Simple Leason's

I just left one of my new favorite cafes in Long Beach...Starling Cafe.  As I was standing there waiting for my Lavender Latte to-go I noticed a simple but impactful piece of art.  At first it looked like kids writing, as I got close up I realized it was a stitched piece.  The lessons were simple and what everyone should live by.  It reminds me of the saying "Everything I need to know I learned in Kindergarten"... here are the 5 Lessons to Live By (Writer Unknown):


1. Don't Be Negative
2. Be Kind to Others
3. Never Give Up
4. Remember to say 'Please' and 'Thank You'

If you have any additions please share....Enjoy!

Cara

My Favorite Daily Fix...

Every morning my routine is pretty much the same thing, alarm goes off, I role out of bed 1/2 asleep, walk upstairs, start a cup of hot green tea, turn on my computer, check email and then reality hits I am actually starting my work day.  To ease into my actually responsibility I always start my day reading a guilty pleasure, a blog called "Cupcakes & Cashmere".  Friends I know I talk about this, I seriously recommend you check it out.  It's girly and fun and a great way to start your day.

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/

INSANITY & P90X....Huge Fan

About a year ago is when I was first introduced to "Beachbody".  I remember the day clearly.  I was sitting in the bar of Pancho's in Manhattan Beach and looked up at the TV screen and was mesmerized.  I seriously couldn't take my eyes of the screen.  I felt so stupid it was an infomercial that I was seriously drawn into.  After that night (which by the way did not stop me from enjoying Pancho's amazing margaritas along with chips & salsa) I couldn't stop thinking about the infomercial.  They seriously hypnotized me.  I thought to myself wow, what a work out.  It looked intense and fun at the same time.  I loved the fact that it was geared towards both men and women.  Well, eventually I got over it.

Then, wedding season arrived.  My very good friend was getting married so of course there was event and event.  Each time I saw her she looked better and better.  By the time her wedding hit she literally was in the best shape of her life, better than when she started college.  She looked amazing and she gave all the credit to P90X.

So of course I begin my day dreaming all over again. I think to myself, "Wow, maybe an infomercial can actually jump start my desire to work out again." 

Following my friends wedding I decide to take the plunge and buy my first set of Beachbody DVDS.  I decide to invest in the P90X series.  I jump on board and do everything I can to follow the program.  I can't say I was the best student, I was a committed student, but not the best.  The workout was great, P90X really worked my core which is my weakest link.  It helped get me pumped and excited to workout each day.  I have to admit why I say I wasn't the best student, after awhile I found that the length of the tapes became difficult.  I wanted to work out so badly and I really whole heartedly love the series, however my schedule was a problem.  The tapes were usually an hour and working out 6 days a week was hard. I did the best I could and I can happily report that I saw results.

Then another friend introduced me to "INSANITY".  The program was the best thing to cross my path.  Within the Insanity set you have tapes that are around 30 - 40 min and there are tapes that run for an hour.  The work out is a serious core, cardio blast.  The best workout I have come across in years.  I use to be a cross-country runner until my knee went caput.  Since then I have struggled to find my fix.  And now I found it, INSANITY.  It's amazing. It's fun.  And it seriously makes a difference quickly.  I didn't follow the program exactly.  I worked out 3 days a week selecting the tapes I liked best.  And with that I saw great results.  I can only imagine if I had the will power to stick with the true recommendations.  The images I was drooling over in Pancho's could really be me. 
Here is a video sneak peek:




If anyone is looking for a fitness change I strongly recommend Beachbody.  The best part is there is a set for everyone.  If you order one and feel it's not for you return it and pick out something new.  I kept both P90X and Insanity because I see value in both programs.  To view their serious visit http://www.beachbody.com/ .

Good luck working out and if you have tips please share the love.

Table of 8

We all get 'forwards'.  I pretty much always delete them. Occassionally will read them.  And even less often actually forward them.  There is no meaning behind the forwards I select to read, forward or trash.  It simply has to do with where my mind is at when I receive the forward, what I am in the middle of and if I need a break. 

I received a forward today that was sent to me by my Mom, Sister & Mother-in-Law.  All great woman.  I liked the subject line "Table of 8". While reading it I thought everyone could be reminded of the moral of this quote...Enjoy!

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that have been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Eat, Pray, Love

I am currently racing through the book "Eat, Pray, Love" so I can finally see the movie. I try hard to read the stories before they become or before I see the movie because the book is the original idea.

While reading, "Eat, Pray, Love" I have come across several passages that I can very much relate to.  I continue highlighting the book as if I were in college taking notes. So with my act of highlighting and note taking I thought I share my current favorite. I believe everyone can relate to this line in some way or another. Take these words and see where your life falls. I am happy to say at this moment I am imperfect, but incredibly happy.

"The Bhagavad Gita - that ancient Indian Yogic text - says that it is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection" page 95, Elizabeth Gilbert.

Cheers,

Cara

What is your lifes road map?

