This past winter I was on a journey to find ways to relieve stress.
Read MoreA Tribute to my Mother
Each month when Lucky Magazine arrives, I do what I do with most of my favorite novels - I quickly flip to the back page with anticipation & curiosity. Lucky always ends with a lovely tribute to mothers called My Mom, The Style Icon which is a column inspired by Piper Weiss' blog . In honor of Mother's Day, this feature inspired a tribute to the woman that taught me to never place judgement on others, always treats people with compassion, approach life knowing that it is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it....and always keep a frozen lasagna in the freezer for last minute guests. I recently stumbled upon a handful of pictures of my mother that I find incredibly captivating - they reflect not only her beauty but also her sweet demeandor and kind soul. Her love for life and positive attitude has always been contagious. When I was young, she would wake me up with a song while she opened my bedroom drapes to let the sun shine in. Now in my 30's, I occasionally find myself humming this uplifting song in the morning. The lyrics:
Good morning, good morning, good morning...
It's time to rise and shine! Good morning, good morning, good morning...
I hope you're feeling fine! The sun is just above the hill, another day for us to fill.
Good morning, good morning, good morning...
It's time to rise and shine!
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I love you, Mom! xoxo
December is the New January
For most business owners, December is a hectic month. Juggling personal obligations on top of running a company requires super human abilities and often leave us exhausted. Non-retail business owners typically enjoy December as business tends to slow down. Retail or not, all entrepreneurs have one thing in common - we are not very good at slowing down! If you are like me, your mind races and you don’t do well with idle time. “Relaxing” always seems like such a great concept in theory, but give me a day off and I quickly fill it up with personal to do lists and at-home projects. My husband {also an entrepreneur} has an even more challenging time turning the productivity level down a notch so as you can imagine, there are a few must-haves in the Sandok home: yoga, red wine and stacks of self-help books that claim to teach how to “live life in the slow lane.” I have learned that in order to regroup and strategize for your business, making time for yourself is an absolute must so I make December my “secret” month. It is the time that I reflect on the year {both personally and professionally} so that when 2012 rolls around, I am able to fly out of the gate with an arsenal of new ideas ready to be implemented. Here are a few tips to help you do the same: Schedule ME time.
It’s the holidays for most people so you’re finding it harder to get things done anyway. I suggest that you plan a weekend away {preferably alone or with a business-minded friend/spouse with whom you can bounce ideas back and forth}. Head some place warm or up north and TURN YOUR LIFE OFF. No cell phone, no email and no internet. You need to be able to focus on yourself and your business. Take time to relax, reflect and plan. You don’t need to stay somewhere fancy, just find a place where you can hear your thoughts {Manhattan is not a good idea}. One of my favorite spots is the Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield, WI. The town is so quaint, friendly and offers a handful of adorable little coffee shops and restaurants. Something about the clean air and slow pace is incredibly welcoming. I can imagine that a peaceful beach retreat would be equally calming.
Wind Down.
Once you have found your spot, focus on how you can immediately wind down. Perhaps a massage, yoga class or nestling by the fire with a good book would help. Once you find mental clarity and relaxation, you can truly start to reflect on the past year. I suggest starting with your personal life and then moving on to your business. Prioritizing our own happiness is most important. What worked? What didn’t work? What can you change in 2012 to make both your personal life and your business better?
Reconnect.
Once you have connected with yourself. Make a plan for how you can strengthen your relationships with your family, friends, staff and clients. Maybe make a list of people that you owe a PHONE call {much more personal} or perhaps a hand-written note. In this time when we mass produce everything {including our conversations}, make something is uniquely personal and personalized.
I challenge you to make December your “secret” month. Focus on yourself. Focus on your business. This will allow you to mindfully plan for the best 2012 of your life.
Living the French Way
When I reminisce about my time in Paris, I reflect on the relaxed, chic and liberating attitude of the French. Each morning begins with a trip to the cafe for a latte and the boulangerie for a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant). Leisurely lunches last two hours and consist of a fresh baguette, artisan cheese and a glass (or two) of wine. I have no guilt about the excess carbs...or the fact that wine has somewhat replaced water. Life seems to move a bit more slowly and each decision seems more deliberate. Yes, this is the point of a vacation but many locals choose this as a way of life. The feeling is incredibly liberating, yet I always return home only to be rushed back into my daily routine of juggling multiple projects, hustling from one meeting to the next, drinking my coffee on the go, steering clear of carbs and sneaking in early morning workouts. One of my new year's resolutions was to SLOW DOWN and incorporate a little French attitude into my daily routine. I crave those pleasure-filled moments and have found little ways to incorporate them into my hectic schedule. A few tips on how you too can breathe a little more deeply each day:
- Choose one meal each day that you eat sitting down. My husband and I always eat either breakfast or dinner at our kitchen table. Even if we only have twenty minutes, we try to enjoy our meal without distractions. Do not read the paper, respond to emails or make a ‘to do” list as you chew. Instead, relax and enjoy the scenery or conversation.
