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-Author Unknown

Jennifer’s wedding day was fast approaching.

Nothing could dampen her excitement – not even her parent’s nasty divorce.

Her mother had found the PERFECT dress to wear, and would be the best-dressed mother-of-the-bride ever!

A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father’s new, young wife had bought the exact same dress as her mother!

Jennifer asked her father’s new young wife to exchange it, but she refused. ”Absolutely not! I look like a million bucks in this dress, and I’m wearing it,” she replied.

Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, ”Never mind sweetheart. I’ll get another dress. After all, it’s your special day.”

A few days later, they went shopping, and did find another gorgeous dress for her mother.

When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, ”Aren’t you going to return the other dress? You really don’t have another occasion where you could wear it.”

Her mother just smiled and replied, ”Of course I do, dear…..I’m wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night BEFORE the wedding.”

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by GiGi Kash, guest blogger, stylist

As the storm clouds of April roll away and May flowers begin to bloom, there is one thing on every woman’s mind – swimsuit season. For many women, the search for the perfect swimsuit is a dreadful activity requiring hours spent parading under unflattering lighting in front mirrors that can grossly exaggerate all the wrong features. It can be a daunting task.

Learn to shop for your shape with these tips:

• Hourglass:  You can pull off just about any swimsuit style. Go sleek with one color or be daring a fun-loving print. String bikinis allow you to select a size for curvier hips and halter tops or a deep plunging neckline looks good too.

•  Pear: For those ladies with hips and thighs that are a bit fuller, it is best to opt for bottoms that are high-cut. This will make your legs appear longer and leaner. Pair these bottoms with a V-neck style top to draw more attention to your upper body.

•  Apple: If your tummy tends to be the spot that gives you trouble, the stylish one-pieces that have, thankfully, returned to fashion are your go-to item for summer wear. Choose suits with ruching, side-detail or a wrap-style to define your waistline.

•  Full Rectangle: You’re in luck – color blocking is the best look for you and it is all the rage for the summer season. Choose suits with detailing along the neckline to draw attention upward. Choose fitted skirts that are short, but skip ruffles and lots of fabric that can balloon your shape. Choose solid, muted colors for a slim appearance.

• Lean Rectangle: You look best in string bikinis. Too much fabric contributes to a boxy appearance. Add ruffles or bold patterns to add some curves to your shape and maybe choose padding up top as needed.

Don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen when you hit the beach or pool. Pick out sunglasses that block UVB and UVA rays and make sure you stock lip balm with an SPF in your beach bag as well. Now, you’re ready to welcome summer with open arms!

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It is love bug season in Florida!

Twice a year, Floridians experience an invasion of tiny flies, known as “love bugs.” These tiny red and black bugs get their name from their ability to mate while in flight. Throughout the months of May and September, you will see these small insects “stacked” in tandem everywhere – all over your car, your home, or your barbecue in the park. Though a nuisance, they are harmless, except for the damage often caused by their carcasses to your car’s paint. If you are new to Florida or planning a trip, take note – go through the carwash routinely during the season – these little guys take the paint right off your car!

When my family and I first moved here I thought it was cute to see them literally attached while flying or crawling around, until I realized that the female just basically does what she pleases and the male has no choice but to “hang around” for about 4 days then die.

This made me think about the male-female dynamic of human relationships. Sometimes, I actually feel sorry for men. They remind me of the male love bug. (Please don’t write any “You don’t understand what I have to live with!” emails.) I know there are some really awful guys out there. I’m not talking about them – I am just referring to some of the clichés that typify women in long-term relationships.

As women, we seem to have this need to have everything “just right” before we initiate, or perhaps even desire, sex. I am certain you know what I mean – your man has to have been sweet for the last 48 hours, it has to be the “right” time of the month, you can’t be too tired, too hot, too cold, or hungry.  Sex can’t happen if the house is a mess or the kids have been awful. We have so many requirements to be “in the mood” it is no surprise that our partners look elsewhere for satisfaction.

Believe me, I am not giving them an excuse for being unfaithful! I just think it is high time we take control and do something about whatever is keeping us from enjoying sex and being love bugs! I promise you, when your hormones are in balance, life is a lot more fun and sex is something you look forward to again! I know, I have been there – before and after hormones – and I tell you what, I don’t care what time of the month it is, what the house looks like, or if it’s been a rough day at work, I’m ready. There is nothing better than being “love bugs” to put everything into perspective!

Learn more about the Menopause MANIAC – Cherie Mason.

