Friday, January 31, 2014

37 Life Lessons In 37 Years

I love this.
Dawn Gluskin is a contributor to the Huffington Post
You can follow her here, and on her twitter link at the bottom of the article.

image courtesy of Daily Mail UK

37 Life Lessons In 37 Years

Today is my 37th birthday. And, I must say, it's been a pretty interesting ride so far. As I look back over the years and many phases of my Iife, I realize how each stage, success, stumble, triumph and heartache has had a significant impact on where I stand right now. And despite the rough patches, I love it all.
From a shy yet studious little girl, to an artsy and somewhat rebellious teenager, to a happy-go-lucky big-dreaming 20-something with a bit of a wild side, my metamorphosis were plentiful in my early years. Now into my 30s, my heart has grown a few sizes larger and overflows with motherly love as I've discovered what matters most in life. And my entrepreneurial experiences have been a crash course in lessons of life, business and self that, at times, brought me to the brink of what I thought I could handle, only to be rewarded nicely for sticking it out and seeing it through.
As I continue to step more fully into myself each day and bring to light my mission of helping others build their own dreams with joy and ease, I've racked my brain to think of my top 37 life lessons so far. On this day of celebrating another trip around the sun, I share these with you and hope you find inspiration as I have. Enjoy!
Top 37 Life Lessons So Far...
  1. Happiness comes from within. We spend way too much of our lives looking for outside validation and approval that eludes us. Turns out, it's been an inside job all along. Go inward.
  2. Be grateful for everything. The good, the bad, the ugly. Our entire life is a precious gift. The pleasure, the pain -- it's all part of our path.
  3. Subtle shifts in perception will transform your entire life. When feeling fearful, angry, hurt, simply choose to see a situation differently.
  4. In being true to yourself, you can't possibly make everybody else happy.Still, it's better to risk being disliked for living your truth than to be loved for what you are pretending to be.
  5. The world is our mirror. What we love in others is a reflection of what we love about ourselves. What upsets us about others is a strong indication of what we need to look at more closely within ourselves.
  6. Everybody comes into our life for a reason. It is up to us to be open to the lesson they are meant to teach. The more someone rubs us the wrong way, the greater the lesson. Take notes.
  7. Trust. In troubled times, just know that the Universe has your back and everything is going to be alright. If you're not there yet, trust in hindsight you will understand. Your higher good is being supported, always.
  8. Never take things personally. What others do is a reflection of what's going on in their own life and probably has little or nothing to do with you.
  9. A walk in nature cures a lot. Taking in some fresh air and the beautiful landscape of this earth is amazingly head-clearing, grounding, and mood-lifting. Bonus: You can learn a whole lot about life in your observation of the awesomeness which is nature.
  10. Hurt people hurt people. Love them anyway. Although, it's totally okay to love them from a distance.
  11. You have to feel it to heal it. Bring your fears and weaknesses front and center and shine a blazing spotlight on them because the only way out is through. The hurt of facing the truth is SO worth it in the long run, I swear.
  12. Perfectionism is an illusion. A painful one at that. Ease up. Strive for excellence, sure, but allow yourself room to make mistakes and permission to be happy regardless of outcome.
  13. Take the blinders off. Don't become so laser-focused on your own goals and desires that you miss out on the beauty in life and the people around you. The world is stunningly beautiful when you walk around with eyes wide open.
  14. Celebrate the journey. It's not all about the destination. Savor all of your successes, even the small ones.
  15. Forgiveness is not so much about the other person. It's about you and for you so that you can gain the peace and freedom you deserve. Forgive quickly and often.
  16. We are all incredibly intuitive. When we learn to become still and listen, we can tap into some pretty amazing primal wisdom. Listen to the quiet whisper of your heart. It knows the way.
  17. Let your soul shine! Be authentic. There is nobody else on this earth just like you. Step into your truth wholeheartedly and live and breathe your purpose.
  18. We are powerful creators. Seriously, bad-asses. With intention, focus, and persistence -- anything is possible. Know this.
