1. It has to make me feel great
2. Or make me look younger   Oh, and if I lose weight, that is an incredibly magical bonus!

I recently have been using some amazing App’s that certainly exceeds these engaging standards.  Http://withAndrewJohnson.com is a link to a site with mp3 apps that deliver.  Not only will they make you “feel good” with a soothing dictation of traditional hypnosis technique but also, I absolutely love that he has two that you can download for FREE.

Infinite Relaxation, I need some of that!

Of course, to really thrill me, a product has to also make me look younger as well.  I am pleased to tell you that it is scientific fact, when you reduce stress through deep breathing, exercise, a healthy diet, meditation or prayer, you can clearly create a more youthful appearance.  Stress ages us.  I think I made that perfectly clear in a previous article.

If you are into the Apple products, you may prefer to link to his most current production, the “Infinite Relaxation” App.  This looks absolutely fabulous with the ability to manipulate the time you have to relax from 5 minutes to 60 minutes; to have the app put you into a deep sleep for the night or to have it awaken you and more.  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id460610625?mt=8

I could wow you with his success stories and mimic his list of credentials but as a trained Hypnotist myself, I think just a nod of approval will encourage you to check him out.  My website isn’t fancy.  I do all the writing.  Those of you who have worked with me personally know I am careful about products I choose to use and share.  I encourage you to give him a “free” try and make sure you share your feedback.  http://www.appbrain.com/app/relax-with-andrew-johnson-lite/com.hivebrain.andrewjohnson.relaxlite Here is another link, you may find useful to App Brain.  There are over 500 comments with just this one App  So Relax for a more beautiful you.

Oh yeah!

Over the past five months, I have become uncomfortably acquainted with the damaging effects stresses emit on the body, mind and spirit.  I am pretty sure my first indicator was looking in the mirror and seeing a drawn reflection, void of expression, often tear filled eyes staring back at me.  Some struggles empty your spirit as you work to find the coping strategies capable of encompassing common sense and in an act of poetic expression caring for each other, the mind shuts down or the body produces illness forcing you to sleep.

Happiness : ) is my husband and healthy Grandkids.

The Serenity Prayer

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Shannon Carter, Founder and CEO of “Crayons to Computers”, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization is satisfying the need of supplies desperately needed in classrooms which not only aides the students unable to pay for school supplies but also unburdens the Teachers who were spending $500 to $1,000 out of their own pockets.  Her phenomenal work has enlisted Prison Inmates to make puppets, chair back organizers, etc. and her only request to the students is that they write a thank-you note in appreciation of the items made and received.  I was so deeply touched by a video she shared.  I cried.  One inmate expressed that he felt his life had purpose.  What a legacy she has established.

Then Susan Lacz, a sharp, feisty, fireball Event’s planner who created the financing strategy to purchase Ridgewells Catering in Washington, DC expanding her companies to fit the niche they choose to serve, also a single Mom.  Her top ten start from 10 down to 1 are to Be fresh (reinvent yourself and stay current), Maintain Quality, Have Courage, Create a Buzz, Surround yourself with smart people, Delegate, Take Risks, Be Passionate, Give Back Give Often and Give Always, and number one….Think Big.  She was another high energy power house that obviously refuses to comprehend the meaning of the word “no”.

There was breakout sessions we could choose from, which were a nice break from being a part of a large audience, to creating the feeling you were a part of a conversation in a room.  Then Dian Stai, Founder, Owen Healthcare blew me away with her soft-spoken manner whose husband died in a plane crash leaving her with a healthcare business to run, was told to ‘sell’, but she learned how to be a business woman and sold that company for 500 Million Dollars.  Not your average Grandma!

Dr. Susan Duffy, Simmons School of Management gave an engaging talk on ‘Discover her, Develop her and Deliver her’ by tapping into your passion providing fuel for your success and confidence.  Build mastery by adopting Nike’s slogan “Just Do IT”.  Have two set of mentors, one for business and one for you, branch out beyond women, be selective while building networks and she ended with a few tidbits on managing your crew including ‘Hire Slow and Fire Fast’.

The last speaker created a worldwide phenomenon from the sadness she felt as a child in losing her favorite Teddy Bear.  Maxine Clark is the brains behind Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc, who has created an interactive experience, playful atmosphere of over 400 stores worldwide.  She shared a beautiful quote that encapsulates her philosophy “If you can live your imagination, your life can be a dream come true”.  I did not write down the source to that quote but hope to “Tweet” her for an answer.  She is active on ‘facebook’ and ‘twitter’ with her fans and shared some heartfelt letters and photos of her fans!  An amazing day, in an incredible city, I hope you too can find your way and follow your dreams into reality!

Winter is the season for inward reflection and rest.

