My Favorite Piece of Skin Care for Anti-aging

No filter, only tinted moisturizer and concealer under eyes,  49 years old

Did you know you don't have to spend a lot of money for incredibly effective anti-aging products?

Who, like me, has thrown hundreds and thousands of dollars towards products that made bold claims only to find our skin didn't really look different?  

Let me help you save money while using a product that most top dermatologists and skin care experts agree is a daily necessity for anti-aging: Vitamin C serum.

What do the experts say about Vitamin C serum?:

Vitamin C serum stimulates the synthesis of collagen in the skin which will give you a tighter, firmer and less sagged feel. It is a good first-step solution to treat the onset of wrinkles. Restores and regenerates – Vitamin C attacks the free radicals in your body and does some hardcore damage management. (Dermatology Review)

**Experts also love Retin-A but that is a post for another time.**

So, how do you choose the right Vitamin C serum for you?  Vitamin C serums can range broadly in price AND can become very unstable depending on packaging and how you store them.  It is always recommended to keep your serum in a cool, dry place.  Serums start out clear or slightly cloudy but once they turn deep yellow are completely ineffective and need to be tossed.  Trust me when I say I learned the hard way.

The company who really spear-headed the Vitamin C serum was SkinCeuticals and while they once began with a simple Vitamin C serum, now have many different strengths and formulas.  They are highly regarded in the skin care industry but their products are spendy!

Retails for $163.00 1 fl oz/30 ml

Obagi also makes a Vitamin C serum (10%) which is recommended for sensitive skin types.

Retails for $48, 1 fl oz

Timeless makes a 20% C+E Ferulic Acid Serum (much like SkinCeutical's) but is only $24.95 for the same 30ml.  I've been using it since September and my skin really glows.  I've even had three separate gentlemen compliment me on my glowy skin recently and I've changed nothing in my regime except adding this.  I mean, what man compliments a woman's skin???  I use this every single morning after I wash and tone.  I keep it in the refrigerator because I bought this last year and it only lasted 6 weeks under my bathroom sink.  The cold and dark climate of your refrigerator will keep this preserved until the last drop, which I'm just about to.  So this bottle has lasted me 4 months!  And for $24.95!  You can buy it on Amazon but it is suggested that buying directly from Timeless will result in a fresher batch of serum.  Your call.

For your convenience: and on sale now for $16.99!!!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Skin-Vitamin-Ferulic-Serum/dp/B0036BI56G/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1484524254&sr=1-1&keywords=timeless%2B20%2Bvitamin%2Bc%2Be%2Bferulic%2Bacid%2Bserum&th=1

Retails for $24.95, 1 fl oz/30ml

A word of caution, it is recommended to work up to a 20% but I haven't had a problem with it.  It does tingle a bit, especially after exfoliation, but I love the feeling.  I could see sensitive skin reacting to this though.  You could always try Obagi which is a 10%.  After one bottle of 10% you should be ready to step it up to 20%.

To see the full effect of this product work, you have to use it everyday.  Don't forget by only using it 3X a week as you won't get the same results.  And it is HIGHLY recommended that you use a daily SPF (i say 30 or higher) but that is a no-duh, right?  I mean, who doesn't wear daily SPF in this day and age?

After I wash, tone and use this serum, I then apply my moisturizer mixed with a few drops of oil followed by my SPF, the last thing I put on my face before makeup.

I hope this post helps your understanding of why a Vitamin C serum is a great tool for anti-aging and if this has added value to your day, would you please share?  Or go to my Facebook Michelle Spieler Fit By 50 page and "like" it for me, http://www.facebook.com/michellespielerfitby50 

www.facebook.com/michellespielerfitby50

Thanks for reading!  

Minimalism: What it looks like to me {before and afters}

If you read my blog yesterday I mentioned that I've been listening to a podcast by the Minimalists since November.  Their remarkable documentary The Minimalists also came to Netflix in December and I highly recommend you watch it, and if you have teens, it should be a requirement.  

If you've followed me on Facebook for sometime you may remember that a year ago I started the Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, aka, the Kon Mari method to organizing.  It helped.  I donated tons of clothing and shoes my family didn't need and that weren't "sparking joy", but speaking to my inanimate objects just wasn't my jam and to be honest, I got sorta lazy, so within one year my home was back to CLUTTER!  Clutter makes me crazy!  Like certifiable.

The Minimalists really speak to me.  I like their style, their story, I just really like them.  They seem very logical and reasonable to me and while I don't think I could live quite as simply as they do, it's something honorable to aim for.  Their question to themselves and their audience is: does this add value to your life?  If not, donate, or sell, or toss, but stop hanging on to STUFF.  Makes sense, right?  Do we own too much stuff, or does too much stuff own us?

In addition to their documentary and weekly podcast I've joined like minded people in a Minimalist Facebook group so that I can stay motivated.  My plan is to tackle only one room at a time.  Because I spend hours a day on my coaching business, I decided to tackle my office/Gracie's study & art area/tv and workout room.  Here are my before and afters:

Tons of photography tools under my desk, nowhere to place it all

Gracie couldn't even do homework or draw at her desk, isn't that the point of a desk?

Books, books, everywhere books!  Time to edit.

I can't even.....

I'm embarrassed to say I lived like this for months and months.  I'd tidy up here and there but because there was TOO MUCH STUFF and not a specific home for each item, it would end up like this.  Between my makeup career, my photography business and my coaching business, I had little time or mental energy to deal with this too. 

BUT there is hope...... 

Gracie just loves her desk and works at it each day

My desk makes me happy and now no clutter underneath

LOTS of books had to go and many more are on their way out

Gracie knows where everything is now and is back to playing with her Lego Friends.  Anyone need a Yorkie?

My daughter Gracie is only 9 but exclaimed "how beautiful" and thanked me for two days straight.  My husband breathes a sigh of relief when he comes home from work to a clean, tidy, room.  We spend a lot of time in this family room.  Our moods have been lighter this past week.  I truly believe that ridding your home of clutter brings mental clarity and light-heartedness.  We just all feel better this week.  My husband and I work hard so coming home to a sanctuary is a treat!  We deserve this! 

My next project is my closet and my stack of mail that I've literally ignored since August.  It's oppressing.  I will be sure to post my progress each time I complete an area.  Goodwill is my second home, both for donations AND purchases, but I'm sort of on a spending freeze right now so not even GW treasures tempt me as I don't really need anything right now.  I will only bring home what I truly need or what adds value to my life.

Let me know if this has helped you or if you watch the Minimalists documentary on Netflix.  I would love your feedback.  Feel free to add your email to receive my blog posts OR follow me on my Facebook page Michelle Spieler Fit By 50.

https://www.facebook.com/michellespielerfitby50/

Thanks for reading and I hope this was A Good Fit!

Four Podcasts That Are Changing My Life

I am a visual learner so have never been drawn to anything audio other than music.  But this summer I began listening to podcasts while I walked the dogs, made dinner, cleaned the house, or drove my 65 mile hike to work.  Let's just say it's no coincidence that these four podcasts came into my life EXACTLY at the time I started getting serious about my health.  I believe it all goes hand in hand.  I'm not only cleaning up my diet, getting in the best shape of my life, but now also getting out of debt, purging "stuff" from my home, refraining from spending unnecessarily (more "stuff"), and working daily on my mindset.  

Here are my top four podcasts that I listen to weekly, often daily:

#1 The Minimalists

http://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/

Josh and Ryan are The Minimalists and I've enjoyed their thoughtful podcasts since November but in mid December their documentary of the same title came to Netflix.  I highly suggest you watch it and let me know if it doesn't make an impact on your life.  No one is suggesting that you sell everything and live with necessities only, Minimalism means something different to each person, BUT it will have you evaluating the meaning and value behind everything you own.  Check them out.

#2 Dave Ramsey

https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-dave-ramsey-show/id77001367/

I'm currently reading this, I highly recommend it!

Back when we lived in California our church had a class called Financial Peace University, by Dave Ramsey.  We went to the first one, free, but Rob didn't want to pay the $99 for the course so we dropped.  Ironic, huh?  The average FPU student pays off $5300 in the first quarter but we couldn't find $99 to stay in the course.  Life is about priorities.  We would not be in the mess we are now had I taken the course, but alas, such is life.  I am one who learns from my mistakes and I am taking strides to get debt free (consumer debt) in one year's time.  It's possible.  Too keep me on the straight and narrow I listen to Dave's podcast EVERY SINGLE DAY!  I need the constant reminder, along with success stories that it IS possible to pay off debt, pay off your mortgage, and build a huge retirement so you can live in financial freedom.  I'm a bit obsessed. 

