Don't waste the sexy

Perks of working from home

This quote is on a t-shirt I got from a pole dancing class awhile back. Anytime I come across it crumpled up in the back of my drawer,  I decide it's a good idea to put it on every once in awhile and revisit the concept.

It's so easy to go the UN-sexy route.  As I write this I'm wearing flannel pj bottoms, gray thermal long underwear top and fuzzy socks.  Fortunately I'm having a good hair day so that elevates the look, a little. Also fortunate for others that I'm working from home this morning in this lovely ensemble.

As women though we shouldn't be embarrassed to take time to EMBRACE the sexy.  You don't  have to make a big production of it.  Simply put on a little red lipstick or maybe a sexy bra. It doesn't even matter if you're the only one who knows.

I recently took a  Belly Dancing class which did wonders for helping my fellow participants and I  appreciate our curves dabble in a bit of Tuesday night sensuality.  Belly Dancing is a lovely way to reconnect to your body and boost your confidence and  I loved watching the women in the class celebrate their sexiness and ignite their spirits.

Now to look for ways to bring that into our every day lives.  Tonight I'll give it a try by donning high heels and taking a spin around the dance floor at a friend's wedding.

Your turn.....I challenge you to unleash the sexy beautiful goddess that you are!

Planning to slip into this later!

 Don't waste the sexy ladies!

Spontaneity & Serendipity: Do the unexpected, get cool results

 

Yesterday was a bustling day.  I made my debut as a cover model followed by a fabulous fundraiser, both probably deserving of separate blog posts (forthcoming). 

This morning I woke up exhausted but filled to the brim with goodness and surrounded by tons of love.  Also a bit "hungover" - not so much from wine (although I had a bit of that), but from the adrenaline, dancing,  energy and love that had been enveloping me yesterday.

A few posts back I mentioned that on my fall wish list was the desire to add more spontaneity into my life.  So I decided to message a friend at 6:30 am this morning to see if she'd like to meet for breakfast.  Not only did I have spontaneity on the brain, I was also craving an arepa from Valencia's and in need of their high test coffee. 

Now mind you I've had what I'd term a professional acquaintance with this person for several years now,  so it's not like this is a regular occurrence.   I'm a big believer in surrounding yourself with people who bring more of the good stuff into your life.  I have a lot of respect for this woman and her enthusiasm is infectious.

Nevertheless, it is a bit out of my character to contact someone who is not a super close friend (or my mother) before sunrise and suggest an outing.   The typical conversation I'd have with myself is that she's probably too busy, has other plans, has lots of other friends to have breakfast with, and doesn't have the time.

I decided to stuff that conversation down where it belongs and just go for it.

Turns out it was a wonderfully spontaneous and serendipitous morning.  The company and conversation was exactly what I'd craved and needed, even more than the coffee.  I'd even like to think we're moving more towards the friendship phase these days. 

And the arepa was delish too. 

Do you see yourself in this video?

 

Do you recognize yourself in this video?

Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation and there it is....the sound of the ring tone.  Whether it's the standard Marimba or a catchy new Usher song,  it doesn't matter, this interruption takes priority.  

Now of course I'm not talking about those times when you have a sick child at home or you're waiting for the jury to return with a verdict to seal your fate.  I'm talking about the every day conversations over coffee or lunch.  

You may even answer and tell the caller "I'm busy, can I call you right back?"  (something I can never understand).

Perhaps next time, see what happens when you stay in the present.  Experiment with NOT answering (if it's something that can likely wait). 

Maybe it's time to disconnect to connect....

Putting yourself first

This concept seems to come up everyday, especially in my business.  Women are experts at putting themselves last, and some even seem to wear that as a badge of honor.  This post today by the Daily Om is right on target so I'm taking the liberty of re-posting and of course giving them credit.  Plus that will give me a little bit of extra time to take a few deep breaths and enjoy a cup of tea....ah, it's the little things!

 

Putting yourself first means that it may be necessary to say no to someone else in order to say yes to yourself.

