Lose Weight Find Life

I want to share three ways to make your holiday season and gifts that you give extra special:

1.  As an option to giving gifts (or add to a gift), write thank you cards.  Thank the person for the impact they have on your life and what you appreciate about them. 

2.  Do some detective work and give thought to what the important people in your life really want.  Give them something specific to what they would really like to make them feel valued and appreciated.  The cost isn’t important.  The importance lies in the gift being personal to them.

3.  While unwrapping gifts, as someone unwraps a gift from you, take a moment to let them know what you appreciate about them.

Place your focus this holiday season on connecting with those close to you by taking the time to express your love and appreciation.  The gift of appreciation is one that lasts all year long. 

Believe In Yourself,
Cathy

Are you going to be away from home during the holidays?  If so, make sure that you don’t forget to take care of your home while you’re away.  You need to do more than lock the door and drive away.  

Protect your home from intruders that may notice you’re gone.  Use automatic timers that turn lights on/off in several rooms at different times throughout the day and night.  You can also purchase timers that will turn your television on and off as well. 

Make sure to go to the Post Office and stop your mail delivery.  Stop delivery of your newspapers as well.  Ask your trusted neighbors or friends to pick up any packages that are delivered to your home and check your home.  In many areas, you can also call your local police department to let them know you’ll be away for periodic drive-bys.

It is important to protect your home while you’re away by taking some proactive measures before you leave.  Keep your holidays happy and safe.

Believe In Yourself,
Cathy

There are times that I get in a funk.  Yesterday was a day that was so bad with things building up one after another to the point that I was glad when the day was over.  I went to bed thinking that today would be a new day and I’d feel better.  Nope!  The funk continued - Day #2. 

It is days like today where the fight or flight (to the kitchen) kicks in.  I coach myself, just like I coach my clients, regarding talking myself through the challenging situation and accompanying feelings.  Also, I reached out to a friend.  My friend made all the difference.

The next time you are in a funk, reach out.  No food to get out of a funk…talk to a friend.  It works!

To my friend…..Thanks!

Believe In Yourself,
Cathy

What are YOU grateful for?  As we prepare for Thanksgiving festivities, stop and ask yourself what you are grateful for?  Make a list.  What are the special gifts or blessings in your life? 

If there are special people that are on your list, let them know.  Make a phone call, write an e-mail or card, or meet for lunch and let them know they are on your grateful list. 

Make sure to list the wonderful qualities within yourself that makes you special and uniquely you!

Believe In Yourself,
Cathy

As the weather gets colder and winter is approaching, we prepare our cars for the cold temperatures by adding antifreeze.  We winterize our outdoor irrigation systems, close external home vents, bring in outdoor furniture, bbq, and flower pots.  Our vehicles and homes are ready - what else is left?  How about the protective layer of our body-our skin.  Our skin is the largest organ on our body.  The cold, dry weather provides a challenge for our skin to stay moist and supple.  In addition, the friction from heavier clothing and indoor heating can turn your skin dry, itchy, and prone to cracking.  Here’s how to keep from drying out this winter.

1.  Start moisturizing early and often.  Apply a moisturizer that preferably contains glycerin, fatty acids, ceramide, or cholesterol after bathing, while your skin is damp.  Reapply throughout the day if necessary.  Use a facial moisturizer, with sunscreen of at least 30, on sunny days spent out in the snow. 

2.  Pamper problem areas:

Lips - In the winter, lips chap very easily because they lack sweat and oil glands.  It is imperative that you don’t lick your lips to provide moisture since the evaporation makes the chapping worse.  Petroleum jelly is very effective in providing comfort to chapped, dry, cracking lips.  Lip balm or lipstick is also helpful in providing moisture and protection to your lips. 

Hands - The problem of dry, cracked hands is common in winter and can be quite uncomfortable.  Apply lotion after you wash your hands.  Another tip is to wear cotton-lined plastic or rubber gloves when working in water such as washing dishes or bathing children.  Cracked hands can heal with moisturizers that contain lactic acid or urea.  Be consistent in applying moisturizing lotion throughout the entire winter. 

3.  Another habit of winterizing your skin is to add humidity to your home.  Place a bowl filled with water near a heating vent or radiator, or use a humidifier.  The unit should have a humidistat that shuts off the humidifier when the preset humidity level is reached.

4.  Keep showers short and warm.  Hot water washes away your skin’s natural oils.  Try to limit showers or baths to 10 minutes and use warm rather than hot water.  Make sure to shut the door to keep in humidity from the warm water. 

Protect your vehicles, home, and your skin to combat the freeze of winter inside and out.

All the best,
Cathy