How true! And don’t we all need smiles in our life? I saw this written on a sign in a beautiful garden in Germany – it’s worth sharing and sending you some of the natures smiles as well.
Hope your 4th of JULY weekend if full of smiles and flowers
Brigitte
Every Sunday I look forward to connecting with you, today it’s about
TELLING THE TRUTH
| HEIGHT: WEIGHT:HAIR COLOUR: | DRESS SIZE: | |||
| SHOULDERS: | Broad | Narrow | Sloping | Just right |
| NECK: | Long | Short | Fair | Just right |
| BUS | Big | Small | Fair | Just right |
| ARMS: | Heavy | Thin | Fair | Just right |
| WAIST: TORSO: STOMACH: | BigLong-waisted Protruding | SmallShort-waisted | Fair
Fair |
Just right
Just right |
| HIPS:, | Wide | Narrow | Fair | Just right |
| DERRIERE: | Big | Flat | Fair | Just right |
| LEGS (length): | Long | Short | Fair | Just right |
| THIGHS: | Heavy | Thin | Fair | Just right |
| LEGS (below knees): | Heavy | Thin | Fair | Just right |
| HANDS: | Small | Large | Fair | Just right |
| My best features (s): | ||||
What I don’t like about myself:
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Until next Sunday when we start to look at The Importance of Colour, Prints and Fit
And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
If you find that cleaning out your closet is a daunting task, please listen to the video below
And Never Forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
Women have gone through great lengths and extreme discomfort to enhance their figures. But we’ve come a long way from suffocating corsets and cumbersome girdles. Today’s shapewear is more comfortable than ever and can take years off your appearance.
Nothing makes you look more matronly than a drooping chest. Today’s bra’s are extraordinary and can give just enough lift and support without making you look too busty. They also can help correct upper-back posture and stooping shoulders.
These camisole tops smooth back fat and tighten the waistline. They also prevent the dreaded “muffin tops” and will prevent you from slouching. These are great for active women because they’re less confining than traditional girdles and corsets.
Bum-shapers abound. Some lift, separate, or even add a little extra padding. Most also help flatten the tummy with lower abdomen panels.
Panty-hose can help cover and support your legs, buttocks, and lower belly. Just follow these guidelines about wearing pantyhose before choosing which kind to buy.
Some people believe that wearing a corset or trainer will shrink the waist and melt the flab. Whether or not this is true, a corset or waist-trainer will give the appearance of a slim waistline. This type of shapewear is excellent for lower-back posture, especially for women who sit all day. Who knows? You might lose weight if you wear it during mealtimes because you won’t be able to overeat!
Full body-shapers come in the form of a bodysuit. They might be legless, with short legs, or with a skirt. Full-body shapers combine all the aforementioned shapers in one for a smooth silhouette from head to toe.
Don’t be afraid to try some of these options out!
And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
Most people think that life is long over for sixty-year-old women, but nothing is farther than the truth. The older we get, the wiser and more dynamic we become. We waste less time on trivialities and we spend more time on the things that matter.
If you’re heading toward the sixties and beyond, don’t sell yourself short. The best years of your life are ahead of you. Just look at the accomplishments of these five women.
Noble Prize Winner Literature 2015
(awarded at the age of 67)
Oscar Winner Best Actress 2007
(awarded at the age 61)
Nobel Prize Physiology or Medicine 2004.
Also, awarded honorary doctorate by Harvard University
and elected a Foreign Member of the Royal Society
(at the age of 68)
Chancellor of Germany
(at the age of 62)
3-time Oscar winner.
Also, reached the most Oscar nominations of a single person
(at the age of 67)
So don’t let the amount of candles on your birthday cake dictate how you will live the rest of your life. It’s your time to shine!
Photo credits
And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
The longer we live, the more likely we are to experience the grief of passing loved ones. We may even have to deal with the death of a spouse. Grief can be physically and mentally debilitating. The pain will feel unbearable for most us. That is why it’s important to be aware of the grieving process and the best ways to take care of ourselves during this time.
WebMD outlines the stages of grief as such:
Denial: When you first learn of a loss, it’s normal to think, “This isn’t happening.” You may feel shocked or numb. This is a temporary way to deal with the rush of overwhelming emotion. It’s a defense mechanism.
Anger: As reality sets in, you’re faced with the pain of your loss. You may feel frustrated and helpless. These feelings later turn into anger. You might direct it toward other people, a higher power, or life in general. To be angry with a loved one who died and left you alone is natural, too.
Bargaining: During this stage, you dwell on what you could’ve done to prevent the loss. Common thoughts are “If only…” and “What if…” You may also try to strike a deal with a higher power.
Depression: Sadness sets in as you begin to understand the loss and its effect on your life. Signs of depression include crying, sleep issues, and a decreased appetite. You may feel overwhelmed, regretful, and lonely.
Acceptance: In this final stage of grief, you accept the reality of your loss. It can’t be changed. Although you still feel sad, you’re able to start moving forward with your life.
