tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25388383826013283212024-01-20T11:37:52.270-08:00My Self Care BlogOne girl's quest to just take very good care of herself.Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-39154435053865430992013-02-07T08:21:00.001-08:002013-02-07T08:25:09.027-08:00February Update: 25 Things I want to Do in 2013<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My February Status on the goals and objectives I set for myself for 2013: (Updates in blue!)</span><br />
<br />
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif][if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Run a 5k</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Take a Tropical Holiday: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Planning anniversary trip to Kauai in July</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Hike to Lake Annette and
camp</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Go Kayaking</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Lose 50lbs: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Down 18lbs since beginning of year, so 32lbs to go!</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Get 10,000 fans on Self Care
Girl:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">4290 fans, so 5710 to go</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #4f81bd; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-themecolor: accent1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Simplify everything I can:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">I have been actively cleaning out cupboards
and reducing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this is a
good start to simplifying- removing the unnecessary, so the necessary can
speak.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #4f81bd; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-themecolor: accent1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Make a Sourdough starter and bake our bread, instead of buy:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">My excuse is that I have not
been able to find ORGANIC grapes to make the starter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking for alternative recipe. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #4f81bd; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-themecolor: accent1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Continue to maintain Debt Free lifestyle (Focus on mortgage pay
down):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">We
have been looking at homes and considering a move which would impact our
pay down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to weigh having a
nice, new home with retiring early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Grow an herb garden</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Go Sailing</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Sew something</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Use my Art Supplies</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Begin writing book</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #4f81bd; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-themecolor: accent1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Be the most amazing Matron of Honor EVER:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Have committed to spending
one weekend a month focused on the bride</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Go at least 4 times to see
Jake's band play</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Remove the Mercury from my
mouth: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Dental appt March 13.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Switch to healthier
household cleaners: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Using a lot of white vinegar
lately and swapped out my laundry and dish soaps with healthier
brands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next step is to just toss
out all those evil, unhealthy products lurking in my broom closet.</span> </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Read 12 Books (1 per month):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Almost complete with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and
re-reading the book Switch (How to Change when Change is Difficult</span>)</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"><img alt="best exotic.jpg" height="161" src="file:///C:/Users/nlb9954/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg" width="107" /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><img alt="switch.jpg" height="162" src="file:///C:/Users/nlb9954/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image004.jpg" width="106" /></span></span></div>
<ol start="20" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Replace my old furniture<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New bedroom set, ottoman and sofa</span>.
</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"><img alt="new sofa.jpg" height="131" src="file:///C:/Users/nlb9954/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image006.jpg" width="174" /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><img alt="bed and vanity.jpg" height="131" src="file:///C:/Users/nlb9954/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image008.jpg" width="174" /></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><img alt="ottoman.jpg" height="135" src="file:///C:/Users/nlb9954/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image010.jpg" width="180" /></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><img alt="dresser.jpg" height="134" src="file:///C:/Users/nlb9954/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image012.jpg" width="101" /></span></span></div>
<ol start="21" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Remodel the Rental Property:
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Contractor starts Monday, Feb 11, will be complete and ready for
renting on March 1.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Re-read Decision Modeling
Text Book<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Started
this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was actually asked to
sit in on a meeting where this method would benefit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So motivated to read more.</span> </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Eat Better - Learn more
about (and incorporate) more Raw and Fermented foods:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Have increased sour kraut and more pickled vegetables.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Take Weekend Away with My
Sister</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Unplug on Sundays:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">So far so good!</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" type="1">
</ol>
Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-34913723385034551462013-01-02T15:15:00.001-08:002013-01-02T15:15:53.544-08:005 Ways to Adopt a "Snail's Pace"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAPMHtol38MG8zrZFj5axxmsHCTrxr-tk8Kz5oo2E6jL7MKN7qDa7eAlSB9iWhqTnebpvl8KzDlfkdNOhKeSuqGu92JGK38T3cd6iPEZII_l0z2Shyzw708IsgMkEBa4ZPVn-OCKB3EQz/s1600/snail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAPMHtol38MG8zrZFj5axxmsHCTrxr-tk8Kz5oo2E6jL7MKN7qDa7eAlSB9iWhqTnebpvl8KzDlfkdNOhKeSuqGu92JGK38T3cd6iPEZII_l0z2Shyzw708IsgMkEBa4ZPVn-OCKB3EQz/s1600/snail.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">One objective of simplifying your life is to free up time and energy so you can focus these on more important things. Simplifying does not necessarily equate to slowing down your life. Slowing down is something that must be done as consciously as weeding out the unnecessary stuff. </span><br />
<br />
Here are 5 Good Suggestions to help you slow down:<br />
<br />
