Peace, Joy, Style.

Photo Credit: Vogue

When  Black  Friday  Weekend  rolls  in,  it  can  be  considered  the  shopping  olympics  of  it’s  own  kind.  So,  fill  the  tank  up  with  fuel  for  the  car  and  head  to  Starbucks  for a  salted  hot  chocolate  to  fuel  yourself.  It’s  going  to  be  a long  and  exciting  day.

• Victoria’s  Secret  PINK: Stop  in  for  their  BOGO (Buy One Get One Off) Bra Event. You can get 50% off of PINK bras and fleeces are only $25 if you step in before 12/7. Victoria’s Secret is located within The Court.
• Neiman Marcus! Want to treat yourself? Step in to check out their Black Friday Sale. Neiman Marcus is located within The Plaza.
• Nordstrom! Some prices are slashed up to 50% off!  If you’re shopping online, you qualify for free shipping on all orders that total $100 or more with PROMO CODE: HOLIDAY09.
• Gap! You can buy one and get another free off of men’s and women’s sweaters and women’s PJ pants now until the rest of today.
• Banana Republic! 30% off all sweaters, outerwear, and more. Shopping online? Get free shipping when you spend $50 or more. This offer can’t be beat and expires 11/29
• 7 For All Mankind! $25 off when you spend $200. $50 off when you spend $300. $100 when you spend $500. This offer is good until 12/12
• Aeropostale! Stop in and score 50-70% throughout the entire weekend on your Aero favorites. Offer ends 11/29
• Armani Exchange! Spend $150 off and get $50 taken off of it. This offer is good all weekend.
• BCBG Max Azria! Get warm and toasty by checking out their cashmere and boot sale. 50% off. BCBG is located within The Plaza.
• Betsey Johnson! 40% off entire store. Offer good until 11/29

And that’s  just  the  short  list!  This  weekend  the  Mall  will  start  extending  their  hours  until  10pm  (excluding  Sundays  where  the  Mall  will remain  open  until  8pm).  The  Mall’s  holiday  courtesy  shuttle  and  valet  services  will  also  go  into effect  to  better  serve  your  shopping  needs.  Good  luck  out  there.

Ardha Matsyendrasana  transforms  the  spine  by  increasing  spinal  rotation,  improving  blood  flow  to  the  disks,  and  builds  strength  and  flexibility  within  the  erector  spinae  muscles.  This  posture  can  also  nourish  the  internal  organs  because  alternatively  compressing  and  stretching  the  torso  is  thought  to  bring  circulation  to  those  areas.  The  stomach,  intestines,  and  kidneys  receive a  nice  squeeze  which  usually  improves  digestion  and  elimination.  The  neck  and  back  recieve  a wonderful  stretch  as  well.

To  start,  it  is  advised  that  you  spend  a few  moments  warming  up  with  a few  Sun  Salutations  to  free  your  mind  and  prepare  your  body  to  adjust  to the  proper  form  of  this  pose.  When you’re  ready,  begin  by  practicing  a modified  straight  leg  version  of  this  pose  and  focus  on  key  goals: elongating  the  spine,  twisting  from  the  inside  out, and  breathing. Sit  on the  floor  with  both  legs  straight,  and bend  your  right  knee,  placing  the  sole  of  your  right  foot  outside  the  left  thigh,  as  close  to  your  thigh  as  possible.  With  clasped  hands,  hold  your  right  shin  just  below the  knee.  On  the  inhale,  lift  up  from  the  base  of  the  skull.  On  the  exhale,  release  your  hips  into  the  earth. Imagine  creating  space  between  your  vertebrae.

Twisting

Stay  where  you  are  and  don’t  be  afraid.  Just  place  your  right  hip  and  hug  your  right  knee  into  your  chest with  your  left  arm.  Inhale  and  lengthen  the  spine,  and  exhale  drawing  your  belly  into  your  spine  as  you  begin  twisting  to  the  right.  Focus  on  your  spine  as  the  central  axis  and  the  twist  spiraling evenly  upward,  like a  barber  pole.

