Sunday, January 31, 2010

the positives

ebwootwoot @becomingTHEyou a positive of today was i am always so tired and never get to sleep well all last time thats what all i did and now im awake

Elafant_Heffer @becomingTHEyou I talked to Hazel on the phone yesterday

b_j_d @becomingTHEyou making dents in my applications for university

MrsGayneWetsky @becomingtheyou I studied my butt off in the library today. :)

tashaaa_x3 @becomingtheyou i kicked my homeworks butt today, i didnt let it kick mine :)

Saturday, January 30, 2010

the positives

tashaaa_x3 @becomingTHEyou we find out we have two months, not three weeks to get out of our house today :)

BelleJolieNoir @becomingTHEyou i graduated from college tonight

Sunny Side Up Daily

Remember to check out Sunny Side Up Daily...a recap of some of the positives from you are posted up on their site every Friday...thank you all again for tweeting us and helping us inspire others to keep a positive outlook on life!

Friday, January 29, 2010

Friday Follower again!

Today's friday follower was @EBWootWoot

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou ... @ebwootwoot is pretty chill and awesome and is great at having fun during boring events

Thursday, January 28, 2010

It's all about being unique

As human beings we strive forth to be unique; to stand out in a crowd, to be an individual. With that being true, Graphic Designer Primo Angeli once said:

A great trademark is appropriate, dynamic, distinctive, memorable and unique.



We should all strive for these attributes in every day life, for they make us who we are, and who we choose to be.


Love,
Cara
Let's Go Carazy

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

the positives

tashaaa_x3 @becomingtheyou i think i've finally hit that studying groove i had in high school, and its amazing :D

AllisonsThunder @becomingTHEyou I GOT AN A ON MY FIRST MATH TEST TODAY!!!!

Elafant_Heffer @becomingTHEyou @rossgolan is sending me something :) and he answered most of my formspring questions so far. he made my day :D

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou saw a new band that i had never heard of before and i really like them

January 27th - Chocolate Cake Day

Did you know that January 27th is Chocolate Cake Day... who knew?!?! And who doesn't love Chocolate Cake!

I actually found out all this info from:




One of my favorite websites for getting great food for half the guilt. So, with it being Chocolate Cake Day... she has put a great recipe for "Death by Chocolate Cupcakes" as her Chew on this Item. You can check it out HERE or take a look below:

Ingredients:
2 cups moist-style chocolate cake mix (half of an 18.25-oz. box)
Two 25-calorie packets diet hot cocoa mix
1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
2 tbsp. semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
1 tsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1/8 tsp. salt

Directions:

Place chocolate chips and the contents of both cocoa packets in a tall glass. Add 12 ounces of boiling water, and stir until chips and cocoa mix have dissolved. Place glass in the freezer to chill for 25 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Once cocoa has chilled, give it a stir, and mix with all other ingredients in a mixing bowl. Whip batter with a whisk or fork for 2 minutes. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray, or line it with baking cups. Evenly spoon batter (which will be thin, but don't worry, your cupcakes will puff up!) into the pan. Place pan in the oven, and bake for 15 minutes. Cupcakes will look shiny when done. MAKES 12 SERVINGS


Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 108
Fat: 2.5g
Sodium: 239mg
Carbs: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 2g

POINTS® value 2*


Did you know your average Chocolate Cupcake WITHOUT the icing contains over 200 calories and 10g of fat...YIKES! So, next time you are feeling a little chocolaty... try on these cupcakes. Something to satisfy your craving and to not pop your pants!


Love,

Cara
Let's Go Carazy

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

the positives

emeraldmaz @becomingTHEyou I went for an hour long walk even though it's ridic hot and I could have used that as an excuse. And I'm gonna bake cookies

tashaaa_x3 @becomingTHEyou i changed my radiator hoses alllll by myself :D

b_j_d @becomingTHEyou went for two great walks with my dog today

CaraLikeWhoa @becomingTHEyou I ate a healthy lunch and a healthy dinner! :)

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou no snacking aftre dinner, just water water water (and sf hot chocolate)

LairBarbie @becomingTHEyou I've lost 1.8 pounds this week.

JonasBrat @becomingTHEyou I decided today to be the better person in an uncomfortable situation. Might not help much, but I feel better about myself.

Monday, January 25, 2010

the positives

b_j_d @becomingTHEyou got more done today than I thought I would and still had a relaxing day and didn't let a bad morning ruin it for me

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou cuse beat georgetown and i didn't snack too much today

Fried chicken tenders with out the guilt

found this at Delish...I'm a huuuge fan of faux fried chicken, especially when it tastes just as good at real fried chicken (okay i know i say that a lot)

Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders with Five-Spice BBQ Sauce

From Good Housekeeping

Tender and oven-fried, these chicken tenders are jazzed up with sesame seeds and Chinese five-spice powder, an indispensable blend of seasonings that showcases the five basic flavors of Chinese cuisine — sweet, sour, bitter, savory, and salty.

Makes 4 main dish servings

Takes 20 minutes

Set your oven to 475


Ingredients

* 3/4 cup(s) panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
* 2 tablespoon(s) sesame seeds
* 1 large egg white
* 1 teaspoon(s) Chinese five-spice powder
* 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
* 1 pound(s) chicken-breast tenders
* 1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 1/2 cup(s) ketchup
* 1 tablespoon(s) brown sugar
* 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) cider vinegar
* 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees F. In 10-inch skillet, toast bread crumbs and sesame seeds over high heat about 5 minutes or until golden, stirring frequently. Transfer crumb mixture to plate.

2. In medium bowl, with wire whisk or fork, mix egg white, 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder, and salt until foamy. Dip tenders in egg-white mixture, then in crumb mixture to coat. Place tenders on cookie sheet. Bake tenders 13 to 15 minutes or until they lose their pink color throughout. Do not turn tenders over.

3. Meanwhile, in same skillet, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until soft and lightly browned. Remove skillet from heat; stir in ketchup, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining five-spice powder. Pour sauce into small bowl; serve with tenders.

Nutritional Information
(per serving)
Calories 280
Total Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 66mg
Sodium 775mg
Total Carbohydrate 23g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars --
Protein 30g
Calcium

Sunday, January 24, 2010

The Positives

JonasBrat @becomingTHEyou Positive I'm blessed with the best friends EVER.

