Valentines Day Happy Hour Mixology: Rasmopolitan

Rasmopolitan

"This fruity cocktail combines raspberry with the traditional flavors of a cosmopolitan."

{Martha Stewart}

What you need:

1 ounce citrus-flavored vodka

1 ounce raspberry flavored vodka

1/2 ounce Chambord

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon Simple Syrup

2 tablespoons cranberry juice

Raspberries for garnish

What you need to do:

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add vodkas, Chambord, lime juice, simple syrup, and cranberry juice. Shake or stir until well chilled. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with raspberries, serve. 

Big, Beautiful Lashes: The Best New Mascaras

I'll admit that I'm seriously addicted to mascara. My morning routine consists of layering not only one, but two different types of mascara to achieve the perfect look. But my obsession doesn't stop there. On the weekends I often find myself at Walgreen's buying a couple pairs of Andrea "45's" faux eyelashes. I cannot resist them. In fact, if I could wear long faux lashes everyday, I would. 

There's nothing sexier than big, beautiful lashes, and a smokey eye. 

But since I don't have the time to apply gorgeous faux lashes every morning, I must settle for the next best thing: Mascara that makes me look like I am wearing them. 

I recently came across an article on TotalBeauty.com and here are their top picks for the best mascaras: 

1. Clinque High Impact Waterproof Mascara, $19.99

You had me at "high impact". Mascara should be bold and enhance your natural beauty. For 19.99, it's a little steep for me, but Beauty Editor at TotalBeauty.com says, "I think build-ability is a very important aspect in a mascara. One coat give you definition but you can layer five-plus coats for volume and drama-and it won't get clumpy."

2. NYC Big Bold Curl Mascara, $4.99 

I think this might be a drugstore super find. Editor Sarah Carillo, agrees. "This is my new favorite. I completely ditched the lash curler thanks to this mascara." 

3. Khroma The Quickie Mascara, $19.99

This miracle in a tube was developed by the infamous Kim and Kourtney Kardashian. "It has everything you want in a formula", says Cinya Burton, Senior Associate Editor."It curls, lengthens and volumizes in that epic, big night out kind of way." 

4. Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Show Off Mascara, $6.99

Anything Rimmel I must try, I love their mascaras! Associate Editor, Emily Popp loves how it covers her lashes from root to tip. 

Currently in my makeup bag: (reminds me of Halloween, because of its bright orange tube): Rimmel London VolumeFlash Scandal Eyes Mascara

5. Maybelline New York Volume Express the Rocket Mascara, $7.49

"This is the best definitely the best waterproof mascara I've tried," gushes Tiffanie Petett, Editorial Assistant. 

6. Lancome Hyponse Star Mascara, $28

Dawn Davis, New York Editor says, "This mascara is intense in the best way- it is super dark & shimmery and makes your lashes look twice as full." 

Article [Source]

Valentines Day Inspiration: 5 Romantic Movie Quotes

“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard. We’re gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day. Will you do something for me, please? Just picture your life for me? 30 years from now, 40 years from now? What’s it look like? If it’s with him, go. Go! I lost you once, I think I can do it again. If I thought that’s what you really wanted. But don’t you take the easy way out.”

—Noah (Ryan Gosling) to Allie (Rachel McAdams)

The Notebook

“I love you. You’re my only reason to stay alive… if that’s what I am.”

—Edward (Robert Pattinson) to Bella (Kristen Stewart)

Twilight

“Me? I’m scared of everything. I’m scared of what I saw, I’m scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.”

—Baby (Jennifer Grey) to Johnny (Patrick Swayze).

Dirty Dancing

“…I might be the only one who appreciates how amazing you are in every single thing that you do, and … I watch them, wondering how they can watch you bring their food, and clear their tables and never get that they just met the greatest woman alive. And the fact that I get it makes me feel good, about me.”

—Melvin (Jack Nicholson) to Carol (Helen Hunt).

As Good As It Gets

“But for now, let me say — without hope or agenda, just because it’s Christmas and at Christmas you tell the truth — to me, you are perfect. And my wasted heart will love you. Until you look like this [picture of a mummy]. Merry Christmas.”

—Mark (Andrew Lincoln) to Juliet (Keira Knightley)

Love Actually

Work It Out Wednesday: Pole Fitness

Before you gasp ladies, I assure you, it's not as crazy as it sounds. Although I haven't tried it myself, I have consistently begged my boyfriend for a pole, not just for risque reasons, but for fitness reasons. It takes serious strength to dance on pole and works the major muscle groups in your body! (If you don't believe me, just watch this extremely talented young lady, here). A contributor to Shape Magazine agrees. "After one hour-long class, every muscle in my body was quivering." I don't know about you, but sometimes a 3 mile run on the treadmill, can be rather boring. Why not try something new? Here are 8 reasons why you should consider pole fitness by Shape contributor, Jene Luciani.