#3 Joyce Meyer Ministries

https://www.joycemeyer.org/broadcasthome.aspx

Joyce Meyer is like a spiritual shot of Vitamin B.  I can be feeling down or discouraged and she lifts me up, all by God's Word.  She just has a way of applying God's word to my life right when I need it most.  What a talented speaker, and funny!  I adore her.  Her broadcasts and podcasts are by topics so whatever you're going through, she's got a shot of Vitamin B for you.  In fact, I'm about to listen to "Freedom from Struggle and Self-Effort, Part 1."  It's about to get REAL around here while I clean house!!!!

#4 Earn Your Happy

http://www.loriharder.com/podcast/

Lori Harder comes from the fitness world and has graced the cover of countless fitness magazines.  Her podcasts are uplifting and often educational.  She doesn't touch solely on physical health but mental and emotional as well.  She interviews some of the top selling authors in health and personal development.  Check her out, you won't be disappointed.  I often do my makeup while listening to Lori.

I hope you find value in one or any of these podcasts.  They have really shaped my mind and behavior in 2016 and I'm trusting that 2017 will be a year of discipline, challenge, and growth through the listening of these audio treasures.

Remember, you can follow my blog by adding your email up top and/or following me on my Michelle Spieler Fit By 50 page on Facebook.  Thanks for your time.  I hope this has been a good fit.

https://www.facebook.com/michellespielerfitby50/

Foundation Options for Mature Skin

I'm going to be brutally honest with you, and if you've followed me for any length of time you know that's just what I do.  I don't love foundation.  I did when I was younger but by my late 30s my skin was starting to reveal texture and enlarged pores which I found foundation only enhanced.  Keep in mind that I have been in the beauty industry since 1992 so I knew a LOT about makeup, what brands worked, what didn't.  Cut to 2003, right before I fell into TV, I took a job at a swanky little LA boutique that celebrities and the cool kids shopped at, Fred Segal.  A natural, darling gal came in one day for the Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer and when she told me her age I was shocked.  Her skin was glorious and it looked like skin!  She attributed it to good SPF and Bobbi Brown.  She hadn't had any work done as far as I could tell, and I saw a LOT of "work" daily at that boutique.  THAT was the day I ditched foundation and forever pledged my allegiance to tinted moisturizer.  I loved how it made my skin look and it didn't enhance any signs of aging.

She makes an oil-free version too but SPF15 is not enough so wear a higher SPF daily under it.

Once I reached my 40s, my skin became even more texturized, uneven, and I saw sunspots galore.  I still used my tinted moisturizer every day but now I needed more coverage in some areas.  Instead of switching back to a face full of foundation, I decided to just use spot coverage.  I really liked the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick for that.  I really only used it on my nose, chin, and inner cheeks and just blended it into my tinted moisturizer.  You could certainly do the same with any liquid foundation of your choice, and while the Beauty Blender sponge works well, I prefer my fingers as skin blends beautifully on skin.

Comes in 24 colors

I was faithful to my Bobbi Brown for about 10 years until I moved to a town in North Carolina that didn't sell Bobbi Brown AND add to that, my sister worked for Lancome so that came with a discount.  I started using their tinted moisturizer and while I didn't love it as much as Bobbi's, it was more affordable.  However, Lancome changed their formula and it's now called a Beauty Balm cream and it is lovely!  I think it has even more coverage than before but because of ever-changing technology in the cosmetics industry, it looks like healthy skin!  I just love it!  I use it daily.  To spot correct in areas where I need more coverage I just got lazy and started using my concealer.  I've had an absolute love hate relationship with concealer for like FOREVER!  But I'm pretty happy with the one I've been using for 6 months and that is IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye.  It looks like skin AND they make an "illuminated" version too, but I'm waiting to finish my original formula first.  

I'm on the fair side and I still wear their #3.  Their #2 was TOO light for me.

I use Neutral Medium and you don't need much more than the size of a pinhead.