CaraLikeWhoa @becomingTHEyou I did something sweet for a girl I work with. She is sick, so I covered her shift today :)

tashaaa_x3 @becomingtheyou the power went out at work, so i got to go home early :D

tashaaa_x3 @becomingTHEyou a lot of people told me they missed me today... i didnt really know they cared that much

LairBarbie @becomingTHEyou I went to the gym today, even though I didn't wanna.

JonasBrat @becomingTHEyou Colts are going to the SUPER bowl again! :)

SunnySideUpB @becomingTHEyou completed the first week of the website and feel really proud of the content so far

The Positives

emeraldmaz @becomingTHEyou I wrote music, despite having never actually learned an instrument!

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou such a great night out and i didnt punch the boy that screwed me over

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Smoothie that can boost your brain

found this from Dr. Oz...i actually love the idea of the last ingredient tacked on at the end of this recipe haha..it amused me...but for real, I love smoothies and healthy smoothies are happy snacks

Dr. Oz’s Brain-Boosting Smoothie

Ingredients

1 banana Bananas are high in antioxidants, dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine boosts memory and attention while serotonin elevates mood and helps control appetite, memory and learning.



¼ cup blueberries Blueberries contain pigments called anthocyanins that give the fruit its dark color and also boost brain function. They also help protect the brain from stress and may reduce dementia.



A handful of hemp nuts These nuts are rich in Omega-3’s which are essential for the health of your brain and nervous system. Additionally, the compounds found in hemp seeds have been shown to promote memory, learning and immune function.



½ cup apple juice Apple juice prevents the loss of an important neurotransmitter called acetylcholine which is critical for memory and brain health.



1 tsp rhodiola rosea This liquid plant extract improves mood, alleviates depression and can also improve sexual functioning and libido. It’s available for purchase in natural food stores.

The Positives

trishhyyy @becomingTHEyou positive: I had my annual review today and it was really good! :-)

tashaaa_x3 @becomingTHEyou i spent a fun night with my sister :D

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou laughed so hard with a friend at the dumbest impressions that we do..so much fun!

Friday Follower Spotlight

our randomly picked follower for today was @jonasbrat!

here are some things that others had to say about her:

trishhyyy @becomingTHEyou I know I've missed a lot of these...@JonasBrat has a beautiful heart and is a great friend!

emeraldmaz @becomingTHEyou I think @JonasBrat pretty much rocks. And she's supportive. Which is awesome.

LairBarbie @becomingTHEyou @JonasBrat is one of the coolest peeps ever -amazingly kind heart and super brave...and pretty darn funny. She idolizes me.

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou ...@JonasBrat is so supportive, full of love and such a great listener..she's kind and caring and so inspirational


and she has decided to share some advice

JonasBrat @becomingTHEyou Oh gosh, just saw this. LOL Advice... ALWAYS tell the people you love how much you care about and love them while they are. still here to hear it from you. It doesn't matter what you say about someone once they're gone.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Sunny Side Up Daily

As I mentioned before, I was asked to write an article for a friend's website about the positives that you share with us...today, we were featured on their Fitness Friday post...check it out at Sunny Side Up Daily

the positives

CaraLikeWhoa @becomingTHEyou I have a job interview for a job I really want! :)

AllisonsThunder @becomingTHEyou IT'S THE WEEKEND!!!

BelleJolieNoir @becomingTHEyou Im done with my portfolio and i'm graduating next week

MrsGayneWetsky @becomingTHEyou I got a lot accomplished today! Laundry, cleaning, loads of homework... holla for productivity! :)

tashaaa_x3 @becomingtheyou I didnt have a car break down on me today, and I make the most delicious cheese and broccoli soup ever :]

Thursday, January 21, 2010

breakfast idea-zucchini spice bran muffins

Found this on Self and thought i'd share...usually when i'm doing things like this, i do all my baking on Sunday for the week since Sunday is pretty much my off day...anyway here's the recipe


Zucchini Spice Bran Muffins


Makes 3 muffins

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup grated zucchini
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons extra light olive oli
  • 1/2 cup high-fiber cereal (such as All-Bran)
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • Vegetable oil cooking spray

PREPARATION

  1. Heat oven to 350°. Combine zucchini, egg white, ginger, zest, sugar and oil in a bowl; mix well. Slowly stir in cereal, raisins, flour, cinnamon, baking soda and baking powder, stirring until flour is just incorporated. Coat a muffin pan with cooking spray; fill 3 cups with batter. Bake until muffins spring back to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in center, 30 to 35 minutes.

Inspirational Quote 01/21/2010

Sometimes a great quote can make you feel better or even just put a smile on your face. I actually wrote this one for the Ladies Club...but I really like it:

A lady shines, even when there is no light in the room. Keep your light bright for all the world to see! - CLE



So, take your light and shine it all over the world. Be a star, a motion, a movement, a revolution. Be the change you want to be in becoming the you!

Love,
Cara
Let's Go Carazy

Big News!

Becoming the You will be working with Sunny Side Up Daily for their Fitness Friday feature. I have been asked to share some of YOUR positives, advice, and inspiration with them in a blurb for their website. This is all thanks to you and your participation in the twitter and the blog...I am going to try a few different ways to write this blurb for them and see which one works the best...in the mean time, if you have a problem with me using your positives for this, please let me know ASAP...also, would you rather me use your twitter names, or just your first names when I use your contributions in the blog? Please comment here or tweet us about that and please keep everything coming!!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

the positives

CaraLikeWhoa @becomingTHEyou its nothing I did, but sometimes one person can make you smile more than you ever thought you could! :)

SunnySideUpB @becomingTHEyou For the first time in a long time I felt completely unstressed. I also got a job I worked really hard for!

b_j_d @becomingTHEyou positive having an amazing phone chat with my best friend

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou laughed at myself being stupid instead of getting upset and embarrassed

LairBarbie @becomingTHEyou I have one & it's HUGE for me! Drove my daughter thru McD's and bought nothing for myself but an iced tea. NO hamburger!

ItsStacyDuh @becomingTHEyou My new friend and I had to go on a scavenger hunt for my orientation class. it was actually fun :)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

the positives

JonasBrat @becomingTHEyou All 3 kids made honor roll this quarter. Tommy got straight A's and Chris got Kawainis Super Kid. :)

AllisonsThunder @becomingTHEyou I made the angry foreign man take my psychology book back. Haha

LairBarbie @becomingTHEyou I'm so boring I keep using the same topic but I've lost 2.3 lbs so far this week and it's not weigh date yet.