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by Dr. Jennifer Landa

Combating issues like insomnia, weight gain, low libido and memory comes down to choosing a lifestyle that embraces the three pillars of good health: balanced nutrition, routine physical activity, adequate sleep and hormone balance.

Nutrition is among the key factors in combating conditions associated with aging. The wrong foods can pollute you internally and unveil external signs of aging very quickly. Avoiding processed foods, sugar, caffeine and alcohol reduces the demand on the adrenal glands, which are responsible for secreting cortisol, the “stress” hormone, and play a role in managing your metabolism. It is difficult to get all the nutrients you need from your diet – nobody is perfect all the time. Supplements can help ensure adequate nutrient intake. I recommend supplementing B vitamins, vitamin C and magnesium to support adrenal health. Certain herbs, such as ashwagandha and rhodiola are also useful for combating stress and impacting adrenal health.

You probably know the basics behind the positive effects of good exercise, nutrition and sleep habits, but maintaining hormone balance naturally is one solution that has only recently become a household name.

Monitoring your hormone levels throughout your lifespan and taking action to maintain balance or repair imbalances can combat many conditions of aging, including insomnia, low libido, memory loss and unwanted weight gain. Hormones control everything in the body – acting as the body’s chemical messengers to ensure optimal functioning. For example, low testosterone can tank your libido, while low levels of progesterone are linked to insomnia and other sleep disturbances. Too much cortisol can cause foggy thinking and undesirable weight gain. The chronological aging process is unstoppable, but the way you look and feel over the course of a lifetime is heavily linked to hormone balance and lifestyle choices.

TweetLoral Langemeier is the millionaire-maker! She achieved it for herself and now she specializes in helping other do it too. She offers a bootcamps for just about anyone and everyone, including kids, to begin a path toward financial freedom.

Currently, Loral has one of the best-selling self-help books on the market, Yes! Energy.  She tells how to not only change your financial life, but also how to embrace spiritual well-being and more well-rounded personal life.

I found this particularly helpful for my business, but it really helped develop me as a person as well.  I strongly recommend following Loral and, if you can, participating in her program. Learn more at http://liveoutloud.com/.

Learn more about the Menopause MANIAC – Cherie Mason.

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Recently, I attended an entrepreneur conference. During the conference we spent a lot of time discussing how to be a presence and making a lasting impression. One of the number one tips was to smile – offer a genuine smile as often as you can.

Being media trained, I realized that although smiling is a definite sign of sincerity, it can also be the one thing that ages you.  Dental hygiene often falls by the wayside as we age.  Many people fear the dentist and fail to maintain their smile as they age. A yellow smile or missing teeth can be a tell-tale sign of old age. The good news is, ladies, you do not have to spend hundreds of dollars to maintain a white smile.

The trick of the trade is lipstick! I always make certain I have lipstick handy. A quick swipe of a rich shade can make your teeth look up to two shades whiter! (And if you are worried about lead in your lipstick – try MaryKay.com  – it is lead free!!)

Of course, you all know brushing and flossing regularly makes all the difference, along with routine dental visits. You should avoid tea, red wine, sodas, coffee and cigarettes to maintain the brightness of your smile naturally. These beverages stain the teeth, while tobacco use can cause tooth loss in addition to discoloration. There are lots of teeth-whitening systems on the market. Try one or ask your dentist for a recommendation. It can make a world of difference in a very short time if you follow the directions carefully.

You only have one set of teeth, so care for them carefully to make your smile shine for a lifetime!

Learn more about the Menopause MANIAC – Cherie Mason.

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-Author Unknown

If my body was a car I would definitely be trading it in for a new model.

I’ve got bumps, dents, scratches and my paint job is splattered with varicose veins.

My headlights are out of focus.

My traction is not as graceful as it once was.

My headcloth is now grey.

My gearbox is just about seized.

It takes me hours to reach maximum speed.

I overheat for no reason.

But worst of all, every time I sneeze, cough or laugh -

either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.

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by Dr. Jennifer Landa, M.D.

Has getting dressed every morning become the chore of the century lately? Everything is a smidge too tight, some tops or pants will not even button closed or zip up?  You, like many over-worked Americans, may be suffering from the effects of adrenal fatigue, a condition related to the impairment of the adrenal system. The pounds won’t budge if you are suffering from this stress-induced condition.

