Crossing the Line(s)...and FIT TIP (#100)

What is your summer activity of choice?
Do you have "the lines" to prove it?


Do you use sunscreen?
If you don't...you will...I promise!
I used to live for a great tan.
Then I became aware of the dangers of UVA and UVB rays.

Seriously?
There are ways to disguise "runner's tan".


Before FIT TIP #100...I've been asking myself
and now I'll ask you:
~Do you read them?
~Are they helpful and/or entertaining?
~Should I keep posting them?

Okay...FIT TIP (#100): Sunscreen Savvy **staying on topic**
Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin 30 minutes before exposure to the sun, which allows it to absorb properly. **oops, not so good at that**

Budget brands are just as effective as the more expensive brands.

Overcast weather still requires sunscreen because 80 percent of ultra-violet radiation is still present.

Happy Weekend! Cooler and cloudy days in **the Valley of the Sun** forecast!

Blue Skies...and FIT TIP (#99)

Some favorite BLUE images...
in honor of the last week of August!

Blueberry Smoothie
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 banana
1/2 cup ice
1 T. honey
Blend and enjoy!
Want to sneak in a little green?
Add 1/4 cup frozen peas or a **small** handful of spinach.

FIT TIP (#99): Summer Sizzle
Hop into a cold shower BEFORE your workout. A German study this year found that a pre-exercise cooldown improves performance in the heat--probably because it lowers your heart rate as well as core and skin temperatures.

Try this: If you can't get excited about a cold shower...just cooling your neck and/or head with an ice pack may make a difference.

Flipping Out and Holding Out...and FIT TIP (#98)

First, let me admit
I'm suffering from serious withdrawals.
I had a blast in California with Gavin
and his mommy & daddy.
**and beautifully cool weather**
I love & adore these three...soon to be 4!


and now, regarding FLIPPING OUT and HOLDING OUT

FLIPPING OUT ** Jeff Lewis, Zoila and the rest of the gang**
Thank you for returning.
Chock-full of unexpected one-liners that never fail to entertain!
Can I get a woot-woot?


HOLDING OUT **clearing out my inbox, I came upon this article**

11 Things Every Girl Should Hold Out For

**I need to add, that if you are not single, you cannot hold out...enjoy what you've got**

1. A guy who can make you laugh. Can he make you at least chuckle when the chips are down?

2. A guy who will laugh at your jokes and "get" you. If you think you're funny at all, does he "get" it and appreciate it?

3. A guy who will attend your lame "things." He will go to a boring event even though he will get nothing out of it---he goes for you.

4. A guy who will do nothing with you. Could you entertain each other on a deserted island or while stuck in traffic?

5. A guy who will give you a thoughtful gift or card. Does he have his moments of showing you he has thought about you?

6. A guy who will say he loves you. Not just because you want him to, but because he wants to.

7. A guy you respect. Are you proud of him? Is he proud of himself?

8. A guy you have good chemistry with. Enough so that every time you argue, you will be motivated to work it out.

9. A guy who agrees with you about travel. Does he want to go places and see things with you?

10. A guy with similar family goals.

and then #11...which is just simply wonderful...

11. A guy who sees you the way you want to be seen. He thinks you're smart, funny, beautiful and powerful---always. Even on the days when you can't believe any of that about yourself.

So, are/were any of these "deal-breakers" or "deal-sealers" for you?


FIT TIP (#98): Design It
Rather than trying every new diet fad, design your own plan that will fit your lifestyle. You need to cut out only 150 calories a day to lose 15 pounds in a year, so start small.

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.