There’s something indefinably sexy about French women. The epitome of style, elegance and sophistication, they have a certain something that defies definition – is it the voluminous hair, sultry eyes or flushed cheeks? How can they look so incredibly chic when their faces are devoid of make-up and their hair is more wind-swept than groomed? French women radiate self-assurance and glamour wherever they are – strutting along smart Parisian avenues, relaxing on the Riviera or reading a book in their own back gardens. And their secret weapons have mystified style-conscious women around the world for centuries.

“French women have something special,” says Susan Sommers, fashion editor, journalist and author of French Chic: How to Dress Like a French Woman (www.amazon.co.uk, £30.24). “They’re feminine, sure of themselves, and seem to delight in breaking the fashion rules, yet making it all work.” Also the editor of a fashion shopping and advice site for larger women (www.alight.com), Susan believes that the key to French sex appeal is a confidence and self-respect passed down from mother to daughter – from an early age, girls are taught to appreciate and emphasise their most striking natural assets. They’re taught to feel good in their own skin. It’s this confidence with their body that gives them the power to look chic and lovely no matter what their physical features are.

Susan says, “By believing in themselves, they radiate poise and beauty. French girls learn from a young age to be at ease with their bodies, both dressed and undressed, for beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.”

Continental women don’t have to be classic beauties; and instead of pining to be something they’re not, they live life to the full, following their own agenda and cultivating a personal sense of style. Mixing brains with beauty, their appeal has more to do with social grace than physical attractiveness. Peel back the layers of the average French woman and you’ll find a confidence honed by centuries of culture, influencing how she carries herself, the clothes she wears and the people she associates with.

Edith Kunz, author of Fatale: How French Women Do It (www.amazon.co.uk, £8.35) agrees with Susan that confidence is the key to charm. She says, “French women are confident in themselves, confident with their age, their body and their power. They’re sensuous even at work,” she says. “Instead of following the latest fashion trend, this inner confidence enables them to adopt their own style. From their hair down to their shoes, they know what suits them and dress accordingly. Elegance is found in simplicity and classic designs rather than the latest fashion fad.”

Intrigued? Well, before you go spending a fortune on Parisian labels and expensive jewellery, read on to discover the essential secrets of French glamour …

Chic Vs Cheap

Think quality, not quantity, and pay attention to detail and accessories. Loose buttons, laddered tights and frayed hems are a big no-no – could you imagine Brigitte Bardot or Catherine Deneuve squeezing into a size 12 if their thighs were screaming for a 14? Can you imagine Coco Chanel walking into an important meeting with a creased jacket and scuffed shoes? Perish the thought. French women choose clothes to fit, garments that are streamlined and kept close to the body without compromising on comfort. Instead of wasting money on the latest trend, spend a bit extra on quality. The French don’t mind splashing out on one item of clothing if it fits well and will last for several years. One pair of made-to-measure, beautifully crafted leather shoes is better than ten pairs from the high street. The little black dress continues to reign supreme in the realms of French versatility but check the details and it’s always well cut. The same goes for the classic white shirt, the tailored suit, jeans, leather handbag and winter coat – all timeless items chosen for their versatility rather than their price tag or trend value.

Accessories are the finishing touch to an outfit, the glue that holds it together – but only in moderation. Dress the look up or down with a scarf, hat, ornate brooch or string of beads, but keep things matching – French women have scarves that match their gloves, that match their umbrellas, that match their handbags – but don’t overdo it. A striking pair of earrings and matching necklace will add sparkle to a plain dress but throw in a sequinned bag and patterned tights and you’ll look more drag queen than enigmatic princess.

The staple colours of any French wardrobe are neutral. Grey, brown, navy, beige, khaki, ivory, black and white are favourites due to their practicality. Outfits are coordinated around one or two dominant colours, made up of several pieces but always in different shades of the base colours. Popular combinations include navy and white, beige and white, grey and pink, pink and navy and – the French favourite – black and white. Maintain feminine allure by opting for stretch fabrics – they’re non-restrictive, comfortable and will show your curves off to their best advantage.

Glowing Skin

Skin care in France is a priority not a luxury, with the emphasis being on a clean, moisturised face rather than one caked in foundation and powder. The results speak for themselves – healthy complexions, bursting with reality and few wrinkles. To achieve such radiance, the usual common-sense rules apply – never wash your face with too hot or cold water as the temperature can cause broken capillaries, never go to bed with your make-up on or you risk clogging your pores and avoid exposing skin to harsh sunlight. French women often wear sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around their eyes.

