tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84771111336255165902024-02-07T21:25:22.077-06:00To Be A Domestic DivaThis is my attempt at helping us all become Domestic Divas~
I will be giving helpful tips on everything from cooking, organizing, decorating, being crafty, staying healthy and much much more.
I hope you enjoy what you find and learn here! I look forward to our quest together to become Domestic Divas!Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-85085525878304224102009-11-01T16:34:00.001-06:002009-11-01T16:35:18.186-06:00Welcome!<div align="center"><font size="4">Welcome to my attempt at helping us all become <em><strong>Domestic Divas</strong></em>~ </font></div><font size="4">
<br /><div align="center"><br />I'm so glad that you have stumbled upon my site and I hope that I can be some help to you! </div>
<br /><div align="center"><br />I will be giving helpful tips on everything from cooking, organizing, decorating, being crafty, staying healthy and much much more.</div>
<br /><div align="center"><br />I hope you enjoy what you find and learn here! I look forward to our quest together to become <strong><em>Domestic Divas</em></strong>!</div>
<br /><div align="center"><br />Feel free to email me at </font><a href="mailto:KristieMeek@gmail.com"><font size="4">KristieMeek@gmail.com</font></a><font size="4"> with any questions, comments, requests for a posting or to be added to the email list.</font></div>
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<br /><div align="center"><font size="4"></font> </div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-51291762467602248722009-11-01T16:23:00.003-06:002009-11-01T16:35:08.043-06:00Hand Sanitizers: What You Don't Know<div> </div>
<br /><div align="center"><strong>We all know that having clean hands is one way to prevent seasonalcold and flu viruses, including H1N1 Swine Flu. </strong></div>
<br /><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div>
<br /><div align="center"><strong>But should you wash with soap and water <font size="4">OR</font> coat your hands with disinfecting gel<font size="4">?</font> </strong></div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div>If your hands aren't actually grimy, the best way to clean them is to use hand sanitizer, <em>James Scott, a microbiologist at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health.</em> "It reduces the bacterial burden to a greater extent than soap and water," he said. "And your hands stay cleaner longer than if you were to use soap and water." </div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div>The waterless gels and foams have also been found to be effective in preventing the spread of viral and bacterial based diseases, like seasonal colds and flus. One study found that college students with hand sanitizer dispensers in their dorms had fewer complaints of coughs, chest congestion and fever. Plus their risk of getting sick was <em>20 percent lower</em> than students whose dorms did not have the dispensers. </div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div>But the hand sanitzers must contain <em>60 percent or more</em> alcohol, according to the FDA. Skim past the "kills 99.9% of bacteria" claim on the package and instead be certain that the active ingredient listed is either ethanol or isopropanol, at a percentage over 60. </div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div><strong>They also must be used correctly. Make sure hands are free of visible grime and dirt and then apply a palm full of product and rub vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds, making sure to distribute the sanitizer between your fingers, under your nails and jewelry, on your wrists and on the backs of each hand. </strong></div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div>Never rinse your hands with water or wipe them with a towel after using a hand sanitizer... this will counteract the effect of the product. </div>
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<br /><div><font size="4">Another gold star for hand sanitizers:</font> They tend to be gentler on skin than soap and water. Despite their high alcohol content, which is often thought to make creams and gels drying, one study found alcohol based hand sanitizers left skin in better condition than antibacterial soap. "Most of the modern hand sanitizers have emollients in them that will actually improve skin condition," <em>Scott said.</em> </div>
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<br /><div>But, don't toss your soap dispenser just yet. <em>While the high alcohol content of hand sanitizers can kill bacteria, it doesn't necessarily clean your hands</em>. That is, it does not cut thorough grime like dirt, blood, feces or other bodily fluids. Therefore, soap and water must be the first choice in restrooms. It is also essential in the kitchen as alcohol doesn't kill the foodborne bacteria E. Coli as well as soap and water does. </div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div>The best way to wash your hands with soap and water is to rub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing front and backs of hands, wrists, and between fingers and under fingernails, <em>according to the Mayo Clinic</em>. Rinse well, dry hands with a clean or disposable towel or air dryer and, if possible, use your towel to turn off the faucet. </div>
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<br /><div> </div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-47357718961028380712009-11-01T15:31:00.006-06:002009-11-01T16:35:08.046-06:00Spice Up Your Fall Decor<div><font size="4"><em><strong>I like to buy wired decorations and find simple ways to spruce them up.</strong> </em></font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4">Instead of putting tea candles inside...</font></div>
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCT68ntf5wXTK_CPUbHwmM8FxbHcRqWWsE4b6rYnkvuXVEokBf2iXQdiTyZJZTzSXjB151eYF_Hwkk76fSFM3TuOOcGcAn2o7DzCpjDuK8mdzf0oR8Nhs2Zg3EhiloPWssdN8Cn8aKWJl/s1600-h/DSC00901.JPG"><font size="4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399254303234994914" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCT68ntf5wXTK_CPUbHwmM8FxbHcRqWWsE4b6rYnkvuXVEokBf2iXQdiTyZJZTzSXjB151eYF_Hwkk76fSFM3TuOOcGcAn2o7DzCpjDuK8mdzf0oR8Nhs2Zg3EhiloPWssdN8Cn8aKWJl/s320/DSC00901.JPG" border="0" /></font></a></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div align="right"><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div align="right"><font size="4">You can use a part from a garland, any greenery or arrangement. </font></div>
<br /><p align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nnWYTvs_3VqDBmvWem-3jfWv-n65fMWaJZD5MrIxV9ZKkGu64ma5wPsh_otvBIAQuDm_nGi4fqG0Ysh2-QFtpRvsPJxkKqQ6XaMY-a3H3MnOCfziKI0wB_qXh7s8aYHt88TQsh08u_1h/s1600-h/DSC00902.JPG"><font size="4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399254305993915314" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nnWYTvs_3VqDBmvWem-3jfWv-n65fMWaJZD5MrIxV9ZKkGu64ma5wPsh_otvBIAQuDm_nGi4fqG0Ysh2-QFtpRvsPJxkKqQ6XaMY-a3H3MnOCfziKI0wB_qXh7s8aYHt88TQsh08u_1h/s320/DSC00902.JPG" border="0" /></font></a></p>
<br /><p align="right"><font size="4"></font> </p>
<br /><p align="center"><font size="4">Cut it to size and place it inside.</font></p>
<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6BjfToTaai7hlLqMEAZkoRp3_mSKwKwbpm7wz5E2Vyce_-aJ96cQbc3g11x969c6WEwQTJspIr-KfxRbZNWR1RpJDiqe6MgIl0zzp4ja_vUilz4hYXBujXJdMmNMgwvvOGigb8_WwT8K/s1600-h/DSC00903.JPG"><font size="4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399253850547142946" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6BjfToTaai7hlLqMEAZkoRp3_mSKwKwbpm7wz5E2Vyce_-aJ96cQbc3g11x969c6WEwQTJspIr-KfxRbZNWR1RpJDiqe6MgIl0zzp4ja_vUilz4hYXBujXJdMmNMgwvvOGigb8_WwT8K/s400/DSC00903.JPG" border="0" /></font></a></p>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><br /></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"> ***</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">Here is another example...</font><font size="4"> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"> </font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeNcRR1R-pKn0AwR0vz2pqbTspw0FNGjr1fD9N925M28C0w9Vx9FpTstKB37X-4ZCRfJENYHcnZQeII3hMchzBsxbWp10LgNC8bsa8sKMJhQskrfUh7s6a2Q0MO9-QeGMZsELEb2Xl89b/s1600-h/DSC00904.JPG"><font size="4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399254311700399986" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeNcRR1R-pKn0AwR0vz2pqbTspw0FNGjr1fD9N925M28C0w9Vx9FpTstKB37X-4ZCRfJENYHcnZQeII3hMchzBsxbWp10LgNC8bsa8sKMJhQskrfUh7s6a2Q0MO9-QeGMZsELEb2Xl89b/s320/DSC00904.JPG" border="0" /></font></a><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">+</font></strong></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ALF3JnzAqf6-Z50R0Dk_mWm7quzw1lQ5r8ejGeXqd8IgGoKFosXzujO4O6A7x8qDcO7Y14GQsYmsub5LSTTq6n0VcEUXrLavhW_c7_wlqKDtxO_Oi4uEXUeJUL1dBJZ5vaUYq3F7HdqM/s1600-h/DSC00905.JPG"><font size="4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399254314946733682" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ALF3JnzAqf6-Z50R0Dk_mWm7quzw1lQ5r8ejGeXqd8IgGoKFosXzujO4O6A7x8qDcO7Y14GQsYmsub5LSTTq6n0VcEUXrLavhW_c7_wlqKDtxO_Oi4uEXUeJUL1dBJZ5vaUYq3F7HdqM/s320/DSC00905.JPG" border="0" /></font></a></div>
<br /><div align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong> </div>
<br /><div align="center"><font size="5"><strong>=</strong></font></div>
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<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJ-G3VxHNUUZb9U60Tc4AuLJHP0ZR3Rfvf6l_lpqHMzvTUpXURDV8ieFdr9S4IAaaewjCeggDTErJHHk3W2cPETq9xL1rfj4G5YmEaRlpZttorr5XVGPe1ADyPgfd2QAam0yIoyQXBb-B/s1600-h/DSC00906.JPG"><font size="4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399253844859573266" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJ-G3VxHNUUZb9U60Tc4AuLJHP0ZR3Rfvf6l_lpqHMzvTUpXURDV8ieFdr9S4IAaaewjCeggDTErJHHk3W2cPETq9xL1rfj4G5YmEaRlpZttorr5XVGPe1ADyPgfd2QAam0yIoyQXBb-B/s400/DSC00906.JPG" border="0" /></font></a></p>
<br /><div align="center"><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div align="center"><font size="4"> ********<br /><em>And then you are livin' on the spicier side of decorating ;)</em></div></font>
<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVLY48pYj6V5lMPTQ_SnGyEeQxzHI44l4EHQwtraJG2SUgsKLO-6HbnCgE_6UBRghEGOjeY1xYtDFMYjA_51noK_NJ1OlC4EiWJ04fdr0V5xOFBTM09PF9MyzI113zis39zhxpG5-x4bk/s1600-h/DSC00907.JPG"><font size="4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399253837111884754" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVLY48pYj6V5lMPTQ_SnGyEeQxzHI44l4EHQwtraJG2SUgsKLO-6HbnCgE_6UBRghEGOjeY1xYtDFMYjA_51noK_NJ1OlC4EiWJ04fdr0V5xOFBTM09PF9MyzI113zis39zhxpG5-x4bk/s400/DSC00907.JPG" border="0" /></font></a></p>
<br /><div><font size="4"><br /><br /></font> </div></div></div></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-1340236102061785402009-11-01T15:22:00.003-06:002009-11-01T16:35:08.049-06:00Endless.com<div align="center"><font size="4"><strong>This website has </strong></font><font size="4"><strong>Mens, </strong></font><font size="4"><strong>Womens and </strong></font><font size="4"><strong>Kids Shoes, </strong></font><font size="4"><strong>Bags & Accessories!</strong></font></div>
<br /><div align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong> </div>
<br /><div align="center"><strong><font size="4">Anything from athletic shoes, boots, indoor and outdoor shoes, sunglasses, bags, belts, and so much more!</font></strong></div>
<br /><div align="center"> </div>
<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.endless.com/"><font color="#cc0000" size="5">www.endless.com</font></a></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-62936654072407755912009-11-01T15:04:00.008-06:002009-11-01T16:39:08.246-06:00Cancel Out Candy Calories<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Cancel out those bite sized sweets with these calorie burning exercises that tone your calves, butt, shoulders, chest, and abs.</em></strong></span></div>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Cancel out candy calories in 3 easy-to-do-anywhere moves:</span>
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /><em>TRY:</em> <strong>Mountain Climber
<br /></strong>- Start in plank position (hands and toes on floor, back straight, abs tightened).