1) Sit down for meals. I too am guilty of occasionally eating over the sink-or worse - in the light cast by an open refrigerator door. This not good for your soul. Scarfing down food is NOT good for your body. Take a slower approach. Set the table. Chew your food. Enjoy the flavors.<br />
<br />
2) Modify your Morning Routine so you aren't rushing out the door. Get up 15 minutes earlier and just sit with a hot beverage and your happy thoughts. Organize as much of the daily preparations as you can the night before- clothes, lunch, breakfast etc.<br />
<br />
3) Drive the Speed Limit. You'll get better gas mileage and you will be least likely to have an accident. Make zen-like focus your habit when you are in the car. There is no more important place to be fully present! Give yourself plenty of time to get there. If by chance you are late...make a courtesy call your solution; not speed!<br />
<br />
4) Take Breaks. You should not sit at your desk for longer than an hour at a time. Set your calendar to send you notices each hour to take a break. Use this time to stretch, use the bathroom, refill your beverage, take a little walk, or simply refocus your eyes.<br />
<br />
5) Leave yourself sticky note reminders to slow down. A few key places to stick these: on your steering wheel; in a calendar notice (so it pops up on your computer screen); on the bathroom mirror; on the fridge<br />
Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-31740502670692200752013-01-01T07:30:00.001-08:002013-01-01T07:30:14.695-08:00Let Me Eat Cake<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMto32GA0PqHZwKuGUMNlzTVFDqm7ev-LHKjpJ8ywQzY86Rt1RYsEGHq1pu2Y9x3V2CP0OBSoFWmXVUSVwnBM8OGELfZ2L-7aoPmissDCABMxfHscqtCdEXKRE9RXmEPE2F-1sxCU1C59/s1600/eat+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMto32GA0PqHZwKuGUMNlzTVFDqm7ev-LHKjpJ8ywQzY86Rt1RYsEGHq1pu2Y9x3V2CP0OBSoFWmXVUSVwnBM8OGELfZ2L-7aoPmissDCABMxfHscqtCdEXKRE9RXmEPE2F-1sxCU1C59/s1600/eat+cake.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This brilliant picture is by Kelli Nina Perkins. http://ephemeralalchemy.blogspot.com/2011/07/let-me-eat-cake.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Woke up early this morning, first day of 2013.<br />
<br />
I made myself a cup of coffee and reached into the fridge for a slice of leftover Egg Nog & Rum Bundt cake. (Breakfast of Champions...)<br />
<br />
"Hold it!" My annoying, meddling, do-gooder side interrupted as I sunk my teeth into the cake.<br />
"What?!" I mumbled back...mouth full...innocent...but clearly, BUSTED!<br />
"Its the first day of a new year!" Do-gooder exclaimed in disbelief<br />
"Uh-huh" I chewed a little and gulped...so guilty. <br />
"So...how is this year going to be different from every other year?"<br />
I stopped chewing..stared at the cake...and I realized the truth of the matter "It's not." <br />
<br />
I fully expect that this year will be exactly like every other year since I cognitively started tracking my years, and change, and bad habits.<br />
<br />
Miraculously, over the past few decades, I have managed to improve more than decline...just maybe not always in ways that I envisioned.<br />
<br />
This year will not be any different. I will struggle with my diet and won't want to exercise. My metabolism will continue to slow as I age. I will continue to struggle with my weight. I will incorporate some very good things and I will eliminate some bad things too. I will try. I will have set -backs. I will have successes. I will try again. <br />
<br />
When it is all said and done...I will still -occasionally- want cake. <br />
<br />
One thing is for certain: I really don't want 2013 to be all about whether or not I should have my cake and eat it too. (Of course I should!)<br />
<br />
Take Good Care!<br />
Self Care Girl <br />
<br />Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-33771231464692969132012-12-31T06:23:00.000-08:002013-01-01T08:51:03.696-08:00Things I want to do in the 2013<ol>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWQZhtlPe25PFyx99tgE3pmDWTe8JBEXub65f3ksFDSuQe8D17WiFnRRLCQYZgDx_PzeLAVO2g0rePjVHuITGv0nDg3pevEhtjMt8P7V4KhAKxbHxpV8J69YHXydM9w7A3Zh0Uq5GErIV/s1600/7+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWQZhtlPe25PFyx99tgE3pmDWTe8JBEXub65f3ksFDSuQe8D17WiFnRRLCQYZgDx_PzeLAVO2g0rePjVHuITGv0nDg3pevEhtjMt8P7V4KhAKxbHxpV8J69YHXydM9w7A3Zh0Uq5GErIV/s1600/7+days.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here is my to-do list of 25 Things I want to accomplish in the new year. <br />
<br />
Research shows we are 80% more likely to reach our goals if we write them down. Research also shows that we are more successful if we focus on one clear goal at a time. (I will have to keep this in mind). <br />
<br />
I will provide monthly status on my progress... <br />
<ol>
<li>Run a 5k</li>
<li>Take a Tropical Holiday</li>
<li>Hike to Lake Annette and camp</li>
<li>Go Kayaking</li>
<li>Lose 50lbs</li>
<li>Get 10,000 fans on Self Care Girl</li>
<li>Simplify everything I can</li>
<li>Make a Sourdough starter and bake our bread, instead of buy</li>
<li>Continue to maintain Debt Free lifestyle (Focus on mortgage pay down)</li>
<li>Grow an herb garden</li>
<li>Go Sailing</li>
<li>Sew something</li>
<li>Use my Art Supplies</li>
<li>Begin writing book</li>
<li>Be the most amazing Matron of Honor EVER</li>
<li>Go at least 4 times to see Jake's band play</li>
<li>Remove the Mercury from my mouth</li>
<li>Switch to healthier household cleaners</li>
<li>Read 12 Books (1 per month)</li>
<li>Replace my old furniture. </li>
<li>Remodel the Rental Property</li>
<li>Re-read Decision Modeling Text Book</li>
<li>Eat Better - Learn more about (and incorporate) more Raw and Fermented foods</li>
<li>Take Weekend Away with My Sister</li>
<li>Unplug on Sundays</li>
</ol>
<br />Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-56321598811439608752012-12-17T12:46:00.001-08:002012-12-17T12:46:53.490-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #15 & 16: Giving & ReceivingTip #15: Giving....as in giving away some of the stuff that is cluttering up your spaces and your life is a great thing to do this time of year. Start by clearing a drawer or cupboard and see if you don't feel heaps lighter immediately.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Think about first removing duplicates. How many can openers, pairs of scissors, nail clippers, tweezers, rain coats, etc...do you really need? Sometimes having one of an item is best. Having one of an item, and a specific location for that item increases its value to you and the likelihood of not losing it.</li>
<li>Remove any item that you haven't worn or used in a year.</li>
<li>If at all possible leave empty spaces - an empty area of a drawer or an empty shelf conveys openness to receive, it is also aesthetically pleasing.</li>
<li>GIVE away your excess stuff to friends, family and charity.</li>
<li>After the holiday...repeat! Don't bring anything new into your home without removing something else.</li>
</ul>
Tip #16: Receiving....as in receiving things gracefully<br /><ul>
<li>Say thank you.</li>
<li>If it is beautiful, say so.</li>
<li>If it is something you always wanted, say so.</li>
<li>If it is not beautiful-or not something you ever wanted- say thank you and add how happy you feel that the giver thought of you.</li>
<li>If it is too much, accept it graciously if received in public, speak to the giver privately afterward if you are concerned. </li>
<li>If you have received a gift and don't have one to reciprocate, say thank you. Do not make an apology or excuse for not having a gift, or a promise to deliver a gift in the future. Do not make the giver feel uncomfortable in any way. If you want to, reciprocate at a later date. You are not obligated to do this...and please do not feel you need to match with a gift of the same value, especially if you cannot afford it. </li>
<li>Consider always the generosity and thoughtfulness of the giver and always behave with gratitude...that is the true key to being a gracious receiver.</li>
</ul>
Take Good Care!<br />
Self Care Girl<br />
