Sunday is the day we honor mothers everywhere. For some, Mother’s Day is a day to rejoice and celebrate motherhood. For others, it’s a sad and difficult day, as many will celebrate this Mother’s Day without a mom. I feel so grateful to be lovingly sandwiched in the middle. A delicious and devoted mom on top, and two wonderful sons who are never too busy (okay sometimes too cool) to hug me, on the other side.
Researchers find that adding two minutes of light exercise to each hour of your day lowers your risk of dying prematurely by 33 percent.
It’s the latest research to show how important simply walking can be for your health. Earlier this year British researchers also found that just one, energetic, 20-minute daily stroll can slash your risk of early death. They tracked more than 330,000 European men and women over a 12-year span.
Walking is considered the “superfood of fitness,” according to experts. A small study of non-obese men at Indiana University suggests that three 5-minute walks done throughout three hours of prolonged sitting (which many of us have to do during the day at work) can reverse the harmful effects of prolonged sitting on arteries in the legs.
At 35, I had it all.
I had a newborn son and was married to the most incredible man I had ever met. I had great friends, family and a job I loved. I was dreaming of mommy and child classes and being a family.
And then, everything changed.
My husband complained that it felt like he had butterflies in his stomach and I urged him to see a doctor. Being new parents and dealing with my father-n-law’s health issues, we both thought it was stress-related. An ulcer or maybe IBS. He went to the doctor and underwent routine blood tests.
The results came back anything but routine.
The Sunday morning of my brother’s wedding, we got a call that he was losing blood from somewhere and there was something seriously wrong. We knew a Sunday call was not a good sign. Soon after, he went for a private colonoscopy and the results would change our lives forever.
Yesterday morning on my weekly Global TV segment, I shared the latest research out of Cornell University. The studies are in on money and happiness: People Who Spend Money On Experiences Instead Of Things Are Much Happier.
When it’s payday and that paycheck gets deposited into you account, do you run out to buy a great pair of shoes, or a nice handbag? Or do you save up for an experience? If given $400 – would you spend it on an iPhone or a plane ticket to somewhere you’ve never been before to experience a new city? Does your money go toward THINGS or EXPERIENCES? Because the latest research is telling us, we’ll be much happier if we collect LIFE EXPERIENCES over THINGS.
It is said experiences sustain your happiness for much longer than purchases on your wish list – experiences such as art exhibits, doing outdoor activities, learning a new skill, or traveling. (Cornell University).
It’s no secret I have been a LOYAL member of the Aeroplan program, accumulating Aeroplan Miles as I have spent dollars, for almost 20 YEARS. I am also their proud Brand Ambassador, so it gives me great excitement to share more cool stuff about them with you… THE AUCTION IS STILL OPEN!
Yes, you can bid from today – May 4th, 2015
As many of you know, I am the proud Brand Ambassador of LE CHÂTEAU, Canada’s leading specialty retailer and manufacturer of contemporary fashion apparel, accessories, and footwear at value pricing for style-conscious women and men of all ages. I can usually be seen on TV, at red carpet events, speaking, working, or even at carpool in LE CHÂTEAU. So, I’m excited to announce today that LE CHÂTEAU now has you covered for this upcoming summer wedding season too. A first!
Throughout my teens and most of my 20’s, I prayed it wouldn’t happen. At 27, I thought I was ready, then the break-up came and I was glad it hadn’t happened. Then at 30, in a stable and happy relationship, I wondered if it would ever happen. Now, firmly into my 32nd year, married to the man who makes my world a better place, I’m starting to wonder whether I ever want it to happen.
Yep, you’ve guessed it; it’s babies.
So what changed?
Pressure.
If I believe the medics I have about 2.5 years to safely have a child without too much concern. After that, my risk of having a down-syndrome child or me bleeding to death on the delivery table grows exponentially.
So, if you’re a parent, maybe you wanted to know some of the hot parenting trends we’re seeing so far in 2015. Some may seem obvious and welcomed (getting back to old school values), others some may seem odd to you.
Sorry I’ve dropped off the face of the blog for a week.
Hello, I’m back!
I rested my fingertips and my brain the past few days and returned home late last night after celebrating my cousin’s destination wedding and my 40th birthday in Turks and Caicos. It was a Caribbean sun, fun, and family time vacation, and it was divine.
I surrendered to daily pina coladas, a few beers, and yes CONCH, which I have never tried before (it’s surprisingly good). I was grateful to be surrounded by family (and no kids) as I rang in 40 and watched my cousin recite her wedding vows on the beach at sunset.
A few months ago, I was interviewed by my dear friend and therapist Dr. Leslie Carr. During our chat, we touched on one of my favorite topics – the overachieving woman. You see, we are entering a season I like to call, The Season of F*ck It.
photo credit: th01.deviantart.net
photo credit: th01.deviantart.net
Let me explain.
Many of my clients are a lot like you; get-it-handled type women who push and strive and seem to be in a constant state of overwhelm. High functioning women who seem to be able to do it all.
Which is why it’s imperative, every once in a while, to let yourself have a season of f*ck it; a time when you stop moving and doing and let life go fallow for a bit. I can tell you from personal experience that this is one of the hardest things to do, and often, whether consciously or not, we fight tooth and nail against the rest we say we want.
I help busy women (like you!) prioritize self-care so you can experience less stress, more calm and greater joy every day!