The company I work for just earned a high honor, they are listed on the 2010 Inc 5000 list. While learning what this list means and represents I came across an article written about the Top 10 Women Entrepreneur. I found a quote to extra powerful written by one of the women selected. Interprete the quote as you like, however, it holds so much truth. This quote holds so much truth and value in terms of mylife and is helping me re-evaluate my life direction in terms of career and other decisions I make.

"You have to keep in mind what your priorities are. Plan your life before your life plans you." - Marie Diaz, CEO of Pursuit of Excellence

Check out more about the Inc 5000 list: http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2010/index.html

Thought of the Day...

I was busy reading all about my new adventure...Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot....and while reading about the founder, Jessica Herrin, I was truly inspired. She shared her Personal Motto with the world and I could not agree with her more:

"Be daring, be different, be impractical; be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary." –Cecil Beaton

Although there are the everyday tasks that are unavoidable, it's how you accomplish those task's. Who say's we have to follow the normal steps of life. Take a leap of faith. Do something scary. You never know what the results may be. Failure is a possibility, however, what you learn leading to failure is a huge reward. By taking the risk you are now able to answer the question "What if..." and you never know where those step's of risk will take you.

I challenge anyone who reads this post to follow through with your inside voice "What if I could be..." or "What if I tried..." you never know what the result may be. Spread your wings and persue the passion inside.

Cheers,

Cara

Great Advice...

A close friend of mine is 2 months away from getting married and she shared a piece of advice with me that I find to be some of the best advice in terms of marriage, as well as, life.

"No expectations..."

This doesn't mean you can have a plan or set goals. This just means that life changes, situations come up and by not having any set expectations than you won't be disappointed.
Think back to the times where you were most frustrated with a friend, husband, family member or even yourself....if you had avoided an expectation would things have been different?
Just a thought....hope everyone is enjoying 2010!
Cheers,
Cara

"A New Begining..."

Photo found on Flickr.com

As we say good bye to 2009 and look forward to 2010 {not only a new year, but a new decade), what thoughts run through your mind? Some people are believers that the New Year brings new beginnings. Other's look at the countdown and dropping of the ball as a reason to celebrate. I believe in both. At the same time, I also believe January 1st is no different than July 2nd or any other day of the year.

Why is it that our society puts so much pressure on the idea that the New Year Brings New Beginnings? Every day is a new day. Look to your past as a road map to your future. We all make mistakes; bad decisions or we often times do nothing at all. The beauty about each day is the opportunity for change.



I challenge everyone to set goals whether it is today, was on January 1st or will be on February 9th. I encourage everyone to set at least 3 goals and follow through with them. Below are a few tips to remember when setting and implementing your goals:



1. Set short and long term goals. Short term goals can be checked off frequently or are stepping stones to achieving your long term goal. A long term goal is more of a challenge and will take time and personal investment.

2. Goals must be specific and measurable.

3. Remember to be Realistic so that you remain committed.

4. Write them down.

5. Store them in a place where you will be reminded each day of what you plan to accomplish. My goals are posted at my desk in a place where I view them every day. I have heard of others who have taped their goals to the bathroom mirror or on the back of their bedroom door. It's a form of daily inspiration.

6. Share your goals with someone who will hold you accountable. Often times, we start off spirited and then we allow our ideas to fall by the waste side. Having an accountability partner will remind you and encourage you to follow through.

7. And finally celebrate, each time you accomplish a goal.

*Side note, although goals are intended to be accomplished, they can also change. As human beings our needs, wants, desires, capabilities, can all change based on experiences we have. Sometimes these experiences are controlled and other times they are out of our control. Remember to allow yourself some room for change.



I am going to finish this thought with a quote,

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."

- Lao Tzu 600 BC - 531 BC, thinkexist.com



Good Luck & Happy New Year!



Cara

Food for Thought

I was surprisingly inspired while reading the Editors Note in GLAMOUR magazine. For one, I rarely read the editors note non-the-less read it and find inspiration. I am typically ready to jump into the content of the magazine I tend to over look. This month’s issue was different. I was drawn in because of the photographs surrounding the note; the title struck my interest and then the notes ending was the clincher - a moment of inspiration. Cindi Leive, Editor-In Chief, shared with her readers lines that were spoken at the recent Glamour's Women of the Year Awards. Those words were:

"...Some of my favorite lines were spoken by comedian Amy Poehler, who said that while the adult version of herself was slightly startled to be honored, "the 10 year-old-version of me believed that I would be here. So...close your eyes and think about what you were like when you were 10...whether you were singing into the mirror or sitting in a tree...That little person believed that you could be here. And that's why you are."

Close your eyes, revisit your 10-year-old self, believe in her dreams and then open your eyes and go..."

As I get older I get distracted from the importance of balancing responsibilities and reaching for what I once believed to be a dream. Everyday people are fulfilling dreams, goals, and aspirations. Although my dreams have changed I need to remember to still dream, set goals and accomplish them. The only person who can fulfill those goals would be myself. It’s fun to do and feels great once completed.

I hope you all enjoy Cindi's words and remember to reach for the stars....you never know, you might be a part of GLAMOUR'S Women of the Year Awards in the future.

Cheers,

Cara