Last year at this time I posted that I would be slip-sliding away and trying to place less emphasis on the merry-go-round of social media. I jumped-ship from some of the groups and communities that I had joined where everyone was trying to one-up the other with shit-chat chit-chat (oops, typo) of conferences attended, ambassadorships and review opps snagged. I found a different group where the members were more than willing to share helpful blogging tips, and the competitiveness wasn’t there. Not surprisingly, these were the very mom bloggers I’ve known and traveled in circles with since I started blogging in 2007.

I also was determined that I was going to try to enjoy life, relax more, get back to some of my favorite hobbies such as cooking and crafts that I enjoy such as crocheting. Pinterest has become a huge inspiration for me and a gentle reminder to enjoy life to it’s fullest. I found tons of craft and DIY ideas for kids and grandkids. We made snow globes together during the Christmas season. I’ve set up boards and have many inspiring pins for winter, spring, summer and fall craft ideas as well as for the holidays – Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving projects.

I was reminded to laugh more. There’s so many funny quips, quotes and sayings I’ve pinned to my “Words to Make You Giggle” Pinterest board.

What would it be like to go around in a serious state of mind all the time? You’ve got to laugh sometime. Laughter is good medicine for you and you should prescribe it to yourself as much as possible. This is definitely stress buster material.

Best Stress Relief

Check out some ways that you can laugh and release stress at the same time:

• First, you must realize that having laughter in your life can increase your energy and take away any negative vibes that you may be feeling. When you laugh, you release the pent-up anger and frustration that has been bottled up inside you from being stressed. You can find some good comedy shows on television that are really funny.

• Think of some situations where the outcome ended up being pretty humorous. You can think on those and get a kick out of them. Let go of the complaining and murmuring.

•  Go take in a comedy club. Check out the up and coming comedians at local venues in your area.

This past week we got together with my daughters, charming son-in-law and nephew and all went to see Jeff Dunham, one of our favorite comedians. Jeff Dunham – Controlled Chaos along with his friends Walter, Peanut and Achmed were at the Hartford XL Center.

Earlier this year the hubby and I got out to see and enjoy Orange County Choppers at MGM Grand Foxwoods Resort.  We also visited Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum in NYC and were delightfully entertained by the Broadway show, Wicked.  In January I’ll again be taking my grandchildren to enjoy Disney on Ice.  (If you’re local, be sure to check out my post for Discount Promo Codes for the upcoming show.)

• Smile more often. If you’re not used to doing this, then start now. Did you know that smiling can be contagious?

Learn to spread your laughter and joy to others who need it.  Not only will it help them, it’ll also help you.

What about you?  Do you have any special ways to live a healthier lifestyle and de-stress in 2012?

Happy New Year everyone!

© 2011 Moomettes Magnificents

Photo Credit: EduLeite

A New You in a New Year | Best Stress Relief | Laughter and Health | is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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So let’s look into lifestyle choices, specifically exercise and anti-aging tips.

Anti Aging Tips

A few forms of exercise can be managed by almost everyone and it has big potential to help with anti-aging.  Although it may not be able to reverse aging, exercise could help by toning up your muscles and giving you a greater degree of flexibility, which can translate into a fuller quality of life.  Exercise can also help keep extra weight off that would otherwise place more stress on joints and organs.  In addition, exercise might have some other benefits by bringing about a healthy release from stress in your life.

It’s key to confer with your physician first before jumping into an exercise routine. Ask the doctor any questions you may have regarding what types of exercise you can safely perform and what she suggests. Also have your doctor’s office conduct any tests first, taking into account your age, which may include a stress EKG.

Benefits of Workout

As you start an exercise program, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Begin slowly. Nothing stamps out your desire to exercise like going full-out on the first day and ending up so tender you can scarcely get out of bed in the morning. Moderation is key.

2. Keep it regular. To have long-lasting benefits, you ought to deally do some type of exercise each week forever and a day. If that sounds daunting, just take it week by week until it’s a fixture of your life. Oftentimes you need to remind yourself why you’re performing it and other times you’ll want to do it since it feels so redeeming.

3. Spice it up and make it interesting. There is no “should” do this or do that. If you’re getting any cardiovascular or muscle strengthening benefit from your workout, then just do it. If you find doing the same thing each and every day is tiresome, then alternate your routine. Ride a bike, play tennis, walk, lift some weights, try Pilates, yoga,  dance and workout to Zoomba, or whatever sounds interesting to you.

Exercise can be a huge anti-aging artillery weapon as your workouts can help manage your weight, your self-esteem, your muscle tone and your flexibility. The good news is you can tailor your daily outine to accommodate you and your particular lifestyle. So confer with your physician, put aside excuses, and get moving.

© 2011 Moomettes Magnificents

Photo Credit: drjimiglide

A New You in a New Year | Best Stress Relief | Laughter and Health | is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Reebok and Sportline fitness product lines include digital Pedometers, Fitness Watches and Heart Rate Monitors for women.

Reebok InShape Fitness Watch

The Reebok InShape Fitness Watch allows you to accurately monitory your fitness activity.  The more you move, the more you tone, and this watch can track your every step, kick, jump and skip right from your wrist.  InShape features a Calorie Burn Monitor, Speed, Distance and Step Tracking and accurately tracks Total Time In Motion, while a speed monitor keeps you on pace.

Available in three colors

MSRP: ($79.99)

Reebok InView Pedometer

The Reebok InView Pedometer means the data is only visible to the user.  We all like to share our fitness accomplishments.  But our personal data is well, personal.  The Reebok InView Digital Pedometer is designed to provide great information … but just for you.  The private display shows you what you need to know without showing the world.

Features Include: 

• Digital Step and Distance Accuracy
• Calorie Burn Monitor
• Discreet Privacy Display
• Easy To Use
• Available in Three Colors

MSRP:  ($24.99)

Sportline SnapShot Pedometer

The Sportline SnapShot Pedometer  displays five key fitness data readouts — steps, distance, calories, average pace and total activity time – all at once so there’s no scrolling needed. Powered by Sportline’s Infiniti Motion Sensor, this highly advanced pedometer technology accurately measures your body movements when worn from multiple locations on the body and in multiple orientations. One large, single button is all you need to operate this light yet sturdy device.

The SnapShot clearly displays:

1. Steps Taken

2. Distance Traveled

3. Calories Burned

4. Average Pace/Speed

5. Total Activity Time

MSRP: ($29.99)

The Sportline SnapShot is sold at retailers across the country including Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, Fred Meyer, Academy, Meijer, Hibbett’s, and Big 5.

© 2011 Moomettes Magnificents

A New You in a New Year | Best Stress Relief | Laughter and Health | is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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It was a one-two back-to-back punch which made Tropical Storm Irene look tame as far as electric outages go.

Winter Storm Alfred Power Outage

At it’s peak, over 858k+ households were without power, with very little confident information as to when power would be restored. Best case scenario for most now (me included) is Sunday, November 6, 2011.

I have had to throw out the entire contents of two refrigerators and freezers. I have never in 38 years ever had to do this. I am sick over it. Called my insurance agent and it might be covered with a deductible. I took photos.

Schools have been cancelled for one week. They are scrambling how to make up the 180 day mandated school year.

Tempers are flaring and there are long lines and fights at gas stations.

Deaths have occurred from carbon monoxide poisoning.

There are reports of generators being stolen.

Everyone is wondering why the National Guard hasn’t been called out to help with tree clearing.

Connecticut had more outages than all the other states combined impacted by this storm.

Help from other state utility crews has been slow to arrive.

The state residents are asking questions, want answers and deserve answers.

Cindi – Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A New You in a New Year | Best Stress Relief | Laughter and Health | is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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We are out of gas for the generator. Lost all our food in refrigerator and freezer. It was a choice if heat or food. Open gas stations are few and far between in Central Connecticut. Why the companies are not making deliveries to those that are open is beyond me. Something about backups at the ports in New Haven or Bridgeport. I think it’s just spin.

It’ Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature

Camping Inside My House During a Bizzare Power Outage

The electric company has projection reports up of 7 to 10 days before we get power back. We need extra out-of-state crews. Where is the National Guard to make the roads passible?

One CVS was only allowing one customer in at a time fir Rx, cash only.

Some gas stations I heard are only accepting cash.

This is insane, especially after Irene

It isn’t even winter yet.

What’s super annoying is the Power Restoration Projection charts shows towns along the shoreline being 99 percent restored and they received rain! What a way for the companies to pat themselves on the back!

How do you prepare for emergencies?

Cindi – Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A New You in a New Year | Best Stress Relief | Laughter and Health | is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Pine Bros. Softish Throat Drops

Pine Bros. has a strong following of people who never forgot about them and who have been pining for their return.  As a baby boomer, I can fondly remember these softish drops as a kid.  Both my mom and grandmother would always have some throat drops tucked away in the event someone needed them for a sore throat, a “tickle in their throat” or a horse throat if one of us was coming down with a cold or something.

Softish and Chewy

You might think what’s so special about the Pine Bros. throat drops?  Well no other throat drop is “softish” and their drops are completely delicious!

