Benefits of Personal Trainers

Personal trainers are knowledgeable and experienced professionals who work with clients to help them achieve their fitness goals. They encourage you and force you to push yourself and they are great motivators. Where do you live? There is San Diego personal training, Boston personal trainers, etc. Basically no matter where you live you can find a personal trainer. During your first session, tell them what your fitness goals are. Do you need to lose weight or just get in shape? Let them know. They can create a plan just for you that will help you meet your goals.

Healthy Italian Food

Italians have one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Go to Italy and it is a rare thing to see someone who is extremely overweight. The lifestyle, the wine, the olive oil, the fresh produce... these things all combine to deliver the benefits of lasting health. Do you have a restaurant near you that prepares fresh, healthy Italian food? There is an Italian restaurant in California, for example, that many consider to be amongst the best san diego restaurants. There are also great Italian restaurants in other cities such as Boston, New York, Chicago, etc. And sometimes the best places are the ones you discover by accident. You know the ones I'm talking about. Tucked away in a corner with just a few tables. Good food, great atmosphere, and lasting health, after all are a benefit of living a Mediterranean lifestyle.

Exercise from Today

Today my exercise goal was to do 1 hour of recreational cardio. My husband is training for a marathon in October so I went with him to the Charles River. He ran, I walked. Walking is something I did all the time in Germany and had no problem maintaining my weight. I walked for around 80 minutes today.

Eight Week Exercise Plan

I am starting a new eight week long exercise program. I like it because it has you going to the gym and actualy doing some serious lifting. I've had a handful of false starts this year with other challenges found in magazines because the exercise routine wasn't hard enough. This plan has me doing cardio with heart rate training and requires that we hit the gym to lift weights. I love exercise and this plan is more intense and more at my level.

Tomorrow I get on the scale...

I've designated monday as my weigh in day. I don't know if I should skip it this week because I'm bloated and I may get discouraged. But maybe I'll just suck it up and do it anyway. I am still not sure how often I should weigh myself. Recent studies are showing that people who weigh themselves every day lose more weight. I am not sure if that will apply to me, though.

We'll see. I guess I'll need to think about it.

Nutrient Dense Foods

I've been wracking my brain... what am I doing different in the U.S. than I was in Germany. Then I figured it out. When I was there I focused on eating nutrient dense foods. I'd add spices, herbs, and even seaweed to the foods I eat in order to make it more nutritious. So for the past week, I've focused on this aspect. Here's what I used to do, and what I started to do again...

• Drink a lot of herbal teas
• Make herbal infusions (steeping certain herbs for about eight hours in a covered glass jar). The herbs I use for infusions are typically stinging nettle, oatstraw, and sometimes red clover, mullein, or red raspberry leaves mixed with a little mint.
• I consumed a lot of "warming" herbs that boost your metabolism such as ginger, cayenne, and cinnamon. I add these whenever I can.
• I put a pinch of dulse flakes in almost everything I cook, especially soups. Dulse is so nutritious!

My Weight Loss Goals

I have a goal to lose 20 pounds. I have until October 9. I've been steadily gaining weight since moving back to the U.S. from Germany in 2004. Two years later I've decided to do something about it. I even ran a marathon and haven't lost weight.

I've been puzzled but decided to change one thing at a time. I'll speak on that in another post.

Nightime Tea Blend

Here is a great blend to help you sleep:

2 Parts Chamomile Flowers
1 Part Lemon Balm leaves
1 Part Spearmint

It is light and refreshing and nourishing to the nerves. Enjoy!

The Mail

I really need to organize my mail better. I get it, then it goes "somewhere" so I can organize it. I have a few of these somewheres and I am currently buried under paper.

I'll keep you posted on what I do to fix this!

My house is a mess

Oh gosh. My house is a complete mess. I need to learn how to manage my deadlines AND the household chores such as laundry. Plus, I would love to be able to save money on cleaning. I pay someone to come every week (or every other week).

My solution is the fly lady. www.flylady.net

I obviously need some outside help!

Trail Running

I've been trail running lately and I must say, I love it! After I ran that marathon last year, I got tendonitis. And I still have it! Frustrating, I know. But, I can still get my running high. Since I've discovered trail running, my joints have been happier and I get that happy buzz from running. You guys should try it!

Healthy Dinner Ideas

What's for dinner? When you're in a rush, chances are you aren't worried about if your dinner is healthy. We eat pre-packaged foods or go out to dinner. Well, it is possible to throw together a healthy meal in no time. Here are some ideas:

• Make healthy soups in advance. That way, you'll have a quick dinner. All yo uneed to do is reheat!
• Learn the fine art of making a great pasta dish. Healthy pasta meals can be thrown together in under 20 minutes.
• Make hot sandwiches. Just make your favorite sandwich and throw it in the oven at 400 degrees F until it's nice and crispy. Serve with steamed veggies or a salad.

Orlando vacation

What if you took a vacation that was more than a vacation? Does this make any sense? lol. Vacationing is good for the soul. It can help your mind and your body. Orlando is a great spot for your health. The economy is sound so no stress in getting a job if you move there, there are pletny of spas and things to do... it is more than just about Disney these days. That's why a vacation home Orlando is a great investment. If you decide not to live there full time you can rent it- there's certainly plenty of demand!

liposuction

In the previous post I talked about plastic surgery. There are reasons other than vanity why people would get it, I am sure and I understand many of you are concerned with things like los angeles liposuction. Have you decided to check out the new place on Rodeo Drive? If you decide to go there for your treatments I am sure you'll get star quality treatment!

