Stress, depression and the holidays: 10 tips for coping

By Mayo Clinic staff

The holiday season, which begins for most Americans with Thanksgiving and continues through New Year's Day, often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it's no wonder. In an effort to pull off a perfect holiday, you might find yourself facing a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name a few. So much for peace and joy, right?

Actually, with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress and depression that often accompany the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Recognize holiday triggers

Learn to recognize common holiday triggers, so you can disarm them before they lead to a meltdown:

• Relationships. Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time, but tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts can intensify — especially if you're thrust together for several days. On the other hand, facing the holidays without a loved one can be tough and leave you feeling lonely and sad.
• Finances. With the added expenses of gifts, travel, food and entertainment, the holidays can put a strain on your budget — and your peace of mind. Not to mention that overspending now can mean financial worries for months to come.
• Physical demands. Even die-hard holiday enthusiasts may find that the extra shopping and socializing can leave them wiped out. Being exhausted increases your stress, creating a vicious cycle. Exercise and sleep — good antidotes for stress and fatigue — may take a back seat to chores and errands. To top it off, burning the wick at both ends makes you more susceptible to colds and other unwelcome guests.

• Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

  When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.
  1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
  2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
  3. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videotapes.
  4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression too.
  5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.
  6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That'll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
  7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
  8. Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
  9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
  10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

  Take control of the holidays

  Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you may find that you enjoy the holidays this year more than you thought you could.

“Lose the One-Date Blues”

We’ve all been there. You go on a date and it turns out spectacular. The mood is set, the connection is there…Nicholas Sparks couldn’t have written a more touching love story. But then…nothing! Mr. Would-Be Perfect doesn’t call you again, that creep! What gives? Before you drive yourself crazy with second-guesses, take a chemistry lesson with the Dating Coach.

Romance goddess Ronnie Ann Ryan, knows a thing or two about chemistry. Join her in our Dating with Ronnie section as she answers the age old question: “Why wasn’t there a second date?”

Relax!!!

Just because it is not summer anymore doesn’t mean you can still relax. If anything life becomes even more
involved and demanding with kids going to school, work becoming more stressful and the
wonderful vacation just end. The lazy days of summer left us and have transformed into
the hectic days of work and the need to escape starts to preoccupy every crevice of your mind.

The key to staying beautiful at all times is being aware of your limitations and realizing when the time for rejuvenation and repair should occur. Some women consider it extravagant to solicit services from a spa or massage salon on a regular basis, but I say take advantage of your local day spa it is your duty as a woman to learn how to RELAX!

Most spas have couple specials, unique promotions and gift certificates. I like to think of it as maintenance vs. repair. Create yourself a schedule and if you like invite friends to those maintenance days – ie quick facials or chair/neck massages; invite your honey to an intimate to a couples’ massage and then set a day aside to truly repair and replenish the body with a day at the spa with a full list of services from mani/pedi, facial, body wraps and massages.

How to get a massage...

Divorce is a Journey...

Hear ye, hear ye!  We are officially announcing our Featured Goddess for this month:  Laura Campbell, founder of The D Spot.  Frustrated by the lack of resources for women of divorce, she decided to make a difference.  Through The D Spot and her coaching practice, Ms. Campbell dedicates her life to helping women get through every aspect of divorce.

Visit Bella Zadore's site to read Ms. Campbell’s full story.  For more information about Laura Campbell, go to Laura Campbell Companies and The D Spot. 

Make the most of your career with Hitomi

Looking for work?  Trying to figure out how to survive once you find it?

That’s where Hitomi comes in.  This Bella Zadore girl is a professional gymnast with a strong sense of adventure.  She has had a wealth of job experiences and wants nothing more than to help you succeed in life, so she’s building our new Career section.  This section will cover a variety of job-related topics for the career-minded woman.  Job hunting strategies, salary negotiation, asking for a raise, dealing with annoying co-workers…you’ll find these topics and more in our upcoming Career section.  Don’t be late!

T-Minus Nine Months and Counting

We are pleased to announce that Bella Zadore girl Vanessa has started her own section for all the mothers-to-be out there.  Vanessa is very stunning, very pregnant, and very ready to share her experiences with you on this exciting journey.  If you are with child or thinking about making the leap, head on over to our brand new Pregnancy section for all your prenatal needs.  After you check out Vanessa’s personal blurb, be sure to check out “The Bump Guide.”  This month, Vanessa teaches us the dos and don’ts of pregnancy (did you know you shouldn’t eat hot dogs?), so come by for some useful tips.  Your baby will thank you.

