Trust The Experts!

Okay I'm not a big makeup person, only for special occasions (weddings, etc.) I have convinced myself that I don't have the time to apply a bunch of makeup every day. My skin has always been okay... I mean I break out, of course, and I have combination skin but nothing too bad.

I went to the mall on Saturday and I stopped in Sephora just to check out what the competition was doing. I was overwhelmed by ALL of the products. Dawn was telling me that she heard about a natural mineral product that is supposed to be so good for your skin you can sleep in it! Well, that's the one for me!

So we go to Sephora to check out the products and, of course, I can't decided what color I'm supposed to be (beige, tawny, caramel, bronze I don't know!) So, I asked a young lady that works there what color I should choose and she told me I didn't want that product at all. I was like, "What?" She explained that minerals don't look good on brown and olive-tone skin; it makes us look ashy (a problem that a lot of us already have and don't need on our faces.) So I was like, "Okay, show me what you got," and she did! She showed me a line called Laura Mercier and it was wonderful! She helped me with an oil-free foundation, and a product called Secret Camouflage.

Girl you can't tell me that I don't look extra good now. My advice is: If you don't know ask an expert!

Our Favorite Pooka Products

I'm A Political Expert!!!!

I have been obsessed with this election! My TV is constantly on CNN, MSNBC or FOX news. I constantly talk about it, read about it and watch the latest polls, It's so important that we all stay connected and know what's going on.

I find myself looking for openings in conversations to spew my new political knowledge, like when I get my groceries and the cashier and manager debate (no pun intended) over a price and finally have to call for a price check and I say, "What do we need a caucus or something?" As I smile an extra goofy smile proud of my political joke and wait to start the election conversation, she usually just looks at me uninterested and says, "$1.49, do you want it?" But so what I'm a political expert! Or when I'm at the newsstand, reading a paper(okay, this is not often but this is where we political experts hang) and I glance over to another customer and say, "I bet they'll have a comic book coming out called the Superdelegates, hahaha!" The response I always get is "Miss, are you next in line or what?" and let's not forget my overflow of knowledge when I go to the bank, "Whew the recession is killing my bank account, gotta make sure these delegates get to that convention and get us a new president!" the response, "Is there anything else we can do for you today Miss Fitch?" YES!!!TALK TO ME ABOUT THE ELECTION SO I CAN TELL SOMEONE WHAT I'VE LEARNED!!! But I just smile and say "No, thank you!"

No matter what, I will keep on spouting my new political knowledge! I am proud of this election and proud of myself for really taking the time to understand the process and get involved, I hope you do too! Oops, gotta go its time for Making the Band 4!!

(okay, so I'm not all the way there yet, but I'm working on it!)

Recession... Inflation - What does it all mean?

I'm sure you've all heard the various media groups and economists talk about how "we are going through a recession" or that "inflation is inevitable with all of the U.S. and consumer debt". But what does all this mean to us? Basically, costs are going up.

You may have already noticed the spike in your weekly grocery bill, at the gas pump, and other areas in your day to day life. Companies are increasing their prices in order to stay out of the "red". Pooka is very proud of the fact that we have not increased the prices of our products in 3 years! That is a big accomplishment because we are not immune to the recession/inflation effect of the economy.

Our vendor and supplier costs have steadily gone up over the past 3 years but we decided to do everything we could not to pass those increases on to you by way of Pooka price increases. However, we don't know how long we are going to be able to stay price neutral. In the past 6 months our costs have increase approximately 38%-45%. This impact is too big to absorb and it is very likely that you will be seeing a price increase in our products. But the good news is that it hasn't happened yet, so now is the time to stock up on your Pooka!

Make sure to take advantage of our Free Friday and Free Saturday Sales! Stock up on your favorite Shower Gels and Body Butters and Foot Butters! Remember, the shelf life is approximately 6-12 months on most of our products so you can stock up now and save some for later!

Peace & Blessings,

Tricia

Is Your Home Healthy?

In my travels around the web I found an interesting excerpt from the book, "The Healthy Home Workbook: Easy Steps for Eco-Friendly Living" by Kimberly Rider [whew, that's a mouthful]. I'm passing along a few of the tips in the hope that you will join me in going [light] green. Remember, I'm not telling you to start growing your own food and install solar panels [though, if you did it would be pretty cool] just find small ways to make a difference.

Leave Your Shoes At The Door - Rider's first tip is to leave our footwear, and all of the chemicals, germs and pollutants they attract, at the door so they don't get tracked into our homes and they may be funky [okay, that was from me].

