Just Melancholy

Are you bikini ready?

{photo via Victoria’s Secret}

Getting a hot bikini bod for summer doesn’t have to be an arduous process.  In fact, just practicing a few simple things can help you start to implement a healthier diet and lifestyle.

• First and foremost, in order to lose weight and get in shape, you have to burn more calories than you consume.  Sucky, right?  Think again - burning calories can be fun.  You just have to find a physical activity you enjoy.  Swimming, dancing, tennis..anything that gets your heart rate up counts!
• When the munchies strike, wait it out!  Cravings typically last no more than 15 minutes, so hang tight and it will pass.
• The beginning of the day is when you need the most energy, so don’t skip breakfast!  Get a hearty start to the day with a protein-packed breakfast (try eggs and breakfast meats).
• Try taking (as directed) a weight loss pill.  It can help you shed a few pounds and get motivated to get in shape!
• Snack smart.  One of the best and healthiest snacks in the summer is fruit. It’s in season, affordable, tastes great, and has very few calories.  Try frozen fruit for a sweet treat that will take longer to eat and taste more like candy.
• Drink lots and lots of water.  It will not only help you stay hydrated, but can help curb hunger and cravings.  Avoid drinks that are loaded with sugar, salt, or carbonation to avoid bloating.

Mother’s Day is coming up! Do you know what you are going to get your mother, wife, loved one? Here’s an idea: try finding the perfect china replacement dish. All you have to do is find out which brand of china she has, and then find it online. She will be completely surprised; believe me. Let her know that you appreciate everything she does and has done for you!

One of the great thing about planning a wedding, or anything for that matter, in this day and age is the ability to do all your research online. It saves a lot of time because you don’t have to make the phone calls or drive around to each spot to speak to each and every person. When planning your wedding, look into finding some of these online to save you time and stress. Eventually you probably should meet with them in person just to make sure.

• Photographer: This is a great one to look up online because you can browse through their photos and their pricing without someone hounding you; you are free to go at your own pace.
• Caterer: Searching for a Utah caterer online is such a cinch. Again, you can browse through the picture of the food and their prices in your pajamas. What’s not to like?
• Venues
• Even Dresses!

Good luck and have fun planning your wedding!

We, as women, have a lot of things on our plate. We sometimes take on more than we can handle because we are motivated, optimistic, and dedicated to our lives and what we do. But we need to remember to take some time out of the day in order to treat ourselves and relax–just a little bit. I know that sometimes we all feel like this:

Extreme stress has many negative results on the body–which includes the one thing almost all of us are trying to avoid: weight gain. So take the time now to de-stress your life and become a calmer you. Here are just a few things you can try to get your mind of your everyday tasks and onto enjoying life just that much more:

• Outdoor recreation: this really does help relieve tension and stress. It is usually a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. Many women love going outdoors so they can feel one with nature. It is just calming to be outside in the midst of beautiful weather and beautiful scenery. You could go on a hike, bike ride, or just lay out in the sunshine.
• Go to a concert: Yes, you know you’ve said “I’ll go to that concert eventually. Just now isn’t the best time.” Well, no more excuses. Just do it. If you want to go see a certain band or performer…just do it! When searching for concert tickets, don’t stress out too much about the money. If you can’t afford the best ticket, that is perfectly OK. Go with a cheaper one. You will still be able to enjoy yourself.
• Spend a day with friends: Everyone loves hanging out with their friends, so why not plan a girl’s day out? Go to the spa, get your nails done, or just enjoy their company. You’ll be so surprised at how easily you will forget all your daily troubles and stresses.

Those are just a few suggestions. If you have any others that you would like other stressed women to know about, feel free to share. We would love to hear every thing you have to say. Girls, life is short…enjoy it!

Music can be a very inspiring medium as many music teachers and music lovers know. An equally powerful medium is through the spoken word. Here are a few of my favorite quotes by famous composers. I absolutely adore when people are passionate about what they do.

•  ”I sit down to the piano regularly at nine-o’clock in the morning and Mes dames les Muses have learned to be on time for that rendezvous.” –Tchaikovsky
• “Youngpeople can learn from my example that something can come from nothing. What I have become is the result of my hard efforts.”–Haydn
• “Whether I was in my body or out of my body as I wrote it I know not. God knows.”–Handel
• “To play without passion is inexcusable!”–Beethoven
• “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” –Bach