Plastic Surgery

I know, this blog is about living a healthy lifestyle. I also know that there are many of you out there who are unhappy with parts of their bodies or may need some help for other reasons such as breast reductions or to reduce scars. Well, for those of you considering plastic surgery, you'll be happy to know that Los Angelas liposuction has a new member of its kind right on Rodeo Drive with a view of the Chanel and Hugo Boss shops. I don't know what they prices are, but they tag them as "reasonable". I guess if you would like to give them a try, be my guest! I am sure they are professional and at the forefront of their field.

Debt and Your Health

It is no secret that being in debt causes stress. And we all know what stress can do for your health. Do you know how much debt you really have? This is the first step to gaining control of your finances. The second is to do some debt consolidation. Debt consolidation is when you combine all your debts into a low interest loan. Sound good? Well yes, it is. It is nice only having one payment to worry about. However, they do ask for collateral. Most make you put your home up for collateral which could also add stress. This is a good option overall though and one you may want to consider.

Spinach Salad Recipe

It's been a while since I posted a recipe. Here is one of my favorite salad recipes. I season it with either Ceasar salad dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice and some olive oil.

Serves 2

3 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup pitted black olives
2 palm hearts, sliced in eighths
2 tablespoons feta or ricotta salata
dried or fresh oregano to sprinkle on the top

Arrange spinach leaves on a platter. Follow that with olives and palm hearts. Sprinkle cheese over the vegetables. Garnish with oregano. Serve the dressing on the side.

Stinging Nettle Infusions

Lately I've been thinking a lot about Germany and how healthy I felt when I lived there. I was twenty pounds thinner than I am now. I lost all that weight when I lived there. Moving back to the U.S. I slowly started to creep on the pounds. I still don't understand why.

I am trying to figure out what it is I did differently back then. I walked more. I drank herbal infusions (herbs like red clover, stinging nettle, and oatstraw steeped overnight). I foraged. I ate whole foods. I do these things sometimes, by they aren't a part of my life.

The first habit I will re-enter into my life is the daily making of infusions. I have the pot of water boiling and my stinging nettle is standing by, waiting to be added to the boiing water. Yum!

Weston Price Organization

I have been glued to the Weston Price Organization's website for a while now. I used to read and apply the information contained within it all the time. I stopped doing so when I moved back to the U.S. from Germany. That is when I was at my skinniest. I don't think it was an accident.

The information on that site makes a lot of sense to me. I have been trying to loose weight by eating fortified protien powder shakes or meal replacement bars and taking supplements. I've watched the pounds creep on and have been plagued by bad periods and odd food cravings.

According to that site, the kind of eating I have been doing is part of the problem. How could I have let myself eat in a way that doesn't make sense? Eating like the way I have has never made sense to me. Why have I been doing it?

I am not sure I can answer that. Convenience, maybe. All I know is that I have been doing things all wrong and want to get back in touch with my holistic, herbalist self.

I raise my glass for a toast. Here is to ditching the diet and focusing on making my diet healthy and holistic once again.

Haagan Daz Low Fat Ice Cream

Is SO GOOD. I just had some. The serving size is pretty small- 1/2 c. is 5 grams of fat. But really, it has a rich chocolate flavor. The only difference I notice is that it is harder to scoop than its high fat counterpart.

It is good, but as soon as I reach my goal, I am switching to the high fat version because it is better. But, the low fat kind is good for a chocolate fix.

What are your favorite low fat foods? What do you do when a chocolate craving strikes?

Magazine Obsessions

Well, keeping track of what I eat hasn't happened yet. I am not sure if I want to be that regimented or if I can lose weight without it.

Anyway, I noticed something. I have a tendency to reach for a fitness magazine when I start to feel like I could be in better shape. The articles promise 6 weeks to a fitter you, transform your body in 4 weeks, etc etc. I did this the other day. I went to the news stand and almost bought another issue.

But I've realized something. All these articles say the same thing. I have yet to find one that tells me something I don't already know.

The secret isn't those articles. It comes from within. It comes from actually applying what you learn and being consistent. Duh.

Food and Exercise Diary

It is summer and I am well aware that I would like to get fit so I can look good in a bathing suit. So to speed things along, I've decided to keep a food diary and post what I eat here in this blog. I figure, if I am posting it, I will make much better food choices.

In addition, I am going to start food combining again. My stomach has been a little out of wack lately and I think it will be easier to get my daily allotement of fruits and vegetables this way. I lost weight food combining before. Here is my basic food combining plan:

Morning- Fruit

Lunch- Fresh salad with some sort of protein

Dinner- Carbohydrate with cooked vegetable, legumes are also acceptable

Stinging Nettle Infusion

Today, I've rekindled my love for stinging nettle infusion. When I lived in Germany, I used to drink gallons of it. I would steep large amounts of it in a glass jar overnight and drink it iced the next morning. It tastes so green and healthy and is full of minerals.

I was at my thinnest and healthiest then. There was something about the food, the lifestyle, and even the infusions... it all worked. I lost weight despite my lifestyle of eating well and drinking lots of cocktails.

