I'd like to share a poem with you today in memory of those who have died fighting for our country. I honor them today and every day, just as I pray for those who are still fighting. I hope they return home soon, safe and sound. God Bless.
As we stand here looking
At the flags upon these graves
Know these flags represent
A few of the true American brave
They fought for their Country
As man has through all of time
Except that these soldiers lying here
Fought for your country and mine
As we all are gathered here
To pay them our respect
Let's pass this word to others
It's what they would expect
I'm sure that they would do it
If it were me or you
To show we did not die in vein
But for the red, white and blue.
Let's pass on to our children
And to those who never knew
What these soldiers died for
It's the least we can do
Let's not forget their families
Great pain they had to bear
Losing a son, father or husband
They need to know we still care
No matter which war was fought
On the day that they died
I stand here looking at these flags
Filled with American pride.
So as the bugler plays out Taps
With its sweet and eerie sound
Pray for these soldiers lying here
In this sacred, hallowed ground.
Take home with you a sense of pride
You were here Memorial Day.
Celebrating the way Americans should
On this solemnest of days.
by Michelle Keim
Monday, May 26, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Wearing Shorts This Summer
For people who live in Las Vegas like I do, it's already that time of year again. It's time to wear shorts.
It's also no surprise that most of my calls are all asking the same questions. What kind of shorts are best for me? And ...
Oh my, what can I do about my chalk white legs!
First things first, I have some answers. For smaller, petite women, the most flattering shorts this summer will be those that hit mid-thigh and have a higher waist. This cut will help elongate your legs.
If you are 5'3 or less and like longer shorts anyway, try to make sure they hit the knee (or slightly above). Anything longer than that will weigh your look down. Another great tip is to find a great blouse, tuck it in, and a pair of shoes with a heal. It's amazing how much taller you look with just a few changes.
For women who are average height or taller, especially if you have some greatness in your trunk, as they say, look for straight leg Bermuda shorts. Shorts that come to close to the knee and have regular slit pockets tend to look the best. Avoid any shorts with big side pockets (like cargo pants)!
Another great tip is to add a blouse with a pattern. If you choose shorts that are a solid color and a printed blouse, everyone's eye will move up. To me, that is one of the best secrets of all. The difference is very often an illusion. And there is nothing wrong with that!
If you are one of my more curvy friends, Bermuda shorts will still do the trick. Just make sure to avoid anything with pleats. Wherever pleats appear on the shorts is exactly where the eyes will fall. Keep it simple for a better look.
And last, but not least, if you are a little bit heavier, think in these same terms — where do you want their eye to go? If you are a little heavier on top, choose a solid top to patterned shorts. If you are a little heavier on the bottom, do the opposite and draw the eye up. Trust me. You'll feel much better about the effect. And, if you feel better, you will look better!
But wait! What about those chalk white legs!
If you haven't had a chance to enjoy any sun, the only solution is to pick up some tan airbrush in a can. While I do not use it often, I certainly will to help me bridge my legs from winter to summer (Las Vegas has a very short Spring). My personal choice is Platinum Breeze Canned Tan, which goes on easy and doesn't wear off in splotches. When I'm ready, I just step outside into my garage.
Sephora has a solution too. And so does L'Oreal. No matter which one you think is best for you, I tend to think the spray on tans are better because you won't have to worry about messy hands or unevenness. Of course, it also makes a lot of sense to cover the area where you use your spray.
I don't think anyone wants tan carpet or garage floor! Lay an old blanket down in your garage. It's a great no mess to have a tan. And who knows? Maybe it will be your first step toward finding peace, love, and joy in your life!
It's also no surprise that most of my calls are all asking the same questions. What kind of shorts are best for me? And ...
Oh my, what can I do about my chalk white legs!
First things first, I have some answers. For smaller, petite women, the most flattering shorts this summer will be those that hit mid-thigh and have a higher waist. This cut will help elongate your legs.
If you are 5'3 or less and like longer shorts anyway, try to make sure they hit the knee (or slightly above). Anything longer than that will weigh your look down. Another great tip is to find a great blouse, tuck it in, and a pair of shoes with a heal. It's amazing how much taller you look with just a few changes.
For women who are average height or taller, especially if you have some greatness in your trunk, as they say, look for straight leg Bermuda shorts. Shorts that come to close to the knee and have regular slit pockets tend to look the best. Avoid any shorts with big side pockets (like cargo pants)!
