While surfing my Dish network channels, I immediately paused on a station airing The Dr. Oz Show.  He was talking about a frightening issue with some weight loss supplements.  Though, I don’t personally take weight loss supplements, I suddenly thought of all the people who have, who are, and who are thinking about it.  The shocking expose pushed me to write this post and spread the word about what is really found in those little diet pills.  First of all, Dr. Oz did not condemn all supplements; in fact, he said that “most” weight loss aids are safe.  But the problem is the masses don’t really know what they’re purchasing without any FDA regulations and solid research reports in place.

Jim Neal-Kababick, director of Oregon-based Flora Research Laboratories, which conducted the tests for the Dr. Oz show, reported that this problem is “worse than it’s ever been.”  Millions of unsuspecting consumers are at risk for obtaining these “spiked” products.  Among the additives found by the Flora Research Lab were antidepressants, recalled prescription drugs (Phen-Phen), and antibiotics.  I know, right?  How in the hell does this happen.  His guest explained that some of these companies do not practice general precautions to prevent cross-contamination between the various products they produce.  And, if these manufacturers are producing illegal versions of drugs, they are likely not spending a lot of time keeping there labs and production lines safe and clean.

How To Protect Yourself From Tainted Supplements

You owe it to yourself and your family to be extremely cautious about what supplements you take, especially in this category.   Here are some tips for purchasing quality products in the future.

1. Don’t use them at all, instead rely on good eating habits and exercise to produce safe weight loss.  There are other vitamin supplements that give energy and help you to maintain good metabolism; such as, B vitamins, Chromium, and green supplements. (Be sure to talk to your doctor about any supplements before taking them.)

2. Don’t ever purchase anything that claims it has prescription strength ingredients.  Wow, that’s a HUGE red flag!  If you are looking for or really need a script to help you lose weight, ask your doctor.

3. Remember, there is no super-sonic way to lose weight!  Those companies that proclaim outlandish “miracle” results are simply not telling you the truth.  Don’t fall for the hype…ever!

4. OK, now this is really important.  If you can’t read the label, don’t buy it!  Some of these manufacturers are not in America or English-speaking countries.  The labels put on their products are likely in a native language.  Be especially cautious of online distributors that offer translation in English.

5. Do some research about companies and products first before you buy.  The FDA website is a vital source for product regulation and reports of manufacturing violations.

This article is just a surface “heads-up” of what is happening out there in the world of weight loss supplements.  Please continue to find answers for your questions through reputable sources like Dr. Oz, FDA, and The Flora Research Laboratories.  Also, do pass along this article to your friends and social media contacts.  We need to get this message out before other people get hurt or even die from spiked supplements.  Thanks for your help.  Have you ever taken weight loss supplements?  Please share your experience with us!

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!

Related articles:

FDA Steps Up Crackdown on Tainted Supplements

 Obesity Problem

Natural Products Buying Guide

Do you ever wake up and simply cannot get your brain to operate with clarity?  I do.  There are many things that can cause this type of physical dysfunction, including, lack of sleep, poor diet, stress, toxins (alcohol, medications, food additives, etc.), allergies, internal conflict, and the list goes on.  And, depending on the severity of the condition, it could hinder creativity, work, home life, relationships, and even other body functions.

Brain fog is not something to ignore or cast off into the pit of  “things that are annoying, but I can live with”.  The fact is, you owe yourself a little more than that- take it seriously, because your body needs you to.  I’m not saying you’re going to die if you don’t, just pay attention to what your body is telling you.  Something is wrong; otherwise, you wouldn’t experience this short circuit of sort.  Furthermore, if the condition is persistent and causing other problems, I recommend talking to your doctor about it.  But if there is nothing seriously wrong with you, there are some things you can try to remedy the problem.

Brain Fog Fix #1

Possibly the most  common type of mental sluggishness is the result of what you put into your body.  The average American diet these days is not ideal for optimal health.  Take an inventory of what you eat daily (write it down), do some research on the quality of these items, and decide what better choices you could make.  I don’t believe anyone needs to eat a perfect diet.  Making these “better” choices when possible will change your body and your health one meal at a time.  Common sense says to limit sugar, salt, alcohol, preservatives, and high fat foods.  Do also consider the possibility of a food sensitivity or allergy.

