Sex and a Healthier YOU!

Get Healthier...It's All In What You EAT! Eating foods that contain high fat and calories have no beneficial value to the body, so why eat them? In fact, these foods will eventually leave you feeling sluggish, tired, and quite unhealthy. Most people feel that their sex life is much the same way. Experiencing orgasms and the pleasure from the sexual experience, affects the mental and physical health in both positive and negative ways. If you eat foods that are not good for your body, the body will not function to your liking. The same will happen if you neglect the sexual aspect of your body. The sexual experience profoundly affects a person completely in mind, soul, and body. You feel energized. You feel happy, as if you can do anything and the world is at your feet. There are times though, that you are exhausted and sex is the farthest thing from your minds. Your life will suffer greatly if you continue to think of sex as something you will get to when you feel like it. If you continue to live in this fashion, it will become more difficult to put the fire back in your intimate life. Just as when you let your body decline, the harder it is to get them back in shape. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work. It's time to turn this around and eat what is good for you to get that sex drive back on balance!

Did you know that zinc is a very important vitamin in regards to your sexual health? It is, and many foods that have zinc in them live in the ocean. This might just be the reason that oysters have been known as an aphrodisiac. The feeling may not be from the oyster at all, but the zinc that is found in the oyster. Keeping your body fit, exercising, and getting adequate rest makes for the best aphrodisiac. When your body feels good and you are rested, you can fully engage in the sexual experience and glow in the pleasure it brings to you. When you engage in sex, afterwards you feel relaxed, de-stressed. You feel almost as if whatever was bothering you beforehand is tolerable and within reach. Sex is a great reliever of stress, so everyone should have lots of it!  You also know that stress can kill too, so take it easy... enjoy life, slow down and change your habits and your ways. Do something for YOU. Take a weekend and get away for some sexual erotica. No time like the present to spice it up and kick it up a notch.

Zinc is not only an aphrodisiac; it also has properties that increase fertility, heighten the senses, and regulates sperm function. Bananas and strawberries have properties that improve sexual stamina and figs aid in fertility. Several other foods are high in zinc and that aid in soft supple skin. Some foods to consider adding to your diet:

• Chicken
• Asparagus
• Almonds
• Red Meats
• Avocados
• Brown rice
• Soy
• Camembert cheese
• Tomatoes
• Chili peppers
• Ginger

The above list of foods aids in increasing sperm count, antioxidants, improves circulation, and stimulates nerve endings; of course, all of these can greatly enhance sexual pleasure. Therefore, when you eat right, you feel great. When you feel great, you want to enjoy great sex. Most people typically desire to achieve that passionate moment(s) of intense sexual behavior. There is no downside to this. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Dull sex life, or rich delightful sex life? I'll bet you never thought eating healthier could do all this? Make the changes and turn that intimacy back up! Have a healthier you and a happier sex life!

www.simplydeliciouslingerie.com

Women, Stress and Anxiety....

I am the kind of person who can't sit still. Even if I try to, somehow I always find something to do to keep moving. Often I think that by doing these things I am avoiding the inevitable, STRESS. Stress leads to anxiety. It can build up and if you aren't careful, it can do great damage. Over the years, and in my own personal life I have learned that you can't hold it all inside and take on the world yourself. Believe me, I have tried. At one point I might have commented "Says who?" Now I know better. I've learned that great friends and family that love and support you can make all the difference, you just have to let them in! 

Taking steps for reducing stress and anxiety in your life will not only give you serenity but can add years to your life, too. Stress puts both your body and your mind under strain. Short-term stress can’t be helped and we all have to make it through stressful situations. 

