Happy Weekend, Everyone!
In my last post, I mentioned that I would next tackle the subject of finding good "go to" people. Whether we all have them right now, we definitely need them in our lives, particularly as we get older and become more aware of the importance of preventive care. Today, I'll focus on finding your personal health care team.
I've been fortunate in that I've had the same family doctor, dentist and optometrist for over a decade--longer in some cases. I found both my doctor and dentist through the tried-and-true method of networking--putting out the word to friends and acquaintances that I needed some good references. I firmly believe that you cannot lose by letting others know your needs--someone will always come through for you. Every one of us is always looking for someone, so don't be shy--just put out the word, and the universe--likely in the guise of one of your friends--will always be there!
I'm sure we've all known people--or have been those people ourselves!--who have had the same doctor, dentist or optometrist for years because these were the practitioners our parents dragged us to. I've even known people who, despite having reached "grown up" status, have been reluctant to part ways with said practitioners because they saw it as "cheating" or being disloyal to their parents' choices. I say, "Okay, you're grown up now, so make grown up decisions!" It's most likely that these practitioners (if they are still indeed practising) either no longer meet your specific needs, or you just don't gel with them. In my case, I've been "divorced" from my childhood doctor and dentist for years. However, I have continued to see my wonderful optometrist, Dr. Gina Gincauskas, who has taken care of me since I was in my thirties and back from a four-year stint in the U.S.--I went to her while my mother saw one of her partners. Why? She is extremely personable, professional and, most important, I feel very comfortable with her. She fits my definition of "team player" in every sense of the word, and that is why I will continue to have her as one of my "go to" people for as long as she'll have me. There's a bonus, too--her practice is a one-stop shop for eye exams and eyewear. Whether you are in the market for contact lenses or a beautiful pair of designer frames, Dr. Gincauskas will make sure your eyes have it! For those of you in the Toronto area, you can contact her at 416-532-7115 (her office is conveniently located on Bloor Street, just west of Dundas West subway).
As I said before, check out the practitioners your friends love and trust! I'd love you to comment on my post and let us know how YOU have found your "go to" people!
Watch for an upcoming post on finding a good naturopath and nutritionist!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Your Personal Spring Cleaning!
Hello Everyone, and Happy Spring!
Well . . . I may be jumping the gun a bit, considering it is only March 5, but it certainly looks and feels a little more like spring here in Toronto. The sun is shining, people are smiling a little more (even on the subway!) and there's a general bustling in the air. Take me, for instance--I've played "blog hookey" for almost a month now and suddenly feel recharged and ready to chat about the possibilities ahead for all of us. I've always felt that I've been "wired" to the changes in the seasons and am re-energized by a sense of newness and difference in the air. Perhaps, like me, you too have felt drained by February grayness (unless you've been lucky enough to hide out in California or Florida for the winter!). Now, colours are abounding again--in nature, stores and magazines. Today I put on a turquoise Indian cotton blouse and felt ready to tackle just about anything--including the mounds of paper on my home office desk!
Yep--spring cleaning is as much in the air as is spring. Take a look around your home and see what needs to be done--and, even more important, take a good look at yourself. Here is my "personal spring cleaning" checklist that you can adapt and use any way you like!
1) Am I taking care of myself in the best way I know how? If I'm not sure whether I am, have I made appointments to see my family doctor, dentist, optometrist, naturopath, nutritionist and others who see to my health care?
2) Am I looking the best I can? Have I recently seen, or scheduled appointments to see, my hair stylist, hair colourist, manicurist, skin care specialist and image consultant?
3) Am I taking care of my physical needs? Am I exercising regularly, whether that be walking, using a gym, or attending a class that is fun for me?
4) Am I taking care of my emotional and spiritual needs? Am I taking part in activities that inspire me, such as learning a new skill? Am I spending some quality time with myself, even if that means reading a wonderful book on the subway to and from work? Am I planning for mini-vacations if longer ones aren't feasible at the moment?
5) Am I taking care of those I love? Am I spending time with family and dear friends? Am I attuned to my partner's changing needs, both for himself/herself and with me as a couple?
Luckily, I have a much better handle on my personal spring cleaning than on my household mess at the moment! Because I do, I feel I'm now ready to tackle piles of (mostly) paid bills, magazine clippings and general unfiled "stuff." I urge YOU to use my personal checklist to get yourself in "spring-ready" shape--THEN jump into the letter (or whatever) pile!
Let's do some talking here--I'd love you to comment and leave us with your own "personal spring-cleaning" tips!
Next up: how to find good "go to" people!
