Overcoming adversity . . . .

"When you get into a tight place

and everything goes against you,

till it seems as though you could

not hold on a minute longer,

never give up then,

for that is just the place and time

that the tide will turn."

-Harriet Beecher Stowe

A product with a great message . . . .

I am so inspired by Philosophy skin care products and their approach to celebrating the human spirit. I love that they promise to bring its customers products that inspire them to live a better life by being better to themselves. They promote their products as caring not only for your skin, but your overall well-being, stating that they take care of the mind, body and spirit. They believe that only when you feel good can you truly look your best. Philosophy uses children's pictures as a way to highlight the simple pleasures in life and remember the genuine curiosity and wisdom that is the childhood consciousness in us all. They state that children encourage us to be creative, fun and live in the moment; they remind us to believe in magic and to color outside the lines. What is "in" Philosophy jars and bottles can give you better skin, but what is "on" Philosophy jars and bottles can inspire better days. The paragraph below is just one example of what you will find on the outside of the bottles. . . .

Just one . . . .

Here's To You . . . .

From the book Here's To You

Photo by Alexa Singer

Introducing . . . .

Nick Vorderman & Melissa Benoist

I am Manhattan bound, once again, and I must say, these two people are definitely my favorite reasons for visiting New York City, but they also know that I just can't get enough of Manhattan. I'll be doing some last minute Christmas shopping, and I'm very excited about taking in the festive atmosphere of the city. But the best thing that I will be bringing home with me, is my son, Nick, and his girlfriend, Melissa. I am using this space today to introduce them as actors. Nick is just getting started, having graduated in May with a BFA in Acting. He is working hard, auditioning, and was just cast in an Off-Broadway show that begins in late February. Melissa has been a working actress since she was 11, cast in many stage shows, has done film, and commercials. I'm so excited about having them here for Christmas! I hope you, too, have family coming to celebrate the holiday's with you.

"As we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

-Nelson Mandela

Three simple assumptions . . . .

We all have a tendency to make assumptions in our life at one time or another. The problem is that we believe they are true, and it often ends up creating a lot of emotional poison & misunderstandings. So it is typically not a good idea to assume. However, I have a different kind of assumption list for you today. By making the following three simple assumptions in our lives, we can immediately begin to lead a more balanced and powerful life. If you do them consistently, you will find strength & integrity to draw on when you need it most.

1) For the body -

assume you've had a heart attack;

now live accordingly.

2) For the mind -

assume your life will end in two years;

now prepare & live your life accordingly.

3) For the heart -

assume everything you say about another can be overheard;

now speak accordingly.

Leave the drama behind,

and choose to make assumptions

in your life that will make a

difference in how you spend your day.

More of what makes life good . . . .

Recently, a friend sent me a link to a website called GOOP. Have you heard of it? It's a lifestyle website launched by Gwyneth Paltrow. The 36-year-old actress describes the site as a collection of experiences of what makes life good. She says, "My life is good because I am not passive about it. I want to nourish what is real, and I want to do it without wasting time. I love to travel, to cook, to eat, to take care of my body and mind, to work hard. I love being a mother who has to overcome my bad qualities to be a good mother. I love being in spaces that are clean and nice." She continues, "Make your life good. Invest in what's real," Paltrow writes. "Cook a meal for someone you love. Pause before reacting. Clean out your space. Read something beautiful. Treat yourself to something. Go to a city you've never been to. Learn something new. Don't be lazy. Workout and stick with it. Make it great."

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More than just words . . . .

Whether you know it or not, your words are powerful. They are thoughts that you have given additional energy to, so they will be at the forefront of your mind. Be aware of what you are saying. Watch your words. It is a spectacular moment when you catch your unwanted words midstream. Your choice of words can make a big difference in how you are perceived by the other person. It can be the difference between building a relationship or damaging it. But good communication is not only about words. It is about presentation as well, as studies have shown that only 7% of what is communicated between people is transmitted through the words themselves, 38% comes through the tone of the voice, and 55% of communication, the largest part, is the result of body language. Slow down. Think first. Think not only about your words, but about how you may be unconsciously presenting yourself.

"The problem with communication...

is the illusion that it has been accomplished."

-George Bernard Shaw

Pure pleasures . . . .

Whispers.

Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.

Wrapping up in a warm towel after a shower.

The moment at a concert when the crowd figures out

what song their playing.

Puppies.

Crawling into your own bed after a long trip.

All photo's via Getty Images

Here's To You . . . .

From the book Here's To You

Photo via .la douleur exquise.

Simple, affordable gift ideas . . . .

Fringe Cotton Fleece Throw $39

westelm.com

Apples to Apples board game $22.99

The Game of Hilarious Comparisons!

amazon.com

"Here's To You" book $14.95

Celebrate the people in your life with this

book of inspiring quotes.

CB2.com

Set of 12 Appetizer Plates $22.95

crateandbarrel.com

Wusthof Presentation Steak Knife Set $49.95

crateandbarrel.com

Ava Vase $24.95

crateandbarrel.com

(Hint....give this gift with a promise to fill with flowers

once a month until Spring!)

"Wisdom -

The Greatest Gift One Generation Can Give To Another"

book and DVD $50.00

Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Andrew Zuckerman interviewed, photographed & filmed fifty of the world's most prominent artists, politicians, businesspeople, and religious leaders, all of whom are over the age of 65, to present an inspiring and insightful look at the common experiences that unite generations. Includes a companion DVD documentary.

anthropologie.com

Have you started your Christmas shopping?

or better yet,

Have you finished your Christmas shopping?

Enjoy the ride . . . .

Happy Friday!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Have I told you? . . . .

you Do!

...... I'm just sayin'!

Tell someone . . . .

We all want and need praise, recognition, and acceptance. Actually, we can never get enough of it! We all have a psychological need to be respected and appreciated. We need affection to satisfy the need to belong. We want praise so we can feel admired, and we want recognition to satisfy our need for personal worth. We should make it a habit to give genuine praise to someone every day. I believe we should tell people how we feel about them while they are alive! . . . not wait until they have died, and then have to deliver a beautiful eulogy. Why wait? A compliment truly is a gift, and offering one with sincerity will always be a welcome boost to someone's day. The right words at the right time can motivate, comfort, validate & inspire. Let someone know how much you appreciate them!

Have I told you today how awesome you are?

There are times . . . .

I am admiring TIFFANY & CO. for stepping away from the norm, and using their resources to place this type of message in the newspaper. Even though this was originally printed in 2005, I think it is a perfect time to have this one resurface. Enjoy.

THERE ARE TIMES

To hold open a door.

To surrender your seat.

To thank someone in writing.

To let bygones be gone.

To remember your parents.

To listen with care.

To surprise with a gift.

To mind your table manners.

To honor tradition.

To give voice to your heart.

Believe in yourself . . . .

It's not who you are that holds you back,

it's who you think you're not.

-Author Unknown

Do you believe in yourself? Do you give yourself the credit you deserve? Self belief, self-confidence, self esteem...whatever you choose to call it, when you believe in yourself, your life becomes much less difficult. You achieve more, you have less anxiety and you grasp opportunities as they arise. It is a wonderful feeling when you know you can stand by your decisions, rely on yourself in difficult situations and overcome obstacles. Keep your life focused on believing in yourself and all that you are capable of, and you will soon grasp that stronger sense of who you are. Stop comparing yourself to others. Instead, turn that sense of envy or jealousy into a desire to reach further for yourself! Don't be afraid to push yourself a bit. You might surprise yourself. Everyone is beautiful in their own way, so don't let anyone tell you differently. Have faith in your abilities, and keep smiling.

I believe in you!

You CAN get back on track . . . .

You ate too much. You drank too much. Don't be so hard on yourself! The holidays will always include more indulging than normal. Step away from the scales, and give yourself a day or so to get back in to your healthy lifestyle. Take stock of where you are and where you want to be. Visualize yourself at your ideal weight and start back on that positive track once again. Be happy you have a chance to start over fresh! Love yourself for caring enough to take care of your body. You only get one.

Gratitude . . . .

"In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy."

-Brother David Steindl-Rast

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

-Melody Beattie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Look for their graces . . . .

With Thanksgiving approaching tomorrow, many of us will be spending time with family. For many of us it will be a wonderful day of plenty. . . lots of good food, football, family and relaxation. Unfortunately, many families will face situations that include uneasy feelings, turbulent situations or unnecessary drama. It is far easier to be critical of our family members and neighbors than of ourselves. When we continually judge others we do not have to look at our own weaknesses, and we have an explanation for everything that goes wrong. If you are looking at your family through a dirty window, be aware that it is quite possible that your own window is streaked, and when you clean it, your family improves dramatically. If you look through the window of blame, you will never find peace. Before you make a judgement, learn the facts and circumstances accurately. The knowledge you gain may change your opinion. Look for people's graces and not their faults. It is then, that you will find peace.

Wishing you a day full of grace & appreciation.

Are you there yet? . . . .

Engage your mind . . . .

"Exercise alone provides a lot

of physical benefits.

However, if you also adopt a strategy that engages your mind while you exercise, you can get a whole host of psychological benefits fairly quickly."

True joy . . . .

"To experience true joy

is to feel yourself

smiling on the inside."

New York City bound . . . .

I am off to Manhattan, and should arrive just about the time the sun sets. I am really looking forward to a fun weekend! I always try to hit all my favorite spots, and add a few new ones while I'm there. A couple of my stops include Ralph Lauren on Madison Avenue.

"To me, it's the most beautiful store in the world: the details, the world it creates, the mix, the textures. It's a store that has an emotional impact. I've watch so many people come into it and be dazzled when they enter."

- Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren - Madison Ave.

Another stop for me is the Apple Store in which I try to pop in for a class or two. The Fifth Avenue store is stunning. It is an underground store, which is marked by a 32-foot street-level glass cube, and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Apple Store exterior - 5th Avenue

Apple Store interior - 5th Avenue

I have so many favorite places in SoHo and The West Village. They are two of my favorite neighborhoods, and it's a perfect way to spend an afternoon wandering around, taking in the coffee shops, wine bars, restaurants & boutiques. A few of my favorites are Po' on Cornelia St., a tiny quaint pastisserie called Ceci Cela on Spring Street, i tre merli on 10th Street, and in Union Square, I will always order the Pad Thai at Spice.

Po' restaurant - Cornelia Street in The West Village

Ceci-Cela Patisserie - Spring Street in SoHo

i tre Merli - 10th Street in The West Village

Spice - 13th Street in Union Square

Nurture your relationships . . . .

People, even more than things,

have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed,

and redeemed;

never throw out anyone.

-Audrey Hepburn