Clean Your Closet - Not literally [unless you need it] but replace metal and plastic hangers with wooden hangers; they are better for your clothes and the environment [no Mommie Dearest here]. Also, "air out" the day's clothes and shoes and freshly dry-cleaned clothing. Rider advises airing out garments will keep the chemicals or pollutants from building up in your closet.

Let The Sunshine In - Open a window in your bathroom to reduce mold. Rider warns that increased moisture in the bathroom can result in mold which can increase allergies and worsen asthma symptoms. If privacy is an issue get a sheer curtain that lets light in and keeps out nosy neighbors - we don't want anyone all up in your business!

So there are three things you can do to make you and your home healthier. Do you have great light green tips? Feel free to share them in the comments section.

I'm Taking The Plunge!

I've made a decision... I am in the processing of finding out my life's purpose (again) and to help me I've started reading, "A New Earth, Awakening To Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle and I'm in the process of doing the online class with Oprah! (You gotta love that O)

I've reached a point in my life that I feel I need to be doing more for myself and the people around me. Yes, it is time consuming (but don't forget I am the best reader) and the classes are Monday nights at 9pm. But, I feel, if you're trying to improve yourself sometimes you have to bite the bullet and do what you have to do.

Isn't there something that you want to do? Something you've dreamed of but keep putting off? Well today is the day, Do it! And if you don't know what to do, join me in reading the book and watching the classes online you never know what you will learn about yourself, aren't you excited?!

Peace & Blessings,

April

Everybody To The Shelter!!

I am currently attending a Disaster Recovery course as a requirement for my "day job". The information is very detailed. There is a lot of assigning, team building, risk assessment, relocation and contingency planning.

It made me wonder if all of us are as prepared in our personal lives for any sort of disaster. I am not talking about your local supermarket running out of your favorite ice cream. That would be a disruption... [I learned that in class today!] I mean some event that could cut us off from communication or our loved ones. Are you prepared?? Every household needs to make a disaster recovery plan. Do you have all of the necessities they tell you to keep in case of emergency? - flashlights with batteries that work, canned goods (with opener), plenty of water, first aid kit, duct tape [I never understood what that was for??], a battery operated radio, some cash [you can't depend on getting to the bank machine in an emergency].

Is there gas in your car people?? Your cell phone should always be charged. It is possible that it may not function though? Do you have a printed list of numbers which may be stored in your cell? Do you have a designated place that your family knows to meet, in the event of an emergency, if everyone is not reachable by phone? Do you have candles and matches in case of a blackout and plenty of blankets or warm clothes? [for winter time.] Do you have an emergency survival kit in the truck of your car?

Make copies of your important documents: social security card [which, I hope you all know you should never carry in your wallet], insurance papers, etc. and put them in a waterproof, fireproof safe.

These are just some ideas to start you thinking. Talk about this with your family to come up with your plan. Always remember to have plenty of your favorite snacks to make your temporary shelter feel like home!

Donna

Welcome To Our New Blog!!

Infidelity... Again!

Well I'm sure you've heard. Another elected official caught with his pants down! Why do men think they won't get caught or is it that they're not worried about getting caught because their power and money can squash any hint of infidelity? Don't they realize that the more power they have the more scrutiny they will be under?

I am so disappointed that for a second time in the past 4 years a Governor in our area has disrespected and embarrassed us and shown such poor judgment in his actions. And true to form, you see the wife, standing by his side as he evasively admits to his inappropriate behavior.

But no worries..in 4 years, she'll be running for his seat in government.

Peace & Blessings,

Tricia

I Love A Trendy Bargain!

Okay, has anyone been to Old Navy for the new spring line? I LOVE IT!!! Very cute and very.....CHEAP!!! The line has a "safari" theme, lots of fitted, belted jackets and print tops that will look so chic this spring. I bought a lot of things even the little slip in shoes and the clutch bag!! (okay too much time on my hands.)

I just love the fact that it's trendy and reasonably priced. I love to try to be up on the trends (and I know those of you who see me at the warehouse with greasy jeans and old t-shirts are thinking, "she is soooo not fashionable!" ) but I also know that I don't want to spend a lot on them because next season they'll be out, so these little fashion finds suit me perfectly. You've got to hurry because a lot of items are selling out and by the time the weather gets nice they won't have anything left, just that one last pair of size 5 shoes! (who wears those little sizes!)

p.s. Don't buy what I did, I want to pretend to be original, LOL!!!!! Alright, alright, if you do, don't wear it when you come to Pooka on Saturdays!!!!