So today, I made some stinging nettle tea. I let it steep for a while and it was lukewarm, too cool for me to sip and enjoy out of the mug. I was faced with a choice- heat it or ice it? I opted to put it on ice and each sip brought me back. I used to collect stinging nettle (with gloves) in the fields near our apartment. I also used to buy bags of it for around two euro a bag at the local Apotheke. I walked every. I miss it all.

Perhaps that iced glass of stinging nettle infusion is a sign that things are about to change.

I lost weight!

I weighed myself this morning and realized I lost 1.5 pounds. I wasn't going to go to the gym but after I weighed myself, I realized that the reason why I lost weight is because I've been exercising consistently.

So I went. And I had a great time! I did thirty minutes of the bicycle and 45 minutes worth of abs, back, and biceps. I worked each muscle group for twelve sets worth.

The only problem is that I have a deadline today and I WANT CARBS. I wasn't really stressed, but the deadline made me want to eat bread. Not a good thing. Perhaps next deadline I'll do all my work away from my home and my kitchen.

It's summer

It's been summer weather here and I am well aware that I am not ready for that bikini yet. I've exercised every day this week and I've been eating a lot better but still the scale has not moved. Do you think I am frustrated? Oh yes. Yes, I am.

Trying very hard not to dwell. But, it is a little frustrating when you feel as if you are working hard and there are no results.

At least I like exercise. If I can just maintain that attitude, I think I'll be ready for that bikini sooner than later. I hope. I really really hope.

Simple Steps to Exercise Recovery

I trained for a marathon last year and ran it successfully. My challenge for this year was to train and climb Mt. Rainier. However, I developed achilles tendonities during my training and discovered I had tendonitis in both my knees for the running. So now, I am just getting back into exercise and am about three weeks in to my new exercise/ training program.

One thing I need to do is to approach nutrition and fitness more scientifically. My first step to taking this approach is to learn how to fuel my body. Most importantly, learn how to fuel my body directly after exercise to help aid recovery.

Here's what I found:

• Consume carbohydrates- Consuming carbohydrates directly after your workout helps replenish the glycogen stores in your muscles.
• Balanced meal- You not only need to consume carbohydrates after a workout, you need to have a good balance between carbs, protiens, fats, and liquids. This provides your body with the right nutrients to not only heal, but get stronger.
• Water- Hydration is important not just during the workout, but after. Not drinking enough fluids is an energy zapper and not good for your metabolism.
• Antioxidants- When you exercise, you have an increased need for antioxidants. Taking a multivitamin consistently as well as eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and veggies should do the trick.

Post meal options include meal replacement bars, fitness shakes with fruit and protien powder, and a regular meal. If you aren't hungry after the workout, it is still a good idea to consume carbs and protien. You can buy liquid protien drinks or you can drink a sports beverage like Gatorade.

I am going to take my own advice. I want to work out smart. Right now, I am craving a protien shake. I may as well take care of that. I want to be well recovered to give myself that fitness test tomorrow.

Body By Glamour

I decided to sign up for the Body By Glamour program. I've finished the Self Challenge in the past, with excellent results. Now I want the same results but with a different challenge.

http://www.glamour.com/bbg/

Tomorrow, I will adminster a fitness test so I can track my progress. I'll post the results here.

Today's workout

I got back from the gym a while ago. Yesterday's muscle conditioning class had me doing squat after squat... my legs were sore today which made pushing myself with cardio out of the question. I went on the exercise bike for forty five minutes and then did some abs and stretches.

I guess the soreness is normal, but I am wondering if I am doing something wrong when it comes to exercise recovery.

I like exercise, finally

After weeks of forcing myself to go to the gym, I finally like exercising again. At lunch today I had a Greek coffee and I think that had something to do with the workout I had. I went to this muscle conditioning class and we jumped rope. I felt like I could jump forever and I felt like a kid again.

Has the scale moved? No, not yet. But atleast I'm having fun. I am also logging what I eat, but I am not as worried about my diet for the moment. I am just concentrating on maintaining a workout schedule. One thing at a time.

Here are my workouts so far:

Monday: 25 minutes on the stepper, 30 minutes weights
Tuesday: Muscle conditioning class- high impact aerobics mixed with weights
Wednesday: Projected workout: 25 minutes on the stepper, 30 minutes abs and lower back followed by stretching.

I was supposed to climb Mt. Rainier, but injuries have prevented me from being productive so I had to back out.

Weight loss journey

I've been neglecting this blog, and I regret it. I miss writing about health and wellness, etc.

The truth is, I haven't really felt healthy. I've gained weight since moving back to the U.S. Now that it's spring, my appetite has gone down and my physical activity has gone up. I'll keep you posted.

Anyway, I am going to chronicle my weight loss journey in this blog.

Boating

Do you own a boat or wish you did? Maritime supplies and technology are important especially if you spend long periods of time out at sea. Chart plotters, gps systems, computers, etc are an essential part of the equipment you need.

Now that the summer is just around the corner, it is time to start working on getting our boats in great condition, including the right equipment.

Been to the doctor?

