How many times have we heard (nay, said!) any of the following:
"Ugh, I'm so fat in this"
"My stomach is huge"
"I can't wear that. It makes my _____ look fat"
Why do we do that to ourselves? Is it because it is socially programmed into us? Or because we don't feel worthy of being beautiful?
Well, I argue that that needs to stop - pronto!
If you've ever heard anything about Positive Self Talk, I'm sure the name Shad Helmstetter wasn't far behind. He's the "father" of it, and has written numerous books on the subject. In fact, his neuroplasticity is finally catching the eyes of researchers and scientists. Pretty cool stuff, huh?
So let's commit to changing that negative self-talk. After all, if we are to become healthier, stronger, more self-confident, and generally happier, we need to be sure the stuff that comes out of our mouths or that which is thought is falls into the positive category!
So, an introduction to a clip from my sequel to Living With B: A College Girl's Struggle with Bulimia and Everyday Life, which is in the process of being completed (and an ode to every person or girl out there who dares to believe she deserves more and is working to achieve it):
The following should be read and repeated aloud as much as possible. (and if you're anything like me, the first time I did this I couldn't finish because I thought "This is dumb." That's okay, that's your angry-self talking. Don't listen to her)
I am healthy
I live every day by making the best and healthiest choices for me
I love the way I look
I am beautiful
I take care of my body and it takes care of me
When I'm faced with a decision about what to eat, I always choose the healthiest option
I feel good when I make healthy decisions
I am beautiful, and I deserve to be beautiful
I love my body
Alright! Now it's your turn. Don't fret if you can't get through it without cringing or laughing or just generally walking away from it. It takes time, practice, and patience. Just know that even by starting this, you are doing great things for yourself.
Might I suggest even recording yourself saying it on your iPhone? That way you can just play it back to yourself and listen to yourself speak it over you. Great option!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
Teachers Get Paid
If you are a teacher and you build material for your classroom, why not share it with the world? In doing so, you can get paid for it, too! How awesome is that.
Where is this magical place? It's called Teachers Pay Teachers and the website is great.
Get started:
Click the link below
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Signup/referral:scaprini
Continue to create your own page
And voilá! Done!
Plus, you can refer your friends too! After all, you make some pretty amazing things. The rest of the world should know about it!
Where is this magical place? It's called Teachers Pay Teachers and the website is great.
Get started:
Click the link below
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Signup/referral:scaprini
Continue to create your own page
And voilá! Done!
Plus, you can refer your friends too! After all, you make some pretty amazing things. The rest of the world should know about it!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Fire + Wine
So last night we went to the restaurant Fire + Wine in Glen Ellyn for a friend's birthday. I wish I could say that it went well, but sadly it did not. And it went badly from the start. We were told they didn't take reservations so we had planned to eat at 6/6:30 but the girl's husband asked that we get there at 5:30, expecting we'd have to wait. My husband and I arrived closer to the 6:15 mark because we had things to do and after the discussion of "having to wait" we were told being late would be okay because they'd probably still be waiting. Instead, they actually were able to sit at 5:30, so we were definitely late. However, upon arriving at 6:15, we would have thought we were at a popular Chicago Bar at 11pm at night, not a restaurant.
When you walk in the door you walk directly into the bar. You have to walk through an archway to get to the seated area of the restaurant, so when you walk in and it's that crowded at 6:15, you have to shove your way through the people to get to your table. Not appealing, least of all for a suburban restaurant.
Then, when we finally did get to our table, we found out from our party that the manager came up to the table at 5:30 and told them they would need to be out by 7 because there was another large party arriving for the table. First of all, you can't say that. Second of all, even if you did say that, the unspoken rule is that the customer has TWO hours to eat. Not an hour and a half. That's rude.
So then comes the waitress. My husband and I, as I noted, were a good 30-40 minutes late. She comes up and goes "Are you guys new?" Now, this didn't bother me, because it was honest. We were. My husband though, was offended. He figured, after 40 minutes of servicing a table, you didn't notice two more people were added? Whatever. It was what occurred for the rest of the night that really got us.
So we give the waitress all the orders and they start coming out. The guy across from and his wife ordered an appetizer, salad, and pizzas. They brought ALL THREE out at the same time. What is that?! You can't eat that way. For one, all the food doesn't fit in one spot. Secondly, if you sit and eat the appetizer and salad first, then the pizza will be cold. Eat the pizza first, you may not want the appetizer and salad. Dumb.
Then the waitress refused to separate the checks for a table of 10. She and the manager both said that "they don't do that." Ok, so when we got the check we started divvying up the bill. Now, I know some of your are thinking "just split it evenly" and some people are thinking "but if didn't order all that then I don't want to pay for what I didn't order." We went with the latter's mentality to make it fair. So we sat there an calculated. Well, it took us 30 minutes to figure it out because about 10 minutes into it the waitress and manager kept coming up to us, going, "How can we make that easier for you?" or "What can we do to help?" or "Should we do that for you?" You know what? You should have thought about that before you dropped off the check at 7:15 (which is already 15 minutes OVER the time limit you set for us). So, no, you get to wait.