Just Enjoy the Ride

Today, information travels faster than ever.  But in a world where a person can send a message across the globe in an instant, it’s important to remember the value of strong interpersonal relationships.

In “Drive-Thru Dating,” dating coach Ronnie Ann Ryan tells us that dating is one aspect of life that shouldn’t be rushed.  Building a worthwhile relationship is something that takes time, no matter how fast the world has become.  You may be able to buy movie tickets on your phone, but you probably won’t find your soul mate in a day.  Listen to Ronnie:  patience is key!

i See Bella...

Bella and the girls have joined the technologically cool revolution, bringing their fresh phrases and unique perspectives to iPhones and iTouchs everywhere.  Show off with your free Bella wallpaper and check back monthly for new additions.  We are debuting new phrases and images with our wallpapers so if you want to stay on the DIVA cutting edge see what iBella fits you best!

Ready Your Beach Body with Dr. Mark

It seems like only yesterday that we were digging our cars out of the snow, and already summer is almost here!  Part of being a Goddess is being comfortable with yourself because, darling, you look stunning!  That being said, if you’re looking to get in shape for bikini season, pair your exercise routine with a healthy diet from Dr. Mark.  This month in Your Temple, Dr. Mark gives us some healthy food tips that will grant you head-turning allure.  Check out “Streamlining for the Summer” for a list of foods that are known for boosting metabolism.  The beach awaits!

“Meet May’s Local Heroine”

Do you want to learn about how to give back to your community?  Do you want to make a difference in a child’s life?  Our May Featured Goddess, Tracy Johnson Russell is quite a role model when it comes to community leadership.  She has dedicated her life to helping others, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down.  In 2008, she co-founded Your Place Youth Center, a group designed to educate and engage young minds to keep them off of the streets.  Stop by our Featured Goddess page to read Mrs. Johnson Russell’s bio for a little inspiration.

“Got a Bun in the Oven?”

Are you pregnant or considering having a baby?  Do you know someone who is?  Or…do you just love babies in general?  If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, head over to our Pregnancy page by Vanessa.  Our self-proclaimed “preg-Goddess” is here to assist her fellow mommies-to-be by sharing everything she’s learned on her pregcellent adventure (or “parous journey”).  This month, she’s compiled a list of Do’s and Don’ts for women in, or looking to join the pudding club.  Check back every month with Vanessa for tips, and don’t forget to hit up our forum to share your experiences.

Up, Up, and Away

Feeling drained from the daily grind?  Perhaps you need to supercharge your body.  We’re all about empowerment, and that includes powering up your body.  In this month’s Food Section, Bella Zadore’s resident chef Valencia shows us what to put in our bodies to get the most out of them.  Check out “Power Food Knockout” for a list of superfoods that will make you feel like Wonder Woman in no time.  Invisible Jet and Lasso of Truth not included.

(Also, swing by our Your Temple section for a Detox Diet to help your body get the most out of these superfoods.)

Be a Natural Beauty

With winter long gone, your inner Goddess is screaming to get out and greet the world.  Of course, you have to make sure you’re ready to make your debut!  Shedding our winter layers means that our daily beautification routines have to reflect the warm season. Step numero uno:  skin care.  But what products do you use for the full effect?

Our body, mind, and soul expert Mara is here to the rescue.  In this month’s Beauty section, Mara tells us how to get the most out of natural cosmetics you can be sure to put your “Best Face Forward.”

Spring Clean Your Body

Spring cleaning can be hard work, but it can also be fun, therapeutic, and very rewarding.  When you tackle spring cleaning this year, why not start with your body?  Your Temple expert Dr. Mark suggests a Detox Diet that is guaranteed to make you feel like the goddess you are.  Not only will you feel a million times better, but it’s a quick and HEALTHY way to shed some pounds in time for the summer.  Read more about the doctor’s diet in “Clearing Out the Junk…”  Your inner goddess will thank you!

Destination: Paradise

The daily pressures of being a goddess can be a bit much sometimes.  Sometimes, we just need a vacation.  Are you in need of some culture, adventure, or relaxation?  Can’t decide on what far off locale would best satisfy your wanderlust?  Just ask Jane, our travel enthusiast.  Never content to stay in one spot, Jane has been all over the world, and she wants you to share the experience.  On her page, “Experiences of an International Traveler”, Jane lets us in on some of her favorite destinations, and fun things to do once we’re there.  