• Trusted brand since 1870
• Soothing America’s throats for over 140 years
• Made in America
• Convenient and refillable puck.  Perfect for keeping in your desk or toting around in your handbag, purse, backpack, briefcase, pocket or car
• Softish and chewy
• Easy to give to children (over the age of three)
• Only 5 calories a drop!
• Amazing Taste
• Natural Honey or Wild Cherry flavors

Not just a throat drop, it’s an experience!

This cough and cold season, when you think you have some symptoms of colds,  be sure to look for Pine Bros. Throat Drops and get some relief for yourself!

Find them at:  CVS, Kinney Drug, Bartell Drug Stores, Drugstore.com and Vermont Country Stores

For More Information Visit:  Pine Bros.

On Facebook: Pine-Bros

On Twitter: @pinebros

A New You in a New Year | Best Stress Relief | Laughter and Health | is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Best Anti Aging Cream Products

For years, women have thrown a significant amount of their time and money into the fountain of youth. With promises of younger, healthier looking skin at any age, anti-aging cosmetics have found a market of their own down the makeup aisle. These (at one time) new fangled creams and liquids were like soft buttery gold for women looking to restore their youthful glow. However, though many of these creams and elixirs can no doubt improve the quality and elasticity of your skin, not all anti-aging formulas are created equal. There are several products out there that claim “anti-aging” and “rejuvenating” elements, that in reality are no different from your average store brand skin lotion. Before you head out to the cosmetics department to spend a huge wad of cash on any old skin rejuvenating formula, educate yourself on the elements of these products that make them effective. These three ingredients are the most important and effective elements of any anti-aging formula.

Aloe Vera

We all know aloe as the plant gel you put on your skin after a harsh sunburn, but many overlook how useful aloe vera extract is as a rejuvenating ingredient. Aloe vera is an all natural extract taken from the leaves of the aloe plant. For years and years, this clear, cool gel has been utilized as a healing remedy for skin abrasions and burns in the medical and herbal world. However, in more recent years, researchers have been exploring the plants’ remarkable potential as an anti-aging element. Aloe naturally rejuvenates skin in a way that in the past was only possible through harsh chemicals with undesired side effects. If you are interested in using an anti-aging skin cream that is all natural, one that contains aloe vera is a must. Some of the most effective anti-aging creams and elixirs out there do not simply feature aloe as a primary ingredient, but rather use the plant extract as a the base of the product.

Antioxidants

There’s no doubt that antioxidants are essential for the health and well-being of your skin. While many of the antioxidants our body needs we obtain through our daily diet, antioxidants improve skin quality best when applied topically. Antioxidants are essential for the skin and many excellent skin care products contain them in varying forms. Antioxidants come from vitamins A, C, and E. Some of the very best anti-aging and skin rejuvenating antioxidants come from green tea, soy extract, grape extract, pomegranate extract, and many other natural elements. When shopping for the most effective youth cream, find one full of antioxidants. They can help prevent daily damage to skin for the natural elements, boost the effectiveness of sunscreens, help skin heal more easily, and help produce healthy collagen for the skin. As a useful tip, when shopping for an anti-aging cream high in antioxidants, be sure to find one that is packaged in a sealable tube rather than a jar because air deteriorates antioxidants.

Fatty Acids, Amino Acids, and Collagen

These three ingredients are known as skin-identical elements. Healthy and youthful looking skin naturally contains elements that keep it smooth, help it retain water, protect it from the elements, and fight infection. Fatty acids, amino acids, collagen, and other skin-like ingredients help aid the skin in repairing its outer barrier. Skin that cannot retain moisture will eventually become creased and wrinkled. These ingredients help to lock in moisture within the actual cell walls of your skin, giving it that youthful moisture and smoothness it needs. Furthermore, these ingredients act as a reinforcement mechanism for your skin’s natural ability to fight environmental stressors throughout the day. By repairing the outer structure of the skin and helping it to retain moisture, these acids and other elements will dramatically improve your skins’ texture.

Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.

Photo Credit: photo credit: David Boyle

A New You in a New Year | Best Stress Relief | Laughter and Health | is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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UPDATE: I needed to replace my vacuum bags and was able to find the series Q bags for the Sears Kenmore Progressive Canister Vacuum 21614 at my local Sears. The canister bags are also
also available online.

Santa has a magical way that he can get the
canister vacuum down the chimney!  Really! The Kenmore 21614 canister vac provides powerful cleaning for all floor types as well as the flexibility to clean above floor surfaces such as furniture, drapes, stairs and more.  Plus, the Pet PowerMate and Pet Upholstery Tool and HEPA filtration are especially useful for removing pet hair from furniture and cleaner exhaust air.