Just one more option for concealer, back in 2003-2006, all the celebrities were wearing the Cle de Peau concealer and I used that for many years and really liked it.  The only reason I no longer use it is because it's spendy, $70.  You can find it at Nordstrom, Saks, and Neiman Marcus.  It has a lot of coverage but is creamy.  Who knows what the red carpet wears now, I'm in NC y'all!

One of my followers recently wrote to me asking about a good foundation for herself.  She is in her 40s and was looking for staying power, oil-control and coverage for broken capillaries (something that comes to most of us as we age).  She had listed many different foundations she'd tried and they were all great quality but just not working for her.  I suggested Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra 24H because I used it on a commercial, on a 99 degree, high humidity North Carolina July day, and oh, the actresses were white water rafting too!  I panicked!  Having just moved here from Los Angeles I wasn't familiar with makeup in humidity.  My Lancome sister came to the rescue pouring me countless samples of this product in an array of colors.  I had a blonde, an asian, and a black actress so I needed a vast color range.  I used this foundation and after white water rafting, after lunch, I was shocked at the result.  Their skin looked perfect!  I only had to touch up around their mouths because they ate big sub sandwiches!  I was sold on this foundation and while it isn't a formula I'd use on myself, I keep it in my kit for staying power!  

And here is the Beauty Blender, works well, but I prefer my fingers

And finally, so you can see for yourselves, the photo on the left I am just wearing the Lancome Beauty Balm cream, and the one on the right I've also added the Bye Bye Under Eye in areas needing more coverage, under my eyes, my nose, cheeks and chin.  No need for a foundation for me, but I'm always open to products and ideas as there is ALWAYS learning to do in my industry.

No filter, no edits, no enhancing.  You can see I have better coverage on my nose, chin and cheeks.

I also have to give a shout out to Laura Mercier Cosmetics because my professional makeup kit is stocked mostly with her foundations, both moisturizing and oil-free.  Her makeup has held up to Hollywood red carpet events, TV, brides, and photo shoots.  It's a great foundation system, I just don't use liquids on myself.

And lastly, I buy my products with my own money.  I'm not a brand ambassador and I don't receive products for free, however, most companies give pro makeup artists a discount.  All the products mentioned are ones I've used for lengths of time both personally and professionally.  My word is not law though, just my opinion, but I hope it helps and adds value to your life.

Please subscribe to my A Good Fit blog and invite others to as well.  I would so appreciate it!  You can also follow me on my Facebook Fit By 50 page where you will get all of my info firsthand.  Thanks so much for your time.... I hope this is A Good Fit!

https://www.facebook.com/michellespielerfitby50/

Lick-The-Bowl-Clean Sunday Stew (with Whole 30 modifications)

I was married 20 years before I ever made stew!  I mean it, it just intimidated me.  I've also never cooked a turkey, roasted an entire chicken, or cooked a roast though I did make a standing bone-in prime rib for a christmas party in 2010.  It's not that I don't like to cook, I'm actually pretty good at it, it's just my first eight years of employment were in fancy restaurants so I learned to cook that kind of food and not traditional american family dishes.  

Much prettier topped with the suggested fresh parsley but I didn't have any on hand.

Now let me preface, this is Pioneer Woman's Sunday Night Stew so I can't take any credit at all other than following the recipe well, but DANG if I don't nail this every time!  My husband just loves this stew (makes him happy dance) and even Gracie likes it!  And because we're a small family, it makes two nights' worth of dinners so WIN for me!  Pioneer Womans' recipes are easy to follow and she does step by step photos  which is great if you're a visual learner like me!  Here's her link: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/sunday-night-stew/

This dish is literally stewing on my stovetop as I type this but this time around I'm doing the Whole 30 (a nutrition reset for those unfamiliar) so I've had to modify her recipe, especially her mashed potatoes which the stew lovingly sits upon.  As for the stew itself I only had to omit 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and use Whole 30 compliant beef stock.  Easy peasy!  I also always add one extra turnip because who knew I was a turnip freak (?) and I add WAY more garlic because I like to show my stew who is boss!  

Now the mashed potatoes are very different tonight because there is no dairy (butter, milk) allowed on the Whole 30 but you are allowed Ghee (clarified butter with no milk solids)  so I made them with ghee and chicken stock (seasoned with S&P) tonight.  They did NOT disappoint!  They were so flavorful that I honestly did not miss the milk and butter and might prefer making this way going forward.  Lots of yummy sounds were being made and Rob and I each went back for seconds.  That's right, I ate two big bowls full, don't judge.

