BLOG.ARENDEZVOUSWITHSTYLE.COM

Holiday Wishes this Christmas Season

Kelli Djulus — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:28:09 GMT

Joyeux Noël à tous!!!

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Here's to everything delicious

And all things bright

I hope you spend this most wonderful time of the year surrounded by people you love!

Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!

Kelli and A Rendez-Vous with Style

Like "A-Rendez-Vous-With-Style" for frequent updates, tidbits & photos on the latest fashions, trends, styles and all things French!
A bientôt!

Gucci Museo - Diva Style

Kelli Djulus — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:58:33 GMT

When I heard about the opening of this fabulous new museum – I knew I had to write to share with you the news. Florence has opened yet another museum…. One that is certain to shorten the lines at the Uffizi while every stylista cruising the Arno turns on their heels and rushes to the Gucci Museo.

Gucci Museo housed in the Palazzo della Mercanzia

Mamma Mia, it’s gorgeous. Three sensational floors are filled with the most iconic brand of 20^th century Italian style, displayed by theme. Glamorous? Check! On site coffee shop? Certo! Bookshop? Naturalmente! Permanent exhibits of brand paraphernalia? Certamente! And best of all – a Museum Gift Shop with the exclusive 1921 Collection. You’re going to think you died and went to… Italia!

The 1921 Collection in honor of Gucci’s 90^th Anniversary

The Gucci Travel Hall complete with a customized Gucci Cadillac has me ready to book one heck of a Girls Trip - Diva Style – to Italy! Dear me, I almost forgot to mention the best part - not only has the Gucci Museum opened in Florence – but The Antiques Diva & Co European Tours has also just opened a branch under the Tuscan sun offering Florentine & Tuscan antique shopping tours!

My good friend Toma Clark Haines, owner of The Antiques Diva & Co European Tours Popular for their Paris tours, The Antiques Diva & Co operates in 6 countries – France, England, Belgium, Holland, Germany – and now Italy!
You might remember the fab trip I took with The Diva in Berlin before my bambina was born, when we bumped into Bono!

You can now book 1 day to 2 weeks doing la dolce diva with the Diva Team in Tuscany doing Florence, Sienna, Arezzo, and more… Inquire for details toma@antiquesdiva.com

Bisous,
Kelli

Like "A-Rendez-Vous-With-Style" for frequent tricks, tips & tidbits on the latest fashions, trends, styles and all things French!
A bientôt!

Autumn Bounty

Kelli Djulus — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:42:29 GMT

Fall is such an inspiring and beautiful time of the year!
The harvest.
The crisp, cooling air.

The falling leaves.

Apple picking, apple pies & hot apple cider.

NEW FABULOUS FALL FASHIONS!

Delicious culinary delights created from pumpkins & squashes.
The changing colors in the sky.
The difference in the shadows on the ground.

Cashmere and boots!

Dior - A/H 2011-2012

Prior to my years, living abroad in Paris, I would mourn the passing of each summer and dread the short, cooler days. Come on, I'm a California girl... I didn't know any better! My point of view and attitude towards autumn changed after loving each of the four I experienced lived through and enjoyed in Paris. Cozy, chic & of course lots of chocolat chaude!

I've been one busy lady and I don't see it stopping! Business owner, stylist, wife, mama, daughter, sister, friend, etc. I play all the roles that the modern-day woman is responsible for. Do I always embrace them all, happily? No. But, this fall I vow to take it one day at a time. Enjoy the fall fashions. Embrace every chance I have to slip on my boots and cashmere sweaters, whether it be for playtime at the park with bébé or to a networking event with other women entrepreneurs. Sip on a chai latté and remind myself that even though life isn't perfect... that life is good!

We each only have 24 hours every day. I believe that autumn is such a wonderful time to take a step back and observe YOUR life. Do you need balance or refreshing in a specific area?
- A closet clean out and re-organization.

- A closet purge... period!
- A pantry purge and organization.

- A car tune up along with an inside/outside detailing.
- A fresh jolt for health? Maybe you've been thinking about signing up for a new exercise class or joining a group that meets outdoors for runs or hikes.