There is no escaping grief. Trying to ignore it or drown it out will only postpone healing and could lead to mental health issues. Mental Health America recommends the following advice:
Seek out caring people. Find relatives and friends who can understand your feelings of loss. Join support groups with others who are experiencing similar losses.
Express your feelings. Tell others how you are feeling; it will help you to work through the grieving process.
Take care of your health. Maintain regular contact with your family physician and be sure to eat well and get plenty of rest. Be aware of the danger of developing a dependence on medication or alcohol to deal with your grief.
Accept that life is for the living. It takes effort to begin to live again in the present and not dwell on the past.
Postpone major life changes. Try to hold off on making any major changes. You should give yourself time to adjust to your loss.
Be patient. It can take months or even years to absorb a major loss and accept your changed life.
Seek outside help when necessary. If your grief seems like it is too much to bear, seek professional assistance to help work through your grief. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek help.
Grief is a part of life. Everyone will have to experience it. It helps to be aware of the stages you will go through and accept the fact that you might mourn for months or years. Prepare for the stages of grief, take care of yourself, and seek out professional help if needed.
What has been your experience with grief?
What has helped you cope?
Visit the Online Grief Support Forum.
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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
Are you ready to live longer? It’s never too late to start enjoying a healthier, more fulfilling life. Learn brain exercises, financial wisdom, and lifestyles that will reset your genes with these seven books on aging from the bestsellers list on Amazon.
Region by region, Buettner reveals the “secrets” of longevity through stories of his travels and interviews with some of the most remarkable–and happily long-living people on the planet. It’s not coincidence that the way they eat, interact with each other, shed stress, heal themselves, avoid disease, and view their world yield them more good years of life. Buettner’s easy to follow “best practices” and list of healthy lifestyle choices from the Blue Zones will empower readers to live longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Based on the science that shows that people middle-aged or older who solve word games and brainteasers have a significant cognitive advantage over those who do not, 399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges is the illustrated game book specifically created to cross-train the brain. Here are 399 games to stretch, challenge, and push the reader, all of which stimulate the formation of neurons—literally, regrowing the brain.
The body is programmed to self-destruct as we age, but the speed at which it self-destructs is up to us. Recent scientific studies have proven this fact! In Aging Backwards, Miranda Esmonde-White offers a groundbreaking guide on how to maintain and repair our cells, through scientifically designed workouts.
Healthy cells prevent joint pain, muscle loss and weak bones—helping to control weight, increase energy, and improve strength and mobility. Miranda offers readers of all ages the tools they need to look and feel young. Complete with tips, tools, and her Eight Basic Age-Reversing Workouts accompanied by instructional photos and web clips, Aging Backwards will help you grow younger, not older!
Both men and women can become functionally younger every year for the next five to ten years, then continue to live with newfound vitality and pleasure deep into our 80s and beyond.
World-class author and innovator Ernie J. Zelinski guides you to:
7. Younger: A Breakthrough Program to Reset Your Genes, Reverse Aging, and Turn Back the Clock 10 Years
The scientific reality is that 90 percent of the signs of aging and disease are caused by lifestyle choices, not your genes. In other words, you have the capability to overcome and transform your genetic history and tendencies. Harvard/MIT—trained physician Sara Gottfried, M.D. has created a revolutionary 7-week program that empowers us to make the critical choices necessary to not just look young, but also feel young.
Have you read any of these books on aging?
Which one would you recommend?
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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
Vitamins and herbal formulas are a multi-billion dollar industry. Natural remedies for memory, energy, weight loss, joint pain, and even libido abound. Everyone is looking for the Holy Grail, but is it necessary to take vitamins for longevity and do herbal formulas even work?
VITAMINS
Most doctors will tell you that calcium and Vitamin D are necessary to ward off osteoporosis. Folate is crucial to prevent birth defects. B vitamins give an undeniable boost of energy. But studies have also found that the typical multivitamin may not extend life or fight disease. A healthy diet should be enough to give all the body all the needed nutrients.
HERBAL AND NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS
Herbal remedies were human beings’ first medicine. Chamomile, ginseng, echinacea are among the most commonly used herbs. So are fish oil, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and glucosamine. But most supplements have not been studied thoroughly enough and have no guaranteed effect. Other herbal compounds could interfere with medication and exacerbate health problems. Even though herbs seem like harmless leaves, roots, and flowers, don’t experiment with any herbs until you’ve spoken to your doctor.
IT’S UP TO YOU
Most of the claims in made by supplement manufacturers cannot be corroborated by the FDA. This doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t work. They may just not have been tested for such a use. You’ll find people who swear by certain supplements. So, if you want to try the latest remedy for low energy, sagging skin, or aching knees, what have you got to lose? Just make sure there are no possible risks or interactions first.
Do you believe vitamins make a difference?
What’s your favorite herbal supplement?
Share below!
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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
Ready to Live Longer 