With all the vioxx lawsuits happening, are you afraid to go to the doctor for fear that you will end up on a drug that is harmful? Don't be afraid, just make sure you do your research before you accept any form of treatment. Drug companies do make public any information of side effects. If you are prepared to accept the risks, then by all means take your doctor's suggestions. If not, there is always a more natural way. As an herbalist I know there is always a plant or lifestyle change or both that can help.

Wedding Season

With spring comes the wedding season. The weather is gorgeous and in a few weeks the flowers will be in full bloom. I can't wait. Is your wedding coming up? Here are some wedding reception ideas that will help you plan.

If you live in a climate that hardly has rain, consider having the reception outside. You can also have it at your home, at the beach, or at a traditional hall. For advice you may want to consult a wedding planner.

Herbs for Coughs

I have a cough. Here are some herbs I plan to use to make it feel better.

Chamomile- A good antispasmodic. Can help quiet a coughing fit.

Marshmallow Root- Soothing and healing for the lungs. Excellent for coughs.

Licorice- I would normally use licorice in these situations. However, I am having a problem with water retention so I think I will stay away.

Peppermint- I think the menthol quality is just what I need right now. I need something to loosen the phlegm and open my lungs up.

Lose the winter weight

I am not sure if the extra fifteen pounds I have is winter weight or just something that happened to me because I no longer live in Europe. I walked all the time and maintained a consistent exercise schedule. I also find the United States stressful. So, I am using the 2006 Self Challenge to help me lose the weight. Anyone else doing the Self Challenge this year?

I'll keep you posted on my progress. I am starting tomorrow.

www.self.com

Celebrating Spring

Celebrating spring with a special vacation or a new purchase for a Vacation Home Orlando is a perfect family activity. Spring is a time for renewal and rebirth. It is a time for celebrating life and feeling the earth go through a time of new growth. The birds sing. Flowers push up from the earth. It is a beautiful time.

What are your favorite ways to celebrate spring? Do you enjoy walking in the rain? How about planting flowers? Develop your own spring rituals if you don't have some already.

Here are my favorite spring rituals: Walking in the rain, planting flowers and herbs, splashing in puddles, and going for long walks. Enjoy the new season! The first day of spring is coming up.

Spring is Here!

I miss the outdoors. Lately, it's been beautiful out. Last year at this time I was excited about the garden. After a busy summer, the garden didn't turn out how I expected.

About my garden- I don't know what I'll do. I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, I am happy to move around outside again. I have been walking on the track. Each time I go, I do one extra lap. I am now up to 1.5 miles. I have achilles tendonitis and jumper's knee in both my knees. The track is great because it absorbs the shock on my joints.

I still can't walk fast and I still can't run. But perhaps there will be a marathon in my future?

The inspired office

I am a creative person. My office doesn't reflect that and it is driving me crazy. My book shelf is filled with books that aren't useful. I have a habit of writing information on little slips of paper and stuffing them on the shelf in front of me. I need new Office Room Reception Chairs. There is no art on the wall. The room occasionally smells like mold. There is some unused Christmas ribbon on the floor that my cat likes to paw at.

I think a project for this spring is to whip my office in shape.

Money for your blog

Having a blog is a nice way to learn a little extra cash. Are you trying to figure out how you can make money blogging? You have a few options. First you must build traffic to your blog. Post often and make sure you advertise a lot. You can either advertise affiliate programs on your site or sell ad space to other businesses. You can also use your blog to promote your product or service.

I love Gold

Gold is a beautiful metal. I have dreams of learning how to work with jewelry so I can make my own necklaces and rings. I don't think this will happen anytime soon, I have too many other goals to worry about and not enough time in the day. I've always been drawn to Buying Gold Bars because it reminds me of my dream of making jewelry. I don't know. Maybe one of these days I will start investing in something like that.

Beautiful Blooms

When was the last time you got flowers? They make you smile, don't they! Make someone's day. Send flowers to someone you care deeply for. Do you want to show your mom you care? How about your girlfriend? What about your grandmother? Sending flowers shows them that they make you smile and you want to return the favor.

Your special wedding

You still have a lot to plan for your wedding but you are already over budget. You need to figure out how to cut costs and save money. Buying or making Cheap Wedding Favors is a great option for you. You can find anything from chocolates to small bottles of perfumes to small picture frames with the bride and groom. Have someone help you make wedding favor decisions who is really creative. Set a budget and stick to it. There are wedding favors for all kinds of budgets.

Fishing in Alaska

When we went fishing in Alaska this summer I was fascinated by the whole process. The captain was knowledgeable and relied on a series of Marine Electronics to help him make decisions. We found all the best spots. All five people on the boat coat there salmon quota of three fish after only thirty minutes. We also caught a bunch of halibut. My husband caught a halibut that was 65 inches long. He was a very talented captain who knew how to use his experience and the instruments on the boat to help him make decisions.

Being a Kid Again

Remember how fun video game video games first seemed when they came to the arcades? I remember being obsessed with packman and thinking it was the coolest thing. Now video games are elaborate and graphic feature length experiences. I miss the old Arcade Legends . Donkey Kong. Packman. Frogger. I loved them all. Playing them or thinking about playing them takes me back to my childhood and days of saturday morning cartoons.

