Pumps, Purses & Positivity

Marathon Finisher!!!!

2011-10-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am a marathon finisher! The 2011 Chicago Marathon, DONE in 7:22:44! Hallelujah! Not bad for a beginner given the unseasonal heat! As I told a friend I feel unexplainably different.

Where do I begin? There was so much going on! So many people out to cheer and encourage the runners. There were several bands playing music, line dancing cowboys, an Elvis impersonator, crazy signs, lots of yelling, and best of all the Kingdom Running Club and Elijah Running Club Spirit Teams! They were awesome! They had food, beverages, prayer, high fives, hugs, you name it! I’ve experienced what I thought was love, but during that race, the Lord showed his LOVE for me through those Spirit Teams and many other strangers. At the halfway point, I asked the Kingdom Running Club for prayer. They immediately all began to lay hands on me and pray. I pressed on, and found that miles 14-18 were rough. That prayer empowered me! At mile 18 one of the police officers said to me, “You only got single digits left!” That really encouraged me, I didn’t think of it that way. My second wind kicked in and I kept it moving.

One of my goals was to finish before the streets were reopened. They started taking down the mile marker signs and the water stations began breaking down, and by the time I got to mile 20 and after they were all down, but thank God the streets were still blocked and the police were still out there. I highly recommend training for and running a half or full marathon or cheering for or supporting runners. There is no experience like it

We were assigned to list our scriptures that we were standing on for the race and also 26 things that we were running for. I ran for many things including Haiti, focus, strength, health, and to honor my parents who both died in their early 40’s. The scripture Philippians 4:13, which is often quoted, was brought to life for me during the training and on race day – I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. I KNOW it was not by my own strength.

Well, I’m hooked now. Not necessarily on full marathons, but I know that I will be running in one or more half marathons in 2012. I will also definitely be a part of the Spirit Team for the 2012 Chicago Marathon, unless of course…..I change my mind and decide to run again! :)

Wooooo Hooooo!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

On Hiatus

2011-09-13T15:04:00.003-05:00

Dear Fans,

Thank you for following Pumps, Purses and Positivity for the last 18 months.

Our site will be on hiatus for the next 6 months, as we re-group.

Please check back in periodically to see what we have in store for the futre.

Pumps, Purses and Positivity

William C Harris....R.I.P.

2011-08-22T18:47:00.006-05:00

On August 13, 2011 around 10:00 pm I received a call from my brother letting me know that my Dad had passed away around 10:30 pm est. He was sick and we were all expecting it to happen but when I actually heard those words, "your Dad passed tonight" it hit me like a ton of bricks!

My head was racing because once I again I didn't make it home to see a parent before it was too late. My Mom was in a comma by the time I got home fifteen years ago and the day after I made it she passed.

So time to make the plans and I just didn't want it to be like my Mom's because that was drama after drama after drama. Thankfully this did go much smoother but it was still stressful. The best news out of the entire situation was that my two older brothers who had not spoken to each other in well over fifteen years actually got along!! They laughed and joked and we spent a lot of time together going through my father's things and behaving like a real family. It was beautiful, a miracle in the mist of sadness!!

Funny how God works... as one life ends another always begins. I'm still in a bit of a shock and I'm sure it will hit me in the days to come but I'm thankful and grateful that my family is doing so much better. We are all we have now, both parents gone, so the huge hole that I had been feeling got a lot smaller with the passing of my Dad. Now I just have to figure out what's next for me......

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

They really are human too

2011-08-01T12:31:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday!!!

Today's thoughts are focused on celebrities. It amazes me on how they are idolized and admired by so many but few really have there mess together. What brought me to this topic today was because of the most recent news I came across regarding American Idol winner Fantasia. Now this women was thrusted from rags to riches so to speak but still has not gotten her self together. We talk some many times on how we would change our lives if we were touched by the Gods to obtain wealth to be comfortable and I have yet seen that happen in the celebrity world. She has just announced to the world that she is yet again pregnant and it is suspected to be by her last lover "the married man".

Now you would think that if you have been on the verge of losing everything because of this man you would just leave him alone. Really, she has been sued by the wife, gone into bankruptcy and most importantly almost lost her life because of this situation. Why continue to go back? Not just to pick on her we can even talk about Sandra Bullock's ex. Could he be any crazier. I say all this to say that as much as we sometimes envy celebrities their lives are so much more screwed up then our own except they have more money. So I guess having lots of money doesn't make you happy.

Much Love

Chanel

Real Life, Real Talk , Real Women

Happy Friday

2011-07-29T11:23:00.003-05:00

Here is my thought for today: How long should a woman continue to try and love an unhappy man? When I say unhappy I mean a man that is going through some challenges but refuses to see the optimistic view on things. Lets face it life is in no way perfect but we have to be able to take the good with the bad. It is not easy to sustain a relationship with a partner when everytime you say the sky is blue he says that it should be dark blue. No one looks for the perfect relationship or least I hope not because there is no such thing but dang. How does so many people go around day to day looking at the negative that life offers us. It is so much more rewarding and exciting looking at the positive things that have been granted to us each day.

Should a relationship like this be held on to or do you think that if a women stays in something like this she will become bitter at the world around her? Let me kow your thoughts

Kitten Heels Recommends.....

2011-07-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

The other day someone mentioned to me that the sequel to PUSH by Sapphire was released. This book was riveting and the basis for the Academy Award winning movie PRECIOUS.I read the book but didn’t see the movie. As I recall, the book was sad and disturbing. The sequel is entitled THE KID. Here’s the synopsis:

The long-awaited follow-up to Sapphire’s Push, the basis of 2009’s Academy Award-winning film and a classic book in its own right, The Kid continues the sad, troubled legacy of the unforgettable Precious Jones, now giving voice to her son.

We meet Abdul Jones when he’s just nine years old, at the funeral of Precious. Now left all on his own to navigate the same flawed system that plagued and tortured his own mother, we follow Abdul through heartache and struggle as he faces a world where nothing ever makes sense, where love and hate come similarly packaged, where he must protect himself against unspeakable violence—and, ultimately, the darkness of his own heart.... But it’s really what Abdul makes of what he has that makes all the difference in his life and destiny. From a Mississippi dirt farm to Harlem in its heyday, from a poorly-run orphanage and into his adulthood, this is an amazing journey of a courageous kid “with no future” to try and make one for himself. Masterfully accomplished and powerfully written, The Kid is filled with drama, pain and family dysfunction, but is also an inspiring testament to the power of the human spirit and the deep, nourishing power of love.

Although the first book was disturbing, the sequel sounds like it is worth a look.

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Know it All

2011-07-27T09:36:00.005-05:00

They say you learn something new each day and for me I find that is true but why do people that have been doing the same job for years feel that they know everything. I work with several ladies that appear to have no drive, ambition or courage to do anything but make others miserable around them. The worst part to me is that they are young women, mothers of young girls, and feel that they can't be guided in any direction. Everytime a situation arises they huddle up and discuss it. Now tell me this if nobody really knows the right answer what is the point of the huddle. They refuse to reach out to a superior because they have been doing it longer and feel that no one knows better then them. The outcome when it is all said and done, they look like fools. They get on conference calls and began speweing out jargon that the only understand only to get slammed in the end. They are so clueless that they don't even see it.

All I am saying it that you are never to experienced or old to learn something new and sometimes seeing things through fresh eyes give a better perspective of what needs to be done.

Much Love,

Chanel

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Move!

2011-07-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

Marathon training is kicking my butt! But I’m still at it! I found another song to inspire me. It is entitled Move by the Christian Rock group Mercy\Me. It is up tempo and has a Bee Gees vibe. The lyrics are an inspiration too. Here they are:

I'm not about to give up
Because I heard you say
There's gonna be brighter days
There's gonna be brighter days
I won’t stop, I’ll keep my head up
No, I'm not here to stay
There's gonna be brighter days
There's gonna be brighter days

I just might bend but won’t break
As long as I can see your face

[Chorus]
When life won’t play along
And right keeps going wrong
And I can’t seem to find my way
I know where I am found
So I won’t let it drag me down
Oh, I'll keep dancing anyway

I'm gonna move (move)
I'm gonna move (move)
I'm gonna move

I’ve got to hold 'er steady
Keep my head in the game
Everything is about to change
Everything is about to change

This hurt is getting heavy
But I'm not about to cave
Everything's about to change
There's gonna be brighter days

I just might bend but won’t break
As long as I can see your face

[Chorus]

No matter what may come
Gotta move to a different drum
No matter what life brings
Gotta move gotta move to a different beat

I just might bend but won’t break
As long as I can see your face

This song is so infectious that you can’t help but run (or speedwalk) a little faster at the first handclap! GOTTA MOVE, MOVE!! I love it!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Friendship

2011-07-25T09:05:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday,

I am exhausted but in a good way. This weekend I rediscovered the value of friendship. I had the opportunity to connect with a group of friend whom I don't get to chance to see often at all. I realized even more that true friendship goes beyond being available in each others presence constantly. My Girls are such a big part of my life that words can't even express. It doesn't matter if we don't talk daily or even see each other weekly our bond is deep to the core.

