A New Diet (well, not really) - WWYED

WWYED - Pronounced "Wide"
Watch What You Eat and Drink

I was talking with a good friend, and we both struggle with our weight.  We are married, middle-aged moms who work, and have hectic lives.  Putting ourselves first is sometimes difficult, and we find sometimes the weight creeps up on us.  Losing weight (or maintaining where we are) can be hard, so we wanted to find an easy way to keep on top of things.

We know all the right things to do (we've read all the books, been to all the meetings, tried all the different diet fads).  There's no magical pill or a diet that is easy that works for everyone, unfortunately.  So we figured, all we need is a little encouragement and support to remind us to watch what we eat and drink.

We came up with a new way of approaching it when someone says, "I want to lose some weight" or, "I really need to lose some weight".  Who doesn't want to be healthier and feel and look their best? We all know how to do it (most of us have been successful in the past), so here's how we're going to do it.

It's simply the WWYED (pronounced "Wide") plan - Watch What You Eat and Drink.  Everyone can do it.  All we have to do is encourage each other to remember, WWYED.  We find that supporting each other and giving each other reminders and encouragement really helps.  It also compliments any diet regime or program you are in to help you watch your weight.  If you need a little encouragement, email me and I can include you in our WWYED group.

Cheers!

Angela G. Gentile

Key words:  weight loss, diet, lose weight

Hoop Dancing by Racheaellust (YouTube Video)

Take time to watch how Rachael dances with a hula hoop in her kitchen.  It's amazing what she can do in 3 minutes.  Check out her video, "and away we go!".  The music is, "Say Hey", by Michael Franti & Spearhead Feat. Cherine Anderson.



Click on the arrow above, or go to this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX_SStUBXcY

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Bringing More Positive Into Your Life

www.brite-talk.com

I subscribe to a website called Brite-talk.com on Facebook.  The other day, there was a video about how to enjoy more abundance, and a very simple step on how to get more of what you like, and how to appreciate those positive moments and events in our lives.  There was reference to a movie called, "happythankyoumoreplease".

The story goes like this:  If you come across something positive, wonderful, or uplifting, you respond with,

"Thank you!  More please".  

I tried it, and it feels good.  Try it yourself.

Here's the link to the post, with a great video that explains everything:  http://brite-talk.com/how-to-bring-more-abundance-into-your-life/

Have an awesome day.

Angela Gentile

Valentine's Day - Cute Animal Pics ♥

I was wanting to do something really cute and special for Valentine's Day, so I was searching through Google Images and found some cute animal pics.  Hope they make you smile and warm your heart on this special day of love.  Valentine's Day is traditionally a day when lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, candies, cards and other gifts of affection.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

What Have You Been Putting Off Doing?

Here's a funny video on YouTube I came across.  It's about an older man who was offered a Coke.  Very creative advertising.  See what happens.  I am sure it will put a smile on your face.



Click on the arrow above.  Here's the YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbVPblOmBqk

Cheers!
Angela Gentile

Hot Date: Couples Massage

Looking for something nice to do with your partner?  Why not consider going for a couples massage?  There are many spas that have rooms large enough to provide a massage to two people at the same time.

My husband and I had an Aromatherapy Couples Massage at the Riverstone Spa, at Inn at the Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  It was very relaxing and therapeutic.

Riverstone's lounge is very inviting.  It is very nature-orientated, and has running water, a fireplace, comfy reclining chairs, and a lot of healthy snacks.  They serve tea and fresh water with lemon.  The massage tables are very comfy, and they are heated.  They have nice soft sheets and big fluffy comforters.  It's hard not to get comfy and relaxed on their big, warm tables.  The tables are also electric, and maneuver similar to a hospital bed.  The tables can be adjusted to take the weight off your lower back, but raising your legs a bit.

We each had a one hour, full-body massage.  I chose a "Breathe" aroma and my husband chose "Muscles and Joints".  The essential oils contained eucalyptus, which is very earthy and "piney" smelling.  At some points, a hot, damp towel is placed on our backs, feet and around our necks.  They also use a Japanese Mint Oil on our back which feels really warm (much like Rub A535).   A warmed eye pillow was placed over our eyes when we were lying on our backs.  The massage ended with a head massage and a warm, damp towel under our necks.

