I have a dream of a world where over 50% of world leaders are women. I have dream of a world where over 50% of corporate executives are women. I have a dream of a world where women are considered extraordinary; where girls and women are rewarded for their intelligence and insight.

I have a dream of a world where women are confident in who they are and how they look. I have a dream of a world where all women's body types and features are considered beautiful because they are of this world. I have a dream of a world where women look extraordinary in what they wear because their clothes fit their bodies, their personalities their audience and their environment. I have a dream of a world where clothes shopping can be fun because the possibilities are endless and everyone can find what they want.

The start of a new year is a good time to dream big. But, how can one clothes designer from West Linn, Oregon promote her dreams? I guess the way to begin is simple - one person at a time, and ... one outfit at a time..

Most of us have had one outfit we loved. How did we feel when wearing it? For me, I felt beautiful, confident, and somehow I had more energy. The days I wore this outfit it seemed I got more done and people seemed friendlier.

I can help women have a closet full of these clothes so everyday they can feel more confident, have more energy, get more done and interact with people in a more positive way. I will do this by educating women on how they can determine which clothes, and accessories look best on them through this newsletter, my website and workshops. I will partner with others to educate women in other aspects of life; e.g., exercise, diet, hair, skin care, and personal growth. I will tailor custom and semi-custom clothes for individual women in-person and through my website. It is my hope that as women learn how they can shine in their own beauty and intelligence then they will teach other women and girls.

Let's tell the world what women are capable of. Join with me to create this dream: learn, shine, and teach. If you want to contribute to this newsletter , have questions, ideas or comments, please email me at joy@designwithjoy.com or call me at 503-313-6282.

It's that time of year again; the holidays are over, and you're sporting an extra 5-10 lbs. on top of the 10lbs. that you vowed to get rid of last year. You've been counting calories since you were 16, you've worked with a personal trainer who worked you so hard that you could barely get out of bed for a week, and you've exhausted every diet pill on the market. You stare at your reflection in disbelief; wondering how you let yourself get to this point. The good news is you are not alone; there is a safe and effective way to shed those extra pounds for good. As a personal fitness trainer for over 16 years I have found four keys to success:
1. A customized program designed to not only meet your fitness and weight loss goals, but to help correct postural and range of motion deviations that may be contributing to joint pain and degeneration.

2. Forget about diets and learn how to make good food choices that are healthy and satisfying and won't leave you feeling deprived.

3. Vary the routine and make it fun.

4. Set realistic goals that are achievable.

There are hundreds of books and videos on everything from Pilates to Abs of Steel. While they may help you shed pounds and give somewhat instant gratification, the long term implications can be truly negative. Remember that every exercise is not for every body. Here's a simple example; let's say that you stand with your feet rotating out to each side and your knees are off center. You jog 4 miles a day. Every time you jog you are actually wearing away at the integrity of the knee joint. Although you may not feel any pain for years, there is degeneration going on in the joint that will most likely lead to arthritis down the road. It's as if you were driving a car with one of the wheels out of alignment for 40 years - eventually it's going to blow!

My goal is not to discourage you from jogging, or breaking out the Tae Boe tapes, it is simply to educate you and encourage you to have a professional conduct a thorough assessment of YOUR body before beginning an exercise program. Even if you are already an avid exerciser, consider a "workout makeover." Not only will this help you to prevent injury, it will break you out of your rut and help you to reach new heights.

I realize that not everyone can afford a personal trainer on a regular basis, but if you give up one night out on the town, you can at least afford to have an individual assessment that will help steer you in the right direction. I guarantee you that it will be the best investment that you ever make. Not only will you reach your goals with greater ease, but you will do so without the risk of long-term injury. Additionally, if you suffer from chronic neck, back, hip, knee pain, etc....you may rid yourself of the pain entirely.

When choosing a trainer it is important to find someone who has credentials - either a degree in exercise or kinesiology, or they should be certified by one of the following:
• American Council on Exercise
• National Academy of Sports Medicine
• American Council on Exercise
• National Strength & Conditioning Association

Ask for referrals from previous clients and, most of all, feel comfortable working with this person. While cost will be a factor for some of you, don't try and cut corners. You get what you pay for. Don't expect to go into a VW dealership and drive out with a Porsche.

Andrea Bruno, B.A., C.P.T., C.E.S.
President, Leading Edge Fitness
West Linn, OR 97068 • (503)502-6776

What Do YOU Want to Know More About?

The goal of this enewsletter is to provide women with useful resources and relevant information.

The more we know about you, our readers, the better able we will be to meet your needs.

Send us your questions - about clothing, image, health, fitness, finances, business concerns, or topics you would like to know more about. We will try to find answers.

Or, share what you know.
Write an short article, recommend a book, suggest a conference, mention an organization, or tell us about a business or person that has helped you.

If we publish your submission, we will include your name, and a link to your website (if you like).

Send questions and submissions to joy@designwithjoy.com

We look forward to hearing from you.