One Upon A Time … My baby girl, Darling Daughter No. 2 of the Gen Y genre, has boomeranged back home to my once empty nest. Actually, she’s in the process of selling her condo, and this is the second time that this adult child has returned to the fold.  My youngest is my happy homemaker. See, I have two darling daughters, and I didn’t make the same mistake twice. This one cleans the house for her Baby Boomer Mama! Darling Daughter has middle child syndrome, (actually, youngest child syndrome) and refers to herself as “Cinderella.” Now that Cinderella has moved back home, I guess, as Martha Stewart would say, it’s  “a good thing!”

I think.  You see, this time around Cinderella has moved back in with her house cat, and Bentley Beagle.  I’ll tell the tale of Bentley Beagle on another post, but let’s just say he’s incorrigible.

The fairy tale continues, but on a more favorable note – I was ecstatic when the nice folk at Sears Kenmore contacted me to ask if I would like to review the Kenmore Progressive Canister 21614 Vacuum.

I avoid spending energy at any cost on cleaning by having Darling Daughter do it for me. It’s called “payback” – for things like college tuition – I don’t have to dial a cleaning maid – I just either Facebook Cinderella, or call her upstairs on her cell phone.  It was part of the “deal” for her getting her old bedroom back for the second time.  We realize she has a mortgage, car payments, student loans and pet food to pay for, but hey – Grandmom could really use a housekeeper.  I have blogging to do!

My trusty 8-lb. upright vacuum that I bought several years ago and thought was the bee’s knees is on the fritz. Cinderella used it one too many times in her rent-free room upstairs, and it’s all plugged up. So to thank her for her Domestic Diva contributions, the Kenmore Progressive Canister Vacuum has made Cinderella’s life so much easier with all it’s magnificent features!

Kenmore 21614 Progressive Canister Vacuum

I’m just giggling at the thought of instead of a broom, Cinderella would be able to flit around the entire upstairs and downstairs of the castle with the canister.

Canister Vacuum Cleaners

Some important features for canister vacuum cleaners include reliability, purchase price, HEPA filter  weight, storage, quality of tools, control locations, noise, adjustable wand, retractable cord, ease of changing attachments and  swivel hose, and other extra features.  The Kenmore is a winner and makes it the best canister vacuum in all these areas!

Ultra Versatile With Unique 6 in 1 Handle

The special 6 in-1 handle attaches any of the following: 1 ) Combination brush 2) Pet Powermate 3) Crevice tool 4) Pet hair tool 5) Floor brush and  6) wand

Stair Friendly

The Kenmore has an exclusive Stair Grip Unique design that keeps the vacuum upright for worry-free stair cleaning.

This is a truly great exclusive feature. No more holding a canister and trying to balance on the stairs. The stair grip ‘hooks’ on and means she can go up and down worry free when cleaning my stairs.

Pet Hair Removal

The electric-powered Pet Power-Mate makes for easy pet hair cleanup, designed to remove pet hair from (my) furniture and stairs. Also included is a new “soft touch” attachment engineered to gently remove pet hair from delicate fabrics.

Cinderella noticed  the electric powered pet power mate has a motor that just goes and goes, and does a great job of getting up all those pet hairs. Tip: Use it on your stairs to get that dirt you usually leave behind…but it’s not for use on your pets themselves !

Hepa Vacuum Filtration

Kenmore leaves behind cleaner air. True HEPA vacuum operation captures 99.97% of all particles down to 0.3 microns in size, keeping irritating allergens at bay, and comes with a HEPA cloth dust bag.

Bagged vacuums from Kenmore provide True Hepa Filtration and dust cloud free emptying. The Hepa cloth dust bag gives you added confidence that the allergens are captured.

Now don’t you think Cinderella will be so glad she moved back home now that she’s seen how easy I’ve tried to make life for her with a Sears Kenmore Progressive Canister vacuum?

Make someone’s life easier this Holiday Season!

Use Promo Code SANTA for FREE Shipping!

And They All Lived Happily After. The End.

Visit:
Sears Kenmore

Twitter: @SearsBlueCrewHA

Visit SearsBlueApplianceCrew on Facebook

© 2010 Moomettes Magnificents

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A New You in a New Year | Best Stress Relief | Laughter and Health | is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. How and Why to Not Let Retirement Stress You Out
2. Laughter Medicine Can Improve Family And Personal Relationships
3. Fun in the Snow the New England Way Lyman Orchards – Winterfest Connecticut

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