If Not Now, WHEN?

There are special times in life that make us take stock of who we are and what impact we have made on this earth. Like on our birthdays, when we've just rounded out another decade in our lives and the birth or death of a loved one.

In that spirit, I ran across a most profound Zen question while scanning through Eckhart Tolle's book The power of Now, if not now, WHEN? It especially resonates now, with the death of two of my childhood icons. Farrah Fawcett, whom every girl in the late 70s wanted to look like. I was a hairdresser in NY at the height of Charlie's Angels. I can't tell you how many women brought in a picture of Farrah and wanted their hair to look exactly like hers. Michael Jackson was another influence in my life. I have to admit having had a crush on Michael when I was a little girl. I would dream of being serenaded by him to the tune of "I'll be there". I've also been touched by the recent death of a friend's father, not to mention Ted Kennedy's passing. On a happier note, my niece will soon give birth to a baby boy making my sister a first time grandma and me and my other sisters grand aunts.

So what is the lesson here?

If Not Now, WHEN? What are we waiting for to invest the time and attention to those areas in our lives we feel are lacking. Whatever it may be, whether it's starting that ever promised diet or committing to that class that just might set us on track. Commit is the key word here. It presents us with the opportunity to fail. Who wants that? Let's just live our "safe" lives never taking a chance, never tasting a bit of excitement or adventure. Let's never have stories to tell about interesting events that are bound to come out of such possible life changing endeavors. Let's never teach our children how to turn our dreams into realities and how to learn from our mistakes, how to create the opportunity to fail.

So whenever you find yourself saying, "Some day I really should do________." Finish the thought with the question, if not now, when?

Make the decision that starting right now you will set the wheels in motion. It may be a phone call or a little research on Google that can quickly bring in some results. Little by little see yourself taking the next step closer to your goals. You can even spice it up by challenging yourself to multiple goals. It's not always the end result that's important. It's the road to get there that encourages opportunity. The end result may be altogether different. So don't wait and let life happen to you. Take the bull by the horns and steer it. Use it as your mantra and repeat it every day. If not now, when?

Multitasking in the New Year

Beginning a New Year can unleash a mixed bag of emotions. On the one hand there is so much to be grateful for, a loving healthy family, a warm safe house and at least one spouse with a full time job. On the other hand the pressure is on to do better and take on more to stay ahead. To top it off there is nothing worse than starting the New Year feeling over weight and unattractive. Can anyone say DEPRESSED? This year, in particular, seems to be weighing heavier on many people. Although I believe that the way you see yourself in the mirror is a reflection of what you are feeling inside. I also believe that doing a few simple, what I call, Multitasking Beauty Lifts can brighten your spirits and kick you into gear. Here is the game plan:

1. Forgive Yourself - OK, so you over ate, you gained 2-5 lbs. and your kitchen is still stocked with those calorie-laden foods. You have two choices. Dump it all now or indulge one more day and then dump it. I find it much easier to trash food on a full stomach.

2. Teat Your Self to an at Home Spa Day - Make the time! Have the hubby take the kids out or let them play the Wii all day. Do what ever you have to do, because these few hours dedicated to yourself will go a long way.  Begin with a Spa Shower:

a.   Remove all nail polish before showering. Set shower water to a fairly hot temperature. This will help open up the pores.

b.   Wash your hair and apply a generous amount of any deep conditioner you have. Comb it through and clip your hair up off the neck.

c.    Starting with your face exfoliate from top to bottom using a circular motion. It's important to use a face scrub that has fine granules. I use a mixture of two products, Exfoliating Enzyme scrub by Avalon Organics and Visibly Even by Neutrogena.

d.   Squirt a generous amount of moisture body soap and your body scrub onto a lofa sponge (again two products). I use Kiss My Face Moisture soap and St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Scrub your entire body down to the fingers of your hands and the toes on feet. Reapply the soap and scrub as needed. Take your time!

e.   Now you are ready to shave. Use your favorite shaving cream, I love Trader Joe's honey mango, and shave your body like you were getting ready for your honeymoon. You know what I mean girls. Brazilian waxing anyone?

f.    Now your ready to rinse your hair. For dry hair, leave in a little conditioner. If your skin is sensitive take care that the conditioner rinses completely off your skin. Wash it off with a little soap if you have to. I've had clients that would break out on their upper arms and down the middle of their back and didn't know why.

g.   Wrap your hair in a towel. As you dry your face, use the towel to gently squeeze the pores that you know to have black heads. This will prepare your face for the masque. When drying hands and feet push back on the cuticles. This will prepare your nails for the polish.

h.   Lather your body up with a generous amount of moisturizer and put on your most comfy robe or jammies.

i.     Finally, apply any face masque you might have. Queen Helene's Mint Julep is a classic, reasonably priced masque that is a must have in every women's beauty artillery. While the masque dries, wipe off any moisturizer from your nails and polish. Rinse face; apply toner & face moisturizer.

j.     Style hair. If you can, arrange for a haircut. When I worked in the salon I had customers come in, between haircuts, just to get their bangs trimmed. A little off will brighten your face instantly. 

Now you're not only ready for a night out but you're ready for anything this New Year has in store for you. So love your family, love your life and most of all love your self!