1. It's Risque

"The stereotype of what pole dancing means to the majority of people, although chaning and getting better, every day, is part of the allure to some women," says instructor Tracy Traskos, of NY Pole. It's also a great conversation topic at parties or even at work.

2. It's like Role Playing

Besides the fact that you get to wear 6-inch stilettos when you work out, you also get to be a sex siren for an hour. Coupled with building the leg and arm strength needed to climb the pole and hold yourself up and the coordination to the follow the choreography, you get to do like head and hip rolls, mimicking the sexy dancers you often see at strip clubs (while toning at the same time).

3. Female Bonding

"Women who take the classes together create great friendships while bonding over the fun of pole dancing," Traskos says. "Also, no one is catty or judgmental so its a place you can be free to look foolish if you want to!"

4. It's an Accomplishment

"Participants feel like they have accomplished something great they never really thought possible," Traskos says. Plus, it's a safe, fun, and effective way to learn the art of pole dancing. At an advanced level, pole dancing is both a cardio and strength workout which can burn 800 calories and hour or more. 

5. You Get Individual Attention

Rather than group fitness classes, where one instructor is often teaching a dozen participants or more, pole dancing classes are smaller and more intimate. You get a lot of individual attention from the instructor, similar to personal training sessions. 

6. It's Much Harder than it Looks

"This aspect of it builds confidence and improves body image and the ability to tackle other seemingly out of reach goals in life,"Traskos says. "This confidence inevitably blends into other areas of your life, including relationships."

7. It's Four Exercises in One

"Pole dancing effectively combines strength training, endurance, and flexibility training into one fun activity," Traskos says. "It's yoga, Pilates, TRX, and Physique 57 all wrapped into one. And in high heels!"

8. It Teaches the Power of Body Weight Workouts

"Most women work way harder in pole class than in the gym", says Traskos, who was a personal trainer for 15 years before joining the team at NY Pole. "There is a time and place for the gym, but pole appeals to women who hate the gym or never even go. And most of the exercises we do, like climbing the pole, are a lot tougher than doing bicep curls."

To Do Daily: Write in Your Journal

For as long as I can remember it has been a part of who I am. When the world appears overwhelming, confusing, or just plain erratic, a blank sheet of paper and a pen are my escape. 

In essence, 

 My journal is my sanctuary for wandering thoughts...

Secrets I vow to never tell...

Questions that linger deep in mind..

Affairs of the heart..

Sadness...

Anger ...

Frustration...

Happiness...

Quotes...

Inspirational Messages

My journal is where I can express myself freely and openly. 

If you haven't started a journal, I encourage you to do so! 

Highlighted below are 6 Reasons why you should start writing in your journal, or start keeping a journal, from Bella Mumma and The Simply Luxurious Life. 

1. It's a catalog of inspiration: If you're always looking for inspiration, keeping a journal nearby allows you to write down quotes you hear, recipes you want to try, books you want to read, films you want to see or ideas that pop into your head at random times. While initially you may think you will never forget these bursts of light bulb moments, you may have learned from experience that if you don’t write them down, you'll most probably forget them. You really never know when inspiration will strike, so have a means to capture it when it does. 

 2. It's a record of events, thoughts, etc: Much like a diary, a journal provides a place to record events in your life, your feelings at different moments in your life and questions you have about your life. Including these three items in your journal allows you to reflect back after a year or two has passed. 

 3. It helps relieve tension: Before letting your frustrations out on an innocent store clerk or supportive family member or friend and then having to deal with the guilt of your mismanaged frustration, write down your fears, reasons for anger or disgust and anything else that may have caused you to have a bad day in your journal. While putting your feelings down on page may not remedy the problem entirely, it will at least give you time to sort through what is really upsetting you, take a deep breath and resolve what 

ever is upsetting you constructively. 

4. It provides self-counselling: Along the same lines of benefit #3, often by regularly journaling we can, upon reflection, notice certain trends or triggers that we may not be aware of in the present moment. That is why it is a good idea to keep journals once they are full. Also, the journal is always a good listener, and while it is a blessing to have a trusted friend you can talk to, to always be filling their ear with your worries may get tiresome, so allow your journal to carry some of the weight. 