Breathing

Remember  that  you’re  lengthening  your  spine  with  each  inhalation  and  exhalation.  Keep  your  shoulders  relaxed  and  stay  here  for  three  to  five  good  breaths  before  you  release  slowly  with  an  exhalation  and  repeat  on  the  other  side.  Be  sure  to  clasp  your  hands  with  the  opposite  thumb  on  top.

Credit: YogaJournal.com

One More Thing

I  have received  over  1K  in  visitors  for  the month  of  October! This  is  why  I  am  thankful  for  the  amount  of  readers  who  enjoyed  viewing  my  blog  this  year.  It’s  your  patronage  that  helps  fuel  my  inspiration  for  further  posts  and  I  am  happy  to  contribute  for  you  today  and  tomorrow.  After all, without style where would fashion be? Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families, near and far!

Photo Credit: Vogue

I  have  been  toying  around  with  several  new  options  on  the  King Of Prussia Mall website. These  new  options  hope  to  help  navigate  shoppers  on  their  next  visit  to  the  mall,  especially  throughout  the  holidays. One  of  the  new  widgets  to  the  website  is  Trip  Planner which  is  designed  to  help  shopper’s  pinpoint  their  shopping  trip  down  to  their  gift  giving  needs.  The  widget  will  calculate  the  right  shops  based  on  some  basic  information  you  entered  about  who  you’re  shopping  for  and  what  their  personality  is  like.  The  widget  also  informs  you  about  the  closest  location  to  park  and  restaurants  that  are  closeby  to  your destination.  It’s  a great  tool  for  new  shoppers!

Also,  be  sure  to  visit  the holiday  section of  the  website  to  become  inspired,  regardless  of  your  budget.  Visitors  can  also  browse  what  stores  are  having  the  latest  sales  and  see  what  the  holiday  must-haves  are.  You  can  gain also   more  information  on  when your  little  ones  can  visit  Santa  as  check  the  Mall’s  holiday  hours.

If  you  still  haven’t  found  inspiration  for  your  gift-giving  list,  you  might  want  to  look  into  giving  a King  of  Prussia  gift  card at the  Mall  website or  at  a  customer  service  desk  in  the  mall.  The  King  of  Prussia  Mall  launched  a new  gift  card  that  has  no  fees  after  purchase  and  also  no  expiration  or lost  value  either.  You only  give  what  your  recipient gets.

Once  you’re  at  the  mall,  make  your  shopping  easier  (and)  lighter  on  your  feet  by  taking the holiday courtesy shuttle. Beginning on Black Friday, this shuttle will run on weekends every twenty minutes for one month to make sure you can get to everywhere you want to go in the mall, even if your feet don’t want to! It’s car service with a smile.

Speaking of car service, you can also consider KofP’s holiday valet service for a nominal fee of six dollars. Interested shoppers may park their cars at Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, T.G.I. Fridays, and Cheesecake Factory. Upon check-in, customers will be given a business card to call when they are ready to leave the Mall. Neiman Marcus will continue their valet service as well.

Shoppers are also able to access the internet through any of the Mall’s free Wi-Fi services from Black Friday to indefinitely.

In  case  you  need  another  reason…

On  my  occasional  visits  to  the  Mall,  I  always  will  find  that  there  is  always  something  new  and  different.  Regardless  of  whether  you  have  holiday  shopping  in  mind  and/or  you  haven’t  been  to  the  mall  in  ages,  perhaps  it’s  time  to  play  some  catch  up! Since  2006,  the  center  has  added  several  new  luxury  brands and tasty eats to  it’s  roster: Gucci (Plaza),  Henri  Bendel (Plaza),  Kiehl’s (Plaza), Lilly Pulitzer (Plaza), Salvatore Ferragamo (Plaza), Juicy Couture (Plaza), Cole Haan (Plaza), Lucky Kids (Plaza), Legal Sea Foods Restaurant (Court), Tumi (Plaza), Anne Fontaine (Plaza), and the Art of Shaving (Plaza).