Party Like a Rock Star

All Helena, our favorite “Queen of Jet Setting,” wants to do is party, which is definitely good for her because a party erupts wherever she goes.  She is so full of life and energy that keeping up with her is a full-time job for any goddess.  You can try to keep up by checking out her Goddess Living page.  This month she’s off to Brooklyn to satisfy her musical desires.  With a few tips from Helena, you can be sure that you always know where to find the party...or make it come to you.

Lose the One-Date Blues

We’ve all been there.  You go on a date and it turns out spectacular.  The mood is set, the connection is there…Nicholas Sparks couldn’t have written a more touching love story.  But then…nothing!  Mr. Would-Be Perfect doesn’t call you again, that creep!  What gives?  Before you drive yourself crazy with second-guesses, take a chemistry lesson with the Dating Coach.

Romance goddess Ronnie Ann Ryan, knows a thing or two about chemistry.  Join her in our Dating with Ronnie section as she answers the age old question:  “Why wasn’t there a second date?”

Becoming Mrs. Fix-It

Interior design isn’t all curtains and wallpaper.  Part of making a house into a home means decorating to your heart’s content, but the other part of it is hard labor.  A lot of us have the same attitude toward home improvement:  Get someone else to do it!  But while it might seem intimidating or unnecessary, every goddess should have at least a basic set of home improvement skills…just in case.

Enter Michelle, working mother and professional multitasker.  In this month’s Home section, Michelle shares some helpful tips to get you started in the rugged world of home improvement.

Tequila!

Something about the arrival of Spring makes us want to want to bust out the grill and have a dinner party.  But how can you wow your guests with something they haven’t tasted before?

Thankfully, we have our very own chef to help you cook like a goddess.  Once a month, Valencia takes the time to show us how to make another one of her favorite dishes.  This month, it’s “Sunrise Shrimp with Orange Appeal,” for the cook who wants to get creative with a little tequila.  Like Valencia, it’s a little exotic, a little spicy, and completely fabulous!

…Or You Could Just Hang a ‘Do Not Disturb’ Sign Around Your Neck

As goddesses, we naturally have to spend every waking moment fending off advances from swarms of gentleman callers.  Well, maybe not quite to that extreme, but we still have to be trained in the art of rejection for when the situation calls for it from time to time.  It can be unfortunate.  It can be unsavory.  It can be awkward.  But it can also be pretty hilarious.  This month, serial dater Lucinda has compiled a list of funny and playful ways to let a guy know that “no” means “no” in “Press the Rescue Button!”

Playtime is NOT Over!

Think exercise has to be all work and no play?  WRONG!  Professional yoga instructor, and full-time goddess, Mara, shows us that working out can be fun in this month’s Exercise Tips section.  This month, Mara takes a cue from the kids and puts a grownup twist on a few childhood games.  Remember when every day felt like an adventure?  Get back that exciting feeling with activities like geocaching.  It takes the classic scavenger hunt and brings it to a massive scale.  Relive recess with this and more activities in “Childhood Games.”  Just remember to get home in time for dinner!

Spring Forward into a Fun Wardrobe

Spring is here!   The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and all eyes are on…YOU!  Winter is gone, and the gloves are off—not to mention the boots, coats, scarves, and sweaters—but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay cozy!  We’ll show you how to keep comfy and stylish for the coming months in our Fashion section.

In “Masculine…the Feminine Way,” our resident fashionista Joyce shows you that you don’t need to be spoken for to rock the boyfriend look.  And, with the right touches, you won’t look like you just rolled out of bed, either.

Tranquility Makes the Home a Sanctuary

Bella Zadore girl, Michelle, knows her stuff when it comes to maintaining house and home.  A mother of three rambunctious kids and wife to a surprisingly patient husband, she gives a little insight into keeping balanced amongst chaos, making sure the house always feels cozy and staying connected with her significant other.  This busy wife and mother’s talents don’t begin and end at her address.  She’s also an aspiring entrepreneur, embarking on the final frontier…opening a hair salon.  Don’t miss an article that might be able to offer some assistance in your domestic crusade. 

Love Outside the Box

Do you have a Clyde to your Bonnie, a Caesar to your Cleopatra, a Rhett to your Scarlett?  Then our new site feature, “Love Outside the Box” will be just what the doctor prescribed.  This guide to extreme romantic getaways is all fun and all play.  You will get your mission brief every month with a new adventure…should you choose to accept it of course.  This is date night on steroids and most of the adventures can be fully enjoyed over the course of a weekend.  So what are you waiting for?  Accept the mission before it self-destructs.  