5. It promotes gratitude: Just as journals are a wonderful tool to rid yourself of negative emotions, they are also useful for recording reasons to be grateful. Keeping a gratitude journal  helps us to remain present and remind ourselves of all that is going well. 

 6. It helps you stay focused Whether it is New Year’s, your birthday, or the beginning of a new stage in your life, writing down goals and then regularly checking in on your progress can help you stay on track and focused. And upon completion, reflecting on your accomplishments is a wonderful reminder and confidence booster as you go about setting new goals. 

If you want to start a journal, or get back into keeping one, here are a few things that may help you:  

* Buy a beautiful journal or one that inspires you to fill the pages 

 * Treat yourself to a special pen 

 * Create a ritual that is something you look forward to when you sit down to write. Perhaps a cup of tea could be poured to accompany your writing, sitting in a cozy chair or snuggling up in bed with your favorite plush pillow to prop up your journal while you write. Whatever speaks to you or encourages you to write freely, welcome it into your daily routine as well. 

 * Don’t be judgmental of yourself or what you write. The journal is simply for your benefit and no one else’s. Consider this a sketch or a rough draft and try to allow your authentic self, interests, curiosities and thoughts flow freely.

{Source: The Simply Luxurious Life}

bellamumma.com

New Year, New You: 21 Ways to Shift Your Self Perception

"Don't compromise yourself. You're all you've got." Janis Joplin

It's hardly simple to change your thoughts and accept yourself for everything you are without criticism, but I encourage you to try. 

Read on for steps to discover your worth and enfold yourself in affection and appreciation.

{Article: TinyBuddha.com, Contributor, Tess Marshall}

1. Begin your day with love (not technology). Remind yourself of your worthiness before getting out of bed. Breathe in love and breathe out love. Enfold yourself in light. Saturate your being in love.

2. Take time to mediate and journal. Spend time focusing inward daily. Begin with 5 minutes of meditation and 5 minutes of journaling each morning. Gradually increase this time.

3. Talk yourself happy. Use affirmations to train your mind to become more positive. Put a wrist band on your right wrist. When you’re participating in self-abuse of any form, move the band to your left wrist.

4. Get emotionally honest. Let of go of numbing your feelings.Shopping, eating, and drinking are examples of avoiding discomfort, sadness, and pain. Mindfully breathe your way through your feelings and emotions.

5. Expand your interests. Try something new. Learn a language. Go places you’ve never been. Do things you haven’t done before. You have a right to an awesome life.

6. Enjoy life enhancing activities. Find exercise you like. Discover healthy foods that are good for you. Turn off technology for a day and spend time doing things that make you feel alive.

7. Become willing to surrender. Breathe, relax, and let go. You can never see the whole picture. You don’t know what anything is for. Stop fighting against yourself by thinking and desiring people and events in your life should be different. Your plan may be different from your soul’s intentions.

8. Work on personal and spiritual development. Be willing to surrender and grow. Life is a journey. We are here to learn and love on a deeper level. Take penguin steps and life becomes difficult. One step at a time is enough to proceed forward.

9. Own your potential. Love yourself enough to believe in the limitless opportunities available to you. Take action and create a beautiful life for yourself.

10. Be patient with yourself. Let go of urgency and fear. Relax and transform striving into thriving. Trust in yourself, do good work, and the Universe will reward you.

11. Live in appreciation. Train your mind to be grateful. Appreciate your talents, beauty, and brilliance. Love your imperfectly perfect self.

12. Be guided by your intuition. All answers come from within. Look for signs and pay attention to your gut feelings. You’ll hear two inner voices when you need to make a decision. The quiet voice is your higher self; the loud voice is your ego. Always go with the quieter voice.

13. Do what honors and respects you. Don’t participate in activities that bring you down. Don’t allow toxic people in your life. Love everyone, but be discerning on who you allow into your life.

14. Accept uncertainty. Suffering comes from living in the pain of the past or the fear of the future. Put your attention on the present moment and be at peace.

15. Forgive yourself. Learn from your mistakes and go forward. Use this affirmation, “I forgive myself for judging myself for __________ (fill in the blank i.e.: for getting sick, for acting out, for not doing your best.)

16. Discover the power of fun. Self-love requires time to relax, play, and create face-to-face interaction with others. Our fast-paced world creates a goal setting, competitive craziness that doesn’t leave room for play. Dr. Stuart Brow says, “The opposite of play isn’t work, it is depression.”

17. Be real. Speak up and speak out. Allow yourself to be seen, known, and heard. Get comfortable with intimacy (in-to-me-see).

