Dear Jack...and FIT TIP (#48)

Mr. O'Lantern,

I realize that you grow in various shades of white, yellow and orange. But really, for Halloween you must be orange.

Halloween IS orange. Orange and Black, with splashes of neon Green and a tad bit of Purple.

No matter what **creative** people **like Martha** are doing with/to your color, you will forever remain orange in my heart and in my Halloween decorations.

With much love and respect,

CC

P.S. Once Halloween is over, I may or may not be picking up some glorious off-white pumpkins **thank you Sprouts** to decorate for the next holiday.


FIT TIP (#48): Scheduling Success
Schedule your workouts. Mark them on the calendar and set-aside time to complete them. Consider them as important as any other appointment or event you have marked on your calendar.

Mystery Solved...and FIT TIP (#47)

This is what became of the hay delivery.
A pumpkin patch...
next to our office complex.

It appears they are serving up
food and fun,
along with an impressive
assortment of pumpkins.

I plan to mosey on over
tomorrow...
for a closer look, and
to check out the goods!

FIT TIP(#47): Progressive Muscle Relaxation
With no special training or equipment, you can relieve tension and feel much more relaxed in minutes...by tensing & relaxing all the muscle groups in your body.

Start by tensing all the muscles in your face, holding for ten seconds, then relaxing for ten seconds. Repeat this with your neck, followed by your shoulders, etc.

You can do this anywhere. As you practice, you will find you can relax more quickly & easily...reducing tension as quickly as it starts!

Could You, Would You?...and FIT TIP (#46)

Picked up "a little" new reading material.

I like to read.
I really REALLY like books, but
could not, would not do this.
How about you?

I also picked up

spooky-ish old photos
from a local antique mall.
Planning a snazzy Halloween project
in "their" honor.
Will scare...I mean share
once complete.

FIT TIP (#46): Plateau Prevention
It is important to change your fitness routine every 4-6 weeks in order to prevent a workout plateau. Some of the ways this can be accomplished is by varying the type, intensity, or duration of your workouts.

Is It Just Me?...and FIT TIP (#45)

Still using our pools
**in the Valley of the Sun**

Is it just me?
As serene as this setting appears,
could you REALLY relax on those
chaise lounges?

Without wondering what
**like a boulder**
might roll off the hillside and
land on top of you?

I'm just saying...
I'd be scooting my chaise
to the other side!

FIT TIP (#45): Spice It Up
When cooking low-fat/low-calorie meals, use a lot of spices & seasonings. They can make your meals taste so much better and therefore make you feel more satisfied.

Below is my favorite spice mixture **just add to taco meat, guacamole, etc.**

Taco Seasoning Mix

When a little **or a lot** of spice is necessary!
Mix together & store in covered container:

chili powder - 2 Tbl.
paprika - 1 1/2 Tbl.
onion powder - 1 Tbl.
garlic powder - 2 tsp.
oregano - 2 tsp.
ground cumin - 2 tsp.
sea salt - 2 tsp.
cayenne powder - 1/2 tsp.
crushed red pepper flakes - 1/2 tsp.
black pepper - 1/2 tsp.

I often double **even triple** this recipe...as to not run out.
It really can be sprinkled in/on so many dishes for added flavor...ENJOY!

It's Official...and FIT TIP (#44)

Autumn is here!

If I were to say it is now cool
**in the Valley of the Sun**
it would be a fib.

But, I can say it is cooler,
and speak truth.

Also true...I love
the above scarecrow.
**sorry, don't know who to credit**
I am now inspired
to "fall" into autumn!

FIT TIP (#44): Avoiding Ice Packs & Aspirin **4th & final installment**

Finally, it is always important to use the PROPER EQUIPMENT.
Whether exercising at home, the gym, or outside...don't skimp on the equipment. It not only can aid in the prevention of injuries, but also help you keep good form.

What the Hay?...and FIT TIP (#43)

I look out my **office** window, and what do I see?

Two semi-trailers, turning left,
delivering hay...
right next door.
This is a lot of hay!
And a bit odd
in a business/residential/retail area.
Maybe the hay will be used for:

Nightstands/Tables **NY Times**

Love seats **Greayer**

Beds **JC Penney/American Living**

Backyard Seating **The Knot**

Exercise Equipment **hayinart**

Playground Equipment **Country Living**to welcome Autumn

FIT TIP (#43): Avoiding Ice Packs & Aspirin...part 3
The third element in keeping pain out of exercise is PROPER FORM.
Improper form leads to injuries and an inefficient use of the muscle and time.
It is always quality and not quantity that will get results.

Ode to Summer...and FIT TIP (#42)

The J.Brown crew...right before their move to SoCal.

Zucchini Pickles...sweet & crunchy!
First tried these at a grill/cafe in Park City.
Superb flavor & glorious chartreuse color!

~1 pound zucchini
~1 small yellow onion
~2 1/2 cups cider vinegar
~1 cup sugar
~2 tsp. salt
~2 tsp. mustard seeds, crushed
~1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
~1 tsp. turmeric

Bring vinegar, sugar, salt, crushed mustard seeds, dry mustard and turmeric to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and cool until warm to the touch.

Slice zucchini and peel, halve and slice the onion.

When brine is cooled, add zucchini and onion slices and stir to combine. Transfer mixture evenly into 3 pint jars. Refrigerate at least one day and up to 6 months.



FIT TIP (#42): Ice Pack & Aspirin...continued
Two important points exercisers tend to minimize:
WARM UP & STRETCHING
A 5-10 minute warm up is usually sufficient. I often mimic the "real" workout I'll be participating in, but at lower intensity. Preparing the body for the task at hand will decrease the likelihood of injury.

Some stretch **lightly** after warming up, but it is most important to stretch AFTER exercising. Stretching the muscles lengthens them and allows them to heal stronger and be more limber. NEVER bounce or jerk while stretching.

As Summer Fades...and FIT TIP (#41)

Just think...

of the things that could be accomplished from this spot:
reading
dreaming
planning
praying
exercising **note the canoe & bike**
analyzing
journaling
eating **notice fruit bowl**
napping

Don't ya just love it? A serene space, to accomplish important things!

a big P.S. Happy & Joyful Birthday Jordan!

FIT TIP (#41) Ice Packs & Aspirin
If you find yourself running straight for the ice packs & aspirin after a workout, you are probably doing something wrong. It's usually one **or two** of 4 things.
The first element:
EXERCISING AT THE PROPER LEVEL
Starting off slowly can make you stronger faster, avoiding injuries to your muscles.
You should feel invigorated and sometimes a little sore...but, exercising should not be painful.