<br />- Bring right knee to chest and tap toe on floor, straighten leg.
<br />- Repeat with left knee.
<br />- Do for 3 minutes.
<br />
<br /><em>Burn off:</em> 70 calories, or 13 pieces of candy corn.
<br />
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<br /><em>TRY:</em> <strong>Power Jump
<br /></strong>- Stand with feet 6 inches apart.
<br />- Squat, then push up, leaping forward and as high as you can.
<br />- Repeat, jumping to the left, back and to the right.
<br />- Do 25 rounds.
<br />
<br />
<br /><em>Burn off:</em> 80 calories, or two Snickers Minis.
<br />
<br />
<br />**********************************************
<br />
<br /><em>TRY:</em> <strong>High March</strong><strong>
<br /></strong>- Extend arms while holding a candy filled pumpkin.
<br />- March in place, bringing knees up as high as you can for 2 minutes <em>(without spilling candy;)). </em>
<br />
<br />- Rest 1 minute.
<br />- Do 3 sets.
<br />
<br /><em>Burn off:</em> 40 calories, or one mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.
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<br /></span>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-2233413419085973752009-11-01T14:10:00.011-06:002009-11-01T16:40:48.166-06:00Chicken Pot Pie<strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">*Ingredients*</span></em></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>- </em></strong>3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>-</strong> 1 (14.5 ounce) can of chicken broth </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>1 (10 3/4 ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>-</strong> 3 small or 1 large potato </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>(cut into 1 inch cubes)</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>1 yellow onion </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>(diced)</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>3 branches of celery </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>- </em></strong>2 tbl E.V.O.O.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>- </em></strong>2 tbl flour</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>- </em></strong>2 cups of mixed vegetables</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Salt and pepper</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Seasoned salt</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>-</strong> 1/4 tsp garlic powder</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>-</strong> 1-2 (9 in) frozen prepared pie crust </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>(thawed)</em></span><br /><br /><em></em><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">*Directions*</span></em></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Wash chicken in water, put it in a pot and cover it with water.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Add salt, pepper and garlic powder, and bring to a boil.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Once to a boil, turn off the heat and cover. Let the chicken cool in the pot. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>(the chicken cuts better when cooled)</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>-</strong> Preheat the oven to 350 degrees</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Wash and cut the potatoes into bite size pieces and boil until <em>almost</em> tender. Drain and set aside.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>-</strong> Wash and cut celery into bite size pieces.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Dice onion.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>In a large skillet, over medium heat, saute the celery and onion in 2 tbl of EVOO for 5-8 minutes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Add frozen veggies and cook another 5 minutes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Add 2 tbl of flour, cook for 30 seconds.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. After it has become thick, add the potatoes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Remove chicken from the pot, make sure it is cool, then cut into bite size pieces and add it to the vegetable mixture.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>-</strong> Add salt, pepper, and seasoned salt to taste</span><br /><br /><strong>- </strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Pour mixture into a 9 inch deep dish pie plate <span style="font-size:100%;"><em>(having a pie shell on bottom is optional.. more crust the better I think ;))</em></span> and cover with a pie shell. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>You will probably have a small amount that will not fit in.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Make sure you crimp the edges of the shell to the pie plate or the bottom pie shell so no juices spill into the oven.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>- </strong>Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes of until pie shell is cooked and golden brown.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>This makes for a perfect dish for a cool Fall or Winter evening.</strong></em></span></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-63552833477583064722009-09-03T21:13:00.003-05:002009-09-03T21:23:06.726-05:00Funky Lunches<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Okay remember back to when you were a kid and you didn't want to eat anything that looked healthy.... </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Now click on this link </span><a href="http://www.funkylunch.com/gallery.htm"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><em>http://www.funkylunch.com/gallery.htm</em></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> and check out these creative ideas to get your little loves to enduldge during meal time.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">So Creative!!</span></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-80765983650333553872009-09-03T21:06:00.005-05:002009-09-03T21:23:28.289-05:00Eleven9 Clothing<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">This isn't really to save money, but it is for a great cause! </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">My cousin started this line and I am proud to share it with all of you! A percentage of each sale goes directly to a charity, non-profit organization, or socially responsible project that relates to the concept(s) of each individual line.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Learn Something. Do Something. Buy Something.</em></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Please check it out!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.eleven9clothing.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><em>www.eleven9clothing.com</em></span></a></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-12777453645641661072009-09-03T20:19:00.003-05:002009-09-03T21:20:51.758-05:0010 Ways To Drop 10 Pounds<div><font size="4">This easy guide will help you melt pounds gradually by changing your lifestyle, not banishing the fun from your life. Find out how to boost your metabolism, beat bloat, and more.<br /></font></div>
<br /><div><br /><font size="4"><font size="5"><strong>1.</strong></font> <strong>The "Protein" Way<br /></strong>Get 25 % of your calories from low fat protein.<br /></font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><em>Why try it:</em> Protein will keep you fuller longer. When people cut calories, they tend to eat salad. Soon after, they are starving.<br /></font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><em>Action Plan</em><br />Add lean protein to meals and snacks. Aim for 90 grams a day and 1,400 calories total. A lot of people think protein means chicken, meat, or fish. But some of the best choices are dairy foods, beans, and nuts.<br /></font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>Your Protein Cheat Sheet:</strong><br />- Roasted chicken breast (3 ounces): 26g protein, 140 calories, 3g fat </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Beef sirloin (3 ounces, trimmed of fat): 22g protein, 177 calories, 9g fat</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Cottage cheese, 1% fat (4.4 ounces): 15g protein, 89 calories, 1g fat </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Kidney beans (1/2 cup): 7g protein, 108 calories, 1g fat </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Cheddar cheese (1 ounce): 7g protein, 114 calories, 9g fat </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Almonds (1 ounce, about 22 nuts): 6g protein, 169 calories, 15g fatEgg, </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Hard-boiled: 6g protein, 78 calories, 5g fat </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Yogurt, Dannon Light & Fit (6 ounces): 5g protein, 60 calories, 0g fat</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><em></em></font> </div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div><br /><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">2.</font> The "Three Change" Way<br /></strong>Ban 3 high calorie foods.<br /></div></font>
<br /><div><font size="4"><em>Why try it:</em> Most likely there's a high cal coffee drink, hunk of bread, or piece of cheese in your day.<br /></font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><em>Action Plan:<br /></em>Cut out these foods-<br />- Creamy, syrupy coffee drinks: A grande (16-ounce) low fat caramel macchiato has 240 calories and 7 grams of fat. Trade it for a tall skinny mocha (90 calories, 0g fat) and save 150 calories.<br />- Half a bagel: A typical bagel packs 300 to 400 calories. Lose half and cut 150 to 200 calories.<br />- One slice of cheese: Swap the cheddar on your sandwich for mustard and save 111 calories and 9 grams of fat.<br /></div></font>
<br /><div><br /><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">3.</font> The "Eat Breakfast" Way</strong><br />Consume 300 calories at breakfast and your daily total will be about 100 fewer calories.</font></div><font size="4">
<br /><div><br /><em>Why try it:</em> </div>
<br /><div>People who eat a morning bowl of cereal are less likely to become overweight than those who pass up their a.m. meal. Breakfast skippers tend to overeat at lunch because they're famished. They're also more likely to snack on high cal food all day, and justify it by saying, 'I didn't have breakfast.</div>
<br /><div><br /><em>Action Plan:<br /></em>Try a rotation of these three healthy starts, which contain between 200 and 300 calories each.</div>
<br /><div><br />- Power cereal: A bowl of high protein cereal or oatmeal (6 to 7 grams of protein per serving and no more than 200 calories), such as Kashi GoLean Crunch, with a half cup of fat free milk<br />- Egg sandwich: A toasted whole wheat muffin with one scrambled egg and half a slice of melted American cheese<br />- Yogurt parfait: A container of fat free yogurt with a half cup of berries and an ounce of almonds<br /></div></font>
<br /><div><br /><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">4.</font> The "Smart Snack" Way</strong><br />Break up with the office vending machine. Bring a healthy treat from home instead.<br /></font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><em>Why try it:</em> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">You can still take a 3 p.m. snack break.<br /></font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><em>Action Plan:<br /></em>Limit your afternoon nosh to 150 calories. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">Here's what to eat for a:<br />- Chocolate fix: Try a 100-calorie pack of CocoaVia.<br />- Filling fix: Eat two cups of air popped popcorn (62 calories).<br />- Crunch fix: Have one cup of raw veggies (carrots and celery) with 2 tablespoons hummus (80 calories).<br />- Healthy fix: Munch an apple with an ounce of low fat cheese, such as one Laughing Cow Light cheese wedge (130 calories).<br /></div></font>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">5.</font> The "Eat More" Way</strong><br />You can have as much as 30 to 35 grams of fiber every day.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><br /><em>Why try it:</em> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">You won't feel hungry. Fiber is the indigestible component of whole grains, fruits, nuts, beans, and vegetables. Because you can't digest the fiber, it will fill you up on its bulk with no calories.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><br /><em>Action Plan:</em><br />Keep total calories to 1,400 to 1,600, and get 35 grams of fiber a day from such foods as:<br />- Gnu Foods flavor & fiber bar: 12g fiber, 130 calories, 3g fat<br />- Fiber One cereal (1/2 cup): 14g fiber, 60 calories, 1g fat<br />- Pear (one medium): 4g fiber, 51 calories, 0g fat<br />- Raspberries (1/2 cup): 4g fiber, 32 calories, 1g fat<br />- Baked potato (one small, with skin): 3g fiber, 134 calories, 0g fat<br />- Whole grain bread (one slice): 2g fiber, 69 calories, 1g fat<br /></div></font>