It is so funny to me. We can go months or years without speaking but we are always connected. When we get together it is like we have never been apart.

So the take away for today is value each and ever true friendship that you have in your life. At any moment it can be taken away and you would be left with regrets. Make sure that you tell them that you love them and show it every way possible.

To My Girls...I Love you.

Much Love

Chanel

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-07-23T00:58:00.000-05:00

My one tip for this week is tell those that you love how much you do love them because tomorrow is not promised and if you wait you may not get the opportunity.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-07-20T06:49:00.000-05:00

Stay hydrated during summer workouts by Jennifer Pedro, St. Louis Examiner

We’ve been having very, very hot days here in St. Louis. And it hasn’t been cooling off much at night. Because of this heat, it’s important to be extra careful when working out during the summer.

Hydration is key to having successful summer workouts. If you are in a situation or workout where you are losing a lot of water through perspiration, then you need to increase water intake. To stay hydrated during a shorter workout, most experts agree that water is great. But if you are exercising for more than an hour, you may want to replace water with a sports drink during and after your workout.*

Start by hydrating before you head outside for your workout. Drink 16 to 20 fluid ounces a few hours before you start your exercise program. Drink another glass of water shortly before you go outside to workout.

If you tend to get dehydrated while working out, try the ten minute rule. Every ten minutes try to drink a few ounces of water or sports drink. Remember, if you are feeling thirsty, then you are already getting a bit dehydrated.

After you conclude your workout, be sure to drink another glass of water or sports drink. Thirty minutes later, drink a few more ounces of water or sports drink.

Before beginning an outdoor workout, know the signals that you need to pay attention to. You need to get something to drink if you feel the following:

-Loss of appetite
-Fatigue
-Dizziness

Stop and listen to your body. If you are not feeling well, you may need to adjust your workout to accommodate how you are feeling.

If you continue working out even though you are dehydrated, and your dehydration progresses, you could experience:

-Dark urine
-Decreased urination
-Decreased sweating
-Increased heart rate
-Respiratory difficulties
-Muscle cramping
-Headache
-Nausea
-Increased body temperature.

Please listen to your body and take all necessary precautions when exercising outdoors this summer. Stay safe and healthy during those summer

Hobo's Poem of the Day

2011-07-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
(by Robert Frost)

Hobo Bag

Real Women, Real Talk, Real Life

Tips to Surviving a Heat Advisory

2011-07-18T08:44:00.002-05:00

Donna Thacker, Yahoo! Contributor Network put together this simple and easy list to use as a guideline for when temperatures soar. For the next week in Chicago, temperatures will be in the 90's with a heat index of 105. So please read carefully for tips that will help keep you cool and safe.

A heat advisory is issued by the National Weather Service when extreme temperatures occur in a given area. When the heat index reaches 105 degrees and lasts for 3 hours or more, local weather channels will start announcing a heat advisory.

Extreme sudden rises in temperature or even hot temperatures that hold for several hours or days are very dangerous. They can even be life threatening in certain circumstances, especially to infants, the elderly, or anyone with an illness.

Surviving a Heat Advisory

1. Be prepared even if your region usually has mild summer temperatures. Watch your local weather and know when these extreme conditions may be in your area. Being prepared for a heat advisory will help make it more bearable. Keep easy to fix food items on your shelves and use those during a heat advisory. Canned ham, tuna or chicken can quickly be turned into a salad. Do not use your cook stove any more than necessary. Stock the fridge with ice tea, fruit drinks or lemonade. Make sure you have plenty of ice cubes on hand.

2. Check the filters on your air conditioning unit. Always keep a supply of furnace or air conditioning filters on hand. Change the filters if necessary and hose down the sides of an outside central air unit. Dust, leaves and grass clipping will clog the airflow, making your unit work harder than it has to. Make sure your AC unit is not blocked by bushes, weeds, or even a kid's toy propped against it. The unit needs all of the air flow it can get to work in extreme temperatures.

3. Keep as many electronics off as possible during a heat advisory. Household lights and appliances generate a lot of heat. Turn off televisions, game consoles and computers when they aren't being used. Use fans to help circulate the air conditioning in your home. Keep children (and adults!) from running in and out of the house. Every time the door is opened a wave of heat will rush in causing your air conditioner or fans to have to work harder. Play a board game with children or read them a story. Set yourself up where you get a good breeze from the air conditioner or the fan.

4. Avoid doing laundry during a heat advisory. The dryer will only heat up the house and add more humidity to the air. If you must do laundry, consider hanging the clothes outside. Hang them early in the morning before the temperatures get to hot. If you cannot hang the clothes outside, only use the dryer at night, when temperatures have cooled off.

5. Cover your windows to keep the sunlight out. You probably hung those sheers just so you could enjoy the sunshine. You will not enjoy it during a heat advisory, so cover them up. You can drape sheets, towels or even light blankets over the curtain rods to seal out the hot sunlight. It will not be fashionable, but it will be cooler.

6. Avoid prolonged periods outside. If you must be outside, do so in short periods of time. If you have yard work, do it in the early morning hours or in the evening. Arrange your schedule so that you can be in doors during the afternoon, when the heat advisory temperatures are at their highest.

7. It is recommended that you drink 8oz to 16 ozs of water, juice, iced tea or thirst quenching beverages every hour during a heat advisory.

Please remember to check on loved ones, pets and only go outside when you absolutely have to.

Peace and Love,

Sandals

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

To Desi

2011-07-17T05:58:00.000-05:00

I dedicate this song to someone who lost their life recently......To Desi, may you rest in peace!

Music courtesy of Youtube.

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-07-16T05:35:00.000-05:00

11 Signs He’s Not Headed Toward a Relationship With You by Smitten, Glamour Magazine courtesy of Yahoo! Shine

This happens a lot: you’re dating someone consistently and he seems to really like you, but you get the feeling he’s not gunning for a committed relationship. So what are the specific signs that this guy—as pleasantly as things are going—does NOT plan to stick around long-term? I’ve seen the signs a million times, but just to confirm my suspicions, I asked an actual guy named Mike what he tends to do when he doesn’t plan to end up in a relationship with someone he’s dating. Here are 11 telltale signs:

1. He texts instead of calls, or he texts more often than he calls. When a guy likes a girl, he wants to hear her voice. “Texting is not an easy way to communicate—it’s an easy way to avoid communication,” says Mike.

2. He finds reasons to blow you off or be late more times than not. Maybe he’s just flaky or disorganized, you say? Don’t make excuses. If a guy likes you and wants to continue hanging out with you, he’ll find a way to do so. Adds Mike: “I’ll come in to work 1 hour early if I want to get off in time to pick up cooking ingredients for a dinner date with someone I like.”

3. He talks to his ex-girlfriends. Nothing makes a guy forget his ex like a girl he wants to be with. If he continues talking with an ex, that’s the first sign that he’s either not over a prior girlfriend or he’s just not that in to you.

4. He avoids introducing you to his friends. He should be proud of you, want to show you off, and want to include you in his life.

5. He avoids even minor instances of intimacy in public. “Listen, not all guys are comfortable with PDA. Not everyone likes to make out for the whole world to see. But when I really like someone, no matter what I’m generally comfortable doing, I’ll at least put my arm around her and give her a kiss on the cheek.”

6. He doesn’t use the pronoun “we” or use it in the future tense. If he talks about a great new restaurant he discovered, but doesn’t add, “We should go there sometime”—and maybe he just says “I go there a lot”—then he’s not interested in sharing things with you. Plus: “Guys who are into girls want to explore with them—not sit on the couch on every date,” says Mike.

7. He doesn’t do something sweet for you at least once a week. That doesn’t mean he’s buying you a dozen roses but he should have said or done something that made you go “Aw!” in the last seven days.

8. He doesn’t ask questions about your family and friends.

9. He doesn’t initiate at least 80% of the things you do together. “I call this the 80/20 rule,” explains Mike. “When I don’t like a girl, the 80% drops significantly. I’m not even aware of it. I’ll get off the phone and never close the conversation with a set of plans.” Note that it doesn’t have to be exact plans, but it should at least be, “Let’s hang out later this week and we’ll do dinner. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

10. He doesn’t remember your one month anniversary.

11. He hasn’t posted a picture of you together on Facebook within two months of the first date. Guys who are excited about you will post and tag your beautiful face!