- A special day or weekend, spent alone, to get back in touch with yourself, your dreams and who you are!

Fashion is fabulous! You know I believe that and embrace the fashion world. But, I need to be honest with you all and say that as an image consultant, I will tell you, the latest and greatest from any designer and store will not help you "feel better" if there is an imbalance in your life! Take the time for whatever "it" is that is keeping you out of balance, work with a professional (ME!) or call a friend. It is worth the time, energy and potentially a little bit of cash to get you feeling energized, organized and balanced before the end of the year holidays roll around.

Go out, pick a pumpkin, carve it and create something delicious with the rest. Find YOUR individual inspiration through color, taste, light or sound.

A toast to you, to the beginning of the harvest season & of course, to fabulous fall fashions.

Santé,
Kelli

Like "A-Rendez-Vous-With-Style" for frequent updates, tidbits & photos on the latest fashions, trends, styles and anything French!
A bientôt!

Gâteau au Yaourt - Yogurt Cake

Kelli Djulus — Tue, 31 May 2011 21:32:17 GMT

I recently finished the book "Lunch in Paris" by Elizabeth Bard. It is a heartfelt, love story about life in Paris, being an expat married to a Frenchman complete with recipes and interesting cultural insights. I had many "ah-ha" moments while enjoying this book.

This recipe is the first I have attempted from the book and it was a hit! My French husband couldn't get enough!! He devoured 3/4 of le gâteau in under 2 days, leaving le bébé and I to the quarter that remained.

Delicious, moist, easy to make and adaptable to different seasons; this is the new classic chez nous!

Gâteau au Yaourt - Yogurt Cake
Straight off the pages of "Lunch in Paris" (pgs 72-73):

"The version I've found best adapted to the American kitchen comes from blogger turned cookbook author extraordinaire Clothilde Dusoulier. For more of her wonderful recipes, check out Chocolate & Zucchini.

1 cup plain yogurt (whole milk, please!) - ** I used 0% plain Greek yogurt
1 cup of sugar
A large pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 and 2/3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Zest of 1 lemon
One 16-ounce can of apricots, drained and quartered - ** I used canned peaches. Next order my French hubby put in is for this caked to be lightly spiked with rum and pineapple!

Preheat the oven to 350*F. Lightly oil a 10-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine yogurt, sugar, salt and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Add the oil in a steady stream, whisking to combine. Add the eggs one by one, whisking to incorporate after each addition.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to the yogurt mixture; whisk lightly to combine. Stir in the lemon zest.

Transfer the batter to your cake pan; top with the chopped apricots. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 45 minutes, until golden brown and slightly risen. A toothpick in the center should come out clean.
**My 1st cake came out a little undercooked on the bottom so next time I will try 50 mins instead.

Lift the cake by the parchment paper onto a wire rack to cool. Serve slightly warm or at room temp. This cake actually gets moister with age, so it tastes great the next day. Simply cover the fully cooled cake with aluminum foil; an airtight container or plastic bag will make it soggy.

Seasonal tip: Yogurt cake is a like a blank canvas. Feel free to experiment. Instead of apricots, try fresh berries or chopped pears mixed with a bit of brown sugar. If I'm feeling homesick, I sometimes add a streusel topping as well."

Bon appétit!!
Kelli

Come follow A Rendez-Vous on Style on Facebook! Fashion, inspirations, fun findings and of course all things French!

A Women's Soirée - An Evening of Inspiration, Beauty & Fun

Kelli Djulus — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:33:00 GMT

A Fun, Empowering, Results-Driven Evening:

* Kelli Djulus, Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant - Understand Top Trends for Spring/Summer & Which Trends Carry into the Fall

* Kathy Sparrow, Success Coach - Unlock the Key to Celebrating Change in Your Life

* Tamara Renee, Body Transformation Expert - Understand How Many Proteins & Carbs Your Body Needs

* Maggie Hansen, Makeup Artist - Freshen Your Spring Makeup Look with New Colors, Tips & Tricks

* Krista Hill, Esthetician - Receive a Complementary Sugaring Treatment for Brows or Lip (Sugar made locally!)