<br /><div><br /><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">6.</font> The "Eat Three Fewer Bites Per Day" Way</strong><br />A little bit of portion control can add up to a lot of weight loss.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><br /><em>Why try it:</em> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">Obese patients given a plate and cereal bowl marked for portion size were almost four times more likely to have lost at least 5 percent of their body weight after six months, <em>a study found.</em></font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><br /><em>Action Plan:<br /></em>Leave 3 generous bites of your breakfast muffin, lunch pizza, and steak dinner on your plate and you'll save between 50 and 75 calories at each meal.<br /></div></font>
<br /><div><br /><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">7.</font> The "Burn Fat" Way</strong><br />Blast more calories in less time and fire up your metabolism with interval training.</font></div><font size="4">
<br /><div><br /><em>Why try it:</em> </div>
<br /><div></font><font size="4">Adding several short bursts of high intensity exercise to your walking routine can burn up to 100 calories more in the same amount of time. Doing challenging exercise also boosts your metabolism.</font></div><font size="4">
<br /><div><br /><em>Action Plan:<br /></em>Kick up your workout with this routine:<br />- Alternate walking at moderate intensity for 3 minutes with speed walking for 2 minutes. </div>
<br /><div>- Do this for 30 minutes, then add 5 minutes of moderate walking at the end.<br />- Try it 5 times a week and you'll burn 500 more calories weekly than you would with a moderate walking routine.<br /></div></font>
<br /><div><br /><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">8.</font> The "Beat Bloat" Way</strong><br />Sometimes feeling 10 pounds lighter is as good as losing it.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><br /><em>Why try it:</em> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">The foods that make you bloated- refined carbs, such as pizza, pasta, and white bread have empty calories. When they get stored in the body they attach to water. The more of them you eat, the more water you hold on to.<br /></div><em></em></font>
<br /><div><font size="4"><em>Action Plan:<br /></em>- Trade white bread for whole grain.<br />- Trade white rice for brown.<br />- Trade crackers for fruit and yogurt.<br />- Eat a small meal before an important event; a large one can cause bloat. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Go easy on the salt: High sodium foods can make your stomach pooch. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- And drink lots of water. Your body works more efficiently when hydrated.<br /><br /></div></font>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">9.</font> The "Eat Your Favorite Foods" Way</strong><br />When dining out, don't order the "healthy" choice if it's not what you want. Otherwise, you may end up eating more than if you'd just had some of what you craved.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><br /><em>Why try it:</em> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">Healthy food has calories, but we tend not to count them. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><br /><em>Action Plan:<br /></em>Restaurant meals are higher in calories than home cooked ones. Dine out once a week (including takeout) instead of 3 times.<br /></div></font>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">10.</font> The "Sleep More" Way</strong><br />People who get fewer than 7 hours of sleep at night have higher BMIs than those who get enough rest.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><br /><em>Why try it:</em> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">It's possible that just by sleeping more, you'll start to lose weight. First, lack of sleep spikes your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that signals your system to hold on to fat for survival. Second, a well rested brain equals more energy for making smart lifestyle choices, such as having soup and salad for lunch instead of chicken fingers. You'll have fewer cravings for rich, fatty foods when you aren't sleep deprived.<br /></div></font>
<br /><div><font size="4"><em>Action Plan:<br /></em>Turn off the TV and the computer and go to bed already! :)<br /></div></font><font size="4"></font>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-10371902416689632752009-09-03T20:02:00.002-05:002009-09-03T21:20:51.771-05:00Know Your Zodiac Sign<div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>CAPRICORN </strong>- The Go-Getter <em>(Dec 22 - Jan 19)</em> Patient and wise. Practical and rigid. Ambitious. Tends to be Good-looking. Humorous and funny.. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be Unfriendly at times. Hold grudges.... Like competition. Get what they want. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>AQUARIUS</strong> - The Sweetheart <em>( Jan 20 - Fe b 18)</em> Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>PISCES</strong> - The Dreamer <em>(Feb 19 - Mar 20)</em> Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Sensitive. Don't like details. Dreamy and unrealistic. Sympathetic and loving. Kind. Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>ARIES</strong> - The Daredevil <em>(Mar 21 - April 19) </em>Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous. Confident and enthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short fuse..Easily angered. Lively, passionate, and sharp wit. Outgoing. Lose interest quickly.. easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>TAURUS</strong> - The Enduring One <em>(April 20 - May 20)</em> Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings that are stable and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard, Passionate. Express themselves emotionally.. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulge themselves often. Very generous. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>GEMINI</strong> - The Chatterbox <em>(May 21 - June 20)</em> Smart and witty. Outgoing, very chatty. Lively, energetic.. Adaptable but needs to express themselves. Argumentative and outspoken. Like change. Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense. Gossips. May seem superficial or inconsistent. Beautiful physically and mentally. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>CANCER</strong> - The Protector <em>(June 21 - July 22) </em>Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome. Excellent partners for life. Protective. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others. Easily hurt, but sympathetic. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>LEO</strong> - The Boss <em>(July 23 - Aug 22) </em>Very organized. Need order in their lives.. likes being in control. Like boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help Others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Full of themselves. Loving. Doing the right thing is important to Leos. Attractive. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>VIRGO</strong> - The Perfectionist <em>(Aug 23 - Sept 22) </em>Dominant in relationships. Conservative. Always wants the last word. Arg umentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>LIBRA </strong>- The Harmonizer <em>(Sept 23 - Oct 22) </em>Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind. Have own unique appeal. Creative, energetic, and very social. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>SCORPIO</strong> - The Intense One <em>(Oct 23 - Nov 21) </em>Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. Great kisser. Flirtatious. Can be secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships.. Talkative. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and Emotional. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>SAGITTARIUS </strong>- The Happy-Go-Lucky One <em>(Nov 22 - Dec 21)</em> Good-natured optimist. Doesn't want to grow up (Peter Pan Syndrome). Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out.</font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-36947605285152860282009-09-03T19:46:00.003-05:002009-09-03T21:20:51.805-05:00Cilantro Chicken<div><font size="4"><strong><em></em></strong></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><em>Ingredients:</em></strong></font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1 Cup Olive Oil</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1/2 Cup fresh lime juice</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1 Clove Garlic, minced</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1/2 Cup Onion, chopped</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1/4 Cup fresh Cilantro, chopped</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1/2 tsp Salt</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1/4 tsp Pepper</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 2 whole boneless chicken breasts (4 halves) </font></div>
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<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><em>Directions:</em></strong></font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Mix first 7 ingredients to make the marinade </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Pound the chicken breast until thin </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Marinate 1/2 to 1 hour</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Barbeque or broil </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Cooks in about 3 to 5 minutes </font></div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4">If double or triple recipe use leftovers in enchiladas.</font> </div>