18. Focus on the positive. Go to your heart and dwell on and praise yourself for what you get right in all areas.

19. Become aware of self neglect and rejection. Become conscious of your choices. Ask yourself several times throughout the day, “Does this choice honor me?”

20. Imagine what your life would look like if you believed in your worth. Dedicate your life to loving you. Make it your main event.

21. Seek professional help. Self-rejection and neglect is painful. You deserve to be happy. You have a right to be accepted and loved. If necessary, seek help from a support group, counselor, or coach. It’s the best investment you can make.

This article was found at one of my favorite websites: Tiny Buddha

Fit Friday: 9 Reasons You Should Drink Green Tea

1. Green tea is a superb fat fighter. Its active ingredient, EGCG, increases the rate at which fat is burned in your body.

2. It targets belly fat. Research at Tufts University indicates that EGCG in green tea, like other catechins, activate fat-burning genes in the abdomen to speed weight loss by 77 percent.

3. It keeps energy stable by balancing blood sugar levels. EGCG improves insulin use in the body to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes that can result in fatigue, irritability, and cravings for unhealthy foods.

4. Research shows it may be helpful against lung cancer. In an April 2010 study published in Cancer Prevention Research, EGCG was found to suppress lung cancer cell growth.

5. It may halt colorectal cancer. In numerous other studies, EGCG appears to inhibit colorectal cancers.

6. In research it appears to cause prostate cancer cells to commit suicide. A March 2010 study in Cancer Science indicated that EGCG aids the body by causing prostate cancer cells to commit suicide.

7. It may prevent skin damage and wrinkling. EGCG appears to be 200 times more powerful than vitamin E at destroying skin-damaging free radicals. Free radicals react with healthy cells in the body, causing damage so lessening their numbers may help reduce wrinkling and other signs of aging.

8. It contains a potent antioxidant that kills free radicals. Because it is a potent antioxidant it can positively impact a lot more than skin cells. Free radicals are increasingly linked to many serious chronic illnesses like arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.

9. It tastes good. If you’re not wild about the flavor, try a few different kinds. Try it iced or hot. Add some of the natural herb stevia to sweeten it if you want a sweeter drink.

Read more: HERE {Source}

Anna Burns Welker vs. NFL/Social Media

I'm probably going to get hell for this post, but I am going to write it anyway. To all my New England Patriots Fans, I'm sure you watched the disappointing Pats/Ravens game this past Sunday Night. The game in essence, was a disaster. There's no denying that the team did not play their best, and the loss was extremely frustrating and irritating to say the least. With emotions running high, the gorgeous Miss Anna Burns Welker, wife of my future husband, Wes Welker, posted this comment on her personal Facebook page:

"Proud of my husband and the Pats. By the way, if anyone is bored, please go to Ray Lewis Wikipedia page. 6 kids 4 wives. Acquitted for murder. Paid a family off. Yay. What a hall of fame player! A true role model!" (Source)

Poor woman.

She obviously didn't think about what she was saying because she got thrown into the elusive lions den of social media. Almost instantaneously  she was ridiculed by the media for speaking the truth. Sure, her comments were in poor taste, but is she wrong for speaking the truth? Why is the NFL continually trying to deny the acts of these wealthy athletes?

Take a look at the news headlines. Murder-suicides. Dog fighting. The list goes on.

Here are the facts according to the Boston Globe : "Lewis was charged with murder in 2000, and he ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor obstruction of justice in exchange for testifying against two other men. The case is-legitimately- something sports historians will take into account when the assess his career." (Source)

With that being said, why did everyone jump on her like she was the person who killed someone?

The following tweets I found on Twitter:

"Athletes need to control their "outspoke" wives/girlfriends. Anna Burns Welker, nobody cares what you have to say. #shuttheffup." @IamEricVincent.

"Anna Burns Welker is the reason why athletes wives are better seen and not heard." @H8MeeNow."

"Anna Burns Welker...get my wings, stay off Twitter, and STFU." @MANamongtsBOYS_

Wow. Here's another goody:

"I mean didn't Anna Burns Welker get everywhere in life because of her chest-just don't speak." @patrick_trouve

I'm sorry, since when were women not allowed to speak? The world is changing gentleman, we no longer have to fetch you a sandwich and "STFU" when we are upset. Good lord, the woman's only sin was bringing up the criminal case and expressing her opinion. A writer for the Boston Globe agrees: "She might have been ungracious, but that's still a healthier attitude for the sports wold than denial."

But in true lady like fashion, she apologized.