Rev Your Metabolism with quick workouts

Found this in Marie Claire...it's some short work out ides that will help raise your metabolism when you don't have enough time for the gym

Kickstart Your Metabolism



No time for a long, intense workout? James Timmons, Ph.D., at the Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh, Scotland, suggests this quick and stunningly effective sprint protocol:

1. Hop on a stationary bike (or other cardio machine).

2. Pedal as fast as you can for 30 seconds.

3. Cool down for one minute.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 five more times.


According to Timmons, subjects who followed this exercise regimen every day for two weeks saw not only a 6 percent boost in aerobic capacity but also a 23 percent improvement in insulin control during this period.

Monday, January 18, 2010

the positives

LairBarbie @becomingTHEyou I got my new work laptop today. It's LEGEND!

kristi_crow @becomingTHEyou I'm finally getting a new car!!!

tashaaa_x3 @becomingTHEyou my parents are actually letting me out of the house today!

ItsStacyDuh @becomingTHEyou I started seizure medicine that i really hope will help

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou got back to syracuse with no huge issues and had a really chill night with a friend

snack on this

found this in Glamour...a recipe for some cookies that are pretty healthy...i think i've had a version of them and I liked them...so here's the recipe..enjoy!

Afternoon Snack: Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies

By: Sarah Jio

FitCeleb recently shared a fun recipe for these amazing looking skinny chocolate walnut cookies!

Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies
Recipe originally from Self
Makes 60 cookies

Ingredients:

Parchment paper
2 1/2 cups walnut halves
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 egg whites
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

Position 2 racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Heat oven to 350°. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place walnuts on a work surface and finely chop. Transfer to a separate large baking sheet and toast until fragrant, about 9 minutes. Let cool. Mix sugar, cocoa and salt in a bowl. Stir in walnuts. Add egg whites and vanilla; beat with a fork or an electric mixer on medium until batter is just moistened. (Do not overbeat batter or it will stiffen.) Drop batter by the teaspoonful onto baking sheets in evenly spaced mounds. Bake cookies until tops are lightly cracked and glossy, about 15 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

[Nutrition info: 55 calories per cookie, 3.3 g fat (0.4 g saturated), 6.2 g carbs, 0.6 g fiber, 1.2 g protein]

The Positives

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou i finished packing before midnight :)

ItsStacyDuh @becomingTHEyou i sang for ashley... if she thinks it's good it'll be even better

JonasBrat @becomingTHEyou Just weighed in for the week and I'm down 5 lbs! :)

tashaaa_x3 @becomingtheyou i was asked to teach my own sunday school class at church today. it made me happy that someone believed in me :D

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Advice: When you're beyond upset

What are some ways that you use to calm yourself down when you are beyond upset...after you've stewed in the problem for as long as you needed to...how do you decompress from that?

Ladies, don't forget your sexual health

I know...no one wants to think about this, mention this, or talk about this, but it is really important, so I'm going to post it up anyway...just so that it's here...and that you are aware...the dreaded pap test...ouch...excerpted from Cosmopolitan

The New Pap Test Facts


...you probably get a Pap test every year at your annual gynecological checkup. That’s how often most gynos suggest you get this lifesaving test, which detects cell changes in your cervix that might indicate the presence of cervical cancer or precancerous lesions brought on by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

There are now new guidelines concerning both who should have a Pap test and how often they should do it.

New Pap Rule 1: A woman should begin getting a yearly Pap test at age 21, no matter how long she’s been sexually active.

Ninety percent of the time, precancerous or merely suspicious cell changes or growths detected by a Pap test in a woman under 21 go away on their own with absolutely no treatment, research shows. And those that don’t tend to be very slow-growing — it can take 10, even 20, years for cell changes to become full-blown cancer, if ever — so if they’re caught when you’re 21 you’re still in good shape. Because of this, the new guideline was put in place to spare young women from unnecessary procedures

New Pap Rule 2: If you’re over 30 and have had three negative Pap results three years in a row, you can wait three years between tests.

Again, it has to do with how slow-growing cervical cancer is, so a Pap test done every three years will still catch cancer or precancer at an early enough stage so that it can be cured. And since women who have hit the big 3-0 are more likely to be monogamous in a LTR, they’re collectively at a lower risk of developing cervical cancer or precancerous changes from a new partner.

However, if you’re over 30 and have had a new partner since your last Pap, many gynos say you should still be tested at your next gyno exam, even if you’ve always had negative Pap results. Also, if you have any reason to think your partner hasn’t been monogamous, consider getting a yearly Pap too.


And speaking of your annual exam, these new guidelines aren’t a license to blow it off; all women still need this crucial visit to get checked for STDs like chlamydia and have internal organs looked at, among other reasons.

The Positives

JonasBrat @becomingTHEyou Managed to walk/jog 4 miles tonight before the rain started creeping in. Feeling a bit stronger every day. :)

LairBarbie @becomingTHEyou I made a new recipe and it ruled - did that count?

ItsStacyDuh @becomingTHEyou I haven't cried today and I got to see The Lovely Bones

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou had a great work out today and a good time with my sister

tashaaa_x3 @becomingTHEyou i didnt freak out on my parents when they told me I wasn't allowed to go somewhere. I just took it, and walked away.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Beauty Hints for a beautiful you!

Found this in Cosmopolitan and thought it had some great beauty advice and ideas in it...some of the tips I hadn't even thought about until I read this...



10 Brilliant Beauty Resolutions


1. Repeat your greatest hits.
You've got 608 pictures of yourself tagged on Facebook. It's time to do some serious clicking and hunt for the photos in which you look the best. If you love the pics where your hair is tousled, make an effort to rock that look more often.

2. Clean your cell phone.
Ever notice that the right side of your jaw has a few more bumps than you'd expect? That could be from all the bacteria on your cell phone. If you have an iPhone or a touch screen, it's best to pick up a cleaning kit from a store like Best Buy. For other phones, you can get away with using a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol on a tissue and gently wiping down your phone.

3. Don't buy moisturizer without SPF.
Even in the winter. And while we're on this topic: If you skip the protection because you want to look like you hail from Brazil, you'll look like you're 15 years older later. P.S.: Schedule that skin cancer screening, too. (Can you tell Cosmo is all about about practicing safe sun?!)

4. Try a "beauty dare" once a month.
It's liberating and can help you revive your look, surprise your man, and unleash your inner beauty diva. Once every few weeks, be bold with some red lips or an elaborate hair piece or nail decals or…you get the point.

5. Upgrade your regimen.
Maybe you've been using the same moisturizer since you were 17. That's cute and all, but now that you're 27, you probably need a new formula. Not to mention some eye cream. Set aside some time to figure out what you should be doing at your age, and then put your plan into motion.


6. Pay for your hair sins.
We'd never tell you to part with your beloved hair straightener or stop the highlights, but you gotta pay penance for the damage you do to your tresses. Get regular trims, do weekly deep-conditioning treatments, and give your hair a break from the blow dryer whenever possible.

7. Go green.
Trying to be eco-friendly with every product you use can be overwhelming. So just make it a point to switch one thing in early 2010. Then, whenever it's time to make a new purchase, browse the eco-friendly beauty loot instead of automatically buying your regular products.

8. Put a cap on your bad habits.
We all have our vices. But that doesn't make them okay, especially if you want to look your best. Smoking leads to wrinkles, heavy drinking can dehydrate your skin…don't make us lecture you.

9. Stop picking.
Your cuticles. The mascara off your eyelashes. Your zits. Whatever it is you feel the itch to pick, keep your hands off it!

10. Get your beauty sleep.
Like you need to hear this? But still, it's worth repeating since restless nights can wreak havoc on your health and appearance. Try an eye mask if you have trouble shutting the world out.

The Positives

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou spent some time with my grandma...a bright break from an otherwise gloomy day

SunnySideUpB @becomingTHEyou I got a new writer for the website :)

tashaaa_x3 @becomingTHEyou i just had the most entertaining car ride with my sister, ever. the day was filled with laughter :D

Friday Follower Thing...for now

Friday Follower will be picked randomly out of a hat every Friday. There are numbers written on paper...each number is a follower (the first person who followed is 1, and so on, so forth) The follower who is picked will be announced on the twitter. That follower should tweet something that they like about themselves, and/or some words or wisdom, inspiration, or advice. In addition, other followers who know that follower can tweet what they like or admire about the follower who was picked.

The first Friday Follower was @Stephumz

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou i think @stephumz is a great friend and very dedicated

stephumz @becomingTHEyou Keep your head up no matter what you are going through! Stay positive and you will succeed!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Escape the Winter Blues

The cold weather sucks and i know it makes me kind of gloomy...i found this in Redbook and thought that yall might like it too...just some things to keep in mind anyway

5 Escapes from the Winter Blues


By Leslie Yazel

1. Desert blooms bring the outdoors in

It might be the dead of winter, but you can still brighten your home with blossoms. Succulents, such as the shapely crassulas and sedums shown here, are like the Energizer Bunnies of the plant world. With little care — and even occasional neglect — these tiny plants provide year-round color, striking textures, and blooms in a season when nothing else seems to thrive. All this, and each mail-ordered mini costs less than $6 from gosucculent.com.



2. Escape stress with an audio vacation

A spa trip not in your immediate future? De-stress on the go with a quick download from iTunes's vast collection of nature sounds.

"Ten minutes is enough to have a calming effect," says Jeffrey Rediger, M.D., medical director of McLean Hospital Southeast in Brockton, MA. Choose any theme that appeals to you (we like "Sounds for Life: Ocean Waves" and "Relaxing Rain: Tranquil Forest Rain"), or one that reminds you of a favorite vacation to conjure up the relaxed state you were in the last time you heard those sounds. At six-plus minutes for 99 cents, this is truly easy listening.

5. Bottled bliss for the bath

The sophisticated scents of Boots' Original Beauty Formula collection bring a touch of luxury to your bathtime. And the glass bottles are so chic, you won't want to hide them behind your shower curtain. The apothecary-style vessels might be posh-looking, but their Target price tag is downright populist: Bath Oil with Rose & Lavender, $12; Bath Foam with Bergamot & Clary Sage, $13; Skin Tonic with Damask Rose, $10.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Positives

tashaaa_x3 @becomingtheyou i woke myself up without my alarm clock , so im finally getting back on a normal schedule :D

MrsGayneWetsky @BecomingTHEyou I walked to class today instead of getting a ride; the little things do make a difference! :)

MrsGayneWetsky @becomingTHEyou I just cleaned out my closet and am donating a bunch of clothes to Haiti tomorrow. :)

MrsGayneWetsky @becomingTHEyou I convinced my roommates and friends to clean out their closets tonight too! We're donating to Haiti tomorrow.

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou handled the problems with my cell phone without going into crisis mode or calling my dad

Salsa Meat Loaves

I love meatloaf (and turkey loaf) and spicy foods, and healthy foods that still taste legit...haven't tried this one yet but it's definitely looking good to me...found it on Cooking Light

Salsa Meat Loaves

Making meat loaf in single-serving portions reduces the cooking time by half and keeps the meat juicy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 meat loaf)

Ingredients

  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chipotle salsa, divided
  • 1/4 cup ketchup, divided
  • 1 pound ground beef, extra lean
  • Cooking spray

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Combine egg whites in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Stir in oats, 1/2 cup salsa, and 2 tablespoons ketchup. Add beef; mix well. Divide beef mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into an oval-shaped loaf. Coat a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Place loaves on prepared pan.

3. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until done.

4. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons salsa and remaining 2 tablespoons ketchup in a small bowl; spread mixture evenly over loaves.

Nutritional Information

Calories:
190 (26% from fat)
Fat:
6g (sat 2.1g,mono 2.1g,poly 0.7g)
Protein:
25g
Carbohydrate:
10.9g
Fiber:
1.7g
Cholesterol:
60mg
Iron:
2.2mg
Sodium:
548mg
Calcium:
7mg

The Positives

tashaaa_x3 @becomingTHEyou I made it to my 7:30 class on time. Thats positive right?

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou i was able to keep myself from getting upset by letting it go and seeing if it was worth being upset about the next day

emeraldmaz @becomingTHEyou I FINALLY got my learners driver licence, and 100% on the test.

ItsStacyDuh @becomingTHEyou talked to my new friend, Brittany; got a new car that I pick up Friday, and of course talked to my fave @smashley_ashley :) ♥

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Brownie Crunch

One of the ladies who does the weight watchers meetings in Syracuse sends out emails every so often with recipes and tips...so here is a brownie recipe that she recently sent us....hope yall like it!