Easily  accessible  from Route  202, I-76 and  the Pennsylvania  Turnpike,  King  of  Prussia  Mall  is  also  just  one  mile  from  Valley  Forge  National  Historic  Park and  the Valley  Forge  Convention  Center.  For  more  information,  please  visit  the  Mall  Website.

Photo Credit: epilepsyhealth.com/yoga

The  neck  carries  a  lot  of  tension  too.  Since  the  nerves  of  the  neck  go  to  the  eyes,  ears,  and  brains,  a spinal  misalignment  can  cause  vision  and  hearing problems,  as  well  as  headaches  and  insomnia.  Also,  major  blood  vessels  transport  themselves  from the  neck  to  the  brain.  A  neck  misalignment  can  put  added  pressure  on  the  blood  vessels  and  reduce  the  blood  flow  or  circulation  to  the  brain.  This  is  also  a very  common  symptom  with  chronic  fatigue  syndrome.

Usually,  the  trouble  starts  in  the  joints  because  they  aren’t  lubricated  and  begin  to  stiffen  with  an  accumulation  of  calcium  which  can  occur  at  any  age.  Despite  our daily  lifestyles,  these  asanas  can  be  done  anywhere.  But,  keep  in  mind  the  basic  asana  guidelines:  Wait  1  1/2 – 2  hours  after  meals,  wait  at  least  1/2  hour  after a  snack,  always  stretch but  never  to  the  point  of  pain,  inhale  to  raise  the  body  and  exhale  to  lower  the  body,  and  repeat  each  asana  1-3  times.

Technique

Allow  the  rest  of  your  body  to  remain  still  while  you  drop  and  roll  your  head  forward.  If  you  don’t  hear  any  crunching  or  grinding,  you  don’t  have  to  worry.  But,  if  you  do,  it’s  best  to  attempt  to  work  these  neck  exercises  into  your  regimen.  The  overall  benefits  of  doing  these  neck  exercises  can  increase  vitality  in  your  health,  especially  with  your  vision,  hearing,  as  well  as  overall  sleep  patterns.  These  neck  exercises  can  also  prevent  headaches,  since  the  nerves  and  the  blood  vessels  go  to  the  brain.

1. Close  your  eyes  and  effortlessly  drop  your  head  forward  and  pull  it  back. Don’t  forget  to  breathe  and  repeat  for  four  times,  working  your  way  up  to  six.  Allow  your  facial  muscles  to relax  too.

2. In  the next  exercise,  turn  your  neck  to  the  left  and  then  back  to  resting  position.  Now  turn  it  to  the  right.  Repeat  for  four  times.

3. In  this  exercise,  you’ll  want  to  tip  your  head  towards  your  shoulder  without  raising  your  shoulder,  otherwise  there  will  be  a little  pull  in  the  neck.  You  should  feel a  strong  pull  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  neck  when  yo  tilt  your  head  towards  the  right  side.

Caution: Some people will recommend  the  neck  roll  exercise  to  stretch  your  neck,  but  this  can  actually  jam  the  side  joints  of  the  neck  which  can  cause  inflammation.

Photo Credit: glamazondiaries.com

After  the  meat  and  potatoes  are  down  and  you’ve  had  your  share  of  pumpkin  cheesecake,  some  people  prefer  to  channel  this  extra  energy  for  the  Black  Friday  holiday  sales  throughout  the  weekend.  The  Black  Friday  holiday sales  can  be  considered  the  biggest  shopping  weekend  of  the  year.  It  is a  shopper’s  dream  and  nightmare.  And  once  you’ve  managed  to  find  a  parking  spot,  beware  -  there’s  no  turning  back  now!

Shopping Tips:

1. Set  aside  the  credit  and  pay  for  everything  that  you  can  in  cash.  Doing  so  will  entice  you  not  to  overspend.