- Spend less time on social media. Yes, it is important to stay caught up with your friends and family, but is it truly necessary to read every tweet or status update? So much of your time on social media is spent reading trivial posts. Instead, spend that time reading a chapter out of a new book, taking a bubble bath, going for a walk, meditating or catching up with a close friend.
- Walk or ride your bike as much as possible. The extra activity will not only burn more calories but will also help you think more clearly.
- Schedule your meetings further apart. Give yourself twice the needed time to get to each meeting or appointment. This will give you more time to notice your surroundings, relax and leisurely go about your day.
- Rid yourself of guilt. Sometimes you DESERVE a treat - an extra slice of pizza, oodles of carmel topping on your sundae, a towering plate of pomme frites (French Fries), sleeping until noon, taking a day off from the treadmill or sneaking in a pedicure over the lunch hour. As emotions go, guilt is pretty futile. It is an icky, discouraging force that rarely does any good and is usually self-inflicted. Your ‘crimes’ are victimless, so rather than reviling indulgences, relish in them without stressing about everything that doesn’t seem “perfect” in your mind.
I think I have finally figured out why French women are so desirable and thin. They live each day rather than just surviving it and they don't let guilt weigh them down. C’est la vie!
Health + Fitness Tips from Stacie Clark
Meet Stacie Clark - my gorgeous, incredibly buff and business-savvy friend. We met many moons ago when I religiously attended her "Definitions" aerobics class at Lifetime Fitness - Staring at her abs for 60 minutes a couple times each week was motivating!
She and her equally fit husband now own Tiger Athletics, a fitness company that trains ALL athletes (kids, youth and adults) with programs for recreational workouts up to professional athletes. They transform bodies on a daily basis and are experts when it comes to health and fitness so I thought we might be able to learn a few tips of our own before heading into 2011.
C: Let’s start with food consumption. I am sure you burn a ton of calories during your workout each day. Give us an idea of what you would eat for each meal and snack.
S: I love food but it’s all about balance. Breakfast is key for me to have a successful training day. For pre- and/or post-training, breakfast will generally be made up of a small cup of coffee to jumpstart the morning, 8 ounces of water and either low-fat yogurt with granola and fruit or a banana with peanut butter. I do have a weakness for blueberry and banana pancakes Lunch is always a large serving of protein. Protein helps muscle recovery and reduces soreness, as well as suppresses your appetite. I love soups, salads with grilled chicken, and sushi. Dinner options are grilled salmon, chicken, steak with vegetables such as asparagus, grilled mixed peppers, broccoli, cauliflower and garlic. Favorite snacks between meals: nuts (pistachios and almonds), apples, clementines, oranges, grapes & granola bars. For recovery, chocolate milk is the best recovery drink (fact!) so I will generally make sure to have a glass post-training. Other favorites include pomegranate juice and Zico coconut flavored water.
C: What if you are unable to sneak a workout in? What would your daily intake of food look like?
S: I don’t get crazy on calorie consumption, as long as I am within reason. You only live once. But, hey, I don’t sit on the couch with a bag of chips or run to the store for a dozen donuts either. I enjoy food, a glass of wine, ice cream with the kids….I’m normal!
C: Do you have any staple foods in your fridge? What items do you buy every week?
S: Wine and milk – 2 staples. (Did I just say that!?) Well, you can always expect to find yogurt and eggs too!
C: What (if any) supplements do you recommend?
S: XtendlifeTotal Balance Premium– my husband and I love them. They are made in New Zealand. The minerals are chelated, the way they are made and processed allows your body to absorb it 100% rather than pass through your body.
C: How many times each week do you recommend for cardio? Strength Training? Core Training?
S: It depends on the individual’s goals and fitness level. But generally speaking as a lean athlete and fitness enthusiast, I would recommend cardio 5-7 times a week, 45-60 minutes. The standard used to be 3-5 times/week, but today people tend to be less active. There are many ways to get cardio in: running, cycling (indoor/outdoor), athletic water training, swimming, stepmill, treadmill (walk/run intervals), there is something for everyone. Strength training is recommended to do 1-2 times a week focusing on total body, but again, it really depends on each person’s goals. When strength training at Tiger Athletics, we believe in using one’s body as the machine. Do we use weights and resistant bands and other toys? Of course, but if you can’t lift your body weight, how fit are you? And lastly, Core Training – there is nothing better than Functional Core Training. Yes, this includes ab work. Your core is from your shoulders to your knees & it’s made up of 28 muscles and 59 attachments. So, we work the front, back, sides and everything in between. This protocol is recommended for all ages and all levels a minimum of 2-3 times a week.
C: What type of athletic events do you do?
