I just started writing a new monthly column on www.ego.com. Please check out my first article HERE and below:
What are we really doing here on Earth? We work all day. We sleep at night. Many of us go through the same monotonous schedule every single day. We become unhappy. We wish for more money. We crave excitement and hate disappointment. We envy others but are not confident enough to change ourselves. Ultimately, we are all looking for love and approval by others, but many never find it. So what really is the point behind all of this activity we call life?
When you think of the word ‘ego,’ what does it mean to you? As a child and adolescent, I always heard phrases like “Check your ego” or “He’s egotistical”. These were phrases I hoped no one would ever say to me or about me. I found every way to deny that I, too, would occasionally think about my own actions and myself surely and confidently. As children, the only thing we want is to fit in and go unnoticed. We are often not confident enough to stand up to our own opinions. Therefore, we find every way to blend in with others. We shy away from those who are different and dread having someone call us out when we speak our mind. The word ‘ego’ was perceived, then, in a negative light, but, in actuality, the word ‘ego’ simply means, “the ‘I’ or self of any person.”
It is important that we all are aware of our selves. We need to become aware of not only our selves, but also our actions and our actions towards others. Without this awareness, we go through life unable to pursue our true purpose on earth. We keep trying to blend in, to fit in, to pursue something we think is safe and expected of us. We are unable to dream, which means, ultimately, that we are unable to grow, develop and learn. If you are not aware of your self, you will continue going through life believing that all your moods, beliefs, partners, relationships, and friends are completely random and out of your control. You will continue to feel that life is just one exhausting day after another. How can you possibly be aware of what your aspirations and dreams really are when you have no belief in your power to develop them?
The average person has about 75,000 thoughts a day. Many of these, though, go unnoticed, mostly because we are not paying attention to them. We are not listening to our inner self, or ego, and therefore, we end up ignoring everything our minds have come up for us to pursue. However, we do always notice our feelings. This is because every thought produces an emotion that affects our mood. Usually, when we have happy thoughts, we feel good- we feel positive. When we have bad thoughts, we feel sad. Our bad moods are the cause of our negative thinking. But, lucky you! You can change your moods once you become aware of your “self” and learn to channel or control our thinking.
Your “self” is not something that is bad or wrong. It is simply you. It’s your inner being that is there to help maneuver you through life. It is there to guide you through decisions and help you realize your great potential. Everyone is entitled to dream, and to dream big. Don’t be a victim of your bad thoughts.
Next time you are in a bad mood, ask yourself why. Retrace your thoughts and track down the reasons you are being negative. Change your mood into a positive one by visualizing what you want in life and make yourself believe that you can achieve it. Take risks. Don’t limit yourself to small goals you think you might be able to achieve. Don’t ever think of your life as just one big repetitive day. People are born and people die. People come into your life one day and leave the next.
Opportunity is right above your head, following you, waiting for you to realize it and believe in it so that it can be born. Realize your potential. You are not here on Earth to do something you are unhappy doing. We are here to gain wisdom and love, to grow and to protect each other. Becoming aware of your ‘self’ is half the battle won.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Check out my new article on www.hamptons.com!
Cold weather tips for keeping your body beautiful
Unfortunately, winter is approaching. This only means one thing: bye-bye beautiful summer body. But wait! It doesn’t have to. With only a little bit of extra effort, you can keep your slim body, smooth and healthy skin, and even your beautiful tan. Don’t let nature affect what you can control! Below are some great tips for feeling your best in your body during the next cold months.
1. Problem: Cracking skin. This is a big problem during winter as the cold air rolls in. As it starts to get colder outside, we crank our heat up indoors, which dehydrates our skin very quickly. Solution: The key to restoring your skin is getting lots of moisture and preventing your skin from being exposed to extreme cold and heat. For flaky facial skin, try to not use masks that exfoliate or peel your skin – they will only add to your problem. Use only cream cleansers for they are the most gentle on the skin. If you have drying, chapped hands, wear gloves outdoors to prevent them from being exposed to the cold weather. Have a thick hand cream with you at all times. Hand creams should be used twice a day at minimum. For all around skin cracking, skip the hot showers. Really hot, steaming showers break down lipid barriers in the skin and lead to a loss of moisture.