Boost Your Diet With 6 "Super Foods"

When it comes to food it seems like the more we find out the less we know. One day we hear a food is good for us then another study says maybe not. It gets even more confusing when you factor in the unique needs we have as women (though, they did get the dark chocolate and red wine thing right!) Even though it's frustrating we still have to do everything we can to remain healthy. I came across an article on WebMD.com that offered up 6 "super foods" that will help women stay healthy and strong. Funny thing is these foods have always been around and we are probably eating some of them now.

The author, Colette Bouchez, and her medical experts* did a great job of not only pointing out the specific benefits of each food but also telling us how many servings we need. So here is an excerpted version of her list:

Super Food # 1: Plain Low-fat yogurt

Goal: 3 to 5 servings a week

What it does: May decrease the risk of breast cancer, very strong evidence it can reduce problems associated with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory digestive tract disorders, can help reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and vaginal infections and it's loaded with bone-healthy calcium.

Super Food # 2: Fatty fish -- like salmon, sardines, and mackerel

Goal: 2 to 3 servings every week

What it does: Protect against heart disease, stroke, hypertension, depression, joint pain, and a number of illnesses linked to inflammation, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis; possibly offers some protection against Alzheimer's disease.

Super Food # 3: Beans

Goal: 3 to 4 servings every week

What it does: Protective effects against heart disease, breast cancer, may also play a role in stabilizing female hormones. In research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, doctors found a relationship between a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and a higher intake of legumes. Last but not least, if you are in your reproductive years, beans can give you a steady supply of folic acid.

Super Food # 4: Tomatoes (or watermelon, red grapefruit, red navel oranges)

Goal: 3 to 5 servings each week

What it does: Protective effects against prostate cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and protection against UV damage from the sun.

Super Food # 5: Vitamin D fortified low fat milk or orange juice

Goal: At least 400 IUs of vitamin D daily

What it does: Helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis,may reduce the risk of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and tumors of the breast, colon, and ovary.

Super Food # 6: Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries)

Goal: 3 to 4 servings every week

What It Does: May decrease the risk of several cancers, including those in the breast and gastrointestinal tract, high in vitamin C and folic acid, protects the heart but also may protect against skin aging. Cranberries may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in women, while the nutrient, lutein found in all the berries, can help protect vision.

So there it is. We are familiar with these foods and we already knew they are good for us (maybe we didn't know how good!) The key is to get enough of each one - each week. The benefits are incredible so let's make an effort to get more "super foods" in our diets!

*SOURCES: Elizabeth Somer, MS, RD, author of Age-Proof Your Body, Ballantine Books. Susan Krause, MS, RD, clinical nutritionist, Hackensack University Medical Center, New Jersey. Tara Miller, MS, RD, Director of Corporate Nutrition, NYU Medical Center, New York City. Laurie Tansman, MS, RD, CDN, clinical nutritionist, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City.

Exercise, Yeah... Right!

I mean really! I just read an article on how people should be working out at least three times a week for thirty minutes in order to keep in shape. Okay, so are we going to add thirty more minutes to these already looooong days? Because I just don't have the time! I know that sounds like a cop out but why can't we count getting up early, getting yourself and everybody in your house ready for school and work, "working out" ?

I mean most of us are making breakfast, getting dressed, getting other people dressed, bending down trying to find gloves and hats, racing to the car, running back into the house because someone forgot their toy for "show and tell", running to the bus stop to drop the kids off, running after the bus because we are RUNNING LATE ... driving to work like crazy, trying to put on your makeup with one hand, while driving with the other( you must have excellent eye/hand coordination for this)... running up the stairs because the elevator takes too long, ripping off your coat as you run down the hallway and hurling yourself into your seat, before your boss comes down the hallway again looking for you.

Exercise!?! Yeah, Right... because after being at work all day (trying to work as fast as you can), it's time to go home and the rush starts all over again! Race to the car, drive like crazy to pick up the kids from aftercare so you don't have to pay the extra ten bucks a minute, race home... everyone is hungry - kids are acting like they haven't eaten ALL DAY! Make dinner, eat dinner, do homework, give baths, brush teeth, read a book, put the kids to bed, kids get up, put them back to bed, wash dishes, iron clothes, make lunch, take a shower, watch the news... time to go to bed!

I am probably in the best shape I have ever been in my life and I haven't exercised yet!

Peace & Blessings,

April