Coupons?

Have you ever signed up for receiving coupons for your favorite store? Nowadays the businesses are using coupons to get people back into their stores. I tend to sign up for all kinds of websites and notifications, more so because it's a way to window shop for me and to check what kind of deals are out there. It is interesting for me how they market the merchandise to be up to 90% off although you end up paying the same amount as before. It is the art of selling. I am a sales person, as a matter of fact selling for me becomes personal. I like to make sure to advise someone for a good deal out of genuine feeling that it will be a good match for them and not because I have to make a sale. I have worked in the retail industry and have taken the opportunity to learn a lot out of it. The pressure to make a certain amount a day, the expectations, the constant push. I have to say I never let that get to me. I didn't sell to reach that goal but rather have fun with it.

The retail career is in the past for now, but I find myself advising my friends or telling them about the good deals I saw. I go less to the malls now, but rather check things out online. It feels like it's a totally different store and the deals online are different. I have also signed up for the local coupons, something like Groupon that gives coupons for local stores. I actually purchased one deal and will finally use it tomorrow. I will get my hair cut tomorrow. I have been waiting to do this for a long time, it was more a financial matter and now I am using the coupon to 'save' money. It is a great business move for the hair salon that I have never heard before hand. I will definitely keep you guys updated because it is important for me to get a quality  haircut, and my hair should be an easy task. I am more excited about the fact that I finally got a deal through the coupons that I get on a daily basis.

excited? definitely...will post about it...if good maybe even a picture :)

Break the Routine

As I am getting myself to be productive this weekend and get stuff off my big to do list, I am happy that I am out and about. It makes my day much more exciting walking up and down DC. My destination the Library of Congress. What a beautiful institution, filled with history, knowledge and inspiration. I took a little tour in the Jefferson Building before heading to get my Reader ID and begin some of my research. I feel so inspired and motivated to do what I have been missing in so long. Working my brain cells and foremost learning. The heritage of my nerdness always comes back to my love for books. As I am researching a topic that I am not familiar and not really interested in, it makes me feel good knowing that I have actually learned something and have maybe figured a way to contribute to this in the most effective way.

The rest of the day will be dedicated to find more about this city and what it has to offer. The fact that I used underground tunnels to return to Jefferson Building and that during the week I can take a tunnel to the capitol to get something to eat is kinda exciting. I remember reading the lost symbol book and wondering about the different paths and underground tunnels that have been described. That's what made this story even more interesting. Living so close to this beautiful city makes me feel like I don't know it all. It's time to explore the city and enjoy the beautiful sunny day. Everything else is just a great addition.

I walked so much today. I feel like it has made this week so much better.

Do something you don't usually do, get out the house and culturally make a difference to your routine. I surely enjoyed the change and I am looking forward to add to it

:)

Beauty is truth. Truth is beauty (read on a column in the Library of Congress)

Move it

The hype about First Lady's Move it campaign is totally appropriate and definitely appreciated. As a strong role model in this country she portraits a positive picture of ourselves. The fact that there is a person of influence that is encouraging and motivating the youth to eat healthy and exercise is really inspiring.
The interesting thing is that those two things were the staple of my childhood. I don't remember being much in the house except for homework or after the lights go on. We would always spend our days playing,  being active with other kids. It makes me smile now and I am so thankful for that time. The energy levels of kids are so much higher and they need a way to use it. It's so sad to see the kids of today sit just in front of the TV or game consoles. I totally agree with Mrs. Obama and her efforts to wake up and push us to be better.

So, as an adult it is much harder to get where we used to be. I feel every year that passes I add another pound or two and it takes me much longer to get rid of one. So, in order to prevent and to be aware and with the plan in mind to one day have children of my own I plan to be healthy. I m going to be more than determined, I am going to try to be a role model. To speak about the change you have to do the change and I hope you can see it on me. I know you must feel it through the words. I have lost 7lbs in a week and a half. Ever since I started keeping track of my nutrition and adding more exercises and training in my routines it has been more effective. Although the number for me sometimes is frustrating, I finally feel my body shifting. I feel lighter, the clothes feel different and it is a great encouragement. It takes a little while depending on a person's metabolism to get where we want to be. I am gonna try to not be just motivated by the number but make it a great combo!

Today, a day after boot camp class(which was crazy, crazy hard) I feel sore but energized. I am looking forward to go and do some hardcore cardio and mix it up. Have you added jump rope to your routine? it helps so much. Check out your gym classes that are for free and shock your body into weight loss!

