Grateful for My Sisters

Written by Chelsea Charles on January 23rd, 2012

Blogger, Susie Rahaim, just wrote an insightful and moving blog titled, “A Mother’s Happy Life Essentials: Essential 4: Gratitude,” and it gave me pause to think of the many blessings in my life (those taken for granted and those I appreciate).

Every day I write in a Gratitude Journal. While the Kueurig machine warms up and my Black Magic coffee pod is brewing, I write down three things I’m thankful for; things like the ability to see, I live in America, great girlfriends, electricity, etc etc. But one that seems to rally a theme is my thankfulness for my sisters, Arianne (24) and Ashleigh (30).

I hope to have children one day, and it would make me so happy if I had two or three girls so they could lean on each other. Although, speaking from experience, they probably wouldn’t appreciate their relationship until they got into their twenties.

Ashleigh, Arianne and I

Here are some reasons I’m so thankful for my Charles Sisters:

They help me see the “flip side” and other alternatives.

Don’t get me wrong, they always have my back, but also help me consider the other side of the discussion. Ash, Arianne and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to religion, politics and even fashion. That makes life lively and interesting. We can spar, but I like to think of it more like self-reflection and how most opinions aren’t wrong..just different.

We are each other’s greatest fans.

Arianne is a stylist who specializes in color at Bianchi’s in Clinton Township, Michigan. Ashleigh has her masters in counseling, but also creates jewelry for her Etsy store and practices Aerial Yoga. We foster each other’s creativity. When they have a “voila” moment or a win in cultivating their talents I get a rush from that win. Being able to appreciate others success even though it isn’t your tangible own is enriching.

Ash and I striking a pose

Ash and I strking a pose.

They will always be near.

We live in different states and are in different places in our lives, but we have a bond that holds us together despite time and distance. It’s also cool, because having siblings in different stages of life let’s you experience those stages all over again if you’re the eldest (I knew being the oldest was good for something).

Charles sisters all grown up.

They Call it How They See It

Making a bad decision? Eyebrows penciled in too dark? Hair looking brassy? My sisters will let me know—tactfully of course.

New Sisters CMH Style!

In Honor of Sisters, I’ve come out with a new Sisters CMH style. It features the sterling silver Friendship Infinity bead and a beautiful Sisters box. It was a best seller at our series of Bloomingdales Trunk shows. I think it is a fabulous reminder of how important your sisters are and makes a great gift for sisters related as well as sorority sisters.

New Sisters Style

I know life gets crazy, but take a few minutes today to call, text or Skype your sis and let her know that she rocks and means the world to you. Chelsea

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A Mother’s Happy Life Essentials by Susie Rahaim (Essential 4: Gratitude)

Written by Chelsea Charles on January 11th, 2012

Look up gratitude and you will see a host of definitions such as thankfulness, appreciation, “the master key that opens all doors,” and possibly the key to true greatness.  Here is one of my favorite quotes on the subject…

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”  - William Arthur Ward

Gratitude is a mindset that needs to click the second you wake up.  It is my saving grace in parenting. Whether I wake to a crying baby, a to-do list a mile long, overdue bills, or lucky enough to wake feeling wonderfully refreshed it’s up to me how to take on the day.

Remember, YOU are in control of how YOU will start the day and the attitude you will carry throughout.

Every day be grateful for your family and loved ones.

Sure I’ve had my time of feeling resentful of my mothering duties, not getting enough sleep, or the “why me” days, but these thoughts and feelings got old and got me nowhere.  A while ago I decided to change.  I wanted more internal peace.  I wanted more  from my day and I wanted to be a light in others’ lives as well.  How could just a simple mindset make such a difference?  Well it does.  If you can simply remember, each day, that we are all connected and we all just want to be validated. Just to refresh you since Oprah has been off the air for a while:

To validate someone’s feelings is first to accept someone’s feelings.  Next it is to understand them, and finally it is to nurture them.  To validate is to acknowledge and accept one’s unique identity and individuality.

Me. I'm grateful for who I am and don't focus on comparisons.

What does that have to do with gratitude? Well in order for us to find gratitude in our hearts, we have to accept that the world does not revolve around us. We have some control or at least we think we do, but ultimately God is the one who has the final say.  We may not understand at that very moment why certain things happen, but finding gratitude can certainly pull you out of life’s deepest holes or help you understand difficult people.

No matter what kind of life you live or who you are, there is surely something you can be grateful for.  Life can be hard.  Each and every one of us has struggles.   What is important is to find in your heart what you can be grateful for and send your focus to it.  It is what will manifest in your life.  Don’t think about what you don’t have, but instead what you do have and what you want.

Thankful for my beautiful girls.

Another thing that will help us all grow and find gratitude is to stop with social comparisons. Social comparison is a theory initially proposed by social psychologist Leon Festinger in 1954.  This theory explains how individuals evaluate their own opinions and desires by comparing themselves to others.  This is a dangerous game to play because there are always going to be people out there who have more, are more successful, etc. Chasing this is just wasted time that gets you no where and leaves you feeling empty.  Social comparisons are a real problem that can cause you to truly lose yourself and what you stand for.

Finding things to be grateful for in life can seem a daunting task to someone facing a health crisis, death in the family, or personal problems, but there is HOPE and that hope comes from Gratitude.  Focusing on the good will help make the bad minimal if done daily and wholeheartedly.

It’s amazing when you read stories of real survivors that choose to thrive and be happy even with a diagnosis of 6 months to live, an amputated limb or a loss of a loved one. People who are still grateful through all of this are the real heroes.  Grateful people learn to celebrate even amid life’s hardships.  They teach us that nothing can beat us up when Gratitude rules in our hearts.  We can still live positively, change the lives of others and change the world for the better.

Living gratefully requires practice in order for you to gain and grow from it. Simply write out 10 things you have to be grateful for and view them daily. You can be general such as health, family, a home, food to nourish me, etc…but I like to look deeper.   I am grateful I am able to spend a lot time with my kids.  I am grateful that I can cook and nourish my family with healthy food.  I am grateful for so many sisters whom each are so different and benefit my life in so many different ways.  Now once I write out these things and post them where I can read them daily they are always in my mind.  I embrace and cherish my kids more than ever, nutrition is a favorite topic of mine, and my sisters are my best friends whom I can count on for anything.  Because I am so grateful for these things they become wonderful thoughts and feelings I have and that carries out into my daily life. Of course these are just some examples I use.  But really and truly if you try this you will be a happier person and good things will come to you.

I have made it a habit now that after my morning workout while stretching I meditate and pray. I always begin with what I am grateful for, what I DO have, what is good in my life, and turns out I am happier for it!  I put being grateful into my 5 essentials because the act of being Grateful makes you a happier, kinder, compassionate person.  Being this way makes you a shining light in this world and force of love and to all mankind.  It’s just a small simple way you can change the world.   Imagine if we all woke every day with Gratitude what the world would be. Use your CMH, Happy and Blessed bracelet as a tool to help count what you are grateful for each and every day! Susie Rahaim.

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A Mother’s Happy Life Essentials by Susie Rahaim: (Essential 3 – Sleep)

Written by Chelsea Charles on January 3rd, 2012

Sleep! We all do it. We all need it. But what is so important about sleep?  We need just a few hours to revive ourselves right?  WRONG!

I’ll go back to three years ago when my youngest daughter, Aline, was born.  Sleep deprived was a way of life.  I literally could not nap at all when she napped as a newborn, because that was when I had to put some focus on my other two girls and give them some time alone with mommy.

At night she would nurse every two hours round the clock until she was four months old. Then I got longer stretches like 4-5 hours.  On top of this, some nights the other girls would wake from a bad dream or need a drink of water. So the two hours I was supposed to fall asleep I often got woken up.  Needless to say I was a walking zombie.  I got used to this way of life, but boy do I remember the cost.  I was forever dragging with a big fog in my head.  I was moody and cranky.  My back, neck and head would often ache for no reason.  I was off in my eating patterns.  Every time I got a chance to sit down I felt like I could pass out.

Some days it felt like I was drunk though I hadn’t had a bit of alcohol (actually, a drink never sounded appealing during this time because I was so tired). Basically I was sleep deprived for months and felt like total garbage. Of course I was a joyous new mom and feeling the love of my expanding family, but deep down I was dreaming of the day I could just sleep—that’s all I wished for.

I can report now that things are much different in the Rahaim household.   We all LOVE our sleep.  We love to go to sleep, stay asleep and wake at a good hour feeling refreshed.  Sure I have the nights here or there when one of the girls wakes in the night but not that often.

We love our sleep!

I sleep now from 10pm-6am every night like clockwork.  It is my sleep pattern no doubt.

