Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve!!!

Happy New Year Inspired Friends! Today, enjoy the last day of 2011, please be safe, don't drink and drive and make sure friends and family are safe as well. I am looking forward to a whole new year of inspiration! My love to you all!

Celebrate Accomplishments List!

With New Year's Eve only a day away... I think it is time to make a list of things to celebrate! Everyone makes a resolution list but people don't take the time to think about accomplishments from the year and celebrate them! What big and little things have you done this year that are worthy of reflection and celebration? Today, make your list, rejoice in all that you have accomplished and Live Inspired Now!

Some of my personal list:

*Married my best friend (This is my favorite thing for the whole year!!!)
*Closed a business and re-branded
*Took trips to Texas, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington DC and several day trips within NY
*Went to a play
*Celebrated my 40th birthday!
*Left a job that was not fulfilling
*Helped MANY kids in need
*Made new friends
*Moved
*Had many many magic moments with my 6 children
*Too many more things to mention here, but you get the idea! Now go make YOUR list!!! :)

Something special for your lover.....

Today, do something special for your lover. Something as simple as a note on their car, or get up early and make breakfast, or take a moment to send a long text telling them how important they are to you. Make them feel like the most important person on earth and Live Inspired Now!

Time to snuggle....

It's Christmas vacation, the kids are home, the fridge is full of yummy leftovers, it finally decided to snow, the fire is burning in the stove and the house is all toasty and warm. It feels like a snuggle day to me! Yes, even I take a day off from time to time... that day is today! So today, make some hot cocoa, grab the snuggies and snuggle up with the kids or your lover, or even the family pet and Live Inspired Now!

Stand alone if you must!

Sometimes you have to stand alone, be the leader and refuse to follow the pack! Break free from the crowd that holds you back. Raise your standards, make friends that are where you want to be and have what you want to have, step up and set a new standard for your life! Stand alone if you have to! They say its "lonely at the top" but that's not true at all... there is just way more company down at the bottom! Today, step up as a leader and Live Inspired Now!

Donate Professional Clothes

Each year I collect and donate women's business attire to help give woman the opportunity to look and feel professional while trying to attain jobs. At Christmas, many of us get clothes that don't fit or are just not our style, this year I encourage you to donate them to a local women's center instead of waiting in long return lines. I am taking our donations to "The Dressing Room" in Ithaca, NY which provides free interview outfits to local unemployed woman. So today, put a few things aside to help local women and Live Inspired Now!

Be kinder than you have to be...

We should always be kind to people, even those who aren't very nice. Every person we meet has their own story, history, battles, and struggles and we never know what they might be. Even strong, happy, kind people face struggles, they just may not ever tell anyone. So today, no matter who you meet, be extra kind with the understanding that they just might need that extra love today.

"Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

Give Give Give...

Giving feels amazing! Today, be a secret Santa and give gifts to someone in need! Help a family, deliver gifts, buy a Christmas tree, make a meal to give... do whatever you can to give someone else the opportunity to have a better Christmas and Live Inspired Now!

"It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it."

You are a shining star!

YOU are a shining star! Remind yourself of that daily by hanging stars around in places where you will see them often. I have one hanging in my car, in my bathroom mirror and in my office! Don't forget to SHINE and Live Inspired Now!!!

Thanks Peg for the stars and the inspiration!

Add a little sparkle!

Who doesn't love a little sparkle here and there! Today... add a little sparkle to your life with GLITTER! I took extra fine copper glitter and mixed it right into my hair gel! Put some in your hair, or line your eyes, or just some sparkly lip gloss! You will be surprised at how glamorous you will feel with just a little sparkle! (OK... you MEN probably won't want to do this one... if so, refer to yesterdays Inspired Post and hand out candy canes! lol) Sparkle, shine and Live Inspired Now!

Calling all Candy Cane Fairies.......

Let's spread some Holiday cheer by handing out candy canes today to everyone we meet! While out shopping in the mall or grocery store, pass out candy canes to frustrated shoppers and spread some joy! No shopping to do? Hand them out to co-workers or even your kids... just hand the candy cane over and wish them all the joy of the season and Live Inspired Now!

Please join our Live Inspired Now page on facebook: LIVE INSPIRED NOW with Heather Paris

I look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing your stories of inspiration!

Ring a ling........

