How What You Say Effects Women

So you will always want to be a perfect 10 in your significant other's eyes. This is the ideal image that you'd like to perceive to them, however impractical it is. When they critique you, and they definitely do, it always has an effect on you, no matter how big or how small. For example, just a few months ago my husband told me that my teeth were getting yellow. Seriously?? Naturally, my first reaction was to shoot an insult right back at him. "No, your teeth are yellow! You must of been eating a crap ton of corn or something! Oh, and your uni-brow is getting a bit out of hand!" But let's get serious, it really made me self-conscious and I went out and bought some Crest Whitestrips. Don't get me wrong, my comments made him self-conscious too and he got rid of his uni-brow stat, so women are culprits too. 

But that's just one example of how a little comment like that can really take a toll on someone. And a bunch of those little comments may lead to resentment or self-hate.

"Man, you really need to pluck your eyebrows!"

"You're wearing THAT out?"

"Wait, you're not going to the gym today?"

"That's what you're going to eat?"

All of these comments break down a person's image of themself. They end up thinking, "Should I really eat this? I want my significant other to find me attractive. What if I never look like those models in the magazine? Will they still want me?"  All of these things run through a person's, mostly a woman's, mind constantly. Am I good enough? Am I skinny enough? Am I perfect enough? Women beat themselves up constantly about their appearance sufficiently without the help of their significant other. They have the help of TV, movies, magazines, the internet! Everything works against a woman that doesn't have that picture perfect body. She can always be doing something to make herself look better. 

Well everyone needs to realize that those people get paid to look like that. They don't have a normal job, children without the help of nannies, or money problems. The daily stress of the average American weighs heavy on people. It's hard to make time to look perfect. So think of that the next time a hurtful comment is said. Think of yourself as the ideal woman or man. The working woman who has to take care of three children and clean the house when she has a spare minute. Think of yourself as beautiful, and your "flaws" are just the little things that make you different from the Barbies out there. You are unique, you are beautiful, you are perfect!

Color Yourself Perfectly Imperfect

Pre-Pregnancy List

Thinking of having a baby? Here's a list that I've composed of the things you should do to get yourself ready to get pregnant. We're thinking of having a baby so I was very curious as to what I should be doing to prepare my body to be the best home for my child while they are growing. Here's what I've come up with:

1. Schedule a pre-pregnancy doctors appointment.
     Here you will be examined and prescribed a multivitamin and prenatal vitamins. The doctor will talk to you about your exercise habits, your drug and alcohol habits, and your eating habits. You may want to get genetic testing here to determine if your child will be at risk for certain diseases. You may also receive a pap smear at this time.

2. Take folic acid.
     You may already be taking this in your prenatal, so make sure you aren't double dosing. Taking a folic acid supplement is crucial. By taking 400 mcg of folic acid a day for at least one month before you conceive and during your first trimester, you can cut your chances of having a baby with neural-tube defects such as spina bifida by 50 to 70 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Taking folic acid helps prevent some other birth defects as well.

3. Give up drinking, smoking, and drugs.
     For obvious reasons, this is very beneficial for your baby's development. By doing any one of these, you can increase the chances that your baby will be born with a large handful of diseases, or even miscarry. Even secondhand smoke can increase the chance of birth defects in babies. So play it safe and think about your baby's health before yourself.

4. Start eating healthy now.
     Get your body prepared with all the nutrients that it needs to help your baby grow. Stock up on fruits and veggies, calcium-rich foods (yogurt and milk), and a lot of protein. This will also help you to eat healthier, since you're already used to it, when you get pregnant.

5. Try to stop drinking coffee.
     I know, I'm crazy right? That cup of coffee is the only thing that gets you through the day. Well you're in luck! Some studies have found that it is ok, or even in some cases beneficial, to drink just one small cup of coffee a day. Try to stick with just black coffee, but if you can't swing that don't throw a whole bunch of sugar in there, try a splash of non-fat milk. But no coffee is the best way to go if that's possible.

6. Make sure you're at a healthy weight.
     Being at a BMI from 20-24 is the most ideal weight to conceive. The pregnancy seems to be easier for women that are at this BMI. Being outside this number can have a negative effect on your fertility. To calculate your BMI click on this BMI Calculator. This may be hard to achieve for some women, so try your best to be as healthy as you can! Talk to your doctor for help with the best ways to gain or lose weight.

