Secret Weapons...and FIT TIP (#97)

I'm not really a napper **except on Sundays**
but I think I could **right this very minute**
in one of these spots---

I'm all about balance **my 2010 word**
so I read the article
Naps and Balance
in The Washington Post.


It **the article** referred to napping as
a secret weapon
in becoming a better parent and
a more productive worker...


increasing patience and energy to meet needs
in the late afternoon and evening hours
when chaos rules...

helping to master "the juggle" on a daily basis.


Do you nap?

Do you have a secret weapon in the juggling war?


FIT TIP (#97): Full Steam Ahead
A luxurious lavender facial steam can help unclog pores, clear sinuses and promote deep relaxation.

Try this: Pour almost-boiling water into a wide, heatproof bowl; add several drops of organic lavender oil. Hover over the bowl with a towel over your head, breathing deeply.

Mini Notes...and FIT TIP (#96)

Dear Texans,
I love and miss you tons!

Dear Photographer (Cliff or Mr. R?),
Thank you for not waiting
for the perfect shots...
I now possess a bunch of interesting photos!

Dear Uncle Ernie,
Thanks for turning a good day into a great day.
You never disappoint. We all love you!

Dear White Van,
You've been parked at the side of my house for 3 days now.
Without budging, as far as I can tell.
It's starting to creep a bit.
Please move.

Dear Mother Nature,
Thanks for the thunder and lightning.
It makes this July heat **somewhat** bearable.

Dear Southwest Airlines,
I appreciate the fact that my bags fly free.
But, more "dings" to Dallas, Louisville and Ontario, please!

Sincerely,
CC


FIT TIP (#96): Grab the Garbanzos
People who regularly consume beans typically weigh six pounds less than those who don't. Researchers believe this may be because the legume eaters get more fiber but consume less fat **especially saturated fat** than those who shy away from beans.

Try This: Throw a handful into salads, soups, or pasta sauce for an extra boost of protein and fiber.

en-ter-tain-ment...and FIT TIP (#95)

en-ter-tain [en-er-teyn]
-verb
to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably;
to divert; amuse

While visiting with 2 of my church friends **home teachers**
one mentioned to the other, that he had recently
dropped off a plate of cookies **to me**
while I was en-ter-tain-ing "someone".

At first, I thought his word choice odd.
But, he's correct.
I do en-ter-tain "someone"...but even better,
"someone" en-ter-tains me.

Mr. R **also known as "someone"**
possesses mad skills in many areas--
one of which being
sound effects.

Watching DWTS and SYTYCD has never been so
en-ter-tain-ing.

As they leap and twirl
Mr. R adds a few **special** noises.

creaks, breezes, crashes, etc. etc.

I crack up.
Sometimes I ask him to stand
**and add facials**
as to make it more of a performance.

en-ter-tain-ment
at it's best!


**top image added in his honor**
He is also Light-hanger Extraordinaire.

ex-tra-or-di-naire
-adjective
uncommon; remarkable

FIT TIP (#95): More & Less
Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants
and less food that is manufactured in plants.

A Change of Heart...and FIT TIP (#94)

It's true. I have changed my mind.
I am female, and so it is okay to do so.
Almost expected, right?

A change of heart about something...
not "someone".

In May I shared my love for this product.

Sister #2 had introduced me to it.
She recently introduced me to it's replacement.

Beyond the Zone
Rock On Dry Shampoo

At nearly one-third the price
it smells **divine** and works just as well!

And yes Lauren, the "other one" runs out fast!

Speaking of INTRODUCTIONS...
Never go into the basement with a man you've just met.
Never.
Ali, did your mother teach you nothing?
Creepy.
Animal parts and ice cream treats co-mingling.
Creep factor rises.


FIT TIP (#94): Hot Towels
Heat increases blood circulation so muscles become more pliable, allowing you to put them through a gentle range of motion that will speed recovery from exercise aches and pains.

Try this: Microwave a wet hand towel for 2 minutes. Shake it out to make sure it's not too hot for your skin. Roll it up lengthwise and place it on the sore area for 15 minutes.

Ah Shucks...and FIT TIP (#93)

What's better than corn on the cob?
Corn without the cob.
**and smiling with confidence--knowing you don't have corn stuck in your teeth**
Southwest Calico Corn

So yummy I've fixed it twice in 5 days...
and quite possibly again today!

--1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
--1 Poblano Pepper **love these**
--1 Small Red Bell Pepper
--2 Cups Fresh Corn Kernels
--1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
--1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
--1/4 Teaspoon Salt
--1 Cup Hominy (rinsed)
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add poblano pepper, bell pepper and corn, and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin and salt; cook for 30 seconds more. Add hominy and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes more.
**I didn't have a red pepper on hand...wasn't totally calico, was totally yummy.**

FIT TIP (#93): Divide and Conquer
If you're a born snacker, divide your daily calories into six or seven mini meals so you always feel like you're having a nibble.

Almost Gone...and FIT TIP (#92)

adios June.
It was **mostly** nice knowing you!

Love this image so much.
Reminds me of the girl, back in the day.

Her bike was a different brand...
she spent **a bit of** every summer day on it.

The dog was a different breed...
she took him along on **many of** her adventures.

She swam almost daily...
in the pool, not the ocean. AND

She rarely took NO for an answer...
she still doesn't :)



FIT TIP (#92): Chomp Away Cravings
Chewing gum after lunch can curb hunger, a recent study shows. But pick your stick carefully. Ingesting too much sorbitol, a common ingredient in sugar-free gum, can cause diarrhea and/or abdominal pain **YIKES**.

Try: Ice Breakers **sorbitol-free** Ice Cubes White sugar-free gum.

Just WONDERING...and FIT TIP (#91)

not to be confused with WANDERING...
then I may possibly end up here:

Divine. Don't you think?

But because today I WONDER instead of WANDER...

I end up here...
and I WONDER:

--why would anyone take a perfectly good chocolate shake and add a banana to it?

--why do I end up behind drivers who insist on traveling well below the speed limit? Which then makes me WONDER:

--what's my hurry?

--why did it take Jake & Vienna so long to break up? And then I WONDER:

--why are Brooks & Dunn breaking up?

--why do some kids not say "Please" "Thank you" "I'm sorry"?...were they never taught?...or are they just brats? Do they say "I love you"?

--why do some kids say "Thank you" for simple things and "I love you" for no reason?

--how is it that we can tell when someone is looking at us even when our eyes are closed?...

--and how come that makes me smile?

Just a few things that have me WONDERING instead of WANDERING this second day of summer.

FIT TIP (#91): FAKING IT
We can make our legs appear longer by wearing pants that have a straight, narrow cut.
Shoes with peekaboo toes also extend the leg line, as do skirts that hit two inches above the knee.

Smarty Pants...and FIT TIP (#90)

Sometimes I think I'm smart.

I'd rather be wise.

FIT TIP (#90): Juice Your Looks
A diet rich in vitamin C and linoleic acid can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dryness, and thinning skin, according to Fitness magazine. Please pass the o.j.!