Hello there, fabulous femmes!

This summer was definitely a busy one. It seems that I spent more time traveling than ever. I first went to Germany to work on the new Ulla Popken fall catalog. While in Europe I took the opportunity to visit Florence, Italy, and Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, two historical and beautiful cities.

I had the unique opportunity to stay in the Grand Hotel in Florence on the Arno river. This was indeed a luxurious experience, to be surrounded by beauty and old-world charm. Prague resembled an imaginary city; it was reminiscent of a movie set with its architecturally beautiful buildings and the history they portray. One of the highlights of Prague was seeing the opera Don Giovanni in the original opera house where Mozart premiered it. This thrill was enhanced by the price of our box seats, a mere $15 in the most beautiful opera house you have ever seen.

I also had some sad moments due to the passing of my granny in July. I have a unique view of death, having just experienced the death of my other grandmother two months earlier. I believe we are all spiritual beings, and I have chosen to celebrate their lives, but yes, I do miss them. As I said in my most recent eulogy:

"It is so easy to judge your elders as you get older,. thinking they should act and be the way that you have determined them to be but then you discover and see yourself in them like a mirror image. You are given the gift to know your true self. Granny loved us unconditionally, which is a great gift to feel in life."

Look for the gifts in your elders you may just learn more about yourself.

I tell you all the things going on in my life as part of my response to all the wonderful e-mails you have sent me. Thank you for your questions and comments. I apologize for the delay in which you receive your answers, but I assure you that I read and answer them all personally.

One of the frequent questions I have received is about the degree of comfort you have about baring your body, especially when the weather is hot and it becomes a necessity. Well, in all honesty this summer had been tough for me in maintaining my own personal acceptance and satisfaction with my body. Traveling has made it somewhat difficult to exercise regularly and eat properly, and yes, I have gained some weight. I have had to once again deal with feelings of discomfort about my size, feelings I believed I had conquered. In examining my personal uneasiness and working in getting back on track, I have persevered in moments of despair with positive affirmations. I am also slowly getting back to a regular exercise routine. It's back to basics, baby!

I have found that there is no magic cure. You have to come to terms with what works for you; be honest with yourself; and take a step toward being the best you can. What would make you feel proud? Love yourself! Never, never beat yourself up remember, you are where you are for a reason. Regarding myself, I always start with the physical-working out and eating healthily. Open your mind to feeling and thinking in a different way.

THINK OF YOUR OBSTACLES AS OPPORTUNITIES FOR POINTING YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

When you struggle to overcome unhealthy relationships with food, you learn that your body responds best to certain types and amounts of food. Maintaining weight when you have associated food with emotional needs is a process that requires serious attention. Here are some guidelines I find helpful (these are based on my own personal experience and studied research).

1. Always eat breakfast, whether it's fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, grains, or eggs. Start the day feeling satisfied and fueled for the tasks you need to achieve.
2. Drink a lot of water, one quart if you can. Not only does water flush your entire system and help eliminate toxins, it's also a necessary element for healthy cell function. Sometimes when you feel tired all you may need is a glass of water.
3. Pay attention to your portions during mealtimes and listen to your body, it will tell you when you are full.
4. Do not allow food to supplant other inner needs. When you are hungry or have specific cravings, do a mental and emotional check. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to eat?" Is it true hunger, or is there something in your life that you are not dealing with?
5. Do not get tired or overstressed (for us, feelings of exhaustion can fuel an unhealthy eating pattern).
6. Exercise regularly; find something you enjoy doing; make moving your body every day a part of your life; and find joy in feeling your muscles move.
7. Pay attention to your emotional and spiritual self—feed your soul with quiet time and meditation (pray to your higher power every day if that is your belief).
8. Keep life simple.
9. Be self-aware. The information you attain keeps you in touch with your own truth. If you live your life consciously, knowing your needs and desires, you will be able to orchestrate your dreams.
10. Never judge or beat up on yourself. Take moments of self-hatred as a challenge to love yourself on a deeper level.
11. Do not starve or ban foods you desire. This behavior will only backfire on you, causing you to make up for feelings of deprivation.
12. Eat for health and fuel. Exercise for health and fun. Meditate for health and happiness.

These ideas can all be incorporated into your life right now! Be gentle with yourself and get in the habit of relying on your inner self for direction.

Namaste, Natalie.