Jump in the Water is Fine....

This past Saturday, while boating with my sister and her family on the beautiful Spokane River the kids were bugging us to go to "the rock." My children are teenagers, which means they are not easily amused. Seems as if being pulled on an inflated tube at high speed behind a boat gets boring. As we make our way to "the rock" they are excited. When the boat stops they dive out and swim to "the rock." Once there, they climb up 40 feet and stand around mustering up the courage to lunge off the edge into the water. The boys are hot shots so they jump, hit the water with a thud and then swim back to do it all again. My daughter, Leah stands at the edge contemplating. She leans over, she looks down, she hesitates. She talks to others who are jumping. She gathers information. She is getting tips. She is observing the various jumping styles. By now a few other boats have come to "the rock" and everyone is cheering her on. On the count of three.....one....two.....three.....she jumps. She lets out a little scream on the way down but she hits the water in fine form. She pops up a few seconds later with a giant smile on her face. Later she shrugs and says, "it was fun once I got over being afraid. It really wasn't that bad." How true is this in life? Whether it's in business, a career, a relationship......eventually you just have to jump and usually the water is fine. Now that's real....FB readers: click on "view original post" below to see a picture of Leah on top of "the rock."

My Skin is Stressed...

Your skin can have a variety of reactions to stress: from pimples, rosacea, eczema and splotches to rashes and dryness.

The following are common effects of stress on your skin:

1. Skin Flare-Ups: Stress can increase oil production with can cause pimples, redness and rashes to develop.

2. Dryness and Dullness: Stress can reduce skin's moisture creating a breeding ground for dead skin cells to accumulate which results in a dry and dull complexion.

3. Eczema: Those affected by eczema tend to notice more flare-ups when stress is high.

The skin is the first and best indicator that you're under some sort of stress. A well balanced diet, plenty of water, adequate sleep and regular exercise can help your body cope with stress and its effects on skin.

Forget IQ - Do I have EQ?

I am emotional. On most days I believe I am intelligent. What is this "emotional intelligence?" Do I blend the two and is there a recipe I need to follow?
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) refers to your ability to effectively manage yourself and your relationships. Increasing EQ has been correlated with better results in leadership, sales, academic performance, marriage, friendships, and health.
There are 5 characteristics of the EQ person:
1. Self Aware: They constantly evaluate WHO they are and WHY they make choices. Deep reflection.
2. Self Control: They are masters at managing emotions. Think before action.
3. Self Motivated: Nobody needs to kick 'em in the butt. The have a strong desire to achieve based on solid core values.
4. Empathetic: They are in tune with others. They come from a place of listening to understand instead of listening to be right.
5. Relationship Focused: They have fantastic interpersonal communication skills and easily gain trust and confidence from others.
EQ is something that can be learned. It is a bit like a muscle. If you train it daily, it becomes strong.....to the point of second nature.

The Multi-Purpose Latte...

Caffeine is good in your latte for a kick start but also try it to help brighten and lighten your eyes!
As we age, fat under the eyes naturally redistributes and skin loses elasticity, causing under eye bags, puffiness and dark circles to become more prominent. Get adequate sleep to help under eye circles from forming while topical formulas that contain caffeine can help reduce discoloration and eliminate puffiness. Many under eye creams boast caffeine as an active ingredient. Caffeine temporarily removes moisture from the skin, giving it a tauter appearance.

Get out of your pond......

Recently I attended an Executive Business Program at the University of Washington in Seattle. I packed my suitcase, jumped on a plane and stayed in a hotel for a week. I spent 10 hours or more EACH DAY listening to lectures, engaged in group discussions and immersed in nightly homework......what was I thinking?!?!? I emerged with a renewed sense of purpose in my business, a group of new friends that I could call on as resources and a spark of creativity I lost somewhere buried in the pile of papers on my desk. Participating in continuing education "gets you out of your pond" to experience, grow and challenge yourself. When the opportunity arises......take it. Even for just a day, a week, a month. The end result is well worth the investment.

Where the heck have I been?

My little blog seems to have gone to the way side in 2009.

I am guessing I'm not the only one who has done this....started out with the best of intentions....only to get distracted. The great thing about this lesson: there is always room to turn around. So when you feel backed up against a wall, discouraged, disorganized or just plain overwhelmed do this: stop, back up and turn around. Start again. Rediscover. Reformulate. Reorganize. Re-evaluate. This is the gift of growth.

Good News: Tzatziki

At receptions I love to stand near the appetizer table and munch, nibble and test everything offered. I am a dipper for sure. Eating all those little snacks quickly racks up the calories so I am always seeking healthy alternatives. Last week I discovered Tzatziki! Have you tried this? Tzatziki is a Greek dip made from low fat yogurt. Hold up now......yogurt is a far better base than mayo or sour cream. Tzatziki is a condiment usually on pitas and gyros but try it as a dip on pretzels, crackers or veggies. Tzatziki comes in a variety of flavors; I like roasted red pepper best. Look for Tzatziki in the dairy aisle of the supermarket - near the dips and cream cheese. Anyway to save a few calories and eat healthier is always good news!

Interval Training: What's the Deal?

My sister proudly exclaimed: "I can burn up to 50 extra calories interval training on the treadmill!" Hmmmmm..........not sure what that's all about but count me in for extra calorie burn! Aerobic interval training is simply alternating bursts of intense activity with intervals of lighter activity. Example: During a walk, speed up the pace for a block or two and then drop back down to your normal pace. This shakes up your routine without adding any more time. Bottom line - you make the most out of your workout! Interval training does three important things: 1. You burn more calories. 2. You increase your aerobic capacity. 3. You keep boredom at bay.

Natural Immune Boosters

Cold and flu season is brutal this time of year. Business travel frequently has us on airplanes and in congested lines at airports.........eeeeks!

Give your immune system a bit of extra strength with 5 Natural Immune Boosters found in healthy food and drinks:

Vitamin C; Echinacea; Garlic; Parsley & Amino Acids

Good rule to follow: Don't wait until you feel slightly under the weather, make it a habit to boost your natural defenses on a daily basis. Try brewing herbal teas that contain these ingredients. Hydrate and fortify - that's multitasking at its best!

Sister Sky Ready for 2009!

2009 promises to be our big breakout year. We have our sights set on positioning Sister Sky as a leading natural person care brand in mainstream channels. Retail giants like Target, WalMart and Walgreens are stocking shelves with natural body care products. Consumers want natural products at affordable prices. The natural personal care market is growing five times faster than the conventional market because people are concerned about health and wellness. Sister Sky is the next Burt's Bees.........stay tuned as we are coming to a store shelf near you soon!

Sister Stories Blog is About..........

Personal Growth - As fortysomething women who wear many hats (mom, wife, sister, aunt, friend) we are interested in learning more about improving the quality of our lives, reducing stress and aging gracefully! Our goal for this blog is to provide information on products or lifestyle habits that really do help us feel better, look great and age gracefully - and who doesn't want all those things?