As for cleansing, most women need only clean their faces at night. Use a good three-step cleansing programme that includes a toner and moisturiser. Make an effort to discover your skin type then get professional advice on suitable products. Most department store beauty counters offer this service for free.

According to Rona Berg in her book Beauty: The New Basics (Workman Publishing, £19.95), a splash of lukewarm water is all you need in the morning. “A French cosmetics executive once told me that soap should only ever touch your skin from the neck down,” she says. “Unless you’ve used a moisturiser the night before, a splash of water is sufficient.”

Skin care might be higher in the pecking order than cosmetics but that doesn’t mean make-up is taboo. As far as cosmetics are concerned, it’s about emphasising your best features to the max. Two things the French can’t get enough of are lips and eyes. If you’ve got fantastic lips, apply liner just outside your lip-line and fill in with a natural shade for a bee-stung look. If your eyes are your asset, recreate the Bambi look with lashes of black mascara and liner. Keep brows well groomed and nails clean and short. If you’re using the correct skin care products, you shouldn’t need foundation and blusher – your natural radiance will do both jobs – but if you really can’t go without, use a tinted moisturiser and rose-coloured blush.

Tousled Tresses

Like Skin, French hair is kept in tip-top condition. It can be short or long but always what nature intended. That means, if you’re a natural blonde, don’t try to be a brunette and vice versa. Instead, aim to have the best blonde hair – shiny, healthy and full of life. The money saved on colouring can be spent on regular trims, quality shampoos and deep conditioning treatments.

To avoid stripping hair of natural oils, steer clear of products with alcohol and limit shampooing to no more than twice a week. Use conditioner after every shampoo and re-moisturise with a deep conditioner once a month. If you suffer from tangles, use a wide-toothed comb in the shower, working your way from tips to roots.

When it comes to styling, whatever their hair texture – curly or straight – most French women favour the tousled ‘I’ve just rolled out of bed’ look. With a little imagination, and creative fingers, this can be achieved with any hair type. If your locks are naturally curly, ditch the straighteners and boost those curls with specialised products. After conditioning, don’t rinse completely. Apply mousse or serum to damp hair; twist sections around your fingers then leave to dry naturally, blasting with a diffuser attachment when it’s almost dry. On the other hand, if nature gave you poker straight hair – lucky you – your hair will probably have fantastic natural shine because it’s flat cuticles are highly light reflective.

Everyone knows that a healthy lifestyle leads to better-looking hair. Excessive stress, smoking, lack of exercise and poor diet will wreak havoc on your locks. Likewise, bad hair tactics can lead to breakages, split ends and premature hair loss. So take a good look at your lifestyle and make changes, if necessary. Aim to get enough sleep, eat well and drink plenty of fluids.

To avoid stripping hair of natural oils, steer clear of products with alcohol and limit shampooing to no more than twice a week. Use conditioner after every shampoo and re-moisturise with a deep conditioner once a month. If you suffer from tangles, use a wide-toothed comb in the shower, working your way from tips to roots.

Whatever your hair type, find a style that suits and stick to it, emphasising colour and sheen with quality products. Between products, for true continental glamour you can’t go wrong with an updo. Try twisting a section of hair around the base of a ponytail or use pins to create a bun, letting a few fugitive strands tumble seductively onto your shoulders. For a really casual look, use your fingers instead of a brush.

Mysterious Girl

According to the French, sexiness has little to do with dressing provocatively or talking dirty. It’s the naughty sparkle in your eye, the sensuous, husky tone of your voice and really listening when someone speaks that determine how others see you. Think sensual, sexy thoughts and you’ll turn heads wherever you go.

Continental women never miss an opportunity for glamour and sensuality. Instead of saving decent clothes for best, wear them every day. The same goes for pretty lingerie. Choose a signature scent and splash it on morning, noon and night. Going to the supermarket? Don’t forget to touch up your lippy!

Learn to enjoy the mundane details of everyday life. Make time for family and friends, learning new skills or relaxing with a good book. Introduce yourself to new neighbours. If you must gossip, go ahead but be discreet! Speak slowly and confidently, maintaining eye contact and listening to what the other person has to say. Eventually, like all new skills, your new-found charm will become second nature.

Celebrate your body with perfume and oils. Make every effort to look and smell divine. High-heeled shoes? The higher the better. Never worn a garter belt? There’s always a firs time. Treat your body like a temple – drape it in luxurious fabrics such as chiffon, satin, suede and velvet. Bear in mind though, that true sex appeal has more to do with attitude than style and chic. What makes our European neighbours so alluring is a lethal combination of steely determination, feminity, self-confidence and inner strength. As Sanche de Gramont wrote in The French, Portrait Of A People (www.amazon.co.uk, £14), “French women are ants disguised as butterflies. In a nutshell, they speak softly but carry big sticks. They have style and chic but they also have grit. That chic, charming Parisian is really a steel magnolia, a woman of iron and velvet.”