2. Problem: Weight gain. This is the cause of two things. First, let’s be honest. Our moods change when the temperature drops. Unless you are like 1 percent of the population, you are not thrilled to see the temperature dropping below 50. Many of us compensate for our sour moods by overeating. Also, there is less activity outdoors to engage in, so we resort to eating indoors instead of being physical active. Secondly, because we have to start layering on the clothing, many of us are not as concerned how our bodies look. We do not see our bodies as much as we did in our little tanks and cut off shorts. We therefore allow ourselves to indulge a little bit more. Solution: Don’t give up on your summer workouts altogether. It’s easy to be a couch potato during the winter, but try to do something physically active every day to keep you in the habit of working out. You don’t need to hit the gym every day. Try to lift weights, do some jump rope, or even a few lunges on your way to work. Allow yourself only one indulgent meal if you have to.
3. Problem: Low Immune System. As our body is trying to keep up with the changing weather as it bounces around during the fall season, our immune systems are often compromised. We get sick much faster and cannot seem to kick the common cold. Solution: Use a sanitizing hand wipe or moisturizing hand sanitizer often. Many of us don’t wash our hands as much during the winter because they are already dry and cracking. However, it’s important that we do still get rid of germs and bacteria. Using an anti-bacterial moisturizer on our hands will help keep germs away. Another great thing to do during the winter is take your daily vitamins. If you feel yourself getting sick, take Wellness Formula pills. They are packed with the essentials to keep your body strong and fighting disease.
4. Problem: You have lost your summer glow. This will happen very quickly during the winter. Solution: Many people are not fans of tanning beds, because let’s be honest, they are very damaging to your skin. If you find yourself turning very pale during the winter, try getting a spray tan. Or, better yet, get some self-tanning lotions. Bobbi Brown makes an amazing sunless tanning gel for both the face and body. And don’t forget to keep using sunscreen. Just because you cannot feel the sun during the winter doesn’t mean it is not there.
These are only four of our biggest problems during the winter. But, as you see, with a little extra time and effort every day, you can solve these winter woes and continue looking forward to your fabulous body once spring rolls around. It will be here before you know it!
Unfortunately, winter is approaching. This only means one thing: bye-bye beautiful summer body. But wait! It doesn’t have to. With only a little bit of extra effort, you can keep your slim body, smooth and healthy skin, and even your beautiful tan. Don’t let nature affect what you can control! Below are some great tips for feeling your best in your body during the next cold months.
1. Problem: Cracking skin. This is a big problem during winter as the cold air rolls in. As it starts to get colder outside, we crank our heat up indoors, which dehydrates our skin very quickly. Solution: The key to restoring your skin is getting lots of moisture and preventing your skin from being exposed to extreme cold and heat. For flaky facial skin, try to not use masks that exfoliate or peel your skin – they will only add to your problem. Use only cream cleansers for they are the most gentle on the skin. If you have drying, chapped hands, wear gloves outdoors to prevent them from being exposed to the cold weather. Have a thick hand cream with you at all times. Hand creams should be used twice a day at minimum. For all around skin cracking, skip the hot showers. Really hot, steaming showers break down lipid barriers in the skin and lead to a loss of moisture.
2. Problem: Weight gain. This is the cause of two things. First, let’s be honest. Our moods change when the temperature drops. Unless you are like 1 percent of the population, you are not thrilled to see the temperature dropping below 50. Many of us compensate for our sour moods by overeating. Also, there is less activity outdoors to engage in, so we resort to eating indoors instead of being physical active. Secondly, because we have to start layering on the clothing, many of us are not as concerned how our bodies look. We do not see our bodies as much as we did in our little tanks and cut off shorts. We therefore allow ourselves to indulge a little bit more. Solution: Don’t give up on your summer workouts altogether. It’s easy to be a couch potato during the winter, but try to do something physically active every day to keep you in the habit of working out. You don’t need to hit the gym every day. Try to lift weights, do some jump rope, or even a few lunges on your way to work. Allow yourself only one indulgent meal if you have to.
3. Problem: Low Immune System. As our body is trying to keep up with the changing weather as it bounces around during the fall season, our immune systems are often compromised. We get sick much faster and cannot seem to kick the common cold. Solution: Use a sanitizing hand wipe or moisturizing hand sanitizer often. Many of us don’t wash our hands as much during the winter because they are already dry and cracking. However, it’s important that we do still get rid of germs and bacteria. Using an anti-bacterial moisturizer on our hands will help keep germs away. Another great thing to do during the winter is take your daily vitamins. If you feel yourself getting sick, take Wellness Formula pills. They are packed with the essentials to keep your body strong and fighting disease.
4. Problem: You have lost your summer glow. This will happen very quickly during the winter. Solution: Many people are not fans of tanning beds, because let’s be honest, they are very damaging to your skin. If you find yourself turning very pale during the winter, try getting a spray tan. Or, better yet, get some self-tanning lotions. Bobbi Brown makes an amazing sunless tanning gel for both the face and body. And don’t forget to keep using sunscreen. Just because you cannot feel the sun during the winter doesn’t mean it is not there.
These are only four of our biggest problems during the winter. But, as you see, with a little extra time and effort every day, you can solve these winter woes and continue looking forward to your fabulous body once spring rolls around. It will be here before you know it!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Feel Beautiful Outdoors in Spring
As spring rolls around, we feel the urge to go outdoors, enjoy the trees and flowers, start our workouts again, and relax in the warm weather. But after months of winter eating and hibernating, we're not always in the best shape when it's time to show our faces again. Here are some quick tips to feeling better and getting back on track for summer.
1. Splurge on a spring wardrobe addition. I always treat myself to a new piece of clothing or an accessory that I can wear when the weather gets warmer. Be sure to keep it season-appropriate. Look forward to summer by purchasing shorts or open toe sandals.
2. Get a mani-pedi. No one knows what those toenails look like until that first day of spring rolls around and we decide to finally kick off the boots and socks. Don't forget the cracked hands and nails. When you look beautiful, you feel beautiful. Nothing puts you in a summer mood faster than a fresh coat of bright orange or pink to show off your new sandals.
3. Begin a new workout. It's only spring, so don't worry that you haven't started working on your bikini body yet. Though summer is approaching fast, you still have time to develop enthusiasm to work out. Don't start tomorrow or next week; start today! If you don't like going to the gym, find exercises you can do in your own home. Women's Health makes a great training guide that allows you to see results in two weeks. All the exercises, such as squats, sit-ups, and ab workouts, can be done in your living room. The book also contains a food guide to keep you on track - which leads me to my next point.
4. Give up bad carbs and drinks with high sugar. It's hard to go on a strict diet and not eat any of the things we love, so try just trimming a few items. Instead of sugary cereals, eat oatmeal for breakfast. Exchange the fruit juices for water or iced tea. Replace your favorite white pastas with whole wheat pasta. Little changes like these go a long way.
5. Get a tan. Almost everyone would agree that people with a tan look healthier, prettier, and almost always feel better. A safer alternative to the fake-n-bake option is a spray tan or a bronzing powder. There are many products available to create the perfect summer skin tone.
6. Think of the changing season as a new beginning. Do a thorough spring cleaning of your house. Go through your old boxes, unworn clothes, piled-up mail, and just sort! The best peace of mind is having a clean and uncluttered home. Give away all unwanted clothes and unused items.
7. Last but not least, take a walk or enjoy a picnic outdoors. Nothing makes you feel better than experiencing nature. Take a break. Put aside time to feel the earth changing and nature bringing new life. Say goodbye to winter and hello to fragrant blossoms, fresh green grass, and warm spring breezes.
1. Splurge on a spring wardrobe addition. I always treat myself to a new piece of clothing or an accessory that I can wear when the weather gets warmer. Be sure to keep it season-appropriate. Look forward to summer by purchasing shorts or open toe sandals.
2. Get a mani-pedi. No one knows what those toenails look like until that first day of spring rolls around and we decide to finally kick off the boots and socks. Don't forget the cracked hands and nails. When you look beautiful, you feel beautiful. Nothing puts you in a summer mood faster than a fresh coat of bright orange or pink to show off your new sandals.
3. Begin a new workout. It's only spring, so don't worry that you haven't started working on your bikini body yet. Though summer is approaching fast, you still have time to develop enthusiasm to work out. Don't start tomorrow or next week; start today! If you don't like going to the gym, find exercises you can do in your own home. Women's Health makes a great training guide that allows you to see results in two weeks. All the exercises, such as squats, sit-ups, and ab workouts, can be done in your living room. The book also contains a food guide to keep you on track - which leads me to my next point.
4. Give up bad carbs and drinks with high sugar. It's hard to go on a strict diet and not eat any of the things we love, so try just trimming a few items. Instead of sugary cereals, eat oatmeal for breakfast. Exchange the fruit juices for water or iced tea. Replace your favorite white pastas with whole wheat pasta. Little changes like these go a long way.
5. Get a tan. Almost everyone would agree that people with a tan look healthier, prettier, and almost always feel better. A safer alternative to the fake-n-bake option is a spray tan or a bronzing powder. There are many products available to create the perfect summer skin tone.
6. Think of the changing season as a new beginning. Do a thorough spring cleaning of your house. Go through your old boxes, unworn clothes, piled-up mail, and just sort! The best peace of mind is having a clean and uncluttered home. Give away all unwanted clothes and unused items.