Brain Fog Fix #2

I’ve experienced times of great stress that have hindered my ability to think clearly and make decisions.  Upon recognizing the emotional overload, I immediately calm myself with prayer and meditation.  Just spending 15 to 20 minutes a day in a peaceful state can alleviate confusion, fear, and system overload.  I recommend choosing the type of  “break” that fits your lifestyle and belief system.  In other words, do what works for you.  The point being, just do it!  Included in this category is sleep.  Rest is one of the pillars of health that if not upheld will cause a series of events in your body that you don’t want to happen.

Brain Fog Fix #3

Our lives are filled with choices.  Avoiding making decisions is enough to cause a glitch such as brain fog.  I do understand that not all decisions and choices are to be made in a heartbeat but take time and consideration.  Processing life’s problems and choices is a task that not everyone does well or with enthusiasm.  If this is you, take some time to journal your thoughts and feelings about the decision at hand.  Include pros and cons on both sides, as well as what the best and worst outcome your choice could bring.  Also remember that it could be something quite out of your control.  If so, it is time to let it go.  And stop asking “why?” or “how could this happen to me?”.  Be thankful for your encounter with choice and circumstance and then watch it leave right out your back door.

No matter what the reason for your brain fog, I believe there is some type of help available.  For more information about how to be healthier in general see Detoxing Tips from the Experts,   Detox Your Body Continued.  Get some advice from your doc, counselor, or coach if you’re not making any progress.

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy….and, certainly Be Well!

***The content of this post is not intended to replace professional advice from your health care provider.  Women’s Life Link, it’s authors, associates, commentators, or linked sites do not claim that any information will diagnose, treat, improve, or cure any disease or condition.

To my personal dismay, I have never been a person who sleeps well most of the time.  Because of this fact, I have suffered in many ways, including the implementation of creative endeavors.  Though I do manage to work through most creative projects…eventually, I know and understand the difference between that which flows after a good night’s sleep and the polar opposite that comes following a restless night.  Here’s the deal:  Our bodies heal and  restore on all levels during periods of deep sleep.  When we don’t reach this restorative level of rest, we are (for lack of a better terminology) robbing Peter to pay Paul.  It takes energy to think, create, move, and operate body systems.  Simply put, no sleep…no energy.

Though there are countless reasons we can suffer from insomnia or poor quality sleep, I’ve come to know that it has a lot to do with the mechanics of your bed (comfort level).  I have only had one perfect pillow years ago and have never found a replacement for it…until now.  Recently, I was introduced to a company that offers products that create a platform for quality sleep.  Maggie’s Direct is an online shopping site that sells high-quality bedding and home products at stellar prices.  After receiving a feather down pillow from them to expedite this review, I realized how the aged state of my old pillow had been affecting my comfort level and my sleep.  My neck is extremely sensitive to improper positioning, so the new pillow definitely helped me achieve the type of comfort required to get some ZZZs.  I’ve used the Maggie’s Direct pillow now for over three weeks and am more than pleased with the results.  I’ve had less neck pain and have felt that “energy” I spoke of earlier.

For the point of this article, I’d like to explain how this change in my sleep pattern has helped my creativity.  I reach creative peaks much more quickly than prior to using the new pillow.  I’m actually remembering my dreams again (this is huge for me and how I create).  It also helps that I now look forward to going to bed instead of sitting up for hours, producing low-quality ideas.  This one pillow is raising my awareness of how important good sleep is for everything we do.  It may sound silly if you’ve never had sleep issues, but it’s a life-saver for me.  I can’t wait to try some other products from Maggie’s Direct!

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!

