Standing at FDR Bridge near East River
Standing at FDR Bridge Overlook near East River.  Wearing Forever 21 Faux Fur Vest, J. Crew Black SchoolBoy Blazer, Tindley Road Faux Leather Peplum Top, Anne Klein Black Riding Boots and Totes Animal Print Umbrella.

I went to pick my daughter up from New York City for Thanksgiving last week, just as the weather was forecasted to bring a Nor’easter. The high winds brought with extremely cold rain with them, and while I was glad it wasn’t snow, it was still quite a pain to drive out of the city in.

The plan in NYC was to get a peek at the Macy’s Day balloons being inflated the day before the 85th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Because of the high winds and torrential rain, the plan to inflate balloons was delayed causing a change in our itinerary as well. But that wasn’t a problem, the rain didn’t stop a visit to Sephora or having a nice Thai dinner with Channing.  I am thankful that I am able to easily switch gears to just enjoy whatever my surroundings may be even if rainy cold and miss the opportunity to be child-like and seeing the Macy’s team at work getting everything ready for all to enjoy for the upcoming holiday season. And I still did get to enjoy the balloons of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the comforts of my warm home.

At East River, NYC. Wearing Forever 21 Faux Fur Vest, J.Crew Black School Boy Jacket, Piperlime Tindley Road Faux Leather Peplum Top, J. Crew Animal Print Skirt, Anne Klein Black Riding Boots and Totes Animal Print Umbrella.
December is typically one of the happiest times of the year, with the celebration of Jesus birth, and enjoying all the festivities associated with Christmas. So, now that the sun sets closer to 5:00 PM daily means darker skies, shorter days, seriously colder temperatures and snow. The lack of sunlight for many can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder or S. A. D.  Also know as winter depression, winter blues, or seasonal depression.

SAD is a type of depression that occurs during a change in season, usually fall and winter.  People who suffer from SAD have many of the same symptoms as those with depression:  lack of energy, tendency to oversleep and over eat, especially a craving for carbohydrates which leads to weight gain.  Other symptoms include but not limited to feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating on or completing tasks, withdrawing from family and friends, weight gain, and not enjoying things that one enjoys this time of the year.

ERHEastRiver3How to Avoid S.A.D.:

  • Eat Nourishing, High Protein Foods
  • Try Bright Light Therapy
  • Take Vitamin D
  • Exercise To Get Plenty of Oxygen
  • Supplements:  5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) and/or St John’s Wort
  • Minimize/Eliminate:  Caffeine and other stimulants;
  • Minimize/Eliminate:  Aspartame or Nutri sweet
  • Avoid Stress, Learn Relaxation Techniques
  • Don’t Skip Meals

If you continue to struggle and feel hopelessness don’t hesitate to see a qualified medical professional.  You don’t have to conquer these overwhelming feelings on your own. Seek help, hope and sunny days!