Monthly Archives: March 2010
It’s official, today is our one year anniversary! I remember that first day like it was yesterday…the promo, the nervousness, the fear of imploding the site. Ahhh, those were the days. Now, it’s all cool; I talk to great people, share with no hesitation, bring life to this page every day…er, it’s still tough sometimes, though. You bloggy friends know what I’m talking about…the late nights, the writer’s block, the spilled milk that scurries ever so gently under your notebook when you’re in the middle of the best paragraph ever.
What a life we bloggers have, really. It’s one of the greatest treasures I’ve found in my life. The satisfying joy I get every time I hit that Publish button didn’t come with just any old job. It took me awhile to discover this wonderful blog planet we live on, but I’m here now, here to stay. I’m thankful to every one of you out there, our readers, fellow bloggers, professionals, vendors, family, and contributors. Women’s Life Link wouldn’t be what it is on this first anniversary without your support. No, I would have threw in the towel a long time ago.
Well, I don’t have a big giveaway to do today or news that a Hollywood director wants to make my blog into a movie, no publisher beating my door down, but I do have peace and security in knowing that I’ve accomplished something this past year. I’ve made a difference in someone’s life…hopefully yours. I would like to share this special poem with you…a tribute to my followers.
The Blogger’s Gift
By Kellie R. Stone
In the middle of the day, I wonder how you are,
And if you saw the gift I left at your door,
It wasn’t too big, long, or wide,
Just perfectly wrapped with nowhere to hide,
I picture you opening the package with care,
Laughing, crying, maybe cursing, if you dare,
Another day you looked between the lines,
And saw my heart, my fears, my foolish sighs,
You believe in me, and I in you,
There’s no lies between us, only the truth,
It’s all for you my beloved friend,
Don’t stay away long for you understand,
I bid you farewell for another day,
Until tomorrow when I, again, come your way.
Be Well-Be Beautiful
Wellness Wednesday
Sorry, Ladies; this is going to be short…no, I mean really short. I’m currently experiencing one of the worst migraines that I’ve had for awhile. I’ve just never missed a Wellness Wednesday, not willing to do it now. Also, I’m attempting to push through these moments when I’m tempted to give up and crawl into my hideyhole for the duration (See my post, Am I Attached To My Problems?).
I need my body and it needs the other two parts of me (mind and spirit). We are joined…for now, a partnership of mutual respect. Pain can cause anger, frustration, and sadness; I’ve felt all of those things just in the last five minutes as I sit hunched over this notebook trying to type through the nausea and throbbing.
I wanted to share something that I’ve discovered about pain and my body. I’ve learned that I can’t direct these emotions to my body. If I do, I’m only making it worse by causing negative energy to disrupt the flow of healing that I could be receiving.
So…I love my head even though it hurts. ♥
I have made peace with my body. Be well-be beautiful.
Recommended Reading: Yoga for Pain Relief: Simple Practices to Calm Your Mind & Heal Your Chronic Pain (Whole Body Healing)
***Because I am an Amazon Associate, if you plunk around on the above link and just so happened to buy the book, I will recieve some pocket change. Thanks for supporting Women’s Life Link.
This and That Tuesday
Does it seem like this week went really fast to anyone else? WOW, it was like just yesterday I posted for TNT Tuesday. A couple things to share on this wonderful day that puts us closer to Spring. The grass isn’t green yet…more like a nice shade of ocre, but I’m hoping for it soon! This inspiring really put me in the mood for springtime flowers.
The Bucket List
I had the pleasure of being interviewed by my new friend from Six Feet Over. Melody is blogging her way through her “Bucket List” (aka the things you want to do before you die or kick the bucket). Well, the interview is about one of my BL items. You’ll have to go to her inspiring blog to read about it. My interview at Six Feet Over. If you have not made your BL, or Life List, as I call it, check out a previous post for some tips.
How’s Your Memory Lately?
Mine isn’t so good. I often struggle to remember my own name…OK, it’s not that bad. But, I do forget the names of people, places, and things that I should not be forgetting so easily. I went surfing in search of a free site that just might help me get those neurons going again. And, low and behold, I found a spectacular Brain Training site called Lumosity.com that is not only easy to navigate but it’s loads of fun. My son has even been playing around with some of the games.
Basically, you can play the brain games for fun or you can enlist in the “training” that takes you through a program to enhance your memory and cognitive ability according to the info that you give when you register. They do offer an upgrade to your free membership that I have not done, but I’ve found the free stuff satisfactory for now. It’s interesting to see how well you do with the various components of the training. You really start to see your strengths and weaknesses emerge.
Are You a Beautiful Woman?
Well, of course you are.
I need some or all of you to be interviewed for Women’s Life Link’s Beautiful Women category that has become a desert lately with no new posts. If you have an interesting story (we all do), want to share a couple of ideas with the world, own a business or run an organization, are from another country and want to tell others about your culture, or simply would like to see your name in print, please email me (Kellie) via the contact page. In the meantime, check out some of our other Beautiful Women posts from the past so you’ll know what to expect.
One quick reminder about the Flea Market Round Up hosted by Designing DNA on March 20 and 21. A portion of all of the sales will be going to help victims of the recent disasters our planet has sustained. Click on the face ad to your right or the link for specific details of this important event. I guarantee there will be some fabulous stuff for sale over there…take a good look at the site that’s hosting it! If you are interested in selling an item or helping with this cause, please indicate so in an email to Designing DNA. And, most of all, GO SHOPPING!
Well, that winds up this week’s TNT Tuesday. Have a productive week! Be well-be beautiful.
Thanks to a new friend from The RedheadRiter, I received this lovely (aesthetic and meaningful) award. I am so honored that such a new follower has been moved to bestow this badge of beauty on Women’s Life Link. Well, with awards comes responsibility (at least in the blogging community). Here’s the low-down on this particular one:
♦ I must thank the person who bestowed this honor upon me.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Redhead Riter! You are pretty special yourself.
♦ Copy the award and place it on my blog.
Here’s the good-looking award for the post, and I’ve placed it in my sidebar, a more permanent display.
♦ Link to the bestowers’ site.
♦ Share seven things about myself…the hard one. Well, I’ll do my best to make this intersesting.
1. I have a mole on my earlobe the size of a pea. I’ve never been able to get my ears double pierced because of it. I’ve consideed removing it, but I sort of think it makes me unique.
2. I secretly want one of those little accessory dogs to hang out with at the mall and coffee shop. My preferred breeds…the cockapoo or pekinese.
3. I move one foot continuously while going to sleep.
4. I once started a club with a friend of mine called The Devil’s Angels. Yeah, I was a rebel without a cause (that should count for #5).
5. I get strange, disturbing sensations up and down my legs when I see someone get injured, especially my children.
6. I once took my mom’s car (at age 13) and accidentally hit the neighbor’s fence. Oops…
7. My ancestory is English, Irish, and Scottish.
Phheww…glad that’s done. It took me forever to come up with good stuff that I haven’t posted before.
Now, for the last one, I have to pass this prestiges awad on to seven othe bloggers that I feel deserve it. Here’s to you, my chosen 7!
Please accept this award with my gratitude for being who you are and for changing the lives of women all over the world. Be well-be beautiful!
More Out of Monday with Madeline♥
I’m Madeline – a healthfully humorous, radically ridiculous, momentarily messy broad here to give you a flicker of joy on the (in most cases) most indignant day of the week.
Photo by Gothicjade (the greatest edgy photographer on the web…thanks)
Monday is like…
…sitting through an important meeting knowing that your feminine hygiene product has just reached maximum capacity. You’re afraid to move, as the situation might get worse.
***Warning: This post contains graphic description of the woman’s menstrual cycle. Men and the faint-hearted might want to abstain from reading any further. It’s really not that bad, but I thought I should say something anyway.
Speaking of that time of the month, how’s that workin’ for you? Anymore, mine has been like a vicious flood of unbridled blood flow. Comes with the forty-something season, my doc tells me. I feel like I’ve had to reinvent my strategy for these despised, roughly 75, days of the year. Really, it’s like a sick joke played out by the powers that be. I imagine the conversation went something like this:
“Since she’s experienced with the whole menses thing, let’s see how much she can handle!”
“I agree. She’s a trooper.”
“After all, she’s been through a lot more blood than this; there’s childbirth and that time she cut her hand real badly while doing the dishes. Going through a tampon and pad an hour…piece of cake for her!”
“Oh, let’s throw in some blood clots this time. Our champ will surely shine through even that! In fact, I’m willing to wager on that…say, a century’s salary.”
“You’re on!”
I never thought I’d be excited about getting to menopause.
Well, at least there is one consolation, the periods are shorter. Three to five days instead of the seven to eight that I experienced my whole life. It’s so much better…if you believe that, just wait till you reach the purgatory of female existence (39-50 something). I think I need to go see Dr. Lamse for some hormone counseling. I’m not sure what can be done, but I’m willing to try anything at this point. My husband is willing to pay me to get some help with the emotional outbursts that happen once a month. I say: “If I get some help, you have to get some, too!”