The best part of this is that we can claim it on our Health Insurance (Manitoba Blue Cross).  Luckily for us, the $199.00 we spent (in total) is reimbursed 80% by Manitoba Blue Cross.

Ahhh...  We both feel rested and rejuvenated.  What a nice way to spend time together while looking after ourselves at the same time.

Check out this article from Mayo Clinic on the health benefits of massage:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/massage/SA00082\

You may also like my other post on Massage and Energy Work: http://onthebrightside-angela.blogspot.com/2010/08/massage-therapy-and-energy-work.html#comments

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

What's Beautiful?



Source: http://imgur.com/gallery/AdqVS

Just wanted to send a little love your way.  Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

A Hug is a Handshake from the Heart

♥ Hugs

It's wondrous what a hug can do.
A hug can cheer you when you're blue.
A hug can say, "I love you so,"
Or "Gee, I hate to see you go."

A hug is, "Welcome back again,"
And, "Great to see you! Where've you been?"
A hug can smooth a small child's pain,
And bring a rainbow after rain.

The hug! There's just no doubt about it,
We scarcely could survive without it!
A hug delights and warms and charms.
It must be why God gave us arms.

Hugs are great for fathers and mothers,
Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers.
And chances are your favorite aunts
Love them more than potted plants.

Kittens crave them. Puppies love them.
Heads of state are not above them.
A hug can break the language barrier,
And make your travels so much merrier.

No need to fret about your store of 'em;
The more you give the more there's of 'em;
So stretch those arms without delay,
And Give Someone A Hug Today!!!

Origin not known for sure - it's either Author Unknown or Dean Walley, The Messenger


Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Love Me Tender

Did you know that cuddling may be the key to satisfying long-term relationships?

Check out this study that was done and you'll be convinced that cuddling and hugging are very important factors in boosting satisfaction with your lover.  Cuddling May Be Key to Happy Long-Term Relationship: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/07/06/cuddling-may-be-key-to-long-term-happy-relationship.

Cuddling and caressing are important in every intimate relationship, and especially important for middle-aged and older couples.

Try a little tenderness, a caress, a cuddle.  It's good for your relationship!

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

First Kiss

Do you remember when you had your first kiss?  On the lips?!!  Here's a cute video where a little boy and girl's first kiss is so innocently captured on video.  It's so sweet, and it's called, "High Five for First Kiss (original)".




Click on the arrow above, if that doesn't work, go to this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEN-kHe5o_Y&feature=aso

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Rhythm of Love - Music Video

Who doesn't like beach-parties, water balloons and sparklers!

Kicking off February - Heart Month - with a fun, upbeat song.  I was listening to the radio the other day and the Plain White T's (Plain White T's - Official Website) were singing the song, Rhythm of Love.  It's an upbeat song about a guy spending one night with his love interest.  I looked up the video on YouTube.com, and it is a fun video.  Can't help but feel great when you watch this.  The music has a gentle, romantic, upbeat feel, and the "island-y scratch guitar" is a great simple sound.  You can check out the music video, Rhythm of Love, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWiwuiT58Yc or click on the arrow below.



You can find out more about the song, at Rhythm of Love - Wikipedia Page.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Another Good News Story - Golden Voice Ted

I have been following this great story about a homeless man, named Ted Williams (53), who was begging for money on the streets, and became famous for his voice.  He says he was having problems with drugs, alcohol and other stuff, and he has been clean for two years and he is wanting to get his life back on track.  His smooth, deep, velvety voice is what makes him so remarkable.  There is a video of him reuniting with his elderly mother.  It is quite touching.  He hadn't seen her for 20 years and you can just see the love between them..  Now there is talk of him appearing on Oprah.  He has already been on "Good Morning America".  This is a good news story, that definitely gives hope to those who have been struggling and have been homeless.  It takes a lot of courage to turn your life around, and Ted is definitely an inspiration.