Art is COOL, I Promise!

Some might be under the assumption that museum visits and lectures are all there is when it comes to the artistic community, but don’t be fooled by this mainstream conception.  Bella Zadore girl, Laura is a Chicago native and art grad student who will guide you through the mazes of color, performance, sounds and imagery.  There are many different forms that you’ve probably never been exposed to before and could open your eyes to a beautifully elaborate world that may express your inner most thoughts, feelings or desires.  Take a trip down the art & culture train with Laura as your conductor and relish in the exuberant world of artistic expression; it won’t be boring….we PROMISE!

Relationships…It can’t be that complicated.

As we make the progression from girls to women there is a moment in that transition when we realize the power of a flick of the hair, lipgloss and a smile.  Unfortunately, nobody warns us of how much trouble those little actions can get you into and how puzzling some of the reactions can be. 

Have you ever had a friend who cuts all the nonsense and gives it to you straight?  We do!  Bella Zadore girl, Lucinda, our resident flirt and relationship aficionado, a reformed “man eater” she enjoys sharing the lessons her and her girlfriends have learned from their experiences.  According to Lucinda: “Keep it simple, it’s not that complicated.”

Life is GOOD...When You're Living Like a Goddess!

We all have a gang of girls that we chat with, lunch with and act crazy with.  Sometimes there are those rare moments when the usual dive is just not the happening spot.  Enter…the “Queen of Jet Setting”, Helena Zadore.  This mature maven laughs at danger, welcomes adventure and basks in the delights of sensuous locales.  The best part is that she shares all this wonder with all Goddesses.  From her articles on chic attractions to titillating taste buds – your weekends are set from here on out!

Check the Drama with Exercise

Bella Zadore girl, Mara deals with and sometimes creates the drama in her life which is probably why she spends so much time reviving herself with natural forms of therapy.  Riddled with an inconsistent and dizzying love life Mara takes refuge in yoga, reiki and aromatherapy.  During the day she is a yoga instructor, personal trainer and exercise fanatic.  Her expertise in fitness is easy to witness when you keep up with her articles on the Bella Zadore lifestyle website.  Every month get the latest in basic exercise tips and “check the drama with exercise.”

Travel Much?

Bella Zadore girl, Jane serves as your personal global tour guide.  Travelling the world ought to be adventurous, refreshing and intriguing.  Jane delivers just that from places that might not have come to mind at first thought.  As she skips across the globe to uncover unique cultures and daring endeavors, Jane never forgets to relax and rejuvenate in native pleasures.  Stay tuned to the International Travel channel with Jane as she paves the way to exciting adventure.

Dr. Mark Shows You How to Glow

Surviving the winter season is already difficult enough with endless layers of clothing, blistering temperatures and pot-hole lined streets without having to feel like your carrying holiday delights on your hips all spring.  As always ‘Your Temple’ expert, Dr. Mark gives some great advice on how to restore your natural glow with herbs and spices.  Check Dr. Mark’s article and remove holiday residue to show off your restored youthful glow.

The Goddess of Love Speaks!

The Dating Coach, Ronnie Ann Ryan is certainly well connected.  This month she gets to the bottom of how women can re-discover their sensuality and tap into their own divine beauty in her interview with Venus, the Goddess of Love.  The interview covers some key points such as establishing a positive self-image and understanding that in order to be able to fulfill the mother archetype of nurturing and taking care of others a woman MUST set aside some time for herself.  Read more of Ronnie’s interview with the Goddess of Love and tap into your innate beauty.

Ask Candy Has Arrived!

The newest face on the Bella Zadore DIVA page is Candy!  She shares her professional expertise with the Bella Zadore community.  The wait has been long, but now there is no excuse to not look your best when your answers to your beauty questions are just a click away.  Candy is here to stay, as Bella Zadore DIVA columnist along with resident Dating Coach, Ronnie Ann Ryan.  The wait is over and your appetite has been quenched.  Visit Candy’s column, “Ask Candy” and continue to maintain that natural beauty of yours.

New Site, New Features…Same Bella!

Well…she’s at it again.  Bella wants to make sure you are always getting the best of the best and she’s revamped the Bella Zadore lifestyle site to give you more features, info, tips and resources.  This time the girls are up front and giving it to you straight with Inspiration from Sophia, Travel with Jane and Goddess Living with professional jet-setter Helena (to name a few)….how can you go wrong? 