Anyway, in case you’re wondering if you’ve reached a point with your monthly cycle that you need some loving guidance (or a good kick in the ass), check out my top 5 clues…and please see your doctor if you think something may be wrong in that area.
1. Your sweet ten-year-old offspring kindly asks you for a snack, and you reply: Oh, wait…I forgot to tell you that you’re doubled over, holding your vagina in attempt to make it to the bathroom before you bleed all over the ever-so-slightly off white carpet that you picked out after you escaped from the mental hospital.
”Kid, get your own *(blogging) snack; eat the *(blogging) cat; can’t you see that I’m having a *(blogging) emergency here!”
2. You can’t buy your usual 2 lattes that weekbecause you’ve helped build the net worth of either Stayfree®, Kotex®,Tampax®, or OB®, and, of course, the toilet paper company of your choice.
3. Crimson red used to be your favorite color.
4. You find yourself exchanging your favorite daydream of a tropical vacation in Hawaii for one that entails being rolled into the operating room for a radical hysterectomy.
5. Your idea of romance isyour significant other coming home with Midol® without being asked.
Well, Ladies, that’s my jibber-jabber for this week. Excuse me now; I have to go tend to the extreme female experience.
Love,
Madeline♥
*The blog version of radio edit. You can insert whatever words are fitting for your vocabulary and moral standards.
Introspective Sunday
This is an interesting (almost disturbing) question that I just had to ask. While in prayer/meditation last night, I actually asked if I could be attached to the chronic illness (migraine/daily headache) that came into my life, set up camp, and hasn’t left since. I have to be completely transparent here; there are times when having a headache is a way out. When I say that, I don’t mean that I’m purposely giving myself headaches; it’s more about the emotions that come after they arrive. Occasionally, it means Mom gets an extra rest, a break from housework, a little sympathy….OK, it’s not all that. I’m just saying it’s possible to get used to yourself, family, and the situation if it’s been a long term event. It’s acceptance with a lemon twist.
Do you know the saying, you become who you hang around? Well, if that’s true, I hang around myself with a headache quite frequently. Could it be that I’ve gotten too used to it and don’t know how to be any other way? I’ve worked so hard to get healthier and overcome these life-stealing headaches but have come up short every time. This could be the answer I’ve been searching for. I’m willing to explore it a little more. How about you?
It’s Your Turn
Are you doing the same thing with one or more of your problems or issues? It’s worth a couple minutes of your time to dig deeper into your thoughts and emotions. Taking control of your life may depend on what you discover. It wasn’t easy for me to admit that I could be attracting more migraines by having the smallest amount of attachment to “me” with a headache and the circumstances that follow. I never said that introspection was easy; it’s just worth it.
If you feel brave enough, please share any thoughts or discoveries you make during your own introspection. Be well-be beautiful.
Photo by Usagicassidy
If each of us truly understood all the ins and outs of our bodies and what the different parts need to do and have for health, our brains would probably implode from all the information. I get overwhelmed all the time thinking about what new things I want to do for my personal health.
Frankly, it can be confusing to know which treatments, exercise, nutrition, supplements, and cleanses are right for you and in what order to introduce them. Well, I may not be a doctor, but I can help you to get a handle on the most important health-promoting things you can do today. We all need the reminder to get back to the basics.
Number One
Since our bodies are about 3/4 water, what do you think the most important thing is? You guessed it…water! Not just any water, but quality, clean H2O. And, you need about 8-10 glasses of it a day. If you do anything for yourself today, drink your water!
Number Two
OK, forgive me in advance for this cliche. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT! Now that I’ve given you that amazing NEW information…well, you would think that it’s new info the way some people eat. Yeah, yeah…I’m guilty, too. Having said that, this is one of those things that you have to do one meal and snack at a time. Pay attention and make better choices. Instead of french fries, have a baked potato; instead of a fatty cheeseburger, have a baked chicken breast; instead of eating a snickers, eat an apple and some raisins. Put more fresh, live foods on your plate than cooked and processed ones. And, don’t be afraid to treat yourself once in a while with whatever your heart desires.
Number Three
This one is totally connected to the first two; in other words, if you’re drinking enough water and eating lots of quality whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, you shouldn’t have any trouble with it. Yes, I’m talking about your digestion, more specifically your colon. You all know what constipation does to you; it feels wrong. It is wrong. We were meant to eliminate on a regular basis, in some cases even more than once a day. Colon health is a pillar that upholds the rest of our systems. So, if this is a problem area for you, colon experts like, Dr. Terri Hawkins-Fox, can help you get things moving again.
