FEELING FREE & DRY AS A DOVE

Let's talk about feeling carefree and dry. I was recently introduced to Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant by Simply Stylist and I can honestly say I'm a fan. I'm a mom and blogger on-the-go from sun-up to sundown. We're out the door to school at 7am, walk the family dog, off to workout, headed to events, end the day waiting in the carpool line, then rush home to prepare dinner, so you betcha I need to feel fresh and stay dry all day! Sometimes I am changing clothes 3 -4 times a day. I've tried the gels, the roll-ons and not until now, have I finally found a deodorant that works all day, and for two days! Yes... for 48 hours I no longer think about embarrassing sweat stains on my clothing.  I live in Sunny Los Angeles, yes we love the sunshine, but along with the sun comes the heat, and the need to stay dry all day long. Take a journey with me as I discover a little hidden gem in Culver City called "The Platform".

No matter what you do, whether you're hanging around on or off the job no woman wants to feel sweaty and have an odor. When you're in your 50's you don't want to worry about sweat stains! Going through hot flashes was enough, of course, we feel it, but you don't want it to show on your clothing too! I finally found a deodorant that keeps my armpits dry and odor-free, no matter what's going on around me.

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant can is so light weight, I also love the design and it's super light-weight.  You have several scents to choose from Soothing Chamomile, Cool Essentials, Nourished Beauty, Original Clean, Sensitive Skin and Beauty Finish. 

You don't have to wait a second for your deodorant to dry after you spray it on because it goes on instantly dry  and there is absolutely no residue.  You have a choice of six different fragrances: Nourished Beauty, Cool Essentials, Revive, Beauty Finish, Revive, Skin Renew and Sensitive. Dove.com provides answers to all of our questions along with incredible information and stories of inspiring women doing extraordinary things.

It's so easy to use:

Shake it well. Hold the can 6” away from your underarm and spray. No need to wait for your deodorant to dry...you're ready to go, it goes on instantly dry!  One spray can will last up to 8 weeks. Dove Dry Spray contains 1/4 moisturizers so you get a little TLC for your underarms too

It's worth a try!  We're out there living busy lives, and there's no reason to worry about wet underarms anymore. Shake, Spray and Go.

The mist instantly dries on your skin and doesn’t leave you feeling wet or sticky. You simply shake it twice, spray it on your underarms, get dressed without worrying about white streaks on your clothing. The New Year is right around the corner, why not introduce Dove Deodorant Dry Spray into your daily routine. I'm constantly dashing to meetings and of course, you want to feel fresh when meeting people for the first time. I no longer have any worries about sweating or odor thanks to Dove Dry Deodorant Spray.

Being a #DovePartner is perfect for me because I can remember my grandmother and my Mother using Dove Soap when I was younger, now, three generations later... I'm continuing the tradition for that beautiful feminine feeling...along with beautiful memories.

I love discovering new people, places, and products and I'm excited to have found Dove Deodorant Spray to add to my Hidden gems.

It really is the perfect option for women on-the-go, At the end of the day I never have to worry about feeling fresh or dry, and I know tomorrow I can begin feeling ready to take on the day!

Let's start this day off the right way...Dove Deodorant Dry Antiperspirant Spray. I'm thrilled to call myself a "Dove Woman" Be your best self...with Dove and remember to #ShakeSprayGo.

• Up to 48-hour antiperspirant protection

• Contains ¼ moisturizers for great underarm care

• Goes on instantly dry

• 0% alcohol formula is kind on underarms

• Soothing chamomile fragrance

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Dove and Simply Stylist. Dove is committed to helping inspire women everywhere. #DovePartner #ShakeSprayGo

SPIRITUAL CONTENT CREATES COURAGE

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. How do you begin your morning? Do you instantly look at your phone, check your e-mail... maybe look at Instagram?  Or do you take a moment to be grateful, sit in silence and read a little positive material before you walk outside and take on the day?  It only takes a few minutes each morning to start off on the right track and create your positive energy field. I'd like to share a few of my favorite spiritual reads that can open your heart, inspire you to be the best you can be, help you focus, and laugh along the way. When you dwell in an energy of positivity and power you become a magnet for miracles. Aren't you worth it?

As much as I can't wait to escape with Netflix, I also look forward to sitting with a good inspirational book and becoming motivated to live this amazing life we've all been given. How great is it when you discover books that make you feel like it's speaking right at you! Inspirational books or self-help books can open up a world of possibilities and offer great tools for navigating in our busy world today.                       

Here are 10 benefits of reading: 

1: Mental Stimulation - Keeping your brain active and engaged prevents it from losing power.  2: Stress Reduction - While  engaged in reading material you enjoy you're distracted from stress and it keeps you in the present moment. 3: Knowledge - Everything you read fills your head with new information, and who knows when it might be useful. 4: Vocabulary Expansion - The more you read, the bigger the vocabulary becomes, the more conversations you can participate in. 5: Memory Improvement - When you read you have to remember characters, plots, situations...every new memory you create opens up new synapses (brain pathways) and strengthens existing ones. 6: Stronger Analytical Thinking Skills - You begin to put your analytical and important intelligence to work when discussing the book with others... you are able to state your opinions clearly. 7: Improved Focus and Concentration - Living in a world crazed by the computer, our attention is all over the place...I'm beginning to think we are turning into a culture that can no longer focus for more than two minutes!  And when we can't focus we are actually lowering our productivity and welcoming chaos.  When reading a book your attention is focused on the story, we zone in on the information. 8: Better Writing Skills - Following the flow of the material you read, you are an observer of the writing styles of other authors & you learn to enhance your own work.  9: Tranquility - Reading Spiritual text can lower blood pressure and literally melt anxiety and worry away. That's worth it!

Napoleon Hills book THINK & GROW RICH was written in 1937 -  and the information is flawless today. I read parts I've highlighted in this book daily, and If I don't read it in book form, I read the emails I receive from the company every morning . EXCUSE ME YOUR LIFE IS WAITING - Lynn Grabhorn is another great read for motivation and inspiration. Love Warrior - Glennon Doyle Melton - A good "kick in the butt" for getting real in your life & relationships. The goal is is to just keep growing; our world is changing, and we need to move forward and continue our mental growth along with embracing the change around us. Here's a fact about your mind: It's going to control you - or you're going to control it. When you work on your mind, you are improving your quality of life. It's never about "stuff" it's about quality.

Shop my favorite books at the bottom of this post.

Self-improvement, personal development, or simply getting more from life feels good. If you want to expand your mind and your possibilities then I encourage you to find  books that speak to you, make a solid commitment to yourself to read every morning, even if it's 5 minutes, and I promise you will elevate your happiness and feel joy make it's way into your sub-conscience and accomplish a few goals along the way.  One of the best lessons I've learned is you can't do it alone, and why would you...there are so many incredible writers who want to share their wisdom and experiences with you. 

Candle / Shop Pretty Places... I love these candles, they're the perfect size so you can take them anywhere!

In the morning find a quiet place to sit, light one of your favorite candles and set the tone for your day ahead. Yes... you might be thrown a zinger or two during the day but you will have grounded yourself for protection before stepping out the door. I have many mantras I've learned over time that I repeat during the day and it can instantly change my energy. Don't let negative people or situations ruin your day. You be in charge, this is your movie, you be the director. Another great lesson I've learned; our thoughts, words, and energy will either connect or disconnect us from The Universe - or your Higher Power - God - Source Energy. When you change your words you change your world. Don't forget; expect wonderful things to happen, and  P.S. Don't sweat the small stuff...   My favorite word I've ever learned...GRATITUDE

 Share with me what your favorite word is...I'd love to hear from you.

               The more I read, the more I learn, and the more I share I transform fear to faith...Me.

Three Fearless Females writing about living life, feeling the fear and moving forward...                                            Gabrielle Bernstein - Glennon Doyle Melton - Maria Shriver

IT ALL STARTS WITH GRATITUDE

A year and a half ago I began a journey that has led me to a place of happiness that I thought had slipped away. I was asking those questions we all eventually ask. Is this it?  Now what... and not that anything is bad, but you know there is another phase, and what that next phase will be is the question, how can I enter this second part of my life and be the best I can be. I came across an article on Gratitude. I actually began to feel relief just reading it. The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless, and you can do it all day every day. If you're at a place in your life where you are ready for change, healing and...yes that word...HAPPINESS, then I'd like to share with you how my life has changed with one word...  GRATITUDE

I was on my way to Bristol Farms from doing a blog post, and I found this message as I drove by. I had to get out of my car because this message was Loud & Clear.

I began every morning setting my alarm for early in the morning. For fifteen minutes I sat quietly, took deep breaths and began to think of  anything and everything I could be grateful for. In that space your mind becomes flooded with things that can be taken for granted of, waking up, your heartbeat, hearing birds chirp, breathing, my bed...and then I began to ask what would you (God, Universe, Higher Power etc..) have me do, I asked for a creative solution for everything... to guide me, help others, show me your way, not my way.  I didn't receive an answer right away but by staying committed to my morning ritual, and you do need to make a commitment, and boy is it worth it. Slowly the habit presented an awareness. A friend suggested I begin a blog.  How could I do that?? I'm not a writer, I don't even read blogs, I can't do that, all of those negative voices came rushing in. Then I thought, wait...I've been asking, it's time to listen. I also begin to feel butterflies and nerves the minute she suggested I do this. Instantly I knew it's exactly what I needed to do. After committing to figuring it out, this "blog thing" I then began to notice hearts everywhere and almost everyday no matter where I was. Because my heart was opening up so was my life. I felt I was on the right path, in that moment I knew the Universe had my back. The photos I'm sharing with you I have photographed all over and every day I continue to see more and more. 

Tahiti Bora Bora

Our family loves to travel and last spring we decided to get certified for scuba diving together. We chose Tahiti and it was a magical vacation in all kinds of ways. On our last day as we were coming up I took this photo with my underwater camera. 

A piece of bark can open your heart.

Make a game out of noticing new things each day, you will be amazed at what your minds eye will see along your path. The feeling that comes over you fills you up and melts away all fear.

Being excited about the benefits of gratitude can be incredible because it gives us the motivation we need to start making changes. When we can make positive changes, we can then assist others. 

Cheese platter I was making for my friends, and this slid off the knife.

Why not keep a gratitude journal by your bed. It slowly changes the way we perceive situations by adjusting our focus. What we focus on is what we get, so let's focus on the good. Don't forget... worry is a form of meditation, make a conscience decision to not let worry pick up momentum.

It's written in stone.

Gratitude is an affirmation of goodness, it allows us to see that there are good things in the world. When things around us can sometimes be unkind and chaotic, having gratitude will encourage us to open our eyes to some amount of goodness in our life.

I saw this on my cutting board while cleaning up after dinner.

Expressing gratitude allows us to search out where that goodness comes from. Acknowledging that there is something way bigger than ourselves, I think I was about three weeks into my morning ritual and there was literally a lightness that came over my entire body. I had been asleep far too long...meaning I wasn't living to my full potential, I wasn't acknowledging the true gifts life had in store for me.  

When you walk with this guy, your bound to come across multiple signs.

I can honestly say I experience higher levels of positive emotions - I'm way more alert, I have joy, I wake up energized and I feel alive. Practicing gratitude is literally reprogramming your brain and it's a choice. No...life is never perfect but it's a great choice to get in the habit of looking for the good. 

Heart in Croatia.

Opening your eyes to more of the world around you can deeply enhance your gratitude practice.  When we're practicing gratitude  we are celebrating the present and we're less likely to take anything for granted. increasing our conscious awareness of gratitude requires that we train ourselves to think differently. We are all programmed from a very young age, good and bad. It's never too late to reprogram ourselves. Our brain and our will are stronger than we will ever know.  

Parking lot in Death Valley

You cannot feel envious and grateful at the same time, they're incompatible feelings. If you’re grateful, you can’t resent someone for having something that you don’t. Remember...you are you, and that's a wonderful thing. You get to create your life, It's a choice to choose gratitude.

Capri

There are a number of studies showing that in a time of serious trauma, adversity, and suffering if people have a grateful disposition, they’ll recover more quickly.

Parking meter in Brentwood

Grateful people have a higher sense of self-worth. I think that’s because when you’re grateful, you have the sense that someone else is looking out for you. Let go...

Inside my car after I got in, and I had an ice tea with me and it dripped this heart.

Once you start to recognize the contributions that other people have made to your life—once you realize that other people have seen the value in you—you can transform the way you see yourself. It's important to see yourself in a positive light because that's what is intended for you. When you shine everyone else around you shines too.

Hiking in Utah

You will begin to see the good in people, you will find yourself more forgiving and way less stressful. You will feel empowered and a feeling of certainty guides you through each day.  Not only express gratitude when you feel it, but give thanks especially when you don't feel it. 

Koi pond at the Amangiri 

You will sleep better - less stress - you will boost your immune system - you will have more energy - you will improve your leadership skills - you will become more creative.  If you saw the movie "The Secret", you are aware of the Law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction states that whatever you think about or talk about will be drawn into your life.  

Another walk, another sign.

Gratitude changes the chemistry in our brains, thoughts can actually turn into physiological changes in our body that affect our mental and physical health. Basically, what you think affects how you feel (both emotionally and physically). So if you increase your positive thoughts, like gratitude, you can increase your over-all mental health. When you get in the habit of feeling the gratitude than everything around you changes.

Seek and you shall find, Ask and it is given...Even in Buster's dog food, there are hearts...not surprising.

Saw this heart in the bottom of my coffee cup. Pretty amazing.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Begin giving your thanks now, there is no better time than right now.  For me hearts were my message and you never know what your message will be, but if you stay present and in conscience awareness and ask, you will receive your own personal signs and when you do you will know. It does take commitment, it takes you believing in what you cannot see, having faith, and self-love. 

On my street

There are beautiful Jacaranda trees on our streets that bloom twice a year. I shaped the petals into a heart. We can begin to shape our world the moment we choose to focus on gratitude, abundance, our heart, our breath...the universe is just waiting for you to choose, and when you do...watch out.  Goodness comes tumbling in.  All you have to do is take the first step, and you never know what follows from that. Remember; The Universe is on your side.

                   To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kindness that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude. -- Albert Schweitzer

Hiking in Utah with the husband in the background...love

If I can answer any questions please send me an e-mail. I would love to assist in any way I can. Believe in yourself, never give up on a dream, never worry about what anyone will think...

    Thank you, Lindsay, for our conversation one evening in my kitchen. Thank you for opening my mind to an idea I would have never thought of for myself.  I am grateful for you...