Okay. Hopefully I didn’t depress you. But the message here is, if you want a relationship with someone and he’s acting out the above list, move on. I don’t believe in “waiting it out” or “breaking him down” so he will “come around.” Don’t put up with someone who semi-likes you. Date someone who is dying to be with you. (You will find him—but you have to know you deserve it!!)

Stiletto
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

If You Love Science......

2011-07-15T06:29:00.001-05:00

I have an infatuation with science. Usually, I am fascinated by the science that circles around mass destruction. Below is a very interesting, and long, video that poses the question, "what is the most devastating threat to Humankind?"
The answer may surpise you.

Enjoy a little weekend science lesson!

Happy Friday,

Clutch

Real Life. Real Talk. Real Women.

http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/tv/Naked-Science/96495/1781042924/Killer-Asteroid/videos?cmpid=FCST_hero_tv">

Off We Go!

2011-07-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

Well it’s July 2011, and time for Project Eden’s return to Haiti. It’s seems like we were just there. This year the travel team is smaller, but we know that it only takes one to make a difference.

Project Eden is an organization which seeks to eradicate poverty in the world one community at a time. Similar to last year, this year we’ll be conducting training in entrepreneurship and construction, and providing business counseling to business owners and members of a congregation. We’ll also make site visits and there will be executive team meetings. We’ll continue in our foundation in the Word of God because we want to build the people up from the inside out.

I’m excited and am looking forward to the effort. Part of my excitement is because I know that there will be another surprise like the ones I experienced the other two times that I was there in 2009 and 2010. I’ll tell you all about it when I return!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-07-13T11:10:00.004-05:00

Skinnygirl Cocktails from Bethenny Frankel

The Skinnygirl Margarita was created by Bethenny Frankel, a renowned natural foods chef, author of the New York Times Bestseller, Naturally Thin, and the star of Real Housewives of New York City. As a chef and mixologist, Bethenny is an expert in taking high calorie or otherwise unhealthy foods or cocktails, and making healthier versions of them. In the case of the margarita, this happened to be one of Bethenny’s favorite cocktails. She also knew the typical margarita served in a restaurant had over 500 calories in a 4 oz. serving. So, she created her own recipe on Real Housewives Season 1, after which the most asked question of the Bravo website was, “How do I make the Skinnygirl Margarita?” Prepared cocktails were also very high in calories, and were generally made with high fructose corn syrup, yellow dye #5, preservatives and other ingredients Bethenny would never include in any product she would drink, let alone sell. She then realized there was an opportunity: To create a low-calorie, all-natural prepared margarita for people like her, who are concerned about calories and ingredients, but still want to enjoy a cocktail responsibly.

Check out the website for other skinnygirl cocktails. Skinnygirl Cocktails

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

L.A.T.E. Ride Update

2011-07-12T08:35:00.002-05:00

To say the L.A.T.E. Ride was awesome, would be an understatement. We had an amazing time with the other 10,000 plus riders. Everyone was on their best behavior, the city looked amazing and the weather was perfect.

It was incredible to see the city at night and see all the night people in their glory (the flashers, those drunk in the street and at the bars, beach and park walkers. Who knew what the night life was like in Chicago. I am usually fast asleep and had no idea that many people were out on a daily basis. There were truly more people up in the neighborhoods than we imagined. Most people were cheerful, happy to wave and cheer us on. However, the motorists that were stuck at traffic lights as waves and waves of bike riders rode past were not too happy. I want to give a shout out to the Chicago Police Department!!! They were amazing in directing traffic, keeping us safe as we rode through the South Loop, Chinatown, Greektown, Humboldt Park, etc.

This was very organized ride and the organizers and volunteers should be commended for their efforts in making the best ride of the season. The volunteers were very accommodating and helpful, the pace car tried to keep up with the majority of the riders. Unfortunately, there were just too many riders. The rest and breakfast stops were very neat and orderly and the volunteers were very helpful, even though they were thinking we were crazy for riding at 1:00am.

All in all, I am sure a good time was had by all. We definitely had a great time and will be looking forward to next year's ride on July 8th. Sign us up!!!
Although, next year, we will definitely need to nap better before the race or stay downtown. We finished the ride in 2 hours and 20 minutes, not bad for a group that is usually in bed at midnight.

Peace and Love,

Sandals

Real Life, Real Talk and Real Women

Go beyond your four walls....

2011-07-10T06:45:00.000-05:00

I took a quick trip this weekend to visit a high school friend in Richmond Virginia. This was my first time in Virginia and I have to say it's a beautiful place. I'm always amazed when I go to a new spot because it continues to remind me that the bigger picture is actually bigger than I imagined.

I know that times have been tough lately so traveling may not be the priority on your list of things to do. But if you haven't been out of your own neighborhood in a minute I highly suggest that travel make it to your "to do" list and fast!

No one said you have to go far; look for a bargain trip on the net. Search your own city for day trips/events. Often times these can be surprisingly cheap!!

Getting out of your four walls will do you good. Makes you get outside of self and doing that is a plus always!!

Don't let life suffocate you just because you have hit a bump in the road. Bust a hole in one or all of your 4 walls and breakout!!

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-07-09T07:32:00.000-05:00

5 Surprising Signs of an Unhealthy Heart By Melanie Haiken, Caring.com
courtesy of Yahoo! Health

We've all read the signs of a heart attack listed on posters in the hospital waiting room. But what if there were other, earlier signs that could alert you ahead of time that your heart was in trouble?

It turns out there are. Researchers have done a lot of work in recent years looking at the signs and symptoms patients experienced in the months or even years leading up to a heart attack. "The heart, together with the arteries that feed it, is one big muscle, and when it starts to fail the symptoms can show up in many parts of the body," says cardiologist Jonathan Goldstein of St. Michael's Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. Here are five surprising clues that your heart needs checking out. Any of these signs -- and particularly two or more together -- is reason to call your doctor for a workup, says Goldstein.

1. Neck pain

Feel like you pulled a muscle in the side of your neck? Think again, especially if it doesn't go away. Post-heart attack, some patients remember noticing that their neck hurt and felt tight, a symptom they attributed at the time to muscle strain. People commonly miss this symptom because they expect the more dramatic acute pain and numbness in the chest, shoulder, and arm. Women in particular are less likely to experience heart pain that way, and more likely to feel twinges of pain and a sensation of tightness running along the shoulder and down the neck, says Margie Latrella, an advanced practice nurse in the Women's Cardiology Center in New Jersey and coauthor of Take Charge: A Woman's Guide to a Healthier Heart (Dog Ear, 2009). The pain might also extend down the left side of the body, into the left shoulder and arm.

Why it happens:
Nerves from damaged heart tissue send pain signals up and down the spinal cord to junctures with nerves that extend out into the neck and shoulder.

What distinguishes it:
The pain feels like it's radiating out in a line, rather than located in one very specific spot. And it doesn't go away with ice, heat, or muscle massage.

2. Sexual problems

Having trouble achieving or keeping erections is common in men with coronary artery disease, but they may not make the connection. One survey of European men being treated for cardiovascular disease found that two out of three had suffered from erectile dysfunction for months or years before they were diagnosed with heart trouble. Recent studies on the connection between ED and cardiovascular disease have been so convincing that doctors now consider it the standard of care to do a full cardiovascular workup when a man comes in complaining of ED, according to cardiologist Goldstein says. "In recent years there's been pretty clear evidence that there's a substantially increased risk of heart attack and death in patients with erectile dysfunction," Goldstein says.

Why it happens:
Just as arteries around the heart can narrow and harden, so can those that supply the penis. And because those arteries are smaller, they tend to show damage much sooner -- as much as three to four years before the disease would otherwise be detected.

What distinguishes it:
In this case, the cause isn't going to be immediately distinguishable. If you or your partner has problems getting or maintaining an erection, that's reason enough to visit your doctor to investigate cardiovascular disease as an underlying cause. "Today, any patient who comes in with ED is considered a cardiovascular patient until proven otherwise," says Goldstein.

3. Dizziness, faintness, or shortness of breath

More than 40 percent of women in one study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, reported having experienced shortness of breath in the days before a heart attack. You might feel like you can't breathe, or you might feel dizzy or faint, as you would at high altitude. If you can't catch your breath while walking upstairs, vacuuming, weeding the garden, or doing other activities that previously caused you no trouble, this is a reason to be on the alert.

Why it happens:
Not enough blood is getting through the arteries to carry sufficient oxygen to the heart. The heart muscle pain of angina may also make it hurt to draw a deep breath. Coronary artery disease (CAD), in which plaque builds up and blocks the arteries that feed the heart, prevents the heart from getting enough oxygen. The sudden sensation of not being able to take a deep breath is often the first sign of angina, a type of heart muscle pain.