Number Four
Movement, movement, movement! We talked about bowel movements, now we need to talk about moving that body. I believe that this is an area that we women make more complicated than necessary. After all, ladies love to talk about their Pilates classes, how cool Zumba is, the latest Yoga pose they mastered. We want to keep up with the fitness trends like we do fashion or makeup.
I realized with the birth of my sixth child at age 41 that everyday activities like, chasing babies, picking up the house, playing in a toddler-sized tent, are all calorie-burning, blood-pumping forms of exercise. Though they may not be all that your body needs to elevate your heart rate, they certainly DO count! Just spend more time moving in some way than you do sitting or lying down. Do you hear that fellow bloggers?!?
Number Five
Keep it positive! This is the non-physical thing that actually affects your body as much, if not more, than any of the above four items. The mind and spirit are vital parts of your being that can not, WILL NOT, be ignored without consequence. In fact, you can be doing the “fab four” perfectly and be killing yourself from the inside out with toxic emotions and unforgiveness. Does this sound like you? Get in touch with your feelings, your thoughts, and general outlook; bring yourself to change through life-coaching, therapy, meditation, prayer, whatever gives you inner peace.
There you have it; the top 5 health musts for every woman (men and children are included, too). Of course, each of these categories have more to them than the basics that I’ve given you here. Just keep it simple until you get them mastered. Then you can move forward to more complicated health-boosting adventures. Be well-be beautiful.
***The content of this article is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s Life Link, its authors, associates, linked sites, and commentators do not claim that any of the content will diagnose or lead to a cure or improvement of any disease or condition.
Photo by XYunix
Fortunate Friday
After learning that my father had been hospitalized with blocked arteries, I realized how fortunate I am to have him in my life. It’s not that I haven’t realized it before, it’s just when you suddenly get news like that, you take inventory…at least I do. I’ve had too much experience with losing loved ones in the past and know that there is no guarantee for tomorrow. My dad is fine and will likely be home today, but I want to express how important he is to me on this Fortunate Friday. Sharing this with you makes me accountable to never forget this. I love you, Daddy.
I guess the point here is simple: Don’t ever take anyone or any relationship for granted. Tell them you love them; tell them you care; tell them they are important to your life. Make an effort to share your life with them. Believe that God knew what he was doing when putting you together. Be grateful every day for the relationships that you have. Write a note or an email; pick up the phone. You’ll be glad you did. What or whom are you thankful for today? Be well-be beautiful.
Photo taken of me and my daddy at Destin Beach, FL in the sixties.
The Doctor Is In
Today, we have the pleasure of hearing from our own Dr. Lamse on the topic of caffeine and tea consumption. She gives her advice on the best ones for health and a few facts that you should know about what you’re putting into your body when you drink these types of beverages.
If you love your coffee but are concered about the potential toxic content from pesticides, you might want to try an organic brand to decrease the amount that you ingest. Pesticides can disrupt hormones and may increase risk of cancer. I also recommend organic tea (found at your favorite grocery store). Also, reputable tea companies and health food stores tend to offer higher quality products.
For a quick reference, the following tea contains caffeine: mate, black, oolong, green, and white. Always read the labels before you purchase, as some may have a mixture of several different types of tea.
Different Kinds of Teas
Mate tea contains the most caffeine, as much as coffee. However, some people tolerate mate tea better than they do coffee.
Black tea has less caffeine than mate. Additionally, theaflavins in black tea may help decrease inflammation and CRP (unless you are very sensitive to caffeine). This type is best steeped for 4-5 minutes and you may pour boiling water over it.
Oolong tea helps digestion and has other health benefits like, lowering cholesteral, boosting metabolism, and is excellent for your skin.
Green tea is know to have many health benefits including antioxidant properties that boost your immune system, regulates blood sugar, and eases digestion. For best results, steep in cooler water for 2 minutes. You may also use it as mouthwash, as it is very good for gums. Try using it as a facial mist, too!
White tea is more costly but, like green tea, has loads of antioxidants. Steep it in cooler water for 2 minutes only. This is a good one to use as facial mist during workouts.
To make it easy on myself, when I brew green or white tea, I introduce room temperature water to the tea leaves FIRST, then I add the boiling water, so I don’t have to fuss with a water thermometer.
Unfortunately, brewing tea for too long makes it bitter, due to compounds in tea called tannins.
A Few More Tea Tips
• If you are anemic and need all the iron you can get, don’t drink tea with meals; it decreases iron absorption.
• You may drink tea with less than healthy meals (at restaurants), or in between meals.
• Iced tea has less antioxidants than hot or warm tea; the antioxidants may be found on the DARK FILM you see on the ice when you have finished drinking your iced tea.
