Monday's Motivational Makeover - Creating a Virtual You!

In last week's Monday's Motivational Makeover post, I touched upon how women are becoming "ageless" through the use of proper nutrition, exercise, and yes, an occasional "lift" courtesy of some talented Plastic Surgeons such as my friend and fellow 85 Broads member, Dr. Shirley Madhere.

I created this blog as an outreach to women who, for a variety of reasons, may not feel like their current circumstances allow them to go to events, or become involved in some of the initiatives I highlight from time-to-time.

Very often this is due to a low self-esteem, or a feeling that "what I do really doesn't matter".

In short, they need to begin writing a "social biography", but lack the confidence, or do not know where or how to begin.

For those of you currently "stuck" in this situation, the key to getting motivated and involved may lie in creating a "virtual persona" first, then work on getting face-to-face in groups as you gain confidence.

The fact that you are viewing this blog is an encouraging sign. It tells me that you are interested in what other women have to say about some of the issues you face, and research shows you are not alone in using blogs and other social media as a vehicle for doing so.

Here are some interesting facts regarding women and blog usage from a study published by Blogher and Compass Partners. Although these survey results are a bit dated, it shows a trend which is only going to increase if history is any indication.

36.2 million women actively participate in the blogsophere every week (15.1 publishing, 21.1 reading and commenting)

* Women are so passionate about blogging that large percentages of women said they would give something up to keep the blogs they read and/or write:

- 55% would give up alcohol

- 50% would give up their PDAs

- 42% would give up their i-Pod

- 43% would give up reading the newspaper or magazines

BUT, some things are sacred … only 20% would give up chocolate!

* More than half of women maintain the original blog they started

* Our time shift from traditional media is accelerating. In the general Internet population:

- 24 percent of women surveyed say we watch less television because we're blogging

- 25 percent of us say we read fewer magazines because we're blogging

- 22 percent of us say we read fewer newspapers because we're blogging

* "It's about me": Our own lives are our favorite topic -- but don't assume you know all the different topics our lives represent by lifestage.

* More than half of women surveyed consider blogs a reliable source of advice and information

* Half of women surveyed say blogs influence their purchase decisions

* Despite hype, few women report discontinuing blogging due to problems with trolls or being “outed"

For a copy of the original report please click here.

I encourage each of you to widen your knowledge base by seeking out blogs such as WWRG that are reliable sources of information, and focused on what's important to you. If you enjoy sharing your expertise or opinion, you may even consider starting your own blog.

Either way, you will be taking the first step in making over a "virtual you", and a social biography.

The World will be your stage!

Monday's Motivational Makeover - The Total Package

A few months ago, my colleague and fellow 85 Broads member, Evie wrote a guest blog featuring another 85 Broads member and friend, Dr. Shirley Madhere.

Shirley, Evie, and I attended the UN Millennium Development Goals Awards event in NYC last evening. Among the presenters were former super model Christie Brinkley and Actor, Country Music singer, John Schneider.

The Grand Ballroom was packed with dignitaries, celebrities, and CEO's, many of them women. Gloria Gaynor sang her signature disco anthem " I will survive". During this, there were literally women dancing in the isles.

What struck me the most was the energy in the room. Also striking were the men and women who attended.

Ageless is not just a concept anymore - it is reality!

Both Christie and John did not look their biological ages. I credit this to a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and good nutrition.

I discussed this with Shirley, a noted Plastic Surgeon. She agrees, and in fact her practice is centered around a "holistic" approach to anti-aging.

Another thing that struck me. Men are beginning to take an interest in re-vitalizing their youth. Shirley said that she has a number of high-profile male clients who want to look younger to " compete with younger men (and women)" who are increasingly rising to the top of companies and organizations.

I encourage you to take time today to think through what a makeover - physical or attitudinal - would do for you.

Keep in mind, though, that working on one, without paying attention to the other, will limit your outcome and your appearance.

Shirley is working on a book on this very subject and as soon as it is available, you will all be the first to know!

In the meantime, I hope to get her to do an occasional guest blog so we can begin our Total package Makeover ASAP!

Lifestyle Lifters featuring Evie

This week I decided to bring you some beauty and wellness , lets face it , without beauty and wellness we cannot enjoy “ PASSION ROMANCE FASHION “ to the fullest……… so here it goes !!

Dr. Shirley Madhere is a plastic surgeon www.thenewaesthete.com , fellowship trained in cosmetic surgery, who is experienced in providing a complete spectrum of care to her reconstructive as well as cosmetic plastic surgery patients. Her medical expertise includes skin care , non-invasive techniques, and health and age management. The fusion of these concepts provides a multidisciplinary approach to aesthetics, wellness, and form and function which Dr. Madhere has unified as a “ Holistic “ approach to plastic surgery. She travels the world uncovering beauty and well being secrets …….. I am so lucky to have her as my friend !!!!! I have asked her to provide me with her tips “ Summer Essentials from Head to Toe “ to share with you so that you can look and feel your best this summer !!! Till next week …. Enjoy Life …. Evie

Summer Essentials from Head to Toe

by Shirley Madhère, M.D.

These tips will help you to glow naturally!

Hair: in summer, the sun may weaken hair by damaging its protein bonds. Use hair-specific sunscreen or, for product-free protection, use scarves, headbands, or head wraps. Also, a healthy scalp leads to healthy hair. Rinse hair as soon as possible after swimming and apply a deep conditioning treatment once or twice weekly, preferably one that helps hair to retain moisture and prevent dryness.

Facial skin: with warmer temps and higher humidity, switch your facial moisturizer from a cream to a lighter lotion or gel.

Neck and chest: these parts are often are forgotten in the daily skin routine. Extend application of facial moisturizer and sunscreen onto the neck and skin. Wrinkles in the decolletage may sometimes be managed with Botox or Dysport injections.

Hands: colds and flus can be year-round. Reduce chances of these nuisances by using good hand hygiene and washing hands as often as needed. After hand washing, apply a moisturizer with sunscreen. This keeps hands soft and less prone to aging "sun spots." "Veiny" hands or hands with deep wrinkles may be improved in appearance by using injectable fillers to plump up the volume.

Torso: one of the best ways to complement a bikini-ready body is to have a toned abdomen ("belly") by eating well. Increase your metabolism in part by increasing your intake of whole plant-based foods as green, leafy vegetables (for fiber and protein) and vibrantly colored fruit (for vitamins and antioxidants).

Thighs: if cellulite is an issue, recognize that it is the result of a number of factors as stress, excess fat, variegated fat distribution (even in absence of excess fat!), reduced skin elasticity, decreased lymphatic circulation, and others. To manage cellulite in time to be "summer body ready," it is helpful to begin treatments at least 6-8 weeks in advance. In general, there are a number of therapies that may be undertaken together as a part of a complete protocol to help produce a better result, as liposuction, mesotherapy, skin tightening laser, manual lymphatic drainage, topical creams, nutritional adjustments, and stress management techniques. Ask your plastic surgeon for which you are the best candidate.

Body skin: touchably soft skin is appealing in any season. Skin is your best "accessory," even as it is vitally important organ! Exfoliate skin of the body in the shower with a loofah at least once weekly and follow up with a moisturizer (daily) containing rich emollients (for added smoothness) or alpha hydroxy acids (for sloughing non-viable skin cells).

Feet: formaldehyde in nail lacquers may discolor nails. Allow your nails to "breathe" from time to time by getting a "bare pedicure", no polish. Also, wearing flip flops potentially exposes feet to more elements-- environmental and non! Prevent cracked heels, which may pose a risk for infection, by keeping feet clean, and moisturized.