Get Physically and Financially Healthy the John Hancock | Vitality Way

Its finally SPRING!! YIPPIE!!

Now is the time to get moving and even small steps will help you not only get fit, but lead a healthier and longer life. John Hancock teamed up with Chris O’Donnell, star of NCIS: Los Angeles to help us all recognize that getting healthy means physically, emotionally and financially. Even small steps are better than no steps right? Working in partnership with Vitality, John Hancock is offering an entirely new kind of life insurance that rewards you for living a healthier lifestyle.  What would you do with #5MoreNow?

The John Hancock | Vitality exclusive partnership is offering a new kind of life insurance that integrates wellness benefits with life insurance products. This means you will really save on your premiums. The more you save, the more you are rewarded. So how does it work? After you complete your life insurance process you take an online Vitality Health Review to help determine your “Vitality Age” (it just means your overall health). Then you receive a personalized goals assessment to help you on your way to a healthier lifestyle. To help you along, John Hancock will give you a free Fitbit to track your progress. SCORE!! As you gain in your “Vitality Status” you can earn even more savings and rewards. For example, Policyholders can earn travel, shopping, and entertainment-related rewards and discounts, including half-price Hyatt hotel nights, 20-50% off major brand cruise packages, and gift cards from leading retailers like Whole Foods, REI, iTunes, Starbucks, Fandango, and more.

This is a wonderful opportunity and truly important for you as a new couple. Life insurance isn’t something that one thinks about immediately or at all…until it’s too late. Honestly, it should be one of the first things you do together as a couple. Protect each other. Get healthy together and in the end you will save a lot of money on medical expenses.

You can find out much more by going to the John Hancock website http://www.jhrewardslife.com/ This is the best investment you can make for yourself and each other.

 

 

Breakups to Makeup and Sephora get married…well, sort of.

Breakups to Makeup, known for its unique accessories featuring quirky cosmetic-related slogans, has partnered with SEPHORA COLLECTION on a new accessories assortment, launching on Sephora.com and SEPHORA stores across the US and Canada starting today, April 10, 2015. You’ll be able to find “LOSING YOU HURT BUT LOSING MY MAKEUP BAG WOULD BE A TRAGEDY” and “I WOULD CRY BUT MY MASCARA IS DESIGNER”, as well as a SEPHORA COLLECTION exclusive clutch with the phrase “LIFE IS SHORT, WEAR MORE MAKEUP”.

“The goal of Breakups to Makeup has always been to encourage the artistic expression and empowerment that many makeup enthusiasts feel makeup has brought into their lives. We are beyond thrilled to become a part of the beauty wonderland that they have created.” – Angelique Velez, Founder, Breakups to Makeup

So no surprise that these two would come together all in the name of beauty.

Retailing at $24 USD, they can be used as a statement piece or a travel bag to fit easily inside of your kit or suitcase. Made with a natural colored canvas material and are screen-printed with different catchy quotes on the front, definitely not your usual makeup bag!

www.breakupstomakeup.com

Mindy Weiss and Wedding Paper Divas get you married in style

Getting her start in the industry working at a stationery store, Mindy Weiss has always had a passion for paper. As a style partner for Wedding Paper Divas and a go-to wedding trends expert, Mindy has also designed an exquisite new bridal stationery collection that is striking, yet affordable, and appeals to a broad range of styles.

For her collection, Mindy combined years of experience in the wedding industry with her style and creativity to draw inspiration from all facets of life including fashion, art, nature and her forecasted trends for the year. From brilliant color blocking to delicate lace details, the collection features nine designs in a variety of bold and beautiful themes.

“I designed this stationery collection for Wedding Paper Divas to be versatile and elegant enough to match a wide variety of wedding themes and motifs,” said Mindy. “I can’t wait to help couples personalize these designs and add their own flair.”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

• Simple Allure – Color blocking is modernized and this time it’s all about full-bodied, jewel-toned colors.
• Modern Splendor – Inspired by watercolors, there is magic in the carefree flow of darks and lights, creating a vibrant yet peaceful ambiance.
• Floral Trellis – Emulating Chinoiserie’s whimsical style and Asian influences, the design adds a worldly and dignified statement.
• Lasting Lace – This design pays homage to the classic fairytale love story and all things romantic – and what says romance more than lace?
• Natural Lattice – “Let Love Live,” says Mindy, who believes elements of nature and green living walls will be the focus of many wedding celebrations this season.

 Not limited strictly to invitations, the suites also feature save the date cards, response cards, enclosure cards, thank you cards and more. Mindy’s bridal stationery collection is completely customizable, and available at www.weddingpaperdivas.com/mindyweiss

Real Talk: What does In sickness and in health really mean?

So you are at that point when you are looking deeply into the eyes of your partner and repeating your vows to each other. Sometimes, its vows you’ve written, other times, they are the more traditional vows. Today’s question…Do you really understand what they mean? There isn’t any reason I choose this one to begin the question but since I did, let’s go.

Few people consider sickness and suffering when picking a mate. You might consider how the other person might look in the morning or what bad habits they might have. What your children will look, where you will live and what kind of great life you’ll have. But let me ask, how many of you have thought “If my partner gets ill, will I be there?” “Can I suffer with this person for the rest of our lives (you know that ‘till death do you part’).

It sounds like the beginning of another marriage joke, but it’s no laughing matter. It’s a real question and frankly one you should honestly talk about while you’re dating. Let’s keep it real…not everyone is made for the bad times. Getting sick and suffering is a part of life and as you get older, it happens more. It’s a part of life.

Suffering comes in lots of forms: physical illness, mental illness, taking care of elderly parents, children get sick. The truth is that very, very few people suffer well. Sadness comes in all forms, but be assured that it will touch your relationship. None of us are immune. You will have good days, and bad days – can your partner handle it?

Who do you want holding your hand when the test says “cancer?” When your world turns upside down, in whose eyes do you want to look? Who will take turns staying up with your sick child? Who will be with you when an aging parent needs extra care?

These aren’t the questions that many will take the time to ask or even think of…but you should. No one wants to think of sad times when life is ‘prefect’ but THIS IS THE TIME.

Yet when life falls apart, you want someone you can run to, not someone you want to run from. You want someone who believes in you and helps restore your faith not causes more doubt. You want someone who hopes no matter what the circumstances are.

Life is hard enough; there is no need to make it harder. When choosing your life partner, choose wisely and no matter what happens, they won’t let go of your hand. You are a TEAM!

Real Talk: Communication is the key to keeping your relationship a relationship. Pt2

In this second part of Communication is the key to keeping your relationship a relationship, what I’m sharing isn’t rocket science. It’s really quite easy and believe me…if you practice nothing else, these are MUSTS to having a mature relationship. Truthfully, they can also be among the hardest to do.

Society Doesn’t Matter

Do not let people judge your life and your decisions. Do not fall prey to their traps and their wishes. You have your own life to live and your own problems to deal with. No one knows what you’re going through and they don’t need to know. Be happy with who you are and be happy with the person you’re with, without asking for any acceptance from anyone else. No one will truly understand the ups or downs of your relationship other than the two of you. The two of you matter and how you handle things with each other matters. No one is walking in your shoes but you.

I Forgive You

Let go of the negativity. Forgiveness is one of the most precious gifts you can give to someone. If they made a mistake and promise to not make it again, forgive them. You won’t be stupid for forgiving them, you’ll only be the bigger person. But NEVER say it if you don’t mean it, only say it if you can truly forgive them with all of your heart. Also, and this is the hard part, are you listening… FORGIVE YOURSELF! No one is perfect and we all have moments when we do things that we perhaps shouldn’t have done. Self-forgiveness is simply saying that you could have handled things differently, but things happen. Stop beating yourself up over it. Forgive yourself, don’t keep it bottled up and don’t do it again. OK?!

I Love Myself

Love who you are, not what youcan be or wantto be. There is nothing more than a newly engaged woman’s first words that really anger me. What are they.. “I needto loose weight to fit into my wedding dress.” ARGH!! Look, the person who just proposed knows what you look like. They proposed right, so they must love you Just The Way You Are. WHY do you now feel that you have to change your look? Just because some bridal magazine says so? Because society says that you won’t be beautiful if you’re not ‘thin’? If you are losing weight for better health fine, but not for a wedding. LOVE Yourself. The person you are right now is exactly the person you should love and respect. It’s not possible to love someone when you don’t love and respect yourself enough.

I Respect You

Respect is a two-way street; you need to give it to earn it. Always tell your partner you respect them, that’s why you love them and that’s why you’re with them. You love and respect them for who they are and the decisions they make and the personality they carry. Now, do something scary…ask your partner the question. Do you respect me? Remember just because you are in a relationship, doesn’t mean that you are being respected in that relationship. This means they are being truthful, there isn’t anything ‘hidden’, you feel like you can tell them anything and you won’t be judged. So ask. It’s scary and they might look at you like you’re nuts, but there is nothing like looking into their eyes when they say yes and, you feel it in your heart.

I Like You

Are you friends? I often tell people I love my parents, because they are – well, my parents. BUT, I really like them. They are funny, a great team together, have each other’s back and hold hands. I adore them. I remember the first time I asked my BF if he liked me. He questioned why I would ask such a thing and then said “Of course, I like you.” I simply explained that loving him was easy but I wanted to make sure that during what ever possible future difficult times (which would surely come) that he liked me as a person, had my back and would always hold my hand.