* Tanya Peters, Liana Dobbs & Anna McGrath, Massage Therapists - Enjoy a Complementary 20 Minute Massage

Take home a beautiful floating pearl necklace complements of Diamond Boutique in Del Mar!! And enter the drawing for another beautiful piece of fine jewelry from Diamond Boutique!

Tuesday, April 19th from 6:00pm-9:00pm.
Champagne, coffee and tea along with delicious hors d'oeuvre and sweet treats provided.

Come rejuvenate in this exquisite home setting!
Single registration is $30. Register with a friend and both attend for $50.

For more information find me on Facebook “A Rendez-Vous with Style”
Or contact me via email: kelli@arendezvouswithstyle.com

Dior Show - Honoring Everyone Behind the Scene

Kelli Djulus — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:14:00 GMT

I love that the last collection Galliano created for fashion house DIOR concluded with the runway full of all the people who work tirelessly behind the scene! They deserve an enormous BRAVO for their commitment, hard work, long hours and creative, steady hands!

Looks like a beautiful, rather quiet setting, under a tent in the garden at Musée Rodin. Not the typical setting/scene for a Galliano show, but then again he was no where to be found, thank goodness!

The show was almost cancelled due to the drama of the past couple of weeks. Thank you DIOR for not cancelling the show. We loved seeing everyone's hard work, creativity, poise and confidence.

Beautiful shot of the 1st look sent out on the DIOR runway

I am DYING FOR THIS HAT!!! How I adore les chapeaux... this sumptuous, titanic blue velvet had me at hello!

I'm already thinking about the colors I will adopt for this coming fall & winter... And this shot stole my heart!!

I am sold to this beautiful, jewel toned raspberry and olive green!

Have you been following the fiasco with John Galliano? What are your thoughts?

Personally, I am so very proud of DIOR for firing him. It was completely inappropriate what he said and how he has been acting. Plus, just down right rude, appalling and so very disturbing.

Ok, I had to vent!

Sending you all lots of sunny love on this beautiful weekend!

A beintot,

Kelli

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK FOR DAILY FASHION TIPS, ADVICE & FUN!
Search: A Rendez-Vous with Style

Photos from Vogue.fr

Spring is Just Around the Corner!

Kelli Djulus — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 07:56:00 GMT

Color Trends for Spring 2011:

Top 10 PANTONE Colors for women’s fashion
chosen by New York designers for spring 2011

Coral Rose

Persimmon

Honeysuckle

ELLE for Kohl's

Peapod

Beeswax

Silver Peony

Russet

Regatta

Ragoni Firenze

Blue Curacao

Lavender

Simply Vera Wang for Kohl's

I saw this jacket today while shopping with a client! It is cool and a piece that definitely has a place in your spring wardrobe. It is casual and chic all at the same time. The fabric has a nice sheen and the color... somewhere between a very pale lavender, gray and silver. Flattering, easy and fun!

Silver Cloud

Which of these gorgeous Pantone colors will find their place in your closet and wardrobe this spring and summer?

I love them all, individually for different reasons! Come on spring, I can't wait much longer.

A bientot,

Kelli

Regatta scarf with Regatta and Silver Cloud top

Follow A Rendez-Vous with Style on Twitter & Facebook

for up-to-date fashion fun daily!

Convertible Gear

Kelli Djulus — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Alexis Mabille - Haute Couture S/S2011

Love, love, love!!
I wish I had an occasion that required a breathtaking gown because I would choose this beauty!
Elegant, classy, fun and fresh! I adore the tassled crystal balls hanging from the hemline.

A bientot mes amis,

Kelli

PS - Follow me on my Facebook fan page at A Rendez-Vous with Style

Wedding White

Kelli Djulus — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 16:24:00 GMT

Alexis Mabille - Haute Couture S/S2011

Follow A Rendez-Vous with Style on Facebook!