2. Most  stores  will  be  offering  tremendous  deals,  but  be  smart  and  compare  prices  on a  select  item.  If  you’re  in  the  market  for a  new  digital  camera,  put the  model  of  the  digital  camera  you  want  into  the  search  bar  at  sites  like PriceGrabber.com.  The  objective  of  PriceGrabber  is  to  find  how  and  where  you  can get  the  best  deal  on  say,  your  new  digital  camera.

3.   I  will  be  talking  about  discount  codes  in  a future  post,  but  they  are  your  best  friend.  They  are  more  familiar  with  online  transactions,  but  certain  stores  allow  you  to  print  out  coupons  that  can  be  used  on  clothes,  books,  toys,  to  beauty  supplies.

4. You  may  also  be  asked  to  sign  up  for a  store  credit  card  at  checkout.  Say “No, Thank you” even  if  the  discount  sounds  remotely  appealing.  When  you  sign  up  for  one,  your  credit  will  be  checked.  Every  time  your  credit  is  checked,  this  can  actually  lower  your  credit  score  by  a  few  points.  If  you  are  in  the  process  of  buying  a  home  or  a new  car,  you  may  find  yourself  paying  higher  interest  rates  than  you  originally  intended.

5. Most  stores  might  even  offer  a gift  wrap  service.  There  may  be a  small  fee  and  it  can  be  complimentary.  If  the  line  isn’t  huge,  I  say  go  for  it.  But,  if  the  line  is  huge,  you  can  always  purchase  ribbons,  bows,  and  wrapping  for  the  same  price  too.

Solid  Kelly  shirt.  Photo Credit: omniru.com

How  can  one  of  the  most  universal  closet  staples  of  a  women’s  wardrobe  become  so  dismissed,  so  dressed  down,  and  almost  boring? Who  likes  boring!?  But,  for  some  reason,  the  women’s  button  down  shirt  remains  a  go-to  staple  as  it’s  invested  by  many  professional  women  and  students  in  bulk.

I  was  always  bored  by  the  button  down  shirt.  Fashion  has  been  so  experimental  lately  that  I  feel  that  this  classic  staple  can  use  an  update. I’m  certainly  not  saying  that  you  should  get  rid  of  your  beloved  button  down  shirts,  but  if  you  have  ever  grown  bored,  perhaps  you  may  just  need  an  update  to  spruce  up  your  look.

Observe  my  picks  for  an  update  on  a  classic  staple,  while  still  remaining  professional  yet  chic  in  the  workplace.

Ruffle Trim Cardigan, $28. “Twelve by Twelve” from Forever 21

I  love the  ruffles  on  this  cardigan,  because  without  them,  this  cardigan  worn  with  a  button  down  can  make  you  look  like  the  next  Mr.  Rogers  (And  there  could  only  be  one  of  him!).  Cardigans,  especially  with  lace  and  ruffles,  can  add a  feminine  touch  to  a boyish  button  down.   I  like  the  color  in  this  one  and  I  think  it  would  look  rather chic  with a  pencil  skirt  or  a smart  pair  of  dress  trousers.  Plus,  the  brooch  is removable  so  you  can  wear  it  with  some  of  your  other  favorite  outfits.

Cable Knit V-Neck in Light Purple Heather, $29.50. American Eagle

Meet  a  pulled  together  look  that’s  easy  to  slip  into  for  a  full  Monday.  Just  layer  this  sweater  (there’s a  rainbow  of  colors  to  choose  from)  and  have  the  collar  of  your  favorite  button  down  pop  out.  After  you  come  home  from  that  long  work  day,  you  can  just  slip  right  out  of  your  trousers  and  into  your  favorite  pair  of  jeans.  That’s  the  beauty  of  this  versatile,  comfortable,  and  toasty  sweater.

Monogram Silk Embroidered Blouse, $88. Banana Republic

Do  you  like  to  wear  these  shirts  just  as  they are? That’s  fine.  But,  the  trick  is  to  look  less  boyish  and  more  you by  scouting  out  feminine  details  like  ruffles,  ribbons,  and  embroidery  like  the  Victorian-inspired  top  from  Banana  Republic  above.  Scout  out  Banana  Republic  and  also  J.Crew  sales.

Photo Credit: Vogue

Friends & Family sales, Norman Rockwell, and even munchies at a classic mall staple – Chick-Fil-A.

Stay tuned next week for tips and tricks for navigating your way through the Black Friday sales and when your children can visit Santa at King of Prussia Mall!

• Build-a-Bear! Surprise the little ones by allowing them to purchase something anytime this month. You’ll receive a $7 Bounce Back coupon offer redeemable to use anytime next month when you spend $10 or more within the store. Build-A-Bear is located within The Plaza.
• Chick-Fil-A! Making teddy bears and going shopping sure can work up an appetite with the kids. Treat them to a FREE 4-Count Chicken Meal at Chick-Fil-A with the purchase of your Combo Meal.  This offer is only available on Tuesdays and up until December 29, 2009. Chick-Fil-A is located within the Food Court of the Plaza.
• Juicy Couture! Enjoy 30% off at the Friends & Family Get Your Couture On Friends and Family Event. Juicy is located within the Plaza.
• Tiffany & Co! Discover the diamonds of Elsa Peretti’s sculptural icons that forever changed modern jewelry design from now until November 29th. Tiffany is located within the Plaza.
• Zales! Stop by to see their new Christmas lines, and their new designer watches in particular. You can choose from Hello Kitty, G-Shock, Ed Hardy, DKNY, and Fossil. Zales is located within the Plaza.
• dELiA*s! The weather outside is about to get chilly and frightful, but dELiA*s is having a boot sale so won’t have to freeze your toes off in the process – 15% off all styles! dELiA*s is located within the Plaza.

Online

• American Eagle! Friends & Family Event, 20% off of holiday items. Use Discount Code (89256379) at checkout. This offer is good on Sunday (11/15) only!
• Aerie! Aerie is American Eagle’s loungewear shop and they are offering off 20% during their Friends & Family Sale as well. Use Discount Code (89256379) at checkout. This offer is good on Sunday (11/15) only!

One of Norman Rockwell’s many works.

Photo Credit: Google

Also, the Norman Rockwell National Touring Exhibition is at King of Prussia Mall for a limited time. Norman Rockwell was a famous American painter and illustrator of the twentieth century. His paintings could have often been like an extension of his eye, as they would depict the everyday scenarios that he saw in his life.

The National Touring Exhibition invites fans and visitors to step into the 3-D imagery, warmth, values of one of America’s beloved figures. You can enjoy a multitude of selected segments from Rockwell’s Oscar-winning film, and a Tribute Art Gallery. The exhibit ends with an art gallery that presents over 300 Saturday Evening Post covers that he did cover illustrations for over four decades of his life.

This is perfect for museum-goers, art history or history majors, or families in general. Capture the magic and the thought of how much of America has changed and how some of it has stayed the same too.

This exhibition is only available for a limited time until March 14, 2010. You can find it on the Lower Level of the Plaza.

Admission Fee: $5. All children under twelve are free.

Photo Credit: Google

Drugstore  shelves  have  been  buzzing  over  the  release  of  this  device.  What  does  it  do  and  why  is  everyone  raving  about  it? According  to  the  website,  the  Neutrogena  Wave  promises  to  get  10x  deeper  into  the  skin  by  opening  up  pores  and  ex foliating  dead  skin  cells  for  softer  and  smoother  skin.

At  $13.99,  it’s  a  very  inexpensive  option  to  more  expensive  or  dermatologist  procedures  that  more  people  use  as  their  ”go-to”  for  the  same  results.  I  bought  the  kit  which  includes  the  sleek  device,  extra  cleansing  pads  that  you  replace  onto  the  device,  and  a postcard  for a  coupon.  The  device  is  easy  to  grip  in  your  hands  and  it’s  attachment  head  has  tiny  Velcro-like  grippers  that  help  secure  a  cleansing  pad  to  it.  Just  add a  little  water  and  gently  or  vigorously  (for  deeper  pore  cleansing)  run  the  device  over  your  face.