Armed with your fresh, radiant skin, your shiny but natural hair, timeless couture, high heels and heady confidence, you’ll be turning heads and feeling good in your own skin in no time.

This article was published in the 20 Jan - 3 Feb 2006 issue of Real magazine.

My Flights started in Ithaca, NY and on day one our plane to Philadelphia was held for four hours while they waited on a mechanic to drive from an hour away only to tell them he couldn't fix whatever the problem was with the brakes on the plane. Flight canceled! No way to make my connection so I'm already a day late. US Air arranged for my tickets the next day as far as Madrid, but the final leg was on Iberia whom they do not partner with so I had to get the people in Bilbao to make that new fight arrangement. Next day I left on time but in Philadelphia the plane to Madrid was held two hours because someone couldn't figure out the problem with the air conditioning was a circuit breaker that had to be reset. So finally in Madrid, too late. Missed the flight! And I have to say that the people in Madrid at Iberia are not the easiest people to deal with although their terminal is striking. Long story short, I got to Bilbao about 28 hours late. From there on it was a breeze. Great hotel and the people at the Guggenheim were fabulous.

The painting got packed on Tuesday and wasn't due to leave for Madrid until Thursday, so I had all day Wednesday to myself. Once I found my bearings I found my way around a small part of town easily and found Bilbao, in the heart of the Basque region, to be a very beautiful city. It was once a very industrial town with the Ria de Bilbao, which flows through the middle of the city, lined with shipping docks and factories. But as manufacturing has left and the shipping industry has declined in Bilbao, the city has rebuilt along the waterfront with a huge initiative to become a major tourist attraction. At the heart of this new rebirth is the Guggenheim Museoa Bilbao. A massive sprawling sculpture sheathed in titanium, designed by architect Frank Gehry, it commands the center of the new waterfront district. The entry is flanked by a huge sculpture by Jeff Koons known as the "Puppy". It's a giant West Highland terrier planted all over with flowering plants. It began as a temporary piece but was so popular it was kept permanently. Unfortunately it was being totally replanted when I was there so was surrounded with scaffolding. I believe it's popularity has made these tiny white dogs very popular in Bilbao, because I must have seen a dozen of them on the streets while I was there. People in Bilbao are big dog fans and walk their dogs constantly along the city streets, most running free off leash, but well behaved and under control.

I'll post more Guggenheim photos in my next post, but back to Bilbao. Never having been to Spain before, I found Bilbao a very attractive city, but was told that since it is a Basque city, that it's not typical of most other Spanish cities. The food is very different and the basic architecture of the houses is somewhat unique. They have more of a chalet look such as you might expect in Switzerland or Austria.

There was a beautiful old square very near the hotel with a grand old church. The streets were clean and the parks very beautiful. And all through the city a great juxtaposition of old and new, and construction going on building and renovating. the architecture alone is worth the trip there. Like most old European cities, many of the streets are narrow and paved with cobblestone.

The people were gracious and friendly, and despite not knowing the language well, I had little trouble communicating. The city also has great public transportation. My only regret is that I had only one full day to visit the city on my own because there was much I didn't see that I would have liked to.

More in the next post.

All images Copyright © George Cannon, All Rights Reserved.

When chemicals such as Cocamide DEA or Sodium Hydroxysultaine are followed by the term "derived from coconut oil" the consumer is led to believe that these synthetic chemicals must be natural.

While this may be true in some cases; it is ultimately irrelevant because what you end up with after the chemical processing is usually anything but natural or pure.

For example, to create Cocamide DEA, a foaming agent in some shampoos, requires the addition of a synthetic chemical and known carcinogen, Diethanolamine – DEA, to the coconut oil. It is therefore no longer natural, or safe!

If we look at the term "organic," we usually think it means ‘grown and cultivated without the use of chemicals’. That is the conclusion most cosmetics companies would like us to make when we see the term "organic" on a label.

Some of those companies are cynically using the chemistry definition of "organic" – meaning a compound that contains a carbon atom. Carbon is found in anything that has ever lived. By using this definition of organic, they are saying that a petrochemical preservative called Methyl Paraben is "organic" because it was formed from leaves that rotted over thousands of years to become crude oil, which was then used to make this preservative.

An increasing number of companies are now claiming to use "organic" herbs in their products.

But what about the rest of the ingredients?

