In a recent business blog post, I talked about using your team for support in getting ideas, gaining a different perspective and creating more options (Three tips to get through the recession). This strategy is not just for business.

At home, solicit the feedback and suggestions from family members. Call everyone together and discuss the current economic situation as well as the current financial status of YOUR family. Read the rest of this entry »

The old adage, “You are what you eat” has much more meaning behind it than just the notion that good health comes from eating good food. It also effects your state of mind and overall wellness. It effects your whole Being.

Last week I shared some super produce items (see “Confessions of a Foodie“). Not only do they benefit your physical health, but you get a lot of “bang for your buck” with each food, mentally. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables provides more balanced and sustained energy, which reduces the risk of mood swings due to spikes and crashes in energy levels. Also, studies have indicated that diets more rich in junk food are linked to higher memory loss, slower thinking and are associated with the onset of ADHD in children and Alzheimer’s in adults. Read the rest of this entry »

I always like a good deal.

The same is true when I shop around for nutrient rich food. I am a “foodie” and a label reader. When I look at labels, I assess the value by looking at two main things: the nutritional data and the ingredients. This works great for me. I feel good about what I’m putting into my body and how much I’m spending doing it.

Then there’s produce. NO LABELS!

So, in the last few years I’ve been on this kick (call it the “food geek” in me) where I look up the nutritional values of foods. Not only do I get the most bang out of these foods Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes clearing clutter is not just about picking things up and putting them away, it’s about WHERE do things belong?

I used to live in a flat in San Francisco and parking spots were prized possessions. They probably still are! Having a car without a parking spot was such a hassle, that sometimes it would actually determine whether I went out or not - seriously! It influenced my social life. NOT having a parking spot took up time (sometimes driving around for up to an hour to find a parking spot), money (I received my share of parking tickets from not moving it on time), and tested my sanity (talk about parking rage - no explanation needed here!)

Clutter can also influence time, sanity and social life. Read the rest of this entry »

Do you live in an environment full of clutter and want it to change?

Clutter is a battlefield! Or at least it can look and act like one. Clutter can create a set of challenges that affect not only your physical environment, but also your mental well being. Instead of the trenches and the potential landmines blowing up, clutter creates a physical state of turmoil where there are constant obstacles. Have you ever tripped over a toy or spent hours looking for your car keys amidst the mess? And mentally, it creates a state of panic and unrest. Although it may not be quite as life-threatening as a real war zone, clutter creates a different kind of discord - with yourself and the “things” in your life. There is a constant struggle with the idea of what is important, what do you need to keep, what are you willing to throw out?

Who’s the boss? You or the “things” in your life? Read the rest of this entry »

As the curtain falls on the current year,
The dawn is awakening with a newfound cheer.
It’s a new day, a new month AND a new year
A new Life breezes in without any fears.
“The world is your oyster” is what I like to say
So go with the moment, today is YOUR day!
Live, Love and Laugh as often as you can.
Dream and Take Action and follow through with your plans.
Remember to Breathe and take an occasional rest. ..
Wishing You the VERY Best with Joy and Happiness.

Ha’ouli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year!
Susan

Sing it out!!!! . . . well not exactly. . .
I read a about a study where doctors have found that listening to music can improve not only mental health but physical health as well! Read the rest of this entry »

Christmas is NOT about the shopping, but it certainly adds to the flavor of the Holidays.

Walk into any mall around America and you have instant celebration!
The glitter and decorations etched into every window, the colorful lights hanging from the ceiling, the wonderful holiday smells coming from the restaurants and coffee shops, and the Christmas music jingling throughout the halls. It’s wonderful!

However, if you’re on a really tight budget, as many people are these days, it can certainly dampen the mood and the ability to buy presents. It’s the Season for Giving and the current economic mood is bringing out “The Scrooge.”

So I decided this week to share some ideas for gift giving that are less costly and but still enable you to share your Season’s Aloha. Read the rest of this entry »

In this season of giving. . . I want to say, it’s cool to receive as well.

So much of our lives we give and give and give - and there is definitely plenty of opportunity to exercise this muscle: as sisters, as volunteers, as mothers, as community members, as caregivers, as nurturers, as employees, as managers, as service providers, as compassionate people, as wives, as someone who simply empathizes.

And as the holidays approach, most of you will be organizing parties, planning the gifts, coordinating the menus and giving more of your time and energy. It is fun. It is exciting. It is something you enjoy. It is an expression of your love.

But believe me when I say this - Others enjoy giving as well. . . and I’ll bet they’d love to give to YOU.

For some people, receiving is harder to do than giving.
Part of the reason is because Read the rest of this entry »

As many of you know, I am a huge supporter of the American Cancer Society. Today is their “Great American Smokeout,” designed to inspire and encourage smokers to quit for one day. Please share the following information with your friends, family and colleagues.

Good luck and Kudos to all you “quitters” out there!

(Information provided through the American Cancer Society Great Smokeout press release)

ATLANTA – November 18, 2008 – Thursday, November 20, is the 33rd Great American Smokeout, and the American Cancer Society continues its legacy of providing free resources to help smokers quit. The Great American Smokeout was inaugurated in 1976 to inspire and encourage smokers to quit for one day. Now, 39.8 percent of the 43.4 million Americans who smoke have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year, and the Great American Smokeout remains a great opportunity to encourage people to commit to making a long-term plan to quit for good.

With all the resources available to help smokers quit, there has never been a better time to quit smoking, and the American Cancer Society is here to help. If you smoke, make a plan and set the Great American Smokeout, November 20, 2008, as your quit date. By calling the American Cancer Society Quitline® at 1-800-227-2345, people who plan to quit will be able to speak with a trained counselor and receive free, confidential counseling.

Studies have found that Quitline can more than double a person’s chances of successfully quitting tobacco. Callers to Quitline Read the rest of this entry »