All posts tagged: walking

naomi watts makeover

Although naturally beautiful, Naomi Watts, in my opinion, was in a much-needed makeover, so I was really happy to come across recent photos of her where it seems she has a new look (I hope) and  not just a one time look for the SALT premiere a couple of weeks ago in LA. Watts, who is 41 has two kids with her long time love Liev Schriever and in the recent years has looked particularly tired (understandably so) and I suppose hasn’t really focused much on herself as a result of her family life. I am not saying that is a bad thing, but I always want to see women make an effort to take care of themselves no matter what, just to keep themselves psychologically motivated to endure life’s *** on a daily basis. I especially appreciate coming across a positive makeover and feel more inclined to push myself harder as a result of it. I do believe that the first step to feeling good is looking good no matter what the body makeup …

4 surveys and you’re out

Funny thing happened to me  this week, which at first I didn’t think much about, but after receiving 4 survey emails in 3 days, all I could do is  laugh because I knew that even if I decide to complete them, nothing will change by the company conducting the survey. They will still hire careless customer service reps, with no decision-making skills to NOT answer our concerns and questions over the phone. They will not improve their service no matter how sorry they say they are that we experienced the problems that we did when we contacted them in the first place. And for GOD’s sake can you please stop saying “is there anything else I can do for you” towards  the end of a call, when you haven’t done anything in the first place. So the question goes like this: Why the heck are you conducting the survey in the first place? My first guess is: It is a technique used to discourage the customer from complaining. They figured if they can SURVEY you …

getty museum garden envy

Nature, gardens, plants, trees and flowers, you name it and I am there to enjoy it and take pictures of. One place I completely love to visit is the Getty Center (Museum) Gardens in Los Angeles. It’s an inspirational place to say the least and an extra ordinary maze to walk through while enjoying over 134,00 square feet of pathways lined with exotic, amazing, colorful, beautiful plants, flowers and trees as well as streams of waters flowing down toward a neatly arranged sitting area under Bougainvillea vines intertwined inside several oversized wicker planters. Everywhere you look, there is another rare flower in bloom and foliage in every shape, size, and color imaginable. Each plant is so strategically planted in order to get the proper light or shade necessary  for them to flourish to their full potential. There is nothing out-of-place and not a scent too strong. The feeling one gets walking about the gardens is unexplainable and yet recommended for everyone to experience at least once in their lifetime. What I also find fascinating is  watching …

shoes for me – oh you shouldn’t have

Shoe shopping has become a chore for me, now that I am in my 40’s. I swear every time I go to the mall, I hyperventilate when I need to shop for shoes because of  today’s Salvador Dali-ish approach to shoe design. But you know, one of the most amazing things happened to me the other day while I WASN’T actually shopping for shoes. I found a pair which I can actually wear in public and on my feet and be able to walk in them and actually feel sexy. Oh thank heaven, Virginia there is a Santa Claus!!! Anyway, the shoes are made by guess who? Guess of course and are only 98 or so U.S. dollars and you can find them at any retail store which carry the Guess shoe brand.  They felt comfortable, sexy and seem actually doable for about 2 or so hours outside the house. And ladies we all know that having a good pair of flats (please no flip flops or bare feet) on hand is always useful when …

a walk, two bottle of red, and a cupcake

While in Los Angeles, I had announced to my travelling companions that I intended to walk every morning since I was accustomed to the habit while at home. They laughed at me, but decided to partake in the adventure no less since they noticed how serious I was about my daily ritual. One morning I drove up to Griffith Park and decided to tackle the five-mile walk toward the Hollywood sign. I put my i-pod on as usual and began trekking. My companions decided to converse and walk while taking photos, making the climb up the course much more difficult. I kept looking back only to discover the gap between them and myself getting further and further apart. I shrugged and continued my trek until I could no longer see the two of them. I stopped midway atop the mountain and waited for them. After a long while, they showed up and announced they could not continue on the five-mile trek since they both felt flustered and exhausted and in my opinion completely bored. They asked …

my playground

Going to my favorite playground for a week to kick off the 4th of July celebration and of course play tourist and a celebrity all wrapped up in one. I do this once or twice or even three times a year, it’s a fun and quick escape from it all, especially if you are on a budget. So, happy 4th Americans and for all the tourists visiting the U.S. this week, enjoy our version of Patriotism with bbq’s, fireworks and the old red, white and blue cupcakes and popsicles.

eat, pray, love in reference to the woman over 40

Another one of  my favorite reads last year, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, is being made into a movie with Julia Roberts playing the lead role.  Although the true story is about a woman in her 30’s, Julia is portraying the role while in her 40’s, which in my opinion require much alteration and revision to the film to fit the make up of a 40 year old woman’s lifestyle.  I am not really sure how good the film will be but the book is a recommended read for any woman who hasn’t read it yet. The book can be considered a motivational book and although geared towards the woman in her 30’s, some of us beyond that decade can learn a few things from it here and there. The only downside for the woman over 40 is that, if she were to consider using the methods in the book to self discovery, she must be childless to accomplish the challenge. But either way, it is a solid book and since it is based on a …

the art of walking

Here is the thing, we all know we need some form of exercise in our life to stay healthy, especially when we are on the wrong side of 40. But since the “gym thing” or running a daily marathon is not my choice of exercise, I walk. I have always been a firm believer of walking and feel it is the best way of getting enough exercise without really hurting myself in the process. However, I also know that in order to get the most out of my walk, I must follow a few simple rules I created for myself. Walking everyday is ideal for me. I prefer a path with challenges along the way. Such as 50 or so steps to climb up, 500 yards total of some uphill and then downhill, a dirt road or sand paths to minimize unwarranted stress to my problematic knees and heels and finally a winding road or coarse to make the exercise more fun. The other thing I find helpful while walking, is changing the neighborhood everyday. I find that if I walk the neighborhood I …