Holiday 'Elf Care Specialist<br /><br />Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-45486495016403884182012-12-15T00:46:00.001-08:002012-12-15T00:46:27.963-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #14: Strive for Some Holiday Imperfection!<img src="webkit-fake-url://14BAC19B-8AB3-43E8-BFE7-9A07E1D03080/imagejpeg" /><br />
<br />
One of the best trees I ever had in my home was decorated heavily in low places with clusters of frosted dinosaur gingerbread cookies...as the joyful season progressed, many of the cookies lost legs and tails, or completely disappeared -extinct, but for only a trace of crumbs.<br />
<br />
This holiday strive for fabulous memories....not perfection....just let go, and let it happen!<br />
<br />
Take Good Care!<br />
Self Care Girl<br />
<br />
<br />Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-36376960940432866242012-12-14T15:45:00.003-08:002012-12-14T15:45:45.389-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #13: Take Some Time To Enjoy the Holiday Preparations<img src="webkit-fake-url://E77D526F-3A8D-4C2D-B457-F46D287EC312/imagejpeg" /><br />
<br />
Holidays take a lot of preparation. If you are one of the holiday organizers for your family, you know how stressful this time of year is...especially because nothing else in life really stops to allow for you to engage fully in those preparations; everything has to happen in addition to your normal routines and obligations.<br />
<br />
Taking some time for yourself right now...a day off from work...or trade an afternoon or two of child care with a friend, so you can engage fully and enjoy those preparations-like shopping, or decorating-rather than just rushing to get the done.<br />
<br />
Guard against trying to accomplish too much during one of these sessions. Choose one or two tasks that can be reasonably accomplished in your allotted time frame. These sessions are intended to be fun and rejuvenating, not stressful!<br />
<br />
Take Good Care!<br />
Self Care GirlSelf Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-2111030063675912602012-12-12T08:18:00.003-08:002012-12-12T08:18:45.705-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #12: It Is Ok For You To Have Everything You Want<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsGBwnS2hxDRheW_0QYjGyH-Bhyphenhyphente4ju41cdn2EHD8oo4y5odrTLB2nMt865U1544HNTFYQ_ThMp5jMfUYeLzf8JgkMtx3_N-dEvJO9ftLQSOM-X4mPPfil_W24hjobmAwFM0CX5E16W2/s1600/okay+to+have+what+I+want.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsGBwnS2hxDRheW_0QYjGyH-Bhyphenhyphente4ju41cdn2EHD8oo4y5odrTLB2nMt865U1544HNTFYQ_ThMp5jMfUYeLzf8JgkMtx3_N-dEvJO9ftLQSOM-X4mPPfil_W24hjobmAwFM0CX5E16W2/s320/okay+to+have+what+I+want.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBWvFTqfpfRo4i5SGsBfITcGi3ziw5vro5YeYxcWdI37V8D2u5xpY2AP8e4SFz6BmZzryCP8WUX9NugWArM2EqgpZBrhY1FOvQo8a7JaMJgEncSi0yjmDwOiJe5kECnpglGeGGPghM-Zs/s1600/its+okay+to+have+everything+i+want.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
I am the first to admit that I am a little bit spoiled rotten.<br />
<br />
It wasn't always like this. I used to just dream about being spoiled rotten. <br />
<br />
I wanted to travel, and to have a nice home, and a nice car, and a nice husband...a garden, a good paying career, a happy healthy child, a good computer, to lose weight, a Master's degree, to fly business class, a closet full of nice clothes and a cat. <br />
<br />
My life completely changed when I realized a few very important things:<br />
<ul>
<li>You can have anything you are willing to focus on and work for (in fact it is the best way to get what you want- when you work for something you want you have time to consider if it is really what you want...and you appreciate it more because you worked for it.)</li>
<li>You don't have to settle for less than you want </li>
<li>If you surround yourself with people who do what you want to do, and have what you want to have, not only will they show you its possible to do it and have it, but they might also show you how!</li>
<li>Reconsider any relationships you have with people who don't believe in you, your dreams or your ability or right to have what you want (especially when you are willing to work for it or earn it)</li>
<li>Recognize that sometimes you do have to make a choice between two things you want (in my case...the nice husband or the cat, LOL!) </li>
</ul>
<br />
I am proud to say that I have everything I want...except for the cat. <br />
<br />
Make your list, and then choose one thing on it to aim for in the new year. <br />
<br />
Take Good Care<br />
Self Care Girl<br />
Holiday 'Elf Care Specialist<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-91055864746569941962012-12-11T09:49:00.000-08:002012-12-11T09:51:54.955-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #11: Engage in Some Holiday Hugging<b><i>“We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” - Virginia Satir</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1ghhrWGVVoT2OSywNE0kRDi7UhCK-mAz4pMoXwioPb9kKbz1QlETgmG8m5W4FIHRZqdz409JBH2Sl3LFVXHl7o0EeqSc5zUJNYXY1vtUramG1qjDVM5V1TykA7iDuN88yAdJNkxd5yQc/s1600/Hug+of+War.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1ghhrWGVVoT2OSywNE0kRDi7UhCK-mAz4pMoXwioPb9kKbz1QlETgmG8m5W4FIHRZqdz409JBH2Sl3LFVXHl7o0EeqSc5zUJNYXY1vtUramG1qjDVM5V1TykA7iDuN88yAdJNkxd5yQc/s320/Hug+of+War.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hugs are a good thing throughout the year, but I think you simply cannot beat the feeling of a warm hug during the festive, chilly Winter Holiday season.<br />
<br />
Have you hugged your child today? Your spouse? A friend? Hugging is good self care, and it also benefits the person you hug! <br />
<br />
Why hug?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>
Hugs (and human touch) enhance our feelings of security and well-being</li>
<li>
Hugs reinforce our connections to each other.</li>
<li>
Hugs tell people that you love them</li>
<li>Hugs tell people you want them close to you.</li>
<li>Hugs are warm.</li>
<li>Hugs are free. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Some Dos and a Don’t of Giving and Receiving Hugs:<br />
<br />
DO: Aim for 4, but know that the more hugs you get (and give) the better<br />
DO: Hug first and let go last!<br />
DO: Hug often – you can give one hug to four people or 4 hugs to one person (it all counts!) <br />
DON’T: Be pushy (or creepy) in your hugging- people have different comfort levels with being touched. Always ask first if you don’t know someone well enough. <br />
<br />
Take Good Care!<br />
Self Care Girl<br />
Holiday 'Elf Care Specialist <br />
<br />
<br />
***Hug O' War is from Shel Silverstein.
Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-66974302565370271432012-12-10T10:20:00.004-08:002012-12-10T10:41:43.664-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #10: Say YES to Self Care!"Don't get so caught up in the daily grind that you never find any time to enjoy yourself."<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXUOdQurFW54EH_je6S9nWBL4-ork7EQL29RiRA_HehyphenhyphenSfWymHzlR9B8GmNfDS6WUS8hf5zbgpXz0SY8x5LwB4Sd7C-fg_3LSwQeM3Ak_fs_reG4MVYoYX_Y1iastU3GJX3VEEwiIw3xV/s1600/daily+grind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXUOdQurFW54EH_je6S9nWBL4-ork7EQL29RiRA_HehyphenhyphenSfWymHzlR9B8GmNfDS6WUS8hf5zbgpXz0SY8x5LwB4Sd7C-fg_3LSwQeM3Ak_fs_reG4MVYoYX_Y1iastU3GJX3VEEwiIw3xV/s320/daily+grind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I am
writing this after a very hectic weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so busy bustling about
trying to get things done, the thought of practicing self care didn’t occur to
me until I plopped down on the couch at the end of the day – exhausted- and
began to sort through my mental to-do and done lists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things got done...some things didn’t ....and
unfortunately self care didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">I had a
good think about this after kicking myself for not making myself a priority.
And then I decided that step one should be to not kick myself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Some days
are like this. It’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The important thing is to recognize how
important self care is and commit to do better the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">After forgiving
myself for being human, I decided to develop a list of quick, small tasks I
could use in the future to get my little self care fix in when time is of the
essence:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">1) Be
gentle with yourself (no kicking or beating yourself up- be loving!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">2)
Make a list like this for yourself (What little things rejuvenate you?)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">3) Create
a "done" list in your head or on paper - give yourself credit for
what you have accomplished!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">4) Take
10 deep breaths</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">5) Do
only what needs to be done...and nothing more. (I like to clean
house before I go to bed, but I really needed to just go to bed)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">6) Have a
piece of chocolate, a cookie or some little treat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">7) Stop
and get yourself something to drink...refocus your eyes and stretch</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">8) Grab
some lotion and massage your hands, arms...feet, legs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">9) Name 5
things you are thankful for</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">10) Ask
for help.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite my concerns about getting everything
done before our vacation on Wednesday, I did manage to stop scurrying about and
accepted a movie date with Mr SC last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironically the movie was set in
London (our holiday destination) and it was really nice way to whet our
appetite for our upcoming trip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never know what kind of joy a little
break from the holiday hustle and bustle may provide you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to say YES to the self care!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
Take Good Care!<br />
Self Care Girl<br />
Holiday 'Elf Care Specialist <br />
<!--3--></div>
Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-77762962179943786282012-12-09T08:16:00.000-08:002012-12-11T22:07:53.626-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #9: Winter Skin Care<br />
<div data-module="google-ad-336x280" data-type="adTracking" id="DMINSTR" name="&adunit_id=ca-ehow_336x280&ad_unit_type=CNT&ad_unit_network=GAP&revenue_basis=CPC&ad_position=-&revenue_tag=fash_beauty" type="adimpression">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50WZDiSs31SgfhNsUWk1-qjJMT6hcvaSudAhXeV1TtWNkPmSnycNgYnpsVwR_gpre4g8ir0QMDxbmrAlGLSdhTYcVsomHWYWchjRkWk8NGX0crNdlucoxvv_KJEGIEGXEo3TR_TOYTKNx/s1600/skin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50WZDiSs31SgfhNsUWk1-qjJMT6hcvaSudAhXeV1TtWNkPmSnycNgYnpsVwR_gpre4g8ir0QMDxbmrAlGLSdhTYcVsomHWYWchjRkWk8NGX0crNdlucoxvv_KJEGIEGXEo3TR_TOYTKNx/s1600/skin.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Moving from crisp cool outdoors to a variety of indoor climates can play havoc with our skin. Here are a few tips for fighting the Wintertime effects:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Hydrate - Drink plenty of water and reduce your soda and caffeine intake. Remember that what you put in your body is as important as what you put on it!</li>
<li>Avoid the temptation to take long hot showers. Hot water dries the skin more than warm water does. A good tip is shower at night before you go to bed. You will sleep better and you are less likely to leave a warm shower and go straight out into cold air. </li>
<li>Rinse your face with cool water and use mild cleanser to avoid drying. </li>
<li>Apply moisturizer immediately after you get out of shower when you pores are open and your skin is most receptive to moisture</li>
<li>Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home moist. Alternatively, placing pots of water in front of heating vents works too!</li>
<li>Exfoliate - removing dry, dead skin also makes your skin more receptive to moisturizer</li>
<li>Wear sunscreen on your face. Harmful UV rays also exist in the summertime and reflection off of snow can be especially brilliant </li>
<li>Avoid aggravating your skin with thick materials like wool. </li>
<li>Protect you lips with a good balm </li>
<li>You can find a multitude of easy homemade recipes for your skin under this Self Care Girl <a href="http://myselfcareblog.blogspot.com/2012_08_01_archive.html" target="_blank">August 2012</a> link. These are 2-3 ingredient recipes using ingredients most of us have in our cupboards. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<figure class="Module tipsWarnings" data-module="tips-warnings"><br /></figure><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-40882177235344071152012-12-07T20:56:00.001-08:002012-12-08T08:41:29.659-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #8: Go Walking In A Winter Wonderland"Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane the snow is glistening. A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland..." Richard B. Smith, Walking in a Winter Wonderland<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNt1EAYtZupLQvKVgMpwYaUr_7R67Vm-68QJ8okrL7XsrZRZjkMlRR-WEcOG4VuvVx5nwljPLJMnh-sqNq9sXEyW8xMPZp14ViEWXl00kXdw3Vvy4q6NCtLtA57e2RMiGYvodcD4HCfQd/s1600/walk+in+winter+nature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNt1EAYtZupLQvKVgMpwYaUr_7R67Vm-68QJ8okrL7XsrZRZjkMlRR-WEcOG4VuvVx5nwljPLJMnh-sqNq9sXEyW8xMPZp14ViEWXl00kXdw3Vvy4q6NCtLtA57e2RMiGYvodcD4HCfQd/s320/walk+in+winter+nature.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo was taken by Jonas Aarre Sommarset:<br />
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanjoy87/3071050549/</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Walking in the wintertime may be something you are tempted to resist. The weather outside is frightful, after all, and why would you want to go outside and freeze when you can stay inside on the couch, toasty warm in front of the fire, with a cup of cocoa?<br />
<br />
Ah....I know....it sounds so cozy...and inviting...and I have almost talked myself into it.....<br />
<br />
However, scientific evidence supports that walking in a winter wonderland can also be quite delightful for your health. <br />
<ul>
<li>It lifts your spirits </li>
<li>Regular doses of winter sunlight helps to ease seasonal depression. </li>
<li>The air is fresher and more exhilarating</li>
<li>You will feel energized</li>
<li>It puts healthy color in your cheeks</li>
<li>The serenity of snowy scenes about you creates inner peace.</li>
</ul>
Be sure to dress well before you leave the house.<br />
<ul>
<li>Layers are best. </li>
<li>Wear a hat (body heat leaves through your head!) </li>
<li>Choose mittens instead of gloves (increased body heat from your fingers being together)</li>
<li>Synthetic or Wool socks will keep your feet dryer</li>
<li>Wear boots with good traction </li>
<li>Put on a dab of lip balm to protect your lips. </li>
<li>Carry a cell phone or take someone you love along </li>
</ul>
Be safe and warm!<br />
<br />
Self Care Girl<br />
Holiday 'Elf Care Specialist <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-69542308639441799742012-12-07T08:47:00.001-08:002012-12-07T08:47:53.174-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #7: Peppermint is an 'Elf Care Staple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAbULTQjMbc-S038ep3xPaHMB8SHE7xd4EEdooauMdYClHyL8I81nS54nkPbIHB4n8zPD6jZX3PfZWqdd1YvTOGk4aRVS_at1766Z1ShENqw0jtZN01HZU219ydD2jP537HgoqhSYoNbS/s1600/peppermint+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAbULTQjMbc-S038ep3xPaHMB8SHE7xd4EEdooauMdYClHyL8I81nS54nkPbIHB4n8zPD6jZX3PfZWqdd1YvTOGk4aRVS_at1766Z1ShENqw0jtZN01HZU219ydD2jP537HgoqhSYoNbS/s1600/peppermint+tea.jpg" /></a></div>
Peppermint is a popular ingredient and fragrance during the holiday season. But did you know that it is a potent plant which boasts a multitude of beneficial properties that can keep YOU healthy and happy?<br />
<br />
Regular consumption - a daily cup of peppermint tea (not candy canes, sorry!) has been shown to provide the following benefits: <br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>Promotes digestion (helps alleviate that awful feeling of overindulgence!)</li>
<li>Relieves constipation and diarrhea</li>
<li>Soothes Irritable Bowel Syndrome</li>
<li>Reduces heartburn</li>
<li>Induces relaxation</li>
<li>Controls mild asthma </li>
<li>Calms menstrual cramps</li>
<li>Alleviates muscle pain and stiffness </li>
<li>Fights insomnia</li>
<li>Strengthens the immune system</li>
<li>Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Antiseptic, Antifungal</li>
<li>Relieves skin rashes</li>
<li>Relieves migraines</li>
<li>Boosts mental power</li>
<li>Controls herpes simplex</li>
<li>Reduces morning sickness</li>
<li>Suppresses appetite</li>
<li>Controls bad breath</li>
<li>Improves mental sharpness</li>
<li>Increases physical endurance </li>
</ul>
<br />
Seek out high quality tea. I am a big fan of the <a href="http://shop.traditionalmedicinals.com/Organic-Peppermint/p/TDM-000521&c=TraditionalMedicinals@Digestive?gclid=CJb555LdiLQCFSXZQgodslUA5A" target="_blank">Traditional Medicinals Organic brand</a> you can find this at health food stores and some of your better grocery stores - Any good quality, non-gmo brand will do though! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For more information on the properties of Peppermint that make it so beneficial, I recommend this link: <a href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/peppermint-tea-benefits.html">http://www.buzzle.com/articles/peppermint-tea-benefits.html</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Take Good Care </div>
<div>
Self Care Girl</div>
<div>
Holiday 'Elf Care Specialist </div>
Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-82251975189016919942012-12-06T11:17:00.001-08:002012-12-06T12:43:25.013-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care: Tip #6 Give From Your Heart!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8kV5W4sD9b40wKj9jd2U8Di_1UZ5fhwsjzjAxTGsl_UOV5uQ-bhEmh43QBdmLKTlMg5qkGVECqWLgyXIOPo4whr7FSYKr1EZma2JfYQvkl35ao-S1QuzMgdfcEyRDurWY41gMGCGJ0Ws/s1600/put+your+heart+into+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8kV5W4sD9b40wKj9jd2U8Di_1UZ5fhwsjzjAxTGsl_UOV5uQ-bhEmh43QBdmLKTlMg5qkGVECqWLgyXIOPo4whr7FSYKr1EZma2JfYQvkl35ao-S1QuzMgdfcEyRDurWY41gMGCGJ0Ws/s1600/put+your+heart+into+it.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Holidays can be especially stressful when money is
short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My best advice for anyone experiencing financial difficulties-
whether it’s the holidays or not- is to focus on your basic needs first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For most of us, the foremost needs are: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) a roof over your head, 2) food to
eat, and 3) heat/electricity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is something about outlining and
focusing on this reduced list of priorities that calmed me when I was barely
making ends meet several years ago. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you meet these, then focus on other
important things like: any medications you need, a way for people to contact
you (you don’t have to have your own phone!) and Transportation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look
at your own personal needs and prioritize what works best for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
address one thing at a time starting at the highest priority. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is my firm belief that any gifts we give to others should
be from the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good thing about
this is that giving from your heart is the most valuable type of giving and in
most cases it can be the least expensive too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The worst thing you can do when you are struggling with finances is make
the matter worse by blowing money you don’t have on gifts that others don’t
need out of obligation or pride or just plain festive zeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
don’t want the post holiday season to be all about dealing with the stress of
charge card debt and regrets!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is a list of 10 free- or almost free- ways to give: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Offer your time via a handmade coupon:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weeding, childcare, window washing, housecleaning,
errand running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Be sure to follow through!)</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Send a letter telling the person what they mean
to you</li>
<li>Bake a batch of cookies or candies (this is
especially good for young adults who have moved out of the house!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or use your craftiness and make gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you like to crochet, knit, sew,
scrapbook, design web pages, etc... Pull out your scraps and get crafting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my favourite things is crocheted
wash cloths- they are durable, and I know that my mom thought of me when she
made them!<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span>Pass down that family heirloom</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Put together a photo album documenting a
personal history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sister compiled
pictures chronologically for me from my infancy through the birth of my
son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of the best presents
EVER! </li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Put together a file of favourite music for your
Sweetie!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Focus heavily on your reasons for the season-
especially if you have children- they need to experience the traditions and
special family time fully with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not spending money when you don’t have it is
also an important –albeit difficult-example to teach your kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li>Friends of ours started a tradition when their
kids were small. They wrap holiday books to be opened and read at
bedtime each night from Dec 1 to Christmas Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Initially they used some library books to fill the gap (wrap them in
different paper so you can return them before they become due!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
also shopped at thrift stores throughout the year to compile this treasure
cheaply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the holiday,
these books are put away and reused the next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The kids are more interested in the surprise of opening the
books and the time spent reading together- not so concerned that these were the same books as the year before!)</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>My mother used to wrap everything
individually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understand that much of
the joy for kids at Christmas comes with the unwrapping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A small quantity of inexpensive items like
crayons, toy cars, bubbles, a large candy bar, etc...Can bring as much joy as
one large expensive gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I once
wrapped a box of Pop Tarts- my son loved them, but it wasn’t something I would
normally buy for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So for Christmas
it was a real treat!</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Give away something you don’t use anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or sell it on Craigslist and use the money
to buy a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bet there are many
things in your home that you don’t use, which have value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clear it out! </li>
</ol>
Whatever you do, put your heart into it and it will be okay! I promise!<br />
<br />
Take Good Care!<br />
Self Care Girl<br />
'Elf Care SpecialistSelf Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-44708156791508593512012-12-05T09:17:00.002-08:002012-12-05T09:18:12.770-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #5: Keep Yourself Healthy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"It is easier to stay well, than to get well" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2ffj_jkAd_0L7TbgmCRLnDI00_-OBCfpEhx522Q5gm_lyXk83_uCC7cSgyouN-qJQsORnSK1TK-34C_6upkCwa3nnzFFbvnnmFDGOSnZiuVANhNVWu6EjZbQH4MQCc7MW5WJ2J6sJaCH/s1600/easier+to+stay+well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2ffj_jkAd_0L7TbgmCRLnDI00_-OBCfpEhx522Q5gm_lyXk83_uCC7cSgyouN-qJQsORnSK1TK-34C_6upkCwa3nnzFFbvnnmFDGOSnZiuVANhNVWu6EjZbQH4MQCc7MW5WJ2J6sJaCH/s1600/easier+to+stay+well.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last thing you want this joyous season is to be cut down
in the middle of the festivities with an illness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take these 5 steps to keep your’elf healthy: </div>
<ol>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Get enough sleep- your body and mind need time
to refresh and recharge</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Wash your hands- more people are out and about
this time of year and they aren’t just spreading holiday cheer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reduce your exposure to germs by lathering
up.</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Eat healthy and unprocessed as much as you
can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schedule in healthy snacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
time of year, we are prone to overindulge and if we are not consciously fitting
in the good stuff, we might miss it. </li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Go outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Walking in a Winter Wonderland is a good way to get some exercise and
some fresh air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will also put some healthy color in your
cheeks!</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Watch your sugar intake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is lots of it about these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Studies show that eating even a little bit
of sugar may depress your immune system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seek healthy sweetener alternatives in your
baking.</li>
</ol>
Got a good tip for staying healthy? Please let us know!<br />
<br />
Take Good Care!<br />
Self Care Girl<br />
Holiday 'Elf Care SpecialistSelf Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-74649759349881988582012-12-04T07:35:00.001-08:002012-12-04T08:53:11.408-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #4: Make Play a Priority"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. - George Bernard Shaw<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf78qyRyZXWXmRUpz8xWVfdFc97jaPfFbWEYpsWQM_KpH9oLySoo0RS9CDZ4Ho8gMi51YDpSmls_NSg6zVn1RgDq9DhyphenhyphenZFv9mIZtgNvRA24JlFOmtRXlHff_N1dLW5J3GWpU9fqybepoSs/s1600/snow+angels1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf78qyRyZXWXmRUpz8xWVfdFc97jaPfFbWEYpsWQM_KpH9oLySoo0RS9CDZ4Ho8gMi51YDpSmls_NSg6zVn1RgDq9DhyphenhyphenZFv9mIZtgNvRA24JlFOmtRXlHff_N1dLW5J3GWpU9fqybepoSs/s320/snow+angels1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Your children need your presence, more than your presents" - Jesse Jackson<br />
<br />
Come on...you know you want to! The best 'Elves knows how important play time is. Its brings us joy, spreads cheer and is very good for our souls!<br />
<br />
Here is a list of fun stuff that you may have forgotten to do while you
have been bustling about making the holiday memorable:<br />
<br />
1) Make a snow angel (Yes, that is Self Care Girl in the photo above. I am a professional snow angel artiste!)<br />
2) Build a snow fort.<br />
3) Have a snowball fight (especially good if you can throw the first one and run away in time!)<br />
4) When you come in from playing outside, serve up hot cocoa and pull out a board game<br />
5) Go Sledding!<br />
6) Build a snowman<br />
7) No snow? Go ice skating or roller skating! Try something new!<br />
8) Play poker and bet Christmas cookies<br />
9) Build a Gingerbread McMansion (Play Christmas music loudly too!)<br />
10) Have a caroling party with friends<br />
<br />
Don't put off playing this holiday. Try to sandwich your holiday chores in between the play time, instead of the other way around...the chores are NOT as important as the play time is! Seriously!<br />
<br />
Take Good Care<br />
Self Care Girl<br />
'Elf Care Specialist<br />
<br />Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-12443877729317754982012-12-03T00:30:00.000-08:002012-12-03T00:30:05.550-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care Tip #3: Remove Your Expectations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QRD4bHmSC7qX7e1pLDPMTkxQAQ7zSujBbXAJUrW-oJHp4ial8EzMFkjdZ_PyIiwaKfRhDuFPPYDWUqYxDtz0qJd8Vrnb31eFCvnMtq15VdiLVclrZmTKovaqGULg8ix1Vwx7QZYiSoUT/s1600/image+of+how+its+supposed+to+be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QRD4bHmSC7qX7e1pLDPMTkxQAQ7zSujBbXAJUrW-oJHp4ial8EzMFkjdZ_PyIiwaKfRhDuFPPYDWUqYxDtz0qJd8Vrnb31eFCvnMtq15VdiLVclrZmTKovaqGULg8ix1Vwx7QZYiSoUT/s1600/image+of+how+its+supposed+to+be.jpg" /></a></div>
Things rarely go as we imagine they will. <br />
<br />
We worry needlessly that something will go wrong, or dread something bad will happen...and then it doesn't... <br />
<br />
Or we envision a Norman Rockwell kind of holiday where everything is perfect and lovely, then we work our butts off because we believe we can and must achieve this unrealistic, impossible ideal...and then the reality strikes...something breaks, or gets overcooked, or the kids are misbehaving, Uncle Max gets drunk again, your mother and aunt get into an argument, or (fill in your own family/life/holiday drama here)....and the whole holiday feels ruined. <br />
<br />
This year, instead of imagining how things can be or might be...how about just removing your expectations completely. Let go! Focus instead on the things that really matter and just enjoying moment by precious moment exactly as it occurs. <br />
<br />
A few examples of where to put your focus: <br />
<br />
1) You are surrounded by imperfectly perfect people who love you<br />
2) You have a warm house and a tree/ electricity/ furniture/ stuff<br />
3) Aunt Bess made your favorite sugar cookies<br />
4) The kids are going to have unique memories of family holidays when they grow up (Even if Uncle Max gets drunk and knocks over the tree, and especially if their grandma and aunt start pulling hair...sadly)<br />
5) You are relaxed and having fun- watching the memories unfold. (Better - and easier- than forcing those memories into tight little "joyful"packages, right)<br />
<br />
It can be wonderful and NOT be perfect. Trust me on this, okay?<br />
<br />
Take Good Care<br />
'Elf Care Girl<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-43669695035645348662012-12-02T07:58:00.006-08:002012-12-02T14:44:06.513-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care, Tip #2: 10 Ways to Say NO "I don't know the key to success, but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody" - Bill Cosby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoivheKP7tsswVtNEEsHg6K43x9TQJ-w1i3UrBtEN32X6UglURimv1gnI9X7n5gkOLqdgGnKrsp0FdOW3I_kLUr5M-93RLfN99iHC2SGttmTJTTkQSwXuuJalmG1ntcYmyCz22w8LjVdv/s1600/key+to+failure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoivheKP7tsswVtNEEsHg6K43x9TQJ-w1i3UrBtEN32X6UglURimv1gnI9X7n5gkOLqdgGnKrsp0FdOW3I_kLUr5M-93RLfN99iHC2SGttmTJTTkQSwXuuJalmG1ntcYmyCz22w8LjVdv/s320/key+to+failure.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We appreciate that saying NO can be difficult when you're a busy 'Elf. For many caring people, saying NO can also feel downright bad sometimes- it can make you feel guilty, or selfish, or just very uncomfortable. <br />
<br />
However......Managing YOUR time IS very good 'Elf Care. <br />
<br />
The more YOU respect YOUR time as valuable, and begin to set limits with others where YOUR time is concerned by saying NO to those things that you don't want to do...or shouldn't do...or wouldn't do if you didn't have to...etc..., the easier managing YOUR time- and saying NO- gets. You might find that others become more respectful of YOUR time too. <br />
<br />
Today's 'Elf Care tip is 10 Ways to Say NO. Practice saying each of these phrases a couple of times - choose one or two that work for you- and before long you will find them spilling from your lips (at the right times) almost effortlessly! <br />
<br />
10 Ways to Say "NO":<br />
<br />
1) "No"<br />
2) "No, Thank you. No."<br />
3) "No. I can't this year. No."<br />
4) "No. Thanks for thinking of me, but I already have plans. No."<br />
5) "No. I would love to, but I just don't have time. No."<br />
6) "No, I don't want to do that. No."<br />
7) "No. Sorry, I promised _________, I would ________instead. No."<br />
8) "No, doing ______always makes me feel bad/sad/tired/overwhelmed. No."<br />
9) "No. Our family has decided to focus on being home spending time together this holiday. No."<br />
10) "No. That doesn't work for me. No."<br />
<br />
A few important notes:<br />
<br />
--Notice how each of these statements begins and ends with one little word: NO. I put it in both spots to emphasize and reinforce the message (and people usually remember the first and last things they hear!). Say it firmly. If someone persists (RUDE!), Look them straight in the eye and say NO again and excuse yourself.<br />
<br />
--Something to consider: Saying NO is adequate on its own...you don't have to provide an excuse. I have provided a few example with justification because I read somewhere that people are more likely to listen and understand (and let it go) if you follow your NO with a reason....and any old reason- in a concise format of one sentence- will do. <br />
<br />
If you feel guilty, know that the more you say this little word and aren't struck by lightning...and actually take control of YOUR time, so YOU can do other important stuff BETTER...the easier saying NO gets.<br />
<br />
Take Good Care-<br />
'Elf Care GirlSelf Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-83913084523478823852012-12-01T08:38:00.001-08:002012-12-01T08:38:04.175-08:0031 Days of 'Elf Care - Tip #1: Do What Brings You Joy"You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage - pleasantly, smiling, non-apologetically- to say 'no' to other things. And the way to do this by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside you." - Stephen Covey<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB3v2Cyf3UoU26ZwRRQY0dVfsbr9ejN4T5RD6M-nIjjRCmBgO7I5EpFk-ENcHz77fFufm-b4XlEzMzoS4xcybsVR8rqD4OJUnQGfRy7shRgPlu06g8XTX0x3dX8tK6uckFNLXUlB5c8gn/s1600/bigger+yes+burning+inside+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB3v2Cyf3UoU26ZwRRQY0dVfsbr9ejN4T5RD6M-nIjjRCmBgO7I5EpFk-ENcHz77fFufm-b4XlEzMzoS4xcybsVR8rqD4OJUnQGfRy7shRgPlu06g8XTX0x3dX8tK6uckFNLXUlB5c8gn/s320/bigger+yes+burning+inside+you.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
Pull out a sheet of paper and write down all the things you love about the holiday season. Engage all of your senses..<br />
1) I love the sound of children laughing- their pink little noses and cheeks and how their hair looks all static-y and flat when they come in, take off their snow gear and warm up with some hot chocolate<br />
<br />
2) I love Christmas lights and the smell of pine needles<br />
<br />
3) I love baking cookies while playing Christmas music and singing at the top of my lungs<br />
<br />
4) I love going to see the Nutcracker ballet<br />
5) I love having Christmas dinner with the whole family together.<br />
<br />
<br />
Next, write down those things that stress you out over the holiday... <br />
1) Holiday shopping - the traffic, the crowds, the consumerism<br />
2) Uncle Bob and Aunt Carol's bickering<br />
<br />
3) Driving in the Snow<br />
<br />
4) Writing Christmas Cards to Everyone.<br />
<br />
5) Too many holiday parties<br />
<br />
Now- focus on the first list...Say YES to these things! These are your reasons for the seasons. These are your PRIORITIES! <br />
<br />Focus on the second list...Say NO to these things. Set limits where you think saying a complete NO will cause more stress or compromise aspects of what you do love (ie: Love the family dinner, but limit time spent in the room with or at events with the bickering relatives)<br />
<br />
I would love to hear what's on your holiday JOY lists! <br />
<br />
Take Good Care-<br />
'Elf Care Girl<br />
"'Elf Care Reform Specialist"Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-14663689847432882582012-08-06T09:30:00.000-07:002012-08-06T12:49:30.706-07:00Well Dip Me In Chocolate And Call Me Dessert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJ9iPeYYYrMdIOhiU5ph5GTjZdXu56aQA6gqzKuNPSN1Sy6RBmglas_w1KvSZ1ztrZEivc7yfJkJq_TNHEresxHv4mMnfRauwdz9jHDek53IcufSJFlF0tSfZru4521MGT0lucHKkkGJu/s1600/dip+me+in+chocolate+dessert.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJ9iPeYYYrMdIOhiU5ph5GTjZdXu56aQA6gqzKuNPSN1Sy6RBmglas_w1KvSZ1ztrZEivc7yfJkJq_TNHEresxHv4mMnfRauwdz9jHDek53IcufSJFlF0tSfZru4521MGT0lucHKkkGJu/s1600/dip+me+in+chocolate+dessert.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Oh- I was ever so pleased to come across this one....a chocolate masque that is great for your skin !?!?! <br />
<br />
YES!!!<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients: </b><br />
<br />
1 T Cocoa Powder (organic and raw is best for ensuring best concentration of nutrients)<br />
Heavy Cream or Yogurt (enough to form a paste)<br />
1 T Honey<br />
<br />
Combine the ingredients and apply to clean dry skin. Leave on for 15-30 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Pat your skin dry with a fluffy towel. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What these ingredients do for your skin:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Chocolate contains copper which is great for firming skin, it is also an antioxidant and can reduce the signs of aging. </li>
<li>Heavy Cream softens;Yogurt is antibacterial and antimicrobial it deep cleans</li>
<li>Honey is a humectant (helps yours skin retain moisture)</li>
</ul>
<br />
The best thing about this masque is when you lick your lips (accidentally)....yummy!<br />
<br />Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-81250128362440442842012-08-04T14:58:00.000-07:002015-04-28T12:14:15.008-07:005 Ingredients To Turn Your Bath Into a Spa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6yLodQasAvGXvatTWaroIx9l3zAaoHGhuS6Jb79MVBblRLQjd4PPDnYcNZrqDdqqURA_NyEzsVux-XL13KGzBvBb9xsj0WYnvc-jAtwZJ26zxf55bzAMN8CQgn-MinSh0CufaQhqsXVK/s1600/bath3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6yLodQasAvGXvatTWaroIx9l3zAaoHGhuS6Jb79MVBblRLQjd4PPDnYcNZrqDdqqURA_NyEzsVux-XL13KGzBvBb9xsj0WYnvc-jAtwZJ26zxf55bzAMN8CQgn-MinSh0CufaQhqsXVK/s1600/bath3.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="st">"There must be quite a <i>few things</i> that a hot <i>bath won't cure</i>, but I don't know many of them." ~Sylvia Plath</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Home Spa Tips: Add these to your bath: <br />
<br />
1) 1-2 Cups of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar<br />
<br />
Contains potassium and other important enzymes to relax and tone muscles. Detoxifies skin and may be helpful in clearing acne and eczema. <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/026910_apple_vinegar_cider.html" target="_blank">More Apple Cider Bath Benefits</a><br />
<br />
2) 1 Cup Epsom salts<br />
<br />
Relieves muscle soreness; detoxifies; some people have had success using salts to fight migraine headaches and also constipation. Improves circulation. (This is good stuff!)<br />
<br />
3) 1/4 c of dried or fresh Rosemary. (A few drops of an essential oil is also nice!) Rosemary is good for soothing muscle aches. It is high in vitamin E so benefits the skin. It is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. I was surprised to learn how beneficial this herb is. One of my favorites for culinary use (surprisingly good with apple and pear desserts). The medicinal benefits are also countless. <a href="http://www.terawarner.com/blog/2011/05/remarkable-rosemary-the-benefits-of-herbs-extracts-and-teas/" target="_blank">More Rosemary Benefits</a> <br />
<br />
4) 1/4 c of Oatmeal<br />
<br />