I LOVE You

Last but definitely not the least, tell them you love them. These three little words have the power to turn a frown into a smile. Even if they know it already, doesn’t matter. Reassure them everyday, not because you fall in love with them everyday, but because you ARE in love with them! Also, I think I have a problem with the notion of “falling in love”. As one who has ‘fallen’ before, I know the devastating heartache, when you fall, hit rock bottom. IT sucks!! What I have learned and continue to learn is that love grows…love blossoms…love blooms…love shines. So don’t fall, don’t even trip, but plant the seed and watch it grow. Rise in love.

 

Hopefully these will help your relationship. I promise you in Real Talk, I won’t write anything that I’m not practicing myself. If you have any suggestions and/or questions for us, about anything relationship related, let us know. We’re gonna keep it really real.

Until Next time.

 

 

Real Talk: Communication is the key to keeping your relationship a relationship. Pt1

Welcome to a New Year…and a new series. Real Talk, will hopefully address real issues in relationships. Love, friendship, marriage, divorce, infidelity, passion…you name it. Seems perfect that in the beginning of a new year, we discuss something that we can ALL work on…better communication. Are you ready??

Flowers and hearts are always in the beginning of any new relationship. It’s warm and cozy. It’s romantic. It’s stolen kisses. It’s magic (especially if your last relationship left things to be desired) and you love the feeling. Yes…I remember those days. Then life happens… Perhaps there are disagreements, misuse of trust, lies; deception or you simply stop communicating. Look, it happens, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your relationship.

Talking is the only way to make things better. That means communication between the two of you. Now, I know talking to your friends will be the first thought, but let’s face it…your friends may be bias. They are going to say things that may not always be in your best interest or the best interest of the relationship. Not everyone is your friend, or in your corner, no matter what they say. So the best way to get to the bottom of what ever isn’t working in your relationship…and get it back on track is to both speak and listen to your partner.

Is Something Bothering You

There’s nothing more depressing than keeping quiet about your feelings. It hurts when you have to keep things to yourself that you actually need to let out. It’s one of the healthiest things to have a good level of communication with your partner, the back and forth of feelings into words is just beautiful and it helps both of you stay happy.

I’ve seen a lot of couples break apart due to a huge lack of communication. Asking if something isn’t quite right with your partner doesn’t take much effort and it makes them feel like you’re there for them and they can talk to you when they’re going through a rough patch. It doesn’t take much to ask them if you see a change in their moods, if you feel like they’re not quite the same with you, if you feel a difference in the way they talk to you, it all probably means they’re sad or hurt about something and you can make it that much easier on them by letting them know you’re there for them.

I Need You

The happiest couples are those who acknowledge each others importance and how lost they are without each other. “I need you” are three very simple yet very powerful words that can grow the love between the two of you by ten fold. You are in love with them, there’s a reason you chose to be with them, there is absolutely no shame in admitting how much you need them in your life, in your ups and downs, in your accomplishments, in your successes and your failures, you need them in everything.

Can I Help In Any Way & I Believe In You

Nothing makes your partner more proud of having you than knowing that you’re always there to help them out when they need it. My BF has a crazy job and sometimes has to work the night shift. I know it can be tough on him, and it’s no big deal for me to set my clock at 3:00am to send him a smile text or even call him just to say hi. To let him know…he’s not alone. I think he appreciates it. He also has a very active community service life and there are days…WHEW!!! We have a deal and lately he’s taken me up on it. If he calls and says “I just need to vent for a moment”, I say ok…and shut up! I just let him get it all off his chest and if he doesn’t want my opinion, I don’t offer it. By doing this, again, I’m showing my support of him and what he’s doing (& yes, he does the same for me). At the end of the day, he knows I have his back, am his cheerleader and he doesn’t have to do it alone. So ASK!!! They may say no I don’t need help 99 times, but when they ask time 100 be there! Show you care.

I Trust You

We’ve all been lied to, made to feel as if our guy-feeling was “in your mind” (when clearly it wasn’t) and left feeling as if the wind was knocked out of you. Trust is rare and one of the most precious things you must have in your healthy, grown-up relationship. When it’s gone…it’s gone. If you’re lucky to be in a relationship where that’s not an issue, still tell your partner that you trust them. It doesn’t matter if they know it already. Reassuring words are very healthy and help create a happy relationship. It can also possibly thwart any possible reason for that trust to be broken.

How are you doing so far?? There is so much more to share. Come back next week for part 2. Until then, take some time with your partner and talk to them. Really talk to them from the heart. Be an active listener. Hear what they have to say.

Happy Holidays and See you in 2015!!

Oh WHAT A YEAR!! Seriously, this is one for the record books…at least for me. There are so many of my friends who are getting married…some for the second (and at least one for the 3rd time); there were births, deaths, birthdays (yup…the “big one” for me) and growth.