• I don’t recommend decaf teas because the decaf process may decrease the nutritional value of tea. Instead, you can have herbal tea (peppermint, chamomile, and others) or red (includes rooibos (green or red) and honeybush). Here’s a link to Dr. Weil’s take on decaf tea.
Be well,
Dr. Lamse
For more information about Dr. Lamse and the services she provides, contact: Lamse Wellness Clinic, LLC 17 E. Moore St, Mooresville, IN 46158 Phone: 317-834-9304; Fax: 317-831-0864 www.lamseclinic.com
***The content of this article is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s Life Link, its authors, associates, linked sites, and commentators do not claim that any of the content will diagnose or lead to a cure or improvement of any disease or condition.
Photo by Ireneya
Resources: Teavana.com
***If you enjoyed this post, please read: Organic Tea at It’s Best, Tea: A Healthy Indulgence
Wellness Wednesday
As I’ve been researching various body systems and nutritional guidelines, I’ve discovered some disturbing things that most people (including me) have never even heard. It’s up to us to educate others, as it doesn’t seem like mainstream sources are too interested in revealing these secrets.
Did you know?
1. Consuming diet drinks that contain artificial sweetenerscan be a cause of weight gain. Because the “sweet” taste notifies the brain that there is something sugary coming down the pipe, the appropriate chemicals are released, namely insulin, to assist in taking it where it needs to go. That part is good…it’s the fact that the brain has been duped that causes the problem. You see, it’s not really sugar; it’s something else entirely. So the insulin that’s been released has nothing to do but hang out and be useless. Hello fat!
2. If you have recently received a Thyroid hormone test, it may not mean your levels are good even though it was within normal range. This is one of those tests that puts everyone in the same boat when they shouldn’t be. What is good for another may not be good for you. Don’t be afraid to get more information about your specific test and diagnosis from your health care provider.
3. I’m REALLY upset about this one! Aspartame producer Ajinomoto chose to rebrand it under the name AminoSweet, to “remind the industry that aspartame tastes just like sugar, and that it’s made from amino acids – the building blocks of protein that are abundant in our diet.” Oh, but don’t forget that Aspertame (a neuro-toxin) is known to cause:
• Headaches
• Change in vision
• Convulsions and seizures
• Hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint pain
4. 85% of people are deficient in Vitamin D. Guess what? That probably means you. Researchers are finally discovering that our bodies have been left without the support that they need from this multi-purpose vitamin because of low dosage recommendations from the FDA. For more information read, Vitamin D: A Missing Link In Our Health.
5. When trying to decide which foods to buy organic, take a look at the “Dirty Dozen” (the twelve most contaminated fresh foods). Chances are we are all buying them regularly.
12 Most Contaminated Foods
- Peaches
- Apples
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Pears
- Grapes (Imported)
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Potatoes
Well, that’s are start. I will try to bring you some more of these little-known facts in the future. If you have any health tips or interesting discoveries, please share them in the comments. Be well-be beautiful.
Photo by Nosuperman
Resources: Organic.org; Mercola.com
This and That Tuesday
We are getting closer to Spring every day, so I wanted to tell you about a few things that will help you get ready for the soon-to-come outdoor changes. And, of course, I’m sharing the usual interesting tidbits that I came across during the week.
OK, let’s get down to some business concerning warm weather, leg-baring, soon-to-be-bathing suit-season. It’s not a secret that we ladies (and some men) really want to look and feel great for the time of year when we get out more, bare more, and need more energy. I have compiled a few links to sites that will give you the best advice for reaching your goals.
There is something else that we usually want to get in order for the warm weather…our homes. I am a firm believer that decluttering your environment does more than just make a nice impression on visitors: It is a wellness booster for you! Check out these sites for fun, easy ways to bring peace to your space and life.
Featured Book of the Week
One of my personal favorite books for comprehensive advice on detoxifying your life is The Detox Plan for Body Mind & Spirit. It has questionnaires to help you identify any problem areas and takes you through day-by-day plans to rid your body, mind, and spirit of that which is harming your entire being.
Women’s Blogs To Love
Another terrific blog for you to check out this week…Three Shared Paths is a compilation of the ideas, experiences, and thoughtful exhortations of three women. If you get the chance, please visit their site. The article Resolving My Clutter is a good one for this week’s topic!
Well, that’s all for now. Have a super week and don’t forget to be well-be beautiful.
***Because we are Amazon Associates, should you choose to purchase The Detox Plan from the link provided, we will receive some pocket change. Thanks for supporting Women’s Life Link.
Photo by Emeraldiris