Prescription Drug Hit List

I am always hearing of drugs that can cause problems. More and more people are threatening legal action. My mother was on one of the drugs in question, but I am not sure if she is eligible for compensation. Accutane lawsuits are amongst those that are popping up. Do you want to know if you are eligible for compensation? Contact an expert who can help you. There are other drugs that may be eligible. If you've taken more than one, that is all the more reason to contact a lawyer.

An Inspring Office

I crave to have an inspired office but I don't know what style I want. Do I want a New York Office Space style or something a little more back-to-nature? To decide, I am going to look through design books. When my office is neat and inspiring, I am much more productive. All I know is I want to hang pictures of art and have a room that smells nice. For some reason, my office tends to smell a bit moldy.

What did you get?

What did you get for Valentine's Day? Did you get any valentines day gift baskets? My husband sent me flowers and they were waiting for me when we got back. They were a beauitful bouquet of red carnations with white babies breath. Flowers are soothing for the soul and it made me happy to see them. He cares about me and I care about him! The only problem is, my cat goes crazy for babies breath...

Paintball

Paintball is an interesting sport. The main point is to shoot each other with paintball guns and see which team or person wins. I've never played it but I always thought it would be neat. I heard the paintballs hurt when they hit you, and I am sure the "paint" is difficult to wash. But still, it looks like great fun. :-)

Ergonomic Office

Have you been experiencing back, neck, shoulder, or wrist pains? What is your office like? Is your chair too high? Desk too small? These factors can affect posture. Instead, buy equipment such as commercial office chairs and desks and special keyboards that are specially designed to prevent injury. If you do have an injury, make sure you see your doctor.

Family Vacation in Florida

The kids want to go to Disney World. Your husbamd wants to go fishing. And you- well all you really want to do is sit on the beach. Fortunately, you can have all of these things in Florida. When booking your vacation, consider staying in one of the many Florida vacation rentals. Look online or contact an agency who can rent one for you. With a vacation rental you have all the luxuries of home on your trip.

Investing

Would you like to begin investing? I know that sometimes investments can seem scary. Losing money is definately a reality. But so is making money. Stock option investing is something to consider. So are money market accounts and roth IRA's. Consider contacting a financial advisor to help you make decisions.

Precious Metals- natural beauty investments

Precious metals are a gorgeous part of the earth. Their colors and beauty inspire art and make great gifts. Add them also to the list of possible investments. Are you interested in precious metals investing? Remember to gather information before you begin and get precious metals quotes. Make sure you are choosing this investment option for reasons other than just admiring their beauty.

you need auto insurance

Most places require that you have auto insurance. Are you worried that you'll spend too much money? Before you settle on a company you should get auto insurance quotes from different companies. Do your research. Make a list of potential companies and choose one that has the features and prices that best fit your needs.

Mothers Day

This is just a reminder to say that Mother's Day is coming up. Do you have something planned for your mom? Do you plan to spend time with her? Send her some Mothers Day flowers to start the day off. It will be a nice surprise when she answers the door. Then, take her out for dinner or make her favorite meal to show her you care.

Lawsuits

Premarin lawsuits are happening as we speak. Have you been taking premarin? Here is a basic list of side effects so you can see if you've been affected: migraines, epilepsy, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes, gall bladder disease, liver disease, kidney disease, and asthma. (By the way, the list was not complete). If you think you've experienced any of these, see your doctor to confirm. And them, contact your lawyer!

Jewelry

Jewelry can make an excellent gift. What is your interest? Ruby necklaces? Diamond engagement rings? Saphire bracelets? Well with Valentine's Day around the corner, you may be able to find some wonderful specials for your sweetheart. Stores often put certain items on sale at this time of year to entice business.

Making Your Own Gift Baskets

Have you considered making your own gift baskets for Valentine's Day gifts? There are plenty of healthier and more natural alternatives to the standard items. Most larger natural food stores have a good sized cosmetics section. You can find things like great smelling body lotions, makeup, perfumes, soaps, etc... Also check out the dark organic chocolates.

Making your own products is another alternative. Here is a simple recipe for a yummy chocolate candy I sometimes make in a gift-giving pinch.

One cup chocolate chips.
1/4 cup chopped nuts

Melt chocolate in microwave or over a double burner. Stir in nuts. Drop on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and let harden in the fridge.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's day is around the corner. Have you ordered your Valentine Flowers yet? This is a busy time of year for the flower shops so placing your order early will help prevent any last minute mishaps.

There are other alternatives to flowers. You can try giving chocolate. You can try making something. You can take your sweetheart out to dinner. You can do all of these things. You can get them a card. You can make them a card... But most of all, remember to have fun!

Arcade games

I used to love going to the arcade at the beach with my family. I loved it all- skee ball, whack the moll, the game where you shoot the guns at the aliens, the car games, fight games, the games where you get a ticket and win a prize... Nothing brings me back to my childhood like these games.

There are some many games now I can't keep track. Golden Tee Complete. Tomb Raider on playstation. Computer games. All those games for the hand held video game units. There are so many options, it is overwhelming.

They used to be a novelty, now they are so much a part of our culture... I am not sure if it is a good or bad thing...

Lawsuits with drug companies

Do you know anyone who has a bextra lawsuit pending? Bextra is another of those drugs that is causing adverse and complicated side effects. You know, that is why I am such a believer in herbal medicine. Herbs heal your body gently. Your body seldom becomes addicted to them. A classic example is willow bark. In folk medicine willow bark is used for pain, stomach problems, etc. A derivative from willow bark- "asprin" causes stomach problems. How odd it is that the derivative has a side effect that the plant fixes...

Metal Beauty

The price of gold is something that doesn't usually concern me. In fact, I wish I knew more about investing. I think gold is beautiful, so if I wanted to diversify my investments I can't think of a better place to start.

I guess if I were really serious about it I could start my research by doing a google search. I could search under --investing in gold-- or something like that.

Natural Jewelry

I love pearl jewelry. The concept of a beautiful pearl coming from an animal deep in the sea is very intriguing. I have some artificial pearls in my jewelry collection, but I don't think they compare to tbe beauty of the real thing.

Pearls are classic. Some people think they don't look "hip" or "chic" but you can take anything you like and wear it and make it your own. If you like it, it fits your personal style. Wear it and make it chic!

Natural Businesses

Do you have a great business idea nut not a lot of overhead? You should consider having aan online business of some kind. Do you want to make chocolates? Start an online store. Do you write for non profits? Advertise your services all over the internet.

No matter what your business is, you will benefit from internet marketing. This includes starting a website, a blog, a newsletter, networking online, etc. Your best bet is to come up with a marketing plan where you list your goals and all the different ways you will market your business.

Ortho Evra

Now there are Ortho Evra lawsuits pending.

Have you been negatively affected by this drug? Call your pharmacist, the company, your doctor, or do some research to see what the side effects are.

Financial Health

Do you invest? Do you check the silver prices regularly? Invest in stocks? Have a Roth IRA?

This is a new year and it is time to make health goals- and that includes looking at the health of your finances.

What are your goals for this coming new year?

Christmas

Christmas has come and gone. So, what did you get? Gold jewelry? Satellite radio? You know, the holiday isn't about that.

I love that scene in Charlie Brown Christmas where Linus tells everyone what Christmas truly is about. I love that. I memorized the Bible verse because of that show.

Late Holiday Gifts

I know, the holidays are nearly over. Are there people you've forgotten to buy things for? You need ideas... and fast. Only problem? You don't have a lot of money... Here are some ideas:

• cheap flowers
• chocolates
• homemade baked goods in a pretty container (containers are probably half off by now!)
• look for sales on jewelry, etc...

Is it time to invest?

It's a new year. Do you have investment goals? Here are some tips:

- Have a few months of expenses readily available.
- Consider mutual funds
- Invest in a Roth IRA
- Consider investing in precious metals
- Constantly evaluate your finances to make sure you stay on track.

Prescription Drugs

How many of you take prescription drugs? How many of you know the potential risks involved with taking prescription drugs? My advice is to get informed.

Prempro is amongst those drugs who are currently dealing with legal action. Do you know anyone who is filing a prempro lawsuit?

Your Health Care

How have your doctors been? Great? Disasterous?

I know people who have hired malpractice lawyers for their situations. You need a GOOD lawyer.

I think of all those drugs, and all those doctors that do more harm then good. That makes me angry!

Car Insurance

I don't care what you think, you need car insurance. Driving is just too dangerous!

From a health standpoint (as is the theme of this blog), you are endangering your life if you don't wear a seatbelt. So wear one and get car insurance... driving is just too dangerous to take risks like that!

Job Search

Here is a list of great jobs:

- Nurses
- Medical Techs
- Risk Management Jobs
- Technology
- Freelance (Always a good option if you need flexible hours)

Back to School

Do you wish you could go back to school but don't have the time? I bet there is an online program out there that can fit your needs.

I earned my Diploma of Herbal Studies at a distance learning school (Australasian College of Health Sciences). I loved how I could set my own pace.

Here are some study tips for you, specifically tailored to distance learning:

- Don't wait until the last minute. This is so easy to do, but you just end up getting stressed. Schedule in a certain number of hours a week until you accomplish your goal.

- Don't waste your time doing anything that isn't necessary. You don't need to read your class manual multiple times to memorize it. Skim it, read it, and then review the key points.

- Network with other students. This is invaluable. You can really benefit from their experiences.

Vioxx

What a nightmare vioxx is. The vioxx lawyers must be pretty busy. Keep in mind that there are some who will help you fight for your rights if you were harmed by vioxx in any way!

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Merck has been held liable by a Texas jury in the first lawsuit involving its former blockbuster drug Vioxx, in a case that could have a profound effect on thousands of other cases filed against the company.

That article snippet was taken from CNN.

Wish list

What's on your Christmas wish list this year? Books? Jewelry? Perhaps some yellow diamond rings? Here are some items from my own wish list:

1. makeup from companies who don't test on animals
2. standing mixer
3. books (I haven't decided on the titles)
4. new clothes!

Job Searching

What kind of jobs are you looking for? Financial Jobs? Something creative? Whatever it is, here are some tips to help you relax during your search. Let's face it, it can be stressful- especially if you need the money or have been unemployed for a while.

1. Drink chamomile tea.
2. Get plenty of rest.
3. Exercise.
4. Some other herbs that help me relax: skullcap, catnip, valerian.

Note- please research any herbs you decide to try, or ask your physician or other health care provider.

Pet Care

We have a cat. Here are some things we do to make sure he is well cared for.

1. Give him food and water.
2. Help him get plenty of exercise
3. Pet ID Tags just in case he gets outside.
4. Give him catnip (he loves that stuff!)
5. Give him the occasional treat.

Chamomile Tea

I love chamomile tea. It is my favorite drink to have after a meal because it has a slight bitter taste and helps my digestion.

I also love it on my skin. I have Rosacea and when my face is red and blotchy, I dip a cotton ball in some warm chamomile tea and apply it all over my face.

But I have yet to cook with chamomile. I wonder how chamomile cake, or candied chamomile flowers taste? Chamomile scones, anyone? I love taking an herb and finding creative ways to use it. If any of you have chamomile flower recipes, drop me a line!

Holiday Weight Control

Thanksgiving will be here soon. Then there are the endless parties throughout December right up until New Year's. All those pastries... Ugh. Your waistline groans just thinking about it.

It doesn't have to be that way. You can control your weight during the holidays. It just takes some self control and a little planning. But, that doesn't mean you have to miss out.

1. Cocktails are high calorie. But, you don't want to skip out on alcohol during the festivities. Why not try a wine spritzer? You get some health benefits with the wine but the addition of sparkling water cuts out some calories.

2. Load up on veggies. Visit the crudites platter. When piling your plate at a buffet, a good rule of thumb is to let half your plate be devoted to fruits and veggies. You can still have that lasagna, just balance it out with loads of veggies.

3. Save room for dessert, but keep the portion small. And why not eat dessert? A small portion won't hurt. Just leave room for it, and balance that rich cake out with a portion of fruit.

4. Drink plenty of water. It will help control your weight and make your skin glow, not to mention the fact that it can prevent hangovers if you've had one glass of wine too many.

Do you have any favorite holiday weight control tips? Email me at k_huether77@yahoo.com. I will post them in my e-zine.

Woman's Power

I found this passage in an article in Today's Christian Woman and thought I'd share:

While the issue of religious persecution can seem too big to tackle, Jane is quick to point out women in the U.S. wield more power and influence today than women have enjoyed at any other time in history. "The key question is, what are we doing with that power?" she asks.

The full article can be found here: http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2005/006/3.46.html

Marathon is over

The marathon is over, and I still haven't started running again. I would like to, but I think I am going to wait.

In the meantime, I have been walking a lot and hitting the weight room. My ultimate goal is to decrease my body fat and build muscle tone. Though I love running, I don't think I did enough strength work while I was training for the marathon.

What are your fitness, diet, or exercise goals?

Ever wonder?

Ever wonder....

• how to draw
• how to leap like a ballerina
• where our Christmas traditions came from
• the best way to invest
• how to arrange your flowers perfectly
• your ideal job
• the current gold prices
• where the legend of Santa Claus really came from
• what it feels like to climb a really tall mountain?

Mortgage

How many of you have gone through the mortgage refinancing process?

We've been looking into it but are not sure it makes sense since we aren't staying in this house for long. Has anyone been in a similar situation?

A poem

I haven't engaged in creative writing for a while, so here's a poem

Emerald diamond rings

Vibrant crescents
like glass and stars in the sky
sparkle their prisms
against the seat
high altitude
in the air
as the light flecks
illuminate the cabin.

Drug interactions

There is yet another drug that is in trouble for its side effects.

The bextra lawsuit is in place to try and help the victims.

Just when you think you are safe...

So what can you do to protect youself? Always do your homework. Which drugs are you taking? You should research all the information that is out there so you can make informed health decisions.

Budget tips

Mortgage rates have increased. Gas prices have gone up. Things in the grocery store are now a little more expensive, a direct result of the higher fuel costs. Time to budget!

• Purchase staple items. Packaged and pre-cooked foods are expensive. Example- packaged rice mixes can cost $1.50 or more. Instead, make your own. Buy a huge bag of rice and cook with either a bullion cube or two or homemade chicken stock.
• Homemade Chicken Stock. An excellent money saver. This hardly costs any money to put together. Buy a large chicken to roast. (You can stretch it to 2-3 meals). When there is hardly any meat left, simmer the bones in a giant soup pot in the crockpot for a few hours. Add a splash of vinegar to get more flavor out of the bones. The resulting stock is rich in flavor and high in nutritional value. Freeze it in ice cube trays for easy use.
• Buy seasonal produce. Seasonal produce is usually grown locally so it costs less.

Christmas is Coming

Christmas is coming and I am happy. What a lovely time of year for many reasons! So, are you looking for something special to get your significant other? Here are some ideas:

• Gift certificates to your favorite restaurants
• a romantic getaway weekend
• diamond men's watches
• homemade keepsake gifts

European Slim

When we moved back to the US from Germany, I weighed 115 pounds. Since living in the states, I've gained ten pounds. I am going to slim down again. Here is what I did then, and my current plan to fix it.

• walked everywhere
• ate lots of wild plant foods
• drank lots of herbal, green, and rooibus tea
• jogged 3 miles, 3 times a week
• strength trained twice a week
• ate lots of fruits and vegetables, yogurt, small amounts of cheese, nuts, and good protein sources

My current plan is same as above, but I need to change around the exercise portion because I need to train for something. More on that later.