I don’t know about you, but I see the stress on my face through the holidays.  At the top of the list for creating blemishes, puffiness and an overall reduction in enthusiasm for attempting to spread holiday cheer begins with my diet, it isn’t as good as it should be …    I love my family but …    I usually spend more money than I planned to …  Lack of  sunshine… to name only a few.

In this season of giving, don’t forget to give to yourself.   Now before you buy one for him and one for you, let me be clear, I am not talking about stuff that costs money, I am referring to those little things that renew you.

1. Try to take a few more minutes massaging an oil or lotion on your skin after your shower.
2. Turn off the radio and say some affirmations or a prayer to ready your day.
3. Squirt a fresh lemon in your tea or open an orange and smell the citrus scent stimulate your spirit.
4. Try to take a brisk walk especially when you see the sun shine, even if it is just for 10 minutes because exercise adds up!  If the weather is bad stretch a few minutes, get away from everything and everyone.
5. When preparing dinner, don’t forget to think pleasant thoughts and believe that what you are making will heal and love you and your family.
6. Make a list of the things you want to remember to do, clear your mind, because it is now on paper.  It will really help you letting go and getting ready for sleep.
7. Check your thermostat.  Cooler temperatures lower body temperature to help you hibernate into a good nights rest.
8. Spend a few extra minutes cleansing your face by putting a warm cloth over your face and tilting your head back.  Feel the warmth lift debris, tone and moisturize.
9. After the nightly health regime, lower lights and watch a little tv or read.
10. Make sure if you have a television in your room, cover it with a throw or sheet.
11. When you are ready to drift off to sleep, think of good things.  See yourself accomplishing goals, being with loved ones, or even dream a walk in the clouds finding the most perfect, safe, peaceful place for you to rest.  If stressful thoughts creep up, push them aside with a loving nudge because tomorrow will allow you to handle any issue.

Winter time is the season to retreat and go within.  Warm soups, hot teas, peppermint to settle your tummy, planning, good friends, loving family, laughing and counting your blessings need to be your focus.  Together we will make it through and into a new decade!

Coping with depression without the drugs.

Why Antidepressants Don’t Work.

I am right there with you, I understand this subject so thoroughly, it has manipulated my life and sometimes I look back and wonder how I have survived.  You are not alone, if you or someone you love is debilitated by this life altering illness I am your belief you can overcome and move beyond.  I hope this article will help shed some light.

With your cleanser rubbed in, lay a warm wash clothe over your face and relax a minute or two. Allow the warmth to lift the cosmetics or debris from the pores, opening the pores and then genltly rinse and wipe.

In my morning shower, I felt the warmth and comfort of the water and steam. It made me think of how easy and inexpensively we can give to ourselves. I remember when my children were little; it was always a race to complete everything that needed to be done. Now my kids have grown and my husband and I are empty nesters, I take more time for myself, but it also made me think of how you can meet two needs every evening.

When I have clients in my make-up chair, I always have them cleanse their face with my products. I hand them some cleanser and talk to them about washing each night, then I hand them a very warm wash cloth they lay over their face and I always hear “ahhhh“, they melt.

It is one of lives simple pleasures and such an easy thing for you to do. Not only are you caring for your skin health, but you are nurturing the part of you that needs to be comforted. So every day, put that wash clothe to really good use and feel the warmth and relaxation it inspires, enabling you to do one little loving thing for you.

I was miserably shy as a young woman feeling awkward in my skin. And I thought to myself, I could have never done what they are doing. Imagine… dressing to impress and going into a room with 5 people sitting, staring at you from head to toe and shooting questions at you. Oh no,… not from a list of prepared questions, the judges can ask you whatever they want, any subject that comes to mind from politics to bargain shopping.

I honestly don’t know if my contribution was helpful or a hindrance. Beauty to me is so much more than looks. It is a style, a kindness, a warmth and laughter. I felt myself squirming in my own self doubt while growing within me was a new appreciation for the pageant system. The dedication these girls comprise to be leaders creates a full schedule of caring for themselves through diet and exercise programs, donating their time, while maintaining honors in education continually striving for excellence.

And I had to choose? I had moments to rate them on a scale of 1 to 10. Although I was given profiles in advance and could research their platforms, as I was reading about each candidate, I was in awe. What possesses them to excel the way they do? The courage they would have to have. The system seems to promote a poise that I rarely see in young women and I was so pleased to meet these beautiful young influential girls.

It was a new experience and I appreciated the opportunity of being included and being an insider on an event that can often catapult a woman into a career of volunteerism, a system of scholarship opportunities to aide them in their education and last but not least, the role of leadership. The next step for the winner is Miss Oklahoma, I may have to go!