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<br /><div> </div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-22743562307588960852009-08-10T21:38:00.003-05:002009-08-10T22:04:07.085-05:00How to Make a Kite<span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">While kites are inexpensive to buy, making one adds to the fun. You'll be especially proud when your diamond shaped creation takes to the sky.</span></em></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Things You'll Need:</strong><br />2 Dowel Rods<br />Ruler Or Yardstick<br />Utility Knife<br />Strong String<br />Stiff Construction Paper<br />X-Acto Knife<br />Glue<br />Scissors</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Ribbons Or Strips Of Cloth<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Instructions:</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 1<br /></em>Cut two lengths of doweling rod, one 16 inches long and another 24 inches long.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 2<br /></em>Measure each cut piece with a ruler. Mark the shorter, 16 inch piece at half its length and mark the longer, 24 inch piece at a third of its length.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 3</em><br />Position the two rods at right angles, one on top of the other so that the marks touch. The two rods should form a cross shape.<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 4<br /></em>With strong, thin string, bind the two rods together where they meet. Tie a secure knot and cut off excess string.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 5</em><br />Use a utility knife to cut a small notch into the ends of both rods. These notches will hold the string that gives the kite its shape.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 6<br /></em>Place some string in the notch at the top of the kite frame and wind it around the top of the rod.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 7<br /></em>When the string is well secured at the top of the rod, draw it tightly around the edge of the frame. Make sure it fits securely into each notch in the rods.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 8<br /></em>When you return to the top of the frame, secure the string by tying its ends together in a tight knot.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 9<br /></em>Place the finished frame on top of a large piece of paper.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 10</em><br />Using the kite frame as a template, cut the paper with scissors or a utility knife. Leave an excess of about 1/2 inch when cutting around the sections of string.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 11<br /></em>Smear glue along the outside edges of the paper and fold it over so that it encloses the string and secures itself to the paper inside the frame as well. Make sure you use enough glue and spread it evenly enough to attach the paper both to the string and itself.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 12<br /></em>Tie a length of string to each end of the shorter rod. The string should be a bit longer than the rod.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 13<br /></em>Tie another length of string to each end of the longer rod. Again, the string should be a bit longer than the rod.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 14<br /></em>Pick up the two strings with one hand, finding the point at the front of the kite where they overlap. Using a bit of extra string, tie them together. This is the point at which you will attach the kite string when it comes time to fly.<br /><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Step 15<br /></em>To make a tail for your kite, secure several ribbons to the bottom of the kite using strong glue.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Now You're Ready To Fly!!!</span></strong></em></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-49737598231179865812009-08-10T21:36:00.004-05:002009-08-10T22:08:36.163-05:00PiperLime.com<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">You can shop <strong>Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, PiperLime, and Athleta</strong> all from this same website!!!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.piperlime.com/">www.piperlime.com</a></span></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-59463873846144909782009-08-08T10:42:00.005-05:002009-08-10T21:53:06.734-05:00Chicken & Broccoli Lasagna<div align="center"><font size="4"><em>Makes 8 Servings</em> </font></div>
<br /><div align="center">(double batch, so you can freeze half to eat another time)</div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>For the sauce:</strong></font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 4 tbs. butter </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 4 tbs. flour </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 2 cups milk </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1 cup chicken broth </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 3 eggs </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1/2 tsp. salt </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Pinch of nutmeg </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Pinch of ground red pepper </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Lasagna noodles </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 2 tbs. butter </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1 cup chopped onion </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1 tsp. minced garlic </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1 1/2 cup diced chicken </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1 bag frozen broccoli cuts </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1/4 cup parsley </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1 lb mozzarella, sliced thin </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>Sauce:</strong> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Melt butter, stir in flour. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Add milk, whisk until smooth. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Stir in broth. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Cook, stirring constantly, until thick. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Beat eggs in separate bowl, add small amount of sauce; then combine egg mix with all sauce. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Stir in cheese and seasonings. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Cook noodles. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Sauté chicken in butter with onion and garlic. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Stir in broccoli, cook 5 min.until tender. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Add seasonings. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">- Layer in 9 x 13 pan: sauce, mozzarella, noodles, chicken. Repeat. Finish with cheese. </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong>*To serve:</strong> Bake 350F for 50 min, until bubbly.*</font></div>
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<br /><div align="center"><em><font size="4">Easy to make and isn’t as expensive as regular homemade lasagna. </font></em></div>
<br /><div align="center"><em><font size="4">You can freeze leftovers for a delicious meal days later.</font></em></div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div> </div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-50809216951265364452009-08-08T10:11:00.002-05:002009-08-10T21:53:06.740-05:00Best Info To Know<div align="center"><font size="4">To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine... and to those who don't.<br /> <br />As Ben Franklin said:<br /></font><font size="4"><em>In wine there is wisdom,<br />in beer there is freedom,<br />in water there is bacteria.<br /></em> <br />In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 litre of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) - bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.<br /> <br />However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.<br /> </font></div>
<br /><div align="center"><font size="4"> So Remember: </font></div>
<br /><div align="center"><font size="4"><em>Water = Poop </em></font></div>
<br /><div align="center"><font size="4"><em>Wine = Health<br /></em></div></font>
<br /><div align="center"><font size="4">Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid,<br />than to drink water and be full of shit.<br /> <br /><strong><em>There is no need to thank me for this valuable information: I'm doing it as a public service.</em> ;)</strong></font><font size="4"><strong></div>
<br /><div align="center"><br /></strong> </font></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-86476877535430360282009-08-08T10:02:00.003-05:002009-08-10T21:53:06.745-05:0010 Habits for a Stronger Heart<div align="center"><br /><font size="4"><strong><em>The smartest plan for attacking a heart attack is, of course, preventing one from ever happening. Choose at least three of the following strategies and make them a habit. The closer to the top, the more you reduce your risk of heart disease.</em></strong></font></div>
<br /><div align="center"><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">1.</font> Drink Five Glasses of Water a Day</strong> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">People who drink that many 8 ounce glasses are 54 % less likely to have a fatal heart attack than those who drink 2 or fewer glasses a day. Researchers say the water dilutes the blood, making it less likely to clot.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">2.</font> Convince Your Partner to Stop Smoking</strong> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">Nonsmoking spouses of smoking partners face a 92 % increase in their risk of heart attack. Breathing secondhand smoke boosts bad cholesterol levels, decreases good cholesterol, and increases your blood's tendency to clot.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">3.</font> Work Out for 30 Minutes, 4 Times a Week</strong> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">Middle aged people who exercise vigorously for 2 or more hours cumulatively per week have 60% less risk of heart attack than inactive people do.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">4.</font> Lose 10 to 20 Pounds</strong> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">If you're overweight, dropping 10 to 20 pounds lowers your risk of dying from a heart attack. A 10 year study found that overweight people had heart attacks 8.2 years earlier than normal weight victims.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">5.</font> Switch from Coffee to Tea</strong> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">A recent study found that people who drink 3 cups of tea a day have half the risk of heart attack of those who don't drink tea at all. Potent antioxidants, called flavonoids, provide a protective effect.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">6.</font> Eat Salmon on Saturday, Tuna on Tuesday</strong> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health say that eating fish at least twice a week lowers heart disease risk by more than 30 %. The magic ingredient is the omega 3 fatty acids.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">7.</font> Ask Your Doctor About Vitamin E and Aspirin</strong> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">Men who take both, cut the plaque in clogged arteries by more than 80 %, according to a recent University of Pennsylvania study.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">8.</font> Eat a Cup of Total Corn Flakes for Breakfast</strong> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">This cereal contains one of the highest concentrations of folate (675 micrograms) of any cereal. Taking in that much folic acid daily cuts your risk of cardiovascular disease by 13 %, according to researchers.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">9.</font> Count to 10</strong> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">Creating a 10 second buffer before reacting to a stressful situation may be enough to cool you down. People who respond with anger are 3 times more likely to have heart disease and 5 times more likely to have a heart attack before turning 55.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"><strong><font size="5">10.</font> Eat Watermelon</strong> </font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4">It contains about 40 % more lycopene than is found in raw tomatoes, and a new study shows that your body absorbs it at higher levels due to the melon's high water content. Half a wedge can boost heart disease prevention by 30 %.</font></div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>
<br /><div align="center"><strong><em><font size="5">Now go ahead make your choice!</font></em></strong></div>
<br /><div align="center"><strong><em><font size="4"></font></em></strong> </div>
<br /><div><font size="4"></font> </div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-91060289008080821122009-08-03T13:04:00.002-05:002009-08-03T13:04:59.907-05:00New Site!<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Check this site out. It is Amazing!!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.shopbop.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">www.shopbop.com</span></a></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-72895346931829285942009-08-03T11:08:00.012-05:002009-08-03T12:57:04.503-05:00Celebrity Gossip<div><div><div><div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Just wanted to share these YouTube videos and some pics with you all of Wes from The Bachelorette.</span></div><div><br /> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Wes Tells All: His Own Addition...</strong></em> </span><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">The real story from Wes' own mouth:<br />Many of you have wondered why I didn't go on the Men Tell All. It's quite simple........ they would not allow me to say what I have said in interviews. I didn't want to go thru another editing job by ABC. If you want to hear it in my own words. Check out the YouTube video. I think you will find it VERY interesting.</span><br /></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDjAtDIngik" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" __untrusted="true"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDjAtDIngik</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div><br /> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span> </div><div>*<br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Wes Live on ABC:</span></strong></em><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here's a video clip of Wes on Good Morning Texas on ABC on July 28, 2009.</span><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIhEUfVuP7o" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" __untrusted="true"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIhEUfVuP7o</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">*and an interview after that...</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Wes Tells All on Good Morning Texas:</strong></em></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />From the hit TV show The Bachelorette, bad boy Wes Hayden appeared on WFAA's "Good Morning Texas" to set the record straight about what he said was just "playing a character."<br />WES HAYDEN!! SMALL PORTION OF THE TRUTH FROM GOOD MORNING TEXAS INTERVIEW..CHECK IT OUT.. </span></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDuHp_GvmJ0"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDuHp_GvmJ0</span></a></div><div><br /> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are pics from the show that they were talking about at The Gaylord Glass Cactus in the second Youtube video...</span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365775216422664930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC3iaWiFf6b-cR-NL2AULnJBcl6JBQgPy8TXqMKeli8qHmdiuPpT1ih6KSlPks2ak6gBZLqbf5Crkejv95Y5OPr905sz3xOpqknsUNMZJmlhX8lbwv-zfOZZndsv3fBLjABxV6Lihwf9r/s400/wes.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /></div><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365775224297560882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9di2wI81xMMgh7-wIiyB5lM7oVZ1z4-qDg7rGnTMBShN9HRbUgVm9LCJF8ChXprpOVYmP99NnvCva2dnDmwZMwpzyBwgkz2wZMTCUgdJ79nuUavJqfMog-W0O2C3vIzns0pBbNxfcPm7/s400/DSC09392.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here is Me (on the left) and my friend, Kara and I enjoying the show.</span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365775229112673602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFp7iTYfWL02UEZyYh0DHZoD1lDK6qUyzpn8ujRnEvwP5ikVZpm0y3dIP75BdhBaCnsiJJ5LmmgEHHLG_BWTnKV-6ssipwZe9U-Cg7wiCnJ_oa_E0TlinoRpQppbxLmAM4dNCkOgi0M4a/s400/DSC09381.JPG" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365781190632597826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpeXhEjrtR3mkSuuLjgrOrjy0gJsFB0gNHUWyuWy5iQDcv5hvEqQSq0ydliYYTkbvwTW9iQ_SuyKa_40xmnI03t0euqs1WqoegdhcGWLKuYESjQIVfQjjOX60sR0KG_YGtJF9HxbGtga5/s400/DSC09394.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365775509186249522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi_mNV80D3RI3xEHrLR4jpQFER4ssXO49rQiK79nMVjZRh_UuTEAFkIWxkESmfH3XbkHQXOMeJ0_pzH207rKrWHA63QeHQauB7zldXo4O1AyZA17l0NNpArrSDlEbiDymQbksLvSUUw-r/s400/DSC09424.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjti8NXefcJ0C2oevhfjvYg9DGaZXt9_B0bymcRnTMi87MpXo9DMVCIXsSrYy4ZP6W3y_yWEIAiiwoHU1wfT4PwWUXlbBBfQhsbT5Ljt15CCfTGdiN_wFyZR1t2jJOYr8K3Np-hLRHA_zHn/s1600-h/DSC09412.JPG"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365775234283205842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjti8NXefcJ0C2oevhfjvYg9DGaZXt9_B0bymcRnTMi87MpXo9DMVCIXsSrYy4ZP6W3y_yWEIAiiwoHU1wfT4PwWUXlbBBfQhsbT5Ljt15CCfTGdiN_wFyZR1t2jJOYr8K3Np-hLRHA_zHn/s400/DSC09412.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span>*<br />High school buddies Wes and Jeremy, from Deanna's season of Bachelorette.<br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rg_jDMvtbU89jB45xjcHe73IuXtbXKnSOIjlMPxr7GwMDcKDATmfWGr8MFOTpdDBAP84YbSc4E60u9WbsBJABcwAz5qlFrE0JtXVgvIXk__5ouZpi_jCFQeiDbPEeWLcKVkxZ5vuJzVy/s1600-h/wes+and+jeremy-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365782589135600930" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rg_jDMvtbU89jB45xjcHe73IuXtbXKnSOIjlMPxr7GwMDcKDATmfWGr8MFOTpdDBAP84YbSc4E60u9WbsBJABcwAz5qlFrE0JtXVgvIXk__5ouZpi_jCFQeiDbPEeWLcKVkxZ5vuJzVy/s320/wes+and+jeremy-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p></div><div align="center"><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMm-T6M32b0v9Nbz9AQzEkYRhvKVyOLK5yN3aV6I_XGNIqAvXdR6MmegrwV8R4Ap3ILaehBzfsGpqg47ZCIaasN5FTXl6l6SJpYox4YjwMyXU2Ezi3TAm9OCtiyCp5fWWBX_M4pdy5ChF/s1600-h/wes+and+jeremy+-3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365782583646508082" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMm-T6M32b0v9Nbz9AQzEkYRhvKVyOLK5yN3aV6I_XGNIqAvXdR6MmegrwV8R4Ap3ILaehBzfsGpqg47ZCIaasN5FTXl6l6SJpYox4YjwMyXU2Ezi3TAm9OCtiyCp5fWWBX_M4pdy5ChF/s320/wes+and+jeremy+-3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQLnIbFnCmbolYTQ2tEMcE9PfdwoB9jX9dfeAF8x0uh5RwtymHAcZVq39vcwMPRJwQbSO8kBZ5kqayJHy09RqCHihYcm0PCyDF0SNknsx-IfWkWMOWJVIWKn2t-XWS3DvGasJMiLHVag2/s1600-h/wes+and+jeremy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365782580509578738" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQLnIbFnCmbolYTQ2tEMcE9PfdwoB9jX9dfeAF8x0uh5RwtymHAcZVq39vcwMPRJwQbSO8kBZ5kqayJHy09RqCHihYcm0PCyDF0SNknsx-IfWkWMOWJVIWKn2t-XWS3DvGasJMiLHVag2/s320/wes+and+jeremy.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdumr3vNA1Xs3hwhT-dXVRHN1mQ5-iKZZ8K1TmCRvk0IdEGjcwnspibx5RraASc_XdZIf0_sge0PUOeOZ3N6cIzKQr0u3SuThFPmwvhNM6tzWXIBX5NruGmHvfeYWGppwdG_wwaeC5jl1O/s1600-h/DSC09408.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365783139776319746" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdumr3vNA1Xs3hwhT-dXVRHN1mQ5-iKZZ8K1TmCRvk0IdEGjcwnspibx5RraASc_XdZIf0_sge0PUOeOZ3N6cIzKQr0u3SuThFPmwvhNM6tzWXIBX5NruGmHvfeYWGppwdG_wwaeC5jl1O/s400/DSC09408.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UoL7W_aCdbByRKT_B0noCF5pVKcLy4Brfw4t9fNnQvqga5Hr5O3HJQ-rkm4GMAMBTqzyjp0Kpdeq4EhXs0ETO95tePRB4epxnD61Uu0iV_dQ7c4TOKX4A8coGXxo7950JOedMeP-9Nlj/s1600-h/DSC09413.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365783145874786690" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UoL7W_aCdbByRKT_B0noCF5pVKcLy4Brfw4t9fNnQvqga5Hr5O3HJQ-rkm4GMAMBTqzyjp0Kpdeq4EhXs0ETO95tePRB4epxnD61Uu0iV_dQ7c4TOKX4A8coGXxo7950JOedMeP-9Nlj/s400/DSC09413.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZoT3zCnQNRgX5DHMY46sQqnpd33k99bafLa3-1V250xigpEYhvSZ2Y0tTkRAzRzjC3Vz4LjAfX7iYSyeWJXyBiOWNzV0Awc5z1mY1oDR6kjCR7zqLoGHUQMV2qnoOicmEYraRfsT_6YP/s1600-h/DSC09406.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365783159647764194" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZoT3zCnQNRgX5DHMY46sQqnpd33k99bafLa3-1V250xigpEYhvSZ2Y0tTkRAzRzjC3Vz4LjAfX7iYSyeWJXyBiOWNzV0Awc5z1mY1oDR6kjCR7zqLoGHUQMV2qnoOicmEYraRfsT_6YP/s400/DSC09406.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">I have caught alot of crap from people as to why we went to the show. It was a great show, we had a fun time, and he is not as bad of a guy as it looked on The Bachelorette. Take away all that and just listen to his music... it's pretty good, you just might like it too!</span></strong></em></div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-IrQscU3o4&NR=1"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-IrQscU3o4&NR=1</span></a></div><div> </div><div>*</div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Here is an interview that lasts about an hour with Wes, but this youtube interview does it in 9, 10 minute sessions, so that's why there are 9 parts.</span></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndbBv2gDKLs"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">Interview Part 1</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C79qFeKPLGU&feature=related"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">Interview Part 2</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1DxBLwSZqY&feature=related"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">Interview part 3</span></a></div><div><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=al3O0hsvgkQ&feature=related"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">Interview Part 4</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT4jQBS2OT0&feature=related"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">Interview Part 5</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvh5vrwlfjA&feature=related"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">Interview Part 6</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37eKzl7myp0&feature=related"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">Interview Part 7</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fda9isniYv8&feature=related"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">Interview Part 8</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRnISX9Ldac&feature=related"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">Interview Part 9</span></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>*******************</div><div>*******************</div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">After all this extra info... Now you can decide if you think Wes is still a Bad Guy or a Good Guy now?!?!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>What do ya think? </strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>I would love to hear your opinons, good or bad.</strong></em></span></div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-57894557586798353442009-08-03T10:46:00.002-05:002009-08-03T11:05:34.261-05:00Chicken Pasta Primavera<strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">*Ingredients*</span></em></strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 1 Red Bell Pepper <em>(cut all into 1 inch pieces)</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper <em>(cut all into 1 inch pieces)</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 1 Green Bell Pepper <em>(cut all into 1 inch pieces)</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 4 tbl extra virgin olive oil (E.V.O.O.)</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 2 cloves of glarlic <em>(minced (finely chopped))</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 1 (14.5 ounce) can peeled & diced tomatoes <em>(no need to drain)</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes w/ green chile peppers (rotel) <em>(no need to drain)</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>- </em>1 (15 ounce) can tomatoe sauce</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 1 pound angel hair pasta</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 2 tbl butter</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves <em>(cut into bite size pieces)</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 1/2 tsp garlic powder</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 1/2 tsp garlic herb</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 1/2 tsp Toney's creole seasoning <em>(if you want it a little spicey)</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 1/2 rubbed sage</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- 1/4 cup parmesean grated cheese</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>*Directions*</strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sauce:</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- In a large skillet, over med heat, cook the peppers in 2 tbl of E.V.O.O. w/ the minced garlic until just tender.