Well . . . I may be jumping the gun a bit, considering it is only March 5, but it certainly looks and feels a little more like spring here in Toronto. The sun is shining, people are smiling a little more (even on the subway!) and there's a general bustling in the air. Take me, for instance--I've played "blog hookey" for almost a month now and suddenly feel recharged and ready to chat about the possibilities ahead for all of us. I've always felt that I've been "wired" to the changes in the seasons and am re-energized by a sense of newness and difference in the air. Perhaps, like me, you too have felt drained by February grayness (unless you've been lucky enough to hide out in California or Florida for the winter!). Now, colours are abounding again--in nature, stores and magazines. Today I put on a turquoise Indian cotton blouse and felt ready to tackle just about anything--including the mounds of paper on my home office desk!
Yep--spring cleaning is as much in the air as is spring. Take a look around your home and see what needs to be done--and, even more important, take a good look at yourself. Here is my "personal spring cleaning" checklist that you can adapt and use any way you like!
1) Am I taking care of myself in the best way I know how? If I'm not sure whether I am, have I made appointments to see my family doctor, dentist, optometrist, naturopath, nutritionist and others who see to my health care?
2) Am I looking the best I can? Have I recently seen, or scheduled appointments to see, my hair stylist, hair colourist, manicurist, skin care specialist and image consultant?
3) Am I taking care of my physical needs? Am I exercising regularly, whether that be walking, using a gym, or attending a class that is fun for me?
4) Am I taking care of my emotional and spiritual needs? Am I taking part in activities that inspire me, such as learning a new skill? Am I spending some quality time with myself, even if that means reading a wonderful book on the subway to and from work? Am I planning for mini-vacations if longer ones aren't feasible at the moment?
5) Am I taking care of those I love? Am I spending time with family and dear friends? Am I attuned to my partner's changing needs, both for himself/herself and with me as a couple?
Luckily, I have a much better handle on my personal spring cleaning than on my household mess at the moment! Because I do, I feel I'm now ready to tackle piles of (mostly) paid bills, magazine clippings and general unfiled "stuff." I urge YOU to use my personal checklist to get yourself in "spring-ready" shape--THEN jump into the letter (or whatever) pile!
Let's do some talking here--I'd love you to comment and leave us with your own "personal spring-cleaning" tips!
Next up: how to find good "go to" people!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Get More for More!
Hi Everyone!
It's a cold but gorgeously bright Sunday in Toronto. I'm feeling warm and fuzzy in my sunny study and want to share my enthusiasm for the February/March issue of More Magazine. If you have never read an issue, I urge you to pick up this month's copy. And, if you are under 40 or "eternally 39," don't be put off by the magazine's subtitle, "Canada's Magazine Celebrating Women Over 40"--there is tons of good information for all women here! Here are a few tidbits:
*Great articles on personal training for a healthy heart and understanding the pros and cons of the meds you're taking
*Wonderful contests--log on to more.ca and sign up for the newsletter Haute Flash for a chance to win Yves Saint Laurent's Parisienne Eau de Parfum and Perfumed Body Lotion, and go to www.more.ca/readersurvey for a chance to win a Blackberry Curve 8330 Smartphone
*Find out how other women are tackling fashion finances in 2010--I'm now tuned into a blog created by two impressive young women who are actually denying themselves fashion purchases for one year! Check out 365fashionrehab.com and follow Alison's and Perdy's adventures!
There's truly more for all of us at More!
It's a cold but gorgeously bright Sunday in Toronto. I'm feeling warm and fuzzy in my sunny study and want to share my enthusiasm for the February/March issue of More Magazine. If you have never read an issue, I urge you to pick up this month's copy. And, if you are under 40 or "eternally 39," don't be put off by the magazine's subtitle, "Canada's Magazine Celebrating Women Over 40"--there is tons of good information for all women here! Here are a few tidbits:
*Great articles on personal training for a healthy heart and understanding the pros and cons of the meds you're taking
*Wonderful contests--log on to more.ca and sign up for the newsletter Haute Flash for a chance to win Yves Saint Laurent's Parisienne Eau de Parfum and Perfumed Body Lotion, and go to www.more.ca/readersurvey for a chance to win a Blackberry Curve 8330 Smartphone
*Find out how other women are tackling fashion finances in 2010--I'm now tuned into a blog created by two impressive young women who are actually denying themselves fashion purchases for one year! Check out 365fashionrehab.com and follow Alison's and Perdy's adventures!
There's truly more for all of us at More!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Mama Nia!