Ain't she a beaut?!!!! (color is basil)

I also HIGHLY recommend using a cast iron dutch oven to prepare your stew.  The cast iron browns the stew meat beautifully and because I use a Staub, the spikes designed in the lid provide continuous self-basting locking in more flavor!  I'm not trying to sell you a Staub but MAN OH MAN is this a great cooking tool!  I'll have this dutch oven for life.

Spikes on lids create a rain-forest effect that cycles moisture back to foods.

One important detail to know, the reason this is titled Sunday Night Stew, I imagine, is because this dish takes about 3 hours to make.  You won't be standing over it the entirety but it takes time.  I've made it so many times now that the time flies for me and I know I'm getting two nights of dinners out of it but it's a lot of peeling and chopping, and stewing.  I always play a good podcast to pass the time.

This is an awesome meal but especially if you're on Whole 30 like me, or Paleo, this is a compliant, flavorful meal.  I plan on making this all winter long.  Let me know if you try it too!  It brings me excitement to hear from y'all.  

Please share this and/or follow me on my Facebook Fit By 50 page.  I would appreciate your help in growing my audience.  Thank you in advance!

https://www.facebook.com/michellespielerfitby50/

My Whole 30 Journey

I embark on my very first Whole 30 journey tomorrow along with a group of over 30 people joining me.  Even I was surprised that our group got this large, but strength in numbers, right?  Accountability is key to staying the course and if you've followed me on my Facebook Fit By 50 page I probably sound like a broken record.  Accountability, accountability, accountability is KEY!!!

My why: the reason I decided on Whole 30 is I love a challenge.  I've met several people this year who did the 30 and said they would NEVER do it again!  Sign me up!  I'm always looking for a new way to challenge myself because growth comes out of discomfort.  I tried Paleo for only 10 days in December and was blown away by the result (see below).  In a mere 10 days my six pack was starting to show!  I've never had a six pack, not even back when I was a body builder.  The Whole 30 is a total nutrition reset, not a crash diet, and who doesn't need resetting after the holidays?  

Two weeks before Christmas.  I promise you my abs don't look like this today!

My goal: at the end of 30 days I will know my body so much better.  I will know what foods or ingredients truly benefit me and which ones hurt my body.  I think many of us are so busy that we've lost the ability to really listen to our bodies.  Why else are we so sleep deprived?  Overweight?  Diabetic?  IBS?  So many ailments we bring on ourselves simply because we ignore our body's signals.  I'm hoping to shed a few pounds and inches but most importantly this fatty-carb-layer over my midsection.  You can bet I'll post Before and Afters on February 1st, stay tuned.  

I will post about this journey throughout the next 30 days in hopes to inspire others to begin a nutrition reset, and I will be totally honest.  What a great way to begin 2017!!!!

Thank you for your time!

My Year of Sobriety

I was sober the year of 2016.  Let me explain....

Last December 2015 I became aware of a trend in Hollywood where actors and actresses were vocal about giving up alcohol simply because it didn't help them achieve their goals.  I became very intrigued by this concept and quickly noticed that the fitness experts I followed and admired equally didn't drink, or reserved it for special occasions.  In a month where I was definitely OVER-indulging, I ruminated over this possibility in my own life all that month.  

Now mind you, I certainly didn't consider myself an alcoholic or even a problem drinker, but I was drinking wine (my adult beverage of choice) several nights a week and had felt God speaking to my spirit for a couple years that He didn't want this habit for me.  Of course I ignored His voice.  You see, my husband could drink wine every night if the budget allowed ,so how could I refrain if he was still consuming?  Also, we live in a culture of celebration, don't we?  Family and friends are always having birthdays, then all the usual holidays, then there's Groundhog's Day (just kidding), but really there are "special occasions" occurring each month, several times a month.  Right?  I was also about to embark on a fitness journey to get in the best shape of my life by the time I was 50 which was only 18 months away.  I was motivated.