Then the took the check, brought them back, we signed, and then the girls went to the bathroom, as the front of the house was still beyond packed. When we returned from the bathroom, our men were gone. AND they were WAITING OUTSIDE because there was no more room. So we had to go outside to get our coats. ARE YOU CRAZY!? What's even worse? While we were in the bathroom, the owner of the restaurant came up to the table and said, "I hate to have to say this to you, but we really need the table. There are people waiting that would be really upset soon." .....and? It was only 7:45, or 15 minutes past the generally accepted 2 hour mark.
Ugh. So needless to say, we will not be going back. While the food was good enough, the hassle and the rudeness was not worth it.
When you walk in the door you walk directly into the bar. You have to walk through an archway to get to the seated area of the restaurant, so when you walk in and it's that crowded at 6:15, you have to shove your way through the people to get to your table. Not appealing, least of all for a suburban restaurant.
Then, when we finally did get to our table, we found out from our party that the manager came up to the table at 5:30 and told them they would need to be out by 7 because there was another large party arriving for the table. First of all, you can't say that. Second of all, even if you did say that, the unspoken rule is that the customer has TWO hours to eat. Not an hour and a half. That's rude.
So then comes the waitress. My husband and I, as I noted, were a good 30-40 minutes late. She comes up and goes "Are you guys new?" Now, this didn't bother me, because it was honest. We were. My husband though, was offended. He figured, after 40 minutes of servicing a table, you didn't notice two more people were added? Whatever. It was what occurred for the rest of the night that really got us.
So we give the waitress all the orders and they start coming out. The guy across from and his wife ordered an appetizer, salad, and pizzas. They brought ALL THREE out at the same time. What is that?! You can't eat that way. For one, all the food doesn't fit in one spot. Secondly, if you sit and eat the appetizer and salad first, then the pizza will be cold. Eat the pizza first, you may not want the appetizer and salad. Dumb.
Then the waitress refused to separate the checks for a table of 10. She and the manager both said that "they don't do that." Ok, so when we got the check we started divvying up the bill. Now, I know some of your are thinking "just split it evenly" and some people are thinking "but if didn't order all that then I don't want to pay for what I didn't order." We went with the latter's mentality to make it fair. So we sat there an calculated. Well, it took us 30 minutes to figure it out because about 10 minutes into it the waitress and manager kept coming up to us, going, "How can we make that easier for you?" or "What can we do to help?" or "Should we do that for you?" You know what? You should have thought about that before you dropped off the check at 7:15 (which is already 15 minutes OVER the time limit you set for us). So, no, you get to wait.
Then the took the check, brought them back, we signed, and then the girls went to the bathroom, as the front of the house was still beyond packed. When we returned from the bathroom, our men were gone. AND they were WAITING OUTSIDE because there was no more room. So we had to go outside to get our coats. ARE YOU CRAZY!? What's even worse? While we were in the bathroom, the owner of the restaurant came up to the table and said, "I hate to have to say this to you, but we really need the table. There are people waiting that would be really upset soon." .....and? It was only 7:45, or 15 minutes past the generally accepted 2 hour mark.
Ugh. So needless to say, we will not be going back. While the food was good enough, the hassle and the rudeness was not worth it.
Arbonne Expands
For those of you either involved with Arbonne or as a client of the company: they have some amazing news to share with you! They are expanding globally into country #5 and #6. If you don't know, they are currently in the UK, US, Australia, and Canada. They are moving to Poland in 2014 and Taiwan in 2015! Watch out world, clean healthy living is coming your way!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Going to China - Town That Is
So I heard this story from a friend of mine the other night. It was told by a teacher friend of theirs. The funny things kids say:
Teacher: "Today we're going to talk about China's 1-Child Policy"
Student 1: "Oh, I've been to China"
Student 2: "You ain't been to China, girl"
Student 1: "Have too. You can drive there."
Teacher: "Ok. That's China Town. You can drive to China Town, but China's the really big country across the Pacific Ocean"
Student 1: "Whatever, they have Chinese people there."
Do we still teach Geography?
Teacher: "Today we're going to talk about China's 1-Child Policy"
Student 1: "Oh, I've been to China"
Student 2: "You ain't been to China, girl"
Student 1: "Have too. You can drive there."
Teacher: "Ok. That's China Town. You can drive to China Town, but China's the really big country across the Pacific Ocean"
Student 1: "Whatever, they have Chinese people there."
Do we still teach Geography?