The  cleansing  pads  contain  menthol,  which  made  my  skin  feel  tingly  and  there’s  salicylic  acid  inside  which  help  keep  pimples  at  bay.  It  also  contains  sodium  laureth  sulfate  which  could  do  more  harm  for  sensitive  skin  than  good.  But,  the  device  itself  cleans  and  exfoliates  pretty  well  and  leaves  my  skin  refreshed  and  smooth.

Honestly,  it’s  really  not  anything  that  your  facial  cleanser  and  moisturizer  regimen  cannot  take  care  of.  But,  and  as  long  as  you  take  the proper  precautions  and  check  the  product’s  ingredients  to see  if  an  ingredient  can actually  do  more  harm  than  good  for  you,  the  Neutrogena  Wave  is  a few  dollars  well  spent.

Photo Credit: bullrunner.com

You may remember those old school advisories that tell us that a good night’s sleep and a moderate amount of aerobic physical activity is key to staying balanced when you’re preparing for an exam or a big day at work where you need to stay focused.It’s true.  According to The New York Times, recent research reveals that exercise can really make you smarter over time.

But, what do you need to do and how much of it?

Anything that gets your heart pumping. Lifting weights from strength training may help, but it only bulks up your muscle where growth factors only stay in the muscles without getting transported to the brain. But, cardiovascular activity (what we tend to skimp on!) is the best selection here. Try taking up power walking with a friend, train for a 5K, or power through 500 laps in the pool given the season. You can also trade in your big wheels for two wheels via a bike or get into inline skating again. There’s many more options, but the following will get your heart pumping and will send sufficient circulation and nutrients to your brain will can make it stronger.

Photo Credit: Vogue

For Monday…

Tis the season for cold and flu!  Before you hibernate yourself within layers of blankets for the rest of the day, consider finishing that book you’ve always wanted to. If you need any suggestions, I would go for Malcolm Gladwell. I’m just starting to read “What The Dog Saw” which is his latest book.

For Tuesday…

Do your hair and make-up and go on a fashion shoot with some of your most recent shopping purchases from Autumn. Seek out the right location. I really like parks which gives me inspiration.

For Wednesday…

Do you have a peanut butter addiction?   Do your heart a favor by switching to almond butter which doesn’t have hydrogenated oils and sugar like most peanut butter brands do. Almond butter is composed of three minerals: calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It’s also an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, the heart-healthy type that helps lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. These fats are also a primal part of the Mediterranean diet, which is one of the healthiest diets in the world.

Spread some on whole wheat toast for your breakfast. Almond butter is more expensive than peanut butter, but you will be doing yourself and your heart a favor by keeping your cholesterol low and heart disease at bay.

For Thursday…

Sculpt your entire body without leaving your home.  Yes, for those of us who devote time and practice each week to workout tapes, we already know this. But, did you know that you can get the same advantage from doing chores in and around your house?  Try raking up leaves into a heaping pile and you’ll discover how sore your arms will really be. Doing odd tasks in and around the house can be a great cardio and strength workout for you. Make sure your workout is sufficient by adding some lower impact workout (like squats and lunges. 8 reps on each leg, 3x) in between raking.

For Friday…

Love is the moment and that’s what OperationBeautiful.com is about. This website is devoted to sending positive messages via Post-Its.  This website is created by a girl who started sending positive messages via Post-Its.  For example, “You’re beautiful – inside and out!” would be fitting for a vanity mirror. But, anyone can do it, regardless of where they are at.

Be the secret messenger in your neighborhood and give it a chance.  You can even take a picture and send it in to OperationBeautiful.com too!

Weekly Quote

“Training is the opposite of hoping.” - Nike