If shopping was healthy, wouldn’t you do it every day?  That’s how I feel about shopping at Spoon Fed Art, the brainchild and creative outlet for Los Angeles designer Karin Collins.

Karin began making jewelry during treatment for an eating disorder, using spoons as the base upon which to build her beautiful designs. These are all handmade pieces, meaning each one is unique – an original work of art that you can wear.  And Karin continues to support recovery from eating disorders with her art and her business is a member of NEDA, the National Eating Disorder Association.

All that means my shopping there helps make the lives of others healthier! (How’s that for rationalization?)

I purchased a spoon titled “Purple Rose of Cairo” several years ago, and I always get lots of compliments on it.  They make great one-of-a-kind gifts for yourself or others, allowing you to look good while doing good.  Prices start at $75 and include the spoon pendant on a chain or cord.

Why not indulge both your passion for beautiful things and your social conscious at the same time?!

Photo:  Spoon Fed Art

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My Christmas shopping has been done for awhile now.  Between picking up gifts while traveling to the joys of online shopping, I’ve managed to avoid the lines and crankiness that often infests malls and shops during this time of year.  While I haven’t missed out the shopping frenzy of the holiday season, I have missed out on a lot of other things.  Here’s what I’ve realized:

• I like watching the kids line up to see Santa, their smiles and excitement making them restless as they wait for their turn on the big guy’s lap.
• I like seeing all the holiday decorations and lights.  Thi8s is the time of year to enjoy them – and NOT before Thanksgiving.
• I enjoy listening to the Christmas carolers and holiday music piped throughout the mall or store.  It makes me feel festive and occasionally I even hum or sing along.  Another week or two and I’ll be sick of it, but I miss not hearing the week of Christmas.
• I miss the holiday cheer, running into friends out doing their shopping, too.  The hugs and kisses exchanged during the holiday season, the well wishes, the infectious enthusiasm of the season.  I can look past any grumpiness to find this silver lining.
• I miss the holiday clothes and accessories.  Those silly holiday sweaters, the Christmas tree pins, and even the Santa hats.  I find myself wearing lots of red and green this time of year, too.

Just because I have my shopping done doesn’t mean I have to miss out on all the fun, though.  Crazy as it might seem, I’m heading out to the mall this week.  I’m going to enjoy the best of the holiday season, ignoring the rest, as I countdown to Christmas!

Photo credit:  SXC

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16 days left in December, and it hardly seems possible.  As a kid, the days of the year seemed to creep by in super slow motion.  As an adult it seems the pages on the calendar just fly by, forcing us all to take care of some end-of-the year business.

Here are some of the things that I’m wrestling with as I try to come up with a solid list of goals for 2011.

Business:  It’s time to set new blogging goals, from readership to development of my travel newsletter, from fully launching my concierge travel services to learning podcasting, and from revising advertising rates and fees to generating consistent revenue to hire some help.  There are also some pending business associations and ideas that are worthy of time and development.

Travel:  I’ve separated this from business because while I do make money from my traveling, I also travel for the joy and adventure of it.  My list of places that I want to visit grows and grows, and I already have a few new destinations lined up for 2011.  I also have planned some return trips to some favorites places and  fully intend to continue my love affair with Italy.

Personal:  It’s time to get back into a healthy routine, encompassing a little more walking, healthier meals, and scheduling some pampering respites into a busy routine.  I’d like to learn a few new skills, or enhance my current skill level, including photography, learning Italian, learning more about wine, and healthier cooking.\

I have lots of loose plans and ideas right now, but will be spending the rest of the year putting together concrete action steps to make it all come together to make 2011 GREAT.

Are you making end of year plans, reflecting on where you’ve been and where you want to go?

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The holidays seasons are full of festivities, fun, good food and cheer, but often, despite all the merriment, the holiday blues can creep up on you and just smack you in the face!  In the big picture, you’re going to have to deal with it, but sometime in the short run, you just want to put things aside for awhile and enjoy the season.