 You know how it is: You’re cruising along, feeling that all is well, when wham! — everything seems to fall apart at once. Your dishwasher breaks, the ice maker stops working and the cubes don't come out crushed, the lawn becomes infested by grubs, laundry piles up, work stress gets worse, oh... and your kid needs 40 cupcakes — by tomorrow morning! It’s all too much and now you feel like you’ve lost control of your life. Surprisingly, while we expect to be thrown off balance by the big crises in life (an illness, the loss of a job, the end of a relationship), experts believe it’s more often the steady pileup of smaller annoyances that makes us feel really powerless. So what do you do? Take control sister! Slow down, and take a deep breath. Did you know that long, slow breaths send oxygen throughout your body, which relaxes you and, in turn, helps clear your head. Try one- or two-minute deep-breathing sessions each morning and evening. Chores and responsibilities will build up if you allow them to, but who cares? They'll get done eventually. Don't try to be superwoman. Make a list of what needs to be done and prioritize it. Trust me, you are not the 'Drama Mama" you are just a woman trying to take on the world and even you could use a little back-up!

There are so many things that cause us stress, which leads to anxiety. The worst thing that anyone can do is to ignore stress.  No matter how long you don’t deal with it or how often you push it aside, it will always bounce back into your life unless you root it out. Did you know that by reducing stress and anxiety it enables you to move beyond the emotions and the struggle that keep you standing in the vast ocean trying to keep that ball away? Yes it does. The first step you should do is to limit the amount of external things that bring on more stress or aggravate the stress you already have. For example, if hearing sad stories on the radio upset you, turn the radio off. Don’t fill your mind with negative stories in any type of media. In case you haven’t noticed, the uplifting, positive articles rarely make the news. I almost hate watching the news because it is always so sad and depressing...at least 8 times out of 10 it is. Bad news can fill a person with anxiety. This too can be quite harmful.

Get rid of the negative from your life. If you have a friend who’s always pulling you down emotionally or tearing down your self-esteem, this is not a healthy relationship and it’s time to move on and do it quickly! Get rid of the negative people in your life that just keep adding to it. In the long run, it's not going to do you any good whatsoever! Look for events and people that introduce more laughter and joy into your life. Shut off the television and get on your feet. It’s a proven fact that exercise is a great way to get rid of anxiety along with stress. If a negative thought pops into your mind, refuse to dwell on it.Don't let the negativity win and control your happiness. I am a good example of this next one....Don’t bottle up your emotions and assume no one wants to listen to what’s going on in your life. Make time with a good friend to sit and talk about how you’re feeling. 

 By reducing stress and anxiety in your life, you’ll start to feel more relaxed and happier and in the end you'll be a much better you! Don't try to do it all by yourself. ASK FOR HELP! Don't try to take on the world alone. Make that list and check and don't get upset if it doesn't all get done today. I'm the queen of sticky notes and at times I get overwhelmed and feel like I am never going to get everything finished...fear not. You will. Tomorrow is another day...

www.simplydeliciouslingerie.com

Is It Time for Some "YOU' Time?

Are you in desperate need of a change? Have you been wishing you could change your appearance? Are you growing tired of your hair, skin, body shape or size, need to take off a few pounds or several, or even just sick to death of the style of your clothing? If you've experienced any of these feelings, you might just need so "YOU" time and you might just enjoy a mini-makeover!

How you feel about your body image has a substantial effect on how you feel about yourself as a person. Your confidence and your self-esteem is a big part of who you are and how you feel...and if you don't feel that you area at your best, it will begin to show. Let's face it guys and gals...Everyone needs a boost to his or her body image once in awhile. And it just feels good to make some changes to your personal appearance.

Follow these suggestions to freshen up and to dress up your look:

1. Visit your beauty salon or barbershop for a new haircut. Nothing makes you feel newer and more revitalized than a good cut and hairstyle.

• A haircut that fits your facial features gives your face a lift and will make you look and feel younger.Get highlights, or low lights...it makes a BIG difference! Your appearance will be a 100% turn around! GO for a sassy bold change! You only live once, so have some fun for heaven sakes.

