Enough!

Stop with the expensive skin and hair care products and treatments. Save your money and simply enjoy what you eat. There are many fruits, vegetables, and meats that you can eat and enjoy that will also improve the way you look. Here is a list of just a few:

Strawberries, Apples, and Pineapple

These are natural teeth whiteners. Take it from Catherine Zeta Jones: “…I love to eat an apple after a meal, just to cleanse my teeth – they always look polished afterwards.”  If you can’t have an apple, strawberries or pineapple will do. Strawberries contains malic acid which serves as an astringent and can lighten surface stains and remove discoloration from teeth. Berries, packed with vitamin C, also stimulate collagen production and reduce damage from free radicals- the molecules that cause skin to age prematurely. Also try blueberries, oranges and kiwis.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe and other melons are great natural diuretics; in other words, they make you want to pee. This is a good thing if you’re suffering from bloating due to PMS or having too many martinis the night before. Melons are also great sources of vitamin A, B, and C.

Tomatoes

Natural sunscreen! Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene. Scientists have found lycopene to offer good protection against sunburn thus preventing signs of aging. This of course does not mean that you should abandon sun blocks altogether in favor of a tomato rich diet but definitely consider adding more of this fruit/vegetable to your rotation. Other sources: watermelons and guava.

Lobster

Does anyone really need another reason to enjoy lobster? Lobster and other shellfish like oysters, clams, and mussels are a key source of protein for healthy hair. Further they contain pantothenic acid (a B Vitamin) that makes hair look silkier and shinier. They also have high concentrations of zinc that will help prevent breakouts as well as other minerals and vitamins like copper and selenium.

Wild Salmon

What’s not to like about salmon? An excellent source of Omega 3s it reduces wrinkles, puffiness and inflammation more effectively than almost any other food. Other good sources of Omega 3s are mackerel and black cod.

Dark Chocolate

I saved the best, and arguably the sexiest, for last. Yes, you can indulge in rich, dark, chocolate with little guilt! Studies have shown dark chocolate to be a wonderful natural stress reliever- and some say an aphrodisiac. High stress often leads one to age faster, so take a time out with some dark chocolate.

As a note- and with the exception of meat- it’s best to eat all of these foods raw or, as close to their natural state as possible; you’ll receive more nutritional benefit that way.

Dine and enjoy!

Other links:

Natural Beauty Superfoods

10 Ways to Eat Your Way Gorgeous

Please visit Zabeth at http://thefitcorner.blogspot.com for more healthy tips!

So much focused is place on meeting men who have money.  What about meeting women who have money?  That is one of the easiest routes to meet men who do.

Indeed, it is plentiful work to hit the scene everyday or every weekend hoping and praying that this time it is the “big one”.  The big catch.  The night that begins the rest of your life!

So much pressure.  Older, wealthy women provide great advice, resources, and good, enlightened conversation.  They always know “a friend who knows a friend”.  They are also not competition.  They will remind you of those old school feminine wiles that men will always value.  They may also give you that extra ticket to the banquet or charity event.  Here are some tips to befriend these ladies:

1)  Join a charity related to the environment, medicine (hospital), or health.  You can be a board member or just volunteer.

2)  Put an ad in the newspaper.  Most older, folks read the paper still.  You may be able to catch the eye of an older women who is looking for a friend.

3)  Shop where they shop.   Almost every town has a nice, posh store where older women shop.  Go there, give advice.  Maybe even get a part time sales job.

I had a nice, but brief friendship with an older woman who gave me great advice.  One night I was uncomfortable about attending a political charity event alone. When I told her the address, she was like “Oh, dear, that is so worth it!” She gave me tips, and when and how to arrive.  I went and never regretted it.

But be careful, they can sometimes be “motherly”.  Especially if they don’t have children or all of theirs are grown.  Set boundaries that make you comfortable.  The next time you see an old lady who needs help to cross the street, make sure you get her number

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1)  How and why did you create Stiletto Woman?

Being an entrepreneur for some years and involved with many programs, I’ve always sought out ways to positively impact the lives of others. With the constant grind of entrepreneurship, I eventually found myself burnt out. I was on a mission, and I spread myself too thin. Consequently, as the economy deteriorated, the financial strain on my business and family was too much to bear. I had also given birth to my third child (my only daughter), who had suffered from severe labor complications. Life forever changed—fast!  For years, I had succumbed to the notion that I had to chase what society defined as success—the degrees, the money, and the accolades; it took a lot out of me. With my daughter in ICU at birth, she became my priority, and I knew I’d never be quite the same. My mind and body needed rest. So I took time off.

I spent that time learning how to listen in a different way. I began to pay close attention to my intuition, my heart, and my environment to understand what life was trying to teach me. I became silent. During that time, I disengaged from all traces of business…contacts, meetings, connections, networking, email, etc. The path I was leading had become so blurred, the only thing I could do was stand still. I knew I would return to my entrepreneurial roots, but it would be different. I had to hear that it was time.

Stiletto Woman came to form just a couple of years ago. I contacted a designer I had worked with in the past who created sites very reasonably. I discussed my ideas, recruited writers, and officially launched in February 2009 with a mission to empower everyday women—those that had a dream but didn’t quite know how to attain it; those that were silenced for some reason or another and felt stifled, alone, or without direction; and those who were trying to make sense of life’s ups and downs and needed an extension of support. Stiletto Woman and Stiletto Woman Magazine would give those women a voice by revealing our truths—not in the typical disheartening exploitive way—instead with a contemporary vibe backed by a sophisticated brand that matched the new ways we do business and manage our lives.

It had become official, Stiletto Woman was born.

2) What are the traits of a Stiletto Woman?  Are there any celebrities or notable persons out there that are examples?

She is a leader. She is visionary—an independent thinker. She is nurturing and adventurous in seeking all that life has to offer. It’s a woman who wants to be in sync with her career, her business, her family, her money, the way she looks, and the way she feels!

Stiletto Woman is more than the figurative shoes you wear. It’s really about a mindset—a way of thinking, a way of living. Stilettos represent the acceptance and willingness to create your own path—to be pioneering in your own way, at every level.

And celebrities, that’s tough because what represents strength, success, or inspiration to me may be different for someone else. But, if I’d name a few I’d say Zoe Saldana because she has progressed wonderfully and carved out a path all her own. Aside from her personal life, Angelina Jolie is bold, yet has great compassion for societal change, which is admirable. Gabrielle Union comes to mind because she’s stylish and sophisticated. And I must add Michelle Obama because she’s simply magnificent—in many ways she has it all.

3)  These days almost everyone wants to learn how to set up a business online.  Do you consider yourself an online entrepreneur?  Why or why not?

I do consider myself an online entrepreneur—somewhat of a new-age entrepreneur, as I like to say. Though, I don’t operate a full e-commerce or product-based business, I conduct more than 50% of my business online and I seek to reach a nationwide audience. I also leverage social media and other networking tools to better connect with our target market and communicate our brand.

4)  What advice do you have for women to get by in this shaky economy?

It’s two-fold…and a fine line. I think you have to find a way to be focused, yet broad at the same time. What I mean is that you want to have a plan for your future—what you want to accomplish, and a defined roadmap on how to get there. Simultaneously, you want to be open for change, and ready for wherever your next opportunity takes you. Financially, I’d refrain from overspending and create a financial plan, not just a budget. Instead of simply tracking how much money is coming in and going out, also chart how you are going to get the best on every dollar you spend, before you spend it—almost like a pre-plan.

5)  What new projects do you have in the works with your Stiletto franchise?  What direction would you like to see Stiletto Woman go into?

Currently, I’m working on extending the Stiletto Woman brand to everyday women right where they live through community initiatives, workshops and networking events. I launched a teen girls initiative where I’m producing a documentary short to connect with our nation’s most vulnerable girls. Additionally, I plan to continue growing Stiletto Woman Magazine to become a trusted source of inspiration and education for women of all types at every level.

Connect online at www.stilettowoman.com, www.stilettoceo.com, www.twitter.com/stilettowoman

Here’s the crux:  Many alpha females need a foundation.  They can’t find it in another alpha male unless he surrenders some part of himself.  Some will, if you are lucky.  But in this case, Brad, like a true beta came waving a white flag.  He needs very little of anything, but a strong woman to nail his ass down.  Not nail it down because he’s bad, but give his life meaning, focus, maybe even a new identity.

Jennifer was neither.  I don’t know enough about her to peg her, but from my estimation she’s just not edgy enough to be an alpha female.  She’s very “safe”.  Very textbook, dare I say, even pedestrian.  She put the needs of her marriage and Brad’s baby making desires on the backburner for a career that never really took off.  Or did it?  Is she on hiatus (again)?

What Brad, and most beta men need are alpha females who spice up their daily, meager existence.  Who else could make a married man leave his wife for a woman with orphans?  You become the beta’s man world, their social calendar, the axis they revolve around.    In turn, you define him, and accept his 100 percent devotion and vulnerabilities.  Have you seen the funky hairdos and facial hair Brad’s experimented with in the last few years?  Him admitting his love affair with weed?  The man has been set free.   If you think about it, it’s a nice balance.  He needs security, you need grounding.  What good is an alpha female who is walking around all secure and siddity and no where to root herself?

Don’t get me wrong.  An alpha male is still my preference, but it is quite a tussle getting them around your finger.  They fuss, complain, retreat, come back again, until you finally wear them down.  So, if you have the patience, bless your heart.

If not, do you like Angelina did, and get yourself a Brad.

Over men, their own bodies, love, earth, life.

An alpha female travels light

Will update when I return! I’m only available to members of the Inner Circle.

An alpha female has a penchant for adventure and challenging her mind and body.  Whether it’s on a motorcycle or in the garden, it’s where she can hone her skills to rise above the rest.  It’s always good to have cocktail party chatter and there’s nothing more fun than discussing a shared interest.

Knitting is something that I’ve been looking into.  When I was younger, I learned some crochet tips but quickly moved on to the next thing.  Knitting, I heard, is good for stress too.  It’s meditative and relaxing after you get the hang of it all.  I took my first class last week in Brooklyn, NY.  Great little shop, cool fireplace, and a decent house red.  I also like the idea that it’s something people would least expect from me.  But the truth is I love domestic crafts.  I know that quilting and scrap booking won’t work for me, but I can handle knitting.  Can I? I’m sure!

Here are more benefits to knitting:

1–Helps you become more patient

2–Increases right and left brain interaction

3–Can help you meet new people by joining a knitting group

4–Helps you be still and relax to relieve stress

5–Lowers blood pressure

If you are interested in knitting, find out more at Stitch and Bitch.

Unfortunately, and fortunately, I am the only one who updates Alphanista and because of unforeseen circumstances, I will update this afternoon!

TTYL

That depends.

Is it about money or goodwill? Probably money. An alpha will excel in a business where she has total control, can flip the switch to turn it up or down when she wants, and has a small legion of devoted employees.  Too many employees makes it possible for a coup.  You know how alphas get!  She’ll blossom where the limelight is on her and she can be seen as a star, if even for a night.  Most of the businesses listed below will enhance or work with one of her stronger attributes.  This is mostly for fun, but each business is fully capable of being run by someone else.  It’s just that the alpha always brings a little more dazzle.

Create Your Own Economy

If you are not working on a plan to make money online you don’t know how to make money.

Especially in these economic times, blogging has become one way you can create your own economy whether you keep your full time job or not.

How I got into this whole thing was by accident.  I was reading and writing blogs on BallerAlert and it appealed to me how you can quickly build an audience for a product or service.  I had fun writing about issues that interested me.  But I have always been a writer, just not a online writer.  I started my own blog to see what happens.  I used to think that blogging was a hobby–until I got my first check.

There are bloggers making upwards of $30,000 a month.   The average is usually $300-5000/mo from advertising, affiliate marketing and other ways.   However, only a small % of bloggers make money because they get bored and give up.   I’m one Alphanista that will dump something if it gives me no drive.  I will leave it alone after a few weeks.   But I have been blogging everyday now for almost a two years.  Eventually, I’d like to support myself fully on blogging and building other niche sites.   It is a lot of work, but I like getting checks while I sleep and help others.   Blogging does that.  When I got my first check, I called everybody.  Even the folks who thought what I was doing was a waste of time.  I’m sure someone told the Twitter people that they were wasting theirs.

Twitter has millions of visitors but makes no money.  However, someone will buy them at any moment and they will rake in millions, like YouTube.  That’s worth the wait.  So, what are you waiting for?  It’s worth it to test it, educate yourself, and give it a try.  Here are some reasons why folks start blogs:

• If you are working full time at a corporate gig there are all kinds of niche blogs you can create based on your expertise
• If you want to create passive, part time income
• If you want to build your brand or create a new one

Check out this lady’s story who paid off over $70,000 in debt just by blogging in 18 months.  I highly recommend The Niche Blogger – Make Money Blogging program if you know nothing about blogging or if you are a blogger who needs advice and tools on marketing and making money.  This woman takes you step by step, month by month on how she did it.  I paid and signed up for it already.

Do not sleep on this.   If you are committed and you have an interest, start a blog.  If you don’t know what to blog about, find a niche or start a blog promoting someone else’s product, called affiliate marketing, and make money.   Blogger.com and Wordpress.org are the most popular platforms for blogging, but you need a program to tell you how to use it.

An Alphanista is always ahead of the curve, are you?