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- Stir in diced tomatoes & diced tomatoes w/chilies (rotel), add spices, & reduce heat to med-low to simmer for 10 minutes.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- Remove to a serving bowl.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Pasta:</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add pasta, & cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Drain.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Chicken:</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- While pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbl of EVOO & the butter over med. heat in a large skillet. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- Cook the bite size pieces of chicken in the butter mixture until juices run clear, about 5-10 minutes.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- Place cooked chicken over tomatoe sauce mixture </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- Put the chicken over the pasta, with sauce and parmesean on top.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">- Serve with some broiled garlic toast and a side salad and <em>Eat It Up!</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-85678300646013771312009-08-03T10:29:00.006-05:002009-08-03T10:43:46.579-05:00Cupcake Bath Puff<span style="font-size:130%;"> <em><strong>What's more convenient than a bath puff with the soap already in it?</strong></em></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365760643369042018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg0-8rXDkdNtVmr8ANE8V8MQlUNNqjULUr9sRr-tedyUF3N6wvcmF-yFDpR3mLsTnw_TIhCuxJcg75UXj6sh3WGfQnZgZAI751ufqaHRq0oSW82GPfS7Wb5JoTmdcA3GaXuidzr7hsqRB/s320/DD+Blog.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Supplies:</strong> 1 pound melt & pour glycerin soap (Dial gylcerin soap works well)</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">5 Mini/travel bath puffs</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Cupcake pan (silicone pans are good)</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>What To Do:</strong> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">1) Melt soap in microwave for 30 seconds at a time until the soap is all melted.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">2) Pour the melted soap into the cupcake pan, filling it half full.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">3) Press the bath puff into the pan.'</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">4) Allow to it to set for a little while then remove it from the pan.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"></p></span><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365760512522029058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgTj8ydKUFCJ2PInP_DkcT1Ce7b2TWQiRDIaw1UQiGd3RRAa6f0WCzMTtJFBFcbo9gXe3I2LebAVo5ghjy-_gURr-hszw_8BhHiHrlEbgDyw1SnpdG1hwsFcfI0y8py-3S82CzfA5E4Hz/s400/DD+Blog.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>This would make a fun filler in an Easter basket or a nice gift for Mother's Day.</strong></em> </span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-17489115219653910342009-08-03T09:29:00.016-05:002009-08-03T10:08:20.296-05:00Outsmart Your Appetite<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>With diet traps lurking around every dinner table and pantry shelf, it's easy to overeat. Here's how to navigate the danger zones without gaining a pound.</em></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><em><strong>Sidestep These Diet Traps:</strong></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">You work out regularly, and you watch what you eat, so why do you have to lie down to button your skinny jeans?<br />Things around you, from the candles on your dining room table to those super cute dessert plates, are setting you up to overindulge. <em>"But if you understand the external forces that make you buy and eat more, you can avoid the pitfalls," says Brian Wansink, PhD, a FITNESS advisory board member and the author of Mindless</em> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think.</em> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*<br /><strong><em>Diet Trap: Eating Slowly</em></strong><br />Mom's been telling you for years to stop shoveling in your food, and you know that this bad habit makes you consume more calories. But eating too slowly can also backfire. <em>Research shows that the longer a meal lasts, the likelier we are to reach for a third glass of wine or dinner roll. "Just sitting at the table means a greater chance of nibbling on something, even if you're not hungry," says Sasha Loring, a psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher at Duke Integrative Medicine.</em><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> A meal should last 45 minutes, just long enough for you to enjoy it, but not so much that you'll overeat. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: Low Fat Labels<br /></em></strong>When a food (even chips or cookies) is labeled low-fat, we think it's healthy and tend to go overboard, <em>research shows.</em><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> Look at the serving and portion size. Bonus in smaller packages provide a stopping point, so you can decide whether you want to keep eating. If you think you've downed an entire serving, you're more likely to feel satisfied.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: Meals in Front of the TV</em><br /></strong>Time to Fess Up... How many times this week did you dine under the influence of TV? </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Kids in a University of Toronto study who ate in front of the tube consumed, on average, 228 more calories than those who didn't. "If you're distracted during a meal, you'll enjoy your food less and lose track of how much you're eating," says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.<br /><br /></em></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><em></em></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> Can't give up a night watching your favorite shows like<em> The Bachelorette</em> or <em>So You Think You Can Dance</em>?... (my personal favs) Then DVR them and consider it your after dinner treat. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: Too Many Choices</em></strong><br /><em>Research suggests that a plate holding a variety of foods heightens our senses and turns on our taste buds. "Take away the choice and our senses get numbed, making a tray of the same type of muffin look less appealing," says Wansink.</em><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> To help you say no to the bagels and doughnuts at your next meeting, bring a snack of your own, or pick a spot at the table where you'll have to leave your chair to take one. You'll be more likely to think twice about it, since you'd attract attention to yourself getting up.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: Color</em><br /></strong>Ever wondered why lots of fast food joints use red in their stores and logos? It's because red is a stimulating color and it just may increase your appetite.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> In your kitchen, go for blue, which experts believe suppresses hunger. <em>"Blue is a soothing, calming color that can subconsciously help you slow down and enjoy your meal," says Taub-Dix. Not ready for robin's-egg walls? Use blue place mats, or arrange a bouquet of hydrangeas as a centerpiece.<br /></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: Family Style Dinners</em></strong><br />A serving bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes on the table is just begging you to take a second (or third) helping. Instead, put a full portion on your plate at the beginning of the meal and leave the rest on the kitchen counter... you're more likely to eat less this way.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> Make it harder to pig out. Put the leftovers in the freezer immediately after you serve a meal. Since it takes more effort to defrost a food, you are less likely to dip into it all week.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: Mouthwatering Aromas<br /></em></strong>Can't gather the willpower to keep walking past the bakery once you get a whiff of chocolate chip cookies? <em>Studies show that simply smelling a food can increase appetite and stimulate salivation, which will make you eat more if you do indulge.</em><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> Distract yourself so you won't follow your nose. Take out your cell phone and check voice mail or send a few texts when you walk by that yummy smelling cafe.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: Wining While Dining</em></strong><br />Keep the bottle on the table while you eat and you're more likely to refill your glass (100 calories or more a pour).<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> Leave the bottle on the counter or in the refrigerator during dinner, and use tall glasses. <em>People in one study poured 28 percent more into short, wide glasses than they did into tall, narrow ones, even though both glasses held the same amount.<br /></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Diet Trap: Group Outings</strong><br /></em>Hitting your favorite restaurant with friends? The celebratory atmosphere means you're more likely to let your dietary guard down. <em>Typically, when you eat with another person, you consume 35 percent more than you would alone, and the amount you eat increases as much as 10 percent with each additional person at the table.</em><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> Sit next to the smartest eater, sharing with her or reaching for the same foods she does.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: Cute Dessert Plates<br /></em></strong>Those plates you got as a housewarming gift could be upping your sweets intake. <em>In one study, people were asked to rate brownies served on dessert plates, paper plates, and napkins. Although they were all from the same batch, those on real plates were rated "excellent" compared with "nothing special" for those on napkins. </em><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Why? Our taste buds are led by our imagination. We figure that the dessert on the pretty plate is more likely to be delicious and if we expect a food to taste good, it will. And of course, the tastier it is, the more we eat.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> Put your fine china away and use your tableware that is not as nice.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: Buying in Bulk<br /></em></strong>It may be better for your budget, but loading up at a Sams can sabotage your diet if you're not careful. </span><em><span style="font-size:130%;">In one study, people who were given large packages of spaghetti, sauce, and meat typically prepared 23 percent more (around 150 extra calories) than those given medium-size ones. "Big packages make you think that your portions can be bigger too," says Wansink.<br /></span></em><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> When you're unpacking your groceries, separate the contents of giant value packs into several smaller containers.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: In-Your-Face Goodies</em></strong><br /></span><em><span style="font-size:130%;">If candy is in a clear container rather than an opaque one, we'll eat 22 percent more, research shows. "When we see something delicious, the pancreas secretes insulin, which lowers our blood sugar and makes us feel hungry," says Wansink.