We’ve also got new blood in the DIVA department, Candy supplies you with the latest and greatest in hair and make-up tips.  And let’s not forget the new feature birthed out of Valentine’s Day, “Love Outside the Box: A guide to extreme romantic getaways.”  If you haven’t surfed the Bella Zadore site now’s your chance to explore all the fun!

Share the L.O.V.E

We hope your Valentine's Day was as special as ours and for those who used our "Keep Love Alive" guide - we hope you thought it was useful.  Now for those who still want to keep things spicy, fun and LOVING use our "Keep LOVE Alive:Valentine Guide" for those moments when you just want to spend some time making your sweetie feel special.

Some of the features of this guide: calling unattached women everywhere live it up with the "Single Ladies Guide".  Want to show HIM that he's special then treat him to some fuzzy feelings with "Lovely Little Things - Gifts for HIM".  Last but certainly not least, the piece de resistance...."Love Outside the Box".  Grab your double agent partner and set out to engage in some extreme romantic getaway missions.

No matter what your tastes or interests our LOVE guide is suitable for any day not just Valentine's.  Take advantage of all the hours we spent putting together this little package of fun and SHARE THE LOVE....on us :)

Looking Celebrity is in Your Reach!

We have a new DIVA on board. Candice Crawford is joining the Bella Zadore Movement as one of our Goddess Columnist on the DIVA page of the Bella Zadore lifestyle site. She is a professional makeup artist and hair stylist who has traveled the world. She will be writing a monthly column based on your questions! "Ask Candy" will debut next month and will be filled with professional techniques and product suggestions you can use at home. Email us your questions and Ask Candy all those beauty questions you've wondered about, it's like having a beauty squad at your fingertips. Check out some of Candy's most recent work.

Spicy Chef + Hot Recipes = Exotic Food

Bella Zadore girl, Valencia is an accomplished chef hailing from Spain. She has her own restaurant that offers a Latin fusion experience unlike any other. Every month she blesses the Bella Zadore lifestyle site with her favorite recipes and concoctions. Valencia's vibrant personality is definitely reflected in her food and every month she exposes the Goddess community to some unique alternatives to traditional American cuisine. Get ready to put your taste buds on a roller coaster and explore the spicier side of life with Valencia's Recipe Tips.

Give your "Hart" this February!

This February give the gift of love to a good cause. Bella Zadore is supporting our February Goddess, Irena Hart and her foundation Harmony 4 Kidz. Harmony 4 Kidz is dedicated to becoming a leading organization that transforms the lives of homeless and needy children by providing shelters, educational and developmental programs.

On February 6, Irena Hart, Harmony 4 Kidz and the Westport Historical Society will be hosting a benefit concert at the Westport Town Hall featuring local and nationally recognized artists. Irena Hart a rising pop artist will be performing the song that sparked the Harmony 4 Kidz movement, “Save the World.”

Tickets are $25 and are available for purchase in advance or at the door from the Westport Historical Society (203.222.1424). Kids under 12 are admitted for free. Youth ages 8 – 18 are encouraged to participate and submit their ideas on “How to Save the World,” winners of the contest are selected to receive various prizes. There will be a silent auction and giveaways. Proceeds will be used to fund scholarships for music and art camps, schools and colleges including scholarships to Landmark Education.

Join Bella Zadore and Goddess, Irena Hart this February to share the love and encourage children to keep striving towards a better tomorrow.

More Event Details
Concert Invitation
"Save the World" Submission Form

Meet our Fashionista!

One of our residing Bella Zadore girls, Joyce is a fashion designer with eccentric and unique tastes and believe us the one thing that she does well is clothes. Every month new tips and insight into the industry will be on the Bella Zadore lifestyle website. This month she has a lot to say about the spring collections coming out. Stay on top of how to handle the dizzying world of fashion with Joyce's fashion blurbs.

Chilly Good Fun!

With snow taking its rightful place in these winter months and 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, days away, wanting to get outdoors and play could become contagious. If you are anxious and want to get out into winter land, but don't have a clue where to start your adventure try some of these unexpected sports.....

Snow Shoeing: sounds funny, but lots of fun and a great, unexpected work out to tone those buns!


Tele Marking: it's kind of like skiing, but much more free form - only your toes are connected to the skis and you turn with the skis pulled directly under your body.