Kelli Djulus — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 06:26:00 GMT

Bonjour everyone!

I am delighted to announce that A Rendez-Vous with Style now has a fan page on FB. Please stop by, drop a note, like my business page and stay tuned for fashion, fun and so much more!

A bientot,
Kelli

Bonne Année 2011! Happy New Year!

Kelli Djulus — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:19:00 GMT

Dear readers, fashionistas and lovers of all things French & European,

We find ourselves again with a new year ahead of us. Endless opportunities, wonderful times with friends & family and hopefully the blessing of meeting new people from all over the globe!

My baby is almost 14 months old. Amazing how fast last year went dealing with a little person almost 24/7! One of my goals this year is to get back into the full swing of business! This mama is ready to work, work, work and introduce women to the best fashion for them... depending on their lifestyle, body shape and coloring. If you know anyone in Southern California who would benefit from personal time with a stylist and image consultant, I appreciate your referrals more than you will ever know!

Besides my goal to meet new people this year, I will be creating a Facebook page for

A Rendez-Vous with Style before April. I also have a TOP SECRET styling service that I will be launching later in the year! More to come on that in the next few months so please stay tuned!...

What goals do you have for this year? Dreams? Wishes?

My goal & dream is for our little family to journey to Europe this summer and create wonderful memories with our little angel since last time I was there (summer of 2009) she was growing in my belly. I will definitely not have the excuse "hey, I can eat however much I want b/c I'm pregnant" this time... but let's not fool ourselves... I will certainly be indulging!

OK, let's take a quick dive into fashion trends for Spring 2011. I will go into more detail for you over the next 4-6 weeks.

Fashion Trends Spring 2011:

- Tribal

- Color Blocking

- Feminine Suiting

- Transparency & Sheer Layers

- Florals

And retro!

- Minimalist Chic:

Choose a classic cut dress in one of the hottest desert colors for Spring! Rust, sienna and sand.

- Military-esque Jacket:

You know you have something similar in your closet that would work! Even a jacket, take it to your tailor and have them take the arms off! Viola... a military inspired vest!

- High waisted flare jeans:

Put your skinny jeans away for the season and say hello to these beauties! Pair this style of pant with a chunky heel... no flats unless you are over 5'10"!

- Mixing prints:

We've seen this for the past few seasons. If you are daring and try it... I still encourage you to edit, edit, edit. If mixing 2 or 3 prints keep accessories to a minimum!

- Flatforms:
"Part platform, part wedge and a whole lotta awesomeness, these are the comfiest cool-girl shoes we’ve seen in years. Your feet will thank you for giving them a break from painful pointy stilettos, while your wing-women friends will be happy that it’s easy to spot a much taller you in a crowded room."

Michael Kors, spring 2011

- The Trench Dress:
This is a trench coat and sheath dress wrapped in one. Depending on cut and fit... this could be a new MUST HAVE, staple in every woman's wardrobe.

Comfy & Pulled Together:

absolutely must wear heals with this look

Photos & info via Bergdorf Goodman and Glamour

What trends might you embrace this Spring?

Cheers to a new year, a new you! One who enjoys life, loves others and has fun with fashion!

Bisous,
Kelli

Dreaming of...

Kelli Djulus — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:05:00 GMT

Christmas in Paris!!!

I know that the city got quite a good dusting of snow this past week. Heaven knows I am NOT at all prepared, wardrobe wise, for the 3 of us to tromp around the city in the snow and yet at the same time it is all I am dreaming about.

Chocolat chaud

Des crepes

Pot au feu

Des sapins de Noel partout

Les decorations de Noel dans les grands magazins

Des paquets et cadeaux joliement emballees

Je reve de tout en fait!!

Ok, enough dreaming and back to work I go.

Merry Christmas,

Kelli

Our angel who is 13 months old now

Merry Christmas to All!

Kelli Djulus — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 19:44:00 GMT

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hope your holiday season is filled with joy, good eats and of course fashion... as always!

Joyeux Noel a tous,

Kelli

I Miss Europe!

