Feel good, French style

I have been in a flurry of autumnal housekeeping. Declutter your home, declutter your mind – it’s a great feeling. In this day and age where projects tend to be complicated and never ending, it feels so satisfying to overhaul your closets and then stand back and admire your handiwork.

But what do you do with all the stuff you don’t want? Clothes and other knickknacks are easy – there is Ebay, thrift shops like Second Time Around and organizations such as Dress for Success. For textiles which are too worn to be donated or sold, remember that they shouldn’t end up in landfills. Instead of trashing them, check out recycling programs like Wearable Collections.

My recent conundrum was electronics. What to do with my broken toaster, old phone, antiquated tape recorder and an assorted collection of cables? Then I learned that Best Buy will take back any electronics, no matter whether they sold it to you or not. My husband and I tested it this week-end. They took our big bag off our hands with a smile, and I saw that you could also recycle old DVDs and used gift cards. Brilliant.

After all that housework, I treated myself to some energizing (and efficient) R&R at Sanctuary Pilates and Wellness.  Kate Artibee’s new studio (UES Manhattan) is amazing. If you have trouble deciding between yoga and pilates, Kate has classes that blend both, and includes pre-natal and kids classes. To celebrate her new mat studio, Kate is offering first-time clients a free class. Just mention Feel good, French style.

I hope you enjoy these tips for creating breathing room in your home and in your body.

What are yours?

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

Finally, some common sense on the newsstand! I couldn’t help pick up the last issue of Life & Style which declares, “You have cellulite? So what!”

I’m sure that if men had cellulite, it would be as coveted as rosy cheeks and perfect blow-outs. In the meantime, what a relief to see stars like Holly Madison, Kim Kardashian, Sienna Miller and Jessica Alba embracing their dimples (just like me!)

Since cellulite has a lot to do with genetics and hormones, it’s often out of your control. Better to focus then on what you can control. Take care of your body by eating high quality, natural foods, finding a physical activity you like and allowing yourself time for sleep and rest. Nurture your spirit by hitting pause once in a while and recharging your batteries.

Many times, it’s not a cupcake you need, it’s just a little R&R.

The best cellulite solution? Show yourself some love, dimples and all!

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

Does anyone else hate getting ready in the morning? The repetitiveness of shower, make-up, hair — day-in, day-out — tends to drive me crazy.

When researchers at Harvard asked people what activities make them happy, personal grooming showed up on the bottom of the list.

But you know me, I’m not one to settle for unhappy mornings. One thing that makes me feel good is slathering myself in organic sweet almond oil.

I originally got the idea from a cult French book, The Art of Simplicity by Dominique Loreau. Dominique recommends paring down your beauty routine and products as much as possible, and using natural formulations. I got rid of a lot of chemical-laden lotions and various pots and tubes that sat unused in my cabinets.

I’ve been using almond oil for years instead of body lotion (and it also tames my frizzies) alternating with sesame oil as Deepak Chopra recommends. Using a natural product feels different on my body …much like the difference in how you feel after drinking a green juice versus a soda.

I’ve replaced a lot of my beauty products with organic or natural versions, but there’s still some pruning to do.

What are your favorite natural beauty finds?

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

Photo by Leslie Kobrin, thel-list.com

Chances are if you’re reading this blog and you’re focused intently on my every word, you probably feel quite content, even if I haven’t told you yet were any of this is going. But if as you read this, you’re not really with me but thinking instead of all the work you should be doing or what you want for lunch, chances are you feel less happy and more jumpy. The only difference between the two is where your focus lies: right here, or any where but here.

The New York Times recently reported on a new study tracking people’s happiness. The study concludes that, “whatever people were doing, whether it was having sex or reading or shopping, they tended to be happier if they focused on the activity instead of thinking about something else. In fact, whether and where their minds wandered was a better predictor of happiness than what they were doing.”

“You stray, you pay,” the author concludes. So true! I often experience this state of blissful concentration when I’m engrossed in good conversation, writing this blog or reading my favorite magazine. Many people I know get the same feeling on the treadmill or solving a challenging problem.

Lately, I’ve been practicing this idea of staying present. The trick is paying special attention to where your thoughts are: ahead of yourself in the future, behind you in the past, or right with you in the here and now?  When I catch my thoughts wandering, I try to gently coax them back to my side. The operative word is gently. It’s normal for your mind to wander, and sometimes that even produces a creative insight.

The more I practice keeping my thoughts right by my side, the more I experience a serene sense of focus. It’s like sipping a little happiness Kool-Aid – almost as good as a glass of champagne!

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

The cast of Glee combines PJ's and work-outs!

Last Sunday, I was just about to go swim some laps when my bed beckoned me with open arms. The choice became obvious – nap time or gym time? I’ll leave you to guess which one I chose.

You see, I used to be more of a hard body, but lately my priorities have shifted. I’d rather spend extra time with my family and friends, work on a project, or write my blog (which has definitely eaten up my exercise time; case in point I had planned to go to the gym and here I am writing this).

It seems I’m not the only one who’s choosing to be a little more squishy in favor of accomplishing other things. Actress Drew Barrymore explains in this month’s Bazaar magazine, “…I can’t apply myself to my body more than a couple hours a week. I have no passion for fanaticism. The psychology when you just forgive yourself and enjoy what nature gave you is so liberating.”

That’s not to say I’m not a little fanatical. I really feel horrible when I don’t move every day, so I organize myself to make it happen. Since I live in New York, walking is how I commute. Integrating physical activity into my everyday routine is the easiest way I’ve found to keep my body and psyche happy. I add one or two activities a week – Brazilian dance, swimming or yoga in my living room – and feel pretty darn balanced.

Lately, my mom has also advised me to work on my upper arms, which we all know take a toll with age. So, I thought I’d try the Sharon Stone method. You don’t have to lift weights; you just have to carry your own grocery bags (preferably at an angle for added work). The only problem is that my husband likes to carry the groceries too, which means that his triceps look a hell of a lot better than mine. Maybe one day that will inspire me to start lifting. In the meantime, I prefer admiring!

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom