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Health & Fitness

I'VE GOT DESIGNER BAGS… UNDER MY EYES!

As I placed the cucumber slices below my furrowed brow and calculated the overall purchases accumulated over the week, I began to picture a beautiful scenario in my mind...

 

As I placed the cucumber slices below my furrowed brow and calculated the overall purchases accumulated over the week, I began to picture a beautiful scenario in my mind.  Me in a dress, an outfit that covered all flaws and made me look like I just stepped out of a Mademoiselle spread. At that moment I knew everything was going to be just fine, because I had made wise choices. Eye therapy complete.

 

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Maxi skirts and dresses are the latest trend that you can rock at the beach, or comfortably sit in jet-setting 35,000 ft in the sky, both while making a tremendous impression. You’re able to have a relaxing day by the waves, write witty blogs while sipping a soy latte from Mocha Lisa’s, or even confidently sit next to your grandma in a formal wedding and feel like you are getting away with it in a pair of sweats. So many occasions - it’s almost unfair.

 

Find out what's happening in Caledoniawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Many women feel that maxis are best left for taller, skinny chicks and unless you have a well-structured clavicle and a gravity-defying bosom like a teeny bopping’ model we shouldn’t even bother. Not the case.

 

Truthfully, maxis DO give the appearance that you're taller and thinner… Isn’t that what we want? When picking maxi perfection there are some vital things to remember.

 

Number one, the more petite you are, the slimmer the skirt should be; you want to avoid a skirt that swallows you up and you should opt for a high-waisted maxi to help achieve a visually elongated look. AANNNNDDD…Lightweight fabric in bright cheery colors creates a classic ensemble. If this sounds good to you, then read on.

 

Some ways to offset the long length is to put a belt on the waist. This adds more character to the dress. Another way celebrities have been sporting this craze has been tying a calf-height knot to one side. That rocks!

 

Wearing wedge shoes is a great way to show-off a persons gams (that’s “legs” for the uninitiated guys and readers out there!). Having the material hemmed is an option, but isn’t necessary unless you’re unable to find the appropriate fit. While hunting this vogue fashion I found some Maxi skirts and dresses in Target’s spring/summer line that definitely hit the mark. I purchased a skirt and a dress that I could absolutely live in! 


SERENITY NOW

Mocha Lisa Coffeehouse is a one of a kind, 100-year-old farmhouse turned into a ridiculously innovative coffee shop that must be frequented… and not because they asked me to tell you that. Ever since I moved to Caledonia, I have made this gem my landing pad. It's also a great natural cosmetic solution for those tired eyes!

I have to personally thank my local baristas for providing me an atmosphere to be productive and successful with my endeavors. You could say they helped me earn my degree as I got through grueling hours of study while attending University. Lately, when I’m not meeting co-workers at Mocha’s, I’m spending my creative time there writing my manuscript for my latest Children’s book. They serve Alterra coffee and a mix of pastries and local fudge and cookie assortments.

 

Recently, during one of these pit stops I ran into our local Patch editor Denise Lockwood. We discussed the children’s books I’ve been working on and the process of finding a good agent or publisher for them. I’ve been excited about one of the stories, “Superhero Kid: In Training.” Written for the 4-8 yr old age range, the book tells the story in the first-person about a small boy afraid of change when he gets a new bike. Worse, his new bike has no training wheels! He overcomes his fear by dressing up in his own, special superhero outfit, complete with a hat, cape and even cowboy boots! He’s convinced the cape helps him ride safely! We read about his adventures catching bad guys before he and the readers realize he lost his cape long ago. He really is a superhero all on his own.

 

These are the kind of stories inspired by that peanut butter frappe… there’s no telling what the next one might drum up in my head.

 

I enjoy writing stories that help boys and girls grapple with complicated emotions in a way few other books do. I get so excited at the prospect of little eyes lighting up and faces beaming from the story helping them overcome their fears or sadness. For excerpts of this and other stories I’ve been working on, please visit my author page, and “like” it to stay current with updates!

 

***THIS WEEK’S PATCH READERS’ SPECIAL!***

This week and this week only, on THURSDAY and FRIDAY, BOTH Mocha Lisa locations (2825 4 1/2 Mile Rd, & 5201 Washington Ave., Racineinside Piggly Wiggly) will be offering ONE FREE DONUT OF YOUR CHOICE (not all pastry incl) FOR EVERY COFFEE PURCHASE.  Just mention “Mocha Patch” at the counter! Please be sure to spread the news on Facebook and to family and co-workers. I love these ladies and want to give a little back to their coffee shop! Remember, that’s one free tasty donut for every coffee you buy. Go get inspired!

 

Please stay in touch with my writing and other fun activities I'm finding humor in by LIKING MY FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE. You can catch up on other tips, inspiring quotes, and even excerpts of the books I've written. Thanks for staying tuned!

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