Photo from: antiguaspeaks.com

As I'm sure you know, loving your body, the way it is, is important. And I'm sure you also know that sometimes, doing so is easier said than done. Well, here are a few tips to help:

Make a list of things you like about yourself. First, jot down 10 things you like about you that are unrelated to your appearance (for instance, your kindness or intelligence). After writing this list, create another with 10 things you like about your appearance and your body.

Have a closer look at nature. If you look at things outside, like a leaf, for example, you'll notice that while it has its imperfections, it's still remarkable and complex. In other words, although nature isn't perfect, it's still beautiful! You should use this same wisdom on yourself: Yes, you have flaws, but you're still gorgeous!

Stop the negative self-talk. You are your own worst critic, and only you can change that. One way to do so: Each time you hear yourself speaking or thinking negatively about your looks, spend an equal amount of time speaking and thinking positively about yourself. Additionally, whenever a negative thought pops up, make a conscious decision to focus on what's positive.

Never throw pity parties. Nothing good comes from feeling sorry for yourself, and it can be worse when you have a pity party with friends. Of course, it's okay to talk with your friends about what's going on and your feelings, but continuously wallowing in self-pity can negatively influence your growth toward self-acceptance.

Pamper yourself. Just like you deserve a break sometimes, your body does, too. So, treat yourself to a massage, a pedicure or a relaxing bubble bath. Treat your body with respect, and care for it consistently!

Need more tips? Check out 10 Ways to Improve Your Body Image.

Delesa J (Photo Credit DCreighton of RylMediaGroup.com)

For Colored Gurls: What is your business?

Delesa J: Delesa J Writing Services is a boutique company that serves all of your business writing needs. Delesa J Writing Services is here to assist business owners in establishing their brand and unique identity by providing specialized writing, written with a stroke of creative fiction because every company produces a different story. Our specialty includes resumes and web content writing.

FCG: When did you start it?

Delesa J: Delesa J Writing Services was created in January 2010.

FCG: Why did you start it?

Delesa J: I know what it is like to be on the other side. After graduating college in June 2010, the scarcity and competitiveness of the job market inspired me to start my business. My entrepreneurial spirit made it easy for me to adapt to being a business owner.

FCG: What is your business' mission and goals?

Delesa J: Delesa J Writing Services' mission is to provide clients with specialized writing catered to revealing the true essence of their business, producing only custom creations.

     [Goals]: Delesa J Writing Services would like to be a prominent writer for the entertainment and business world; to assist business owners in accomplishing their marketing and PR goals; to help reduce the high rate of business failures; to empower and inspire other women to become business owners and entrepreneurs; to motivate and enrich the community.

FCG: What do you love most about owning your own business?

Delesa J: What I love most is helping other people. I receive great satisfaction in knowing I assisted someone in achieving his or her goals and dreams. I love the freedom and flexibility of owning my own business and making my own decisions.

FCG: Who and what inspires you?

Delesa J: My family inspires me. I know that I have people that depend on me and siblings who follow my lead. I know that I have to create my legacy for future generations and for my future children. I want to leave something other than just my name behind. That is my Why factor. Whenever I feel lost, discouraged or defeated, I remember my Why, and I push through it. With God on my side, nothing can hold me back.

FCG: What tips and advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs?

Delesa J: My advice is a quote that I have created: "Find what you love, and sacrifice for it." Come up with your Why factor and remember it whenever you feel that something is impossible. Never let anyone tell you that something cannot be done; turn it into fuel, and make a liar out of them. Lastly, with God, all things are possible. Dream big, and work even harder.

For more info about Delesa J, visit her website, and follow her on Twitter.

Beauty Fixes for Summer

Photo from: granvilleonline.ca

Summer is almost here! Below are some solutions to three beauty issues you may have:

1. Shrink your puffy eyes. Weekend trips and late night parties can cause puffy eyes when it's time for work. To get rid of them, dermatologist Dr. Noelle S. Sherber suggests keeping metal spoons in the freezer, and "hold them gently over the puffy areas for several minutes after applying your regular moisturizer." The cold touch of the metal immediately relieves swelling and increases the circulation in the thin-skinned area.

2. DIY Body Scrub. Plan to show some skin this summer? Well, of course you know nothing is quite as sexy as a smooth pair of legs. To get them, create your own body scrub by mixing sugar in your regular body wash if you have oily skin or vegetable oil if you have itcy or dry skin. Lightly massage the concoction into your skin in a warm shower until the crystals disappear, and rinse thoroughly.

3. Massage chapped lips. Get "kissable lips instantly by mixing sugar into Aquaphor or Vaseline and massaging lips until smooth," says Sherber. Don't have sugar? Just dampen a washcloth, put a dot of Aquaphor or Vaseline onto the cloth, and buff away flakes to get smooth lips.

[Source]

Photo from: superstock.com

Many people think of career planning as something you do after graduating high school and/or college, and that's it. However, it is something that should be done on a regular basis, especially when you consider that on average, a person will change careers six or seven times in her lifetime. 

Career planning gives you goals to accomplish in your current career or assists you when it comes to starting a transition to a new one. Check out these career planning tips for your success:

• Make it a yearly event. Most of us visit the doctor or dentist each year, and you should add career planning to your "appointments" once a year, too. Schedule a day or weekend (or more often if necessary) to really focus on your career and what you really want from it and your life. Doing this will allow you to feel confident in your career decision and direction. Also, you'll be more prepared for uncertainties and challenges in the future.
• Contemplate your likes, dislikes, needs and wants. What you liked a year or two ago may not be the same now. So, create a two-column list of your main likes and dislikes; then, use the list to evaluate your current job and career path. If things are mostly in the "like" column, you're still on the right path. But, if there are more things in the "dislike" column, it may be a good idea to start checking out new careers you may be interested in. Lastly, take some time to think about what you want or need from your job or career. For instance, do you want to be your own boss? Make a difference?
• Set career goals. Create a roadmap for your career success. A big aspect of career planning is setting short-term (within the next year) and long-term (a year plus) career goals. After beginning this process, another aspect is assessing and adjusting your goals as your plans evolve or change and creating new goals after achieving the previous ones.

Need more advice? Check out Career Planning Tips.