2. Give your skin some attention.

• Whether you're a man or a woman, there are good facial product lines to fit your needs.
• Each morning and evening, wash your face with a facial soap or cleanser and pat dry. Follow up with a toner, like witch hazel, applied with a cotton ball or pad. Finally, apply a facial moisturizer.Softer skin looks great and you'll feel younger.
• If you continue this regimen daily, you'll notice your skin looking more vibrant and healthy. You skin show glow, not look drab and dull. 
• You're worth the time and effort it takes each day to take care of your skin. You certainly don't want to look 70 when your 50...so make the changes NOW!

3. Perhaps you've been feeling you could stand to spend some time exercising.

• If it's been a while, like sometimes it is for me, check fitness websites for toning exercises.It only take 30 minutes a day or even every other day to get whipped into shape. Your body will thank you and you'll feel better every time you take a good hard look in the mirror.
• Remember... even a 30-minute walk each day could be just the exercise you're looking for to get your heart rate up and your muscles more defined.
• Whatever you decide, make exercising a priority. Don't do it for other people...Do it for you.
• Also, check with your doctor first before you start any sort of new exercise regimen.

4. If you believe you need to lose a few pounds, think about what approach you might like to use. If you've lost weight using healthy strategies in the past, consider following those same methods again, with your doctor's approval.

• On the other hand, if you haven't had much success in the past, or have never tried weight loss, ask your doctor or a nutritionist for advice on how to safely lose and keep off the extra pounds.

5. It's not unusual to tire of wearing the same clothes or same style. Updating your look is an important aspect of a mini-makeover. Getting a new outfit and freshening up your style will make you feel renewed.

• If you aren't sure you can select a new outfit that'll look great on you, go to your favorite department store and ask for assistance. Get some Q&A fashionista help! We offer it on Simply Delicious Lingerie.com or in a store... Let the sales clerk know what you're looking for, in general, and then try on a few things that they suggest.Sometimes they will give you things that you wouldn't have tried on for size on your own. Try to see things through someone else's eyes. You may like the new attire!
• For the ladies, if you need assistance accessorizing your new outfit with scarves and jewelry, a sales clerk can definitely assist you. You can even take your clothing to the accessories and jewelry departments to look at the ensemble all together. Your new look will bring out a fresh, new you.

6. Unwanted stress can exhaust you emotionally and physically. Good Lord...I wrote the book on this one. Divorced, single mom for 13 years, worked 2-3 jobs, two kids in private high schools and then college and study abroad...I was drained emotionally, financially, and physically. It never stops as a parent regardless of if you are a single parent or not though. This is the job title that we took on when we decided to have children. Stress can do a real number on you. I know first hand...If you're feeling the effects of chronic tension, consider practicing stress management techniques throughout your day.Try to ease the load, and if you cannot do that, ask for help. I know that it wasn't easy playing the role of mom and dad, but when I took on the SuperMom Role, it made me feel better...little did I know that it was draining me. Hey, often we put our wants and needs aside to take care of our families. What I am suggesting is to just try to make some ""you" time to relax a little.

• Read a book on meditation or relaxation techniques. Get better sleep. Drink a glass of wine at night to relax...they say that it is also good for your heart. For me that's one more reason to consume alcohol. Your appearance will improve when you lighten your stress load. You won't look so stressed out and run down. I've learned that sometimes you just have to make time for you and learn how to say 'no' to others. Go pamper yourself for a day!

Every now and then, most people want to make some changes in their appearance. Giving your body image a lift with a mini-makeover may be just the change you need to feel rejuvenated. Use the suggestions above to give yourself a mini-makeover or go to the spa for a day...

You'll feel renewed and refreshed, your be much happier and feel better about YOU!

www.simplydeliciouslingerie.com 

Does Meditation Really Work?

To relax is to meditate. The state of relaxation, along with the ability to relax, is one of the most sought after mental states of mind in men and women today.  Now more than ever, individuals are seeking that wonderful state of relaxation that has eluded them for so long in this busy, intense, “everything now” society.  

 Meditation is a practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the breath, movement, or attention itself in order to increase awareness of the present moment, reduce so much of that daily added and most unnecessary stress, promote relaxation, and enhance personal and spiritual growth. Meditation benefits people with or without acute medical illness or stress. People who meditate regularly have been shown to feel less anxiety and depression. They also report that they experience more enjoyment and appreciation of life and that their relationships with others are improved.

 Meditation produces a state of deep relaxation and a sense of balance or equanimity. Last night I had this conversation with a man. He is a motivational speaker and has a balance of life as well as a love for life. You can feel it as well as hear it in his voice when he speaks. He is driven and smart and meditates daily. I'll keep you posted because I think I can learn a lot from this man. They say that God puts certain people in our lives for a reason,...so what if I were meant to meet him for this reason...my life gets stressful, and as a single mother of 13 years and having raised 2 kids now 28 and 26, dealt with cancer 5 out of the last 10 years, and hit every other wall humanly possible...perhaps this is my warning sign to slow down and enjoy life? Could it be time for my reality check?

For most people, meditation is a simple way to get connected spiritually, manage stress and create a more peaceful way of living. But there are also other benefits that come along with a daily meditation practice, one of which is stronger self-confidence. There are many ways that meditation can help strengthen your confidence, but probably the most important is the way it connects you with a deeper part of yourself. 

Most of us are used to connecting with our thoughts more than anything else and it’s easy to forget that there is more to us than that. Regular meditation helps you transcend your thoughts and connect to your true inner essence, whether you want to call it your spirit, your soul, your higher self, or even divinity. The more you connect with this inner core, the more you tend to live your life from a calmer, deeper perspective.

As a result, you are less likely to engage in negative self-talk or be overly critical of yourself. 

You live each moment with the awareness that you are valuable because of who you are, rather than anything you do. Before you know it, your confidence grows and you find yourself feeling more courageous, willing to take bigger risks and overcome perceived failure. Your very sense of self is no longer tied up in a false perception of who you think you are, but the very core of your being.Though much of this process happens automatically through regular meditation, there are also a few things you can do if you want to help it along:

Build yourself up with positive self-talk

Before, during or after your meditation sessions, spend a few minutes speaking positively to and about yourself. It’s best to say things that you won’t have trouble believing because your subconscious mind is more likely to accept them.

Try statements like these:

“I am proud of my past accomplishments. I am capable of becoming great at anything I choose to do. I believe in myself and my capabilities. I give myself permission to be confident and successful. I thrive on challenges. I am unstoppable. I have faith in my dreams.”

Envision empowerment

Visualization is a perfect complement to meditation and can dramatically improve your results. Spend a few minutes a day imagining yourself feeling completely strong and confident in whatever you do. What would it feel like to be super strong and purposeful every day? Generate some mental pictures of yourself doing just that, and allow yourself to feel that way. The more you imagine yourself feeling and acting confidently, the easier you’ll find it to do in your day to day experiences.

Redefine failure

One common cause of low self-confidence is pervasive memories of past failures. However, the problem lies not in the failed attempts themselves, but what you concluded from them. You convinced yourself that failure was the end, that you would never be successful – but does that have to be true? What if you began to see “failure” as an opportunity to try again? 

Use your meditation sessions to affirm and visualize that you can be successful regardless of how many times you’ve failed in the past. Imagine yourself encouraging others by sharing stories of your past failures – and eventual success! Imagine yourself saying to them, “Do you know how many times I failed before I succeeded? If I can do it, so can you!” If you change your perception of failure into something more positive and empowering, your confidence will skyrocket. You’ll find yourself eager to try again and again until you succeed.

You have nothing to lose, so give it a try.... you may find yourself doing it soon on a daily basis. 

www.simplydeliciouslingerie.com