Believe It or Not...and FIT TIP (#35)

Can't believe it's already Friday...again!

Can't believe August has been here for a week!

Can't believe I stepped in dog poop this morning **with my right bare foot, no less!**

Can't believe after filling my cart w/yummy ingredients **including this sweet basil plant** for a pesto/pasta recipe, I came across this box...promising the same thing...for a fraction of the cost.

Can't believe I threw a few of the boxes in my cart. **for a quick side dish, when needed** But, plan on fixing the real thing this weekend.

FIT TIP (#35): Shower Stretching
The act of stretching will help release stored tension and enable you to start **or finish** the day feeling more relaxed, at peace, and ready to handle what comes your way.
Warm water loosens up muscles, making it easier to get good stretches.

Sit a Spell...and FIT TIP (#34)

My little chairs...

are missing my little people.

Me too!

FIT TIP (#34): Healthy Toppings
Many condiments can spice up your cuisine without adding calories, and in some cases, they even accelerate weight loss.
Eight healthy favorites:
**Salsa
**Mustard
**Yogurt--plain, nonfat
**Ketchup
**Hot Sauce
**Vinegar
**Curry
**Soy Sauce

It's Such a Dirty Word

LAUNDRY

If you have a laundry room...

can you still use a laundry bag?

Could this **from India Rose**be any cuter?
Tuxedo ruffles and a drawstring!

**I'm just saying**
If I had to leave home to do laundry,
this would go with me.

P.S. No smart remarks from those of you with 5 kids, who do laundry all day long :)

There's a New Bob in Town...and FIT TIP (#33)

salad kaBOB

**layer salad on a skewer, drizzle your fave dressing**
Such a fun way to fix, serve, and eat a summer salad!


Yummy option: Chicken Cobb KaBOB
Nice ring to it, huh?
**sorry, didn't get a picture...was so cute and colorful**

Layer:
romaine lettuce
avocado chunks
grilled chicken pieces
cherry tomatoes
hard-cooked egg wedges **Lee and Lynds favorite**

Drizzle:
blue cheese dressing

Sprinkle:
crumbled bacon


FIT TIP (#33): Sap or Save?
Surround yourself with green **living** plants both at home and in the office to help break down radiation coming from computers and televisions. The extra oxygen plants produce is an added energy saver.

Sometimes I ALMOST Forget...and FIT TIP (#32)

When I glance out a window...

and observe palm fronds and flowery bushes
swaying to and fro-
rustled from their stillness
by summer breezes,

I ALMOST forget.

Then I open the door and REMEMBER that it is ALMOST 110 degrees out there...in the Valley of the Sun.


FIT TIP (#32): Hoop it Up!
What is one of the cheapest **and most fun** pieces of exercise equipment you can buy?
A Hula Hoop!
For maximum weight loss results, use the hoop in short bursts of two minutes each.
Incorporate the hoop into a circuit routine for energetic cardio segments, or
TRY THIS: Hoop during the commercials of your favorite tv show. **about 22 minutes per one hour program**

I Scream, You Scream...and FIT TIP (#31)

We all scream for ICE CREAM... Always on the look-out

for ways to put my collection of

"pedestals"

to good use.

I am so going to try this.

**thank you Country Living**

Introducing my most recent summertime obsession:

Two words: creamy coconut
Two more words: deliriously delightful
**yes, they come in other flavors, but why?**

FIT TIP (#31): Simple and Consistent
"It's not how much you do, but that you do it, and on a regular basis. Consistency is the key. You will see results over time if you exercise consistently."
--Kathy Kaeler, fitness consultant to the stars

What's On My Head?...and FIT TIP (#30)

Gavin

**wearing daddy's hat and...

hotel's shower cap**

Chloe

**stylin' bandanna...
and flowery headband**

Stone

**donning a fireman's hat...
and CC's beach hat, sideways**

I more than love and adore these three!

FIT TIP (#30): At Home Workouts:
**So handy...ignore the ringing phone and urge to switch laundry loads!
**Can target all fitness levels!
**Are great time and money savers!
**Can be performed sans makeup!
A few of my personal favorites.

California Dreamin'...and FIT TIP (#29)

Fourth fun in San Diego.

Lil dude loved every minute--

sun, surf and sand.

We all did.

FIT TIP (#29): Summer Exercise Safety

**first & foremost---hydrate**

**monitor heart rate---avoid distress**

**avoid outdoors in the high heat of the day**

**wear poly-cotton fiber blends--perspiration evaporation**

**use sunscreen and a hat--even on cloudy days**