All You Need is Love

With the wonderful, annual arrival of February 14th, comes the celebratory Valentine's Day! In my opinion, having been single for the past 22 years, on this day, Valentine's Day has become overrated. After seeing my friends' updates say things such as: "Happy S.A.D...(Single's Awareness Day) Valentine's Day or Happy Valentine's Day to ME" I realized exactly how unnecessary this day is. However, unfortunately this day is actually built into the calendar, and will come every single year whether we want it to or not. So...rather than allowing yourself to feel miserable and alone, celebrate your singleness. You don't have anyone holding you down right now from any dreams or desires you may have. You don't have anyone you have to purchase unnecessary gifts for, and you don't have anyone you have to worry about who may disappoint you. Instead you can focus on what you want to do, who you want to love, and who you want to spend this "regular" day with. Be independent and enjoy taking some time for yourself. Open up and enjoy a good bottle of wine with some friends, start an activity that you have always wanted to do, but never actually did it, and when all else fails...GO SHOPPING and get a little RETAIL therapy! Don't wallow in what you don't have...as my mother continues to tell me, count your blessings and be thankful for what is already in front of you! With that being said...HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

For now...

take care, love Blair

Let the Games Begin!

As we all know the 2010 Winter Olympics have begun. Friday, February 12, they were kicked off with an amazing opening ceremony, where once again, our country was "United" with the appearance of 216 athletes competing and representing the U.S.A.. Entering the stadium in their navy blue and American red marshmallow jackets, with a wonderful, chic cream, cable knit turtleneck sweater, and coordinating khaki trousers, the American athletes, held their heads high as they waved, smiled, and represented our country. I think its only fitting that the individual chosen to design these outfits was, none other than, Ralph Lauren. Born in the Bronx, New York on October 14, 1939, Ralph Lauren has become one of the few designers to stay true to an American style, and has gone on to produce collections that have become classics to this day.

I am truly passionate about the olympics, because I feel that it is one way to bring together our world, in such a time as this. With the unfortunate earthquake in Haiti, the tragedy of a fashion Icon; Alexander McQueen, and the horrendous death of the Georgian Luger; Nodar Kumaritashvili, our world has been given hope and the inspiration to continue believing in a brighter tomorrow. So thank you to all the American athletes for representing our country & to Mr. Lauren for staying true to the American Tradition with your creations. Then without further ado...LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!!

For now...

take care, love Blair

A Course in Stress Management

For those of you who are anything like me, you become stressed out, quite frequently. Unfortunately, my Type A personality doesn't help this. However, because of this disorder of mine, I must try and work with it everyday. I know that I will never become completely stress free, therefore, I have found some remedies to help with this.

1. Have a routine

Having a routine allows your body to form a pattern and a schedule. This helps with your biological clock.

2.Get a full 8 hours of sleep

It has been proven that getting the reccomended 8 hours of sleep can eliminate stress, assure you are well rested, and according to an article that I read last year, help you lose up to 10 pounds over the course of a year or two. Who doesn't love that?

3. Find a way to focus on yourself

I.E: journal, meditate, shower at the end of the day (rinse away all the problems from that day), or read a good book are all positive ways to transfer your negative/ anxious energy a.k.a. stress!

4. Enjoy the wonderful world of Aromatherapy

I have begun to love "Stress Free" body washes with the scent of mint leaves, eucalyptus, and pine trees. My favorite product right now is my pillow spray from Bath & Body Works with a scent of Warm Milk & Honey! Sprayed on my pillow and sheets a few minutes before I hit the sack does wonders.

5. Sitting back and looking at the situation

I know that for me, lately, stress has been affecting my sleep. I lay in bed with a thousand things on my mind, and unfortunately some of my greatest ideas for things come to me at this moment. I know keeping a notepad by the bedstand allows me to write down whatever is on my mind and focus on getting a good nights rest. However, what I mean by "sitting back and looking at the situation" is stepping back and not saying anything about a current situation you are in. Instead, think about your situation from a neutral parties' opinion. Sometimes, it helps me see what's really important.

So many things in life we take for granted, and until they are gone we assume they will always be there. I can honestly tell you that this is something I have been working on for a few years now and with the absence of hot water in my shower for 1 week, last year, and still sometimes this year, I do not even take hot water for granted. :) I encourage and challenge all of you to find out what you are taking for granted and try and change the way you look at things. Also, in terms of your stress, relax! Life is too short to spend it stressed out. Don't sweat the small stuff and know that you're not alone, because chances are, whatever you are stressed about will somehow "work out" in the end.

I know, I know, I'm calling the kettle black, but still sometimes I find it's good to remind myself about some techniques and to remind others. Everybody needs somebody! We're all stressed out. Don't worry you're not alone.

For now...

take care, love Blair

Beautiful Bibs

One accessory that is hot on the market right now is the bib necklace. It's a necklace with a shaped image or cluster of attention at the center of necklace. I love how girly they are. These are some great examples from Anthropology. I love the detailing on the bird bib. The eye of the bird with a turquoise hue...pure perfection. I'm pretty sure we will be seeing these quite a bit in the near future.

For now...,

take care, love Blair