Thursday, January 16, 2014
White Wine Wonderful
So tonight I needed to make the mish-mosh dinner we have all come to know so well, the one that involves throwing whatever we have in the fridge in the pan and hoping it turns out well.
Well, tonight, I threw in some green chard, soy-based chicken, and then the spices. Coconut-oil (which, if you are still using Olive Oil, SWITCH NOW! EVOO actually breaks down in high heat and becomes toxic!) is amazing, plus a little garlic and smoky spices and I was on my way. However, as it started cooking, the flavors were good, but they fell a little flat. So I had some sweeter white wine in the fridge from last week, too, and I thought that maybe it wasn't going to be good much longer, so I figured I might as well use it now. Therefore, I threw a little in the pan.
The result? A-mazing! My husband was even astounded that it turned out so well.
(patting shoulder). Compliments to the chef, and the chef in your house.
Well, tonight, I threw in some green chard, soy-based chicken, and then the spices. Coconut-oil (which, if you are still using Olive Oil, SWITCH NOW! EVOO actually breaks down in high heat and becomes toxic!) is amazing, plus a little garlic and smoky spices and I was on my way. However, as it started cooking, the flavors were good, but they fell a little flat. So I had some sweeter white wine in the fridge from last week, too, and I thought that maybe it wasn't going to be good much longer, so I figured I might as well use it now. Therefore, I threw a little in the pan.
The result? A-mazing! My husband was even astounded that it turned out so well.
(patting shoulder). Compliments to the chef, and the chef in your house.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Start of on the Right Foot!
Er, well, maybe just the Right Mind or Right Stomach! Either way, we want to be sure your 2014 is healthy and fabulous!
As a former eating disorder member, I can attest to the fact that my idea of "balance" is one that has taken lots of paths to find the best "normal" for me. Part of that journey meant learning and listening to my body.
Have you done that lately? Listened to what you're body's telling you as opposed to what your head or book told you you are supposed to do? Because often, your body's unique chemistry and build lend to a unique way of eating and processing. No two people are the same, so why would two people be in sync with their eating styles? Seems illogical to assume everyone should work equally, so now it's time to turn back inward and listen.
However, there are some great tips regardless. For example: cut out refined or fake sugar - and if not refined then definitely the fake at a minimum! No more Sweet N Lo, Equal, and absolutely NO Aspertame! Those are not natural and not something your body should ever have to process! Steer clear of GMOs and anti-biotic fed anything! (again, not naturally occurring in nature, full of chemicals, and not meant to be processed by your body).
After that, think "whole food". Should I have an orange flavored popsicle? or an Orange? Tea from a company like Snapple or hot water and a tea bag? Butter spray or actual butter? Always choose the REAL food! The Whole food and the one that most resembles what you'd find naturally! Your body will thank you.
Then listen. How do you feel afterwards? Probably, you'll be hungrier sooner than you were if you ate the processed stuff, and that's okay! That's because the energy from the real food is being used! Good for you! Eat more Whole and Real food when you get hungry again!
How did you feel after the sandwich? Or the cereal? How about after the coffee or the extra glass of water? Are you going more regularly? Maybe you should up the foliage you eat to help increase regularity? How about your sleeping? Do you feel more alert after certain foods? In general?
These are all key things to be aware of when you are searching for your best food "norm". Your body will tell you, but you have to listen!
As a former eating disorder member, I can attest to the fact that my idea of "balance" is one that has taken lots of paths to find the best "normal" for me. Part of that journey meant learning and listening to my body.
Have you done that lately? Listened to what you're body's telling you as opposed to what your head or book told you you are supposed to do? Because often, your body's unique chemistry and build lend to a unique way of eating and processing. No two people are the same, so why would two people be in sync with their eating styles? Seems illogical to assume everyone should work equally, so now it's time to turn back inward and listen.
However, there are some great tips regardless. For example: cut out refined or fake sugar - and if not refined then definitely the fake at a minimum! No more Sweet N Lo, Equal, and absolutely NO Aspertame! Those are not natural and not something your body should ever have to process! Steer clear of GMOs and anti-biotic fed anything! (again, not naturally occurring in nature, full of chemicals, and not meant to be processed by your body).
After that, think "whole food". Should I have an orange flavored popsicle? or an Orange? Tea from a company like Snapple or hot water and a tea bag? Butter spray or actual butter? Always choose the REAL food! The Whole food and the one that most resembles what you'd find naturally! Your body will thank you.
Then listen. How do you feel afterwards? Probably, you'll be hungrier sooner than you were if you ate the processed stuff, and that's okay! That's because the energy from the real food is being used! Good for you! Eat more Whole and Real food when you get hungry again!
How did you feel after the sandwich? Or the cereal? How about after the coffee or the extra glass of water? Are you going more regularly? Maybe you should up the foliage you eat to help increase regularity? How about your sleeping? Do you feel more alert after certain foods? In general?
