IMPACT™ is meal for thought so here are some things I love as food for thought.

In this section I'll tell you about something that just appealed to me yesterday when I was out shopping or when Larry and I had dinner with our friends. Or anything, really, that is just fabulous.

Sometimes I'll share really useful information that I learned during my different life stages - as a young woman, as a wife, as a mother, as a business woman and as a student on my spiritual path of constantly improving and learning. All the wonderful hints and tips that were freely given to me (and some that I really had to pay for); those pieces of information that really helped me get through that day.....don't forget to pass them on to your friends.

Check out Natalie Loves Health for articles on a healthier lifestyle.

1. Global warming has become more and more real. The dramatic changes to our climate is seen each year. Our world today faces considerable energy and environmental challenges that need to be addressed. If we rely on the politicians to do something, it may be too little too late. Its everyones responsibility today to do something so that our children and their children have a world to live in. One of the things every homeowner should do is put solar panels on their roof and generate electricity from the sun. I didn't realize what a effect it could have until I bought a system. You can save the emissions of 3 cars travelling 25,000 miles a year by going solar. At the same time you cut your electric bill by 90% or more. I used Solar Choice Solutions Inc to do our home and I am so happy that I did. Solar power works ... I know.

2. We found this fun restaurant right on the beach some time ago and it has been one of our favorite places to bring the kids since then. Paradise Cove has great food; great views, and great jazz nights mixed with great company your sure to have a fabulous time.  Try their crispy calamari or their macadamia coconut shrimp (enough to share for four!) appetizers or their mile high chocolate cake! My kids love it here especially when the dolphins pop up…parking is validated when you eat at the restaurant for only $3.00 then you can hang out on the beach for a few hours free…Paradise Cove 28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA  90265 (310)457-2503 www.paradisecovemalibu.com

3. I have always been very fussy with my sushi.  The quality of the fish must be so superb that it doesn’t taste like I’m eating raw fish…well after trying out many sushi houses this was the one I love to keep going to…Sushi Hirosuke, especially for the spider rolls and the deep fried ice cream! They also have delicious seafood dishes, though there usually is a wait on the weekends it’s worth it…Sushi Hirosuke, 17237 Ventura Blvd (at Louise Ave), Encino, CA  91316 (818)788-7548

4. For those of you seeking great pore tightening and blackhead removal product then you must try the Sleeping Serum from the Bliss Spa catalog.  The only way I could keep my pores tight and blackhead (or pimple) free were through many (and constant) facials and when I didn’t go my skin would remind me well four children later regular facials is not realistic anymore (and need I say expensive!) so now I cleanse my skin with Bliss clog-dissolving cleansing milk then I follow with the Sleeping peel Serum (at night) and leave it on all night. Once a week I apply their Sleeping Peel Exfoliating Mask which makes my skin glow as if I just left a spa.  I have been using their products for 3 months and have seen dramatic results with no blackheads in sight.  Truly wonderful products that I just had to share with you!  Shop them online at www.blissworld.com

5. Long Beach, California is transformed into Venice, Italy when you go on this gondola ride.  A gondola ride is usually thought of as a romantic excursion, and it is, it is also an adventure.  This was a great experience for the kid’s, we sailed for an hour in and out of waterways and canals that make you feel like you’re in Italy.  The gondolier serenaded us with Italian music as we looked at the beautiful homes along the waterfront.  Christmas time is magical, as many of the homes are decked out with colorful lights.  Bread, cheese, and salami are provided, as are blankets for colder nights.  Bring your own liquid refreshments.  I strongly recommend you make reservations a couple of weeks in advance for this adventure, a month, at least, during the holiday season.  Gondola Getaway, 5437 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA (562)433-9595 www.gondolagetawayinc.com

Check out Natalie Loves Health for articles on a healthier lifestyle.