Sleep is crucial in order for me to be the best person I can be each day and that is why I put it on such a high pedestal along with clean eating.  Nothing feels better than when you wake from a good night’s sleep happy and ready for your day.  I respond to my children much better and have much more patience for the world and all I come in contact with.   I am highly motivated and ready for whatever comes my way that day.   I have a sense of enjoyment for daily life vs. getting through the day or getting the day over with.  I am a positive person and able to see extraordinary in an ordinary day.  Yes, it may sound like a lot, but sleep REALLY is important to who you are and who you want to be each day.

I see now why I felt like such garbage being so sleep deprived.  Sleep deprivation can cause decreased alertness and ability to maintain focus.  It affects your mood, energy and motivation.  It causes problems in your coordination and impulsiveness and also can contribute to pains (such a headaches).

Here are some other interesting facts about sleep………

Teenagers need as much sleep as small children (about 10 hours).  YES! 10 hours that means something like 9pm-7am.  While those over 65 need the least of all (about 6 hours).  For the average adults aged 25-55, 8 hours is considered optimal. 8 HOURS!!!!

Sleep can balance appetites by helping regulate levels of the hormones gherlin and leptin, which play a role in our feelings of hunger and fullness.  When we are sleep deprived we may feel or think we need to eat more, which leads to weight gain…. YIKES!

During sleep our brain is in fact extraordinarily active. Sleep helps in learning and memory processing.  New studies show that memories are formed when we sleep.  Sleep strengthens the content of a memory.

The horizontal position we sleep in facilitates the joints to bare less weight than during the day and your muscles to release tension, start to relax, and regenerate.  During sleep the body secretes growth hormone, which is very important for muscle regeneration, say experts on the subject.

Sleep benefits our immune and circulatory systems.  So when sick or coming down with something, do not try to fight it by braving it out all day with a few cold tablets.  Instead SLEEP.  Go to bed early and sleep in if possible.  Even a restorative nap will do your body good.

We all know the effects of a late night out and the price our skin pays in the morning (droopy eyelids, less plump, dry, more defined wrinkles, etc). Cosmetics for use at night are based on the fact that during sleep the cells regenerate skin faster and actively use the nutrients.   Therefore, we need many good nights sleep in a row to look our best and those eye creams we diligently put on every night may help too (but alone don’t do the trick)!

Creme de la Mer is amazing, but sleep is just as wonderful for the skin.

Overall a good night’s sleep is ESSENTIAL.  Aim for 7-8 hours a night.  If it’s hard for you to fall asleep at night then turn off all electronics a ½ hr before your designated bedtime and read a book or article you enjoy.  Make your sleep area cozy, neat, and a place your can’t wait to retreat to at night.

The bedroom should be a "no phone zone."

Put it on your “to do” list each day as “get to bed tonight by 10pm” reading this all day will make it more likely to happen.  And finally, be CONSISTANT (going to bed each night at the same hour and waking at the same hour) is when you will start to see and feel the most benefits of sleep.  Your body and mind will reward you for your efforts!

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A Girl-Themed Gift Guide for Mothers, Sisters & Friends.

Written by Chelsea Charles on December 5th, 2011

I’m always grateful for the amazing women in my life including my mother, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, and many beautiful, accomplished women I am honored to call friends. But as this year of tumultuous change comes to a close, I find myself overwhelmed by the blessed and sanity-saving support system they’ve been. So, for this year’s gift guide, I wanted to offer some fab finds for the special women in your life and mine.

For the friend with an Eye for Design: Design Sponge at Home by Bonnie Grace ($21)

You have probably heard of her blog, but her book of interior insight is a gem. It is the perfect visual peruse for a rainy Sunday morning with coffee and Pandora. It also boasts an intro from interior design extraordinaire, Jonathan Adler.

Design Sponge makes a beautiful, useful coffee table book.

A sneak peek into Design Sponge

For your Stylish Sister: Beaker bud vases ($30)

I purchased these on a flash sale on Foundary.com, but there are a plethora of options out there if you google “beaker vases.” These are filled with roses from my front yard in Nashville.

Love the tiering of the beakers.

For the New Mommy: “I’ll watch your baby” Gift Certificate ($0 but priceless)

This doesn’t cost a dime and based on where all of my girlfriends are in life as new mothers, they would cherish this gift as an opportunity to have some alone time with their man or friends. Just make a beautiful card with a redeemable “coupon” for the favor. Fabulous!

just put the hand written coupon inside a beautiful card like this Papyrus laser-cut snowflake

For the Northern Star who is Craving Sun this Winter: St. Tropez Foam with Application Mitt ($30 for tanner and $7 for mitt)

Hands down, this is the fastest, streak-free, scent free, and natural looking way to get tan. St. Tropez has really perfected their solution. I gave it a try after reading Denise Richards autobiography. She said she was obsessed with the foam after she used it on Dancing with the Stars. The mitt makes application a snap and, unlike the spray, it doesn’t get all over the bathroom, the couch, floor, sheets, etc. Don’t purchase the lotion or the spray because they don’t work half as well.