Go to this link from Time Newsfeed, and see some videos of Ted, his voice, and the reuniting with his mother.  It's a real good news story!  http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/01/08/whats-next-for-ted-golden-voice-williams/

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Say Hey (I Love You) - Music Video

I was introduced to this song and video by a friend on www.twitter.com (@SpiritualNurse).  I played it and thought it was a great song.  It reminded me of a tropical island and fun in the sun.  It's called, Hey I Love You (2009) by Michael Franti and Spearhead.  This song was written in the steam of a fogged up bathroom mirror at US Actor Woody Harrelson's house!  Turn up the volume and click on the arrow!



If you can't see this video, go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehu3wy4WkHs

To find out more about this artist and the song, go to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Say_Hey_%28I_Love_You%29

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

P.S. Thanks Sandy!

So Beautiful - Music Video

Jarvis Church (Gerald Eaton) is a Canadian R & B Singer originally from Jamaica.  He is the lead singer from the popular 90's band The Philosopher Kings.  He grew up in Toronto, and now lives in L.A.  Here's a great song, called So Beautiful, from his album called The Long Way Home (2008) done with lyrics I found on iammdq's YouTube Channel.  The lyrics and melody are so beautiful.  It's definitely a feel-good song about romance and love. Enjoy!



Thanks to iammdq on YouTube for sharing!


Have a beautiful day!


~ Angela Gentile

The Top Good News Stories of 2010

This time every year, I like to reflect back on the year that has just passed, and I try to think of things that were positive and good about it.  Although the BP Oil Disaster was the top news story for Canadians in 2010, I did some google-searching, and came up with some good news stories that I wanted to highlight here.

On AOL News, there is a list of the The Top Good News Stories of  2010. In their list they included the Chilean Miners Rescue and they also listed a story about an unemployed man who gave away $10 a day in Washington DC and he wrote about who he gave the money to and what they did with it.

NewsOne for Black America lists their Top Ten "Good News Stories" for 2010 and in their list they include a story about twin girls with identical grades become joint valedictorians of their high school.

Canada's MuchMusic's Top Ten Moments of 2010 include the production of the song, Wavin' Flag - Young Artists for Haiti.

The Gazette HealthWatch's Top Ten Stories of 2010 include all those intriguing findings (mostly good news) that researchers were eager to share with us, including the good news about aspirin, vitamin D and smoking bans.

Canada AM's Top Tech Stories of 2010 series includes some great news about all the technology that has enhanced our lives - like the Apple iPad, Kinect for Xbox 360 and the Kobo eReader.

My personal favourite is the story about the Large's from Nova Scotia who won $11.2 million in July and have given away almost all of it.  Check out this video from CBC news: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/11/03/video-ns-lottery-winners-update.html

My greatest stories of 2010 were that I went on a fabulous cruise with relatives, I went on a road trip to the Black Hills with my family, and I got a new job.  What are your good news stories of 2010? 

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

Feel Good Now!

Here's a video I came across on my Facebook newsfeed. It's by Andy Dooley.  He talks about the Law of Attraction and how we can be happier and feel good, now.  It's fun to watch.



Click on the arrow above to watch the video, or go to this link on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8ELFrExPng&feature=player_embedded#!

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Temple Grandin - Movie Review

 

The movie, "Temple Grandin" (2010) is a movie based on a true story about an autistic woman.  Before I saw this movie, I had very little knowledge of autism.  At a very young age, Temple was diagnosed with autism, and she didn't speak a word until she was four.  Her mother refused to institutionalize her, and her mother's love and dedication helped Temple soar above her challenges.  Temple spent some time on a family farm, and related really well to the horses and cows.  She ended up going to college, getting a master's degree in science, and was able to design humane systems in the beef industry.  Temple believed that she could relate to the cows, and she could understand them.  She could interpret their "moos", and observed their behaviours.  She said that we didn't have to be cruel to the animals that we raised for food. She believed that the least we can do is treat the cows with respect and provide them with a calm, peaceful environment.

