Resolutions, Intentions and Other Paving Stones

"I like to encourage people to realize that any action is a good action if it's proactive, and there is positive intent behind it." ~ Michael J. Fox


Here we are again... that time of year when tradition says we should set improvement goals for mind, body and spirit. Do you or don't you?

I have to say that it has been only during the past few years that I've actually taken this tradition seriously. I attribute it to a health scare that came out of nowhere.

I knew I was overweight, but I had quit smoking. I knew I didn't eat healthy, but I ate balanced. I knew I didn't exercise enough, but... but... 

OK, I got nothing there. 

Anyway, because I always felt reasonably good, my only maladies being the common cold or occasional flu virus, menopause and arthritis, I considered myself healthy. 

Unfortunately, my heart had some bad news for me. And, I think we all tend to listen intently to messages from the heart. It was time to get serious. 

Unfortunately, the first year was pretty much a bust with regard to reaching my goal of treating my body kinder. But, I wasn't successful at reaching my goals, because I wasn't very good at setting them. I think this is the point where good intentions very easily could become purgatorial asphalt. 

During the second year, I got better, after I read some things about the power of positive intention. As in adopting other behavioral changes, I learned I needed motivation, objectives and a plan of action.

One thing I found out about myself is that I require motivational reminders. Daily reminders. Hourly reminders. Visually graphic reminders. Positioned in strategic areas throughout my house. This action demonstrates intent by changing the environment. 

I also have to write down the goal. In her book, Write It Down, Make It Happen, Dr. Henriette Anne Klauser, one of the leading authorities on communications and writing productivity, talks about the importance of putting goals in writing, citing studies which have shown a much higher success rate for people who write down their goals vs. those who do not. This demonstrates intent by making oneself accountable.

First rule... a resolution has to be specific. In other words, using as an example the perennial #1 resolution, deciding to lose weight in and of itself doesn't cut it. Targets have to be specified. How much weight? By when?

Second rule... the resolution has to be realistic and maintainable. Continuing with the favorite "lose weight" resolution, did you know a pound of body fat contains 3,500 calories? Just to lose one pound per week requires a change in normal lifestyle by either decreasing daily caloric intake by 500 or doing enough cardio exercise to burn 500 calories daily. And, you have to get some strength training in there to replace the body fat with muscle to keep the weight off. That means carving out more time for your workout schedule. So, while losing three pounds a week is doable, it's sure going to require a lot of gym time.

Lastly, you gotta own the goal. Why are you making the resolution? How badly do you want it? If your heart's not in it, you'll lose your motivation, setting yourself up for failure and self-reproach. And, who wants that?!? 

Regardless of your goal, whether it's reading a certain number of books (I also do reviews; see other posts), quitting smoking (c'mon... you KNOW you want that), losing weight (here's a link for some GREAT tips), whatever... choose wisely. Make sure it's one worthy of celebration when you achieve it. 

And, then DO IT! 

Good luck! 

And...

The Return to Normal

OK... we can finally see the end of the feasting table. One more holiday, and we will have a whole six weeks to recover before the sugar onslaught of Valentine's Day. If you're anything like me, your body is seriously feeling the aftermath of what it's been subjected to over the holidays and is ready for sensible food choices, exercise instead of frenetic activity and some rest and relaxation. To kick-start that return to feeling strong and healthy, it always helps to rid our bodies, as much as possible, of the residuals of our excesses.

First order of the day for dispelling that holiday lethargy that is keeping you glued to the recliner and TV is hydration. Nothing flushes the body of toxins better than lots of water. Many times we mistake bodily aches and pains for viruses or muscle strain, when it's actually nothing more than dehydration. My favorite Canadian chefs show how to create a perfectly tasty antidote to holiday intemperance. 

People often feel super tired after the holiday season and like to blame it on the high level of activity involved in shopping, cooking and celebrating, all in the name of holiday tradition. Rest is essential to helping your body and mind combat the post-holiday blahs. Yoga and meditation can assist in readjusting from the stress and hyperactivity of celebrating, in more ways than just helping you to fall asleep. Deep stretches and proper breathing techniques help stimulate the circulatory, digestive and lymphatic systems, each of which contribute to the elimination of things toxic to your system.

However, some of that lethargy is due to the rich, heavy, sugar- and fat-laden foods we've been pushing through our bodies for the past month. Increasing fiber input helps the body release all those things that are clogging up the works and return to its regular function, which helps us return to our normal energy levels and sleep cycles. 

Finally, it's important to realize that your body is a mass of muscle, and the only way muscles can remain strong is to work them. All that running around during the holidays was activity, sure... but, not exercise. Get outside in the fresh air and sun and take a brisk walk, work up a good cardio sweat, wake those muscles up with some strength training by lifting weights. Nothing is better for eliminating stress and increasing energy than a natural infusion of the feel-good hormones, endorphins and serotonin, sent coursing through your bloodstream by a high-level pumping heart. And, don't forget strength training to raise your metabolism and increase your body's ability to re-energize, repair, restructure and respond. Because, after all, you're just going to go through all of this craziness again in a year. Help your body heal and repair! 

Wishing you a Happy and...

Christmas Traditions and Reminiscences

This is my next-to-oldest cookbook. I bought this one myself for my "hope chest" when I was 15. That makes it almost 50 years old. You can tell from the condition that it has been used often. It contains the recipes for my annual Christmas offerings for my family — divinity (my mother's favorite), coconut macaroons (my Daddy's favorite), chocolate chip cookies (my daughters' favorite) and fudge, which everyone requests to this day. 


It's not the oldest cookbook I have. I have one that my mother got for me when I was 5. It's called "My First Cookbook," and was published by the Imperial Sugar Company. (I would post a picture of it, except that it's packed away in a box somewhere.) In it, there were blank pages for writing in recipes, and I have written — in crayon — my favorite recipe at the time, which was my granny's biscuits. Even then, I was an aspiring cook. I think Women's Lib, in which I was a fervent and active participant, clouded my life goals for a period of time. With maturity, comes clarity and perspective... thank goodness. The circle of life, right? If only we all listened to the inner voices of our youth...

Arger-Martucci 2007 Petite Syrah Wine Review

My wine mentors gifted me with a really nice wine. They often describe the wine they like as having a "complexity of taste." Now, I have to admit, the understanding of what that meant has been very vague — that is, until I tasted this wine. EUREKA! I get it!!!

There are so many layers to the aroma and taste, I'm almost afraid to attempt a review. But, I want to, because I feel this is probably a step up in my education about wine. 

On the nose, I smell a lot of smoky currant, some floral scents and earthy moss. However, describing the taste gets a bit more complicated. Starting with a smoky, slightly biting herbal taste, it exploded in my mouth and seems to communicate with every taste bud... the ones that identify saltiness, the ones that communicate sweetness and, even, the ones at the back that recognize herbal bitterness. And, all the time, there's this smokey rose (for lack of a better description) savor that just kind of fills in the empty spots of my mouth. I think this may be what the expert reviewers call "chewy."

Now, what food to pair this wine with... I can't help you there. I will tell you the taste sent me to the kitchen to gather some dates (which I happen to have fallen in love with just recently), nuts and blue cheese. But, I can imagine it pairing extremely well with rich, meaty entrees, such as prime rib or beef stroganoff, or a bold primavera, not to mention the traditionally rich holiday dinner.

If you're ready to move beyond the party/generic/everyday safe wines, this wine needs to be your entree. I would rate it 92, at least. And, without question, I would have to list it in my top 10 favorites. Almost 14% alcohol, so please drink responsibly.

RECOMMENDATION: Pick it up for your holiday dinner. Not only will you impress your guests, it'll help you deal with the inevitable family drama! 

Cheers and happy holidays, everyone! May your days be merry and bright for many years to come!

Elizabeth Arden's New Fragrance "Untold"

OK, ladies, you know how it is. You want to know that you smell good, but you have to be respectful of the folks around you who are super sensitive to fragrance. Well, have I got news for you! I've discovered Elizabeth Arden's new fragrance, "Untold." Here's the manufacturer's promo on it:

"There’s an untold story behind every multi-faceted, modern woman who is thriving in her life’s journey.The world never sees all of her, but can only steal a glimpse at a time. Untold is the mystery behind her smile, the purpose of her stride, the inspiration in that spontaneous moment and the dreams that light up her eyes. Untold is the mystery behind every stolen moment of this woman life."

There are not many women I know who wouldn't want that description to fit them. So, kudos to the marketing team at Elizabeth Arden. 

But, let's get to the bottom line... what's the product like? To me, fragrance is kind of like wine. What appeals to me isn't going to appeal to everyone. When it comes down to fragrance, I prefer a bit of spice, a little musk, a touch of flowers and, above all, subtlety. I want people to be aware that I just walked by because there was a pleasant change in the air around them, not because they caught a whiff of perfume. And, this is that fragrance. It's no more obtrusive than the scent of a luxury bath soap.


Here's the "smelling notes": 

• Heart notes

  Gardenia, Peony, Jasmine

• Top notes

  Blackcurrant, Luscious Raspberry, Pink Pepper

• Base notes

  Sandalwood, Patchouli Heart, Musk

• Scent

  Oriental Floral

• Feel

  Feminine

And, I found the price to be reasonable within the realm of designer fragrances, especially if purchased on sale.