We have all heard the instructions of an airline attendant reminding us to put on our own oxygen mask before we help anyone else with theirs. This advice is often cited as a metaphor for self-care because it so accurately expresses why it is important. It seems to say, ironically, that if you can’t take care of yourself for yourself, do it for others. Few situations in our daily lives mimic the wake-up call of an airplane emergency, so it’s easy to keep putting self-care off—easy, that is, until we get sick, overwhelmed, or exhausted, and suddenly don’t have the energy to care for the people who count on us. That’s when we realize we haven’t been getting the oxygen we need to sustain ourselves. We begin to understand that taking care of ourselves is neither selfish nor indulgent; it’s just plain practical.

Putting yourself first means that it may be necessary to say no to someone else in order to say yes to yourself. For many of us, there is always something we feel we could be doing for someone else, and it helps to remember the oxygen metaphor. You can even encourage yourself by saying “I am caring for myself so that I am better able to care for others” or some other mantra that will encourage you. It also helps to remember that self-care doesn’t have to be composed of massively time-consuming acts. In fact, the best prescription for taking care of yourself is probably small, daily rituals; for example, taking one half-hour for yourself at the beginning and end of the day to meditate, journal, or just be. You might also transform the occasional daily shower or bath into a half-hour self-pampering session.

Whatever you decide, making some small gesture where you put yourself first every day will pay off in spades for you and the ones you love. The oxygen you need is all around you; sometimes you just need to be reminded to breathe. 

October 17, 2011

http://www.dailyom.com/

En garde!

Our latest adventure brought Pina and I to the Farifield Fencing Academy and this time her daughter, Danielle joined us for the fun.  The event was sponsored by My Time for Me, one of my favorite organizations and our surfing excursion with MTFM was part of the original inspiration for the K & P adventures. 

John gives me some helpful tips

Here are my do's & don'ts I picked up on the fencing strip:

Don't apologize for going for it -  While there were a couple of more aggressive gals int he group, effortlessly racking up points on the electronic scoreboard, others were quick to serve up an apology with each thrust.  My guess is that among a group of men in a similar setting, the phrase "I'm sorry, are you okay?" would be heard as often as "Does this outfit make my butt look big?"  or "I think I'm having a hot flash under this mask."     

As women we are often afraid to go full out, afraid we'll be called  some choice four (or five) letter word!  Go for it and don't apologize. 

Don't be afraid to suck - Let's face it, I sucked at fencing. It didn't help that I am battling an elbow injury (let's not let my physical therapist get wind of the fencing outing).  Consequently I was in a lot of pain early on, BUT I'm not using that as an excuse.  I'm pretty sure I would have sucked no matter what.  I'm still glad I went

Do learn some new vocabulary - I'm now mildly versed in such terms as the epee, parry, foil,  and sabre.  I can only imagine the type of cocktail party where I'll be able to weave in such banter, but it never hurts to expand your mind right?

Do serve wine & cheese afterwards - It makes everything, especially some adventurous girl time, a little better, doesn't it?

A job well done ladies!

Leaving a legacy - in your own way

The world lost an icon this week.  He was a creative genius, a visionary, an inspirational innovator and an entrepreneur extraordinaire,  .  Yesterday's CNN article compared him to the likes of Thomas Edison and Leonardo DaVinici.  

When I reflect how much my own life has been impacted by his revolutionary contributions, I am astounded.  From using the iPod to play our music at Jazzercise (believe it or not I started just when we were phasing out 45 records, we sure have come a long way baby!), to how I stay in touch with friends and family scattered across the country through the ease and convenience of my iPhone, to using my iPad daily allowing me to have a mobile office to make my life as an entrepreneur possible.


He said he wanted to "put a ding in the universe."  Ding?  More like a ginormous cavity.

He created a legacy.


But legacies aren't limited to revolutionizing the world with technology or creating a global phenomenon.   Legacies are built by the small simple actions we take every day.  They are designed by how we live our life in own communities.


So while we mourn the loss of Steve Jobs and celebrate his legacy, we should ask ourselves how we are creating our own.


The mother of my very dear friend Jura, Rosemary Strimavicius, received an award this week celebrating her own legacy. She  has sewn thousands of pillows for woman in recovery from Breast Cancer surgery.   She has lost most of her sight due to an aggressive eye disease, but she sews by memory and feel and a lot of love.  According to Jura, "She stuffs more love than fluff into each pillow and finishes each one with a kiss every time!"