Are they safe?

Isn’t there an authority that governs the use of the term "organic" on labels?

The simple answer is NO. However, the term "certified organic" is governed by a number of internationally recognised bodies. In Australia, Australian Certified Organic (ACO) is the largest.

Searching for products with the logo of a certifying body on the label is the only way can guarantee the organic authenticity and integrity of every ingredient in the product.

Without this, the organic claim means nothing, as it cannot be verified. Here are some examples of internationally recognised certifying bodies:

Previous: How do we know what we are buying is really natural? Part 1

Next: How do we know what we are buying is really "NATURAL" and "ORGANIC"? Part 3

Note: All material published in Organic and Natural Living is copyright © June 2003 of Organic & Natural Enterprise Group and or the individual authors,and is strictly forbidden to reproduce in any form or in any other publication without the prior written approval from ONE Group.

She spent two days making her outfit, spent her last $50 on a new pair of shoes. She had her nails and hair done, spent 45 minutes putting on her makeup. When she got there, she spent the entire evening sitting in the corner, half smiling, half crying. On the outside she looked beautiful. On the inside she felt worthless.

That's been me on so many occasions; more than I care to admit. I hadn't learned that my true beauty was on the inside. Don't get me wrong, I'm not too bad on the eyes but I know I'm far from a beauty queen. My problem with the word "beauty" is...who dictates it? Who gets to set the standard? Where does beauty end and ugly begin? Beauty is as varied as there are people on the face of this earth. I spent so much time investing a fortune trying to make myself look good to the world and on the inside I was falling apart. I've always managed to say and do the right things but when I was alone I cried silent and desperate tears. That's when I knew it was time to PAUSE and allow myself to heal. Heal from all the lies I've allowed myself to absorb from others and also those lies I've told myself. Release. Heal. Love. The time had come for me to invest time in finding who I am and find out what's really going on inside of me. I cannot lie, some days - most days I still wrestle with my confidence but my definition of beauty has drastically changed. I am beautiful. Now that I know that, my outside shines with as much beauty as the in.

Businesswoman Linda Stephenson has worked in the world of beauty for 20 years, so when she decided to create her own brand – Mereadesso Woman – she used her experience and intuition to create a beauty line focused on helping women of all ages simplify their daily routine.

L&F – What does Mereadesso mean?

LS – It’s a combination of mother, now, woman. When I think of women, I think of multitasking and elegance, which is what I wanted my company to represent.

L&F – Why did you decided to create Mereadesso Woman ?

LS – I was born and raised in the beauty professional environment. I felt when I created my own company, I would do it differently than what I had experienced. I think a lot of women are product junkies, but as a working Mom, I don’t have the time for all the steps that women are encouraged to do every day.  As a chemist and botanist for years at Estee Lauder and MAC, I was exposed to a lot of different research and ingredients, which helped me when I decided to write my own formula and combine all these ingredients, instead of focusing on just one.

L&F – What makes the  Mereadesso Woman distinct?

LS - I’m not about upselling. For me, the next new product is not the key. There are 100 different products positioned for specific issues, different kinds of skin, different ages, different problems. It’s frustrating for consumers and there is confusion about what to buy. There aren’t as many retail sales people who are educated to answer questions from consumers, so women come home with a huge shopping basket and get frustrated. The psychological effect and the extra time is a detriment to women.

L&F – Tell us about the product.

LS – The Mereadesso Woman face and neck toning gel came out my creation of the Mereadesso Woman body toning cream. I did a test market with a group of women in Switzerland and the feedback was that they were using the body lotion on their face! This led me to focus on creating a face and neck toning gel. Its an aloe-based formula with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and botanical extracts for the skin. There’s a subtle fragrance and both the face and body crème are to be used sparingly. The more the product is used, the better your skin becomes. Some of the ingredients are grape seed oil, vitamin E, magnesium, and cucumber fruit extract. Using my knowledge as a world traveller with a beauty background helped me formulate a unique product.

L&F – Why did you create the product?

LS – It’s a combination of old world knowledge and new world technology. Since my focus is to make a woman’s life simpler, the products are formulated to combine a lot of different ingredients and eventually erase the need for serum, primers, day cream, night cream and treatments.

L&F – What’s next for Mereadesso Woman?

LS – I want to introduce two products a year that will compliment the existing products. I’m working on a body cleanser and if there are new ingredients that present themselves, we’ll incorporate them with our existing list of natural ingredients.

www.mereadessowoman.com

Published in Life & Fashion, Spring 2008

Everyone loves animals. Some love them and squeeze them and call them George. Some love to watch their cute videos on YouTube. Some love to hunt them down and eat them. Some love to tie the animal’s balls tightly and ride them. No matter what, animals play a large part in all of our lives. This edition of bonus jokes is dedicated to all of the animals in our lives. For the jokes meant for humans, come and check out Big News at the IOWest on Sunday night at 10 pm!

A seven year-old bald eagle will have an artificial beak attached to replace one that had been shot off. The bald eagle is also solving his embarrassing bald spot by getting a toupee.

A seven year-old bald eagle will have an artificial beak attached to replace one that had been shot off. In other news, Dick Cheney gets a second chance to kill a bald eagle.

A rapidly growing group of sinkholes in southeast Texas are spreading and have already swallowed oilfield equipment, telephone poles and automobiles. Also believed to have been lost in the sinkholes: Britney Spears' career, Roger Clemens' dignity, and Hillary Clinton's campaign chances.

In an interview on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said that the economy is better today than in March and the credit crunch is firmly behind the U.S. Unfortunately for the U.S., the credit crunch is armed with a knife and wants its money.

A New Mexico doomsday cult leader was arrested last week on criminal sex charges involving minors. In his defense, this is the reason most leaders start cults.

A New Mexico doomsday cult leader was arrested last week on criminal sex charges involving minors. The cult leader will also be charged with plagiarism by the Catholic Church.

After an international manhunt, an actor who played Santa Claus has been arrested on child sex charges in New Jersey. Police became suspicious of the man after he was overheard asking children if they were naughty or naughtier.

German Police arrested a forty-four year-old woman on Monday after her grown children discovered three dead babies in the family freezer while looking for a frozen pizza. The remains of the babies will be properly buried, and each given their own Tombstone pizza.

German Police arrested a forty-four year-old woman on Monday after her grown children discovered three dead babies in the family freezer while looking for a frozen pizza. Making matters worse, the woman tried to pass the babies off as delivery.

In Houston, three men were accused of digging up a corpse, decapitating the head, and using it to smoke marijuana. Police are still trying to positively identify the pothead.

In Houston, three men were accused of digging up a corpse, decapitating the head, and using it to smoke marijuana. The men were huge Jerry Garcia fans and had always wanted to smoke with a true Dead Head.

According to a new report, teenagers who smoke marijuana put themselves at risk for mental illness and higher rates of depression later in their lives. Even more frightening is that it put them at risk of buying Grateful Dead records.

According to a new study, people who get less than six hours of sleep a night are more likely to be obese. This is especially true if those six hours of sleep occur at the Hometown Buffet.

According to new research, the average computer keyboard contains more than five times as many germs as a toilet seat. It also contains more letters and numbers.

According to new research, the average computer keyboard contains more than five times as many germs as a toilet seat. However, a toilet seat contains more poop.

A new study shows that consumers in Britain throw out over a third of the food they buy. In most of the world they simply call this vomiting.

A new study shows that consumers in Britain throw out over a third of the food they buy. In related news, the British continue to throw away all toothbrushes.

In Kentucky, a hunter accidentally shot and killed his son after mistaking him for a turkey. However, police are suspicious, noting that the man used the same excuse when he tried to eat his son last thanksgiving.

Last week at the Kentucky Derby, filly Eight Belles broke both front ankles after finishing second in the race and had to be euthanized on the track. However, Hillary Clinton still thinks the horse has a shot at winning.

Last week at the Kentucky Derby, filly Eight Belles broke both front ankles after finishing second in the race and had to be euthanized on the track. Spectators were initially dismayed by the sight, but brightened immediately when they were given free glue.

Last week at the Kentucky Derby, filly Eight Belles broke both front ankles after finishing second in the race and had to be euthanized on the track. Police suspect foul play and are looking to question Tonya Harding.

On Tuesday, NBA commissioner David Stern presented Kobe Bryant with the league’s most valuable player award. Bryant then immediately gave the award to his wife.

A woman has been accused of running down a Red Sox fan outside of a bar after the man taunted her by chanting "Yankees suck!" In a similar incident, a fan in Chicago yelled "Cubs suck!" then ran over himself.

A woman has been accused of running down a Red Sox fan outside of a bar after the man taunted her by chanting "Yankees suck!" Boston sportscasters gave her Play of the Day.

Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone said last week that he has no objection to Tom Cruise starring in the next installment of "Mission Impossible". Redstone added that while Cruise may be crazy, he keeps Redstone flush in new toupees.

Avril Lavigne was forced to postpone concerts on her national tour last week after coming down with laryngitis. Until she can sing again, Lavigne has scheduled a several concert appearences in which she will perform Ashlee Simpson covers.

