Look Good. Feel Good. Do Good.

D- Three degrees of cheer?

I heard about this research in a presentation by a friend of mine, Anne Marie Schlekeway, who recently lost her battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). It has stayed with me ever since and I really love the message. Share some cheer today!

We have the ability to affect the happiness of our friends, our friends’ friends and our friends’ friends’ friends. Did you know you had so much power?

Read this article- it may change how you approach the world. Maybe it’s time to edit “Debbie Downer” from your friend group- she’s bad for your health!

Original article by By Melissa Dahl
Health writer
msnbc.com

View the Article

F- Can social networking change your life?

It’s time to realize that you are in control of your own destiny. Just changing your perspective can be very empowering and maybe give you the push you need to make a change. Making changes may take sacrifice and it may even be downright painful at first, but when you start moving in the direction of your dreams, you’ll feel much better- I PROMISE.

I have recently found a lot of inspiration in the Twitter community. I have been able to connect with people that I may not have met otherwise. I am constantly exposed to intellectually stimulation conversations with like minded individuals-that is really an incredible gift!

L- Need some help in your under eye area? One of the best products I’ve used lately is a dual purpose concealer and brightener from Garnier. I’ve noticed a big difference with the look of my eye area after using it for the past month. The skin around your eyes is very sensitive so is really best to avoid any unnecessary pulling or tugging, which can happen when applying make-up. This is a great dual purpose product that will save you some valuable time in the morning- also a great tip after a fun night out!

D- Change the world- start on your own block. If you live in a place where it snows, like I do, think about what the sidewalk will look like to someone with a disability. Is the path wide enough for a wheelchair? Would someone who uses a walker struggle getting to their vehicle, to the bus or to the El? Are the broken curbs shoveled? You may never know who will benefit from your generosity or how much your thoughtfulness will mean to another person.

F- Start your day off right. Do you have a handful of songs that just make you feel good? Ones that make you smile every time you hear them and may even get you to dance a little? Make a mix of those songs to play while you’re getting ready in the morning. I think you’ll be surprised how that simple change to your morning routine will make you feel for the rest of the day. I have recently been dancing out to door to Gweneth Paltrow’s version of Forget You!

L- Does your skin need a reset button? If you’re like me and you like to try new cleansers, toners, miracle serums and other cool sounding products- sometimes it may backfire and cause your skin to freak out. I can always count on one product to bring things back to normal and “reset” my skin.

A few months ago I had a bad reaction to a medication I was taking and it caused me to have terrible blemishes along my jawline. (Breakouts along the jawline, chin and around the nose are usually caused by hormones in women.) I must have tried 10 different cleansers and scrubs to try and tone it down and nothing worked. I finally called my doctor and he told my just to use a Dove Beauty Bar. It was AMAZING!

I couldn’t believe the change I saw in my skin- and I how much money I could have saved.

D- Non-profits don’t always want your money. Often times the best way to help a local charity or non-profit is to volunteer your time or resources. Do you know a lot of business owners who would be willing to donate gift certificates for use in a silent auction? Does your office have a suite at a sports venue that would be great as a live auction item? Do you have some free time to help out at an event? These are all ways in which you can help a community organization without opening your wallet. If you are interested in a specific topic or issue do some research and pick the organization you would like to support. I’m sure if you gave them a call and asked how you could help, they would be more than happy to give you a list of ideas!

F- Do something special for yourself today. Buy an expensive cup of coffee, order take out for dinner, watch a movie you’ve been waiting to see, take a bubble bath- whatever small (or large) gesture will put a smile on your face. A day devoted to love is just as much about loving yourself and treating yourself well, as it is about loving others.

Treat yourself well this Valentine’s Day- you deserve it!

L- I wanted to share a product that I have been using for a long time that I absolutely love. Warmth by BareEssentials is one of the best make-up items I have ever used. It’s not quite a bronzer and not quite a blush- so it never looks muddy or clown-like. It will give you an instant glow and make you look like you have a little color. So if you’re like me and not going to see the sun for a while longer, give this a try!