Granted Jobs certainly sold far more than 'thousands' of Apple products, but I bet the recipients of  Rosemary's pillows felt some pretty special love that can't be conjured up by a phone or a laptop.

Rosemary is creating her own legacy, and SHE inspires me, just as Steve jobs will always be an inspiration to me. 

What legacy are YOU creating?

Rosemary receiving the "Volunteer of the Year" award from Necessities Bag founder Maureen Lutz ~ she is receiving a Baccarat necklace from a beautiful representative from Baccarat

 

Now it's time to post this via BlogPress on my iPad and maybe give Jura a call later on the iPhone to say hello.:)

Look for the LOVE

Close

Rainbow last Thurs night - the most spectacular I've ever seen

We all have those days (ok, lately it seems like it's been weeks) where there is more bad, sad and frustrating news then we feel we can handle. Both in the news and in our own backyards.

It's especially hard when difficult things happen to people we care about, and even worse when it feels like there's not a thing we can do about it.

I've heard more than a few earfuls of tough stuff going on lately.  At some point I figured enough was enough, I mean how much more can there be?  Then I arrived home Sunday night after a very long day to some very upsetting family news.  That was about the last straw.  It would have  been easy to go down the rabbit hole into despair and negativity.  I'm not saying I didn't shed some tears, because I'll be honest, I did.

But then I got to thinking.  I can dwell on this or I can LOOK FOR THE LOVE.  Even when things are dark, there's some love, somewhere.

Here's where I've found love floating around lately.....

• A daily continuous stream of instant messaging among my two BFF's - these women are my rocks!
• A cool surprise from my hubby last week
• Wonderful emails from two of my China kids in my inbox Monday morning
• A bunch of beautiful inspiring women whom I get to work out with every day
• A much needed Mastermind meeting on Friday with my support team - PLUS it was at the beach (and followed by a glass of wine and a friend always ready to lend an ear)
• Fun unexpected treats from my Reiki partner
• My mom -  'nuff said. 
• A spontaneous, and very special, family dinner 
• A sweet note from a long time colleague
• Glorious weather today and the chance to eat lunch and do some work outside (love the virtual office)
• A spectacular rainbow spotted in Milford during an impromptu outing to spend time with my stepdaughter (photo above - which does not do it justice!)

I'm not saying that this love takes my mind off the tragedies people I love are enduring and the courageous battles being fought.  I just know that amidst it all I need to keep an eye out for the love.

 Where do you see the LOVE this week? 


Trust me it's there (oddly I now feel like breaking out into the Mary Tyler Moore theme song...."Love is all around...")

Fall wish list.....

Photo taken on an excursion last fall

Autumn is upon us and it's my favorite time of year.  Have you been scratching your head lately wondering where summer went? 

In looking over my summer 'wish list' I'm happy to say that I did in fact enjoy everything on my list, except golfing with my hubby.  Unfortunately an injury early in the summer has kept me off the golf course and in physical therapy.  But other than that, I made the absolute most of my summer and enjoyed it to the fullest, including my kick off summer hot fudge sundae (which wasn't on the list, but a revered summer tradition)

When fall arrived on Friday, I started crafting my autumn wish list; There are lots more fun events and projects on tap,  but here are a things that I want to do this fall, and a few things that help me enjoy, appreciate and savor the season.

• Make homemade soup  - every week if often as possible 
• Try fencing
• Recycle old cassettes
• Teach a four week Pure Muscle class (will be packing my bikini for Aruba in Nov so this is a must!)
• Go to an orchard for apples, cider and a pumpkin
• Make something with the apples, maybe a pie or applesauce
• Stock up on red wine (get ideas from wine class I'm taking in Oct with hubby)
• Take some photos of fall foliage
• Get a massage
• Watch at least two documentaries I've been meaning to watch from my Netflix list
• Sand and stain bench for living room
• Take Belly Dancing
• Do something spontaneous every week (believe it or not this might be the most challenging as I tend to PLAN my spontaneity.!)

What's on your Fall Wish List?

Give Your Body A (Healthy) Cleansing

My most recent article was published on DailyNorwalk.com as well as ten affiliate sites.  

 

Did you have too many barbecues and ice cream cones this summer? You're not alone in having indulged in summer delights. 