I decided days before 2016 that I was going alcohol-free for an entire year to see if it made a difference in my health, fitness, and spiritual life.  The ONLY caveat was that my dad was taking our entire family to Hawaii in June 2016, a trip of a lifetime, so I knew that I would want to indulge in a few Mai Tais and Pina Coladas, which I did partake in but only a few.  I learned in Hawaii that I could really give or take a tropical cocktail; I was having a blast and just didn't desire much alcohol.  

I will admit that the first few social gatherings of 2016 were a tad awkward and often when people asked why I wasn't partaking THEY were the ones that became uncomfortable, but I just learned to take along or order seltzer water wherever I went and in little time it became my norm.  And just so you know, I wasn't perfect.  My plan was to practice a life without alcohol but without legalism.  My very first slip up was in May for my friend Gwin's birthday celebration.  We had a driver to take a group of us to lovely town of Davidson, NC, for margaritas in one cafe and dinner down the street from that.  I love margaritas and probably only have them once a year so I didn't think I would cave when the waiter brought out JALAPENO margaritas!  But I caved.  I had one, possibly one and a half, but who's counting?  It was just ok.  I was disappointed in myself that I got weak.  But I brushed myself off and forged ahead and other than Hawaii, didn't fall off the wagon again.  Well, except for October-December when all of a sudden I started sipping from my husband's wine glass occasionally during nice dinners.  But only sips of his, never my own glass.  That's ok, right?  Oh, and champagne on New Years' Eve because my lovely neighbors wanted me to celebrate with them so I obliged!  I try to be a good neighbor!

OK, so I wasn't dry the entire year BUT I was 95% dry and really this was a test of myself to see what would change in my life if I ditched alcohol.  So let me break the categories down for you on what areas improved due to my dry-year:

Fitness:  I'm 10 pounds lighter than I was when I set this goal for myself but I can honestly say that cutting out alcohol isn't the reason the pounds fell off.  I lost 10 pounds through good old fashioned clean eating, portion control, and daily exercise.... HOWEVER, when you wake up every single morning without a foggy brain OR alcohol in your bloodstream which affects your muscles the next 24-48 hours, you get AMAZING workouts and have the clarity and motivation each morning to push play and get it done first thing upon waking.  For that reason alone I could give it up for life!

Health:  Do I feel healthier without alcohol?  Nope.  I think some red wine can be good for your heart and some doctors even prescribe it to heart patients.  But, if I'm honest, drinking wine did lower my will power and I would often over eat or make poor choices after consuming a glass or two of wine.  So while I don't "feel" healthier, I believe I am, mentally and physically.

Spiritually:  This was the biggest and most important area of improvement.  For the first time in my life I became an early morning riser (well, actually starting in July).  I would wake up before my family and spend time in devotion to God, then workout.  That set the pace for my entire day.  It was like a success-starter.  I could hear His voice more clearly and I knew I wasn't being disobedient to His plan for me.  Hear that?  I said for ME.  This is not a judgment on anyone who drinks and I don't believe it is wrong for a believer to drink but I knew deep in my heart and spirit that He didn't want it for me.  When you walk in obedience He really blesses your life.  It felt good; it felt right.

Today as I write this its officially 2017.  What is my plan for 2017?  I can honestly say I don't miss alcohol. I also learned that I no longer like inexpensive wine.  I only like the REAL expensive stuff and since I've been a wine drinker since the 80s, yes, I do know the difference and even blindfolded I'd be able to discern. 

  I've decided to abstain from it except for very special occasions (I guess that rules out Groundhog's Day).  I don't need it to have a good time and since I turn 50 this July, I don't want any stumbling block to my goal of getting in the best shape of my life by my 50th birthday.  

I hope you do not feel judged by my story, it's simply that, my story.  I wanted to see if I could do it and while I didn't stick to my goal 100%, I feel really good about my decision in 2016 and going forward in 2017 and beyond.  I'll just take it year by year.  If my story helps anyone who has been on the fence of quitting, OR better yet, sensing God's call to obedience, then I'm glad to have shared it.  And if you think this story could help inspire others, please share.

One more note, my childhood friend, Lori, who is also my coach, has been sober for 4 years and I'm so proud of her.  She inspires me everyday and encourages others who struggle with alcohol that they can live the BEST life without it.  She's my living proof.  She glows.  I love you, Lori, keep on keeping on!