Wear BELLS! The feet pictured above are those of my graphic designer Ryan. He wears bells everywhere he goes! Today, bring some joy and smiles to those around you as you jingle jangle through your day and Live Inspired NOW!
Thanks Ryan for the Inspiration!

Barter!

Bartering is a wonderful way to get goods and services by offering goods and services and cutting out the need for cash! Today, I am bartering rubber stamps that I made for homemade candles from my sister in law! (Her candles are the best!) I love bartering! We all have talents or a skill set that we can barter so today save some money, barter for goods or services and Live An Inspired Life!

Pay It Forward!

As you know "paying it forward" is a HUGE part of MY life... of any Inspired Life but there is an actual group you can join to be amongst other like-minded people! It is a wonderful thing to be part of a community that is dedicated to good deeds, volunteerism and random acts of kindness. So today, join me in the Pay It Forward facebook group (link below) and learn about all the amazing ways people are paying it forward and join in the fun! Paying it forward means spreading love and joy and watching the ripple effects that kindness has on the world. Pay it forward today and Live Inspired Now!

Pay It Forward Group

FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! I am 40 today!

So my big announcement is that later this month, I am doing a nude photo shoot to show how beautiful the 40 year old body can be! I would really love for women my age or any age to know that their body is beautiful no matter what their age or size! I will keep everyone posted and the photos will be here on my blog when they are ready. Thank you so much for all your support and love and for all the wonderful birthday wishes today! 40 is going to be an AMAZING age!

Christmas music from your PURSE??

Bring your own Christmas music with you wherever you go! Play it out loud on your iPod and keep it in your purse or pocket. The other day, I had my Harry Conick Jr. Christmas music playing from my iPhone in my purse and a clerk at a store was going crazy looking around and finally asked another clerk if that was his cell phone! lol. I politely told him that it was MY cell phone and that I brought my own Christmas cheer! He got a good laugh out of it and I am pretty sure he thought I was crazy but everyone smiled and shared a happy Holiday moment! So today, get your music device ready and hit the town and Live An Inspired Life!

Wear a Santa hat!

Wear a Santa hat today... everywhere you go! Spread some Christmas joy and Live An Inspired Life!

String popcorn!

Oh my gosh we had so much fun stringing popcorn the other day! The kids loved it, I was actually surprised how long they found it entertaining! I thought they might get bored with it after 5 minutes, but they sat for hours and talked, laughed, ate and strung popcorn! This year we are having a homemade tree... nothing but homemade ornaments and garland! So today, pop some corn, sit around the with the kids, friends or your lover and string up some goodness for the tree! Enjoy the magic moments together and Live An Inspired Life!

Send gifts to the troops!

There is a group of people that we can not forget this holiday season... our military troops! Many military people do not have families to send them care packages and there is nothing nicer than getting mail from the States when you are over there. So today, check out the wish list at the USO website (link below) and send some Christmas cheer to our overseas troops. They will surely appreciate it and you get to do something amazing for another person at Christmas! Be generous, support our military people and Live An Inspired Life!

USO Wish List: http://usowishbook.uso.org/all-gifts/

Stop watching the News!

Stop watching the news, it is depressing and not a true view of reality, they only show you bad news and it is tilted to meet an agenda. Not the least of which is ratings if nothing else. What would actually happen if you stopped watching, reading or listening to the news? You might feel better, have a more positive outlook on life and you wouldn't feel as if life were coming to an end. You don't need to be "informed." Nothing bad will happen to you if you don't know whats happening in the news and if for some reason you did need an update, you can get information instantly and easily. Everything in the news is far beyond your reach or circle of influence so why spend your day feeling all doom and gloom when the news in your own home is just fine! So today, turn off the news, be "uninformed" about the false reality that the media pushes and Live a much happier, healthier Inspired Life!

Random Christmas Texts...

Delight and amuse your friends and family with random Christmas text messages today! How much fun it is to send a nice formal sentiment, a funny Elf photo or just a quick message wishing them a happy December! So today, have some fun, text your friends some Christmas joy and Live An Inspired Life!

Wild under the mistletoe!

Kiss your mate wildly under the mistletoe! Put some in each room and enjoy those stolen moments kissing the person you love and Live An Inspired Life!

Bright colors in drab weather........