What distinguishes it:
If shortness of breath is caused by lung disease, it usually comes on gradually as lung tissue is damaged by smoking or environmental factors. If heart or cardiovascular disease is the cause, the shortness of breath may come on much more suddenly with exertion and will go away when you rest.

4. Indigestion, nausea, or heartburn

Although most of us expect pain from any condition related to the heart to occur in the chest, it may actually occur in the abdomen instead. Some people, particularly women, experience the pain as heartburn or a sensation of over-fullness and choking. A bout of severe indigestion and nausea can be an early sign of heart attack, or myocardial infarction, particularly in women. In one study, women were more than twice as likely as men to experience vomiting, nausea, and indigestion for several months leading up to a heart attack.

Why it happens:
Blockages of fatty deposits in an artery can reduce or cut off the blood supply to the heart, causing what feels like tightness, squeezing, or pain -- most typically in the chest but sometimes in the abdomen instead. Depending on which part of your heart is affected, it sends pain signals lower into the body. Nausea and light-headedness can also be signs that a heart attack is in progress, so call your doctor right away if the feeling persists.

What distinguishes it:
Like all types of angina, the abdominal pain associated with a heart problem is likely to worsen with exertion and get better with rest. Also, you're likely to experience repeated episodes, rather than one prolonged episode as you would with normal indigestion or food poisoning.

5. Jaw and ear pain

Ongoing jaw pain is one of those mysterious and nagging symptoms that can have several causes but can sometimes be a clue to coronary artery disease (CAD) and impending heart attack. The pain may travel along the jaw all the way to the ear, and it can be hard to determine which it's coming from, says cardiovascular nurse Margie Latrella. This is a symptom doctors have only recently begun to focus on, because many patients surveyed post-heart attack report that this is one of the only symptoms they noticed in the days and weeks leading up to the attack.

Why it happens:
Damaged heart tissue sends pain signals up and down the spinal cord to junctures with nerves that radiate from the cervical vertebrae out along the jaw and up to the ear.

What distinguishes it:
Unlike the jaw pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), tooth pain, or ear infection, the pain doesn't feel like it's in one isolated spot but rather like it's radiating outward in a line. The pain may extend down to the shoulder and arm --particularly on the left side, and treatments such as massage, ice, and heat don't affect it.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Reminder: L.A.T.E. Ride

2011-07-07T07:57:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to send up a reminder that it isn't too late to register for the Friends of the Park L.A.T.E. Ride on July 9th/10th. The party starts at 11:00am and continues through a 25 mile ride of Chicago until 5:00am.

As my sister and I stood in line to pick up our riding packets, we participated in the instant raffle they were having. Normally, I don't win anything, anything at all. Lo and behold, I won a $50 Gift Card to Signature Room and 2 tickets for the Chicago Architecture tour. That is totally awesome and we are going to have a "girls night out" after the ride.

In addition, we met so many people in line that had ridden before and they gave us pointers, talked about how much fun they had in previous rides, as well as, how they will keep coming back and again and again. Lest, you agree with our husbands and think we are "OCD" about riding, we assure you we are not. We are just 47 year old women that want to maintain our health while doing something fun. Let's face it, everyone doesn't like exercise, and oftentimes feel it is a chore, there is no time to get it in and life happens. I have to tell you there is nothing like the sun beaming down on your face, along with a nice breeze with the ability to pedal that let's you know you are alive and can exercise and have fun.

Only this morning, my husband, sister and I biked a route that included three steep hills. The first time we biked that route, we were exhausted. They went home and took a nap, I had to come to work, like now. But today, I feel exhilarated and took no prisoners on the hil, while pedaling myy butt off.

So, again, if you hate the exercise you are doing, I implore you to give bike riding a try. It is easy, fun, calorie-torching and a great way to enjoy the great scenery of the world. Also, next blog, I will be talking about Class Reunions and getting in shape for that....I may have to bike 25 miles a day until then....

Wish us luck on Sunday, and I hope to see you there.....

Peace and Love,

Sandals,

Real Life, Real Talk and Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-07-06T06:32:00.010-05:00

8 Moves to Your Best Summer Body By Lucy Danziger and the staff at SELFcourtesy of Yahoo! Health

If you want to slim down fast, you've come to right place. SELF teamed up with fitness coaches Katrina Hodgson and Karena Dawn—the fit and fab duo of ToneItUp.com who've helped millions of women sculpt their dream body—to develop this super-speedy bikini-ready plan that delivers results in just two weeks. There are just 8 moves, but each of them use several muscle groups at once, and that coaxes your cells to release more fat, which you then burn for energy. In other words, you actually shrink fat cells while you tone! Follow this get-lean routine, and get ready to rock that two-piece.

What you'll need: A pair of 5- to 8-pound dumbbells and a mat or towel.
The plan: Do two sets of 12 reps of each move every other day. That's it!

Ballerina chop

Works abs, butt, thighs
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, a dumbbell in both hands at your chest. Squat, bringing the weight across your torso to your left side. Stand, lifting your right knee to hip height, as you twist your torso to raise the weight to head height on the right side (as shown). Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

Kick it

Works triceps, back, abs, butt, hips, thighs
Lie faceup with your knees bent, arms down. Push your arms against the ground and straighten your legs directly over your hips, toes pointed, to start. (Wobbly? Brace your lower back with both hands throughout.) Extend your right leg behind your head, keeping your left leg straight up (as shown). Return to start. Repeat on the opposite side for 1 rep. Do 12 reps.

Complete curl

Works biceps, abs, obliques, back, butt, hamstrings
Stand with a dumbbell in each hand. Keeping your knees soft and back flat, bend forward, pushing your hips back as you lower the weights along your legs as far as you can (as shown). Return to standing, raising your right knee to hip height as you flip your wrists to curl the weights to your chest; return to start. Repeat on the opposite side for 1 rep. Do 12 reps.

Skinny dip

Works triceps, abs, butt, thighs
Start in tabletop position, facing up, with your feet and palms flat on the ground, knees bent, hips lifted and elbows locked. Contract your abs as you bend your elbows until your butt hovers above the ground, and extend your right leg at a 45-degree angle, foot flexed (as shown). Return to start. Repeat on the opposite side for 1 rep. Do 12 reps.

Tummy tucker

Works abs, obliques, shoulders, back, butt
Start in plank position with your wrists directly under your shoulders, abs engaged. Bring your left knee to your left elbow, then extend your left leg behind you above hip height, foot flexed (as shown). Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

Power press

Works chest, abs, hips, legs
Sit holding a dumbbell in each hand at your chest, palms facing out. Lift your feet off the ground, knees bent, and lean back at a 45-degree angle, to start. Keeping your abs engaged, straighten your arms and legs (as shown). Return to start; repeat. Do 12 reps.

Bridge burner

Works back, chest, butt, thighs, hamstrings
Lie faceup with your knees bent, a weight in each hand. Lift your hips as you extend your left leg up and straighten your arms above your chest, palms facing each other, to start (as shown). Lower your hips and leg to the ground and dumbbells out to sides (hovering just above ground). Return to start. Do 12 reps. Repeat on the opposite side.

Reach and squeeze

Works back, obliques, butt
Lie on your right side, propped up on your right forearm, legs stacked with your bottom leg bent, a weight in your left hand, your left arm extended overhead. Lift your hips off the ground into a side plank to start (as shown). Bend your elbow and bring the weight to your shoulder as you lift your top leg as high as you can. Return to start. Do 12 reps. Repeat on the opposite side.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Hobo's Poem of the Day

2011-07-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Never Stop

Never stop caring about the little things in life
Never stop dreaming or give into strife
Never stop wondering, are we on our own
Never stop thinking has your spirituality grown

Never stop building bridges that leads to better tomorrows
Never stop trying or give into sorrow
Never stop feeling amazed at the beauty that surrounds you
Never stop hearing the music or give into the blues

Never stop pushing away negative thoughts that make you feel sad
Never stop looking at the all the miracles we have had
Never stop loving the ones you hold dear
Never stop giving or give into the fear

Never stop smiling and look forward to each new day
Never stop shining in your own special way
Never forget that all storms will clear
Remember brighter tomorrows are always near
(By Terrie Brushette)

Hobo Bag
Real Women, Real Talk, Real Life

Son of a Gun

2011-07-03T00:55:00.000-05:00

I know this blog is about positivity and not dogging anyone out.....but sometimes you come across a song that just hits the nail on the head and I have to share!!!

Courtesy of YouTube...

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-07-02T06:34:00.000-05:00

FIREWORKS CAN CAUSE DEATH OR INJURY: Stay Safe this 4th of July!