• walk 3 miles a day
• jog 5 miles, 3 x a week (in case I decide to run another marathon)
• strength train 4 times a week, two days upper body, two days lower body, each day core. (I need to train to climb a mountain and the first step of that is to build more muscle mass)
• Until I recover from the marathon, though, I won't be jogging so for now I will hop on the exercise bike each time I go to the gym.
• eat a little more protein than is my usual to assist in muscle formation

My Favorite Teas

Here are my favorite teas for the moment:

• Alfalfa
• Cinnamon Apple
• Oatstraw with honey
• Rosehips
• Chamomile

There is nothing like a hot cup of tea on a cold day!

Infusing Sunshine

The weather has been quite bleak here. I find myself feeling tired and bla, when what I want is to be alert and productive. Luckily, I have a plan- one that includes lots of tea. Here is what I will try over the course of the day.

• a blend with rosehips
• green tea
• a spiced rooibus

If that doesn't work? Perhaps I will try walking outside and brave the weather. I'll take my umbrella and it will remind me of Europe.

Wish List

I do have a wish list. Some of these things are easily obtainable. Others are more like dreams...

1. Lush cosmetics Tricomania solid shampoo.
2. Mega doses of ibuprofin to get rid of post marathon pain.
3. A gps system like the ones in a rental we had in Europe.
4. A second home in the Fuenfseenland in Germany.
5. One of those ovens with a vent hood.

Marathon success!

I find that keeping a maintaining a blog is a wonderful thing. I loved sharing with you all my progress as I was training for the marathon.

Well, yesterday, on October 9, 2005- I completed it!

And you know what? I want to do it again! This time, I will focus on running the ENTIRE thing. I joined a pace group that alternated running and walking... next time I want to run all of it.

Garden List for Next Spring

Well the summer is over and my garden didn't quite turn out like I expected. Here is a short list of plants I want to add to my garden next year:

• Culinary herbs like basil, spearmint, and oregano
• Tomatoes (this year, I will remember to stake them!)
• English cucumbers
• Mache
• Pansies
• Petunias
• Fire and Ice Roses

I am a writer

I am a writer. So, occasionally you may see me post some of my short creative writing pieces. Today is one of those days. Part of "living naturally" is embracing your creative and spiritual side.

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It wasn't a perfect morning. She sat huddled over her morning paper, cup of coffee in one hand, dry toast in the other. It hurt too much to do anything else.

She felt an itching underneath her bandages. She wanted so badly to scratch, but she didn't want the wounds to reopen.

Her car was totaled and the bastard didn't even have car insurance.

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Health Articles I've Written

Here are some links to health-related articles I've written:

Home Remedies for Colds and Flu, Dollar Stretcher

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/04/04dec20f.cfm


Exercise and the Writer, Absolute Write

http://www.absolutewrite.com/freelance_writing/exercise_and_the_writer.htm

Apples

Apples are in season now. This is the only time of year that I can eat apples. Whenever they come from elsewhere, they don't seem to taste good. Here are some things I like to do with them:

• homemade apple sauce
• apple pie!
• apple crisp
• sliced and spread with almond or peanut butter
• sliced and sprinkled with wheat germ
• sliced and baked with goat cheese

What do you like to do with your apples?

American Cancer Society

As my husband and I worked our way through our marathon training programs, we realized that we want to train and work for a bigger cause. So, we decided to register with the Charity Runner Program through the American Cancer Society. Our goal is to raise $750 dollars.

If you are interested in helping out, you can make a donation through the personal charity page at http://www.charityrunner.org/site/TR?px=1113245&pg=personal&fr_id=1040

Thank you all so much for your support!

Fall Issue of Ezine Now Up!

I just wanted to announce that the fall issue of my ezine was just sent out. This issue features an article on "Home Remedies for Colds and Flu" and my Healthy Banana Bread Recipe.

If you aren't a subscriber yet but would like to be, just click on the link to the right of this post to send a blank email to subscribe.

Another gorgous fall day. I have a five mile run planned. How about all of you? How are you guys celebrating the coming season?

Fall is Here

Labor day weekend has come and gone. We traveled to Acadia National Park up near Bar Harbor, ME and were met with some gorgeous weather. On the way back I saw a young maple tree with vibrant, red leaves. Fall is here!

I can't wait to begin baking. Apples, cranberries, squash- these are my favorite harvest treats to cook with. I anticipate my first cranberry pecan loaf, or my first apple pie of the season. This year I resolve to pick my own apples. Mmm. Apple pie baked fresh from the tree. I can't wait to test recipes and perfect and hone my pie-making technique.

Stay tuned. This has been a busy, hot summer. Now that the days are shorter and the nights are cooler there will be plenty of time to write and bake.

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust recipe

I am making whole wheat pizza for dinner. I had a leftover bolognese sauce to get rid of. Even though I purchased the pizza dough this time (I actually found whole wheat at whole foods), I do have a recipe that I love. Here it is:

1 package instant dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1.5 c. all purpose flour
1.5- 2 C. whole wheat flour
pinch salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

Dissolve yeast in water. Add oil and salt. With a whisk, slowly beat in the all purpose flour. Knead in the whole wheat flour until proper bread consistency is reached (not too sticky, has a good snap to it when pinched). Form into a ball and cover with a damp cloth. Let stand in a warm place until double. Punch down after it rose. Divide dough into two halves. Dough recipe makes 2 medium size pizzas.