Be healthy, be strong and be happy!

Are we there yet?

Being healthy is more than just numbers. I am making this statement because in the past week, I have been either counting calories or weighing myself. Everything that I ate became a number, a yes or a no, a quick calculation and resistance to temptation. Although I find it very crucial to understand what i am putting in my body, I have continued to cook every day and to combine healthy food with healthy choices.

The good news is, if you have chosen like me to use the lose it website and keep track of what you have eaten and how much you have exercised you will see results...I have lost 6lbs so far...I have set a high goal and it feels like the pounds are not shredding the way they are supposed to but I am glad that I am sticking to it...it is definitely a struggle and sometimes I need some motivation. I am thankful to have a husband that goes and works out with me as well as friends who keep track of what I am eating through the amazing sharing that we can on lose it.

Have you tried it?

Here are a couple of tips:
1. Don't skip meals. ( I have learned this the hard way.) If you think skipping meals will help you lose weight it's not going to work out that way. In order to stay healthy and to keep your body energized it is better to eat more often but with healthier choices then skipping meals and opting for high calorie foods. You do not have to give up your favorite foods but be aware what it does to your body and do it in moderation.
2. Sign up for a gym membership. That changed it all for me. Be dedicated and make a goal to go at least 3 times a week, preferably 5 times and if you can squeeze it in the morning it's even better. Start off the day with a great kick in your metabolism. It definitely makes a difference.
3. If you can't go to the gym or can't afford it try this: Work out at home.. Dvd's are great and I know many people including me doing Dvd exercise in front of the TV or laptop. I recommend Jillian Michaels. She is just the best! You will be dying eight minutes in~ I promise! I ll promise you will see changes. Committ to it and don't give up. If you eat a little bit more on one day, just make sure you go back to the healthy you the next day. :)

Keeping up with the Healthy you!

I know that a lot of people come up with a new years resolution by the end of the year. I have stopped saying anything or planning anything because of the hype of the first month or two. I decided to make a pact with myself to get back in shape and do it on the down low and keep it up from now and forever. The reason why people should decide to be healthy, lose weight, go to the gym, change of lifestyle is not just to look good or lose the weight but rather because they want to be and keep healthy and be conscious and in control of their bodies in long term.

While I am writing this, I have to smile at myself. I am the perfect example of how good and bad a person can get. First change in life style happened for me in College when I realized that I am not in charge of my body. I decided to go to the nutritionist and to a personal trainer to learn from experts what is good and bad for you. After graduation I tried to keep it up with DVDs at home and running but slowly the pounds sneaked in and my depression and frustration grew. A year and a half later, I gained all the 30lbs I lost and more. I have been talking and complaining about my body weight for way too long.

 In addition, we are bombarded with products, offers and promises as well as what beauty is. We compare ourselves with models, actors/actresses and want to see immediate change. We forget that every person is built different, that the people on TV get airbrushed and fixed. It is definitely a lifestyle change, a mind change and motivation. Doing it naturally and back to basics by watching and tracking what you eat as well as how much you exercise can help you set your goals realistically as well as motivate you to work harder. PUSH YOURSELF.

Today, I wanted to reach out to people who want to do but lack the motivation, resources and goals. Let's start a virtual support group. You can start one for yourself and invite your friends. I joined this account called Lose it yesterday by an invite of my friend.
Link: www.loseit.com

You can write your food journal and track what you have eaten as well as how much you exercised. You set your goals and it gives you a spreadsheet of your successes and achievements. It's amazing. If you decide to do it and join me in this effort, add me :) I need support and motivation just like you. I did my first boot camp class yesterday and I have to say...I AM DYING! of course in a good way...join me to be healthy and better :)

Sustainable Fashion in H&M

As I have started this blog writing about organic and fair trade clothing only one big retailer has impressed me. It's maybe the fact that most of the fair trade/organic clothing stores and companies are small and have less publicity as bigger retailers, so we don't pay much attention to them. It is definitely not the price since it's as expensive or cheap as the stores we go to.The fact that big retail stores have a high demand and let their clothes being made in sweat shops is swept under the rug. People do not talk about it, people do not take it in when they shop. I understand that some people enjoy being in the state of blank than being conscious.

H&M has impressed me. That is the big retailer that I was referring to. It is a shop I have bought before and definitely fashion that is my taste. It was in conflict with my conscious. Although I am not sure where their garmets are made and under what work circumstances...I m feeling a shift. I hope they are not using it to just get publicity to get people who are conscious to buy there under false promises.