Kelli Djulus — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:45:00 GMT

Ok, for me it might be more accurate to say "I Miss France" but hey, I've enjoyed all my European adventures.

I'm just having one of those days. You know how they go! Don't you have them also?... all you think about are your favorite European destinations?

The shopping, the fashion, the wine & food, the open air markets filled to the brim with beautiful produce.

I stopped by La Tartine Gourmande, a beautifully delicious and inspirational cooking blog, and she had mentioned La Semaine du Gout happening in France this week. Sounds like a wonderful idea and something that many Americans would benefit from. Check it out and be sure to take advantage of the many culinary events happening all over the country this week if you are lucky enough to be there.

La Semaine du Gout en France du 11 au 17 octobre 2010

Photos are from here

Fall in France is magical! Dreaming myself there for a short escape.

Bisous,
Kelli

My 11 month old sweetheart at the pumpkin patch

C'est La Rentrée des Enfants!

Kelli Djulus — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:26:37 GMT

It is time to go back to school! I am sure parents are rejoicing all over the world.

Here are some kiddy trends Vogue France is serving up for our little ones - Back To School shopping has never been so chic!

"Mini-Me" by Little Marc Jacobs

Adorable apple backpack

Gray jeans of course! This is one of the "IT" colors for the fall - for big kids and little ones alike.

DKNY

Denim shirt by Levi's

Stave off the morning's chill with these gorgeous gloves by Ann Valérie Hash

So French and so floral!

Kenzo Kids

Ok, I'm off to cook dinner. My little one is still much to little for school although... she did get a whole new winter wardrobe the other weekend. Hey, I can't help myself. She's adorable and looks fab in everything!

Until next time...

Enjoy the lingering days of summer and the long weekend!

Bisous,
Kelli

Our Angel is 9.5 months old now! How time flies when you are having fun!!

Weekend Getaway Packing Tips

Kelli Djulus — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:38:00 GMT

Easy Packing Tips for a Summer Weekend Getaway

A few quick tips:
- Pack pieces that are multi-use
- Pack a beautiful scarf that can double as a bathing suit wrap or a spontaneous picnic "blanket"
- Bring a pair of wedges for a dressy day at the museum or a night out on the town
- Don't forget your flats for sightseeing and the beach. If you prefer to wear "tennis shoes" go for the European take on this shoe and sport a pair of Pumas. They have such fun color combos and they are oh-so-comfortable.

Easy summer trends to throw into your weekend bag:
Military - Olive, army and khaki are very in this summer. Plus cotton breathes so much better than denim so switch out your jeans for one of these other options.

Rich, Bold Bohemian - Maxi dresses are still in and don't need to set you back a fortune. Choose bold, bright and large accessories to pair with your comfy dress.

Pastels - Go for a pastel jersey dress for day and night. Pair with metallic accessories for night with heels or wedges. For daytime a shell necklace and flat sandals will do the trick nicely. Pastels look smokin' against sun-kissed skin!

Chambray - This easy going, cotton is stylish and comfortable. Wear it with a floating mini-skirt and gladiator sandals for fun daytime look or go more conservative with an embellished tank under a chambray button up and walking shorts.

What are your travel plans for the summer?

Wishing you a wonderful weekend full of ice cream, fresh squeezed lemonade and yummy local produce from your farmers market.

A Bientot,
Kelli

Glowing Summer Skin

Kelli Djulus — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:38:00 GMT

Happy 4th of July to all my USA based readers!

I miss blogging and I miss all of you dearly. Life sometimes takes us places we didn't imagine nor were prepared for. Day to day is unknown for each and every one of us and sometimes I believe moms have a few more unknowns than others.

Anyways... On to something more exciting than my thoughts on life...

I just have to share a priceless tidbit with you!

Do you want glowing, healthy, radiant skin?
Do you think you have blackheads all over your nose or other areas of the T-zone?

My fabulous and very knowledgeable esthetician Darlene advised me to do a triple wash on my face at night and a double wash each morning (especially important for those of us who have a menstrual cycle each month). At the end of the day our skin has come in contact with so many pollutants, dust and more just from living... not to mention the other ingredients and skin irritants if you wear makeup. I have been faithfully triple washing at night now for about 10 days. The difference is visibal! My pores are smaller and all the little blackheads I thought were there... are not. They were just little clogged pores, nothing a few good cleanses couldn't wash away.

I love Dermalogica products. They have been great for my skin and they are all natural and smell wonderful.

I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to help you achieve glowing, summer skin. Take the triple wash challenge for 2 weeks and leave a comment so we know how it changed your skin and the results you see.

A bientot,
Kelli

PS - If you live in the San Diego area or will be visiting I would highly recommend a facial from Healthy Skin by Darlene. She has amazing hands, uses only the finest products and will have your skin glowing in no time! Plus... it is just pure relaxation!

Joys, Frustrations & Some Fashion

Kelli Djulus — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:30:00 GMT

I actually have some time to myself as princess takes her morning nap! Things have been crazy here between regular life and a bad water leak which led to weeks of noise, construction and our house being taken over by men and machines. I realize no matter how crazy our schedule is or how little time we get to spend at home relaxing that this time will pass. I am learning to just enjoy the moment, smell the roses & just breathe... of course our 5 month old baby girl certainly helps me slow down on a daily basis. She teaches me to just sit, watch, laugh. Unfortunately this is something so easily lost as we grow up and have less "time" to enjoy life. I'm learning to live, not just survive day to day.

So, with all that said, I had an awesome post for you on Chambray and then something happened... it was gone! So, that is my frustration for the morning. I don't have time to re-write all the text but I can post some pictures of fun, fresh ideas of how to use chambray in your S/S 2010 style. This is an easy trend to incorporate into any wardrobe and you don't necessarily need to spend a lot, if you are watching your pennies. So try it out, in all different ways, and let me know what you think.


Adorable 4 the weekend              Brunch with friends                   The office blazer for the summer


Great for a day at the beach        Office-appropriate chambray            Sexy chambray


Fun spin on a blazer                             Comfy staple                         Anyone feelin' a little country?


Sleek & sharp for the city              Perfect summer top                            Belted and cool

Chambray originated in Cambrai, France, where the fabric was first designed and used to create sunbonnets.

Characteristics of Chambray Fabric

It is soft and lightweight.

It is smooth.

It is slightly lustrous.

It is strong and durable.

It wears well.It is easy to sew.

It launders well.

all photos taken from Nordstrom

I hope this finds you well and enjoying springtime in your little corner of the world. I would love to start posting once a week however I'm still working on finding a schedule that works with all my daily responsibilities and trying to find the time after a long day isn't always easy. Even though I'm not able to blog as often, I love my readers nonetheless so please leave a comment & let me know you are still out there. If you have any topic suggestions, please send them my way.

Happy Wednesday,
Kelli

Our little girl on Easter Sunday - 4 months 3 weeks old

Healthy Inspirations for March 2010 ~ Guest Post by Mindy Goldis

Kelli Djulus — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:45:00 GMT

Chef Mindy aka AGELESS RAW BEAUTY tm

Answering your Questions

Monthly Recipes, Tips and Tidbits

Related to Health and Longevity

Times flies, doesn't it. It is already the end of March! Since we “sprung forward” 1 hour, we should all be spending more time outside. I love that. I love the sun. Yes, I do! I want to talk about the sun and Vitamin D because it is so important for our bodies. Most people are scared of being in the sun because they are told that it causes skin cancer. That is a misnomer and a fallacy that has been placed in our head by people who don't know. The fact is that most sunscreens can cause cancer because they actually block the UV rays that are good for the body and expose you to those that are harmful. Also, sunscreens can create xenoestrogens, which are false estrogens. Here is a great website on this topic: www.terressentials.com/truthaboutsunscreens.html