7. Last but not least, take a walk or enjoy a picnic outdoors. Nothing makes you feel better than experiencing nature. Take a break. Put aside time to feel the earth changing and nature bringing new life. Say goodbye to winter and hello to fragrant blossoms, fresh green grass, and warm spring breezes.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Shop Online For Less
Check out my new article for www.hamptons.com. Below, and online HERE.
The biggest obstacle facing us all when changing seasons is first finding out what the upcoming fashions are, and then figuring out how to afford them. We don’t have time to go from store to store looking for what we want. Fortunately, we have the Internet. Not only does it save us time (and usually money), but the online selection is often larger. We used to wait weeks to receive our purchase and pay high shipping fees on top. Nowadays, many websites offer free shipping and guarantee delivery within 5 business days. Of course, for an extra fee, you can also get your items shipped overnight to enjoy the next day. Even though you pay for shipping, you probably save in the long run by buying online.
Next time you’re looking to buy for less, that is, less time AND less money, consider these sites:
1. www.piperlime.com: This website offers free shipping and free returns. Everything is arranged by category, so you can find what you are looking for fast, from “must-have handbags” to “Spring’s top trends.” There is even a section labelled “Rachel Zoe’s picks.” Surely every fashionista has heard of Rachel Zoe…or needs to. Piperlime always has great sales. Browse those first. You might discover exactly what you are looking for there! From Rebecca Minkoff to Kate Spade and even Botkier, you’re sure to find something on the site worth spending money on.
2. www.shopbop.com: Shopbop is not exactly Marshalls or TJ Maxx. You may not find the best deals, but you’ll definitely find the best stuff. Occasionally, you can also snag an amazing find. There is free worldwide delivery within 3 days, plus free return shipping. If you like to splurge on an expensive handbag or killer shoes, do not pass up this website. Shopbop is for those of us who just don’t have the time to browse leisurely through the hottest stores, but definitely want to stay current with all the latest trends.
3. www.shopittome.com: This is one of THE best websites online for designer sales. Shopittome claims to be your free personal online shopper…and they are! You can create a profile, telling the website who your favorite designers are and what sizes you are looking for. Shopittome then searches the Internet for your items at the best possible prices. If something is marked down, only on VIP sale, or has a secret promotion code, Shopittome finds it! You can opt for daily email alerts, weekly email alerts, or whatever combination you like. Pictures of the items with their sale prices are included in your email message.
4. www.renttherunway.com: If you do not have the money to buy your favorite designer brands, why not rent? Who has $2000 to drop on a dress for one evening, anyway? Renttherunway is a great alternative to those of us who go out often and need a new ensemble every week—make that every day! Renttherunway offers a wide selection of all your favorite designers. From Alice and Olivia to Herve Leger, you’re bound to find a dress you love. Prices range from $50 to $200+ for a rental. If you live in NYC, you can order online and receive your dress the same day! Returns are free, and you even get an extra size of the dress you are ordering for free! Upon first order, you receive goodies like a measuring tape, deodorant eraser, etc. If you can manage to get into this exclusive club, you’re a very lucky - and fashionable - lady!
The biggest obstacle facing us all when changing seasons is first finding out what the upcoming fashions are, and then figuring out how to afford them. We don’t have time to go from store to store looking for what we want. Fortunately, we have the Internet. Not only does it save us time (and usually money), but the online selection is often larger. We used to wait weeks to receive our purchase and pay high shipping fees on top. Nowadays, many websites offer free shipping and guarantee delivery within 5 business days. Of course, for an extra fee, you can also get your items shipped overnight to enjoy the next day. Even though you pay for shipping, you probably save in the long run by buying online.
Next time you’re looking to buy for less, that is, less time AND less money, consider these sites:
1. www.piperlime.com: This website offers free shipping and free returns. Everything is arranged by category, so you can find what you are looking for fast, from “must-have handbags” to “Spring’s top trends.” There is even a section labelled “Rachel Zoe’s picks.” Surely every fashionista has heard of Rachel Zoe…or needs to. Piperlime always has great sales. Browse those first. You might discover exactly what you are looking for there! From Rebecca Minkoff to Kate Spade and even Botkier, you’re sure to find something on the site worth spending money on.