S: I love to do anything out-of-the-box. At Tiger, our world is our gym, we use the environment. So, if it’s snowing, we snowshoe. If there are mountains, we hike. Water? We kayak or strength train (yes, in the H2O!) I love to run – trail or beach running is the best. The Riviera Maya is a special place to me (and everyone at Tiger). Two times a year (Feb & Nov), Tiger Athletics hosts a group training trip for 4-5 days. On the last day there is an Adventure Race. It’s similar to a mini-Amazing Race – so fun!! Running, kayaking, beach drills, all challenging but not impossible. And the best part? All levels can do it and everyone has a chance to win! Our next trip is Feb 17-21, 2011. Are you game?:)
C: Are there any athletic clothing lines that you think are functional and fashionable?
S: I am a Brand Ambassador for Violet Love Brands, Shock Doctor, Hot Mama & lululemon athletica. The Violet Love headbands and leggings are perfect for the sweat & run look – you look cute all day! You can wear the headbands skinny, scrunched or wide. One of my favorite local stores is Maha Inspired Activewear in Wayzata. They get new shipments in everyday & carry tons of brands I wear. Everything I choose to wear is functional and fashionable, it has to be, it’s my life.
C: What motivates you?
S: I change lives.At Tiger, we empower the individual and enable them to achieve their goals through athletics and life skills. By teaching them the fundamentals of athleticism, they gain the confidence that allows them to realize their ability and potential, no matter what age or skill-level.
C: People may be surprised to know…
S: I traveled all over the world for 15 years as a buyer, designer, and fashion director to report on product and lifestyle trends….all while continuing my training.
C: How do you spend your free time?
S: I spend it by what I call "living the life as an athlete". My work is my play, my play is my work. Life is good.
Thank you, Stacie! Ladies (and Gents): Let us know if you have any more questions!
Best wishes for a healthy 2011!
30 Lessons in 30 Years
Fashion, Beauty and Life Lessons Learned in My First 30 Years.
- Every woman should own a LBD (little black dress) that makes her feel sexy.
- Everyone pretends to look bored at fashion week, but very few people actually are. Go figure.
- Drinking too much isn’t attractive.
- Pair your attention-grabbing clothes or accessories with understated ones. A sequined silk jacket looks stunning paired with distressed skinny jeans and heels.
- Invest in your lingerie. Having exactly the right pair of knickers will add pep to your step and make you feel confident! Hanky Panky and Cosabella panties are da bomb - perfectly sexy AND comfy.
- Dress to fit your personality. You do not NEED to follow the trends that grace the catwalk each season. Fashion is meant as a guide but not a rule book - never take it too seriously.
- Connect with classics and invest in staple pieces. Spend more on a trench coat, premium denim, school boy blazers, a timeless handbag and a crisp white blouse.
- Dry shampoo.
- Black opaque tights make everyone’s legs look good! My favorite brands are Wolford and Commando.
- Aviator sunglasses will always be cool.
- Make time for yourself. Sleep in, read a book, go to the spa, take a yoga class, relax in front of a fireplace, immerse yourself in a hobby...you get the idea.
- Never lose your sense of adventure or curiosity.
- Use a primer. Your makeup will last 10x longer.
- Travel. Tips from my favorite Travelista.
- A hand-written note will always be 100x more thoughtful than an email, text or (God forbid) Facebook message. Some of my favorites are from www.redstamp.com and www.paperista.com
- Support local designers. Anne Cramer, Scout by Tracy Bennett, Nelle Handbags and Joynoelle are a few of my favorites.
- It is okay to not “love vintage.” It isn’t for everyone and that doesn’t make you less cool! Vintage clothing only fits certain body types, so don’t beat yourself up if you can’t hang with the vintage peeps.
- No beauty product can do for you what 9 hours of sleep can!
- Indulge occasionally. Nothing beats a butterscotch sea salt scone from Jack’s Cafe or French fries at Barbette.
- Smoking is nasty and it gives you wrinkles.
- Don’t shop for clothes when you are on vacation. Why? Most people spend hours at the gym prior to a trip...so you are tan, thin and on vacation. What doesn’t look great when you are tan, thin and on vacation?
- Never listen to a salesperson when buying an important item. Their job is to SELL, not give you honest advice. Trust your gut instinct or bring an honest friend along shopping.
- Find a great tailor.
- If the shoes are only sorta comfortable when you try them on at the store, you can be sure they will kill your feet later.
- The best flea market in the world is in northern Paris. (Les Puces de Saint-Ouen)
- Don't waste time on jealousy. Life is too short and chances are you have something that he/she longs for anyway.
- Every Twin Citian should head north and spend time on Madeline Island. It is incredibly quaint and romantic.
- What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on your body. Kale, blueberries, salmon and lots of water will make your skin radiant - I promise.
- Take time to organize your closet. Donate items that you haven’t worn in two years or don’t fit anymore. And group items (pants, coats, tops, etc) by color. This will save you time in the morning.
- Stay grounded. We all spend plenty of time primping so it is important to make just as much time for selfless acts of kindness - Volunteer for a non-profit, help your elderly neighbor shovel snow, comfort a friend in need, etc.
I can't wait to see what I learn in the next 10 years of my life. Please post what you have learned in your lifetime!