Are you a SpaRitualist?

My most recent article on FrockOn is up! In this article, I sit down with the founder or SpaRitual and chat 'spa industry' with Shel Pink.  Spa quality, eco-friendly (and animal friendly!) holiday gifts? Yes please! Stay tuned for Part 2 of my article, but until then, check out Part 1!

One is silver and the other, gold.

I'm proud to say that I have very few conflicts in my life when it comes to friends and family.  It hasn't been easy, but over the years, I have worked very hard to develop my relationships and nurture them so they grow as I grow.  Unfortunately (as expected),  not all relationships change as you do.  It's sad and I've certainly shed my tears, but this only emphasizes the fact that the relationships that do stick around and stay strong are incredibly precious.

I was reminded today of how important the few really special people in our lives are.  You know the ones.  They are the people that have been around for years, through ups and downs and you would do anything for them.  When necessary, you hate their jerk ex-boyfriends (or ex-girlfriends), eat copious amounts of fast food during lunch hour at school, clap as loud as you can at their performances, or just laugh your faces off until one of you feels like you want to puke.  That, my friend, is a friend. 

One of my best friends showed her full fledged, pure and loving support for my dream I am pursuing and it was at that moment that I realized how much she really means to me.  No matter what, I know she will support and love me, and that feels incredible.  I could tell her I'm trying to grow a pineapple out of the top of my head and she would come back with a bunch of information to help me achieve this. Damn, I'm lucky.

Do you have anyone in your life like this? Is there someone that you think could be this person for you? Do your friends know how much you appreciate them? 

Could you be this person for someone else?

Family Matters

I certainly didn't need a reminder, but if I did need one, I've received one.  I've spend my last couple days visiting with family and the more time I spend with them, the faster time seems to disappear.  What I miss the most aren't the dinners, parties, events and outings.  It's sitting around drinking a coffee in the family kitchen, laughing at the dogs, making dinner and sitting on the porch.  It really is these times that I count my blessings and wish that I could make those little moments last forever.  Time flies and it's constantly increasing its speed.  Take a step back, look around you and be thankful for the family you have.  Maybe it's your mom, aunt, cousin or a step parent.  Maybe it's your dog, best friend, or your cat.  Whomever you consider family, remember how special they are to you and even though you may bicker, yell or hold your breath until you turn blue, they will always love you. (Sorry for sounding like a Whitney Houston song there.)

Now, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to draw your attention to my favourite new stock photo website, Stock.xchng. It's a free website full of beautiful, unique and perfect photos.  Thanks Stock.Xchng!

Patience, my dear.

Today was an exercise in patience for me.  Starting with my morning, my day seemed to be taunting me. From my (constantly lost) keys that seem to have a personal vendetta against me, to my personal favourite, spilling my lunch in my purse (don't ask why I carry my lunch in my purse). After the lunch in the purse incident, it was downhill from there.  I'll spare you the gruesome details, but I had to exercise constant patience and compassion today.  I had no choice and I literally felt like I had to swallow the swear words I wanted to spit out in front of me, for everyone to see.  I kept on repeating phrases like 'breathe' and 'stay calm,' 'just wait' and 'don't judge.'  I now understand why so many mothers are such patient, kind people. I also understand why so many mothers are not patient, kind people.

Who deserves some patience in your life? Is there a friend, family member, or stranger that you could count to 10 and let the steam out of your ears for? If it's not a person, what about a situation in you life? From the grocery store lineup to your significant other coming home late, practicing some patience can help you and someone else.

Aha! Moment

I finally figured it out.  Aha! moment, light bulb moment, eureka, whatever you want to call it. 

My blog is going to be a daily reflection about one small (or large) important moment that I notice each day in my life.  Everyday, 'things' happen to us and we make 'things' happen.  This blog is going to draw attention to these things and (hopefully) improve my daily awareness of life.  It's not always going to be good, but I'm going to try to stay on the positive side.  Maybe something provokes a question, a thought or brings up a wanted or unwanted feeling.   The great thing about this concept is that whatever my observation for that day is, it will apply to all my readers as well.  I'll ask questions that don't necessarily need to get answered; they just need to be aired out. I'll bring up general issues, problems and obstacles that many of us need to overcome.

This is a new project for me and I can only hope that other people get something out of this too.  Here we go.

Comfort

I am finally starting to feel 'cushy' again.  I don't really know how else to describe it.  I am getting back into my BNYC (Before New York City) life and I'm feeling good.  Despite the fact that I literally have no free time as of late, things have become good again.  I don't feel so strange waking up in my own apartment anymore and the mountains certainly have their charm.  It's no big apple, but it will do...for now.

Writing for Frockon has suddenly made things click for me.  This is what I want - no, need to do.  Aha moment! Check out my most recent article on Eco-Fashion week here.

I have been thinking a lot about the Universe, God, Buddha, Vishnu, Mom - whatever/whomever you credit for the good things in your life.  It's sometimes mind boggling how the puzzle pieces of life suddenly fit together or a chance meeting changes your life.  It makes me really question how much 'power' we think we have on a daily basis.  We can plan all our lives (as some people do...ahem...me), yet at the end of the day, our entire plan could blow up in our face.  I'm trying really hard to learn how to 'go with the flow,' but I never have been one for going with anyones flow but mine.

OK, so there's a learning curve.

THE SECRET IS OUT!

Yes, I've been busy and yes, I promise to make up for it. Excuses, excuses, excuses...

Well here it is!! My recent mistress is FrockOn.  I am now writing for a New York fashion website and I couldn't be happier.  The girls are incredible, supportive, smart and devoted.   I can't believe how fast I have become a part of  a 'fashion family.'

Todays reflection of the day is expanding horizons.  How can you stretch yourself today and try something new? It doesn't need to be a huge gesture; how about trying a new coffee shop on your way to work? Walk a different route home. Make a new recipe for dinner. Apply for your dream job. Take a vacation somewhere you have never been.

Switch it up!