The sun is our friend and not our enemy. If we use it with care, it will only make us healthier and actually take care of many ailments we may have. People who are toxic inside their bodies can get skin cancer because something is trying to come out of the body and one of the channels for elimination is the skin. I have listened to some brilliant information on this subject by 2 prominent doctors, one who is connected with the medical field, Dr. Holick: Importance of Vitamin D by Dr Holick http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq1t9WqOD-0 – this is a 1 hour video - please listen and watch, as it is visually stimulating with his funny caricatures and well worth your time. The other is, Dr. Mercola who has some excellent videos on the subject, as well. Dr Mercola Resource Page for Vitamin D
http://www.mercola.com/article/vitamin-d-resources.htm

HEALTH TIP ~ March 2010

My recommendation for this month is to get outside in the sun at least 20-30 minutes a day. I will give you the regimen that I do, based on watching and listening to the videos I mentioned above. I usually go outside in the late morning for at least 30 minutes a day. In order to get the sun that will do the body the most benefit, you will need to be out during the hours of 10-3. You will need to expose at least 40% of your body to the sun.  Expose those areas of your body that don't get much sun gradually and you will not burn. Protect your face, as it can burn easily. If you live in a private residence, being fully unclothed is the best (again, be careful with sensitive areas of your body as you may want to keep them covered). I usually stand when I do my (what I call) “sunning.” If I start to feel like my front side has had enough, I will turn and have my back facing the sun. Some other important information, the best time to be out for your sun exposure, is when you are taller than your shadow. If you start to sweat, then you have had enough because then the sun is too hot and the UV rays can be harmful to you. Also, after being in the sun, do not wash off your skin with soap when you shower as it takes up to 48 hours for the body to absorb the vitamin D from the sun (it is a fat soluble vitamin). On a personal note, my vitamin D levels were tested for a research study and I could not participate, at first because I was below the baseline levels. On my own, I started “sunning” and came back to get re-tested and my levels increased and were much closer to the normal levels (still not quite there yet). Don't take my word for it. Get yourself tested and then go ahead and experiment with sun exposure and then get re-checked in 6 months and I believe you will see a difference. I don't recommend supplements (that is a whole topic in itself and Dr. Mercola talks more about it in his videos). Why bother, when the sun is free and you also don't know if you are really getting what is in the pill, anyway!

HEALTHY RECIPE

This is not so much a recipe, but suggestion for adding foods to your regimen that go along the lines with getting vitamin D from the sun. Foods that are rich in antioxidants will benefit and protect your body from free radicals (the sun is an immune booster, no less). Fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and grapes are antioxidant rich super-foods and are also delicious. You can eat them right out of the container, blend them as a smoothie or even as a fruit sauce on your salad (if you don't have any fats in it, like oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, etc). It gives a different flavor to your salad that is unexpectedly delicious and satisfying (YUM! It is making me hungry just writing about it). As the weather is getting warmer more berries, grapes and other fruits will be available fresh in the stores (as opposed to the frozen variety, which is not the optimal choice).

You can visit my blog www.rawsomegal.wordpress.com and read about my 42 day cleanse using coconut water and stevia which I completed mid-January. I have also written about my transition back to food. I continue to write about health related topics and post twice a week.

I would like to end this post with one of my poems, again, taken from an upcoming book I will be self-publishing, entitled: “My Inspirations: Short and Sweet/Heart Notes”

LIFE, isn't a bowl of cherries

                 unless,

                      you are

                   ONE (of them)   Copyright 2001

Chef Mindy aka Ageless Raw Beauty tm

15 Things That Change When...

Kelli Djulus — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:54:05 GMT

You have a baby!

Here are some fun facts about how life and perspectives change once having a baby.

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

Plus a few from my own experiences these past almost 4 months...

1. You hang a spit rag over your dish towel rack and don't even think twice.

2. You've never wanted more than to be greeted in the morning by your little sweetie's smiles accompanied by a Nespresso!

3. Little baby buns have never been cuter.

4. Toys can be made out of almost anything!

5. You begin thinking about buying shoes for someone else before purchasing the latest pair for yourself.

6. Feeling fatigued is a constant state.

1st 15 fun facts from BabyCenter