Another great tip is to add a blouse with a pattern. If you choose shorts that are a solid color and a printed blouse, everyone's eye will move up. To me, that is one of the best secrets of all. The difference is very often an illusion. And there is nothing wrong with that!
If you are one of my more curvy friends, Bermuda shorts will still do the trick. Just make sure to avoid anything with pleats. Wherever pleats appear on the shorts is exactly where the eyes will fall. Keep it simple for a better look.
And last, but not least, if you are a little bit heavier, think in these same terms — where do you want their eye to go? If you are a little heavier on top, choose a solid top to patterned shorts. If you are a little heavier on the bottom, do the opposite and draw the eye up. Trust me. You'll feel much better about the effect. And, if you feel better, you will look better!
But wait! What about those chalk white legs!
If you haven't had a chance to enjoy any sun, the only solution is to pick up some tan airbrush in a can. While I do not use it often, I certainly will to help me bridge my legs from winter to summer (Las Vegas has a very short Spring). My personal choice is Platinum Breeze Canned Tan, which goes on easy and doesn't wear off in splotches. When I'm ready, I just step outside into my garage.
Sephora has a solution too. And so does L'Oreal. No matter which one you think is best for you, I tend to think the spray on tans are better because you won't have to worry about messy hands or unevenness. Of course, it also makes a lot of sense to cover the area where you use your spray.
I don't think anyone wants tan carpet or garage floor! Lay an old blanket down in your garage. It's a great no mess to have a tan. And who knows? Maybe it will be your first step toward finding peace, love, and joy in your life!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Knowing Right When It's Right
Do you ever know when something feels just right?
I know I do. In fact, I had that feeling just recently.
As some of you know, I do volunteer work with psi seminars through its non-profit organization. The program I am involved on is called Compass, which is a two-year program open to a small number of people. For the first year, you have a mentor who helps guide you toward matching your personal goals to the community. For the second, you become the mentor and help someone do the same.
I have to be honest. I didn't real know much about Compass when I was asked to consider it. But that did not matter. The little bit above was enough to feel just tight. It felt so right that even when I submitted my application, I just knew that I would be selected. Even when they called me a few weeks later to confirm I was selected, I almost said "I know, I was just waiting for you guys to realize it."
That is exactly how sure I was that this program was perfect for me. It did not matter that only 16 people were selected. I knew I would be one of them and I'm very excited to get started and share some of experiences in-between providing some fashion tips from the inside out.
Then again, when you really think about it. I'm not really just sharing a story about me. I'm sharing something for you to know too. When you feel something is right, GO FOR IT! You have too! Because if there is one thing that I have learned over the last few years, it is this — If you know it in your mind and you feel it in your body, then it will be so!
By the way, if you are interested in psi seminars, E-mail me anytime. The organization is dedicated to the belief that we all possess powers and strengths that remain virtually untapped throughout our lives. All we have to do it tap them! These potentials, as well as a greater joy and aliveness, are available to everyone. Like most things in life, it only takes a little education.
Now, doesn't that feel right? I think so. Wishing you peace, love, and joy in your life!
I know I do. In fact, I had that feeling just recently.
As some of you know, I do volunteer work with psi seminars through its non-profit organization. The program I am involved on is called Compass, which is a two-year program open to a small number of people. For the first year, you have a mentor who helps guide you toward matching your personal goals to the community. For the second, you become the mentor and help someone do the same.
I have to be honest. I didn't real know much about Compass when I was asked to consider it. But that did not matter. The little bit above was enough to feel just tight. It felt so right that even when I submitted my application, I just knew that I would be selected. Even when they called me a few weeks later to confirm I was selected, I almost said "I know, I was just waiting for you guys to realize it."
That is exactly how sure I was that this program was perfect for me. It did not matter that only 16 people were selected. I knew I would be one of them and I'm very excited to get started and share some of experiences in-between providing some fashion tips from the inside out.
Then again, when you really think about it. I'm not really just sharing a story about me. I'm sharing something for you to know too. When you feel something is right, GO FOR IT! You have too! Because if there is one thing that I have learned over the last few years, it is this — If you know it in your mind and you feel it in your body, then it will be so!
By the way, if you are interested in psi seminars, E-mail me anytime. The organization is dedicated to the belief that we all possess powers and strengths that remain virtually untapped throughout our lives. All we have to do it tap them! These potentials, as well as a greater joy and aliveness, are available to everyone. Like most things in life, it only takes a little education.
Now, doesn't that feel right? I think so. Wishing you peace, love, and joy in your life!
If you have anything negative to say about PSI I would appreciate you keeps those comments to yourself. PSI is not for everyone and that is ok.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Mother's Day Reminds Mom To Be First
I don't really know whether Mother's Day emerged from a custom of mother worship in ancient Greece, but I do know that mothers deserve the recognition. When you think about it, mothers are often responsible for raising our next generation, which makes them leaders in their right.
Mothers make a difference in the future. You all have my warmest wishes.
This Mother's Day, I am really hoping that you do something wonderful for yourself. In fact, I hope you make it the first day of making everyday special for yourself. You would be surprised how many stay-at-home moms fall into the trap of putting themselves dead last — last on buying new clothes, last for enjoying some quality personal time, last for just about everything.
I don't think it needs to be this way. It needs to be the opposite because motherhood is such a valuable gift. Sure, times have changed and people are busier. But sometimes I'm not sure I understand all the changes. When I was growing up, I did what I was told. Nowadays, it's all about showing them the right way and making compromises.
When my 8-year-old is not behaving, my husband, her mom, and me (I'm the step mom), talk to each other first. We ask ourselves what we need to do differently. If we change our behavior, our daughter will change her behavior. Once the three of us reach an agreement, our daughter agrees too.
I have to admit that this isn't always so easy for me.
The reason it is not always easy is because I'm tempted to throw up my arms and say "We're the parents. She should do what we want."
Of course, because I also work with kids, I know that doesn't go very far. Children have a tendency to model the behaviors of their parents. Worse, demanding compliance might teach her the wrong thing. She might learn to always listen to authority. She might learn that her voice does not matter. She might learn to avoid making decisions. She might learn ... you get the idea.
I want her to grow up and have a voice because so much of the world requires some sort of compromise. So if her parents all provide that kind of model, she is more likely to adopt it as well. And, I have to admit, it usually works better. Enough so that I look forward to one day expanding our family.
If you have not decided what to get for Mother's Day this year, I might offer a suggestion. Give her something special — the gift of beauty and confidence. Seriously. Ask me about my custom gift certificates for personal appointments and workshops.
A personal appointment will help your mother put herself first for a change. And, once she learns to appreciate herself — that she does deserve a new outfit, makeover, or personal time — the more likely she will make sure to put herself first now and again. We people learn to take care of themselves first, just like our daughter is learning now, they are even more empowered to experience peace, love, and joy in their lives!
Isn't that what it is all about? I think so. May you and your mother have peace, love, and joy in your life!
Mothers make a difference in the future. You all have my warmest wishes.
This Mother's Day, I am really hoping that you do something wonderful for yourself. In fact, I hope you make it the first day of making everyday special for yourself. You would be surprised how many stay-at-home moms fall into the trap of putting themselves dead last — last on buying new clothes, last for enjoying some quality personal time, last for just about everything.
I don't think it needs to be this way. It needs to be the opposite because motherhood is such a valuable gift. Sure, times have changed and people are busier. But sometimes I'm not sure I understand all the changes. When I was growing up, I did what I was told. Nowadays, it's all about showing them the right way and making compromises.
When my 8-year-old is not behaving, my husband, her mom, and me (I'm the step mom), talk to each other first. We ask ourselves what we need to do differently. If we change our behavior, our daughter will change her behavior. Once the three of us reach an agreement, our daughter agrees too.
I have to admit that this isn't always so easy for me.
The reason it is not always easy is because I'm tempted to throw up my arms and say "We're the parents. She should do what we want."
Of course, because I also work with kids, I know that doesn't go very far. Children have a tendency to model the behaviors of their parents. Worse, demanding compliance might teach her the wrong thing. She might learn to always listen to authority. She might learn that her voice does not matter. She might learn to avoid making decisions. She might learn ... you get the idea.
I want her to grow up and have a voice because so much of the world requires some sort of compromise. So if her parents all provide that kind of model, she is more likely to adopt it as well. And, I have to admit, it usually works better. Enough so that I look forward to one day expanding our family.
If you have not decided what to get for Mother's Day this year, I might offer a suggestion. Give her something special — the gift of beauty and confidence. Seriously. Ask me about my custom gift certificates for personal appointments and workshops.
A personal appointment will help your mother put herself first for a change. And, once she learns to appreciate herself — that she does deserve a new outfit, makeover, or personal time — the more likely she will make sure to put herself first now and again. We people learn to take care of themselves first, just like our daughter is learning now, they are even more empowered to experience peace, love, and joy in their lives!
Isn't that what it is all about? I think so. May you and your mother have peace, love, and joy in your life!
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