<br /></span></em><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> Keep treats under cover. Hide your favorite snacks at the bottom of the fridge or in a drawer. If it's not right there in front of you, You are less likely to reach for it.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: Mood Lighting<br /></em></strong>You may be tempted to dim the overhead lights before you sit down to dine with your sweetie, but studies show that it may spur your appetite. <em>"Soft lighting calms you down, making you more comfortable and uninhibited," says Wansink.</em> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The result? You reach for that monster size serving of fettuccine Alfredo and pile on extra Parmesan. But too bright lights are also bad news. They stimulate your senses and can cause you to eat faster and feel rushed.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> Ditch the candlelit meals and the bright fluorescent lights, and find a happy medium.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">*<br /><strong><em>Diet Trap: Icy Temperatures</em></strong><br />Restaurants and theaters often keep thermostats low. That's not good for your waistline, because your body needs to eat more to stay warm. In hot temps, you'll drink more liquids and eat less.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sidestep It:</strong> Set your thermostat between 68 and 75 degrees and bring a jacket when you go out to eat or to the movies.<br /></span><br />*<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Diet Trap: Easy Access<br /></em></strong>Are you more likely to indulge in a slice of chocolate cake if 1) you have to bake it from scratch or 2) if it's sitting on your kitchen counter? It's a no brainer. We're lazy when it comes to snacks. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Sidestep It:</em></strong> Avoid buying treats at the grocery store. This way, if your sweet tooth hits, you have to get out of the house and go get some, which is sometimes more trouble than it's worth and you'll pass up on eating sweets. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Now Get To Side Stepin'!</span></strong></em></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-23265652790326926972009-07-23T20:51:00.000-05:002009-07-23T20:52:29.988-05:00<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Welcome to my attempt at helping us all become <em><strong>Domestic Divas</strong></em>~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I'm so glad that you have stumbled upon my site and I hope that I can be some help to you! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I will be giving helpful tips on everything from cooking, organizing, decorating, being crafty, staying healthy and much much more.</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><div align="center"><br />I hope you enjoy what you find and learn here! I look forward to our quest together to become <em><strong>Domestic Divas</strong></em>!</div><div align="center"><br />Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:KristieMeek@gmail.com"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">KristieMeek@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> with any questions, comments, or requests for a posting.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /> </div></span>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-16252994818199112982009-07-23T18:51:00.008-05:002009-07-23T21:10:30.933-05:00Abs of Steel<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Sculpting a Sexier Stomach</span></strong></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Add one of these killer abs exercises to your workout and tone your tummy and lose your love handles for good.</span></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br />*******************************</div><em><strong>Lying Leg Raise</strong></em><br />Targets: Abs, lower back, hips<br /><br />-Lie face up on floor with legs together and extended, holding ball with both hands, arms extended overhead with elbows next to ears.<br />-Engage abs and lift both legs straight up toward ceiling.<br />-Slowly lower legs, keeping them straight and together, until about 12 inches away from floor; lift back up.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nWTpJTeGqPfYbihT_I-J_sR3K05bHXzvtkESu2AbeZV9UhOYaGqbD0dejtnJfUzD5W2pVBAkhuDon5ZxM2BieiKvcHTXjLPPkP0MyxeJI8E7neb0pPimIhiqOPZAUEkzIceoo-33rAbO/s1600-h/Lying+Leg+Raise.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361832275906598978" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nWTpJTeGqPfYbihT_I-J_sR3K05bHXzvtkESu2AbeZV9UhOYaGqbD0dejtnJfUzD5W2pVBAkhuDon5ZxM2BieiKvcHTXjLPPkP0MyxeJI8E7neb0pPimIhiqOPZAUEkzIceoo-33rAbO/s400/Lying+Leg+Raise.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em><strong>*************************************</strong></em><br /><em><strong>Medicine Ball Tap<br /></strong></em>Targets: Arms, obliques, abs<br /><br />-Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, abs engaged and back about 2 feet away from a wall, holding ball with arms extended at chest height in front of you.<br />-Bend arms slightly and rotate torso to right until ball taps wall behind you.<br />-Rotate back through center and to left; tap wall with ball.<br />-Alternate sides.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mGrr0qwXcjeBcR7wRmamVp6mItRXD4YuOrGF2KJ-ny0sRLD59u_aJXKL5PLwd_3VRL4Dal7rr0APLC7M-oW9tnUskSEhz5ngVdv-S79wHjiyeepvlCRgcerA3nh_v8M52MW6V0T4ORYd/s1600-h/Medicine+Ball+Tap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361832266779986706" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mGrr0qwXcjeBcR7wRmamVp6mItRXD4YuOrGF2KJ-ny0sRLD59u_aJXKL5PLwd_3VRL4Dal7rr0APLC7M-oW9tnUskSEhz5ngVdv-S79wHjiyeepvlCRgcerA3nh_v8M52MW6V0T4ORYd/s400/Medicine+Ball+Tap.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />***************************************<br /><em><strong>Intermediate: Plank Swipe</strong></em><br />Targets: Abs, obliques, back, hips, and glutes<br /><br />-Get into plank position and stack left foot on top of right heel.<br />-Keeping back and legs straight and abs engaged, lift left foot slightly, then kick left leg out to side. Return to stacked position.<br />-Switch legs<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCo0nQflKPluKJcFmebE_lWm21StGk0m-Sl8tawBh7FQ3cHgmhEisByAhZ2mD0HJDLkH1TGdM-ZZhoNCnjBQCAFLKCzBBplfeZWfXG7TX9uwTkyxp8bq74UO8GZANgFPuzzNlwooGGUrs/s1600-h/Intermediate+Side+Plank+Swipe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361832268679954370" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCo0nQflKPluKJcFmebE_lWm21StGk0m-Sl8tawBh7FQ3cHgmhEisByAhZ2mD0HJDLkH1TGdM-ZZhoNCnjBQCAFLKCzBBplfeZWfXG7TX9uwTkyxp8bq74UO8GZANgFPuzzNlwooGGUrs/s400/Intermediate+Side+Plank+Swipe.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />**************************************<br /><em><strong>Ball Crunch</strong></em><br />-Lie face up on a stability ball, knees bent 90 degrees, feet on floor.<br />-Put hands behind head with elbows out to sides and crunch up, then lower.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0V599xyOD7SLM9n8Oos_AHisOuW81QgTACUKAkXHMqgYflS7vYNSYCe6XFHmpEQbSHHCJAhs7teRGG87ADiwC7AB131lNWH010yAGBXXg_eO80IGfoF0-GR8ftMZNfeQ_gf8ZyTH0zYrX/s1600-h/Ball+Crunch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361831570020831426" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0V599xyOD7SLM9n8Oos_AHisOuW81QgTACUKAkXHMqgYflS7vYNSYCe6XFHmpEQbSHHCJAhs7teRGG87ADiwC7AB131lNWH010yAGBXXg_eO80IGfoF0-GR8ftMZNfeQ_gf8ZyTH0zYrX/s400/Ball+Crunch.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />****************************************<br /><br /><em><strong>Hip Raise<br /></strong></em>-Lie face up on floor with heels on ball, legs extended, arms by sides.<br />-Lift hips, forming a diagonal line from heels to shoulders. Hold for 1 count; lower.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji938Fw2wFy6lB2WGGEIoN6Z_-5mdyyDVBcgwABqr2chdQf2SDEMMn0eAESc9T-B39FmxxPITIZ43zQmpkvkPBT5Z5B5EkfqFsAnWw6NQishD_YJlkeoVxe1cogJyMNYWtDKsISqd6t6V9/s1600-h/Hip+Raise.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361831570164096738" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji938Fw2wFy6lB2WGGEIoN6Z_-5mdyyDVBcgwABqr2chdQf2SDEMMn0eAESc9T-B39FmxxPITIZ43zQmpkvkPBT5Z5B5EkfqFsAnWw6NQishD_YJlkeoVxe1cogJyMNYWtDKsISqd6t6V9/s400/Hip+Raise.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />*************************************<br /><em><strong>Back Extension<br /></strong></em>-Lie face down on ball, knees bent and feet on wall behind you, toes on floor.<br />-Bend elbows by sides, bringing fists in front of shoulders. Lift upper body; lower.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdAmDQFuNt0CzwdCth-CUEKZUGyPp8fcYC8-ArFZaWFFc46rC2fr8T2rhyK77jJJNv9u_w5VgXmML48oo8wwMtf793pY_QjFyrPcLX-IuHRoIdpjt_4bTg4JqOigEpdj4TTc4F5KqpX6c/s1600-h/Back+Extension.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361831566924307730" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdAmDQFuNt0CzwdCth-CUEKZUGyPp8fcYC8-ArFZaWFFc46rC2fr8T2rhyK77jJJNv9u_w5VgXmML48oo8wwMtf793pY_QjFyrPcLX-IuHRoIdpjt_4bTg4JqOigEpdj4TTc4F5KqpX6c/s400/Back+Extension.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />***********************************<br /><br /><em><strong>Arm/Leg Reach<br /></strong></em>-Start on all fours. Slowly extend left arm and right leg at the same time until both are parallel to floor; hold for 1 second. Return to start.<br />-Switch sides and repeat to complete 1 rep.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jjM4WcS-NK78g2htER6oFmSg3akl3pRuxEidhoUAuZhndDQ24sHFRr_MivqLvGHfGjKtVEsNZv5quFr3BnwJFPwWGjJfsbSiB04SM5EZBOE2uY_lbJXJz7EBui1OOO3bbXdjJHbX0XJc/s1600-h/Opp+Arm+%26+Leg+Reach.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361832258339378082" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jjM4WcS-NK78g2htER6oFmSg3akl3pRuxEidhoUAuZhndDQ24sHFRr_MivqLvGHfGjKtVEsNZv5quFr3BnwJFPwWGjJfsbSiB04SM5EZBOE2uY_lbJXJz7EBui1OOO3bbXdjJHbX0XJc/s400/Opp+Arm+%26+Leg+Reach.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />***********************************<br /><em><strong>Pilates Roll-Up<br /></strong></em>-Lie back with legs straight and arms extended above head next to ears.<br />-Bring arms forward, tilt chin down, and slowly curl upper body up, reaching hands to toes.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsue6Zt8HWuqKMLmD87MVZoeI9d5HCcPW1QaglK9RsUZ5hqVLFFv6o9DdWC6nEbomyX6VC2PVtrvOtn54QFPNIIdPaGhqys1eTDlNo8PmztKYKgd4xDgb4GD1XN9TH-JHwgN5acaDK8U2S/s1600-h/Pilates+Roll-Up.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361831557063881554" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 183px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsue6Zt8HWuqKMLmD87MVZoeI9d5HCcPW1QaglK9RsUZ5hqVLFFv6o9DdWC6nEbomyX6VC2PVtrvOtn54QFPNIIdPaGhqys1eTDlNo8PmztKYKgd4xDgb4GD1XN9TH-JHwgN5acaDK8U2S/s400/Pilates+Roll-Up.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />~Choose your favorite 2-4 exercises and try to do 15-20 reps 2-3 times, 3 times a week.~<br /><br /><br />*****************************<br />*****************************<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><em><strong>Cardio for Killer Abs:</strong></em><br /></span>To get show off abs fast, do at least 3 - 30 minute cardio sessions per week.<br />Choose activities that specifically target core muscles.<br />*<br /><strong><em>Best machines</em> (500 to 600 calories an hour):</strong><br />Treadmill (run/walk hills)<br />Elliptical trainer with movable handles<br />Rowing machine<br />*<br />Do 10 minutes of each machine, moving quickly from one exercise to the next so your core muscles are constantly challenged.<br />*<br /><strong><em>Best classes</em> (350 to 650 calories an hour):</strong><br />Indoor Group Cycling<br />Kickboxing<br />Core Based Classes<br />Bosu Classes<br />Most Dance classes<br />*<br /><strong><em>Best outdoor activities</em> (300 to 450 calories an hour):</strong><br />Tennis<br />Kayaking<br />Volleyball<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">********************************************************************</div><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">You should now be on your way to a slimmer, sexier You!!