I was really looking forward to this year. I thought it would be filled with magic. That’s what I wanted. That’s what I wished for. Some of my wishes came true, some not so much. But that’s life right? If I’m honest, the last few months have been some of the most intense I’ve had in years…but it’s lead to my growth as a writer, daughter, sister, friend and lover.

So in my year in review, allow me to share the following with you:

I love what I do and when I have great information to share with you I’m super excited. However…lately, I’ve hit a ‘wall’. I have spoken to some of my colleagues in the business, and we all agree that the wedding industry is going through some changes and we ALL feel it. I’ve tried to keep it up to date but frankly, there is more to getting married than getting the ring and white dress. There have been times when I’ve just not been ‘in the mood’, to push the same old stuff and didn’t. For those of you who have been so loyal to me, I’m sorry for some of the time-lapses. I won’t ever write just to write – that doesn’t ring true for me, you know that. This blog will change in 2015. I’m going to do something a bit radical…I’m going to get really real with you about this thing called relationships and marriage. Some of it will be light, fun and fluffy. Some of it will probably scare you, but it’s being honest. Hope you’re ready…Hope I’m ready lol!

I have had the opportunity to spend a few weeks on the road this year. Nothing like years past, but that’s ok. My best trip was to the South of France, with my boyfriend (geez…there has to be another ‘title’, when you date someone over 40). It was both a magical and life-altering experience. It was the first time that he did all the planning and all I had to do was go. No work, no agenda…just the two of us in a great farm-house in Provence drinking wine, eating great food and spending time together. It taught me that you can learn a lot about a person when you walk down a country road, smelling lavender at sunset drinking wine.

That night…will forever be magic…and yes, that’s the picture of us above.

So in 2015, I’m going to look for, create and take more magic moments. I already have an opportunity to rack up a few more airline miles and I’m going to take it. I’m gathering wind beneath my wings and taking flight. I hope you all come along for the ride.  What “magic moments” are you going to create? Start thinking about them now and make it happen.

As a sister, daughter, friend…well I try. I’m far from perfect but I do know that my parents and brother know that I love them, depend on them and would do anything for them. I’m really excited that my ‘little brother’, is getting married this year. His fiancée is an awesome girl who loves him and is really good to him. Like most couples, they have their moments, but they communicate well and are committed to each other. As a friend…well, I give a lot of myself. I am there no matter the hour and I have learned to lean on them during some of the most difficult times this year. Learning to let others help, hasn’t always been easy, usually because most come to me to “handle it”. But this year, I’ve taken off my white-hat and let others handle it for me.

In 2015, I hope to share some ways to let others (be it people, books, exercise, whatever) help you. Seeking help/council isn’t always easy to do. It’s scary to get real with your dark side. It’s not always pretty. The thing I learned is that when you ask, people are usually willing to at least listen as you hash it out in your mind. I’ve had some really intense moments this year and am grateful some really good people have help me. I hope that as I continue to grow, I can share with you – and hey…this is a two-way street. Share with me what helps you.  My first tip: My BF’s friend Barbara told me to always keep a flashlight….for those dark moments to shine light on it. I took her literally (as she was a writer and a damn good one) and always carry one with me. Get a small one as a reminder that truth is always “light”.

Now…the lover part. ROTFL (mom, if you’re reading this post, skip to the end). I don’t claim to know what makes a relationship successful. I had one that changed the way I view marriage. It was painful to discover that he lied, cheated and in the end, ending it was the best thing I ever did. I won’t ever allow those qualities in my life again. My antenna is up and I know the signs. The relationship I’m in now, has had it’s share of ups/downs and yet, we (as of this writing) are still standing. We have made a joint decision to communicate better, have more of those good times, have those tough discussions and in the end, always hold hands. We know what will not work in our relationship and I’m happy that we have weathered some storms because it’s made our roots grow deeper and stronger.

In 2015 we’re going to take a look into what is intimacy. Not just sex…but what it takes to be emotionally intimate with your partner. It’s going to take me out of my comfort zone to write about it (as I’ve not done it before), but I feel that it’s important. Communication and intimate moments are key to your relationships survival. It’s needed if your relationship is going to thrive and that’s what we all want right?

Ok…so that’s a lot and I sincerely hope that I can make it all happen. I know that I’m not going to stress out about it. I’m going to do my best for you and for me. Your relationship and mine.

As I take the rest of the year ‘off’, I’m doing do because I need to have some down time to get things ready. I want to spend time with my family and my guy. I want to enjoy the holiday and hope you do the same. Most of all, as you look back on 2014, I hope you do so with a smile – even if there were a few tears. I hope you have grown as a person and have found someone who loves you – really loves you. I pray that what ever you wish for that didn’t come true, finds its way to you in 2015. Most of all, I wish you peace of spirit, mind and heart.

Here’s wishing you all a very Happy Holiday and New Year.

Warmly,

Yours in Bridal