But as fall approaches, it's the perfect time for a simple cleanse to clean out all the "gunk" accumulated in the body from food, cleaning products, water and air. Just as cars need an oil change to operate efficiently, so does the body. 

We are constantly accumulating toxins, often resulting in symptoms such as headaches, poor concentration, fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches and pain, skin problems and more. In order to improve these conditions and increase your energy forget the expensive fancy colon cleanse that will keep you in the bathroom for a week and try eliminating this items for no more than seven days. 

Caffeine: This includes caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soda and black tea. Sip herbal and green teas with no caffeine. 

Refined and added simple sugars: Refined sugars refer to anything with added sucrose, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, molasses, honey, maple syrup or alcohol. This includes cakes, cookies, candies, pastry, beer, wine and liquor. Use a natural sweetener such as Stevia. 

Gluten containing grains (wheat, rye, barley, spelt, kamut): Only quinoa, oats, rice, millet, buckwheat, teff and amaranth are acceptable grains. For a more hardcore detox, consider eliminating all grains, then if desired work back in those containing the non-gluten grains listed above 

Eggs and dairy products: These include egg, milk, yogurt, cheese ice cream, sour cream, butter, etc, as well as any soy based dairy substitutes. Experiment with items such as almond and rice milks, which are tasty alternatives. 

No processed foods: A no brainer. 

No meat (at least try eating no red meat): For additional protein during a particularly physical day, try grilled fish or chicken (preferably organic) or turkey (not processed). 

What should you much on? Plenty of fruits and veggies. Try fresh, raw, steamed, sautéed, juiced or roasted (but not creamed vegetables). Play with a wide variety of spices, oils and vinegars, but steer clear of ketchup, mustard, relish, soy sauce and other packaged condiments. 

The first few days can be challenging, but stick with it and you'll be amazed at how your body will restore itself to radiant health. 

 

Kristen Hallett Rzasa is the owner of InterPlay Health, LLC and Jazzercise. She is an entrepreneur, dancer, instructor, writer, yogi, golfer and avid reader.

The Brits are on to something - taking time for tea at The Plaza

From the pages of The Great Gatsby to the big screen of The Way We Were (and most recently Bride Wars), The Plaza Hotel has been the backdrop for many scenes of drama, romance and fantasy, including the famous adventures of naughty Eloise in the magical children's story from the 1950's.

Yesterday in our quest for monthly adventure, Pina and I ventured into Manhattan for tea at The Plaza's Palm Court.

Surrounded by timeless elegance, we sipped pear tea, people watched and dished about men, money, and menopause, or in other words, the things that keep us up at night.

A few musings brewed over  tea time:

Look in your own backyard - Neither Pina nor I had ever set foot in this gilded luxury hotel despite countless days spent in NYC and residing less than an hour away. It's amazing how much there is to explore right under your nose. In fact, over tea we discovered that there are many other quintessential NY experiences neither of us have yet to try.

Take time to savor - I'm the fastest eater I know, and frankly I've never tried very hard to break that bad habit. But tea time demands a slower pace. If you've taken to inhaling meals on the run and make a regular habit of dashboard dining, it's time to brew a pot of tea and slow down.

Finish your dessert without guilt - The pet it fours were too refined, too gorgeous, and frankly too pricey to leave any on the plate. We devoured them whole heartily and enjoyed every bite. I briefly considered nabbing the two left behind on the lovely tiered dessert stand at the adjacent table, but thought better of it.

Yummo!

Seek out some ambiance - Tea at The Plaza of course is never about the tea, or even the food. It's about donning your Mary Janes (preferably a more modern version with a heel) and soaking up the palm trees, piano music, and sneaking a peek at what the ladies at the next table are wearing. 

Sheer elegance

One lump or two?

"Your girl is lovely, Hubbell"

Me & Eloise

What happened to the question about world peace?

This morning I was sipping my coffee, thumbing through news articles from the last week of Financial Times and perusing my news feeds on my iPad.  

I almost stood up and applauded when I read this article on CNN about what transpired at the Miss Universe pageant earlier this week.

Here's an excerpt.

This question was posed to Leila Lopes of Angola, now our universe's newly crowned Miss Universe. 

"If you could change one of your physical characteristics," the designated judge asked her, "which one would it be and why?"

Are you (insert profanity) kidding me?

After standing under the magnifying glass of millions, this 25-year-old, 5-foot-10 ½-inch knockout had to publicly contemplate if she was physically good enough.

Her response was quick: "Thank God I am very-well satisfied with the way God created me, and I wouldn't change a thing. I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. ... I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family, and I plan to follow these through the rest of my life. And now I would like to give all of you a piece of advice: Respect one another."

Now that's TRUE BEAUTY!    Leila, you definitely deserve a tiara for that answer!

Read the full story here.

When does busyness end and balance begin?

There has been a lot of tough stuff happening the past few weeks. My Facebook inbox is filled with a few dozen messages about difficult times rather than the usual routine chit chat from friends and clients.

Sending prayer requests to my Cursillo community has become a daily occurrence.

Sunday we reflected and remembered and recalled how our priorities shifted along with the NYC skyline. But how has that translated into our week just three days later?

I often refer back to these questions from author and coach, Cheryl Richardson, just to keep myself in check:

• If this were my last hour on earth, would I be happy with how I've spent my time today, this week, or this year?

• Would I feel good about the priorities I'm focused on right now at this point in my life?

• Do I feel complete and at peace with the people who matter most?

I think I can answer a strong yes to each of those questions, but I need to continue to ask them. It's so easy to get drawn off course.

Today's been jam packed and I look back at the day so far....teach a class, cover the desk for the remaining classes, participate on a conference call, finish a marketing project, write a blog post, a physical therapy appointment,  a hair appointment (like I said priorities!), prepare for a charity walk where I've volunteered to do the warm up, and get ready for a meeting and presentation in Rhode Island.   Am I happy with how I've spent my time? 

Actually yes. It always feels good to be productive.  But when does busyness end and balance begin? 

There's a small business meeting I could/should/had planned to attend later this evening,  but if I'm really listening to what I need, I think I'll be ready to hang out with my hubby and chat and then curl up and watch my latest Netflix (High Society - can't believe I've never seen it!).  Ah, I feel more relaxed already.

What do YOU need right now?

Remembering

In honor of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, I am re-running a blog post from last year. What happened on my plane that day remains one of the most terrifying moments of my life. Everybody has a story to tell.

Everyone will at some point tomorrow remember where they were, what they were doing, who they called first, who they hugged first.  We will remember and reflect and pray in our own different ways.

At the the time I was fortunate to be part of an international team at DaimlerChrysler Financial. Belonging to an international team added a perspective to this event and provided a sense of support beyond the boundaries of my own country.

I was also fortunate that  my company did everything possible to bring me home safely that week. A long trip from Prague, to Germany to Paris, became even longer when I heard the news while in flight heading to New York. 

There was a uniqueness being on an international flight and sharing this experience with so many non-Americans.  We were also initially removed from the horrific pictures and news accounts, as we remained on the plane until 9/12 and ultimately in the care of the Canadian Red Cross and Navy for several days following. 

While reflecting, I pulled out a folder of emails I received the days following from my colleagues from around the world.

This line came from my boss Stephen Jepsen of Berlin...

"So far as I see, nobody was able to go back to work today without the feeling that something fundamental had changed in our western world in seconds yesterday. ..and  that these buildings, symbols for freedom and pride, don't exist anymore."

9/11/01  From the plane window in St. John's Newfoundland

Sept. 11, 2001

Yes, something fundamental did change that day.  I hope that what we hold on to is the reminder of what's really important in life.  I believe that we can keep the kindness and courage that was shown during that time alive in our words and actions every day. 


The moment that will forever be burned in my memory is finally reaching US soil and seeing the American flag, the true symbol of our freedom and pride, flying brightly.

Stir up your workout

Zip lining & tree climbing; Fall 2010

You are determined to hit the treadmill every day this week. But two weeks later, things have petered off and somehow Dancing with the Stars, that glass of Merlot and your couch pull you in like a magnet. 

Are you completely void of will power? I doubt it. Most people find themselves quickly tiring of the same old (and repetitive) routines. 

Here are a few ideas to breathe more life into your exercise routine to stay on track. 

Do one different workout each week: As a Jazzercise instructor I teach classes most days of the week, so once a week I do something completely different. Sometimes it's a yoga class, a bike ride or rollerblading. I can always ensure that there will be one non-Jazzercise workout in my week. 