What is adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue describes the chronic fatigue commonly affecting millions of men and women worldwide.  The adrenal glands rest on top of each kidney, secreting hormones and neurotransmitters, such as estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemical messengers are vital to stress management, immune function and many functions of daily living. The adrenal glands secrete these hormones as a “fight or flight” response to deal with stress. When you have endured too much stress, your adrenal glands may burn out, leading to adrenal fatigue.

How does adrenal fatigue impact your weight?

Cortisol, the stress hormone, is released daily from the adrenal glands in small amounts, as a reaction to basic stressors in everyday life, including fasting, food consumption, waking up, and exercise. Cortisol is capable of moving and utilizing the body’s fat stores for energy under various “stressful conditions,” including exercise.  In this case, it will keep your body going during a marathon or long hike.  In the case of prolonged stress however, cortisol moves fat stores and deposits them deep in the abdomen.  In addition to storing fat in all the “wrong” places, high levels of cortisol can impact the hormones that regulate your appetite.  This may result in not only an increased appetite, but also cravings for high fat, high sugar foods.

In this case, stress is the reason you can’t seem to fight the fat.  If you have hit a plateau in your weight management program or have recently accumulated excess pounds, particularly around your abdomen and chin, hormone balance and stress-reduction techniques are a must for recovery.

What are the symptoms of adrenal fatigue?

Fatigue is just one of many possible symptoms associated with adrenal imbalance. You may also notice:

• A reduced tolerance for stress
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Anxiety, depression or other mood problems
• An increased susceptibility to infections
• Cravings for sweet or salty foods
• Sudden weight gain/inability to lose weight
• Newly emerging allergies or chemical sensitivities
• An intolerance of cold temperatures

What are treatment options?

Determining if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue is the first step to finding a cure. When testing for adrenal imbalance, physicians evaluate the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day; therefore it is optimal to evaluate levels at different points during a 24-hour time period. Saliva testing is the easiest and most accurate way to ascertain your cortisol levels and determine the health status of your adrenal glands.

If you are diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, there is a three-point plan to ensure you recover:

• Hormone balance is the key step in maintaining adrenal health. The imbalance of just one hormone can disrupt the function of several systems and, in some cases, result in the decline of other crucial hormones. Get your hormone levels tested and develop a plan to achieve and maintain balance.
• Modify your lifestyle to improve your ability to handle stress. The three cornerstones of good health are the best place to start – eating a healthy diet, maintaining a routine fitness regimen and getting plenty of quality sleep. You also need to find ways to reduce stress, such as relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
• Supplements such as omega-3 and vitamin D, can help to fortify your system, increase overall health and assist in the recovery of your adrenal health

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It can be easy to let life run you over. Kids, work, husband, cooking, cleaning and everything in-between – life never seems to stop.  Endless routines like these can make it hard to smile and see the bright side of things, but there is a bright side.  Being and feeling happy is all about attitude.

You, and only you, can decide if the glass is half-full or half empty.  Be grateful for the things you do have and do not feel sad about the things that perhaps are not meant to be. For example, you may recall a few weeks ago I had an audition to be in a cruise ship commercial.  Well, I did not get the part, but it made me realize that there is another plan for me.  In fact, instead I have the opportunity to judge the Miss Teen Orlando pageant – something I would not have time for if I had been in the commercial.

You never know what is really in store for you, but you must have faith – it is something great!

Learn more about the Menopause MANIAC – Cherie Mason.

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- Author Unknown

An environmentalist dies and reports to the pearly gates. St. Peter checks his dossier and says, “Ah, you’re an environmentalist – you’re in the wrong place.” Thinking that heaven could never make an error, the environmentalist reports to the gates of hell and is let in.

Pretty soon, the environmentalist gets dissatisfied with the environment in hell, and starts implementing eco-friendly improvements. After a while, global warming, air and water pollution are under control. The landscape is covered with grass and plants, the food is organic and the people are happy. The environmentalist has become a pretty popular guy.

One day, God calls Satan up on the telephone and says with a sneer, “So, how’s it going down there in hell?”
Satan replies, “Hey, things are going great. We’ve clean air and water, the temperature is better and the food tastes better, and there’s no telling what this environmentalist is going to fix next.”

God replies, “What? You’ve got an environmentalist? That’s a mistake; he should never have gotten down there, send him up here.”

Satan says, “No way. I like having an environmentalist on the staff, and I’m keeping him.”

God says, “Send him back up here or I’ll sue.”

Satan laughs uproariously and answers, “Yeah, right. And just where are you going to get a lawyer?”