St. Tropez Foam

Applicator mitt is helpful.

For the Literary Starlet: Leading or “Leaning Ladies” Bookends ($45)

I just finished watching LA Confidential (I’m a huge Kim Basinger fan) and she rekindled the Hollywood starlet appreciation in me. Plus, what a conversation piece.

Leaning ladies make great conversation pieces.

For your Friend with AMAZING eyes: Chanel D’ombre eye shadow in Illusoire ($36)

I went to a party recently and my girlfriend, Kristie was wearing this. It was mesmerizing. Perfect for any friend that loves to get made up.

No matter what color your eyes, this Chanel shadow will accentuate them.

The Heartfelt Gift Every Woman Should Have: Gratitude Journal ($12)

You can use any journal or notebook, but I liked these from Etsy because the monogram makes it even more special. A recent article from Health and Spirituality magazine says that in order to hold on to the fleeting moments of gratitude and increase your happiness, you should write in a gratitude journal daily. On the first page, you could write something like, “This is your gratitude journal. Put it by your coffee pot and write three things every morning that you are grateful for while your coffee is brewing.”


A gratitude journal is a treasure and a tool.

For the Woman Who Loves Color: CB2 Modern Tribal Pillow in Blue ($40)

This pillow is the perfect pop of color in a neutral space.

Really digging this pattern.

For the Health Conscious: Physique 57 video set with Playground ball ($60)

Rave reviews from Kelly Ripa and Erin Featherstone make it tempting, but the physique transforming powers make it a must. I use the Physique 57 Workout Kit, Volume 1.

Physique 57 set

For the Gluten-free Girlfriend: Mad Mac NYC Macaroons and Fruit ($68)

They’re beautiful, French Macaroons and gluten-free. Tres Bien!!

A rainbow of gourmet, gluten-free macaroons

For Your Best Friend: Count Me Healthy “Friendship” in Sterling. Normally $88, I’m offering a coupon found only in this blog for 40% off the regular price of this style, making it ($52.80). Use code FRIENDS40 at checkout. Valid until Dec 30th. Give the gift of Wearable Motivation! This style also features the “friendship infinity circle” etching. Interlocking circles representing a friendship bond. Count things like daily glasses of water, pounds lost, fruit and vegetable servings or Physique 57 workouts per week!

Friendship Sterling with Friendship Infinity Circles. Use code FRIENDS40 at checkout to get 40% off this style (one of our 3 top sellers)!

Jekka modeling Sterling Friendship as part of a bangle stack.

For the Traveler: Luxe City Guides (Prices Vary and can be found on Amazon.com. They also frequently have sales on Gilt Groupe).

Choose the perfect travel guide for the woman who wants to know where to eat, sleep and shop in a fabulous fashion. The covers are works of art.

Luxe Hong Kong

Luxe Paris guide

Luxe Chicago guide

For the New Year’s Entertainer: Venetian-Style Champagne Flutes ($11.50 – $69.00)

We used these at my New Year’s party last year and they were amazing!

Yes, these make drinking the bubbly even more fun.

For the Wine lover: 2009 Merriman Estate Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton District ($20)

This well priced pinot has so much to offer. A great bouquet, legs that won’t quit and a price tag of under $20! I highly recommend and even a “cork keeper” because of the really cool Merriman logo treatment on the top.

Cummins Road pinot noir

For the Girl who Likes her Beauty Rest: “Bon Soir” shams ($34)

These are darling and using the french language in the bedroom is never a bad thing.

bon soir "good night" shams.

For the business-minded woman with papers to carry: Graphic Image Medium Envelope in Silver Python Leather ($39 regularly $79)

What a sexy and practical way to keep your travel receipts for tax purposes. Plus it’s a wicked deal.

silvery leather python document envelope

I’m feeling really festive so stay tuned for more holiday topics. I’d also love to hear your gift suggestions. Happy Holidays!

My white, feathery tree. Really in the spirit.

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A Mother’s Happy Life Essentials by Susie Rahaim (Essential 2: Exercise)

Written by Chelsea Charles on November 28th, 2011

Exercise –Why do it?  I can only answer this question for myself.  It is a personal question as everyone has his or her own goals.  What I can share with you is why I exercise, the health benefits, my routine, and how I stay disciplined even when the world gets crazy taking care of three young children.

Painting with my little ladies.

Painting with my little ladies.

Why I Exercise

I exercise because it makes me feel awesome! Seriously, the feeling after an intense workout is priceless.  So what is that “feeling?” For me it’s… looking at myself differently. I see a strong-willed woman. I look and feel healthy. I feel connected to my body and promise to continue to nurture it.  I feel ready to start my day with an extra “pep” in my step! I am ready to challenge myself. I am more confident. I am more interested in whole foods (preparing and eating them). I even often pray when I exercise, usually during long runs. When I have a good playlist on my iPod, I do what comes naturally when I hear the beats and that is choreographing different dance pieces or planning upcoming classes. I brainstorm and take advantage of the mental clarity often writing down ideas after.

So there you have it.  This is what exercise does for me on a daily basis.  Did you notice not a mention about “diet,” or “weight loss?”  That is because I don’t exercise to lose weight.  If this were my reasonings I don’t think I would do it everyday.  If you can find a deeper purpose than it becomes part of your daily life and not categorized as “something you have to do.”  It becomes something you WANT to do for yourself everyday.

Exercising brings peace and helps me be a better "me." I'm very lucky because my husband, Bob, supports my exercise routine and realizes how important it is to me.

Exercising brings peace and helps me be a better "me." I'm very lucky because my husband, Bob, supports my exercise routine and realizes how important it is to me.

Health Benefits of Exercise

We all know by now the health benefits of regular physical activity.  I will just touch on the basics. Exercise…

  • controls weight and can help prevent excess weight gain.
  • improves mood by stimulating various brain chemicals.
  • combats health conditions/diseases.  According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise can help prevent and manage a wide range of health problems including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression certain types of cancer, arthritis, and falls.
  • boosts energy by improving muscle strength, and delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues.
  • helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Believe you me there is much more to add to this list but I am sure you get the picture!

My Exercises and Routine

So this is what I do on a daily basis.  I have found this routine to work for ME.  We are all different and what I like to do may not be for you.  The best way to find out what you enjoy is to try a lot of things and go from there.  I do try if I can to get outside as much as possible.  I believe its better for you overall!

My typical exercise schedule (but it is flexible)

Monday: 30 min run. 30 min of Pilates (working various arm, leg, abs, and back muscles). Stretching.

Tuesday: 20 min spinning video (super cycle by Mindy Mylrea). 15 min at home with 10-15 lbs weights working arms, also push-ups.

Wednesday: 1hour and 15 minute Vinyasa Yoga class.

Thursday: 20 min spinning video or 30 min stationary bike on intense intervals. 45 minutes of Pilates working various arm, leg, abs and back exercises.

Friday: 30 minute run. 15 min at home pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups.

Saturday: 30 min run- or what I call my fun day.  Sometimes I rollerblade, power walk, or do The Tracy Anderson Method videos.

Sunday –REST

Sounds like a lot but this basically turns out to be anywhere from 30 minutes – to 1hr and 15 minutes of my day put aside for physical activity. You should aim for at least 30 minutes everyday.

Many trainers, doctors, and health guru’s will claim they know the “best exercise,” but I think it depends on if the person enjoys the routine. What I do is what I enjoy.  I like to do my exercise everyday! I encourage you to find for yourself a program you can and want to do everyday.  If you have more specific weight-loss or toning goals or are training for a race, then take these goals into consideration when creating your program.

How I stay Motivated and Disciplined

So how does a busy mom of 3 young kids find time to fit this in?  It’s discipline on my behalf!  I get to bed at a good hour and get up by 6am.  I am finished with my workout just as the kids are usually waking up around 7am.  My motto I follow in the morning is taken from another blog written by DR. SUE McCreadie at nourishmd.com.  Its “Don’t think, just do.” I get up, put workout clothes on, my contacts, and go!

Don’t overdue it at first and don’t give up. I AM ROOTING FOR YOU!

And lastly…don’t forget to stretch.  This will help your muscles respond better to daily exercise and prevent soreness or stiffness.

My Favorite Toning Exercise

My favorite toning exercise for arms is the classic push-up. There are so many variations to play around with.  You can start with your knees bent.  As you get stronger you can move onto full or military style push-ups.

Pushups on Bosu offer an extra challenge because of having to balance.

Push-ups on the Bosu offer an extra challenge because of having to balance.

Play around and try holding the plank position in between or putting your feet up on an incline while doing a pushup.   You can forever challenge yourself with this simple classic exercise and the rewards are increased strength and nicely toned arms!

The Plank move on a pilates reformer offers arm-toning and full-body lengthening.

The Plank move on a pilates reformer offers arm-toning and full-body lengthening.

My sister and best friend, Aline and I. One of the benefits of the push-ups are cocktail dress-worthy arms.

My sister and best friend, Aline, and I. One of the benefits of the push-ups are cocktail dress-worthy arms!

*A note to all new mommies out there, I have to be real and tell you that I did not nor would attempt my workout regime with a new baby. It is not realistic. I did not start much more than power walking until my babies were at least 1 year old, not nursing around the clock, and sleeping well. It may be earlier for you, but just wanted to throw that in!

Have a wonderful holiday season, remember to take time for yourself and be on the lookout for my next Happiness Essential: Sleep. Also, check out Chelsea’s upcoming “Gift Guide for Sisters, Mothers, Girlfriends.” Perfect present ideas for the special women in your life.

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Thanksgiving Inspiration

Written by Chelsea Charles on November 22nd, 2011

So I was going to sit here and talk about how to have a healthy Thanksgiving, but honestly…it doesn’t feel right. You want to splurge on this day-of-thanks, you deserve it, and that’s quite alright. Instead, I wanted to offer some inspiration and tips on how to get out of the turkey coma and back into your routine the day after the feast.

Tips for Thanksgiving Day…

  • After the meal and merriment (wine drinking) make sure you take Advil, stop drinking at least 3 hours before bed and drink a ton of water.
  • Save your carbs for Thanksgiving dinner. If you want to snack at night, opt for the protein options from the table, like turkey. There are many great things about being a woman, but water retention and metabolizing carbohydrates are not on the list.
  • Do not beat yourself up over ANYTHING you’ve eaten. Even if you ate half of the pumpkin pie by yourself…tomorrow is a new day. One meal will not kill your weight-loss goals, but an ongoing, negative mindset will.
Pumpkin!

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

  • Even though it is the freaking furthest thing from your mind, lay your workout clothes and tennis shoes by your bed…

On the day after Thanksgiving…

  • Get a helping hand from a higher voice: Before you even get out of bed say, “Dear higher power, thank you for the family gathering yesterday. It’s amazing how I’m surrounded by so much family love. Now please give me the strength to get my butt out of bed and into the workout gear I so carefully laid next to my bed. Amen.”
  • Try to get a good workout in, including stretching and cardio to get the sweat going. Put on Little Wayne, Drake and Young Geezy—something fast paced. You won’t want to do this, but it will feel so awesome afterwards. I’m not telling you something you don’t already know.

I love my little workout room, but not the day after Thanksgiving.

I love my little workout room, but not the day after Thanksgiving.

  • Drink water and take your vitamins. Use your Count Me Healthy bracelet as a reminder to get at least 10 glasses in (more than usual because of dehydration). Vitamins include: fish or flax oil, a multi-vitamin, an acidophilus to balance bacteria, and yes, Super Colon Cleanse. Colon Cleanse capsules are just serious fiber that will help with any post Thanksgiving bloat. It is available everywhere, including Whole Foods and Walgreens.

Holiday Vitamins including: a daily multi, complete acidophilus, Viviscal (amazing hair vitamins), Omega 3, and Super Colon Cleanse

Holiday Vitamins including: a daily multi, complete acidophilus, Viviscal (amazing hair vitamins), Omega 3, and Super Colon Cleanse

  • Nix the Carbs. I love carbs, but the day after thanksgiving, try to trend a little more toward fat and protein. The fat will satiate you.
  • Instead of focusing on leftovers, get your reflexes ready for some amazing black Friday/Cyber Monday deals! CMH is doing a 30% off coupon, including our new styles, so we would be honored if we were one of your shopping destinations on this special day! Use code CYBER30 at checkout (available from 11/24-11/28). Be on the lookout for the next installment of guest blogger and super mom, Susie Rahaim’s, Happy Life Essentials: Exercise. Also, check out my upcoming gift guide. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

So ready to shop. Bring on the Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals!

This headband was on my gift guide list last year. So ready to shop. Bring on the Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals!

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Sizing Me Up…

Written by Chelsea Charles on November 8th, 2011

So often as women, it seems to be “greener on the other side of the fence” when it comes to body type. I want to talk about this because recently I went through all of my belongings from my past life, including my TINY clothing from a few years back. I can’t lie, there were a few times, going through the garment stacks, that I winced at not being able to fit into a couple of my favorite pieces. But honestly, at this point in my life, I am happier than I’ve ever been and far happier than when I wore microscopic sizes. It is critical to appreciate and acknowledge body type and stop beating ourselves up for a feminine ideal that is so often Photo Shopped. It is a boxing match we cannot win and honestly, life is too amazing to put so much effort toward the comparisons.

J Brand Dark Denim 23s! WTF

Yep. Crazy

Yep. Crazy

tulle skirt, size zero

Milly Silk Dress. Size Zero

I used to spend hours watching Fashion Television when I was 13. This was back when Claudia, Nadja, Linda,  Christy, Cindy, and Carla (the current first lady of France) partied with Versace and George Michael was smoking hot (yes—a very long time ago). Since I was only 13, I thought I would have this huge growth spurt and my limbs would thin out and take off like willowy wild flower stems. Um….no. Didn’t happen. I’m a mesomorph, meaning I have a muscular build.

Bazaar UK Supermodels of the 90's Reunion Cover

In high school I excelled in sports, largely because I had muscle strength, but oh how I still longed to be twiggy. In my twenties, I realized I could manipulate my body type by extreme dieting, deprivation, and working out so often at Lifetime Fitness that even the cleaning crew knew my name.

I came across a photo of my recent self and realized that the muscular build had definitely returned. At first I winced because I adore dancer arms and mine are a bit from barre worthy. But then I realized that I liked my new derriere a hell of a lot better than when my arms were twigs. Where am I going with this? Stop wasting so much time ripping apart your self-worth. Instead, appreciate and take care of what you have.

happier with a little padding

Now, I’m not saying let yourself go. You need to eat clean, exercise and make time for yourself. But your body maintenance shouldn’t be so extreme that it’s bordering on masochistic.

1)   Realize what kind of body type you are: Ectomorph (apple shaped), mesomorph (muscular, tom boy), endomorph (tall and thin) and the 4th type I like to call “LA Actress” (just all around tiny). This seems straightforward, but many women don’t come to terms with their bone structure.

2)   Before you focus on what you don’t like, take a second to list what you do like about your body type.  (long legs, sexy hips, dimples, great neck, gap in teeth aka the Lauren Hutton, Lara Stone, Georgia May Jagger craze, etc).

Georgia May Jagger and her signature smile

3)   Then…slowly call out what “needs some love.” Not “WHAT YOU HATE” but what could use some attention. And take the necessary steps to make this a priority for your wellness.

Love yourself girlfriends! Be on the look out for stylish mom and guest blogger, Susie Rahaim’s next Essential to being a happy, healthy mother: Exercise. Carpe Diem! Chelsea

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A Mother’s Happy Life Essentials by Susie Rahaim (Essential 1: Diet)

Written by Chelsea Charles on November 3rd, 2011

My official title is “Mom.” Some of my other titles include: health nut in constant search of more information, school room mom, cook, laundress, part-time sub dance teacher, pilates professional wannabe (if there is such a thing), determined yogi, devoted wife, homemaker, master toy organizer, runner, driver (I put this in because it takes so much time to drive kids to and from activities), and one I consider most important—teacher.

Susie and her husband

Me and my husband, Bob.

This is my life and yes I love it, but openly admit some days can get quite frustrating.  Somehow through the chaos I am able to keep a good perspective and hold it all together (most of the time)!  I give credit to what I call my five essentials for a happy/healthy life:

1. Diet

2. Exercise

3. Sleep

4. Gratitude

5. Service.

Follow my series as I expand on each of these five essentials………

Today I put my focus on DIET. Simply put I try 99.9 % of the time to eat real, whole foods.  By this I mean nothing from a package (processed foods).

Veggies and fruits should be organic if available, locally grown or at least grown in the U.S.A.  I aim for fruits lowest in fructose (sugar).  Go for lemons, prunes, apricots, cantaloupe, kiwi, raspberries, and blueberries to name a few.  I strive to have my “greens” each day.  These are lettuce, spinach, kale, swiss chard, bok choy and collard greens.  Whether I make kale chips, steam the greens, or juice them I am sure to get them in every day.  Other top veggies I choose are broccoli, brussell sprouts, cauliflower, artichoke, celery, cucumber, red peppers, carrots and tomatoes.

Girls holding veggies from a community garden we go to up in northern Michigan on Old Mission Peninsula

My girls holding veggies from a community garden we go to up in northern Michigan on Old Mission Peninsula

Maya at Pond Hill Farm picking from the pesticide-free strawberrry fields

Maya at Pond Hill Farm picking from the pesticide-free strawberrry fields

Protein

I make it a point to eat meats from humanely treated animals (no factory farmed meat).  Beef is from grass fed cows (search this out by reading labels). Pork I rarely eat because I have found it harder to find free range humanely treated animals.  I seek out chicken and turkey from free and “wild “ birds that were outside running freely eating seeds and their primitive diet.  The fish I look for is wild and sustainably caught.

I could expand on the meat issue but that’s a whole other blog.  I recommend looking at www.mercola.com for the health benefits of grass fed meats and free-range birds and reading “Eating Animals” by Jonathan Saffron Foer.

If you aren’t a big meat eater, try whey protein in the form of a powder shake.  My favorite is called Pure Power Protein by Dr. Mercola supplements.   It is a mix of whey protein, chia seeds, and probiotics.  Because I work out a lot I use this for muscle nourishment.  It’s a great protein source.

Petting the cows at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs Michigan. We can pet the cows and see them go out on the pasture to eat. We purchase the meat from their on site freezer. We stock up usually 4 months at a time and bring the meat home with us in a cooler. All animals are humanely treated and grass fed!

Petting the cows at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs Michigan. We can pet the cows and see them go out on the pasture to eat. We purchase the meat from the farm's on-site freezer. We stock up usually 4 months at a time and bring the meat home with us in a cooler. All animals are humanely treated and grass fed!

Dairy

Best option for dairy, hands down, is raw milk and cheeses from grass fed cows and pastured eggs (hens that are raised on pasture, as opposed to being kept in confinement and fed primarily grains).  If this is not available then choose organic milk, cheese, yogurt (plain), and free range eggs. Non-organic milk contains many chemicals that build up in the body and cause health problems. These chemicals include rBGH, pesticides, and antibiotics that the cows have been given or eaten through contaminated feed.

Grains

I have to be honest and say I do try to avoid most all grains besides sprouted breads, brown rice, quinoa, and raw oats. Most of today’s grains/crackers are processed and just don’t have a place in our diet I am very disturbed about GMO ‘s otherwise known as genetically modified organisms.  If you are clueless as to what these are than WAKEUP.  90-95% of corn and soy crops are GM Varieties. (Look at any cracker in your cupboard and you will see a corn or soy ingredient.)  These crops have been chemically altered so that the food crop will resist dying from pesticides sprayed on it. Even worse is a new GM strain of food that produces its own pesticide internally while it grows. Guess what …this pesticide is harmful to your health!  Once we eat this GM food it colonizes your gut bacteria and genetically alters it to produce pesticides within your own cells.   Who wants this ???   Say NO to GMO and seek out Non-GMO foods.

Legumes (or beans)

Tricky category.  I do eat beans but not on a daily basis.  My reasoning is that unless you are soaking your own beans you are most likely getting them from a can.  Eden Organic is one of the few brands I have found that does not line their cans with the harmful plastic BPA.

The Lost Food Category – Fermented Foods

I try to eat at least one a day.  They include olives, pickles, plain yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and Kombucha tea to name a few. These foods are pretty much considered probiotics.  Probiotics increase your overall nutrition, promote the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, aid in digestion and support immune function.  You can make these foods at home or buy them from small batches made in your local deli.  Buyer BEWARE, most grocery store brands have been pasteurized to extend shelf life. This takes away all the beneficial stuff leaving you with a pickle soaked in salt and vinegar and preservatives.  Yuck!

Good Fats

Lastly don’t forget about GOOD FATS! I eat a lot of fat but I am very picky.  Raw nuts and organic nut butters (oil on top) are excellent choices, avocados, olive oil (in non heated form), coconut, butter from grass fed cows, fish, flax and chia seeds. For cooking, virgin unrefined coconut oil is best.  Avoid any and all trans fat or partially hydrogenated oils.

Fats (believe it or not) are essential in the functioning of our bodies.

Saturated fats are needed for the proper function of your: cell membranes, heart, liver, lungs, immune system, satiety (reducing hunger), bones, hormones, and genetic regulation.

Kale Chip Recipe

(one of my favorite treats that incorporate green vegetables and healthy fats)