Fireworks Safety Tips:

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them

Be safe this 4th of July weekend!!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Minnesota Government Shuts Down!!

2011-07-01T09:02:00.004-05:00

Well it's true, my government has locked the doors!!

Layoff Numbers
Thousands of Minnesota workers at all levels of government have received layoff notices, though some have already been rescinded.

Q: How many state workers have received layoff notices?
A: A Ramsey County judge has ruled nearly 22,000 workers will be furloughed.

Q: Will state workers lose their health benefits if they are laid off?
A: No. All seven of the state's employee unions worked with the state, which approved a package to continue health care benefits for workers during a shutdown.

Q: How many Hennepin County workers would be laid off?
A: The county sent out about 1,300 layoff notices on June 27.

Q: Do laid-off Hennepin County workers immediately lose their benefits?
A: No. The county board voted to continue health and life insurance for employees during a shutdown, but employees will later have to reimburse the county for making the full payments.

Q: Is the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system going to have to lay off staff if the government shuts down?
A: No. Though they originally sent 6,000 notices to employees, they later rescinded all of them after determining they had enough reserves and tuition to remain open through fall term.

Q: How many Minnesotans enrolled in state support programs are affected by the layoffs?
A: So far, more than 600,000 notices were sent to Minnesotans on state support.

State Services Affected
State parks.
State lottery.
State tourism office.
Many licensing boards for occupations from physical therapy to private detectives.
Minnesota Zoo, though some staff would care for animals.
Various state licensing offices, such as for driver's licenses and car registration.

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

I Earned It!

2011-06-30T06:00:00.004-05:00

I’m not going to even write much. The pics of my official Kingdom Running Club training shirt says it all. Woooo Hoooo!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Kitten Heels Recommends.......

2011-06-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

I just found out a week or so ago that one of my favorite authors recently released a new book. The book club that I’m in actually chose the book for our next reading selection. The author is Tayari Jones and the book is entitled SILVER SPARROW. This is the third book by Ms. Jones. Her other books THE UNTELLING and the critically acclaimed debut LEAVING ATLANTA were excellent reads. I really enjoyed both books. I expect to also enjoy this new book. Here’s the synopsis:

With the opening line of Silver Sparrow, “My father, James Witherspoon is a bigamist,” Tayari Jones unveils a breathtaking story about a man’s deception, a family’s complicity, and the teenage girls caught in the middle.

Set in a middle-class neighborhood in Atlanta in the 1980s, the novel revolves around James Witherspoon’s families– the public one and the secret one. When the daughters from each family meet and form a friendship, only one of them knows they are sisters. It is a relationship destined to explode when secrets are revealed and illusions shattered. As Jones explores the backstories of her rich and flawed characters, she also reveals the joy, and the destruction, they brought to each other’s lives.

At the heart of it all are the two girls whose lives are at stake, and like the best writers, Jones portrays the fragility of her characers with raw authenticity as they seek love, demand attention, and try to imagine themselves as women.

A few years ago, my book club hosted an event for Ms. Jones where she discussed and read from THE UNTELLING. We really enjoyed meeting her. As I prepare to read this new book, I stopped by Ms. Jones’ website www.tayarijones.com and found a reader’s guide for the book. In the guide, the author discusses the book in her own words and also includes discussion questions. I fully expect to enjoy this book because Ms. Jones is a very talented writer. This is another for the summer reading list!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-06-27T21:03:00.003-05:00

It's summer time and that always opens up more options for working out. Maybe swimming is your thing, if so this next article is perfect for you!

The Water Workout by S. Kirk Walsh courtesy of WeightWatchers'

This basic water workout for the swimming pool is the perfect exercise solution for the heavy heat of summer.

There's no better way to escape the summer heat than with a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. But a pool's not just a great place to cool down; it can be the perfect spot for a workout.

"Water is a natural air-conditioner," explains Jane Katz, swim expert and author of Your Water Workout (Broadway Books), "and it makes it feel like less work while you're exercising."

Here's a water workout specially designed by Katz, with moves adapted from her book. She notes that during the workout, you should rest when needed and breathe normally.

Warm-up

Water walking
Walk a slow and relaxed gait in the water. Depending on the depth of the pool, you can walk along the black-painted lane lines on the pool's floor. Walk for 5 minutes.

Mountain pose
Stand with your hands in prayer position in front of your chest. Extend your arms overhead with palms pressed together. Check your posture: Back, neck and chin should be in a straight line; shoulders should be down and back; pelvis should be neutral; weight should be evenly distributed over both feet. Focus on squeezing your arms toward each other, trying to touch your ears with your inner arms. Hold for 3 to 5 breaths.

Workout

Leg circles
Stand in chest-deep water with left side next to pool wall, holding the pool's edge with left hand. Lift right leg 90 degrees. Move leg in 5 to 7 counterclockwise circles. Then, rotate leg in 5 to 7 clockwise circles. Switch sides and repeat.

Warrior
Stand in waist-deep water with feet approximately 3 to 4 feet apart. Turn right foot 90 degrees to the right and left foot 30 degrees to the right while keeping hips squared forward. Bend right leg until shin is at a 90-degree angle to pool's bottom. Right thigh should approach parallel position to pool's bottom. Extend arms horizontally at shoulder level with palms facing downward and gaze at the middle finger of the right hand. Torso should remain centered over hips, vertical, and squared in the same direction as the hips. Hold for 3 to 5 breaths. Switch sides and repeat.

Swing
Stand in chest-deep water and place your hands together in prayer position. Swing your hands under water from right to left. For more resistance, grip a flotation device, such as a Styrofoam pull-boy or paddle, in your right hand and repeat motion. Repeat exercise with left hand.

Water running
Stand in water and jog as you do on land. Move right hand forward with left leg and left arm forward with right leg. Lean forward slightly. In deep water: Wear a floatation device, such as a "noodle," and move your legs as if you are riding a bike. Run for 3 to 5 minutes.

Cool-down

Aqua lunge
Face pool wall and grasp the edge of the pool with both hands, shoulder-width apart. Place feet against wall in a straddle position, beyond shoulder-width apart. Shift body weight to right, bending knee and keeping left leg extended. Hold for 3 to 5 breaths. Switch sides and repeat 5 times on each side.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Minnesota Lynx

2011-06-27T12:35:00.003-05:00

I went to a WNBA basketball game the other night. Minnesota Lynx vs. Indiana Fever, it was awesome!! Didn't know if I would like it at first because I don't really follow the WNBA but this past college season with Maya Moore graduating and being drafted by Minnesota has been very exciting!!

Minnesota ended up losing but it was a great game.....it went right down to the wire.

If you live in a city that has a WNBA team I encourage you to check them out, it's well worth it!!

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Old School.....

2011-06-26T02:29:00.000-05:00

This weekend I decided to take a trip down memory lane....Hope you enjoy!!

Courtesy of YouTube

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-06-25T13:56:00.005-05:00

What Makes a Password Stronger by Stu Woo provided by

With concern about hackers, tools for remembering so many codes; no more pet names or 123456.

For all its benefits, the Internet can be a hassle when it comes to remembering passwords for email, banking, social networking and shopping.

Many people use just a single password across the Web. That's a bad idea, say online-security experts.

"Having the same password for everything is like having the same key for your house, your car, your gym locker, your office," says Michael Barrett, chief information-security officer for online-payments service PayPal, a unit of eBay Inc.

Mr. Barrett has different passwords for his email and Facebook accounts -- and that's just for starters. He has a third password for financial websites he uses, such as for banks and credit cards, and a fourth for major shopping sites such as Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN - News). He created a fifth password for websites he visits infrequently or doesn't trust, such as blogs and an online store that sells gardening tools.

A spate of recent attacks underscores how hackers are spending more time trying to crack into big databases to obtain passwords, security officials say. In April, for instance, hackers obtained passwords and other information of 77 million users in Sony Corp.'s (NYSE: SNE - News) PlayStation Network, while Google Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG - News) said this month that hackers broke into its email system and gained passwords of U.S. government officials.

So-called brute force attacks, by which hackers try to guess individual passwords, also appear to be on the rise, Mr. Barrett says.

PayPal says two out of three people use just one or two passwords across all sites, with Web users averaging 25 online accounts. A 2009 survey in the U.K. by security-software company PC Tools found men to be particularly bad offenders, with 47% using just one password, compared with 26% of women.

Another PC Tools survey last year showed that 28% of young Australians from 18 to 38 years old had passwords that were easily guessed, such as a name of a loved one or pet, which criminals can easily find on Facebook or other public sites. Other passwords can be easily guessed, too. Hackers last year posted a list of the most popular passwords of Gawker Media users, including "password," "123456," "qwerty," "letmein" and "baseball."

"If your password is on that list, please change it," says Brandon Sterne, security manager at Mozilla Corp., which makes the Firefox browser and other software. Hackers "will take the first 100 passwords on the list and go through the entire user base" of a website to crack a few accounts, he says.

People typically start changing online passwords after they've been hacked, says Dave Cole, general manager of PC Tools. However, "after a relatively short time, all but the most paranoid users regress to previous behaviors prior to the security breach," he says. He and other security experts recommend people change or rotate passwords a few times a year.

To come up with a strong password, some security officials recommend taking a memorable phrase and using the first letter of each word. For example, "to be or not to be, that is the question," becomes "tbontbtitq." Others mash an unlikely pair of words together. The longer the password -- at least eight characters, experts say -- the safer it is.

Once people figure out a phrase for their password, they can make it more complex by replacing letters with special characters or numbers. They can also capitalize, say, the second character of every password for added security. Hence "tbontbtitq" becomes "tB0ntbtitq."

No matter how good a password is, it is unsafe to use just one. Mr. Barrett recommends following his lead and having strong ones for four different kinds of sites -- email, social networks, financial institutions and e-commerce sites -- and a fifth for infrequently visited or untrustworthy sites.

Even the strongest passwords, however, are useless if criminals install so-called malware on computers that allow them to track a person's keystrokes. Security experts say people can avoid this by keeping their antivirus and antispyware software updated and by avoiding downloading files from unknown websites and email senders.

Some security experts recommend slightly modifying passwords within each category of site. Companies such as Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT - News) offer free password-strength checkers, but users shouldn't rely on them wholly because such strength tests don't gauge whether a password contains easily found personal information, such as a birthday or a pet's name.

It's especially important to have a separate password for an email account, says Mozilla's Mr. Sterne. Many sites have "Forgot my password" buttons that, when clicked, initiate a password-recovery process by email. Hackers who break into an email account can then intercept those emails and take control of each account registered using that address.

Some websites, such as Google and Facebook, now let people register a phone number along with their account. If a person forgets his passwords, the sites reset the passwords by calling or sending a text message to that person.

Mr. Barrett says people should be able to remember four or five good passwords. If not, they can write them down on a piece of paper and stick it in their wallet, and then throw the cheat sheet away once all the passwords are memorized.

People who still struggle to remember them all can use a password manager. Several, such as LastPass, are free. LastPass prompts users to create a master password and then generates and stores random passwords for different sites. Some security experts warn against using managers that store passwords remotely, but LastPass Chief Executive Joe Siegrist says hackers can't access the passwords because all data is encrypted.

The worst thing that people can do after creating their different passwords: Put it on a sticky note by their monitor. "That defeats the entire purpose," says Mr. Sterne.

Heather O'Neill, a 27-year-old tech-company employee in San Francisco, had her Google email account broken into earlier this year. She says she used the same password for several sites, and that it was a weak one. "I can't have one password for everything," she says. "Everything is going to be different."

Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Friends of the Parks’ L.A.T.E. Ride:

2011-06-23T07:59:00.003-05:00

For me, biking season is well under way. Now that I am a member of Active Transportation Alliance, I have been finding out about all sorts of bike events, trails, cool bike gear and discounts on shopping for bike gear.

The latest bike ride to pique my interest in the Friends of the Parks' L.A.T.E Ride in Chicago, http://www.lateride.org/event_info.php. Friends of the Parks’ L.A.T.E. Ride is Chicago's biggest charity bicycle ride! Proceeds from the event benefit Friends of the Parks, a 35-year-old not-for-profit parks advocacy group whose mission is to protect and improve Chicago's parks and forest preserves in Cook County. The ride takes place on July 9th/10th and starts at 1:00am at Buckingham Fountain. Yes, 1:00am! According to the website almost 9,000 people participate and ride around Chicago neighborhoods:

Route highlights will include the South Loop, Chinatown, Greek Town, Chicago’s historic "Emerald Necklace" and much more! A large park on the North side will serve as our rest stop location - plenty of open green space for food and fun - at the half-way mark along the course. You’ll finish your trek along the glorious lakefront trail, which offers stunning skyline views.

At 25 miles - all flat except for bridges - the route is doable for cyclists of all levels. Most participants finish the ride in approximately 3 hours (although some finish in 2 hours and some take up to 5 hours). It's a non-competitive event, so ride at your own pace and enjoy the city. Refreshments will be available at Buckingham Fountain when you finish.

Imagine watching the sun come up over the lake. I haven't done that since my husband and I were dating and could stay up all hours of the night, with no responsibilities. Of course, my sister and I are in and we are actively recruiting people to go with us. The husbands and the kids say they aren't going. Even though this is 7 miles less than Bike the Drive. Anyway, we have talked six of our friends into going. If you aren't doing anything at July 9th/10th, want to see the city at all lit up at night (you don't have to wait for Christmas), just can't sleep or want to know what committed or OCD bike riders are doing, come on down and ride with us. This will totally be a safe time to be out and see some of Chicago's neighborhoods.

Peace and Love,

Sandals,

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-06-22T06:26:00.000-05:00

5 Ways to Keep Your Metabolism Up by Amy Paturel, Healthy SELF, SELF Magazine
courtesy of Shine from Yahoo!

You're eating healthier than ever, but your muscles feel flabby, your energy is sapped and your jeans feel increasingly snug, particularly in the belly, hips and rear.

The sad truth: Metabolic rate (the number of calories we burn in a day) plummets as we age, decreasing about 1 percent each year after we hit 30. But research shows there are things you can do to help combat metabolic slowdown.

"When our metabolisms slow down isn't just age-related," explains Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "Body composition, which is determined by genetics, diet and activity, also plays a major role."

1. Build muscle.
Since fat is burned in your muscle, you want to activate as many muscle fibers as possible. Weight training increases lean muscle mass, which raises the amount of calories your body uses, even when you're at rest. What's more, since there's less fat in your body (and your muscles), blood moves better so you have more energy -- without eating more food. So if you haven't been incorporating strength training into your fitness routine, now is the time to start!

2. Start eating!
"Your body is a 'refuel as it goes machine,' which simply means it needs to be consistently fed to provide energy to live," explains Mark MacDonald, author of the bestselling book Body Confidence. "This type of consistent feeding stabilizes your blood sugar levels and creates internal hormonal balance" -- and that keeps you from packing on the pounds. His advice: Eat within an hour of waking to kick-start your metabolism. Then keep eating every three to four hours ending an hour before bedtime.

3. Nosh on protein at every meal and snack.
Protein has a greater metabolic boost than fat or carbohydrates. Biting, chewing, swallowing and digesting food takes energy -- it's known as the thermic effect of food and it can burn up to 30 percent of the calories on your plate. The more complex the food (think steak, legumes and fibrous vegetables), the more calories you burn as it travels through the digestive tract. Protein also contains leucine, an amino acid that prevents muscle loss when you're dieting. A simple strategy: For a quick and easy snack, keep peanuts in your pocketbook, trail mix in your desk drawer and hard-boiled eggs in the fridge.

4. Get moving.
Interval training with bursts of high intensity cardio will stoke your metabolic rate and keep it humming for hours. So instead of logging in your regular half-hour on the treadmill at a steady 4.5 mph pace, try the interval option or hit the road and take advantage of changes in the terrain. Run in the sand or up hills and use landmarks to signify a change of pace. And squeeze in extra calorie burning whenever you get the chance, advises Gerbstadt.

5. Drink water.
Studies show that people who drink 8-ounce glasses of water eight to 12 times a day have higher metabolic rates than those who drink four. Want to lose an extra 6.6 pounds a year? Drink half a liter of water before breakfast. According to researchers at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., people who downed water before their first meal of the day consumed an average of 75 fewer calories at breakfast than those who didn't drink up first.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

2011-06-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

What Friends Do

No matter how sad you feel
a friend makes your sadness heal.

Just them being there is all it takes
for all the hurt inside you to break.

Friends brighten up your days
Friends chase those fears away

Friends help you through all the stress
when a friend is around there is no need to distress

Friends give you an inner strength
to help you battle life's mysterious ways.

A friend makes you feel like you belong
even when life isolates you inside its walls.

A friend is unique and forever true
a friend makes you smile any time of the day
that is what friends do they always brighten up your day!
(by Crystal moonlight)

Hobo Bag,
Real Women, Real Talk, Real Life

Father's Day at the Morton Arboretum

2011-06-20T07:44:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was Father's Day and we took the men in our lives to The Morton Arboretum http://www.mortonarb.org/ for a day filled with biking, walking and great food. Fed up with spending a million dollars for Mother's Day and Father's Day brunches, we decided to try something different and spend the day at The Morton Arboretum.