Here are my 10 sure-fire ways to beat back the holiday blues:

1. Take a long bubble bath.  Turn down the lights, light some candles, put on some music.  Or take a book or magazine along with you, and read till the water gets cold.
2. Watch an old movie.  Something sappy and girly, maybe even one of those guaranteed chick flicks that sure to bring some tears.  Tears can be cleansing, so pop in a favorite DVD or find something on television.
3. Get a massage.  Let your massage therapist works on all those tension spots and help you de-stress.  A pedicure of facial can also do the trick.
4. Call a friend.  This can be tricky because you need to call someone who loves you unconditionally, and with whom you have the depth of friendship that s/he can truly be there for you. Share, laugh, cry.  Let it all out with someone who loves you, but don’t put your burdens onto them.
5. Help someone.  A child, a neighbor, someone struggling with life.  Turn the “poor me” attitude around and make the day all about someone else.  Adopt a needy family, help out at a shelter, collect food for the food bank, there’s so much need this time of year that anything you do will make someone’s life a little more joyous.
6. Read a book.  Whether it’s a sappy romance, a literary classic, a compelling mystery, or the latest best seller, lose yourself in the pages of a good read.  Reading is a ticket to a great big world, and you can escape into it when you pick up a book (or e-reader).  Brew a cup of tea to go with it, curl up in a comfy spot, and escape.
7. Go for a walk.  Around the block, around your house, or around a track.  Exercise can send endorphins racing through your body, beating back the blues with an energy high.
8. Write.  Whether you spend time reflecting in your journal, writing a letter to a friend, opining a letter to the editor, or writing a blog post, there’s no underestimating the cathartic value of putting pen to paper (or the electronic version thereof).
9. Have one (and only one) really GREAT glass of wine.  Too much could contribute to a continuing depression, but one terrific glass, that you savor every sip, is a decadent splurge.  Make it the really, really good stuff!
10. Eat chocolate.  There are very few things in life that can’t be made better with an incredibly great piece of chocolate.  Nibble away on your favorite whether it’s a Milky Way, a Peppermint Patty, or a rich truffle.  Nibbling is fine, but be sure to stop at one.  And if it’s been a really tough day, why not throw caution to the wind and pair up that decadent truffle with a great glass of red wine.

Those are my go-to cure for the holiday blues.  Do you have any to add to the list?

NOTE: If your case of the blues extends beyond a couple of days, or you have suicidal thoughts, contact your physician or a crisis line immediately!

Photo credit:  SXC

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Hi everyone!

I’m reviving my personal blog here at MJ Speaks, and plan to be updating more regularly on the topics that interest me.  While you can find my travel writing at Traveling with MJ, or one of the travel blogs in the MJ Travel Network, or by subscribing to my travel newsletter, here I’ll be talking about the other topics that interest me:

• Fashion and Style
• Movies, Music, and Books
• Food and Wine
• Current Events
• Law and Social Justice
• Photography
• Gadgets and Technology
• Writing
• Health & Fitness
• and more

I hope you’ll subscribe to the RSS feed and keep up on what else I’m doing and thinking about (besides travel).

Photo credit:  SXC

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I’m a huge fan of the CLARISONIC Skin Care System. Made by the company that brought us the Sonicare toothbrush system, this little gem deeply cleanses, stimulates and clarifies the skin using any nonabrasive facial cleanser.

Clarisonic Skin Care system

I’ve been using the Clarisonic for over a year now, and here are just a few reasons why I’m a big fan:

