Adios May & Hello Margarita Cake

Where did it go?

Seriously, May flew right by.

As it was wrapping up, I had a blast in west Texas!

Ole'

Margarita Cake

Offers the favorite sweet & salty combo with a DELECTABLE pretzel crust.

Discovered just in time for Cinco de Mayo.

(finally) Passing it on to (fellow) Lime Lovers!

1 1/2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 white cake mix
1 1/4 cups bottled nonalcoholic margarita mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon grated lime peel
3 egg whites
1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease & lightly flour bottom only of 13 x 9" pan. In medium bowl mix pretzels, sugar and butter. Sprinkle evenly on bottom of pan; press gently.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, margarita mix, oil, 1 tablespoon lime peel and egg whites on low speed 30 seconds, and then medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl. Pour batter over pretzel mixture.

Bake 35-40 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely. Frost with whipped topping. Store covered in refrigerator.

Tip: Look for bottled pale green nonalcoholic margarita mix in the soft drink section. Usually with the club soda and tonic water.

This Is How I Roll...and FIT TIP (#24)

Check out my new ride.

Delish...like a big, juicy navel orange!
Check out Tanner's Beach Cruisers here.
Styles & colors & prices
to make your heart skip a beat!

FIT TIP (#24): SITTING PRETTY
Posture Tips While Sitting:
~Keep both feet flat on the floor
~Align your back with the back of the chair
~Keep your shoulders straight
~Get up often and stretch

Lather, Rinse, Repeat...and FIT TIP (#23)

Oh so fun times in Texas!

While there I

realized it was time to

wash a little something right out of my hair.
**figuratively not literally**
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Uh huh, surrounded by suds :)
**Due to the fact that I don't use my blog as my journal,
the identity of something is not mentioned**
Nothing like a good head scrubbin, y'all!

FIT TIP (#23): Sleep Posture

The best sleeping posture is essentially the fetal position, on your side with your knees drawn up. This position supports the natural curves of your spine.

The worst? Sleeping on your stomach exerts pressure on joints in the back of the spine.

The Getaway...and FIT TIP (#22)

Spending the next few days here.

Nestled among ponderosa pines.
Surrounded by the Gila National Forest.

And then, on to my fave west Texas town.
Meeting up with Kendal's family.
It's the halfway point...
for now.

Relatives and friends.
Ridiculously yummy restaurants.
Amazingly cute antique/junk shops.
My old haunts!

Hanging out with him-

FIT TIP (#22): Posture Perks
Since becoming a Pilate's instructor several years ago, I've been "into" proper posture.

Posture enthusiasts claim that the correct posture can instantly make you appear 5 to 10 pounds thinner, taller, and at ease with who you are.

So, sit up straight, chin up, shoulders down and back.

Many benefits for the "inside" as well...coming soon!

Mercury Rising...and FIT TIP(#21)

Doesn't matter what the calendar says.

Summer has arrived in the Valley of the Sun.
And I don't mind. Really.
Not going to wish away the hot days (4-5 months worth)
until perfect weather returns.
Going to embrace each and every hot **and hotter** one.

Things I'm really loving right now:
~navel oranges~
~house full of ceiling fans~

~Chloe's pigtails~
~frozen grapes~
~covered parking space @ office~
~anticipating a get-away~
~Elmer's tacos & horchata~
~fresh pedicure~
AND
~garden mirrors~
I'm on a hunt...one **or two** for the backyard.

Does this one remind you of anything?

Umm...DWTS trophy ball?

Still kind of cute...in a disco sort of way.

FIT TIP (#21): Key to Longevity

"If there is anything close to a fountain of youth, it is exercise" says Dr. Anne Fabiny, a geriatrician and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "Given its proven benefits and low side-effect profile, if it were a pill, everyone would be on it!"

Was Henry Here?...and FIT TIP (#20)

"Sometimes explanations aren't necessary...you just choose to believe."

Love the line...love the movie.

Expectations were not high...hadn't heard of it.
**love Luke Wilson, since Legally Blonde**
Popcorn, soda, mint ice cream
accompanied us as we settled in...
totally & thoroughly entertained!

Reminded me how grateful I am...

that I was taught as a child.

Prayer & Faith are not foreign concepts.

The choice to believe

is not difficult.

P.S. Kind of made me miss life "on the border".

Every neighborhood needs an Espiranza.

Espiranza means hope.

FIT TIP (#20): Becoming Brainier

Getting your heart pumping through exercise increases blood flow, delivering more oxygen to your noggin.

It also spurs new growth in the areas of the brain that control multi-tasking, planning, and memory.

Try this: Add a bout of exercise (like running up and down the stairs) before you attempt to memorize something.

Night in a Tent...and FIT TIP (#19)

Invited on a little outing next month.
Camping?

**Kendal & Lyndsie are laughing right about now**
What are the chances...

Have not yet committed.

On the back burner...

for now:)

FIT TIP (#19): Slimming Morning Ritual

Every morning, on an empty stomach, drink 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup mixed in 12 ounces of warm water. Promotes good digestion and increases metabolism. **I have a few friends who swear by this...worth a try, I say**

On the subject of morning...NEVER skip breakfast. This is when your body needs energy the most. Stick with healthy choices to start your day off right!

Treat after Treat...and FIT TIP (#18)

Not referring to edible goodies.
Four days of treats.
Okay, some were edible **Tucano's Brazilian Grill, Kneader's french toast,etc .** I digress.

TREAT~Getting ready to board my flight to SLC, I spied my old Texas neighbors/friends. Every family should be so lucky to live right around the corner from the Jensens! Top notch **and dang fun** family!

TREAT~After landing, couldn't wait to get my arms around Gavin, or"G-tank" **as some of his uncles refer to him** He coo'd all kinds of stories **about his wonderful life** and we made each other smile and laugh all weekend!

TREAT~ Met up with my adorable friend, Jamie. Like a good blogger I had my camera in my purse...like a bad blogger, I forgot to use it. Love that girl!

TREAT~Jordan's graduation was Friday. He asked if I wanted to attend the commencement ceremonies before his actual graduation. He **casually** mentioned that President Monson was the speaker!

TREAT~6 word summary of his timely remarks...glance backward, reach outward, press forward.

TREAT~Witnessing Jordan walking "the" walk...congrats, son!

TREAT~Enjoyable & yummy graduation **celebration** lunch/dinner.

TREAT~Being "there" as Jordan received/read an amazing letter of acceptance.

TREAT~Shopping, eating, relaxing **hanging out** with the J. Brown crew. Thanks for 4 **totally** delightful days!
TREAT~Happy Baby Pose **for aunt Kendal**

FIT TIP #18: TAKE A STAND You burn more calories when you stand than sit...and more when you sit than lay down.

P.S. Mayo y Mayo...Don't forget to vote for Mayo (DWTS) on this Cinco de Mayo!