Girly Gazette Launch Week - pingg.com

Girly Gazette Launch Week - pingg.com

Inner Beauty: Keeping Mentally Healthy

Yesterday was, by far, the most inspirational show we've done to date. Danielle and I find issues like mental health, extremely important to touch upon. Outer beauty is absolutely not possible if a woman is a mess on the inside. I can attest to this. The last year of my life has really aged me because of the inner turmoil I went through. I see that now as I study my own reflection. It is unfortunate that stress and anxiety can manifest itself in our physical appearance, but it does.

I encourage you to listen to "Removing The Stigma" if you have not heard it yet. We shared some very personal stories and talked about the importance of seeking help. Danielle and I would like to thank Melanie for her bravery in sharing her brother's story. It means so much to us that women are willing to share their life stories with us and all who listen to "Uncorked." We did pledge to list some helpful links to sites that provide information on dealing with mood disorders. If you have any questions or would like to share your own story, feel free to email us.

• American Psychiatric Association: www.psych.org (703)907-7300
• Health 24 (info on mental health): www.health24.com
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (an alternative or supplement to medication, in treating mood disorders) Lindsay Kiriakos, MD 310-473-9580 LKiriakos@hotmail.com
• Anxiety Disorders Association of America (self help info): www.helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_self_help.htm
• Depression Is Real: http://www.depressionisreal.org/?gclid=CIrW0KXCnZgCFQ9Jagod_jfNnw
• Loma Linda Behavioral Health: https://lomalindahealth.org/sem/bmc/youth-services/index.php?gclid=CIHoj7nCnZgCFQ9Jagod_jfNnw
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks: http://www.anxietypanic.com/
• Treating anxiety naturally: http://www.doctoryourself.com/anxiety.html
• Info on SSRI's and other mood disorder medication: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/complete-publication.shtml

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You Are Not Alone..

I have anxiety. I have severe panic attacks that make physically ill. Why? Usually no reason other than the inability to slow down the millions of thoughts and fears swarming my already crowded mind. Is this a new thing? Nope, I now realize its been an issue for years, many years. Does this make me a complete nutcase who lacks the ability to live a normal life? Nope, it just means I need to do things a bit differently so I can live a HAPPIER life. See my realization and diagnosis (by a professional) is VERY recent. All this time I wrote off my feelings as stemming from being overworked, taking on too much, or just thinking it was a really bad personality trait.  Its a scary and enlightening moment you realize you need help. You get to a point where you feel like no one understands, you don't even understand. And it doesn't seem to pass, but sits there hanging on. You finally get to the point you ask for help, you open up to those close to you, and you find out your more normal than you thought.  Depression and Anxiety are not as rare as you may think. The statistics state that around one in four adults suffers from some kind of mental illness. Many of these people are talented, very successful, and outwardly living a fabulous life. But the battle within is an obstacle they traverse each and every day. Now these stats are based on the people who have been diagnosed, I would bet the numbers would be EVEN HIGHER if you counted those who were not officially diagnosed but attempt to deal with it on their own, are too embarrassed to seek out help, or just accept the feelings they have as normal.  

The answer does not lie solely with medication. Which yes, I am on. Both Kadi and I are members of the Prozac club. But there are so many lifestyle changes that you can make that are very beneficial to combating stress, depression, and anxiety. These changes combined with meds and therapy (if necessary) can help you learn to live with and manage these disorders. Combined with my meds, I have decided to make some dietary changes, find my triggers, change how I do my daily work, and implement an exercise program. 

Please listen to Uncorked today as we discuss this issue! And visit these sites for more info on treating and managing anxiety and depression. 

http://www.uspharmd.com/blog/2008/100-natural-ways-to-overcome-anxiety/

http://hubpages.com/hub/Anti-Anxiety-Diet

A Christmas Carol: True Femme Style

Tiffany really captures the True Femme Christmas spirit with her inspiring "Do You See What I see?" (to the tune of "Do You Hear What I Hear?") Feel free to belt it out when in the shower!

Said the pretty girl to her bathroom mirror,
Do you see what I see?
Staring back at me stupid mirror.
Do you see what I see?
Some rolls, some flab
Stretch marks here to there
And a butt so big it's not fair
And a butt so big it's not fair.

Said the pretty girl to her bathroom mirror,
Do you see what I see?
Staring back at me stupid mirror.
Do you see what I see?
gray hairs, fine lines
dark circles under my eyes
with cottage cheese dimpling my thighs
with cottage cheese dimpling my thighs

Said the pretty girl to her bathroom mirror,
Do you see what I see?
Staring back at me stupid mirror,
Do you see what I see?
I'm fat, I'm ugly
Someone help me please
My boobs are halfway to my knees
My boobs are halfway to my knees

Said TrueFemme to the lovely girl,
Listen to what we say.
We're gonna help you change, lovey girl.
Listen to what we say.
You're beautiful, you're gorgeous
You don't see what the world sees
We will bring you confidence and might
We will bring you confidence and might!

Little Beauties Need Our Recognition Too!

Sometimes, beauty is right in front of our eyes but we are too busy to stop and take the time to see it. This was the case for me this morning. Above all else that I do in life, I am a mother. My little ones are growing fast and quite often I have to remind myself to stop and admire the beauty that is a child. Case in point: My three year old has suddenly taken a liking to dancing and signing. She picks up lyrics at an amazing rate and loves to dance around the house performing them for me. This morning, she was acting up and I realized that all she was trying to do was get my attention. We spent a good hour singing and dancing. Then, she asked if mommy would let her sing for the camera. How could I deny her this request. Of course, once I had the camera on, she got a tad shy and I had to accompany her. I will cherish this little clip forever!

Scrub Your Way To Glowing Skin

One of my favorite splurges is a good exfoliating body scrub! My two preferred scrubs? Origins salt scrub in Sanctuary is a spa scent that always relaxes me. Bliss body scrub in Vanilla & Bergamot has a lighter scent that does not linger, allowing you to use your favorite fragrance after you shower. There is nothing softer than freshly exfoliated shoulders....except a baby's butt!





With the horrible state of everybody's financial well being, right now, it might be smart to skip the indulgences. You do not have to skip the body scrub, however! Just make your own with the following recipes. Store the mixture in Mason Jars or even Tupperware! :

Brown Sugar Baby

1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup almond or olive oil


• dash of cinnamon
• 5 drops of vanilla extract


• Orange essential oil (found in any health food store.)
  
  

Salty Wench

• 
  1 cup of sea salt
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• any essential oil (my favorites are lemongrass, lavender or peppermint)
  

If you have any beauty secrets that can be made at home, email me to have them featured on True Femme! We will link back to you as a thank you!