Little Black Dress

A Classic Must-Have!

In 1926, Coco Chanel designed the original “little black dress” that has since become a timeless classic, a “must-have” for women of all ages and sizes. It could almost be counted as a woman’s most versatile article of clothing, worn on various occasions including daytime outings, dates, dances, funerals, for portraits and even on the red carpet. However, an ill-fitting little black dress – just as any other piece of clothing - is a disaster, no matter what the occasion! To avoid the misuse of this must-have, here are a few tips to help choose the perfect one for you.

Hide your tummy. An A-line dress and matching coat are instantly chic and can camouflage unwanted bulges.

Minimize curves. A medium-length, double-breasted suit disguises big breasts and hips.

Elongate your body. A pinstripe suit creates a vertical optical illusion, making you appear taller and thinner.

Conceal your butt. A cover-up blazer hides your behind and gives you the confidence to wear a body-fitting dress.

Slim the body. A single-button jacket with long skirt has an overall slenderizing effect. Cover thighs. A long jacket with a slim skirt is thoroughly modern, yet covers you waist to knee.

Lengthen a shorter torso. A white shirt worn half unbuttoned and over skirts extends the upper body.

How To Eat Sensibly This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the official start of the holiday season, and that means you'll be served a tempting array of rich foods that can easily make the strongest among us lose our willpower and gain extra pounds. Don't give up or give in! You can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and still sample some of the wonderful holiday goodies. Follow these helpful hints and you'll be able to look at the scale next week and smile!

• Without making yourself totally uncomfortable, try to wear a tight-fitting outfit to big holiday meals. The added pressure will be a gentle reminder to limit portion sizes.
• Don't make Thanksgiving dinner your only meal of the day. Remember you will still need to maintain the meal schedule your body needs, which is several smaller meals per day and that starts with a good breakfast.
• On the other hand, starving yourself at the Thanksgiving table is not the answer either. Eat a full, healthy, smart meal that won’t leave you starving and apt to overeat later.
• Save up to splurge on those foods you can’t resist. You don't have to sample everything on the table just because it is there.
• Get your mind set on this from the start - Limit yourself to one plate; no second helpings.
• Slow down and savor the flavors of your wonderful meal. Your body processes food much more efficiently when you eat at a slower pace.
• Eat what you love, just eat less of it this year.
• Enjoy your favorite dessert this year; but take 2-3 small bites just to taste.

Drink Away the Pounds

We've all heard that drinking water is key to a healthier, thinner body. But why? Of its many benefits, water actually assists in boosting your metabolism enabling you to burn calories quicker. So skip the soft drinks and get those eight glasses in a day. Drinking water is one of the easiest (and least expensive) steps to becoming the new you.

Fitness Tip of the Week

It isn't a mysterious biological phenomenon-it's fat. As with other body fat, the way to get rid of cellulite is to reduce calorie and fat intake and to exercise. The fat cells in cellulite are embedded in the connective tissue beneath the skin. When these cells get larger, they push up against the tissue, which causes cellulite's "dimpling" effect. Your best bet for fighting cellulite is calorie-conscious eating, cardiovascular exercise and strength training.

Reward Yourself, You Deserve It!

We reward our kids when they succeed but when is the last time you rewarded yourself for your weight loss? Success requires a positive attitude and providing yourself with rewards along the way is a powerful tool in self-motivation. Set mini-goals, and then reward yourself when you meet them. Here are a few inexpensive and fun ways to reward yourself on the road to success:

• Take a long hot bath with candles and your favorite music.
• Take the day off- arrange an off day from work and get a babysitter for the kids.
• Enjoy a leisurely morning — Spend the morning reading, pampering your self and completely relaxing.
• Save up for your big surprise- Every time that you accomplish your goals; put $10 away and save up for that big “surprise” that you’ve had your eye on.
• Get a manicure and pedicure.
• Enjoy a new haircut or color.

Little rewards to celebrate your success along the way make the weight loss road more pleasant and your goal easier to achieve.

Why not commit to 30 minutes today?

Although we may think of fitness as a physical thing, in truth it impacts every aspect of our lives from bodily health to mental and emotional wellness.

When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals that help reduce depression and encourage a relaxed and positive state of mind. Your self-worth and confidence also rise, because you know you’re taking care of yourself. It feels good to do something meaningful and important as taking care of your health.

In short, fitness makes us feel more energized, enthusiastic and able to take on the world. Why not commit to 30 minutes today? It could be the boost you need.

From Meditations for Women