</span></strong></em></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">*************************************************************</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-32188567021225763982009-07-23T17:01:00.014-05:002009-07-23T21:10:15.608-05:00Vaca<div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">How To Prepare for a Family Vacation</span></strong></em></div><strong></strong><div align="left"><br /><em>Getting ready to go on a family vacation can be an exciting time and being prepared will help make things go more smoothly…</em></div><p><br />Traveling with a family can be a nightmare. Most family travel meets some sort of major emergency or crisis during the planning phase, and it usually occurs right before they are due to go to the airport for departure. No matter how well the parents have planned, something never ever fits in and this can cause extreme panic when there are several children to deal with as well as making sure that everyone arrives at their vacation destination in one piece.<br /><br />It is no wonder that family travel can cause major stress when you consider all of the things that have to be considered and then remembered. With insurance, packing, documentation, hotel arrangements, flights and other things to deal with, what you really need is a checklist to use to ensure that all elements are dealt with in the correct timescales to ensure that the dash to the airport is not an ordeal!<br /><br />To help you cope with this, here are helpful tips and checklists that you can use for any given trip, whether going abroad or traveling near by. All of the information is relevant and can certainly help you to relax and enjoy your vacation!<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>If you’re family is traveling to a foreign country:<br /></strong></em>-Check Foreign Entry Requirements:<span style="color:#cc0000;"> </span><a href="http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#cc0000;">http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html</span></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /></span>(Note: If Mom and Dad aren’t traveling together with a child, many countries are now requiring a notarized consent from the absent parent for children under 18.)<br /><br />-Check Travel Health Warnings: <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/travel/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#cc0000;">http://www.cdc.gov/travel/</span></a><br /><br />-Check for Travel Warnings: <a href="http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#cc0000;">http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html</span></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /></span><br />-Check Vaccination Requirements:<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/travel/vaccinat.htm" target="_blank"> <span style="color:#cc0000;">http://www.cdc.gov/travel/vaccinat.htm</span></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /></span><br /><br /><em><strong>Airline Travel Tips:<br /></strong></em>-Check your airline’s luggage restrictions and limits. (Note: The number one most confiscated item is nail scissors. Make sure you put them in your luggage and not your carry-on!)<br /><br />-Put identification on the outside and inside of all luggage.<br /><br />-Check FAA regulations for list of what you can’t carry on-board: <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm" target="_blank"><span style="color:#cc0000;">http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm</span></a><br /><br />-To help with trip planning, the TSA has a web site to check estimated security checkpoint wait times at airports: <a href="http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#cc0000;">http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov/index.html</span></a><br /><br /><br /><em><strong>One week prior to your vacation:</strong></em><br />-Make a list of the items you plan to pack.<br /><br />-If you plan on driving your own car during the trip, get the oil changed, rotate the tires and perform other necessary maintenance.<br /><br />-If necessary, plan transportation to the airport.<br /><br />-Pay necessary bills, such as mortgage/rent, utilities, etc.<br /><br />-Wash your clothes & Give your house a thorough cleaning.<br /><br />-Leave contact information and your itinerary with a house sitter, neighbor, or friend that wouldn’t mind checking on your property while you’re away.<br /><br />-Make arrangements for someone to feed the pets, water the plants, and bring up the mail.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Luggage Packing Tips:</strong></em><br /><em>-</em>Put all liquids in plastic containers filled no more than ¾ of the way and then place in zip lock bags.<br /><br />-Bring a plastic bag for dirty clothes.<br /><br />-Put a unique marking on your luggage for easy spotting.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Important Items to Pack:</strong></em><br />-Tickets<br />-ID<br />-Passport<br />-Itinerary<br />-Maps<br />-Traveler's Checks<br />-Cash<br />-Keys<br />-Medications<br />-Vitamins<br />-Insurance Cards<br />-Cell Phone & Charger<br />-Sunglasses<br />-Sunscreen<br />-Camera, Video Camera, Batteries & Chargers<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Carry-on Checklist:</strong></em><br />-Camera, video camera, extra batteries or charger.<br />-Tickets, Wallets, IDs, passports, itinerary, traveler’s checks, money, maps, keys, medical insurance cards.<br />-Jewelry, medications, and other important or high value items.<br />-Cell phones and charger.<br />-If you’re traveling with children, make room for a change of clothes and bring wipes in case of a spill on the plane!<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Kids get a carry on too!</strong></em><br /><em>-</em>Let them bring their own backpack of toys and books.<br />-Snacks<br />-Games for entertainment<br />-Sunglasses<br />-If your kids have difficulty during plane pressurization, bring lollipops and let them have them prior to taking off. Gum will work too, they just need to do some extra swallowing!<br />-Wet wipes<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>If traveling with a baby:</strong></em> car seat, diapers, wipes, prepared bottles, bib, pacifiers, change of clothes, stroller, night essentials, bathing supplies.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Toiletries to Pack:</strong></em><br />-Lip Balm<br />-Body Soap & Face Wash<br />-Lotion<br />-Shampoo & Conditioner<br />-Makeup Remover<br />-Brush/Comb<br />-Hair Dryer/Straighter/Curling Iron, etc<br />-Hair Accessories<br />-Hair Gel/Hair Spray<br />-Deodorant<br />-Toothbrush, Toothpaste & Floss<br />-Razors & Shaving Cream<br />-Nail Clipper & File, Nail Polish & Remover<br />-Q-tips<br />-Bug Repellent<br />-Eyeglass & case<br />-Contact lens case and solution<br />-Mom's make-up<br />-Band-aids, Disinfectants, & Sunscreen<br /><br /><em><strong>Clothes to Pack:</strong></em><br />-Underwear/Bras<br />-Socks<br />-Pajamas/Robes/Slippers<br />-Jeans/Pants - day & night<br />-Shorts - day & night<br />-Shirts - day & night<br />-Skirts - day & night<br />-Dresses - day & night<br />-Belts<br />-Shoes - walking, beach, dress-up<br />-Swimsuits & Pool Cover-ups<br /><br /><em><strong>Other Items to Pack:</strong></em><br />-Watches & Jewelry<br />-Sewing Kit<br />-Travel Alarm Clock<br />-Ipods & earphones<br />-DVD Players & Movies<br />-Laptops<br />-Magazines & Books<br /><br /><em>**Make Sure you pack these items for each family member.**</em><br /><em></em><br /><br /><em><strong>Two -Three days prior to your vacation:</strong></em><br />-Visit your airline's website to confirm departure times.<br /><br />-Begin packing for your trip.<br /><br />-Give your house a final tidying.<br /><br />-Give plants a sufficient watering.<br /><br />-Put lamps, tv, and/or radio on timers to ensure that your residence maintains a lived in look<br />while you are away.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>One day prior to your vacation:</strong></em><br />-Finish packing.<br /><br />-Make sure that your vehicle has a full tank of fuel.<br /><br />-Position luggage, purses, and necessary travel documents near the door.<br /><br />-Remove perishable foods, such as milk and meats, from of the refrigerator so they don't spoil.<br /><br />-Take out the trash & Wash the dishes.<br /><br />-Prepare snacks for the trip.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Day of departure:</em><br /></strong>-Pack your vehicle.<br /><br />-Review what you have packed to ensure you haven't forgotten anything.<br /><br />-Turn off and unplug unnecessary appliances.<br /><br />-Ensure your answering machine is on.<br /><br />-Make sure all doors, windows, basements, and garages are locked.<br /><br />-If your house has a security system, enable it.<br /><br /><br />Hopefully these tips will serve as a good starting point when you are considering how to prepare for your trip, You may want to add or take away items from your checklist, depending on your destination and other factors. And remember, after your diligent preparation, the next thing to do is <em>enjoy your trip</em>!<br /><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><em><strong>Whatever your time frame is, planning ahead can ensure that your vacation runs as smoothly and is as fulfilling as possible.</strong></em></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="center">**</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Dedicated to The Waldenville Family :) Hope you have a terrific, stress-free vacation! Love you guys!</span></div><div align="center"><strong><em>**</em></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><em></em></strong></div>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477111133625516590.post-75599821670830055752009-07-23T14:03:00.005-05:002009-07-23T21:09:59.748-05:00Keeping Veggies Fresh<div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Use this quick reference to make sure your veggies enjoy their maximum lifespan. Store all food items in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and keep them in the crisper if possible:</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Broccoli:</strong></em> up to 4 days </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Carrots:</strong></em> 2 to 4 weeks </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Celery:</strong></em> up to 1 week </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Cucumbers:</strong></em> up to 5 days </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Ginger:</strong></em> up to 3 weeks </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Leafy Greens:</strong></em> 7 to 10 days </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Mushrooms:</strong></em> up to 5 days (in their wrapped box or in a paper bag) </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Scallions:</strong></em> up to 1 week (wrapped loosely)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Tomatoes:</strong></em> If fully ripe (dark red or orange and slightly soft), store in a cool spot (55 degrees F) for up to five days. If not ripe yet, store in a brown bag at room temperature for one to two days, until ripe.<br />Once sliced, put a folded paper towel over the cut end, then wrap in plastic or resealable bag and store in refrigerator.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Onions, Potatoes, and Squash:</strong></em> Store in a cool, dry place. Once an onion has been sliced, put a folded paper towel over the cut end, then wrap in plastic or resealable bag and store in refrigerator.<br /></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>Team Meekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04741120717756067296noreply@blogger.com0