2. www.shopbop.com: Shopbop is not exactly Marshalls or TJ Maxx. You may not find the best deals, but you’ll definitely find the best stuff. Occasionally, you can also snag an amazing find. There is free worldwide delivery within 3 days, plus free return shipping. If you like to splurge on an expensive handbag or killer shoes, do not pass up this website. Shopbop is for those of us who just don’t have the time to browse leisurely through the hottest stores, but definitely want to stay current with all the latest trends.
3. www.shopittome.com: This is one of THE best websites online for designer sales. Shopittome claims to be your free personal online shopper…and they are! You can create a profile, telling the website who your favorite designers are and what sizes you are looking for. Shopittome then searches the Internet for your items at the best possible prices. If something is marked down, only on VIP sale, or has a secret promotion code, Shopittome finds it! You can opt for daily email alerts, weekly email alerts, or whatever combination you like. Pictures of the items with their sale prices are included in your email message.
4. www.renttherunway.com: If you do not have the money to buy your favorite designer brands, why not rent? Who has $2000 to drop on a dress for one evening, anyway? Renttherunway is a great alternative to those of us who go out often and need a new ensemble every week—make that every day! Renttherunway offers a wide selection of all your favorite designers. From Alice and Olivia to Herve Leger, you’re bound to find a dress you love. Prices range from $50 to $200+ for a rental. If you live in NYC, you can order online and receive your dress the same day! Returns are free, and you even get an extra size of the dress you are ordering for free! Upon first order, you receive goodies like a measuring tape, deodorant eraser, etc. If you can manage to get into this exclusive club, you’re a very lucky - and fashionable - lady!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Stay Healthy, Stay Thin
The number one New Year’s resolution for most people is losing weight. The only problem is that we tend to set our goals too high, and when they are not attained, we get discouraged. We all know the best way to keep the pounds off is to work out and eat healthy. But, somehow these two things seem so hard to accomplish. The former can be achieved in several ways. Instead of promising yourself hours in the gym every day, try setting goals that are more reasonable. Remember, when you’re taking out the trash, walking the dog, or shopping, you’re exercising. So, think about it next time you cringe at the idea of household chores. Try combining working out with your daily activities; For example, instead of walking from the kitchen to living room, try lunging. Lunges are a great exercise because they work one of the largest muscle groups in our body and burn a lot of fat. If you are too tired to hit the gym after work every day, try bringing the gym to work. Men, put a set of 5-pound dumbbells in your drawer at the office. Before you go out to lunch, do three sets of five basic bicep curls. Bulging biceps are always in style. Ladies love the guns, fellas. Ladies, we are always worried about our legs and thighs. Tone them while you’re on a call using a Lex Loops exercise band that is designed specifically for leg extensions. Do one set of 10 extensions per call for three calls a day. You’ll have Gisele legs in no time. The band fits in your handbag and is very light. Some other great, easy exercises that you can do anywhere are sit-ups and push-ups and they are great for both men and women. Ladies, if you need to do the half push-ups on your knees, that’s ok too. If you can’t stand exercising at home and need extra motivation, sign up for classes at your local gym. Exercise can actually be fun. Spinning, yoga and salsa dance are terrific exercise and a good way to meet new people. DON’T get discouraged if you still haven’t gotten used to the Cabbage Soup Diet. Remember, the most important thing is to listen to your own body. Are you really hungry, or are you overeating? When eating a meal, slow it down. The slower you eat, the less you eat. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to realize it is full. Also, be aware of what you are eating. Don’t go crazy calculating calories, but do realize that cheese and chocolate have far more fat calories than a big green salad. Another easy way to keep weight off is to get rid of sugar. Replace sodas and juice with water and low calorie ice-tea mixes. Water has 0 calories and also flushes out your system to keep your body healthy and clean. Water is good for hydration, skin quality, and digestion. If you drink enough water, you feel full. Drinking alcohol doesn’t help control weight either. Alcohol contains empty calories. One martini, for example, has approximately 300 calories! That’s the same as a Snickers bar! Indulge yourself occasionally so you can keep motivated, but don’t go overboard. Lastly, and most importantly, REMEMBER your goals. Be reasonable. Don’t lose sight of what you want, but also realize that you won’t go from a size 10 to 2 in a couple months. Half the battle of losing weight is knowing where you want to go but also having some patience getting there.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Happy New Year!
Hey guys,
I can't believe it's already 2010! The years are just flying by so quickly. I have so much that I am involved in this year and I can't wait to share it with everybody. For daily updated information, please follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicola_mar.
Talk soon!
xo
I can't believe it's already 2010! The years are just flying by so quickly. I have so much that I am involved in this year and I can't wait to share it with everybody. For daily updated information, please follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicola_mar.
Talk soon!
xo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)