The weather is getting colder, the days are darker, wear something bright! I think many of us, myself included wear too much black sometimes. It is time to brighten things up a bit! Today, wear some bright colors, make a cheery statement and Live An Inspired Life!

Colors are the smiles of nature. ~Leigh Hunt

Make a list!

Ok, its December 1st! Time to get organized for Christmas! I have a Christmas box and it contains my Christmas cards, lists of gift ideas, names of all that we buy gifts for, a list of purchases to date, charities to buy for, as well as other miscellaneous items. I have always been super organized with Christmas. (Hmmm... I think I need to carry a little more of that over to the rest of my life! lol)
So today, make that list, check it twice, get organized for Christmas and Live An Inspired Life!

The truth is.......

Always be truthful. It is far more important to be honest and deal with fallout than it is to lie and manipulate. Lies always have a way of coming out and they will bite you or those you love. You can find temporary comfort in lies but true love, real emotions, integrity and honor come from honesty. You may get what you want from lying, but it will never last, the truth is permanent and freeing. So today, live with integrity, speak only the truth and Live An Inspired Life!

Take a break!!!

Take a break! We work hard, we need to set a few moments aside to have a cup of tea, or to close our eyes and think or to just relax our body. Today, stop working, just for a few moments now and then, take a break and Live An Inspired Life!

Make your own Christmas cards....

I love to send Christmas cards and part of the fun is making them myself! It feels so nice each year to get calls from people thanking me for the homemade cards. I personally love to get hand made items as well. This year, I am a little behind, I need to spend some time this weekend finishing up my Christmas cards. It is fun to get out all of my stamping and crafting items and hang with my girls while making cards. This year, besides the people on our list, we are sending cards to Military Hero's. (I will share the address below.) So today, take some time to make your own Christmas cards and Live An Inspired Life!

Holiday Mail For Heros
PO BOX 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Call home....

Have you called your mother/father or grandparents lately? They might miss your voice. Call them right now and Live An Inspired Life!

Give feedback....

People never know how you feel if you don't provide feedback! I recently cleaned up my facebook account when I decided to use it more for business and less for personal. After I did that, several people emailed and asked why they were deleted. I told them I had no idea that they even looked at my facebook posts. They said that they loved my positive posts, all the quotes and they loved reading my blog. How would I know that? lol. So today, if you enjoy someones posts, positive attitudes or you like something they are doing... let them know and Live An Inspired Life!

Fly a plane!

Did you know that you can rent a plane and take a flight!? Super cool! Yesterday, I took our daughter Madison to East Hill Flying Club in Ithaca where she took a "discovery flight." She got to fly the plane and it was really awesome! We bought her the lesson for her birthday and she really loved it! We flew over Ithaca and got to see the Falls from above, it was breath taking. So today, check out local flying clubs in your area, book a flight and Live An Inspired Life!
(The discovery flight was surprisingly affordable!)

Take a day off from electronics......

Take the day off from all the electronics that seem to run our lives. No phones, no computers, no television and whatever electronic device that takes up much of our time. OK, so this might be hard to do during the week if you work so you can save this one for the weekend. You will be amazed at how much more LIVING can be done when you are not attached to plastic rectangles. (That is what we call the TV, a plastic box with pictures in it. lol) So today, or this weekend, take a vacation day from electronics and Live An Inspired Life!!
PS... you can not believe the relief that comes from avoiding the energy from these devices! It is much more calm and peaceful!

Play in the leaves!

While there are still some beautifully colored leaves on the ground... go out and play in them! Throw them around, rake them up into a pile to jump in or even just take some gorgeous pictures! Fall is FUN... enjoy it and Live An Inspired Life!

Support a local artist!

Support your local art scene by purchasing some art, commissioning an art piece or even just by becoming a fan of a local artist. There are so many amazingly talented artist in every community to enjoy! I love local cafe's that feature local art on their walls and shops that carry locally made crafts! It feels great to support an artist and adds to An Inspired Life!
PS... the turtle above was drawn by my son Harry, see his work here: www.harrysotomayor.com

Post your happy word list....

Today, write a list of all the happy positive words that you can think of and post is where you will see it often! You may want to stick it to your mirror, or hang it from the wall in front of your work desk, make it prominent! Let this list be a daily/hourly/moment by moment reminder of all that is good and happy and Live An Inspired Life!