You know that horrible feeling you get when your car slides into a muddy ditch or snow mound?  Desperate.  Helpless.  Stuck.  This is something that usually happens to everyone…at least once in their life.  It usually takes a little help to get unstuck.  Well, the muddy or icy hell hole you drove into is really just a metaphor for what could be happening in your life.  Women are especially vulnerable to the “ditches” and “snow mounds” that seem to pull us in from time-to-time.  Why does this life-hindering thing happen?  Though vehicular mishaps usually just sort of happen, life traps grip us as a result of our own thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

Stuck Reason #1

We don’t believe we have what it takes to move forward into the life of our dreams.  This is a result of always thinking life will be better when the promotion comes, my health is better, I meet the right person, I learn more, I am the creative artist I want to be.  Just several examples, these are common hindrances to living in the moment and choosing present happiness.  This is a form of self-doubt that will always keep you in the ditch until you change your thinking.  Action creates momentum.  So, in this case, doing what it is that you fear will create the energy you need to move forward.

Stuck Reason #2

One of the biggest problems women face in life is not knowing who they really are….as women, creative beings, and viable contributors to the world.  Lacking purpose and direction is how we get lost and stuck.  You may be one of those creative women who do so many things well that you can’t decide what to focus on.  On the contrary to your belief that this is a curse, it’s an overflowing cup of blessing.  You have all of that talent for a reason.  Learning how to focus it is the greatest thing you can do for yourself and the world.  Discovering purpose is better than chocolate, I say!

Stuck Reason #3

Disregarding or not recognizing help when it comes.  Let’s go back to the car metaphor.  You sit there in the ditch, helpless and angry.  Thankfully, you had your cell phone, so you called a tow truck for help.  It’s been 30 minutes, but you wait patiently.  Another motorist stops to ask if you need help, you reply, “No, I’m waiting for the tow truck to come.  He should be here any minute.”  The good Samaritan moves on.  Another hour goes by and your tow truck has not arrived.  During that time, two other passerbyers have offered to push you out.  You declined.  OK, so you disregarded three attempts by others to fix your problem.  Why?  You were waiting for the “big” tow truck that would get you moving in an instant.  That tow truck didn’t come…it got held up across town working with another motorist that slid into a bigger ditch.  Help comes in many forms.  Learn to recognize it.

If you find yourself stuck, there is always a way to get unstuck.  The first step is of course knowing that you are stuck.  Check out these other articles for more information on navigating life’s difficult moments.

How To Keep Going When Life Get’s Hard

A Woman’s Power To Change Things

Discovering Life Purpose In 60 Minutes Or Less

If you haven’t yet read my book, “Are You Out Of Your Freakin’ Mind?, please check it out on Amazon, itunes, Sony, and Barnes & Noble.

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!

The following was my horoscope for the day.  I thought it was amazingly close to what I’ve been saying to others for a long time.  And, I needed to hear it myself, too.

The annoying restlessness that you experience today is simply a reminder that it’s important to start engaging in art projects or musical endeavors that make you happy. Learn from people who aren’t afraid to follow their dreams. Don’t be so concerned with what other people think of your work. Now it’s important to do these things for yourself.

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!

Photo by Retrodiva3

Do you ever sit in a inoperable slump, waiting for your foul mood to pass, or for something good to happen to change things?  I have.  And, while in a state of self-pity and emotional compromise, my creativity has been stifled.  Yes, nil, zip, zilch…it was in those times when I tended to focus on what I didn’t want, instead of what I did.  It was like a steel trap, in the sense that I struggled to escape.  Well, at least for those moments.  However, I learned that this doesn’t serve me, or anyone , for that matter.  Awareness of focus is a prerequisite to changing it.  So, there really isn’t anything that can trap us inevitably. That is if we’re willing to face it…head on!

Because creative women tend to be sensitive and empathetic, we are vulnerable to our own emotions and those of others.  We somehow seem to absorb the world’s problems without even thinking about it.  At least I have, and still do at times.  Though this can be hindering and even paralyzing, it is also what makes us the perfect warriors for change.  Injustices and traumas affect us at the deepest level, provoking a valiant effort for change…if we can get past our pity parties.