But if you are interested to see what they have to say...check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df5f0oqcPRQ&feature=player_embedded#

Let me know your thoughts! :)

Peace

Peace and the women of Egypt

My wednesday was dedicated watching the Egypt situation unfold. It was terrifying watching these people fight. These people were neighbors and brothers and sisters in faith only  10 days ago. The fact that the man that was asked to leave the presidency in the "so-called" democracy is not leaving caused this animosity between its people. What makes me mad is that he is sitting somewhere and not reacting. It shows how much he cares and how much he is concerned about the possible development of civil war? The term civil war might be an extreme but is it impossible? The violence that happened yesterday was shocking and disturbing. I hope you felt the same. No person should look away and turn off the TV while keeping up with the latest news in Egypt.


Here is what inspired me. Besides the above mentioned feelings and political talk, besides what exactly does Egypt unrest mean to us (how much will gas go up and how are we going to get our oil)....there is a story of courages women fighting alongside Egyptian man for their freedom. As you have maybe noticed, not many women are seen on the streets. It is out of protection to the family. Women are seen as the center of the family, rightfully so. The women have stayed at home to care for the children and to keep the house in tact (keeping family calm and together, helping each other and trying to put food on the table when there are not many resources). These jobs are very crucial and without these amazing women (grandmothers, mothers, sisters and daughters) this protest would not be as strong and dedicated. It is the support that they give to each other and their male counterparts that is of importance. They have been an important part of organizing the online movement as well as you can read in the below article coming up with tricks to treat tear gas victims with Pepsi to neutralize the pain and effects. KUDOS to the women and the strength that they have to fight so hard and continue to endure in the struggle.

I came across this amazing article in Huffington Post about women who have been going out to the streets to protest. I have seen pictures, with women at the front of the protests facing the Police. These are rare women that go beyond to voice their concerns. The article reports about a woman who is 7 month pregnant and on the streets protesting. She said: " If I wasn't pregnant, I would've just stayed home. I went out because of my baby. I owe this to him."  I say COURAGE! She left me with a proud feeling in my soul and heart and I decided last night that I would like to dedicate this blog for her. I hear her concern and her call for freedom. Do you?


Read full article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/02/egypt-women-protests_n_817822.html


I am so impressed and inspired. The risk of going out and being hurt and in danger is greater than anything. Marwa Rakha went out because she wants a better future for her own unborn child. I give my respect and send my support to them in this effort to avoid more violence but come to a better political solution. As we are watching the Egyptian protest become more violent, I sincerely hope that the situation calms down and the protest can be heard peacefully. If this is a "democracy' it needs to start to act like one. 

“Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, Something you do, Something you are, And something you give away.
By Robert Fulghum

You & Me for Egypt

One thing people should know about me is the passion for humanity, human rights, equality and peace. It is what I breathe and what comes from my heart. I sit hours in front of the TV and the computer, reading news and trying to understand the world we are living in. I try to read news from different countries and in different languages which helps things be less bias. It is also interesting to see the views..try it for yourself!

As a Bosnian citizen, that knows war and the outcomes of violence the situation in Egypt is of tremendous importance to me. I am not talking from a political viewpoint but more of a human prospect. I am concerned about the amount of violence that has been going on and the lack of action and support from the world. Of course political action is tightly connected to the human action in my opinion. Unfortunately, that's not how Politics function in this world. If there is no interest there is no or little action. As we can see from the past 9 days in Egypt, the clash of interest and humanity has not broken even. What else has to happen that people see the right from wrong? Simply from the human perspective, imagine our own families and lives being the "Egyptian way"?

So what can you do as an individual you may ask yourself? PLENTY OF THINGS!
Show sympathy. Reaching out your hand for peace and support means a lot. It shows compassion and it raises awareness. I got added to a group on Facebook called you and me for Egypt. Check it out. It encourages people to write a message on your hand in your language to show the support for those who are asking for freedom and change. Looking at those pictures I was inspired. I hope you will, too. Maybe you can write your politicians and ask for action and ask your president to keep the citizens first and Mubarak responsible. Encourage peaceful demonstrations and oppose the violence! YOU do matter! Your voice can be heard!

Here is the link for the group that you can like and share your message:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/You-Me-for-Egypt/185042261528173

Please join me in raising awareness, showing compassion and support in EGYPT!
YOU & ME for EGYPT!

Thank you.