Be that girl

Be that girl who

• smiles and means it,
• calls instead of texts,
• eats because she's hungry.

Be that girl who 

• says yes because she wants to,
• says no and sticks to it,
• says, "Bring it!" to adventure.

Be that girl who

• listens without judgement,
• asks for help when needed,
• always speaks the truth.

Be that girl who 

• makes healthy choices for herself,
• can create a meal from the farmers' market,
• understand her environmental footprint.

Be that girl who

• respects the journey her body has taken,
• respects and empathizes with others for their own journeys,
• does not compare herself to others.

Be that girl who

• knows when it's time to say goodbye,
• who surrounds herself with people who build her up,
• who is someone she would admire herself.

Be that girl who

• celebrates her success,
• appreciates and learns from her missteps, 
• gets up and tries again

Be that girl. 


What would you add? Inspire me.

Exploring Montmartre

When you're in Paris, Montmartre is a must-see. 

Many are drawn to the white domed Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, or Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the highest point in all of Paris. 

And how could you not? It is impressive.

From all sides and angles. 

Others are drawn to the bawdy cabaret and can can dance of Moulin Rouge, featured in the 2001 film with Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.  

Also, but perhaps not equally as popular, is the lively entertainment options that neighbor the club.

Others are drawn to the bohemian spirit that Montmartre invokes, seen best at Place du Tetre, the town square of Montmartre.

And there are countless other nooks and crannies to explore. 

You can see Paris' last remaining vineyard, dating from the 12th century, Clos Montmartre, which still produces about 300 liters of wine annually.

You can explore Au Lapin Agile, Montmartre's place to see and to be seen. Artists, like Picasso and Renoir, would go to listen to everything from poetry and parodies, to rumblings of underground unrest. 

Consider lunch at La Maison Rose, the Pink House, the subject of a famous lithograph by Maurice Utrillo. While the food reviews at this Montmartre bistro are more mediocre than stellar, you can't beat the location or the history. 

While in Montmartre, explore Le Bateau-Lavoir, Picasso's one time studio and artist commune. It is said that it was there that Picasso met the lovely Fernande Olivier, who brought the Spanish artist from his "Blue Period" to his "Rose Period." From there, it became a hotbed of action in the artist and bohemian community, luring such personalities as Gertrude Stein and Henri Rousseau.

An artist has no home in Europe except in Paris. -Friedrich Nietzsche

And then there's the markets. Ooh la la!

“In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport.”

~Julia Child 

If you're looking for a place to go for a café au lait and a brioche, consider Café  des dos moulins...made famous in the quirky 2001 comedy, Amélie. 

And before you leave, be sure to explore Moulin de la Galette, a windmill near the top of Montmartre, serving as an open air dance hall and eatery, where wealthy Parisians would go to enjoy wine and bread, ground by the windmill itself. 

Made famous by Renoir in his famous painting, Bal du Moulin de la Galette, this area was frequented by many artists, including Renoir himself, who saw the masterpiece, not as a whole scene specifically, but rather as a series of portraits.  

Image courtesy of wikipedia.

There's a reason people fall in love with Paris. It really does have that je ne sais quoi. 

But when your credit cards need a break from their workout on Champs-Élysées and you've taken all the pictures you can of Le Tour Eiffel, consider exploring the other neighborhoods that may seem off the beaten path. 

Channel your inner bohemian and walk the walk of Pablo Picasso or Gertrude Stein or Ernest Hemingway. Let yourself be taken away, even for an afternoon, and see Paris through their eyes. 

You can’t escape the past in Paris, and yet what’s so wonderful about it is that the past and present intermingle so intangibly that it doesn't seem to burden." ~Allen Ginsberg

Bon voyage!

Valentine's Day on a Budget: Good for the Heart and the Wallet

This morning at breakfast, my sweet husband was asking me about our plans for Valentine's Day, or more specifically, whether we had any, and if we did not, what was it that I wanted to do.

I probably gave him the answer that many men want, but one that they may or may not suggest themselves.

"Let's stay in," I said.

The eyebrow went up and he was quiet for a moment, only to be reassured when he heard my reasoning.

Valentine's Day may be a Hallmark holiday, but regardless of the relationship you're in, it is the perfect day to show a little love.

Luckily, love doesn't have to break the bank.

And, in keeping it low key, you focus on the one you love, without having to buy into the commercial nonsense that dilutes the magic of the night.

And when it comes down to it, isn't it better canoodling with your plus one at home, rather than waiting for an overpriced, pre-fixe , perhaps, mediocre meal at an overcrowded bar or restaurant?

Here are some ways to celebrate the love of Valentine's Day and keep to your spending goals at the same time.

1. Set the tone. Put a note in his lunch...romantic or naughty and inviting. Give him a clue as to what's to come.

 

2. Flirt throughout the day. Send a text, loving or suggestive. Build the excitement and carry it throughout the day.

3. Stay in. We make homemade pizza and wine. He makes the pizza and opens the wine and I...well, I sip the wine, dig out the supplies and occasionally flick a little flour around to start a little trouble.

Markup on drinks average 300-400%. Why not stay in with a bottle of your own wine, some food to get you through the night, and a little Diana Krall or Chris Botti on Pandora? You set the stage. You control the ingredients.  You make the magic.

And, if you're not lucky enough to have a working fireplace in your home, you can always channel your own via Neflix...seriously.

The cozy view courtesy of Netflix

4. Celebrate with friends. Couples' night or Girls' Night In...have people over and celebrate with tapas and sangria, or whatever flavor palate suits your fancy. 

5. Borrow from his closet. I don't know if it's in their DNA, but guys... or at least my guy... loves the idea of me donning one of his shirts. Who needs expensive lingerie? Try the work shirt. Or a tie and heels...you're good to go. A win-win.

Can you go out and break the bank with reservations at a fancy restaurant, drinks at a trendy bar, flowers to decorate your home or office, and gifts to mark the day? Absolutely.

But, if you're on a plan to eliminate debt or grow your savings, or if you simply prefer to have your beloved to yourself, and not share among the throngs of others celebrating among you, then a romantic night in may be just the thing.

It's good for the wallet, it's good for the heart, and if you play your cards right, it's good for the body.

Cheers!

 
What are some of your romantic, low-budget date night ideas?

10 Ways to Show Yourself the Love on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is all about love. 

Regardless of our marital status, all of us are in a relationship...with ourselves.

And if we don't be kind with ourselves and show ourselves the love, how can we show love to others?

This Valentine's Day, show yourself the love by celebrating who you are and the joy you bring to others. Cheers to you! 

Here are 10 ideas to try, to pin for later, and to share.

1. Pamper yourself. Score yourself a groupon and schedule a massage, or go for a blow-out. You'll feel fabulous and you'll look like a million bucks.

2. Go for a pedi and go shopping for some cute flip-flops or sandals. Even if you're up to your eyelashes in snow, a pair of new shoes does the heart good.

3. GNO or GNI. Call your girl friends and schedule a night out or have the ladies over for a night in. Even in blissfully happy and satisfying relationships, a girl needs time with her ladies.

4. Do yourself a favor...if you're not in a relationship (or even if you are, but don't like to be alone) remember this...

5. Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers or a flowering plant that you can enjoy and will brighten up your home or office. Check out your local supermarket or Trader Joe's for deals on cut bouquets or your local garden shop for the potted variety.

6. Pajama day. If your stress has been on overdrive, take a day for yourself. Disconnect from social media, snuggle up with a blanket in your favorite pajamas, and binge on your favorite movies or DVR'd programs. Plan ahead and prep your favorite meal. Or better yet, find a great slow cooker recipe and let the crock pot make the magic.

7. Arts and Crafts with a twist. Make a vision board. Explore your dreams and goals. Then go a step further. Pick one goal and make an action plan to achieve it.

8. Explore a new workout. Salsa? Yoga? Aeriel arts? Belly dancing?  Pole dancing? Improv? See what's being offered through community education and don't forget to check groupon. You may find something you love and you'll be stronger and heart-healthier. Another win-win.

9. Pay it forward. Is there an organization that you believe is doing good work? Pledge to volunteer. Whether it's an hour a week or an hour in total, you both win.

10. Create a Happy play list. What music makes you want to dance whenever you hear it? What songs make you smile when you think of them? Make yourself a play list of these treasured favorites and make it a go-to for when life is getting you down.

And you? How do you celebrate yourself? Whether it's Valentine's Day or not, how do you show yourself the love? Inspire me.

Back to Basics Update...Month 1

One month ago, I pledged to get back on track. I promised myself that I would go back to basics...practicing those habits that helped me lose over 100 pounds nearly three years ago.

Here I am, one month later. I am still trying to get back on track, but I understand that every day brings choices, and every day I must make good choices. I don't always succeed.

I continue to remind myself that I cannot exercise away a poor diet, but that I can workout to get stronger...in body, heart, and mind.

My goals this month are still basic and important.

• move my mass every day.
• make two workouts a week focused on strength or core training.
• eat protein and veggies first.
• drink at least 80 ounces of water a day.
• know and honor my hunger and full signals.
• eat for hunger and not for appetite.
• weigh in on the 11th of each month and stay accountable.

My starting weight...177.
Today's weight...169 (-8)

Not bad. I have some ground to make up, but if I eat clean and train hard, hopefully, I will make up the difference.

I'm on it.

Exit Strategy

Some of us love what we do, and I do.

But some of us have other plans...something planned for when we're done doing what we love. And I do.

Others are satisfied with what they do, or tolerate what they do, but still are haunted by what-ifs.

And worse, there are some who dislike or feel trapped by finances, other obligation, or even self doubt that they could do better.

Maya Angelou is right...when you know better, you do better. Sometimes, knowing better is simply knowing that you have options. When you know what your options are, then you can create a strategy.

Here are some things to think about, if you're planning an exit strategy.

1. Define it. What do you really want?

• What is your bottom line?  A new job? A side business? A new business? A hobby you want to explore full-time? A sabbatical to travel or other personal or professional development? 
• If you're transitioning from hobby to career, will you start part time? On weekends? Or are you all in, resigning your current job in x days and going for it?
• Create a vision for what you want and what that looks like. Be as specific as you can. The better defined it is, the more you can assess your needs and the timing of bringing the dream to fruition.

2. Plan, plan, and plan again.

• Do your research and complete an inventory of your skill set.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Do an old-fashioned t-chart and go visual. Based on what is needed for your plan, be honest and realistic about how your assets match up against your debits.  
• What skills used in your current career apply to your new one?
• What other skills would transfer and enhance your new idea?
• With what will you need help? Will you need additional training?
• What could go wrong? Then what?
• Plan like it is your job...because it is.

3. Friends and family.

• Are the people in your life supportive of your new endeavor? Take their considerations under advisement and use your judgment. Consider their bottom line. What do they have to gain or lose in this adventure? Everyone has a bias. Consider how that bias works for or against your efforts.
• Who are your mentors in the field? From whom can you learn the ropes? Find someone who is successful and find out how he or she got there. Are there best practices for you to emulate? Cull out what's most useful and let go of the rest.

 

4. Plan for re-entry.
We all know that things go wrong. Sometimes, your plan works and other times it fails. Great thinkers have had flops. And, long-term travel may end. Then what?

• What's your plan for re-entering the workforce or re-establishing income?
• Do you need to save first, for a just-in-case cushion?
• Anticipate a worst-case scenario. Then what? Life doesn't stop. You rebuild. Be prepared.

5. If now is not the time, then what?
Even after you have done all of the work, if you have decided that now is just not the time, what do you do? How do you go backwards?

You don't.

Look at your vision? What is the passion behind the vision? Integrate it into your life where you can. Find joy in that piece of you that was worth risking it all. Just do it on a smaller scale. For now.

• Want to leave it all to go to culinary school? For now, feed your friends and family and experiment with technique and different cuisines. There are some fabulous new cookbooks out there...and your family and friends will love it!
• Want to travel the world? Start as a tourist in your own backyard.
• Want to transition to a career as a designer? Volunteer your services on small projects and build a portfolio?
• Want to write full time? Start blogging or submitting your stories to the local paper. Build a portfolio and readership.

In the meantime, get the training you need. Save your money where you can. And do what brings you joy. 

 



Inspire me...what's on your list? What is something that brings you joy, through which you could build a life?

New England Winter

I'm a New England girl, and New England winters can be harsh. And long.

But they are lovely...

 

What's winter like in your world? What do you enjoy most? 

Get it done: 5 ways to make it happen

Sometimes you feel like you're on top of the world, like you can achieve anything.

And then there are times when nothing goes right and you're struggling to stay vertical.

What makes the difference?

It can't be left in the hands of celestial alignment or worse yet, in the hands of fate. We must have some power to manifest our dreams, to make our goals a reality. And the good news is, we do.

Here's 5 ways to get it done...5 ways to make it happen and make those goals a reality.

1. Visualize it.
According brain research, visualization works because when we visualize us doing something, the brain creates an impulse that tells our neurons to "perform" the movement, creating a new pathway in our brain. This preps our body to act in the way we imagined,  all without actually performing the actual activity. And still, it achieves a similar result...a win-win. If you see it, you can do it.

 



Need help with visualization? Try this fun arts and crafts project and build yourself a vision board.


2. Find your heart.
Where does your heart go when you allow it to wander? Follow that. Trust that. Talk about it, write about it, tell people about it. Share your story. Inspire yourself and others.

The more it's in the front of your brain, the center of your consciousness, the more energy you will put into it. And like anything, the more life you give it, the more vibrant it will be.

3. Make a plan and chunk it out.
Once you have a specific goal in mind, give yourself a (flexible) deadline and start to chunk out your action steps. Try chunking it by month, by week, or even by day.

To-do lists are helpful because they can help you stay organized and give you the gratification of checking off your tasks. And when you chunk out your steps, you can anticipate challenges and brainstorm strategies for overcoming those road blocks.

4. Take risks.
You get what you put in. It's easier said than done, but it's true. You have to give to get. You're the only one who can determine the level of risk. 

Playing it safe is...well...safe. But if you're not willing to take risks, how will you know the full extent of what you can do?

Someone out there is doing exactly what you want to do. They took the risks. It can be done. Learn from their experience.

For some, being haunted by the ghosts of what-ifs is more tortuous than trying, failing, adapting, and trying again. What do you have to lose? And if you did lose, so what? Life doesn't stop...you rebuild.

5. Celebrate milestones.
For more complicated, multi-step, or long range goals, staying focused can be a challenge and for some, derail the process. Celebrate the victories along the way...the steps in your action plan to success.

Only you know what that looks like. By acknowledging what you have accomplished, you stay focused on your goal because you see it as attainable. It is within reach. The more successful you are, the more likely you are to work at it with more consistency...because you're winning.

Manifesting the life you want is within reach. You need a vision. You need a plan. And you need to celebrate every victory along the way, big or small. Chunk it out into steps like these and it's yours for the taking.

Inspire me. What are your goals and dreams? And, what's one thing you can do today to help you reach those goals and dreams?

Snow day! 5 essentials for a lovely winter day.

We had a snow day today.

Now, if you know me in real life, you know that I much prefer pool days to snow days. As a teacher, keeping my eye on the June prize is what keeps me going through the cold, winter months.

And in New England, winter often seems like many months longer than need be.

What made today an exceptional snow day was the serendipity of it all... and appreciating it for the gift that it was.

Had Mother Nature not gifted us with this mid-winter respite, here are 5 things I would ask for.  

1. My husband. As luck would have it, he had already requested a day off for some long awaited dental work. The snow storm cancelled the dental work, and he still had the day off. Extra time for us. A win-win, and the best snow day I've ever had.

2. Hot food on the stove. My mother-in-law is a great cook. She can make magic with the simplest ingredients. In winter, we eat a lot of stew...guiso, she calls it. It's hot, it's healthy, and it's what we crave when the temperatures are low or the flakes begin to fly. And it's what sustained us in this storm. And plenty of k-cups to quell the chill.

3. Streaming tv and plenty to read. We have a Roku, which affords us the luxury of Netflix and Hulu streaming, along with a myriad of other channels. Whether it's a thought provoking documentary or old school Incredible Hulk, snuggling up with a blanket offers a grand escape. And, a snow day provides the perfect opportunity to catch up on a stack of magazines, continue with a book that has fallen by the wayside, or use the Internet to plan a warm weather escape...or at least feed the wanderlust.

4. Baking. Snow days are a good excuse to bake something sweet. Today's treat was chocolate chip cookies...sugar free, but yummy nonetheless. We also like to make homemade pizza when it's cold or snowy, but today, cookies were on el menu del dia.

5. Get outside and enjoy it for its beauty. Regardless of my distaste for winter's harsh temperatures and dormant foliage, I must admit that the winter wonderland outside our home is lovely.

All is quiet and still and it is the perfect excuse for a mid-afternoon stroll.

How about you? What would make up your perfect snow day?