Some of my favourite lines from this movie were, "A door opened, and I went through it", and "I am different, not less".  The most remarkable part of the movie for me was when she designed her own "squeeze machine".  It replaced the human touch and hugs that she needed so much, but couldn't accept. This squeeze machine calmed her when she was upset and helped her cope with life.


Temple Grandin is a very emotional story, one of hope, determination and dedication.  Today, Temple is a professor at Colorado State University and is doing great work in the field of animal sciences and autism advocacy.


To get more information on Temple Grandin, the movie, go to the Internet Movie Database at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1278469/

To get more information on Temple Grandin, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Grandin

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Top Ten Tips for Living Joyfully

Deb Dawson-Dunn owns a business called, "Get it Dunn".  She helps people reconnect with themselves.  She is a professional coach and speaker.   She has some great resources on her website, and there is a "Free Stuff" section.  In this section, is a tip sheet.  She calls it:

Top Ten Tips for Living Joyfully!

Breathe
Deep breathing calms you down, frees up your energy, 

and keeps you in the present moment. 

The present is where you will also find joy.

Treat Yourself Like a Most Valuable Person (MVP)
Beating yourself down and berating yourself is not motivating.   

Instead always treat yourself with gentleness and loving kindness.   

Take care of your needs, speak lovingly to yourself 

and spend your time with others who treat you beautifully.

Focus Your Thoughts
Are you focused on what you want, what you like and what brings you joy?   

Your actions follow your thoughts so the more you focus on what you want, 

the more likely you are to take actions that will lead you to joyful living.

Be still
Spend some time everyday doing nothing.  Get quiet.  Be still.   

Just for a few minutes and notice how your day gets lighter. 

Laugh Daily
Find something to laugh about everyday.   

Laughter releases endorphins and increases oxygen flow 

both of which help your body feel better.

Listen to Your Heart
Your heart is wise and holds answers and guidance for you and your life. 

 Take the time to listen closely and then take action

on what your heart desires for you.

Take Baby Steps Towards Your Dreams
The tiniest steps eventually add up to big results.   

Make one phone call, read one paragraph, 

talk to one person about your dream

and soon your joyful dream will be accomplished.

Move Your Body
When you are stuck mentally, emotionally or spiritually get up and move.   

Shake your leg, go for a walk, do a forward bend.  

 Moving your body will move your energy 

which will get you moving and feeling lighter.

Cultivate Your Creativity
When you were a child, you created mud pies and 

lopsided popsicle stick houses and it was an expression of

who you were at that moment.  Connect with your creativity regularly

simply for the fun of creating.  Notice how this joyful energy weaves through your day.

Be Authentic
Discover who you truly are and stay connected to your truest self. 

It’s a much easier and more joyful way to live.

I love her philosophy, and really like the messages she gives.  She also shares a free 2-minute meditation.  It is quick and painless and helps us learn how to slow down.  If you want to learn more about Deb Dawson-Dunn, please visit her website at: http://www.getitdunn.ca/ 

Have a joy-filled day!

~ Angela Gentile

It Feels So Good When I Stop

I want to describe a feeling that I have when I stop doing something that I don't want to be doing anymore.  Call it "relief", "freedom", "joy" or just plain old "happiness".  I experience this feeling when I am finished my work-out at the gym, arrive home at the end of the day, or finish a course that I have taken.  I have felt this feeling most significantly recently when I changed careers.  I am so happy that I am not doing my old job anymore, that I think I would be happy doing anything!

Think of something that you do that does not bring about the most pleasant feelings.  Then think about how it feels when you stop. Awesome!

Have you experienced the "it feels so good when I stop" feeling lately? 

Have a fantastic day!

~ Angela Gentile

Things That Make You Feel Good

Plain and simple.  What makes you feel good?  I found this web page, called "Things That Make You Feel Good".  It's a list of things that cost little or nothing.  They can make your day.  Things like:

-- A long hot shower or bath


-- Fresh linen on the bed


-- Getting mail


-- Playing with a new puppy or kitten


-- Friends

What makes you feel good?

To get the full list, go to this link: http://iwant.on.ca/ICQ/MakesYouFeelGood.html

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile