by | Mar 9, 2015 | From the Heart, Inspirations |
Addiction!
You may be one of the many people out there who are battling this demon. You may be suffering in private and on your own. Or you may be someone who struggles with the problem in the presence of friends and family. Many times, you do not know that you are in trouble until someone close to you confronts you with it. You may not know where to turn or what to do. All you know is that you need help. The 12 Step Recovery program is an old idea; but it has stuck around throughout the years because it works.
Life is like a flower. Don’t let addiction destroy its beauty!
You must know deep inside that you need to seek help?
First of all, you must admit to the problem. If you deny that the problem exist, how will you be able to overcome it? Without saying you are you battling an addiction and calling it out by name, the problem will only continue to progress into an even bigger issue.
You must also know that the condition has to be treated. No matter what the addiction is, it is not too small or too insignificant not be treated in some manner. Addictions adversely affects your mind, body and spirit. Like other chronic diseases, addiction is a progressive illness, and, if left untreated, it can be fatal.
Finding the right treatment is your key to overcoming any addiction. There is no ‘one size fits all’ theory when it comes to treatment. What works for one person may not be the treatment that works for you. You must take the time and seek out the right one that will work for you.
You must realize that your addiction not only affects you, but also the people who are close to you. You must realize that you are hurting yourself, but also those who are close to you. It can be very emotional and troubling for them to see you struggle to overcome the addiction.
If you make the effort to complete the treatment that you need, the addiction can be successfully defeated. You can recover! Treatment for addiction is not a quick fix; but rather it becomes the platform for stability and engagement in your own recovery, one day at a time.
God’s word is such a comfort and strength to the soul.
This scripture speaks of peace.
Psalm 30: 2 (NIV)
Oh Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
It’s easy to say, “Get counseling and it will make it all better!”
Our prayer for you is to get the right counseling.
Information for this post has been provided
by Origins Recovery Center <www.originsrecovery.com>.
by | Mar 7, 2015 | Accessories, Crafting, Fashion |
Hey Elegant Readers,
I have been getting back to crocheting and I decided to make my hubby a new artsy free-form scarf. I had been dealing with a stomach virus last weekend and part of this week. But thankfully, Praise God I am feeling good. My hubby and I made some homemade chicken broth and let my tummy heal with the BRAT method (broth, rice, apple sauce and toast).
Even though I was not feeling 100 percent last weekend, I had to get outside because the snow was falling and it was pretty. This week the snow turned to ice and is now melting. That’s okay because I enjoy all the seasons that God created, especially fall and winter. I know that I am that 1 percent of people who enjoy snow.
To make the scarf, I used the TLC yarn in Fusion. I bought the yarn a while back, but the Fusion color is quite rich and has sheen to it. The scarf is in the shape of a rectangular triangle. I used my imagination to create an unique scarf. I did not count stitches, it was purely freestyle. My mother taught me how to crochet. I will never forget the orange handbag she crochet for my Barbie doll.
My hubby didn’t know I could crochet and was really keeping up with my progress.
I finished the scarf yesterday after spending about two weeks to finish it. Even though I wasn’t feeling well during most of the that time, I tried to spend a little time each day. My hubby really liked it that he modeled the creation for me. I am pretty critically and at first wanted it to be the same length but I didn’t count stitches and hubby kept telling me that he liked the scarf just the way it was so I kept it that way. I even stitched a hole for one end of the scarf to go through but decided to close it up because I decided to go a different creative route.
The scarf really looks good on him and I think this color reminds me of the marsala the pantone color of the year. I used the entire skein and this project gave me some ideas on what I would like to do next. I have some more yarn that I may make another scarf but this time I would count the stitches if I want it more uniform.
Hubby modeling the scarf
This was a great project because I haven’t crocheted in years. It made me feel good that my hubby really took the time to take an interest and wanted to wear one of my creations. Are you a crocheter? Are you a knitter? Let me know what yarn projects have been working on lately;
by | Feb 20, 2015 | Fitness |
For a number of years, we have promised ourselves that we will work hard to get a trim, toned body. But every year, we find a new excuse and avoid it completely. This is not done. We are cheating ourselves. So, this year, let’s promise ourselves and keep the promise too. Here are some tips that will motivate you to be on track.
Get a Trim, Toned Body
Treadmill runs
Well, most of us underestimate the power of the treadmill. However, a ten-minute session on the treadmill can have its benefits. Do cardio or sculpt, but do it. Avoiding treadmill in the gym is a bad decision. Why? Because it helps you warm up and get ready for other exercises in the gym. However, if you are planning to buy a new one for your home, you can buy it at Overstock. Overstock is a reputed store and the prices offered by them are reasonable. However, Overstock coupons can help you get better deals on your purchased items. So, use coupons to get the best deals.
Make a progress chart
If you have a gym membership, ask them about it. They can work on it and make a progress chart for you. At home, you will have to make one for yourself. Progress chart is one that has helped professionals too. So, you can be sure that if you make one and track it daily, your time and efforts will be paid off. Charts can even help you stay motivated. It is like your own fitness card. This chart should have subjects like flexibility, muscle conditioning and cardio.
Fit it into your schedule
To avoid making excuses, you should add it to your schedule. For example, if you know that 8-9 A.M. you have to exercise, don’t have any appointment for that hour. Don’t let anything stop you from exercising during that period.
Look out for toners
Well, at home, we do cannot buy too many things to depend on. So, look out for toners. There are a number of all-in-one toners that are available in the market. This toner works on inner things, butt, legs, back, abs, torso, and arms. Such toners are easy to use. However, you should follow the instructions that are noted on the cover and instruction manual.
Do it properly
Everything is worthless if you are not doing it properly. For example, if you know that you have to complete a cardio session of ten minutes, you should not: Stop in between, Slow down, or Leave it midway. If you have something of that sort in your mind, you will not get a trim, toned body by the end of the year.
Take care of your health
If you do not take care of yourself, you will fall sick regularly. This will affect your routine. So, stay healthy and achieve your goals.
Concluding, these tips should help you get a trim, toned body by the end of the year. Want to share an idea? Post it in the comments.
by | Feb 16, 2015 | Fashion |
Hi Elegant Readers,
It has been snowing here in Missouri since last night and and continued throughout most of today. It is very beautiful outside. Watching it snow is so peaceful.
Designer Camilla Olson gave me the opportunity to try her newly designed Modal maxi dress, which retails for $130 on her website. The dress, designed, cut and sewn in the San Francisco Bay Area, is 95% Modal and 5% Spandex. The dress, available in Periwinkle, Soft Olive, Everglade, and Light Gray, is machine washable in cold water.
The maxi dress is super soft, smooth and oh so comfortable. The silhouette is simple and elegant; and works well for a variety of occasions.
I styled the dress three ways for this review.
First of all, I wanted to show you the maxi in all its splendor, without any accessories. The dress glides on the body. The waist is so detailed in its construction that it cinches me in and is very flattering. I have tights on underneath the dress because I did not want to show any lines. It is also winter and I have on wedge boots. I am muscular and the dress is very flattering on my shape. Please make sure you wear a brassiere that smooths you, proper undergarments is a must to me in all clothing.
On a cruise this dress can be rolled up and ready to go. When I went to the Caribbean this would of been perfect.
JT in the Modal Maxi Dress
Secondly, I styled the Modal Maxi Dress for a date night out with the hubby or maybe going to see a play or a concert. Styling the dress with a Guiliana Rancic faux leather jacket, Coach purse and Poetic Justice wedge sandals with tights was a lot of fun and great to look edgy and feel comfortable at the same time.
Modal Maxi Dress Styled With Pink Faux Leather Jacket
Finally, I styled the dress with a play on colors. Loved it!
The Modal Maxi dress, paired with a Bob Mackie jacket and brown Vince Camuto wedge boots work well. The colors are different; but they compliment each other.
JT Modal Maxi and Bob Mackie Jacket
A side view of the dress, so you cansee the side slit.
Side view of Modal Maxi Dress
I have enjoyed styling the Modal Maxi dress and will continue to style it in different ways because it works with so many of my jackets and blouses.
The dress works for all seasons and I can attest to it being a chameleon in my wardrobe.
Thank you Camilla for giving me the opportunity to have such a beautiful Maxi dress. These honest opinions are strictly my own.
by | Feb 16, 2015 | Fitness |
Michael Volkin Kickstarter Project
Fitness fads come and go, but this new fad called High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) might be here to stay.
HIIT uses a combination of quick intervals of intense exercise and short recovery periods to increase your heart rate, burn fat and work muscles in a short amount of time. In fact, HIIT is becoming the go-to training method for many professional fitness instructors. The allure lies in the ability to complete an entire workout in less than 20 minutes and burn fat. In fact, this type of training burns more fat than a regular 45 minute cardio session since it keeps your heart rate up and gives your metabolic rate a boost.
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Mike Volkin, creator of HIIT the Game, now on Kickstarter states “HIIT is just fun, it’s a fun way to mix up any routine and it can be done by just about anyone, and anywhere.”
A study performed at Laval University in Canada used two groups of participants. One group followed a 15-week program using HIIT while the other group performed only steady-state cardio for 20 weeks. The steady-state cardio group actually burned 15,000 calories more than the HIIT group. But, the HIIT group lost significantly more body fat. There are many scientific studies with similar results.
Aside from being quick and very effective at both burning fat and increasing metabolism, HIIT is appealing to many because no equipment is required. This training method uses bodyweight exercises so a workout can be done anywhere from a gym to a living room.
Another great aspect of high intensity interval training is variety. Everyone has complained that their workout routine gets boring and stale after a while, but with HIIT it doesn’t have to be that way. You can change things up and try something new every week if you want. Variety not only maintains enthusiasm during training but it will benefit the body immensely through a process called muscle confusion. Targeting a wide array of muscle groups and performing different exercises regularly is going produce results fast.
Lastly, even though HIIT workouts are short, usually 20 minutes, they actually improve endurance. HIIT works, if you’re skeptical, give it a try for a week and see how you feel, at the very least, it is a great plateau breaker of your current routine.
Press Release
HIIT The Game is So Much Fun, You Won’t Realize You’re Exercising
Stack 52 launches its long anticipated new fitness game, HIIT The Game
Santa Rosa, CA, 08 February 2015: STACK 52, creator of competitive fitness products, has launched on Kickstarter its new game called HIIT the Game, which incorporates a competitive game into the scientifically proven High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) method of exercising
Mike Volkin, Inventor of HIIT the Game and owner of Stack 52, said, “I’ve worked hard to develop a very unique and fun game that not only brings out players competitive side, but also gets you fit.”
In scientific circles, HIIT with HIIT The Game by STACK 52 commonly incorporates hard and fast cardio and bodyweight exercises with a 2:1 ratio of work to rest. The most interesting and attractive part of HIIT workouts is that the workouts are short but intense. Numerous scientific studies have shown that HIIT style workouts burns more calories than a traditional workout. HIIT the Game takes HIIT to another level and incorporates a competitive gaming environment to this already effective method of working out. Whats more, is you don’t need a gym to play the game. HIIT the Game can be played anywhere as the bodyweight fitness cards require no equipment other than your arms and legs. HIIT The Game by STACK 52 has garnered in a great deal of enthusiasm from its test groups.
Backing the Kickstarter campaign comes with a variety of attractive rewards:
- Digital thanks and good karma – $1
- HIIT The Game – $25
- 2x HIIT The Game – $39
- HIIT The Game + Strength Stack 52 Tri Pack – $49
- HIIT The Game + Strength Stack 52 Tri Pack + Weight Loss Stack 52 + Quick Sweat Dice – $97
- HIIT The Game with Skype fitness consulting – $500
Brandon, a playtester, comments, “HIIT is intense, and this game makes working out fun, be prepared to sweat and be prepared to be sore, this isn’t a casual workout.”
Please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mvolkin/66216308?token=08a6e50f and http://hiit.stack52.com/ for more details on this fitness game.
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Contact Information
Contact Person: Mike Volkin
Contact Number:
Email-id: mikevolkin@gmail.com
Website: www.HIITStack52.com
The Kickstarter project ends March 10. 2015 at 8:18 p.m. CST.
Mike is very passionate about health and feeling good about yourself so if you can help back this project it would be great.
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