And finally, Irvine Robbins, co-founder of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream chain, died last week at the age of 90. Mr. Robbins' last request was that he be buried thirty-one different ways.

That feeling, that endless comfort tinged with longing, I would argue, is the resurrection. Today, I sit at rest, and know that the world is being set to rights and I am an irreducible part of the reconciliation of all things, because God made it that way. That sense of beauty, of wonder, I feel to be the knowledge within me about the coming goal of the universe. Just like if you've lived in the south, or anywhere where it rains a lot, you can feel a shift coming. I think that beauty does the same thing. We can feel the grace of God in His creation, and can feel a need to develop the beauty that we have a sense of.

God created us and began the work of creation in us, and will carry on our createdness, until its completion. There are brief moments, when we stop and pause and think "I think the universe is good." Or "Is everything really ok underneath it all?" Resurrection says that these glimpses of the beauty and rightness of things is what we're really really waiting for.

Resurrection is the belief that while we are wanderers in the current age, traveling across endless landscapes of deserts. We are faced with things that are sometimes dark, leaving us weary and hopeless we take step after step in seemingly aimless direction at times. Resurrection answers that wandering with the belief that we are steadily approaching something new on the horizon, a new city, a new mode of bodily existence ,a new beauty which awaits us as we travel. Resurrection answers the desperation of our hope with a solemn assurance about our longing, no we are not yet perfect, no the world is not yet perfect, but it shall be. The God Man sit bodily upon the throne of grace, steering the world from the hearts of his saints, claiming from within creation a place for himself that will spread into all things.

This is the resurrection of our God, this world is loved and has been rescued, and will not be abandoned. I see something so beautiful that I want to approach it steadily. No matter how long the night gets, even if at the end of the journey my faith is fragile and weak, in the light of the resurrection I can find strength, by looking to it, i have hope.

The "progress" I'm talking about is personal, not political. It will not be found in the deification of leaders, or have an answer in politics. It is when the I and thou relationship between human and God adopts a face, the thou becomes the "You" becomes the "Jesus" as a person and not an idea. The approach is not just to declare the Lordship of God, nor merely his love. But when we look to that Great Savior, we see resurrection, beauty, life, and from those flourish all other things, that is when we have a taste of home upon our lips, and a prayer in our hearts.

"Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done, On Earth as it is in Heaven" is the cry of this beating heart, and as I pause today to think, I remember the way in which that kingdom first reached me. In the arms of my mother, tenderly holding me and overflowing with divine love, she embraced me, and in those arms was a sacrament, a symbol of the love of God, conveying grace to the little child, who would grow up and turn away, only to be forgiven time and again. Parenting is a sacrament. As I close this thought, I would like to reiterate that God loves this world, and refuses to leave it, as we can see in the love we share, in the people we love, in the less fortunate we care for.

Resurrection, is about surprises, and I know that what awaits at the end of those glimpses is more surprising, more shocking and more beautiful than even I can imagine.

Thanks for Tuning in,

Many of us are languishing in limbo desiring to take our lives back and just can’t seem to figure out what is causing the blockage. Well, I believe the place to begin to start getting the blessings is to give up the blockages.

Take all of your pain, frustrations, disappointments, and failures and light the fire of faith under them and burn each and every one. Then, take the ashes that remain and lift them up before God—give them to Him.

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,

a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.

In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has

planted for his own glory. -- Isaiah 61:3

Relinquish your ashes and release the Lord to give you beauty for them. While you are sitting there waiting for Him, He is waiting for you. I am doing it, and I invite you to go with me. Let’s do this together and see the amazing things the end will bring.

For your enjoyment and encouragement:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CZ6IsGjEug

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mum. (author unknown) 

And right now, there is a new craze in the market that claims to use the most natural ingredients for their products that almost swept everyone off their feet and that is the organic skin care for women that uses the purest vitamins and minerals to give the best outcome for our skin.  If you are interested in knowing which organic skin care for women really works, read on and be amazed about this wonderful company who is known to use the purest of all ingredients and minerals from the volcano.

Wear The Ash They Say

Volcanic Earth is one of the most controversial and most talked about organic skin care for women since most of their ingredients were derived from the volcano in Vanuatu and it the company was founded by two dynamic women, Linda Trenkner and Linda Ryan.
Both women are strong advocates of organic skin care and the use of all natural, organically grown products and they share in their belief that we are all connected to the earth’s energy.  It only means that the stronger our connection to mother earth, the stronger and healthier we become, thus leading to a more holistic life.