These are all key things to be aware of when you are searching for your best food "norm". Your body will tell you, but you have to listen!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
People Finally Speaking Up
Amen. More people should say this.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/12/31/i-would-love-to-teach-but/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/12/31/i-would-love-to-teach-but/
Sunday, January 5, 2014
"Snow Day" to You
"Snow
days" are a great time to re-gather yourself and spend a day investing
in "You." Think: reading, journal, call clients and thank them, clean,
scratch things off your "to do" list, and even take a bath with some
wonderful wine!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Fuel Your Creativity
Sometimes we all feel stuck. It happens. And it's depleting. It depletes your energy and your outlook on life. That's no fun!
So, especially now with the new year, let's rev up that spark inside you again. Get moving, and I don't just mean physically.
Yes, exercise can and will spark creativity in you that you may have not known existed or just left behind and forgotten. With your endorphins moving, more oxygen hitting your blood, you'll find answers to questions and new ideas flow more readily.
But it's more than just working out. Find what makes you happy. And then exploit it. For example, I love designing and thinking big picture. So I've always loved watching Project Runway. It gets my wheels turning and I find myself wanting to bust out the sketchbook and pencil - and I usually do! I don't recommend sitting in front of the tv and vegging out, if you're going to do it, make it effective. Love to cook? Watch Top Chef and challenge yourself to decide what you'd make for the challenge and compare to what wins. Love interior design? Try an HGTV show.
Otherwise, get a book, a mentor, a class - dance, horseback, cycling, anything - and fuel your creativity. New Year's doesn't just have to mean a New Date.
So, especially now with the new year, let's rev up that spark inside you again. Get moving, and I don't just mean physically.
Yes, exercise can and will spark creativity in you that you may have not known existed or just left behind and forgotten. With your endorphins moving, more oxygen hitting your blood, you'll find answers to questions and new ideas flow more readily.
But it's more than just working out. Find what makes you happy. And then exploit it. For example, I love designing and thinking big picture. So I've always loved watching Project Runway. It gets my wheels turning and I find myself wanting to bust out the sketchbook and pencil - and I usually do! I don't recommend sitting in front of the tv and vegging out, if you're going to do it, make it effective. Love to cook? Watch Top Chef and challenge yourself to decide what you'd make for the challenge and compare to what wins. Love interior design? Try an HGTV show.
Otherwise, get a book, a mentor, a class - dance, horseback, cycling, anything - and fuel your creativity. New Year's doesn't just have to mean a New Date.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
House of Scary
Well, it's been 5 whole days of living at this crazy new house, and Ein is doing brilliantly in certain things, and terrified by others.
Things that terrify the little guy:
-New objects
-Big objects
-Fridge
-Vacuum cleaner
-Washing Machine
-Fireworks
-People walking around
-Dogs walking around
Phew. And the thing is, because he's so little it makes sense. All 14.2 lbs of him. So what does this crazy little guy do when he's scared? Runs and barks. A lot. Lots and lots of barking!
So here's what we've done to help curb the fear. We pick up Ein, put him in our laps, and then I pet or rub the thing that is scaring him. For example, we sat in front of the washing machine, him in my lap, and me petting the door to the washing machine as it ran. He slowly calmed down (sometimes I say quiet as he barks and gently hold his muzzle together to reassure him that we do not bark at these things, then say Good Boy when he's quiet). He even reached his nose out to the washing machine door and sniffed it, and as he got more confident we put his paw on the door, and voilá! Much better!
That has curbed the fear of all objects so far except the vacuum. Vacuums are scary things man! Oh, and the unknown people and dogs walking around. He still doesn't know what to do about them, but we'll make it work!
Totally recommend this trick with your dog. Hopefully you'll have less "scary" things around your house too!
Things that terrify the little guy:
-New objects
-Big objects
-Fridge
-Vacuum cleaner
-Washing Machine
-Fireworks
-People walking around
-Dogs walking around
Phew. And the thing is, because he's so little it makes sense. All 14.2 lbs of him. So what does this crazy little guy do when he's scared? Runs and barks. A lot. Lots and lots of barking!
So here's what we've done to help curb the fear. We pick up Ein, put him in our laps, and then I pet or rub the thing that is scaring him. For example, we sat in front of the washing machine, him in my lap, and me petting the door to the washing machine as it ran. He slowly calmed down (sometimes I say quiet as he barks and gently hold his muzzle together to reassure him that we do not bark at these things, then say Good Boy when he's quiet). He even reached his nose out to the washing machine door and sniffed it, and as he got more confident we put his paw on the door, and voilá! Much better!
That has curbed the fear of all objects so far except the vacuum. Vacuums are scary things man! Oh, and the unknown people and dogs walking around. He still doesn't know what to do about them, but we'll make it work!
Totally recommend this trick with your dog. Hopefully you'll have less "scary" things around your house too!
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