7. Start to exercise!
     An exercise plan is what you need to kick start your healthy pre-pregnancy body. A good exercise program includes at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise about 5-6 days a week. Try to get out an walk if you don't have a gym you can go to! Once pregnant, it's recommended that you continue your program. This will help you feel better, and get back to your pre-pregnancy body faster, and who doesn't want that?!

8. Make an appointment to see your dentist.
     It may seem like a funny thing on this list, but pregnant women are most susceptible to getting gum disease. A preventative appointment before you get pregnant can help deter any gum pain during pregnancy.

9. Stop the pill.
     You should stop taking your pill for a few months in order for your period to regulate back to your normal cycle. This may take a few months, but you will be able to get a better due date once you conceive. Also, it may take a bit for you to get pregnant once you stop birth control, or for some women it only takes a few days. 

10. Make sure you're ready.
     You should be 100% sure that you both are ready for a child. Since we live in a world where repopulating isn't an issue, you can chose to be a parent or not. Make sure that you feel financially stable as well because raising a child is not cheap! Talk this one out with your partner. Make sure you both feel the same way because being a parent is a full time job and you can never quit. This will change your life in a major way and you need to be certain that you can handle it mentally and physically.

I hope this list helps aid you in your journey towards pregnancy! Good luck and I wish every one of you the fastest and easiest birth once you decide to get pregnant!

Color Yourself A Parent

Two Months Without the Hubs :(

As most of you may know, my husband is in the Army. He's been in the Army for about 8 years now and it's been a crazy ride. He currently has to go to ALC (Advanced Leadership Course) for two months. He will be in Arizona while I'm left behind in Maryland... man is it going to be a longggggg two months!

I'm pretty much the biggest scaredy cat ever and I hate being alone at night, which I'm going to be the whole two months! So it's pretty much the worst thing when my husband's gone. But on the bright side, I'm going to surprise him with some new additions to our house, including a PS4! (shhhhh don't tell him!) 

He's been gone for about a week now and I haven't gone too crazy. It's actually been nice to have a little time to myself to get my creative juices flowing! I've painted a picture, which I will show you guys later, I've made the bachelorette party invites for my best friends weekend extravaganza, and I've even done a little yoga. Although I do miss him, I'm happy that I've had time to start and finish some projects that have been on my mind.

Only seven more weeks to go, and I can't wait to kiss him when I pick him up from the airport! XOXO

Color Yourself Loved

Kelly Clarkson - The Sun Will Rise (cover)

This song is a great pick-me-up if you have the winter blues or are just feeling down. Take a listen and boost your outlook for the day!

Color Yourself Positive

Fight Those Winter Blues!

Feeling a bit down lately? Well, you're not alone! Approximately 1 in 16 people will feel the winter blues! That's a lot of people! Here are a few tips to keep you happy and healthy this cold season.

1. Brighten your lights. It's been proven that 20 minutes a day three feet away of less from a 300 watt bulb with help ease those sad feelings. Even a tanning bed for five minutes will suffice.

2. Exercise. Whether you go to the gym, hit up a zumba class, or just turn the radio on and dance around your house, any way you choose will help boost your mood and make you feel happier.

3. Watch what you eat. Try to steer clear of those high sugar, high carb items like cake and rice. Instead opt for those fruits and veggies!

4. Take up a winter activity. Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, the list goes on and on. Choose one or two and get out there!

5. Brighten up your home. You may be surprised at how much the color of your walls can effect your mood! By simply changing the color of your kitchen or living room, or adding a colorful painting can change your day.

6. Limit your caffeine intake. Instead of coffee, opt for an herbal tea. Try to limit your alcohol intake as well. Being drunk may lead to a deeper depression.

Hope these tips help you in aiding your winter blues. Stay warm this winter! :)

Color Yourself Happy

11 Years Cancer Free!

This is my mom. She is a beautiful, strong, independent, crazy, stubborn, giving, caring, know-it-all, wonderful woman. She will bring happiness and laughter to any occasion, be the life of the party, dress to the 9's, cook a delicious meal, and still be trying to please everyone. She has a piece of advice for any situation, and usually right, but it's hard for her to hear her own words. She has always been there for me, held my hand, helped me through hard situations, and praised me when I needed it most.

I was 13 years old when she was diagnosed. It was a really hard time for everyone in my life, but you could never tell my mom was suffering. She was always positive and kept her head high for everyone else because we definitely needed it. Ovarian cancer. This meant death to most that were diagnosed. 