And that is why among their collections of organic skin care for women reflects this kind of philosophy that helps us connect more to mother earth and their products were all designed to give the best results that we could get from nature.  Among the organic skin care for women that they have are lotions and body creams, essential massage oils, soaps, cologne, and so much more that they have for their “Unpredictable” range especially designed for women.  The “Unpredictable” range or products are designed to deep cleanse, moisturize, stimulate circulation while promoting skin healing, soothe emotional tension and enhance inner strength, and many other benefits.  If you are interested in knowing more about the Volcanic Earth and their organic products, you could visit them at their website at www.volcanicearth.com for more details and for your orders.

Must Read Important Topics:

• Learning About Organic Skin Care Professional Prod…
• Organic Skin Care Recipe Can Save Time And Health
• How To Give Yourself Natural Skin Acne Care
• Natural skin care: Moving Away From The Artificial…
• A Few Helpful Tips On Proper Skin care products An…
• Great Oily Skin Care Techniques
• Beware Of Fake Organic skin care Products

Do you ever wonder why we are born in this life? Why our lives are mortal? Why we have to die?

Well, I guess that is just the process of the nature -- there is a fall in every rise. So there is death shadowing the life. Common truth that we all know.

But sometimes, we miss the point of the meaning of life. If we ponder that way, that life is just a fleeting moment -- our breath can stop anytime without our own acknowledgment, then maybe we would see the real purpose of life.

We all should ask ourselves, what is the most important aspect in our life? What do we value the most? Sadly, we are all living in a material world -- where people perceive money and material is the determination of happiness. Or at least, it is the drive that keep people working hard. But see the rich and wealthy -- if money is the source of happiness, then they all should be happy. But is it the case? NO! Why? Because the concept is wrong. Money does not equate happiness. In fact, it brings another suffering: suffering of the rich (ie paranoid of losing their money and belongings, etc).

I read an article on the news today. I really like it, it is a bout a guy (The Porn King, Greg Lasrado) who was wealthy then (having millions of dollars in his assets), but now he is close to poor. His life was sooooo wealthy that he need not think twice before spending millions of dollars. But unfortunately his naivety and 'stupidity' cost him bankruptcy. He then reached rock bottom -- feeling of losing-it-all --and got addicted to heroin. However there is a moment that changed his life. When he was charged and arrested with heroin possession, he started to see the real meaning of his life. He started to see that material and money is not the most important aspect of his life. He started to appreciate the love of his parents and his little daughter. The loves in the end propelled him to stand up straight again and face life gracefully.

Difficulties and lessons are like coins. One side it is difficulties or setbacks, on the flip side of the coin there is a beautiful lesson. So yeah, when we find difficulties in life, just be strong and be grateful, since behind it there is a beauty. :)

Now, think yourself... what is the most important thing in your life? Then, think how you should live your life accordingly. :)

"Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is above rubies." (Proverbs 31.10)

Here's to the new Brunette Clown-Princess of Late Night!  And that's a good thing!

PS: You're not "fat," you're normal.  Nothing wrong with that at all.  Normal is hot!

I have no answer...other than to say God delights in calling the things that are not as though they are, that He might put to shame the wisdom of the wise...because He delights in using the foolish things, the weak things, the base and despised things, so that no man may glory in his flesh.  He allows Lazarus to die and be placed in the tomb before raising him back to life.  He allows the little girl to become cold and lifeless, then waits a little longer, before breathing life and warmth back into her body.  Why?  So that all may see and believe and have saving faith that God alone is sufficient...that He alone gives life...that, apart from Him, no man may be saved from the insatiable gates of eternal death.  Without His divine intervention, we all walk a one-way, no-exits path towards Death.  Only the scarred hands of Christ may lift us from those hellish gates and clothe us anew with perfect, dazzling beauty.

I have wasted far too much of my life cherishing the ashes.  In some sick way, I have loved my sin and brokenness because they made me feel charred and, somehow, that made me feel holy.  But coals are still a step away from ash.  I have never allowed God to reduce me to ash so that He may also raise me into beauty.  Ashes always lead to beauty, always lead to blossoms, always lead to fruit.  Coals must either be ground to ash by falling on the Rock or be crushed by the Rock falling on them.

As David has taught me about ashes, he has also reminded me of the inconquerable power of heavenly praise.  How many of his psalms end with thanksgiving and praise for the lovingkindness and faithful goodness of God Most High?  When the cords of death entangled him and the terrors of Sheol overtook him, in whom did David boast?  In God alone!  How many moments have I passionately embraced the cold tendrils of death while excusing myself for being a "realist"?  Praise and thanksgiving are no magic bullet.  But they are certainly a focal point...a reference by which our whole attention is focused solely on the surpassing excellence of God and the weakness of our flesh quickly fades out of focus and eventually becomes little more than an annoying distraction in the corner of our eye.  Through worship, we lay hold of the truth of God because only by faith may we truly worship.  Songs without faith are simply hammer strokes on a cracked gong.

Come, Lord Jesus.  Reduce my life to ash and raise me again to beauty.  May I be a Lazarus for you, rejoicing as I approach the gates of death because I know my savior will certainly lift me up to life.  And may you replace my cynical heart with a heart of rejoicing and praise.  May I join the faithful throng who, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness!  Come into His presence with singing!  Know that the Lord, He is God!  It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.  Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise!  Give thanks to Him, bless His name!  For the Lord is good, His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations."  Psalm 100

Sarah at the Classical Brit Awards, May 9, 2008.

Stolen from Bridlepath

Como referencia, les contaré que esta señal está ubicada en Notting Hill, Londres, cerca de la calle Portobelo. En fin, Uds mismos.  :)

One eye revealed,

One eye smiling,

One eye concealed.

Beauty enough for two,

though one is only shown,

Unexpected what you'll see,

When only one can be known.

Runway fashion at its most exotic and eccentric can be found during Tokyo Fashion Week. Bunnies and Rabbit ears on the girls is just the start. Designer Naoto Hirooka -or H. Naoto to the fashion world, has style that simply cannot go unnoticed.

.

.

.

.

Heres to more daring, loving, and cutely inspired fashion..

.

.

.

.

.

.

]]> http://iluv2prshim.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/happy-mothers-day-2/ Sun, 11 May 2008 05:16:08 +0000 iluv2prshim http://iluv2prshim.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/happy-mothers-day-2/

My Beautiful Mother, Lila Marie (Pound) Layne

Mother passed from this life into the next in August of 2001. I miss her terribly and am looking forward to the day I can see her again. To spend all eternity with her will be so awesome. She was a generous, loving, kind, fun mother. And the list could go on and on about her attributes. I love her dearly. You never get over losing someone you love, you just learn how to cope. Thank God for the promise of Heaven!

Mothers are more precious than all the world's finest diamonds and costly gold.

I am not sure when my Mother became one of my best friends...I guess that's not important. We went through thick and thin together. In all honesty more THICK than THIN. We laughed together, cried together, sometimes we even laughed and cried together simultaneously.

So much of what I learned of love I learned at home. I consider myself to come from a loving family. Not perfect, but loving. I am one of four children. My brother Keith has gone on to his reward. Linda and Karla live in Texas. I believe if all four of us could collaborate we would say that we were blessed with a loving, godly (nearly perfect) Mother.

Mothers are everything for us when we are small...our lives revolve around her. For everything that we need we call mother. To protect us from all perceivable dangers we want her around us. To take us out we hold her hand. To kiss away our wounds we run to her. And for a warm hug and love we look for her. She is the focal point of our lives, the greatest human being in the world. On the special occasion of Mothers Day pay tribute to your mother - the greatest blessing of God on you. Let her know you love her and care about her.

God Bless! And Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers who read this blog!

:)

What's new at Modern Mama?

Tuesday is our Shopping with a Stylist event at C'est Sera.  I am giving away the last I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids book at this event!  We have Shelly Reimer, personal shopper & stylist presenting and three wonderful nannies helping out.  CityTV is coming to tape part of the event for YourCity.

Later this month, the New Mama Essentials series kicks off at Cafe Select with Erica DeNeve as our speaker.  It will be a really fun way to learn about newborn basics, mommy-confidence, responsive parenting and more.  Great food, meeting new moms and learning - what could be better?  Register Now and be sure to forward this on to your friends who have newborns.

July kicks off with our Modern Mama Launch party  on July 11 at the Riverbend Library!  Bring your bundle under 18 months old for the Edmonton's Child Cover Baby Contest.  Winner gets the November Cover!  There will be a lot more happening this day too:: mini-music classes for your under 6 yr old, baby massage sessions and even a mothering workshop.  It's all Free! 

July also brings our first 'I Want My Body Back, Post-Baby Plan' series at Pure Potential studios and a Mama's-night-out of decedant chocolate tasting and wine pairing at The Cocoa Room with Kerstin Roos herself.

As promised, I'm working on some events for moms with toddlers and preschoolers as well.  Some fun things to look for ... Chapters, the Royal Alberta Museum, the GAP (with discount!) and Gymboree!  Watch for all of this and more in July & August.

Happy Mama's Day!