If you have never been to the Morton Arboretum, you owe it to yourself to go. There is something to do for everyone, young and old. With 9 miles of biking trails, 16 miles of walking/running trails, along with a Children's Garden, maze, Weds, Woods and Wine, and many of the most beautiful plants and trees from all over the world. Also, there were lots of romantic nooks and time for lazily looking at the water, spots for laying a blanket down and reading a good book.

Luckily for us, the rain held out and we all had a great time. Seven of us biked and four stayed behind to walk trails, find the sculptures and visit the Children's Garden. We took our our own food and had a picnic in the Biking Grove. Before we knew it, we had been there 6 hours and there wasn't a complaint in the bunch. Of course the children didn't want to leave and the husband's declared it one of the best Father's Day ever.... As for the wives, we got great kudos, had a great day and found something for everyone to do.

We know that Chicago is a great city, but sometimes we forgot all the jewels it has to offer. If you don't do anything else, you owe it to yourself, significant other, family and friends to spend at day the Morton Arboretum.

Enjoy the first day of summer, tomorrow.

Peace and Love,

Sandals

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Happy Father's Day!!

2011-06-19T00:07:00.000-05:00

Wishing all Dad's the most fabulous Father's Day ever!!!

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-06-18T13:52:00.004-05:00

6 bad reasons to date someone by Laura Schaefer courtesy of match.com on Yahoo!

Of all the endeavors you can pursue, dating can be one of the most enjoyable. It’s entertaining, it provides companionship, and it can lead to lasting love and partnership. But as you decide whether you’re ready to date, make sure you are doing it for the right reason: You have a full life that you’d like to share with another person. With that in mind, here are a few bad reasons to date someone…

1. Your friends want you paired off. Just because your friends are married or coupled up doesn’t mean you have to find “your other half.” If they are pressuring you to date, be firm. You need to date people because you want to, not because everyone else in your life thinks it’s the right thing to do.

2. You can’t stand to be alone. If you approach dating with the desperation of a person who is uncomfortable spending any time alone, you might not choose a suitable partner. Learn to enjoy your own company and that of your friends and family before embarking on new romantic relationships.

3. Well, he/she did ask me out… It’s wonderfully flattering to be asked out on a date, but you don’t owe anyone a thing. Remember, you’ll have a more satisfying romantic life if you choose whom and when to date. Don’t just say yes to the next person who comes along because it’s less work that way.

4. You’re “that age.” Who knows what “that age” even is these days, but sometimes we feel pressured to date because others (and the youth-obsessed media) are telling us that time is slipping away for finding a mate. Pshaw! You can fall in love at any time in your life, and the experience will be that much richer if you’re emotionally ready. Whether you’re 25 or 75, there is no “right age” for dating or commitment. Listen to your heart and date when you feel ready.

5. You want someone to fix your life. You’ve heard it a million times before, but that’s because it’s true: you are in charge of your own happiness and your life’s circumstances. Please don’t date someone in order to find motivation to quit smoking, pay the bills on time, get out of the house, etc. Take care of yourself now in order to be a good partner later.

6. You want to further your career. Try not to mix business with pleasure by using dating as a way to make professional contacts. People might get hurt and your reputation could be compromised. Be honest with yourself about your goals. If you’re much more concerned with work than with being a good partner, perhaps you should put your love life on hold for a few months.

~Laura Schaefer is the author of Man with Farm Seeks Woman with Tractor: The Best and Worst Personal Ads of All Time.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Way to go Bruins!!

2011-06-17T11:19:00.003-05:00

So, my Patriots couldn't do it....my Celtics couldn't do it....but dog on it my Bruins said this year is ours!!!!

Congratulations to the Bruins for winning the Stanley Cup. This has been a long 39 years since the last win but sooo worth it. It was an awesome series and they did an awesome job. I love BOSTON!!!!

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

How Do They Do It?

2011-06-16T06:00:00.001-05:00

Marathon training is in high gear now! Woooo Hoooo! We’re actually near the halfway point of our 9 month journey! I can’t believe it! All is well though! A few weeks ago the leaders timed our mile. My time was 15.8 minutes. Not horrible, but definitely room for improvement. The organizers of the marathon require a 14 minute mile. My run/speed walk will be there or even less by October 9, 2010.

A number of questions go through my mind while I’m out there on the lakefront or during my short runs on the track. The one that constantly comes up is - How do the other runners run the whole way? How do they do it? Whether 1, 4, or 9 miles? I run until I feel that I can’t go on, usually for a few minutes. Then I speed walk for a bit, then I run again. I see many others do a run/speed walk, but there are some who run the whole way. The whole way! I see people talking and running, laughing and running, and of course seriously running! Many times I think just keep running, don’t stop and speed walk. But I end up speed walking some anyway. I don’t feel bad about it though, after all, I am a 40+ novice runner. I will run more and more until I can do it all the way, or as far as I can go, seriously running and maybe speed walking with joy!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-06-15T06:04:00.000-05:00

Successful Weight Loss: Top 10 Tips On What Works and Why
By Kathleen Goodwin, RD courtesy of The Diet Channel

For many people weight loss is a chronic endeavor. All too often the shedding of pounds is a temporary event followed by a steady regain of lost weight. Most popular diets are unsuccessful in the long run because they fail to address the multi-faceted nature of what successful, permanent weight loss entails. Luckily, research has revealed many invaluable strategies which can help increase your odds of permanent weight loss. While no single article can possibly cover this vast subject, we have provided links to excellent weight loss programs and books which are backed by clinical research, and can significantly help you in your quest. We also encourage you to browse through our hand-picked award links to learn more about the best strategies you can incorporate for long term weight loss success.

10 Strategies for permanent weight loss

1. Exercise is essential for weight loss
It's nothing new, but exercise is probably the most important predictor of whether you will succeed at long term weight loss and weight loss maintenance. In order for exercise to be helpful in weight loss, you should strive for a minimum of five 30 minute sessions per week. The good news is that recent research has shown that three 10 minute sessions in a day are as good as one 30 minute session. This helps many in combating the old "no time for exercise" excuse. Be certain to find something you enjoy. You'll be more apt to stick with it. Try walking with a friend, joining an intramural sports league, participating in outings with a group like The Sierra Club, or trying some classes at your local gym. Once you give exercise a chance, you will begin to enjoy its positive benefits on your psyche as well; you will literally become "hooked."
Having trouble getting a workout in? Why not try one of these Diet Channel recommended programs:

15 minute boot camp workout
Power workout for busy executives
10 minute workout for busy moms

2. Weight loss and weight training
We chose to list this separately from the "exercise" category because of the significant weight loss benefits attached to weight training in and of itself. The basic equation is this: the more muscle tissue you have, the more calories you will burn. This is why world class weight lifters must eat thousands of calories a day to maintain their weight. Muscle is active tissue, fat is not. Thus, muscle "burns" a significant number of calories each day for its own maintenance. In her book Strong Women Stay Slim, Miriam Nelson, a Tufts University researcher, showed that a group of women who followed a weight loss diet and did weight training exercises lost 44% more fat than those who only followed the diet. While aerobic activity can help burn calories, muscle's where it's at when it comes to giving your metabolism a significant daily boost even at rest.
Read Cardio and Strength Training: How do you create a balanced routine? to find out how best to pursue numbers 1 and 2 above in tandem.

3. Keep a diary for triggers that hinder weight loss
Keeping a food diary can be a huge asset in successful weight loss. Devote some time each day to record what you have eaten and how much, your hunger level prior to eating, and any feelings or emotions present at the time. A food diary can provide a large amount of self-awareness. It can identify emotions and behaviors that trigger overeating, foster greater awareness of portion sizes, and help you discover your personal food triggers. Study any patterns that emerge from your food diary and identify where you may be able to make more healthful changes. A food diary provides an added benefit of keeping you focused on and committed to your goals. Start keeping a food diary today by printing our food diary.

4. Stay focused on being healthy, not on becoming thin
Many people become more successful at long term weight loss when their motivation changes from wanting to be thinner to wanting to be healthier. Change your mindset to think about selecting foods that will help your body's health rather than worrying about foods that will affect your body's weight. The Food Pyramid offers a basic outline of the types and amounts of food you should eat each day to give your body the nutrients it needs for optimal health.

5. Find out why you overeat
All too often overeating is triggered by stress, boredom, loneliness, anger, depression and other emotions. Learning to deal with emotions without food is a significant skill that will greatly serve long term weight control. The Solution, a book and national program developed by Laurel Mellin, RD, helps participants to identify their eating triggers and respond to them without food. A research study showed that the participants in this program demonstrated a better rate of long term weight loss maintenance than those who simply diet and/or exercise and don't address behavioral and emotional issues. Chronic over-eaters and "emotional eaters" can be significantly helped by learning new behavioral skills such as those Mellin presents. You can also seek help with behavioral and emotional eating issues from a licensed counselor or psychologist in your area.