Some words to get your started: bliss, joy, happy, love, dreams, home, beautiful, cute, smile, awesome, empathy, gratitude, fun, courageous, champion, delightful, delicious, excited, fabulous, grateful, gorgeous, healthy, inspiring.......... I could go on forever........

Invite those less fortunate......

Thanksgiving is coming up... think about who you might invite to dine and celebrate the day with you. There are so many less fortunate people, some of which may not be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast, invite them to join your family! Opening your home and table to someone less fortunate is a blessing not only to them but to you as well. Open your home, share you food, open your heart and Live An Inspired Life!

The very least.....

Words have power. I was thinking about this the other day when my amazing husband said "it was the least I could do." I thought about those words and it most definitely was NOT the "least" he could do. In fact, there was a whole lot less he could do, but he always chooses to do the most! Thad does so much for me and our family, it is never the "least" he could do. The least he could do is nothing. He always goes above and beyond and is very humble to say it is the least he could do. What words do you use? Do you undervalue your contributions? Do you say words like I didn't do much or I don't feel like I did enough? Today, think about the words you are using and take a more realistic look at what you are actually saying. See the value in what you do and feel free to express it! Recognize your good works and be proud and Live An Inspired Life!
PS... Thad, thank you so much for all that you do to take care of your family. We are blessed and we love you so much!

Try something NEW!!!

Try something new today! It doesn't matter what... maybe a new hair style, new food, new attitude, but try something new and Live An Inspired Life!!!

Kids doing charity is a valuable lesson!!!

I think it is so important to teach our children to give beyond ourselves, to reach out and help those in need and to volunteer. We found this charity called "Hugs and Hope for sick children," so far as I can tell, it is not an actual non-profit, just a small charity that allows sick kids to register and they post their information so that people can send cards or gifts to them. The cards go directly to the kids, not to Hugs and Hope. So our kids are getting involved by making cards and writing letters and drawing pictures. We are going to send out a batch next week! So today, choose a charity with the kids and let them get involved, kids love to help, especially if they are helping other kids! Participate in the the kids charity with them and Live An Inspired Life!
Some charities I like:
http://www.hugsandhope.org/kidslist.htm
http://www.worldvision.org/
http://www.tg.stjude.org/index.shtml
http://www.savethechildren.org/
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/

Intimacy...

Intimacy is important to any healthy happy adult relationship! Every person on earth needs physical touch, love and companionship. Sharing an intimate relationship with someone is a beautiful expression of love and trust, it connects us emotionally to our lover and creates a strong emotional attachment. A healthy sex life also creates passion and playfulness and can strengthen a relationship! Do not let a day go by without being intimate with your partner, even if it's not sex, at least hug, hold each other, snuggle, kiss, touch or play. Lack of intimacy can make a person feel lonely or isolated but physical touch can actually produce oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin which can produce feelings of joy and elation! Which would you rather feel? So today, be intimate with your spouse, make love, touch one another, hold each other, enjoy each others body, be passionate and Live An Inspired Life!

Love Lessons...

Upstate NY, Ithaca area, FREE WORKSHOP TONIGHT: LOVE LESSONS

November 2, 7-8:00pm Trumansburg NY Library (Main St.)

Attend a fun, info-packed FREE course that will forever change your relationship! Take the class they would not teach in school... LOVE LESSONS!

Join Heather Paris; NLP,CC and Peg Haust-Arliss;LCSW, both certified Life Coaches and Marriage Educators, in this free, one hour session.

GET STRATEGIES:
Improve your relationship (even if your partner won’t cooperate!)
Revive your sensual passion (it’s like turning on a switch!)
Create unsuspected levels of happiness and fulfillment!

GET SOLUTIONS:
“No matter what I do, I can’t make her happy!”
“Why doesn't he listen to me?”
“We just don’t seem to be on the same page anymore.”

GET ANSWERS:
Does love wear out with time?
How can I remain faithful all my life?
Does the 50/50 principle work?

WE ALL DESERVE RICH, FULFILLING, EXTRAORDINARY RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST, AND WE ALL DESERVE AN INSPIRED LIFE!

Words to live by....

I read this quote today and thought it was perfect for today's blog post. Enjoy your Inspired Life!

Live in rooms full of light
Avoid heavy food
Be moderate in the drinking of wine
Take massage, baths, exercise, and gymnastics
Fight insomnia with gentle rocking or the sound of running water
Change surroundings and take long journeys
Strictly avoid frightening ideas
Indulge in cheerful conversation and amusements
Listen to music.
~A. Cornelius Celsus

Spot the look alikes....

Thad and I play the "celebrity look alike" game all the time! We have so much fun! The game is easy, just try and spot everyday people who resemble celebrities. Last night at dinner, the late "Amy Winehouse" seated us and a couple of weekends ago we saw "Charlie Sheen" (young, thin Charlie, not today's Charlie) in the train station, pictured above. Today, see if you can spot some celebrities in your daily activities and Live An Inspired Life!

Visit the pumpkin farm!

As many of you already know, Fall is my FAVORITE time of year! What's not to love?? The cooler weather, beautiful colors, snuggly nights, yummy fall treats and of course the pumpkin farm! I love visiting farms but the pumpkin farm is the best of the year! Today visit your local pumpkin farm and have some fun with the kids carving or painting pumpkins! Those are memories that will be forever cherished and make for an Inspired Life!

Start a business!

Thad and I started a business together! We are now manufacturing rubber stamps right in our home. This is a business I had a couple of years ago but closed when I relocated to Upstate NY. We thought it would be fun to open it back up together, a business that is our own! We turned the website back on, created a facebook page for the business and here we are! The orders have already started to come in and we have plans to grow our business through networking, marketing and with a newly designed website! We are super excited about our new venture! So today, start that business you have always dreamed about and Live An Inspired Life!
PS... the website for our business is www.customstampsusa.com if you want to check it out! "If you can think it, we can ink it!"

Thank you's go a long way!

I love sending thank you cards, I try to send them often! Most recently I sent one to our family dentist and she was so thrilled, she went on and on about it! Send a thank you today, let someone know that you were touched by their kindness or thank them for good service and Live An Inspired Life!

Don't broadcast negativity

Oh my gosh... beware, a little rant is coming: So today's post is about putting negative and shocking posts or pictures on facebook. There is nothing I dislike more than scanning my home page on facebook and seeing something that is shocking or gruesome. I do not want to see pictures of abused animals, dead babies, death announcements or physically abused children. I also do not want to hear status updates that tell me that you hate your life, your husband is a moron, your lover is a cheater, or that you feel like crap yet again! Those messages are only used to get attention and it promotes drama and disharmony.
Facebook and other public venues are a great way to connect, do business, have fun with friends and more but putting negativity out there reflects badly on you and tends to repel others. So today, vow to end the facebook drama, put on a positive attitude and find something uplifting to post and Live An Inspired Life!

Show those pearly whites!

Visit the dentist, or at least schedule an appointment! Keep your teeth white and clean with fresh healthy breath! Brush 3 times per day, floss and rinse nightly, and visit the dentist at least once per year (although they recommend twice per year.) Your smile is often your first impression maker so keep your pearly whites healthy and clean and Live An Inspired Life!

Do WHAT in the park???

Slow dance in your local park gazebo! Last night Thad and I went to dinner with friends, we arrived early so we walked to the park and saw a gazebo. It was already dark out but the gazebo was lit up and we were the only people there. So Thad took my hand, led me to the center of the gazebo and we slow danced! Thad remarked how we needed music and with fumbling hands behind his back, I found a love song on my ipod and started to play "Moody's Mood for Love" by Elliot Yamin. He thought the music started in the gazebo at first, not realizing it had been me that was playing it. We danced and kissed through the entire song, it was extremely romantic! So today, find a gazebo, or even just a quiet spot somewhere outside and have a slow dance with the one you love and Live An Inspired Life!

Tea time......

There is nothing so special as spending time and chatting over tea! Today, make time for tea with your spouse, child, friend or even just to enjoy alone. My favorite is vanilla caramel tea... yummm! This morning, I am having tea time with my daughter Carrie, she is drinking cinnamon tea and I am enjoying french vanilla. There are so many great teas out there, try one today and Live An Inspired Life!

After your shower......

Today write a message to your lover on the mirror after it has fogged up from your shower! What a sweet surprise they will get the next time they get out of the shower! If you are single, write yourself a positive affirmation, or just make a big smiley face or heart and Live An Inspired Life!