should do everything your partner wants you to do (in regards to your look) but if you know they like a certain 'something' it's great to throw that into the mix every once in awhile right? But women should also be going through their lives looking HOW THEY WANT TO LOOK because they have to be comfortable in their own skin. This is so important and again, ties to the whole self-esteem issue I've talked about.

The post I read largely focuses on makeup. It got me to thinking about what I do on a daily basis. I like to think I'm low maintenance. Basically I tip my head upside down after I shampoo my hair and aim the dryer at it....no fussy styling. I will usually run the straightener through it if I have the time, only because it smooths out the frizzies my somewhat curly hair has. That's it. As for makeup? Eyeliner. I need to wear it or my eyes disappear into my face. Seriously. I like a bit of color on my cheeks too because, the silly little girl in me, thinks it makes me look younger.

But other than that I'm pretty plain and I'm happy with that. I can't imagine putting on face make up and powder every single day...I can't imagine putting on full eye make up and choosing shadow colors every morning! It's just not me. I think if a woman is happy with wearing make up daily, with wearing lingerie, or with getting waxed...then by all means DO IT.

Do it for yourself.

I shave my legs when I'm single...and I always paint my toenails, but never my fingernails....this never changes. There are certain things I do for myself...such as wear perfume! I need my scent. I'm lost without it.

Going back to feeling good about ourselves, these are the little things I do to feel good about MYSELF daily. Think about what you do daily, weekly or monthly, and WHY? Are you changing yourself for someone else? Or are you simply doing what you need to feel good?

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I was sitting here tonight thinking, "what on earth can I write about?" It's not that I don't have ANY ideas, it's that I simply have too many ideas floating around in my head and I'm unsure of where to begin, or what topic to pick.

I was reading a post entitled Why Blog? from Melissa over at Sugar Filled Emotions and like her, I originally started blogging as a form of creativity and to let my emotions out. I've always been a "writer" and the written word is so much more eloquent and descriptive than words could ever be. Of course I had other reasons to start blogging, and that was to share MY story. It took me a long time to feel confident about the weight loss and how I did it; but once I did I wanted to shout it from the roof top!

Simply put: I love reading blogs because they are real and they are full of raw emotion. I realize everything I read I need to take with a grain of salt if I'm doing specific research, but I could never judge another person's feelings. It takes guts to open yourself up and expose your inner soul (and mind!) for the entire world wide web to critique.

Nile Flores, over at blondish.net  put down some of her thoughts on blogging and I found these hit the nail on the head. What resonated the most was these words: "Blogging should not be a chore. Write about what you want and when you want to." I thought about that and it's so true. If a blogger is finding the whole process tedious and mundane- it's probably time for them to to put their blogger hat away and take a break. I get excited when I have something to share...I get excited when I receive emails from others who are on their own journey to lose weight or to just be happier in their lives. I love this! One little problem? My blog isn't nearly how I want it to look...and I'm struggling with that. It will get there in time...I must trust in myself and *be patient.* Right???

Blogging inspires me to keep going on my own journey because it is one, that will not be over for a really long time. Sure the weight may have come off, but the doubts, the insecurities and depression are still present. Those are the things I take ONE DAY AT A TIME and learn to conquer day  day. Blogging helps me do this.

So why do I blog? I blog specifically to SHARE...and inspire others. This in turn reminds me daily of where I am in this life, and how I want to proceed down the road. Ultimately I want:

- To inspire others to be the person they truly want to be
- To help people lose weight
- To help others learn to live healthy and as a result, to live happy
- To help myself as I continue on my own journey to being the person I have always dreamed of being
- To connect, communicate and share with the others around the world

I am ever thankful to those who read me and continue to email and support me through their words.

In a sort of nutshell, that's why I blog.

This morning, an amazing fellow blogger named Melissa, posted something in response to my Self-Esteem post from several months ago. I find it neccesary to write about her blog because it struck a note in me, and I have only read 3 of her entries so far. I think we need to remember we're all struggling, and if we can gain some sort of inspiration or empowerment from another persons story- then we need to grab on to that. And hold on for dear life.

Melissa's blog is called Sugar Filled Emotions and this link will take you to her story about self esteem and how she battles with finding it and keeping it. I never judge what someone else is going through and everyone has a story to tell.

Thank you Melissa, for sharing your story and I welcome the opportunity to read more, and for my readers in turn, to embrace your story.

This blog is supposed to be a place people can go for inspiration, hope, ideas and hopefully to learn the tools to make a positive change. For the most part, I think I do provide that information. I would be lying though if I didn't confess to moments of inadequacy, low self-esteem and bouts of depression. I'm having a particularly challenging 2010 so far. I find I'm struggling more with life issues and where I am now at this point in my life....trying not to dwell on where I THOUGHT I would be. Where I should be....I picked up "Living in the Now" again the other night, flipped through it slowly, my eyes stopping at all these key sentences that made me go "Ahhhh, right...yes!". But tonight, that book still sits on my coffee table and I haven't picked it up since. So I wanted to just touch base and let you know you're not alone if you're struggling through some difficult times. It's one day at a time....

All week I've been trying to think of what I can write that's inspirational and informing. What news do I have to share? I decided I don't have any one thing to share, no eye-opening nutrition facts or tips. I thought it was time for another THINGS I'M EXCITED ABOUT post...

So without further ado:

Davies Gate: I received some of this stuff for Christmas. I love it! Organic, not tested on animals....it's quality. Personally I'm in love with the White Clover scent.

I have a soft spot for geeks. I'd like to meet the people behind this site.

Mmmm gifts and stuff. Give a green gift to yourself....or someone else. But you deserve one.

Possibly the best Veg and Vegan-friendly site online. You can find places to eat anywhere in the world, read reviews on the food and tell others about your fave joints.

Aside from browsing through all their great products, the Genuine Health website is full of information too. I am still taking my greens+ extra energy faithfully!

I would love to create my own fragrance....

On a final note, I got some new running shoes the other day and my feet are happy. Finally.  I have extremely low arches and my current sneakers were Mizuno's because they have great arch support. Alas, this seasons colors were way too flashy for me and I had to move to choice #2: Asics. Another excellent brand for all the flat footed people out there.

It's extremely important to exercise in good shoes.Remember that.

Everything is coming up.....green??

Yup. Green baby...Check out Genuine Health's website for more info on the benefits of making Greens part of your daily diet.

Do you take sugar-laden energy drinks? Find yourself drinking more than one cup of coffee a day? Are you sluggish and constantly wonder if your head is even connected to your body sometimes?


I'm so excited about this stuff! This has been something I have toyed with trying for years now...and it wasn't until my dear friend (who wishes to remain anonymous, but lets call her something....) "Molly" told me how incredible she was feeling after a few days. A FEW DAYS! I trust her completely and her move in that direction made me realize I needed to kick my butt into a higher gear and follow.

Although it says 'natural orange flavor', don't put too much faith in that. It still tastes like regular greens to me! Add to plain water or juice and drink up.

Enjoy!

So for those of you who read me regularly you know I have posted about my bad back. I also have serious knots going on all throughout it, that sometimes render me pretty useless. Like today. My back was pretty much seized up and I made it through the day slightly drugged up on robaxacet...and cut my work day short by an hour. This isn't a good way to live or function. I was talking to my dear friend tonight and she mentioned she had 'heard' something about potassium helping with muscle pain. I admit I had not heard this before so I looked into it...and I was floored. I knew it was an important nutrient obviously, but I didn't know ALL that it did and why exactly I should make sure to have it in my diet.

So benefit number one has got to be that a diet rich in potassium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and strokes, and we all know that is good news. But did you know that sufficient potassium in your diet can also soothe feelings of anxiety, stress and irritability?

If you're lacking potassium in your diet, you could experience serious fatigue, a slow down of reflexes and muscle cramping. (of course I must state if you are feeling like this for an extended period of time, you really need to go to the doctor to rule out anything else...). Lately, I've been feeling like I'm trying to walk against the current, constantly being pushed back but too exhausted to find another route. I do know a part of it is the winter blues and a combination of some other life issues going on...but this information about potassium really strikes a chord in me. I feel I need to up my potassium intake; I need to see if it helps with my back seizing up. I figure I have NOTHING to lose, right?