1. The design is waterproof. I keep mine on a shelf in the shower, taking it out only when I need to clean or re-charge it.
2. One charge will last for at least 30 uses.  Officially, that means I only need to recharge it every few weeks, but I’ve found that it actually lasts much longer.
3. It’s travel friendly. I can tuck it into my suitcase when I leave on a trip, and because the charge lasts a long time, I don’t need to pack the charging unit.
4. Compatible with any nonabrasive facial cleanser.  I’ve been searching for the perfect facial cleanser, and one of my requirements is that it be Clarisonic-friendly.
5. Unclogs pores with the oscillating brushes. This will save bundles on professional facials, and while I love having them, there are practical budgetary concerns.
6. Deep cleaning, yet gentle. Skin feels healthy and glowing after use, and I use it every day.
7. Reduces problem areas of skin including blemishes, and dry and oily patches.  I don’t have a huge problem with this, but it’s something to keep in mind.
8. Doesn’t strip skin of natural moisture. My skin is dry and abused further by working in a dry environment. I need to clean my face without losing even more moisture.
9. Takes no time at all to use. I keep it in the shower to use every morning while conditioner is soaking into my hair. Easy and fast means that you’ll actually use it.
10. Timer can be set so you use it the appropriate amount of time.  I trusty little device that makes sure you use it long enough to have maximum benefit.
11. Two brush options, normal and sensitive, so you can choose what’s right for your skin type and condition.  I haven’t noticed much difference, but if you have sensitive skin you may want to take this into consideration.
12. Serums and moisturizers absorb better after using it.  I need every fighting chance that I can get to help that moisturize soak in and help out my drying skin.
13. Improves skin texture, and helps minimize small lines.
14. My skin looks and feels better, and I get lots of compliments on how I look. Most people are surprised to learn that I’m much older than they’d guess. (And this reason alone may be the most important of all!)

The Clarisonic, and replaceable brushes are available at leading beauty counters.  For the price of one facial (maybe one and a half), you can have this product at home to use every day. It will pay for itself in nothing flat.

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Wear your affirmations and attitude on your wrist with these wrap around bracelets from Humanity.  When you’re hit by a wave of insecurity all you need to do look down for a little boost of confidence and positive thinking, then put your best face forward once gain – looking confident and feeling confident made easy.

The wrap around bracelets are made of leather, and come in baby pink, snow, grass, rust, natural, and brick red, and include thoughts of Lead the Way, Sow Love, and Make a Difference.

You can find the bracelets at local boutiques, or order them online at the Humanity website.  At $24 this fashion accessory is easy on the budget for yourself or as gifts for a few gal pals.  Wear them proudly to show your solidarity and commitment to positive thinking.

Photo credit: Humanity for All

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Looking good is about more than putting on the right shoes and outfit, or having a flattering hair style and attractive makeup.  Looking good is also about feeling good – and that means taking care of yourself in other ways.

One very important way to take care of yourself is by getting plenty of sleep.  With the schedule that many women have, juggling a career, home, and personal life, it’s no surprise we do not get sufficient sleep for optimum health.  That means that no matter what products you use, your skin, eyes, and hair are just not going to look their best.

The occasional sleepless night is not a cause for concern.  However, if you are experiencing more than the occasional sleepless night, it may be a symptom of something more than normal every day stress. If you are experiencing any of the following, it’s time to see a doctor:

• Sleep Apnea – Symptoms include loud snoring and gasping or choking for breath while you’re asleep. In addition to causing extreme fatigue, and daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure and increase your heart attack risk. If you think you may have these symptoms, ask your bedmate.
• Insomnia – Everyone has experienced the situational inability to get to sleep or stay asleep, but when it’s a persistent problem, it can contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness, memory loss and more frequent illness.  Plus, insomnia takes it toll on how you look.
• Narcolepsy – Symptoms are an irresistible urge to sleep, often at inappropriate times, like when you’re driving.  Or shopping.  Or eating,  Or pretty much anytime at all.
• Restless Legs Syndrome – This is a crawling sensation that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially when sleeping.  You may not realize that you’re moving about, but you’re likely to get complaints from your bedmate.
• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder – Involuntary contractions of the leg muscles while you’re sleeping can cause you to wake up, either partially or completely. This results in daytime fatigue and achy legs.

If you’re having too many sleepless nights and feeling tired during the day, it’s time to see your physician. Feeling good is a big step toward looking good!

Photo credit: SXC

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