Try a new sport or activity each month: I strive to try something new every month. I've tried belly dancing, Tai Chi, kayaking, Qigong, surfing, zip lining, horseback riding and boxing, and next month I'm trying a fencing class. Investigate sources such as www.meetup.com, or your local Continuing Education program for low cost options. 

Mix up your music: Sometimes just downloading a new playlist of fresh music can energize a workout that's lost its zip Surf iTunes to get ideas for motivating playlists. 

Plan an exercise outing or challenge: For the past three years I've ridden in the Five Boro Bike Tour. It's a 42-mile ride, which is a real challenge considering I don't bike very often. It's also now a tradition with friends, a physical challenge and an event I look forward to every year. Have you always wanted to run a 5K or tackle a triathlon? Make a plan to go for it. 

Use technology to spice it up: Surf podcasts, apps and websites for material to mix up your workouts. There is a lot of free material available to add variety to your workouts. Check out Netflix for a variety of workout DVDs to sample and you'll have new material delivered right to your mailbox. 

Try an active vacation: A hiking trip, white water rafting or a biking trip can be a great way to get out of a rut. This summer I went hiking in the Huangshaun mountains and climbed the Great Wall in China. The majestic scenery and breathtaking views made me forget it was a workout. 

Get inspired and get moving. 

Kristen Hallett Rzasa is the owner of InterPlay Health, LLC and Jazzercise. She is an entrepreneur, dancer, instructor, writer, yogi, golfer and avid reader.

PUBLISHED BY THE DAILY WESTPORT

It shouldn't take a hurricane

Our Irene Feast

In the Northeast we are slowing returning to normal following Irene's visit.  Although unlike even an unexpected house guests, she's left more than an extra load of laundry upon her departure.

The National Guard has arrived on the scene in my mom's town to assist with clean up and it won't be long until we are all  back online and refilling our refrigerators.  

If there is anything to like about Irene, it is that it brings us back to basics.

Food.  Shelter.  Water.  (Maslow sure had it right on this one!)

Family.  Togetherness.

We were forced to abandon the Blackberry, DVR, laptops and the entire line of Apple products.  We read, talked, napped and spent a little more time just BEING rather than DOING.  When was the last time your whole family unplugged?  Our days were simple and it enriched my feeling of gratitude of all that we so easily take for granted.

I hope we don't need a nasty weather forecast in our future to take that time again to just be with one another and TALK.

Besides cleaning out the frig has been on my list of things to do anyway!

The Lure of the List

I am list obsessed. I can't remember a time when I haven't had a list within arms reach. I suppose I could track it back to 1996 when I received my first Franklin Covey planner from the consulting firm I worked for at the time, but that just gave me an excuse to expand the lists and a nice faux leather case to swaddle them in.

The topics for my lists come in all shapes and sizes, from the mundane (Daily to do, Items I always buy at Costco) to the bucket list variety (Places I'd like to visit, Adventures I'd like to have).

They span both past (Books I've read {since '93}, Countries I've visited) and future (Books I'd like to read, Movie to see).

Then there's my favorite - 100 Things To Be, Do, or Have, which always offers up a bit of inspiration on a rainy day. And five years later I still have my 40 Things to do in my 40th Year, just because.

I have even been known to add something to the list AFTER it's complete JUST so I can cross it off. I suppose there's a 12 Step Program for this or perhaps TLC will be doing a reality series on The Lure of the List which will air right after Extreme Couponing.

Some are designed to keep me organized like my Project lists (categorized by short & long term and business & personal, of course). Others are simply designed to aid my pre-menopausal memory (Gifts to buy & Wines I'd like to try).

They are a means to catalog and create, and sometimes they are a simply a reminder of my options, of what's possible.

And anything that evokes hope and possibility is not a habit I plan to break anytime soon.

Now I'm off to cross 'write blog post' off my list.





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Another K & P advenuture... in beading

Last night we embarked on another K & P adventure.  This time it was beading.  I know, it's much more docile than  previous adventures like surfing, zip lining, and horseback riding.   There were no anxiety attacks beforehand, no sweaty palms, and we certainly aren't sore this morning.

However, we are two self-proclaimed, non-crafty gals, so it was indeed an adventure of sorts. 

When I was growing up my closest childhood friend, Beth,  and I would lament to one another "what should we play today?"  Beth (who by the way is still a close and crafty  friend and I hope she's reading this) would exclaim, "Let's make things!"

I would groan.  Making things was just not my forte.

Beth's Barbies would be adorned in beautiful homemade gowns with rouching and trim and my Barbie would be sporting a wrap dress made out of Kleenex.  You get the picture.

So, when Pina and I embarked on our beading adventure we didn't know what results to expect.

Turns out it was fun.  We could both get hooked on this craft.  Our instructor, Erin, taught us about crimping and closures and the like and we both came home with darling little braclets. 

Here's what I realized: 

• You don't have to be skilled at something to give it a try.  Think you can't sing?  Roll down the windows and belt out a tune.  Think you have two left feet?  Get out on the dance floor and shake your booty.
• It doesn't matter if it's good, it matters that it's yours.  My bracelet won't be winning any awards, but when I look down at it, I know it's my handiwork.
• Girl time does a soul good.  After a rough week, I found beading to be relaxing.  The spinach and artichoke dip and wine which we enjoyed at an outdoor table in hip SoNo also helped, as did all of our chat in the "Girl Zone."
• And finally, when beading, bring your reading glasses if you wear them. Those suckers can be small!

What adventure will you embark on today? 

Stay tuned for more K & P adventures and we'd love to hear YOUR suggestions for our upcoming adventures.

Finished products: Pina (left), Kristen (right)

Relaxin' with Reiki

I had a great Reiki session last night with a special client and felt the need to spread some yummy Reiki energy! I first became interested in Reiki when I was preparing for surgery in 2008 and in my typical overachiever fashion, I began researching the quickest way to healing and recovery so that I could be back in action as soon as possible.

It worked.  

I've been hooked ever since and have loved to see how clients benefit.

One of the greatest Reiki healing health benefits is stress reduction and relaxation.  This triggers the natural healing abilities of our bodies and improves and maintains health by gently balancing life energy.

There's a lot of stress in the air right now.  Stress reduction isn't just a buzz word.  It's a choice.  

Do something to relieve your stress TODAY.  And if you're so moved, schedule a session and experience the healing and relaxing benefits of Reiki.  Find a practitioner near you OR if you're in lower Fairfield County, contact me and I'll come to YOU!  Now that's stress free!

Flexibility for Health

I LOVE my yoga!  Not only have I brought yoga into my business (two great classes a week with Kathleen & Mark) , I regularly practice at home as well as at another local studio.

Have you ever noticed that when you are flexible with your plans, life feels easier? Our bodies are like that, too. When we have physical flexibility, we move fluidly and easily in everything we do.

Stretching after strength training or aerobic exercise helps loosen muscles that may have tightened, balancing your body. Stretching on its own is great any time for improving your range of motion and increasing circulation, allowing more blood flow to all body parts including your brain. With regular stretching, you can even improve your posture and relax your mind.

You can begin a stretching program at any age.

Be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen, especially if you are new to physical activity or are resuming after a long break.

Stretching Tips:

• Stretch easily and gently, only until you feel slight tension
• Don’t bounce
• Stop before you feel pain
• Breathe deeply, exhaling as you relax into each stretch

Good times to stretch:

• First thing in the morning
• After sitting or standing for long periods
• When you feel stiff or anxious
• While watching television or sitting at your desk
• Before falling asleep

Stretching Programs

Yoga – Dating back thousands of years, yoga continues to be a popular stretching program, and ranges from very gentle and slow forms to more rigorous power yoga that incorporates balance and strength with flexibility.

Tai Chi or Qigong – Also dating back thousands of years, tai chi and qigong are series of slow, gentle motions that circulate the body’s energy while loosening joints. Most movements can be done sitting or standing.

Pilates – Created in the early 1900s, Pilates is a system of exercises that increase flexibility, strength and coordination through mind-body control. While often done with machines, simpler version of Pilates can be done using only a floor mat.

Gymnastics or Swimming – More vigorous activities including gymnastics and swimming allow muscles to stretch and elongate while boosting your heart rate.

However you choose to stretch, try to do it three times per week – your body and mind will love you for it!


Time to stretch it out!


Tips adapted from Jazzercise.com