I know if we don’t find a creative outlet when in times of trouble, we suffer…immensely.  Writing, journaling, painting, designing, dancing, singing, problem solving, are all creative ways in which we can disengage from problems enough to find some inkling of self-growth.  Allowing yourself to find serving outlets to negative emotions is a way to process life, bringing something beautiful to the forefront.  It may even help you to find a solid solution to what’s bothering you.  It’s OK to allow your creative efforts to go in whatever direction they need to.  Well, as long as they are legal, moral, and ethical, that is.  If you need to write a dark story about a serial killer and his victims, go for it!  I did.  Whatever helps you to feel into the situation without causing more despair and apathy is creative therapy.  You are in control of your creative journey, even if you can’t control everything that happens in your life or in the world.

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!

Photo by Schaurasiya

Nature has made women creative creatures. Inside of each of us, there is a spark of strength and beauty that is unique to our gender. And for many of us, finding an artistic outlet is the way we make sense of our lives. Whether we paint, write, take pictures or make crafts, creativity is an integral part of the way we communicate with the world.

But keeping that spark alive can sometimes be a challenge. Obligations to work, school or our children can become a drain on time and energy, leaving us unable to devote attention to our creative activities. Sometimes, the pressure of performing can freeze us, leaving us feeling vulnerable. And it’s up to you to overcome those obstacles by identifying them and working through them. It’s hard, but it can be done.

There aren’t enough hours in the day…
Women are expected to manage work, a home life and even school without breaking a sweat—and most do with grace. But if you’re also trying to fit in time to work on your own personal projects, carving out those free hours can seem impossible. By the time you’ve ended your day your natural spark of creativity may be weary and dim.

Time management is an essential tool for any woman with multiple responsibilities, but it’s crucial if you’re hoping to continue your creative efforts. If you find yourself drained by your job, commit to doing no work at all once you get home. Not everyone has the luxury of being off the clock once they leave the office, but do what you can to find a way to set your work stress aside when you get home.

Clearing your mind and getting ready for creative activity is also important. Meditation—or even just taking ten minutes to sit quietly and breathe deeply—can help you transition from work mode to creative mode. Learning to separate your job life from your home life is a difficult skill, but it’s valuable.

Integrating your creativity into your everyday life

Education is the key to self-fulfillment, even for your personal creative pursuits. Learning more about the history and techniques of your art can give you a fuller understanding of your craft and make you a better artist. Taking classes at your local arts society or pursuing an online education can give you a fuller understanding of your chosen passion. If you’re a writer, find a writers’ circle; if you’re an artist, find an artists’ workshop. The Internet has also become fertile ground for budding artists and artists’ communities; find a message board or blog that encourages discourse and feedback.

Finally, make your personal creative passion a part of your everyday life. Be sure to communicate with your spouse about needing “me time” to work on your personal projects. If you have children, make them a part of your creative outlet: recruit them to help you with gathering materials, or give them their own arts and crafts projects to explore while you’re working. Making your creative aspirations a family affair can turn into quality time with your kids.

Taking control of your creativity will require you to make changes in your life. If you want to nurture the artistic part of yourself, make an effort to give yourself the time, space and abilities to be the best self you can be.

Lindsey loves writing about education and enjoys keeping up with trending topics. She is working to get her graduate degree at the moment!  She also finds joy in being creative in many realms of her life.

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!

By Lynne Klippel

Photo by Netrogue

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!

I’m always on the look out for ingenious ideas to help release creativity.  One trend I’ve noticed lately involves groups of people getting together at a local bar, restaurant or designated studio to explore a specific creative medium.  There is one in Indianapolis called Wine & Canvas.  The participants gather for drinks and are instructed, step-by-step, on how to complete a beautiful painting.  I haven’t personally experienced one of these monthly events, but I’ve talked to others who have.  The results are amazing, even for those who don’t consider themselves artists.  And they always say how much fun it is to relax and be creative without reserve.

These are some of the actual participant paintings.

Notice the great big smiles on their faces…give me some of that!  And what a fabulous gift idea for just about anyone (over 21, of course).  The Wine and Canvas website sells gift certificates!

I also recently read a post on one of my favorite blogs that talked about another interesting creative gathering.  Instead of Wine and Canvas, it was Wine and Poetry!  I could get into that scene as well.

Click here to read the complete post at 3 Shared Paths.

These brilliant business ideas have got me thinking about what other creative mediums could be coupled with wine events…

What creative fun would you like to experience in a social setting?

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!