Brownie Crunch

POINTS® Value: 3
Servings:
12
Preparation Time:
15 min
Cooking Time:
30 min
Level of Difficulty:
Easy


These cake-like brownies are topped with rice cereal for low-calorie crunch. Turn it up a notch with candy toppings or chopped nuts instead. (this could affect points values)


Ingredients:

3/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp table salt

5 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa

1 cup(s) sugar, granulated

1/2 cup(s) light cream cheese, softened

2 large egg(s), divided into yolks and whites

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup(s) crispy rice cereal

2 Tbsp powdered sugar

1 Tbsp butter, melted


Ingredients:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 2 sheets of nonstick aluminum foil in bottom and up sides of a 9- X 9-inch baking pan (or place regular foil in pan and coat it with cooking spray).

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa.

In a large bowl, cream together granulated sugar and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating until fully combined; mix in vanilla. Slowly blend flour mixture into cream cheese mixture.

In another medium bowl, whip egg whites until soft peaks begin to form. Fold egg whites into brownie batter; spread batter evenly in prepared pan.

Combine cereal, powdered sugar and melted butter in a small bowl; sprinkle on top of brownies. Place pan on middle rack in oven and bake just until center sets, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely and cut into 12 pieces. Yields 1 piece per serving.


Notes:


Spice these brownies up by adding 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or 1 to 2 teaspoons of powdered coffee, to the batter.




Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Comfort dessert, healthy style

I found this in Southern Living...it's hard to find desserts that can be made healthy and not seem like they're healthy...I haven't tried this one though...hopefully it's good!

Spiced Caramel-Apple Bread Pudding



Prep: 20 min., Cook: 2 min., Chill: 1 hr., Bake: 50 min.

Yield: Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
  • 1/2 (16-oz.) Italian bread loaf, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Toasted Pecan-Caramel Sauce

Preparation

1. Sauté apple and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon in a lightly greased skillet over medium-high heat 2 minutes or until tender. Stir together bread and apple in an 11- x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

2. Whisk together eggs, milk, apple cider, brown sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and remaining 1/4 tsp. cinnamon; pour over bread mixture in baking dish. Cover and chill 1 hour.

3. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake bread mixture 45 to 50 minutes or until top is crisp and golden brown. Serve warm with Toasted Pecan-Caramel Sauce.

Nutritional Information

Calories:
299 (0.0% from fat)
Fat:
7.2g (sat 2.1g,mono 2.9g,poly 1.5g)
Protein:
8.1g
Carbohydrate:
51.6g
Fiber:
1.4g
Cholesterol:
85mg
Iron:
1.5mg
Sodium:
241mg
Calcium:
146mg
Southern Living, DECEMBER 2008

Monday, January 11, 2010

The Positives

MrsGayneWetsky @becomingTHEyou I busted my booty in the gym today! It had been awhile, but it felt good :)

LairBarbie @becomingTHEyou Lost more weight, and got past the "first day back to work after four days off" hump. WOOOT

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou ran a mile in 13:10, made a great dinner, caught up with my cousin over the phone and made him smile

kirstiethirsty @becomingTHEyou i got to spend some time with my brother today

AllisonsThunder @becomingtheyou positive: i had my first class back at college for the first time in two years today and it went well

KatieSociety @becomingTHEyou i biked a mile today... haven't been on the bike in about a year! yikes.

Short Workouts for Any Time, Any Place

found this in Ladies Home Journal...its 4 exercises that are easy to do anywhere...and doing them might make you feel better for not being able to make it to the gym


1-Minute Workouts You Can Sneak In Anywhere

Don't sweat it if you can't hit the gym today. Certified trainer Jessica Matthews, from the American Council on Exercise, showed us her favorite ways to sneak in some extra workout time.

Situation: Waiting in Line

Sneaky Move: Calf raise
Do It: Stand with feet parallel, shoulder-width apart, and slowly lift heels off the ground so you stand on the balls of your feet. Slowly lower.
Variation: Try the exercise with your feet turned slightly outward at the 10- and 2-o'clock positions to work the outer calf muscles.

Situation: Watching TV Commercials

Sneaky Move: Butterfly crunch
Do It: Lie on your back with soles of feet together, knees bent out to sides. With hands behind your head, lift chest a few inches toward legs. Lower to starting position.
Variation: Lift both legs straight toward ceiling, toes pointed. Place hands behind head and do the crunch.

Situation: Emptying the Dishwasher

Sneaky Move: Squat
Do It: Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, hands at sides. As you squat, keeping knees behind toes, raise arms forward to chest level. Stand up, lowering arms.
Variation: Try a single-leg squat. Lift right foot a few inches off floor and squat on left leg. Switch sides.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Positives

JonasBrat @becomingTHEyou Positives- Got to surprise kids this weekend. They were able to spend some one on one time w/ their favorite Nascar driver.

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou my great uncle is fine and i officially have a job for after i graduate

ItsStacyDuh @becomingTHEyou I fit into a pair of jeans this weekend that used to be too small :)

LairBarbie @becomingTHEyou More weight loss - not a ton but a little!

JonasBrat @becomingTHEyou I've got a brand new baby cousin as of Friday morning and he is GORGEOUS!

kirstiethirsty @becomingTHEyou i started my resume tonight

Cleaning out clutter

I've found that a lot of stress in my life comes from my room being cluttered, messy, and disorganized...I found some suggestions on how to keep the clutter at bay and am ready to start using them...i hope this is hopeful for those of you who have this same problem!!

excerpted from Good Housekeeping

Clean Out The Clutter

By: Julie Mihaly

Save the Date

  • Note birthdays, anniversaries, or other important events in a date book or PDA, and while you're at it, jot down a "send card" or "mail present" message to yourself a week before each event.
Personal/Business Documents
  • You can toss supporting personal documents after three years and supporting business materials after six. Be sure to shred any items that include your social security, credit card or account numbers, and recycle the ragged results.
Clothing
  • Forget the fads and hold onto clothes that will stand the test of time: a great pencil skirt; a never-goes-out-of-style suit; sleek neutral slacks; a camel hair coat; a tailored white button-down shirt; great-fitting dark denim jeans and the like. Keep these classics in mind next time you're tempted by fashion's flavor of the moment. Go ahead -- get wild with accessories
Family Photos
  • Place family snapshots in acid-free archival albums (lightimpressionsdirect.com) to make sure they'll be in happy-to-hand-down condition for generations to come. Remember to make prints of your digital photos so they don't get lost or forgotten on your hard drive.