A woman's risk of dying from ovarian cancer is 1 in 95 (app. 14,400 women). A woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 72. There is a 44% chance that a woman with ovarian cancer will live for five years. That number is 90% for breast cancer. Crazy right? All these stats came from ovariancancer.org. 

My mom is a beautiful, strong, independent, crazy, stubborn, giving, caring, know-it-all, wonderful survivor of ovarian cancer. I'm so thankful that I have my mom today, I couldn't imagine life without her. 

I love you, Mom!

If you want to get involved and walk for ovarian cancer research, here is a list of upcoming 5Ks/Walks.

http://www.ovarian.org/upcoming_walks.php

Color Yourself Healthy!

Throwing a Bachelorette Party

First off, being chosen as the Maid/Matron of Honor or a Bridesmaid is a big honor. You're one of the people that the bride wants by her side when she makes her vows. You are her confidant, her friend, her shoulder to cry on. To the bride, you are super special in her life, so naturally, her Bachelorette party needs to be super special for her!

Now, you really need to find out what the bride has in mind for her girls celebration of the end of her single life and for her transition into marriage. Every bride is different and her vision that she has will be catered to her. Maybe you have a punk rock bride and she'll love hitting up a local band playing, or maybe she's looking for a relaxing get-away vacation, or even just a crazy night out, bar hopping with her girls. Whatever the case, it's your job to make that come true! 

1. Ask the bride who she wants to invite. This will be a big help and let you avoid the scavenger hunt to remember her closest friends and family members. Either send an email, a Facebook message, something to give each girl a heads up!

1. Now it's time to pick the place. Remember to keep the bride in mind, or even ask her what she'd like to do when picking the place! Here is a list of the top Bachelorette party destinations:

Beach vacation/ Cruise

Vegas

Big city near you to club/bar hop all night

Relaxing weekend

Hotel slumber party

Tea party brunch

Winery

Spa day

Yacht/ Boat

Whether you want to spend a lot or a little, there is a fun place for every type of Bachelorette party, with each having their pros and cons. So really talk to the bride and figure out what she really wants.

2. Picking the theme. This is tough because you really want to be original. Think of the bride. Does she have a favorite color or a stand-out hobby? Does she have a perverted sense of humor, or is she more subtle and shy? This is the hardest part for me to decide.... Here's a list of some unique themes:

Slumber party: Include eye masks with the goodie bags, along with some calming lotion, a bag of popcorn and a scented candle. This can be a fun night packed with chick flicks and pillow fights, and maybe a couple games like Never Have I Ever and Charades.

A Black and White Affair: The ladies dress in their LBD and the bride wears white. All favors decked out in the color scheme and all the attention is on the stand-out bride! B&W M&Ms, boas, balloons, and desserts!

Beach Get-away: Have beach balls around the party, everyone dress in their fav. bikini, hand out leis when guests enter, drink sex on the beach cocktails, and light tiki torches at night! Include sun screen, bottle of water, lip balm, and cute shades in the gift bags.

Party like a Princess: Have each lady wear a colored (pink, red, blue) tutu and have the bride in a white one. Get her a special crown and possibly a wand. Get chauffeured around and have a dessert tower filled with tasty color corresponding treats! Give gifts encrusted in glitter, have cupcakes with tiaras on them, and have a hangover fairy god-mother gift each girl with a hangover cure kit!

Beauties and Bubbly: This is the theme that I'm planning on throwing at the Bachelorette party that I'm planning. Tons of champagne and sparkling juices for those ladies that don't want to drink, lots of fun girly activities including a pole dancing class (Boas included) and some relaxing downtime with facials and paraffin wax. Tons of sequins and glittery accessories will accompany my invites and decor. Champagne glasses with mini favors will be the gifts I give.

Brides Favorite Color: Pretty in Pink, Glamorous in Green, Picture Perfect in Peach, or Outrageous in Orange. Invites, balloons, favors, cupcakes, t-shirts, everything in the bride's preferred color! This one may be the easiest to do. Have all the girls wrap their presents with that color and have a signature drink in that color!

Penises: This seems to be a favorite among party stores and websites world-wide, so it should be pretty easy to throw a bash with this theme. Although this isn't one that I would choose (well maybe a game or two), there are many ways to incorporate this. The cake, the favors, even the brides gear can all have a penis added. I feel like this theme is a little played out and not really what a Bachelorette bash should be, but it's all up to what you think your bride would love!