"I'm deeply sorry for my recent post on Facebook," she said. "I let the competitiveness of the game and the comments people were making about a team I dearly love get the best of me. My actions were emotional and irrational and I sincerely apologize to Ray Lewis and anyone affected by my comment after yesterday's game."

"It is such an accomplishment for any team to make it to the NFL playoffs, and the momentary frustration I felt should not overshadow the accomplishments of both these amazing teams."

Anna, you did nothing wrong. I applaud you. And I am sure other women can agree.

Thank you to the true role models in the NFL. We need more of you. 

Lucky girl. ;)

Midnight

"Night is purer than day; it is better for thinking, loving and dreaming. At night everything is more intense, more true. The echo of words that have been spoken during the day takes on a new and deeper meaning."

--Elie Wiesel, Dawn

Work It Out Wednesday: Dance Your Way to a Leaner Midsection

One of the dangers that many Americans face today is the overwhelming epidemic of obesity.  Weight gain is on the rise, and according to USA Today, many Americans simply carry too much weight in their midsection which can cause dangerous health problems! “People with wide girths are more likely to have large amounts of deep-hidden belly fat around their organs. It might be the most dangerous kind of fat and could increase a person’s risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.” Luckily, there are solutions to this epidemic. Robert Ross, an exercise physiologist at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, says that: “People with waists that wide need to reduce them immediately.”

So what should you do? Well for starters, diet and exercise! Although these two things sound easy, many Americans have a difficult time maintaining a healthy balance between the two. I hear it over and over again, “I get bored running on the treadmill”, “I don’t like going to the gym”, or “I need something that is fun and exciting”. My solution? Ballroom dancing! And here’s why:

• Ballroom dancing encourages good posture and body alignment.This will help strengthen your bodies core abdominal muscles. Believe it or not, having a strong core can improve your performance in everyday activities and improve your health! When you have a strong core, you reduce the risk of back injury, developing heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Ballroom dancing is a cardiovascular exercise that will get that heart pumping and will help you burn more calories! Did you know that depending on the step, ballroom dancing can burn anywhere from 250-400 calories an hour-about the same as a brisk half-hour walk on the treadmill! So if you are someone who hates the treadmill, get on that dance floor! You can burn calories while having FUN and blast away unwanted fat.
• Exercise is about rewarding the body with endorphins. Endorphins, scientifically speaking, are neurotransmitters produced in the brain that reduce pain and give you that feeling of euphoria. In other words, they make you feel good! Ballroom dancing is a wonderful way to trigger those endorphins.
• NO MATTER HOW SLOW YOU GO-YOU ARE STILL LAPPING EVERYONE ON THE COUCH! Instead of watching re-runs on Netflix, get that booty on the dance floor!

Did I also mention how incredibly sexy ballroom dancing is? 

References:

MSNBC.COM: “Ballroom Dancing Puts the Swing in Exercise”

USATODAY.com: “Belly Full of Danger”

Ivillage.com: Endorphin 101: Your Guide to Natural Euphoria

Get Happy Tips: Buy Yourself Flowers!

As I was doing my grocery shopping this weekend, I couldn't help but stop and look at the beautiful bouquets of flowers displayed. Although, I wanted a bouquet of sunflowers I hesitated. After all, I can't buy flowers for myself...or can I? 

According to a study by Rutgers University, I should have! Flowers actually have a positive impact on your emotional well being, reduce depression, anxiety, and promote feelings of happiness.

My favorite flowers are lilacs, sunflowers, roses, and daisies. What are yours?

Moments

Image

"There are moments of such pure, sublime, unparalleled perfection that they will force you to close your eyes and hold on to them as best you can. Life is a series of these moments. Everything else is just waiting for them."

Iain Thomas

New Year, New You: The Definition of a Lady

Rations criticisms not compliments

Wears neat clothes not frumpy frowns

Throws amazing socials not pity parties

Counts her blessings not her failures

Keeps friends secrets not bad company

Follows her passion not the latest trend

Passes along good recipes not gossip

Finds common ground not fault in others

Writes thank you notes not tall tales

Trusts in the lord not her own strength:

(I, however, believe in both. It doesn't make me any less of a lady)

New Year, New You: 12 Things Successful People Do Differently

1. They create and pursue S.M.A.R.T goals

2. They take decisive and immediate action

3. They focus on being productive, not busy

4. They make logical, informed decisions

5. They avoid the trap of trying to make things perfect. 

6. They work outside of their comfort zone

7. They keep things simple

8. They focus on making small, continuous improvements

9. They measure and track their progress. 

10. They maintain a positve outlook as they learn from mistakes.

11. They spend time with the right people

12. They maintain balance in their life.

[Source]