Home improvement records
  • If you intend to sell your house at any point on down the line, you'll be able to show potential buyers what you've invested in the property, and the records may also help lower your tax bill when you sell the house. For more information, visit realtytimes.com.
Plastic take-out food containers
  • in addition to storing leftovers, clean these and use them to store art supplies, beads, or anything else of the like
Donations
  • Be sure to keep an inventory list of what you donate to share with your accountant at tax time. A write-off is very likely. If it hasn't been worn or used in 18 months, it probably should be donated if it is still in good condition. Donate old books, toys, eye glasses, small appliances, and clothing if you have no use for them anymore.
Old electronics or computers
  • generally, there are facilities that will take these items, even if they are not functioning anymore...be sure to recycle these instead of trashing them and depleting the environment
Recycle
  • find a recycling facility near you and take your glass, cans, and newspapers and magazines every week or so. If it is a subscription that you don't use anymore, cancel it.
Throw out:
  • expired foods, medicines, and makeup

Friday, January 8, 2010

The Positives

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou that my great uncle has pulled through another day

LairBarbie @becomingTHEyou Getting medical tests back with a normal reading. WOOOOOOTTTTTTT!!

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou oo and i also got some favorable response about this thing i've been freaking out over for a while :)

tashaaa_x3 @becomingtheyou i built my first display wall at work today, and even if i didnt get it right the first time i didnt give up :D

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

here's a low calorie chicken dish...which actually surprised me with being low calorie...

from Eating Well

Ham-&-Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts


Making a pocket in the chicken breast to hold the stuffing is easy with a good, sharp, thin-bladed knife. Browning the chicken in a skillet before baking gives it a beautiful golden color, and finishing in the oven ensures that it cooks evenly throughout.

4 servings

Active Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes


Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup grated Swiss, Monterey Jack or part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped ham
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, (1-1 1/4 pounds total)
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Use a baking sheet with sides and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Mix cheese, ham, mustard and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Cut a horizontal slit along the thin, long edge of a chicken breast half, nearly through to the opposite side. Open up the breast and place one-fourth of the filling in the center. Close the breast over the filling, pressing the edges firmly together to seal. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts and filling.
  4. Lightly beat egg white with a fork in a medium bowl. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow glass dish. Hold each chicken breast half together and dip in egg white, then dredge in breadcrumbs. (Discard leftovers.)
  5. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts; cook until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Place the chicken, browned-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the chicken is no longer pink in the center or until an instant-read thermometer registers 170°F, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Per serving: 236 calories; 7 g fat (2 g sat, 3 g mono); 74 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrates; 31 g protein; 1 g fiber; 287 mg sodium; 347 mg potassium.

The Positives

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou had a great night out dancing with the girls

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Positives

ItsStacyDuh @becomingTHEyou being alive and breathing one more day

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou laughed soo hard when my sister and i were doing wii fit today...and had a great lunch with my dad

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Covering up dark circles the right way

Well I know I do not get enough sleep and am pretty over walking around looking like a zombie...then I found this and thought I'd share...


From Real Beauty

How to Cover Up Under-Eye Circles


By Andrea Lavinthal

When it comes to hiding your under-eye circles, your regular concealer won't cut it. What you need is a peach-based one in a shade slightly darker than you would normally use to neutralize the purple rings, says NYC makeup artist Dara Klein. "Identify your skin tone first relative to your level of under-eye darkness." For example, if you have fair skin and very dark circles, your instinct may be to choose a light concealer. But this shade will actually enhance your circles because it'll only match the skin around the eye and not the shade of the actual darkness. So go up a shade — it'll be light enough for your skin tone but corrective enough for the level of purple under the eye.

Once you find a good concealer, apply it with a small brush for the most precise coverage, says Klein. "The key is to only apply the concealer only over the rings, nowhere else." Use a tapping motion instead of wiping the brush back and forth, which just blends the product into your skin.

The Positives

tashaaa_x3 @becomingTHEyou i had a heart to heart with my boss and we both got a lot of things out that we needed :)

JonasBrat @becomingTHEyou I jogged 2 miles and walked 4 miles. Getting back on track with the exercise. :)

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou made my favorite meal tonight for the first time and it came out amazing

ItsStacyDuh @becomingTHEyou quality time with my mom. and of course talking to my favorite :)

Monday, January 4, 2010

No Cook Thai Beef Salad

There are definitely some days where I am in the mood to eat, but I don't want something heavy, or I feel like I have eaten too much during the day and want something light, but with substance. I actually do crave salads (i know, so weird!) but i know that a simple just vegetable salad is really not going to do anything for me. I found this recipe at Delish and thought that I'd share it. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks really good and really simple to make as well.

No Cook Thai Beef Salad


Makes 4 main dish servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 limes
  • 3 tablespoon(s) less-sodium fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon(s) sugar
  • 1 bag(s) (10-ounce) romaine salad mix
  • 1 seedless cucumber, cut lengthwise in half, then thinly sliced crosswise
  • 8 ounce(s) deli-sliced rare roast beef, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips
  • 1 cup(s) packed fresh cilantro (or mint leaves)
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly slice
Directions
  1. From limes, grate 1 teaspoon peel and squeeze 3 tablespoons juice
  2. In small bowl, prepare dressing: Combine lime peel and juice, fish sauce, and sugar; stir until sugar completely dissolves.
  3. In large bowl, combine romaine salad mix, sliced cucumber, roast beef, cilantro or mint, and onion. Add dressing to bowl and toss to combine. Divide salad among 4 dinner plates.

Nutritional Information
(per serving)

Calories105
Total Fat2g
Saturated Fat1g
Cholesterol26mg
Sodium485mg
Total Carbohydrate9g
Dietary Fiber2g
Sugars--
Protein13g
Calcium--

The Positives

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou i ran a full mile today without stopping

kirstiethirsty @becomingTHEyou me and my dad havent fought in two days

ItsStacyDuh @becomingTHEyou worked out things with my best friend... made 2 backgrounds for my other best friend... love y'all :)

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Challenge Yourself

For me, exercise is pretty boring...all i really do is go on the elliptical and do a weight circuit that a trainer showed me last, summer. On some days, this seems so normal for me, that I feel like I'm not getting anything done. When this happens, I promise myself that the next time I work out (which will hopefully be in the next couple of days), I will do something that challenges me so that I feel worked out and proud of myself. Usually this means I have to go run. I absolutely hate running, but it is one of the only things that I can do to make myself feel accomplished. Not only is it a good work out and something that I can constantly improve on, it really makes me feel good about myself when I have finished whatever goal I have set out for myself.

I try to apply this to other aspects of my life too, whether it be socially, academically, or personally, even if its just doing a puzzle, figuring something out, or anything like that. It might sound kind of lame, but I love the sense of accomplishment and knowing that I can or have done something that I was not sure I could do, or have never done before.

Today, I accomplished running a full mile in 18 minutes without stopping and I am very proud of myself. I know its not an amazing time, but it makes me happy, which makes me feel great about myself and my progress.

the positives

ItsStacyDuh @becomingTHEyou alvin 2 round 2 today with my stepmom... and just quality time with her in general :)

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou i got proof that my dad trusts me and my decisions

AllisonsThunder @becomingTHEyou I slept for like 12 hours. Hahaha

Saturday, January 2, 2010

inspiration and things to remember

usually i ignore forwards from my grandmother because well...she sends me so many and they're kind of annoying, but i actually read this one and I wanted to share it with yall because it has a lot of things that I think we can all use

HANDBOOK FOR 2010
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009
.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum. They appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:

25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:

32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

the positives

smashley_ashley @becomingTHEyou i learned how to play texas hold em and made amazing peppermint brownies

Tambourinecrazy @becomingTHEyou my positive is that 2009 is finally over! lol

ItsStacyDuh @becomingTHEyou being alive one more day and getting to watch my favorite movie with my fave person :)

Friday, January 1, 2010

Positive Thought For the Day

We all need to think positively at least once a day. Don't get down about things. I know it's hard. As much as I can stress out and overreact over ANYTHING (ask Ashley...). And this picture is good to go by. It's supposed to be a joke, but it can make you feel better. And maybe it's funny in a cocky way, but we all deserve to be a little self centered sometimes :) (and I have no clue where I found this... it's been saved forever...)



So yeah... Think positive at least once a day. When others seem to hate you... just know you're wayyy too sexy :)

Love y'all!
♥Stacy

Ultimate Stress Reduction Plan

found this on Dr. Oz's website...steps for the ultimate stress reduction plan...i know a lot of us are super stressed out...and maybe this will help...I definitely liked what I excerpted on here and plan to start these things ASAP

Ultimate Stress Reduction Plan


Easing into the Plan

Start a gratitude journal and write in it for 5 minutes each day, even if you’re just jotting down 3 things for which you are grateful. People who stop and take note of what is right in their lives are more active, healthier and more resilient in times of stress.

Take 10 slow, deep conscious breaths this morning and evening.

Smile when you make eye contact with another person. It will make you BOTH feel better.

Create Your Stressors List

Let’s identify some obvious and not-so-obvious sources of stress in your daily life. Big worry-inducers like the mortgage, family health problems, and work deadlines are probably top of mind for a lot of people. Other less obvious sources of stress and tension can plague you as well.

Naming the problem is the first step toward solving it! So what stresses you out? Today it’s time to pinpoint those smaller, yet still bothersome, sources of stress so you can begin to manage them mindfully.

Create a Sanctuary from Stress

Our personal space reflects our state of mind. We can’t control the entire world around us, but we can control the space we live in; we can make our home into a sanctuary, one that helps calm us at the end of a stressful day.

That extra clutter in your home may be weighing you down more than you think. If you had to step over piles of junk just to get to your computer, it's time to act. A bit more space can free your mind and boost your positive energy.

Here are some tips for creating a stress-free home:


  • Pick a time. Schedule a time that works for the whole family. Getting everyone involved means everyone can have a say on what stays or goes. Plus, the whole process goes faster with all hands on deck.
  • Toss or sell anything not used in 12 months. This is a rule to live by – if you haven't used an item in the last year, it’s unlikely you need it. Get rid of it!
  • Ban other people’s junk! We have enough clutter of our own – so starting today ban other people’s clutter from your home. This means returning any borrowed item – and if your children are grown with homes of their own, ask them to come and pick up their stuff.


Surround Yourself with People

You cannot overestimate the importance of social connections in dealing with stress. The quality of your relationships influences the number of immune cells you have, and therefore affect your body’s ability to resist disease and cancer.

Anything that gets you together with other people on a regular basis -- community groups, volunteer organizations, athletic teams, or purely social events -- can all help decrease stress and make you feel younger.


Try to call a friend every day to catch up with them, instead of only speaking through texts or the internet.

Improve your Hygiene

Stress destroys your sleep patterns, and a lack of sleep leads to more stress. It's a vicious cycle. This is one of the most important things you’ll do to take control of your stress.

Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and routines (or lack thereof) that you establish around bedtime. Good sleep hygiene choices, such as having a consistent bedtime and engaging in relaxing activities in the evening, improves the quality of your sleep and decreases stress levels. Poor sleep hygiene choices, such as watching television in bed, exercising too close to bedtime, or consuming alcohol or caffeine late in the evening, may hinder your ability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep.



Rest and Reflect

Make time for yourself: Find thirty minutes in today, just for you, that is "me time."

Try some relaxation exercises, like the self-massage:

This is a great little trick. By tensing and relaxing your muscles, you can give yourself a full body massage (well, as close as giving a massage to oneself can be) and release your stored physical stress. While sitting or lying down, concentrate only on tensing the muscles of your feet as much as you can. Then, after a few seconds, release the tension. Move up from your feet to each muscle group one at a time. Focus on your legs, stomach, back moving up to your neck, arms, face, and head. Take deep slow breaths as you do this. When you’re done, give yourself a few minutes to relax – and congratulate yourself for a terrific massage!


Focus on the Moment

You’ll be better at stress management by being “mindful”—that is, really paying attention to the present. Try the following techniques to help clear you mind and focus on the present.

Go on a news fast.

News is important, but often stressful. Taking one day a week to shun all news can do us good. If anything really important is happening, you’ll hear about it, but the peace and quiet can be good for your stress levels.


Yoga, yoga, yoga.

Clearly, we can't say it enough. Yoga could very well be your ultimate de-stress technique (and it's also a great physical exercise). It lowers blood pressure and heart rate, decreases stress hormones, and increases relaxation hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. You can get the benefits of yoga in a single pose or in a full-fledged class. All in favor of downward dog, say ohm. Try the 20 minute Dr. Oz yoga routine


YOUR body Scan

Here’s how to do it: Focus on every part of your body, which will help you to relax:

  • Lie down Close your eyes and notice your posture
  • Think about the natural flow of your breath, focusing on air filling and leaving the lungs
  • Notice your toes -- any tension, tingling, or temperature change?
  • Move to thinking about your feet, heels, and ankles, all the way up through the knees, thighs, and pelvis
  • Continue with each body part—going through both the front and back of your body as you work your way up -- finishing with the throat, jaw, tongue, face, and brow

Chi-gong

  • Rub your hands together to warm them (and gather chi).
  • Place each palm over the respective eye.
  • Press the center bone that sticks out on top of each eye with each index finger.
  • Press the outside corner of your eye at the bone.
  • Press the bottom center of the eye on the inside of the bone.
  • Press the inside of each eye.
  • Use your thumbs to push where the jaw and cheekbone meet at the temporomandibular junction.
  • Pinch the ears around the pinnacle from the top to the bottom.
  • End the sequence with the move called “Beating the Heavenly Drum,” by tapping the back of your head nine times with your hands; the thumbs rest on the neck as an axis as shown below.