Oatmeal is great for softening and lubricating the skin. It can aid in curing itchy skin resulting from eczema, chicken pox, shingles etc..soothes sunburns and can reduce acne. It is antioxidant and is thought to also have anti-fungal properties. <a href="http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/problems/treating/oatmeal-baths2.htm" target="_blank">More Oatmeal Benefits</a><br />
<br />
5) Seaweed.<br />
<br />
I am fairly confident this is not something you just have laying about, but I wanted to add it to the list because it is so beneficial. You can purchase sea weed from your local natural health store, or on line. Seaweed has a multitude of benefits for your skin, from moisturizing to detoxifying; from firming and toning to helping to relax your nervous system. <a href="http://www.seaweedireland.com/seaweed_bath.html" target="_blank">More Seaweed Benefits</a><br />
<br />
A few more tips: <br />
<br />
Be mindful of water temperature. If you are trying to absorb beneficial nutrients, ensure the water temperature in your bath is not so hot that it causes you to perspire. If you are detoxifying your skin, a hotter bath is recommended. <br />
<br />
Remember that herbs and natural treatments used medicinally do affect you physically. Moderation in Everything! If you have high blood pressure, epilepsy or other medical conditions- it is best that you consult a doctor and understand what effects these ingredients can have on YOU personally.<br />
<br />
Add a few candles, a little soft music, a comfortable bath pillow, fluffy towels to create a complete spa experience; find ways to engage all your sense. Follow with a good moisturizer...a cup of tea...a good sleep. <br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Self Care GirlSelf Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-3705221297101025422012-08-02T13:33:00.001-07:002012-08-02T13:33:47.005-07:00Homemade Papaya Masque<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNFniWA7FDtlCvbXaKxhVeCtoh95lsPvVQJqJJHOiITu8xpQc3BTCgEGjb7DymuNkFIPVQarEl-nn9OiTXWLOFD_udNBNYPhrqqeunqphbAGbdLjlpKv55vN_s4n2nOTlBCzg_u-cSfu8/s1600/papaya.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNFniWA7FDtlCvbXaKxhVeCtoh95lsPvVQJqJJHOiITu8xpQc3BTCgEGjb7DymuNkFIPVQarEl-nn9OiTXWLOFD_udNBNYPhrqqeunqphbAGbdLjlpKv55vN_s4n2nOTlBCzg_u-cSfu8/s1600/papaya.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>3 tablespoons of blended papaya</strong><br />
<strong>1/3 cup oatmeal</strong><br />
<strong>1 tablespoon honey<br />
Directions:
Mix all of the ingredients together. Spread masque all over your face
and leave on for 10 minutes. Then, rinse off the homemade mask with
warm water.<br />
Papaya contains enzymes similar to alpha hydroxy acid (good for wrinkles).<br />
Oatmeal softens the skin.<br />
Honey is anti-bacterial and a great humectant- it kills germs AND moisturizes.</strong>Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-68414896756063699702012-08-01T02:30:00.000-07:002012-08-01T20:15:34.583-07:005 Important Thoughts About Changing Things.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you don’t like how things are, change it! You’re not a tree. You have
the ability to totally transform every area in your life. - Jim Rohn</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaiuiBb-CnS2PZ96XlJPEMx9-LsWx6nGIBk43s0pUYGlLBBDkz1Ykie4YO3kOkvQkTxXKHYzr3S6GmaA1G7Thfk6S-UsHEdyavQwgxZcNvumzUqr2KBf61OzfLAJUBdDiv-YqiwCzlyXk/s1600/change+is+good.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaiuiBb-CnS2PZ96XlJPEMx9-LsWx6nGIBk43s0pUYGlLBBDkz1Ykie4YO3kOkvQkTxXKHYzr3S6GmaA1G7Thfk6S-UsHEdyavQwgxZcNvumzUqr2KBf61OzfLAJUBdDiv-YqiwCzlyXk/s1600/change+is+good.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
1) <b>Make small changes, rather than sweeping big ones</b>. If you are looking to make a change in your life, your chance of success can be enhanced by choosing one important change at a time. Pick one thing on which to direct your focus and put together a reasonable plan. <br />
<br />
2) <b>Replace it, rather than just Erase it.</b> Adding something positive to your life when you are working to remove something negative can reinforce your mission. I gave up soft drinks about 20 years ago and replaced it with sparkling mineral water and haven't looked back. I started eating a piece of fruit at 9am each day and removed my unhealthy habit of eating a doughnut or breakfast sandwich from the canteen at work. <br />
<br />
3) <b>Approach every opportunity to "cheat" as a choice, not a rule. </b> Studies show that we humans have a low threshold for deprivation. Telling yourself you "can't" have something or "must" do something is the quickest way to cause you to rebel. Telling yourself that you can have something if you really want it, or that you don't have to do something can take the pressure off and help you make better choices. Try it- I often tell myself "you can have one if you want...but you might not be happy about it later today"<br />
<br />
4) <b>Be aware of how you talk to yourself.</b> Remember that the reason you are making any change is to support your well-being. Be gentle with yourself.. If you have a set back, be sure to tell yourself its okay, you can always begin again. Give yourself credit for what you do. Sometimes we get so focused on where we want to be that we forget where we have been. <br />
.<br />
5) <b>Identify a compelling reason for your change. </b>Making a decision to cut out sugar "to strengthen your immune system"...or to practice a yoga pose each morning "to improve back pain" can be more effective than just deciding the change alone. Choosing more than one compelling reason is also encouraged, and choosing something that can be quickly realized will also increase your chances of success. For something like weight loss, or physical fitness, that may take some time to realize, a daily journal citing what you did and how you feel may prove motivating. It is also inspiring to look back over the months, or weeks and realize how far you have come!Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-60972660574550925862012-07-31T04:24:00.000-07:002012-07-31T04:24:14.609-07:00Coffee Body Scrub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6OzRFkxdbQFnge59d8_9Eh6acA00CrbFeZhWwgbkaPsigrP6ssmare2RiwS28tJRcMuI5eCUFyfdTmvxTBv5mx_qk3Wtb_pSYpar0T_wLJaf4njO0cV303OQVUSmgCzGMyP-kndRk62p/s1600/coffee+plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6OzRFkxdbQFnge59d8_9Eh6acA00CrbFeZhWwgbkaPsigrP6ssmare2RiwS28tJRcMuI5eCUFyfdTmvxTBv5mx_qk3Wtb_pSYpar0T_wLJaf4njO0cV303OQVUSmgCzGMyP-kndRk62p/s320/coffee+plant.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<em>Coffee tightens and rejuvenates skin, while raw sugar exfoliates, and olive oil seals in moisturize.</em><br />
<strong>Ingredients</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups of coarse ground coffee </li>
<li>1/2 cup Turbinado raw sugar</li>
<li>3 Tbsp olive oil </li>
</ul>
<strong>Instructions</strong><br />
Combine
all ingredients in medium bowl. Take a warm bath or hot shower to open
your pores and hydrate your skin. Rub the coffee mixture into your
skin in large circles with even, firm pressure. Shower to rinse, pat
dry, and follow with unscented body lotion or light vegetable oil.Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538838382601328321.post-51485028859032184892012-07-30T03:08:00.002-07:002012-07-30T03:09:03.361-07:00Coffee Foot Scrub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4vAAkZgCI7nSoHTxAyARGaZY9HlhUdp61mjoMgEno50akmXO9Nc0ZSoY1VRqvfDJoqKozOtePWz8H6x4HtJ3rkEkJblKRVLI07b_eJte10-YRcbNtCn8cqpnPDHNlWcpqOBVZ6_rbY8g/s1600/coffee+grounds.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4vAAkZgCI7nSoHTxAyARGaZY9HlhUdp61mjoMgEno50akmXO9Nc0ZSoY1VRqvfDJoqKozOtePWz8H6x4HtJ3rkEkJblKRVLI07b_eJte10-YRcbNtCn8cqpnPDHNlWcpqOBVZ6_rbY8g/s1600/coffee+grounds.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
* 4 tablespoons of ground coffee (fresh is the best)<br />
* 3 tablespoons of corn meal (or ground oatmeal)<br />
* 3 tablespoons of sea salt or Epsom salt<br />
* 3 tablespoons of Olive or Almond oil<br />
* 2 drops of lavender oil (or peppermint if you don't need relaxing, but simply want some energy boost<br />
<br />
Preparation<br />
<br />
* Mix all the ingredients well<br />
* Scrub your feet in circular motion<br />
* Rinse off with warm water and pat dry<br />
<br />
The lavender or peppermint Essence oil is completely optional.Self Care Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971990393455158067noreply@blogger.com1