  19. I am full of light. You are full of light. We are all full of light. Some cast shadows on their own brightness. Be a beacon of light to others and show them the way.
  20. Don't take life too seriously! Nobody gets out alive anyway. Smile. Be goofy. Take chances. Have fun.
  21. Surround yourself with people who love and support you. And, love and support them right back! Life is too short for anything less.
  22. Learn the delicate dance. Have big beautiful dreams and vision. Chase them with much passion. But, also hold on to them all ever so lightly. Be flexible and willing to flow as life comes at you.
  23. Giving is the secret to receiving. Share your wisdom, your love, your talents. Share freely and be amazed at how much beauty in life flows back to you.
  24. On that note, be careful not to give too much. If you empty out your own cup completely, you will have nothing left to give. Balance is key.
  25. Say "YES!" to everything that lights you up. Say "no", unapologetically, to anything that doesn't excite you or you don't have the bandwidth for. Time is one of our most precious resources that we can never get back. Manage it wisely.
  26. Sometimes we outgrow friendships. It doesn't mean they're bad or you're bad. It just means you're on different paths. Hold them in your heart, but when they start to hurt or hold you back, it's time to give space or let go.
  27. Fear is often a very good indicator of what we really want and need in our life. Let it be your compass and enjoy the exciting adventure it leads you on.
  28. Overcoming your fears is one of the most empowering things you can ever do for yourself. You'll prove to yourself you can truly accomplish anything! Major self-confidence booster.
  29. Our bodies are our vehicle to our dreams. Treat them with love and fuel them with the best health to feel vibrant and energized. But, never obsess over image. Looks are subjective and will fade in time, anyway. Feeling good, healthy, and comfortable in our own skin is what matters most.
  30. Let those that you love know it often and enthusiastically. You can never say it or show it too much. Your time, total presence, love, and genuine concern for their wellness is the greatest gift of all.
  31. The present moment is where it's at. It's the only one promised to any of us. Learn from your past & enjoy the beautiful memories, but don't cling or let them haunt you. And, dream big and be excited about the future, but don't become obsessed. Love this moment, always.
  32. Life is full of highs and lows. We need them both to grow to our fullest potential. Just hang on tight and enjoy the ride.
  33. We are all connected as one human family. Nobody is better or worse than anyone else -- just at different stages of our journeys and dealing with life the best way we know how. Recognize that the other person is you.
  34. Practice daily gratitude for all the blessings in your life, large and small. Not only is this a high vibe practice that feels amazing, in practicing regularly you are creating space for even more abundance -- of joy, love, health, and prosperity.
  35. We are not the center of the universe, although our ego can make us feel that way at times. Step outside of that way of thinking and see the world and other people's perspective in a whole new beautiful light.
  36. The world needs more love, light, and laughter. Go be love.
  37. You are the guru. For much of our lives, we have been told what do, how to think, what looks good, what "success" is. You don't have to buy into any of it. Feel free to peel back the layers. Think for yourself. Break the mold. When you stop doing what everybody else wants you to do and start following your own intuition, you will be ridiculously happy.
In looking back at your own life, realize that every high and low is all part of your amazing story. Own it! Take cues and guidance from the universe and you will continue to go on an incredible ride as you fully step into your truth and power.
Age is just a number, but the higher it gets, the more wisdom and life experience we've amassed. You are never going to be younger than you are in this present moment again. So embrace it, love it, and enjoy it fully!
Here's to many more beautiful years of seeking-truth, questioning all that does not sit right, and making your greatest impact in the world! I look forward to adding more lessons as life continues to give me the opportunity to learn, grow, transform, share and expand. Hope you will too.
With much love,
Dawn
For more inspiration, visit the Dawnsense site and sign up for weekly love letters. Also, join the supportive Dawnsense community on Facebook and Twitter .
 

Follow Dawn Gluskin on Twitter: www.twitter.com/dawngluskin

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Behind Closed Doors ~ Agent Provocateur Spring 2014

Valentines Day is right around the corner,
leaving a girl in a dilemma over what to wear.
Purveyor of delectable undies, Agent Provocateur,
has it all dialed in with their Spring 2014 collection.

Corinna-B's-World-Agent-Provocateur

Shot by Miles Aldridge, the campaign focuses
on the irony of the concept of the perfect 1950's woman.
She's the ultimate housewife, creator in the kitchen,
keeps her home immaculate,
and is an absolute hellcat in the bedroom.
 What a girl!

Behind Closed Doors









Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Juicy Girls At Venice Beach

I love shooting at Venice Beach!
And so does Juicy Couture.


For the Spring 2014 campaign Juicy Coututre took models 
Magdalena Frackowiak and Anais Mali
and photographers Claudia Knoepfel and Stefan Indelkofer
 to Venice Beach and to Rodeo Drive
for a little fun in the sun.












Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Victoria's Secret Swim Catalog 2014

 Victoria's Secret Swim 
took to the beach in St Tropez
for the 2014 catalog.

Models Candice Swanepoel, Behati Prinsloo, Alessandra Ambrosio, 
Magdalena Frackowiak, Lily Aldrich and Martha Hunt star in the campaign.















Sunday, January 26, 2014

Beyonce At The 2014 Grammys

What a way to open the Grammys!
Beyonce was (of course!) amazing.

I don't actually follow her music, but I just loved this.

Check out the video of Beyonce's performance at The Grammys 2014.



And here is what she wore after her performance.
The near see through dress is by Michael Costello.

Beyonce and Jay Z at 2014 Grammys



Friday, January 24, 2014

Crystal Renn Is Super Sensual In Grazia France

I just love Crystal Renn anyway,
but the raven haired beauty is magnificent here 
as she smolders her way through
the pages of Grazia France.



Lensed by David Roemer,
Flawless makeup by Lottie Stannard













Thursday, January 23, 2014

Bridal Beauty 101 ~ Where Do You Start?



Looking Your Most Beautiful On Your Wedding Day – Where Do You Start?
 
www.arizonaweddingmakeup.com
image courtesy of Phoenix Bride and Groom Magaine
You just got engaged.
Congratulations!
Or maybe  your wedding is fast approaching - regardless of where you are on the road to holy matrimony, the time to start working on your skin is now.


www.arizonaweddingmakeup.com
image courtesy of Phoenix Bride and Groom Magazine



On your wedding day you want to look fresh and beautiful and radiant, and the first step is to have your skin in the best condition possible. Whether you are going to be in makeup, or whether you are planning on being au naturel, gorgeous skin is essential. So where do you start?
 
image courtesy of www.darrinjamessalon.com
The first thing to do is go have a facial. If nothing else, while you are lying there being pampered you can come up with a plan!
If you don’t already have a facialist that you see on a regular basis, ask around and see if you can get some recommendations from friends, family and co workers. A referral from a happy client will seldom lead you astray.
If you don’t have a referral from anyone, check out day spas and medi-spas in your area.
If your budget doesn’t have wiggle room for facials look at the aesthetics schools in your area. Prior to graduating students have to clock in hundreds of hours of facials and beauty treatments, and as such you can get a fabulous facial very economically.

Once you have found your place for treatments, you and your facialist need to come up with a plan for getting your skin ready for the big day.

Sometimes that will only mean having a facial the week before the ceremony, other times it will be a more comprehensive plan that involves hydrating facials, deep cleansing facials, exfoliating treatments – whatever is necessary to give you that polished, beautiful look.

One of the most fabulous things you can do for your skin is to have a microdermabrasion treatment.
This is where a machine is used to remove the dead and dull skin on the surface leaving you with a smooth, fabulous, glowing complexion.  Dermasweep is a highly evolved form of  microdermabrasion that follows the intense exfoliation with infusion treatments. 



You walk out the door with the most exquisite skin, and feel like a million dollars!

While you are there, talk to your aesthetician about your eyebrows.  If you haven’t started grooming them, now is generally a good time to start.
Well maintained eyebrows are so very important  - they’re like punctuation marks on the face.  Eyebrows can make or break a great look. The most beautifully executed makeup can be made marginal by a furry, untamed brow.

Ideally your first brow wax shouldn’t be right before your wedding, just in case you don’t like it. You may also have some upper lip fluff that she can remove at the same time – we want that upper lip smooth!

You may find that you need to change up your skin care products too. Maybe you’re not using the right components for your skin’s particular needs, or perhaps the products you’re using need modifying.
Your aesthetician can guide you and help you create the ideal skin care regime for your lifestyle and for your budget.

No matter how talented your makeup artist is, your makeup will never look flawless and perfect if your skin is not in good condition, and especially not if your skin is dry, patchy or flaky. 
Investing time in preparing your skin can give you a gorgeous, glowing complexion on your big day!