As summer enters full swing, hopefully many of you will be enjoying the sun (healthfully, of course!!) with your friends and family. I know I am!

During the past six months, I've been coping with the joys and stressors of new motherhood - Maddie is now six months old and an ultimate joy. I so appreciate all of your continued support (we are now approximately 7,000 regular readers!), and know that my friend Greg Brinkley has done a wonderful job in assisting you with your health concerns, and Melissa has seen to it your beauty needs are met.

Being that I've recently experienced the huge changes that motherhood brings, my focus has certainly shifted. Whereas PRIOR to Madison's arrival I was solely focused on maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle for myself, her presence has naturally broadened my interests. Hopefully, these recent personal changes will further enrich our Beauty&Soul community!

For the first three months after her birth, Madison struggled with severe colic, which went undiagnosed for the first two and a half months. I was nursing her, so no one could believe that colic could be an issue. (Bless the Scottsdale emergency room doctor who finally helped us!) Not only was I incredibly sleep deprived, but after weeks on end of trying to cope with a screaming newborn, I was literally at my wits end. I tried every remedy known to man, for both of us. Even as I attempted to follow my own advice and eat well and exercise daily, I found myself seemingly without time to shower, let alone work out! It was during this time I found myself wondering why anyone would ever have kids, and then one day she woke up and grinned at me, and a near perfect baby entered the scene. Thank Goodness!

July Fitness
These past months have really tested my determination to be in shape! It used to be with some yoga and hiking or jogging, I could eat without regard to calories and stay quite fit. No longer! I did expect to be one of the fortunate women you hear about who wear their old jeans home from the hospital. What a surprise to discover that was not the case. : I gained nearly 45 lbs while pregnant - no small amount!! While I lost that weight in the first three months, it has taken me another three to actually "get my body back." Being that I get weight loss and exercise questions on a daily basis, I will share with you what did work for me.

1. Whether you have just had a baby or are working to lose 10 extra pounds, diet is key. Eating regularly is important for the body and mind, and skipping meals can lead to depression, fatigue, and array of physical problems. Stock up on fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein. It is of course easier to reach for fast food/frozen food/packaged food when tired or stressed, so make sure healthy options are available. I had to force myself to plan ahead, and cut up vegetables in advance for snacking. Almonds and dry fruit are also good choices that are quick and nutritious. Another way to cut down time is to prepare food that will take you through a couple of days. For instance, steam a large batch of healthy brown rice and vegetables, then simply re-heat the next day.

2. I have found that eliminating food additives and hormones are a vital part of losing or maintaining weight effectively. I first noticed a difference while living in Europe. I was eating large amounts of food, even heavy food I would not have likely consumed in the United States. However, I returned weighing eight pounds less! After talking to several health experts, I learned that the meat in Europe (often) contains no hormones and additives, which can cause our bodies to stockpile extra unhealthy pounds. Along these same lines, choose produce which is organically grown and fresh.

3. Exercise. I have talked about this for years now, but it's true! To effectively lose weight and keep it off, exercise (combined with healthy eating habits) is key. Try to do something every day, even if it's just walking for twenty minutes. I like to get up first thing in the morning and immediately put my exercise clothes on, including shoes. I do this with my eyes half closed, but it really does work. This way, you are ready to go and get moving before the rest of the day takes over. No excuses! :

By incorporating these ideas into your daily lifestyle, weight management won't become an issue. The biggest benefit to eating well and exercising is that you will FEEL so much more energetic and healthy…certainly worth the effort!

JULY FASHION:

Cross-cultural dressing is a favorite this summer. There's a lot of turquoise around this season. Wear a great piece of turquoise casually with jeans and a tee for added flair, or your favorite dress for a night on the town. DO borrow fashion from other cultures, just don't let it look like a costume. Moroccan, Chinese, Turkish, Indian, and Mexican motifs are popular.

Think of an Indian arm bracelet, a Mexican skirt, or a vest from Chinatown. A piece here and there will be a great way to borrow fashion from other cultures without over doing it.

SOUL EXERCISE
By Melissa Munoz

Soul Exercise: Cleansing your aura

You can use the sound of your own voice to clean your aura, especially after a long weekend or a stressful day at work or school. Here is an exercise to clean your aura.

Repeat a word that is special to you. Words like love, relaxation, forgiveness, gratitude, joy, or kindness. Choose a word that opens your heart or soul. Say it, whisper it, hum it or sing it -with love.

Now imagine that word flowing over and through your body. Lighten your body, brush your hair, do your makeup, or even repetitive housework if you must. Bathe in the sound being fully emersed in the word you chose.

Do this for at least 5 minutes. It is very relaxing and your soul will have practiced feeling love, forgiveness, relaxation, joy, kindness, or whichever word that you chose.

Remember that what you practice is what you manifest and if you practice positive things they will be more likely to surround you.

Wendy