Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Happiness is a Freshpair!


It's been one of those weeks(and it's only Tuesday!) I'm behind on a couple of deadlines, fighting off a cold and to top it off, the weather sucks! It's cold and rainy and instead of making me feel relaxed and cozy, I'm feeling everything BUT. In fact, by three o'clock this afternoon I was feeling down right bitchy.

And then the mail arrived. I opened the front door and there on my porch was a package with my name on it. I picked it up,turned it over and there it was--the Freshpair logo! A flash of white broke out across my face. My new undies (have a peek) had arrived, delivered right to my door, just in time to ward off my "whoa is me" temper tantrum.

For me, lingerie is right up there with jewelry and shoes when it comes to retail therapy purchases. A new bra and pantie set is an instant pick me up when I'm feeling down and dowdy.

On occasion women debate me on the necessity of wearing fancy pants. So before some of you get your knickers in a twist, understand that your wardrobe down under should be comfortable in mind and body and should speak to your personal style sensibilities. So maybe you’re a LaPerla girl or maybe Hanes for Her are more for you. Perhaps you connect to the look and feel of cotton or maybe satin and lace are what get your eyes twinkling. Boy shorts or thongs, bikini or briefs, demi cup or sports bra—whatever your preference, just make sure your signature sexies are your brand of hot.

So often your outer wardrobe is dictated by the rules of our professional environment, but what you wear under your clothes speak volumes about how YOU see yourself as a sexual woman. The conversation going on between your feminine psyche and your drawers can be broken down into two main topics: 1) That you identify and care about yourself as a woman, and that sexy is who you are 24/7, not just when you’re putting it into action; or 2) Well, let’s just say it’s the direct opposite of number one.

So, what is your underwear saying about you?

A word to the wise: If you're ready to start a new conversation, check out online lingerie sites (if you know your correct size)like Freshpair.com for the brand and styles that make you feel lovely about being you!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Three Things Every Woman Needs to be Happy

I've been on a happiness kick as of late, reminding folks that being happy is truly a magnet that draws to you all of the wonderful things you crave in life--friends, love, opportunities to grow and thrive.
Here's an brief article I found on line that speaks to the subject. Read. Think. Put yourself in the position to be happy.

By Sarah Jio, Glamour magazine

These days, happiness is a big business--authors sell books on the topic, marketers try to get you to buy their products in the name of improved happiness, etc. But when it boils down to it, experts say that for almost every one of us, happiness boils down to three simple things--do you have them in your life?

The happiness trio? Huffington Post blogger Joe Robinson recently wrote about three core psychological needs that stem from past research from scientists at The University of Rochester:

Autonomy: Having independence, control over your home or work environment--the feeling that you are freely choosing things in your life and not being controlled by anyone or anything.

Competence: Feeling as though you are empowered and capable to do the work in your life and initiate things.

Relatedness: Social connection and intimacy with others.

Of course, the happiness equation consists of many different things for many different people, and yet I can tell you that in my life, if any one of these things is missing or off balance I feel anxious and out of whack.

Do you have all three of these elements in your life?

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Butterflies, Lotus Blossoms and Other Signature Symbols

One of the five sensual signatures I advocate adopting is a personal symbol or icon. Companies brand their images with logos so consumers can pick them out in a crowd, so why shouldn't you?

What exactly is a signature symbol? It is something that you can see and touch that connects you with your true sensual self, reminds you of the woman you are striving to be and gives the rest of the world a hint of who you are (think Mariah Carey's butterfly). Lots of power packed into such a little thing.

I get lots of questions about what to choose and as always, I say try to identify a particular shape, color, animal, flower or thing that you've always been attracted to and give it your own definition of what it represents about you. Here are a few of the icons past Stiletto U students have chosen to define themselves.

Butterfly: Very popular icon. Represents transformation and metamorphosis--the ability to change and transform one's attitudes and ideas. Can represent beauty, freedom and joy.

Dragonfly: Can represent illusion and the idea that not all we see or think we know is exactly as it is. It reminds us that magic does still exist in the world if we simply open our eyes and look for it.

Hummingbird: Native Americans associate the hummingbird with timeless joy and the sweet nectar of life. It symbolizes accomplishing what seems impossible and living a joyful life in the circumstances you find yourself.

Lotus flower: It is said that Buddah rose from the center of the lotus flower. That said, the lotus flower is a symbol for rebirth. It also represents peace and enlightenment and is a symbol for all that is true and good and beautiful.

Bamboo: Can represent delicate beauty combined with strength and endurance. Bamboo bends but does not break.

Fleur de lis: Can symbolize excellence, light and illumination, purity, courage and faith.

Color Green: The fresh start of spring brings waves of Green and with it comes attributes of youth, sentimentality, nature, adventure, growth and health.

Star: Can represent high hopes and ideals, good luck, illumination, and a five pointed star can symbolize the five senses.

Apple: A symbol of ecstasy, fertility and abundance as well as love. Split apart, the Apple conjures an image of vulva, signifying feminine love and beauty.

Heart: Likely the most common symbol for love and has long been recognized across cultures as being a symbol for charity, joy and compassion.

So these are just a few of the endless number of icons you can choose that represent you. As always the key is to choose one and personalize its meaning to fit your truth and individual quest.