So how will I get this extra potassium? Well, a banana has 400 mg....and what is more convenient than putting one of these bad boys in your lunch bag or grabbing one on the go? All my research seems to indicate the recommended daily intake should be 3500-4000 mg but realistically, we eat about half of that a day. Most fruits and vegetables are a great source of potassium so make sure to always get enough....

Other potassium rich foods are:

- Lima Beans: 1 cup has 1000 mg. I love this bean. Seriously. With a smidge of butter and pepper.
- Cantaloupe: 1/2 of a 5" melon has 975 mg. Yum! Quick snack? 1/2 melon with cottage cheese.
- Potato: 1 medium sized tater has around 900 mg and really, is there a more versatile veggie??
- Fresh OJ: 1 cup will give you 975 mg.
- Papaya: 785 mg in 1 papaya. I do not eat enough of this fruit....

This is really only a handful of the foods out there....bottom line, if we're eating a balanced and nutritious diet with the fruits and veggie requirements our bodies need, then everything is good. Personally speaking, I'm adding a little extra potassium to my daily diet!

Love Chere Michelle

Hi All, I'm testing out a new blog site so let me know what you think. I'm by no means changing anything YET but something may arise...

Thanks!
Chere Michelle

Ok so I was at the grocery store today after work, waiting in a ridiculously long line up and spotted this magazine I had never heard of: Real Simple. Instantly I wanted it. The magazine itself was so clean and fresh looking and as I flipped through it I thought "Wow. This is info I actually NEED." So I picked it up....it's amazing!



Check it out.

Chere Michelle

So a very dear friend of mine, who has requested to remain anonymous, is currently about to embark on the EA Active 30 Day Challenge, as made for the Wii. So far she's played around a bit with the various features, workouts and settings and her feedback I have to say, is VERY positive. I promise to keep you all updated on her progress and in turn, in my decision to buy one...

I wanted to explore nutrition labels a bit more since I touched upon it in my last post about grocery shopping. I really want to drill it into your head to take the time when shopping, to read the nutrition labels on the container. Check out the serving size and daily value % of the various vitamins and minerals. Let's talk cereal..."breakfast" cereals. I'm an addict and I freely admit it. Perhaps there is just something comforting about making a bowl of cereal, pouring the milk in and settling down to eat it. It reminds me of being a kid. I choose my cereals wisely though and stay away from gimmicky, high sugar and high fat cereals like Fruit Loops, Corn Pops or Apple Jacks. These are NOT cereal...I don't believe children or adults should start the day with these because they are really no more than empty calories with a hollow promise of whole grain nutrition.

Some of my favorites are:

Kashi Go Lean Crunch: This stuff packs a punch! I copied this direct from the website- "Crunchy clusters made from Kashi Seven Whole Grains and sesame. They're naturally sweetened with a touch of honey and cinnamon and then toasted to perfection for a hearty crunch." I honestly love this cereal with milk, or even just to grab a few clusters out of the box a snack. This will not go soggy but then again, I never have it in the bowl long enough...Nutrition info per serving 9 g protein, 8 g fibre and made with 16 whole grains such as barely, wheat and corn to name a few.


Quaker Corn Bran Squares: If you're looking for HIGH fibre cereal that has a sweet crunch, this cereal is awesome! At a 3/4 cup serving with skim milk, you're looking at 30% of your daily fibre requirement! (20 g). There are no trans fats; which by the way YOU DO NOT WANT IN YOUR CEREAL- OR YOUR BODY REALLY...


Quaker Life: Yup, Mikey is still right. Since 1961 this cereal has been on kitchen tables all over the world and for good reason. It's chock full of B Vitamins for one (great for converting food to energy) and at 8 g of fibre per serving, it more than meets my requirements! I have never tired of Life...


Okay these are only 3 cereals in a list of several other NUTRITIOUS varieties. The key to picking out cereal for you and your kids is read, read, read the labels. Ideally, the first ingredient should be a whole grain...and if you see the words "partially hydrogenated" put the cereal back on the shelf and step back. Check fat content and fibre content, calories per serving...you'll get the hang of it once you really start analyzing those labels.

Don't start your day by fueling your body with sugar and fat....

Live Well. Eat Well.

Chere Michelle