Tobaggon Sledding: When we say tobaggon we mean an elite and well design snow space ship that is able to transport you to the height of excitement, not those flimsy, flat pieces of plastic that crack after a few runs. This sport is simply exhilarating - pick yourself a good length hill free of debris and take off!

This winter have some chilly good fun!

Still Talking Bella-Talk!

IT'S OFFICIAL....we've extended the deadline for our Bella-Talk Contest to January 31st. It's really simple. If you have an original quote, saying or mantra that sounds like it could fit in with all our other Bella Zadore quotes and it's 20 words or less....SUBMIT IT! Our committee of FABULOUS WOMEN will select 5 winners. Those winners will receive a collection of Bella Zadore products and their pictures and winning quotes will be posted on our sites. Good Luck!

Dating DIVA

The woman who helped us launch Bella Zadore's Goddess campaign, dating coach, Ronnie Ann Ryan has been serving as our resident DIVA on our lifestyle website. She offers up smoking hot dishes of dating advice that is thought provoking and intriguing. From the #1 Flirt advocate herself, every month Ronnie has a new article, most fueled by real questions from women and men struggling with understanding the dating scene.

Don't miss out on this month's article, "We had a Great Connection! - Why Wasn't There a Second Date?" and if you have any questions post them to her profile or discussion groups on our online community.

New Year.....Reflect & Proceed

A WORD OF WISDOM FROM BELLA ZADORE GIRL, SOPHIA...

So many people make New Year Resolutions in the beginning of a new year and then wonder why they seldom remember their resolutions. The answer is simple over commitment! As women sometimes we fly around saving, helping, assisting, navigating and carrying so many things, causes and people. STOP.........slow down and DO NOT set yourself up for disappointment! REFLECT on your past decisions and PROCEED as a wiser person.

This is essential so that we now how to PROCEED in future situations. Think about what you were thankful for in 2009 and how you will REFLECT & PROCEED in the New Year.

And if you are tempted on making a New Year's Resolution....choose just 1 and then set a realistic goal and then take baby steps (with mini-goals) that will help you achieve it!

Go to our online community and respond to this topic in our general discussion forum.

How Bella Zadore Found a Voice....

Our January Goddess is an international traveler! She is also very dear to our hearts because she is the one who has given Bella Zadore a voice. Valeria provides the image and the thought while Jane whips up the perfect delicious phrases that Bella fans have grown to love, admire and laugh with. They are like two chefs working in a divine team, one providing you with the pastry and the other with the perfect toppings.

Jane Rushmore is a journalist by day and an avid globetrotter by night. You never know where she will pick up the phone when you call her. Last stop for Jane was in Slovenia, a little country sandwich in Europe near Italy. That's the kind of girl Jane is, eager to discover and uncover the unknown, abstract and interesting. For the last three years Jane's travels have taken her from England to Prague and she's excited to discover new lands, cultures and people for years to come.

However, writing for Bella Zadore has become a task she has taken dear to her heart. Embodying the Bella Zadore message in phrases that all women could relate to across the various demographics that sometimes keep us a part is a challenge, but with Jane's background and keen sense for tapping into the human condition she's sculpted phrases that women from all over have come to enjoy! We sat down with Jane and Valeria and found out how they got together. A fun story about how two women found each other amongst a crowd and built a friendship and birthed Bella. On Bella Zadore Radio we got all the details on how Jane started as a journalist to how she became a travel writer and then met Valeria. She's interesting and engaging. You have got to meet our January Goddess!

READ MORE about how Valeria met Jane....and tales of an Jane, the International Traveler.

And She's Back!

Bella Zadore and the Bella girls are back and celebrating a New Year and new opportunities. The Bella girls have a year full of exciting events, activities and products they want to share with women everywhere. From our Bella-Talk Contest to our online community there are plenty of things you can discover, other women to meet and Bella Zadore products to show off your personality.

Keep up with Bella Zadore Radio and our interviews with Featured Goddesses, then breeze on over to our Facebook fan page and mingle with other Bella Zadore fans and see photos from our Goddess events. It's so much fun being a part of the Bella Zadore Movement and we invite you to come and be a part of it!

Putting the "Hart" into February....

Our upcoming Goddess, Irena Hart, is a force to be reckoned with. She is a rising dance/pop diva and performs all over the country. Although she is able to transmit infectious grooves into the atmosphere and get bodies moving on the dance floor, she’s also an avid activist. Irena Hart works just as hard for her non-profit organization, Harmonyz 4 Kidz, as she does on stage. February promises to be special and filled with love, especially when you have “Hart” stirring things up!