It's a very gloomy Monday afternoon and I'm still hanging around my office--but I'm about to get energized in a very good way! I'm off to my NIA class very soon. For those of you who aren't familiar with NIA, take a looks at my teacher's website: www.jennhicks.ca/Nia.html Nia combines elements of martial arts, dance and yoga to create a dynamic, very personal form of fitness that feels much more like fun than work! Trust me, though--it is work, but work that feels good (don't we wish ALL work were like that!). I started NIA on January 4 this year as a way of adding some spice to my gym and walking routines--and I've found a whole new world in this wonderful workout routine! Forget Mama Mia--I can be a Dancing Queen at NIA anytime!
Jennifer Hicks is a passionate and caring teacher who will quickly draw you into the enchantment of NIA. Take a look at her website and try out NIA for yourself--and feel free to come and be my buddy on Monday nights at 918 Bathurst or Saturday mornings at the Joy of Dance at Broadview and Danforth! I'll even treat you to a coffee afterwards!
Jennifer Hicks is a passionate and caring teacher who will quickly draw you into the enchantment of NIA. Take a look at her website and try out NIA for yourself--and feel free to come and be my buddy on Monday nights at 918 Bathurst or Saturday mornings at the Joy of Dance at Broadview and Danforth! I'll even treat you to a coffee afterwards!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
What Did We Do Before Oprah?
Hope some of you had the chance to catch Oprah and the fabulous Rita Wilson (a.k.a. Mrs. Tom Hanks--one of my Scorpio mates and an incredibly gorgeous 53!) today for a fabulous makeover show. Their "Look Great at Every Age Makeovers" were terrific--and realistic! Best of all, Ms. Wilson gave beautiful Cosabella pyjamas to all audience members and an online discount to those of us too busy and famous to be there in person!
Log on to
www.oprah.com for more about the episode and to pick out your own Cosabella jammies! Make time before 4 p.m. on January 13, though--your 25% discount is good only until then!
Log on to
www.oprah.com for more about the episode and to pick out your own Cosabella jammies! Make time before 4 p.m. on January 13, though--your 25% discount is good only until then!
Happy New Year . . . Happy New Me--and You!
I'm posting a second "Happy New Year" because I'm assuming that you, like me, are past the post-holiday blues (which usually includes going back to work!) and thinking about what lies ahead in these long Canadian winter months. No resolutions for me--instead, I'm making changes and taking steps forward every day. Statistics show that most resolutions are broken by February 17, anyway--so, better to make none and instead move forward on all those projects you've been meaning to get to at some point. That point is NOW!
A case in point (and yes, pun intended!). I have a habit of saving up ends of things--like those stubs of eyeliner or lip pencil just in case I need them one day. Well, now I do need them--I've spent far too much money since well before Christmas and don't need to buy that Lancome pencil to get the gift now. Instead, I'll use those little gifts I've been saving for myself for eons! Look around and see just how many of those "ends and odds" you've been saving--and make them work for you now! I'd love it if we could share our findings, so please feel free to leave comments!
You may have noticed that my gilt jacket now has a person in it. This is me just before Allan and I headed out for New Year's Eve--and I felt and looked marvellous, if I do say so myself! As we head into a new year, think about how you look when you head out to work, school, shopping, meeting friends--wherever and whatever. Be your best, and you will feel your best!
So, I say, Happy New Us!
A case in point (and yes, pun intended!). I have a habit of saving up ends of things--like those stubs of eyeliner or lip pencil just in case I need them one day. Well, now I do need them--I've spent far too much money since well before Christmas and don't need to buy that Lancome pencil to get the gift now. Instead, I'll use those little gifts I've been saving for myself for eons! Look around and see just how many of those "ends and odds" you've been saving--and make them work for you now! I'd love it if we could share our findings, so please feel free to leave comments!
You may have noticed that my gilt jacket now has a person in it. This is me just before Allan and I headed out for New Year's Eve--and I felt and looked marvellous, if I do say so myself! As we head into a new year, think about how you look when you head out to work, school, shopping, meeting friends--wherever and whatever. Be your best, and you will feel your best!
So, I say, Happy New Us!
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year Reads!
Happy 2010!
I'm happily off to bed after a lovely New Year's Day at a friend's open house--but, before I turn in, I want to share a short, powerful read with you. Go to www.besthealthmag.ca/resolutions and take a look at some great ideas for starting off your new year with positive energy and fun! Enjoy! I'll be back soon with some of my own ideas for a great 2010!
By the way . . . did anyone else write a cheque today and date it 2009? Oops!
I'm happily off to bed after a lovely New Year's Day at a friend's open house--but, before I turn in, I want to share a short, powerful read with you. Go to www.besthealthmag.ca/resolutions and take a look at some great ideas for starting off your new year with positive energy and fun! Enjoy! I'll be back soon with some of my own ideas for a great 2010!
By the way . . . did anyone else write a cheque today and date it 2009? Oops!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