Exercise your Stress Away

Exercise.

Simply put, physical activity is one of life’s greatest stress relievers. Stress causes our body to build up extra energy, preparing us for fight or flight and exercise burns energy and reduces our stress levels. Exercise metabolizes stress hormones in our blood and increases levels of our body’s built-in anti-anxiety hormones, making us feel calmer.

Continue doing mindfulness exercises in the morning or before bed and try to do physical activity at least 3 times a week.


Eat Stress-Busting Food

Choose Comfort Food

Food can fight stress in several ways. Real comfort foods, like a bowl of warm oatmeal, actually boost levels of serotonin, a calming brain chemical. A nutritious diet can shore up the immune system and lower blood pressure.

Commit these stress-busting foods to memory and incorporate them into your daily menu.

Berries, any berries. Eat them one by one instead of M&Ms when the pressure's on. For those tough times when tension tightens your jaw, try rolling a frozen berry around in your mouth. And then another, and another. Since the carbs in berries turn to sugar very slowly, you won't have a blood-sugar crash. The bonus: They're a good source of vitamin C, which helps fight a jump in cortisol, a stress hormone.


Guacamole. If you're craving something creamy, grab some guac. Avocados are loaded with B vitamins, which stress quickly depletes and which your body needs in order to maintain nerves and brain cells. Plus, their creaminess comes from healthy fat. Scoop up the stuff with whole-grain baked chips -- crunching keeps you from gritting your teeth.


Mixed nuts.Just an ounce will do. Walnuts help replace those stress-depleted B vitamins, Brazil nuts give you a whopping amount of zinc (which is also drained by high anxiety), and almonds boost your E, which helps fight cellular damage linked to chronic stress. Buy nuts in the shell and think of it as multitasking: With every squeeze of the nutcracker, you're releasing a little tension. Pistachios can soften the impact stress hormones have on the body. Eating a handful of pistachios every day can lower blood pressure, so it won’t spike as high when that adrenaline rush comes.


Oranges. People who take 1,000 milligrams of C before giving a speech have lower levels of cortisol and lower blood pressures than those who don't. So lean back, take a deep breath, and concentrate on peeling a large orange. The 5-minute mindfulness break will ease your mind, and you'll get a bunch of C as well.

Asparagus. Each tender stalk is a source of folic acid, a natural mood lightener. Dip the spears in fat-free yogurt or sour cream for a hit of calcium with each bite.

Spinach is packed with magnesium, which helps regulate cortisol levels and tends to get depleted when we’re under pressure. A little more magnesium may help you avoid headaches and fatigue. One cup of spinach goes a long way toward replenishing magnesium stores.

Chai tea. A warm drink is a supersoother, and curling up with a cup of aromatic decaf chai tea (Tazo makes ready-to-brew bags) can make the whole evil day go away.

Dark chocolate. Okay, there's nothing in it that relieves stress, but when only chocolate will do, reach for the dark, sultry kind that's at least 70% cocoa. You figure if the antioxidant flavonoids in it are potent enough to fight cancer and heart disease, they've got to be able to temper tension's effects.

Complex Carbs. All carbs prompt the brain to make more serotonin. For a steady supply of this feel-good chemical, it’s best to eat complex carbs, which are digested more slowly. Good choices include whole-grain breakfast cereals, breads, and pastas, as well as old-fashioned oatmeal. Complex carbs can also help you feel balanced by stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Trout and salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and trout can protect your heart from surges in stress hormones. For a steady supply, aim to eat four ounces of fatty fish at least three times a week.

Raw Veggies. Crunchy raw vegetables can fight the effects of stress in a purely mechanical way. Munching celery or carrot sticks helps release a clenched jaw, and that can ward off tension headaches.

Milk. Another bedtime stress buster is warm skim milk. Maybe the calcium can reduce muscle spasms and soothe tension, as well as easing anxiety and mood swings linked to PMS.


Serotonin Increasers:

  • Lean meats like turkey
  • Dairy
  • Bananas
  • Soy
  • Seeds and nuts
  • Shellfish

      Bedtime Snack. Carbs at bedtime can speed the release of serotonin and help you sleep better. Heavy meals before bed can trigger heartburn, so stick to something light like toast and jam.


      Drink Alcohol in Moderation

      An occasional glass of wine can be a great way to unwind. Too much will affect your sleeping patterns, mood and can make you more irritable.


      Herbal Supplements

      There are many herbal supplements that claim to fight stress. One of the best studied is SAME, which has shown benefits for people with mild-to-moderate depression. Although more research is needed, the herb also appears to reduce symptoms of anxiety and PMS.


Confront Your Personal History

Here’s some startling news: each year half of us will experience what’s known as a “major life event.” This is tough stuff; these are the hurdles in life that really define our stress levels. What should you do when you feel totally overwhelmed? What is there’s a problem or secret that’s just too difficult to discuss with your friends and family?

Seek professional help if you need to. This will be a major step in finally taking control of your stress. A therapist, psychologist, minister, counselor, or psychiatrist can provide guidance and insight and strategies for dealing with stress and emotional traumas.


If this is not possible, find someone that you trust talk to them about it...chances are, they will be more than willing to listen to you and help you as much as they can.

Become a Lifelong Learner

Did you ever realize that school actually reduces your stress and makes you younger? Counterintuitive as that sounds, keeping your mind active helps keep your body young and relieves stress. People who are more educated tend to keep up with activities that make them younger. Mental activity is like muscular strength so that it diminishes with age if we do not use it. Education, either formal or informal, keeps your mind in shape and your stress levels in check.

Get Enrolling

Taking a class, or reading a how-to book in something you’re interested in, whether it’s philosophy, cooking, knitting or computers.

Go to a museum, start a new book, take a trip, or develop a new interest like playing a musical instrument. Creating lifetime learning doesn’t mean you have to love school.

If you have an interest in something, explore it.