3. After the guest list is finalized, the place has been booked, and the theme has been picked, it's now time to book transportation to bars/clubs if needed, plan and book the activities, and order a cake/cupcakes for the party! Depending on your theme and where the party will be, your activities will vary. For that outdoorsy bride, canoeing, zip lining, horseback riding, or camping may be what your looking for. For that fun, outgoing, crazy bride, a trip to the strip club, a pole dancing class, or a Pure Romance party. For that Must-Be-VIP bride, bottles of expensive champagne, a stretch limo, and VIP at the clubs. For that bride that just wants to relax, a spa day (either at the spa or at home), face masks and pedicures, followed up by a fun movie and some comfort food.

4. Have a great time! Let the chips fall as they may. You won't be able to control everything so don't try. It'll just make your time worse and you want to be able to enjoy the festivities you've planned too! Don't be that crazy girl with the itinerary and when one things doesn't go as planned freak out. Instead, plan for extra time. Tell every one that the dinner reservations were an hour earlier, or your activity is planned for 30 minutes before it actually is, that way those ladies that take extra time will be forced to hurry up so they won't be late! Hope for the best, but expect the worst, that's the best advice I can give!

Of course as the Maid/Matron of Honor you are not supposed to foot the whole bill so don't be afraid to ask for help from the other ladies that are attending. You are supposed to foot the bill for the Bridal Shower, but that's a whole different story! But don't dig yourself  financial hole. The bride won't want to burden you, so host the bash on your budget! Sometimes a close-knit group of girls relaxing at home and cracking jokes is way better then a crazy night in Vegas, and way cheaper too!

Hope this helps you to plan the perfect party for your bride!

Color Yourself Happy

Lose Weight and Get Healthy!

So while at work, I catch up on a little bit of Dr.Oz. While listening to one of his shows, an interesting topic caught my attention…

Protein powders.

I know, I know. It sounds like I'm trying to become a body builder, but it's not like that at all! Having a scoop of protein powder in a breakfast smoothie can actually help you lose weight, have more energy during the day, boost your metabolism, and even help curb those crazy mood swings!

So this got the gears spinning. Should I try protein powders in my breakfast smoothie or not? I thought, why not? It can't hurt to try, right? So off to GNC I go. Luckily I had my hubby there with me to help delve through the many different types. We finally settled on soy protein powder. There were many choices, but I felt this was the right choice for me. I've compiled a list of the different kinds and how they benefit you!

Soy Protein

Boosts metabolism

Alleviates menopausal symptoms (Not too worried about this one yet ;) )

Helps prevent osteoporosis

Lowers cholesterol and the risk of heart disease

Can boost immunities

Can help decrease the amount of belly fat (YES!)

May reduce some types of cancers

Whey Protein

Tastes the best out of all the protein powders

Costs less than most others

Virtually fat free

Enhances the immune system

Good for lactose-sensitive people

Absorbed quickly into system

Muscle building benefits

Casein Protein

Good meal replacement - absorbs slowly

Doesn't mix very well with liquids

Muscle building benefits

Lose weight

Fight mood swings

Egg White Protein

Very low in fat and carbs

Cholesterol and dairy-free

Helps lose weight

Boosts metabolism

Easy to absorb into system

Brown Rice Protein

Good for people with sensitive stomachs

Lose weight

Revitalize your energy

Has carbs

These are just some of the popular ones. I'm sure there are a million other types, but I figured you'd be able to find these ones the easiest.  Also, don't go for the crazy flavored ones. Those just add artificial flavorings and colors to your protein. Try to stick with unflavored or vanilla or chocolate. Those come from natural ingredients, so are a bit better for you.

From looking at the different types, it looks as though you can't go wrong with any of them! If losing weight is your goal, just one serving of any type of protein with help fight the fat and help you fit in those skinny jeans, if that's your goal!

I'm going to be trying this every morning for breakfast, starting tomorrow! I'll let you all know my results in the upcoming weeks. I also workout every day during the week, so that may sway my results from someone who isn't working out everyday. But nonetheless, a scoop a day will melt the fat away :) hopefully at least! I'll keep you all posted!

Color Yourself Fit!

Tracy Chapman - Fast Car (Cover)

One of my all time favorite songs! Love to karaoke this one too :)

Enjoy!