6. Weight loss support: join a weight management group
A big key in long term weight control comes from receiving encouragement and support from others. You can check to see if groups such as Jenny Craig offer programs and resources in your areas. You may also wish to check with your local hospital to see if their registered dietitian conducts group weight loss programs.

7. Weight loss and portion control
With the advent of "super-size" meals and increasingly huge portions at restaurants, our concept of normal serving sizes is a distant memory. Be mindful of the amounts of food you consume at a sitting. When necessary, divide your food in half and ask for a take home bag. It is all too easy to be a "plate cleaner" even when served enormous portions. Learn to pay attention to your hunger level and stop eating when you feel comfortably full, not stuffed.

8: Lose weight slowly with small changes
Try to remember that "losing 15 pounds in two weeks" is nothing to celebrate. It is important to realize that the more quickly weight is lost, the more likely the loss is coming from water and muscle, not fat. Since muscle tissue is critical in keeping our metabolism elevated, losing it actually leads to a decrease in the amount of calories we can each day without gaining weight. Fat loss is best achieved when weight is lost slowly. Strive for a weight loss of no more than 1-2 pounds per week. One pound of weight is equivalent to 3500 calories. By making small changes like eliminating 250 calories a day from food and expending 250 calories a day from exercise, you can lose one pound (of mostly fat) per week. You can calculate how much time you need to exercise to burn 250 calories by clicking here. You can calculate your caloric needs by clicking here, and then subtract 250 from that number.

9. Eating slowly can lead to weight loss
Did you ever notice that thin people take an awfully long time to eat their food? Eating slowly is one method that can help take off pounds. That's because from the time you begin eating it takes the brain 20 minutes to start signaling feelings of fullness. Fast eaters often eat beyond their true level of fullness before the 20 minute signal has had a chance to set in. The amount of calories consumed before you begin to feel full can vary significantly depending on how quickly you eat. So slow down, take smaller bites and enjoy and savor every tasty morsel.

10. Weight loss through eating less fat - but do it wisely
We've known for some time that limiting high fat foods in the diet can be helpful with weight loss. That's because fats pack in 9 calories per gram compared to only 4 calories per gram from proteins or carbohydrates. To many, the message to limit fats implied an endorsement to eat unlimited amounts of fat-free products. Just to clarify, fat-free foods have calories too. In some cases fat-free foods have as many calories as their fat laden counterparts. If you eat more calories than your body uses, you will gain weight. Eating less fat will help you to lose weight. Eating less fat and replacing it with excessive amounts of fat-free products will not.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Kitten Recommends......

2011-06-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

As summer approaches, I’m finding myself thinking about my favorite things….books, books, books. I’m not a beach person, but like beach readers, I like to curl up with a good book. In my case though, it will be in a nice sunny air-conditioned room. An author that I met a few years ago has a new book coming out. Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of many books including the Jasmine Larson Bush and Divas series which is for teens. Her latest is entitled THE DEAL, THE DANCE, AND THE DEVIL. Here’s the synopsis:

Adam and Evia Langston had everything they ever wanted. They were in love, they had three wonderful children, and they'd worked hard and prospered financially such that they lived in a large home in a tony suburb, drove nice cars, wore designer clothes and enjoyed all the perks of their lucrative jobs. But Adam has lost his job, and the life they've been living now exists in dreams and empty wishes. Just as their life begins to crumble under the weight of financial pressures, Adam and Evia receive an offer valued at five million dollars which could be the answer to their prayers...if they are willing to meet its seemingly untenable terms.
A masterful storyteller, Victoria Christopher Murray weaves a tale that will ring just a little too true for many. Adam and Evia were living well. They did all the right things, even saving money for a rainy day. But when one rainy day leads to another and another, their savings dry up and the couple is faced a home mortgage bigger than they can handle, overdue bills, unpaid private school tuition and nursing home payments, family members with their hands out...financial scenarios all too common in today's recessionary environment.
How many people wish someone would drop five million dollars on them? Just what would they be willing to do to get that money? This is the pivotal question that Murray uses to explore spiritual truths about temptation, trusting God and most of all, the objectives of the Devourer, as described in many passages of the Bible but particularly John 10:10 and 1 Peter 5:8, which refer to the devil as one who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy as he walks about the earth. The story is reminiscent also of the age-old tale of Faust and its many retellings. Whether one subscribes to the Christian tenets or simply views it as a morality tale, THE DEAL, THE DANCE, AND THE DEVIL is a fast-paced page turner that will keep the reader guessing and wondering just how Adam and Evia could consider the deal, and then, after Murray twists the screws so tightly that they are nailed to a cross of their own, the reader will wonder how could they not.
THE DEAL, THE DANCE, AND THE DEVIL will leave many readers feeling unsettled and thinking of their own circumstances and just how much, or little, it would take for them to enter into their own devilish deal.

As I mentioned, I met this author a few years ago and she was very down to earth. She even runs online writing workshops for aspiring authors. I’ve enjoyed several of her other books like TEMPTATION, the first one that I read, JOY and THE EX-FILES. Her writing pulls you in and you care about the characters and wonder how would I handle that same situation. This new one sounds like excellent!

Kitten Heels
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Unavailable?!!!!!

2011-06-13T00:01:00.001-05:00

Ok, I have just had another birthday and I am feeling a bit more fierce than last year. My one dilemma is that I can’t find a guy to spend free time with.

Can someone answer me how is this possible in a city full of millions of people? Now I have guys in my life that are cool and I can hang out with but they are really unavailable to me. When I say this I mean that they come with a cost if things were moved in another direction pass the friend zone. They are either married, in situations, not mature enough, not looking for commitments and the biggest of all EMOTIONAL UNAVAILABLE.

What is a heterosexual woman to do? Now I don’t need a man, but dang I sure would like to have one around to provide that occasional ego boost and companionship for sure.

If it is true that you draw to you what you are…what does that mean for me? Or am I attracting these type of guys because unconsciously I really like being single? In all my heart of hearts I believe that I am ready to be in a relationship again but am I sending off other signals unconsciously. I meet more guys than women to befriend and yet I am only seen as the cool chick to hang out with.

What do you guys think? Provide some good feedback on this one. How can a women have many "good guys" in her life and none be available to her.

Chanel,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

I'm Inspired!!

2011-06-12T19:05:00.004-05:00

At age 74, will you look as good as Ernestine Shepherd, the oldest competitive female bodybuilder?

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-06-11T06:10:00.000-05:00

Online Degrees - 5 Things to Consider by Chris Kale
courtesy of Yahoo!Education

Going back to school and considering your online education options? You're not alone. Over 5.6 million college students took at least one online course during the fall 2009 term, an increase of nearly one million over the previous year, according to the non-profit Sloan Consortium.

To put those numbers into context, nearly one out of three college students is currently enrolled in an online course or program, and those numbers are only expected to grow in coming years.

To help you make a decision about going to school online, we talked to college experts and compiled a list of 5 things to think about before you commit.

#1 - Accreditation

One of the most important factors to consider is whether a school that offers online programs is properly accredited, according to Brianna Bates, an information and accounts specialist at the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), a non-profit education association and accrediting agency in Washington, DC.

"We tell students to be very wary of accreditation claims," Bates says. "Just because a school says it is accredited doesn't mean it's true." Bates says it's not uncommon for so-called diploma mills to set up fake accrediting agencies with a phone number and voice mail message. She urges students to check with the Department of Education to see if the agency is approved by the U.S. government.

For a list of approved national and regional accrediting agencies, visit www.ed.gov.

#2 - Quality of Online Faculty

Every student knows that a good professor can mean the difference between a good and bad experience with a class.

Online programs are no different, so don't be shy about asking for a list of the working faculty and the classes they teach. Look up a faculty member's credentials and read testimonials from students on sites like RateMyProfessors.com.

"I am from the school of thought that any course or program with the right teacher can be conducted well online," says Sam Govea, executive dean of distance learning at Brookhaven College in Texas. "While some programs and courses that require hands-on clinicals or labs are more challenging to run 100 percent online, there are always solutions when a creative, engaging teacher gets involved."

#3 - Online Student Body

You can't get a real feel for an online school until you gain an understanding of its student body. Knowing who they are will help give you a sense for whether you and the school are a proper match.

Are you an older working adult who is thinking of returning to school? Knowing the average age of the student body may not make or break your decision but it could influence your thinking. After all, these students will become your peers and you will be interacting and networking with them.

Along those lines, be sure to ask schools for their average student's course load as well as graduation and job placement rates, says DETC's Bates. "By knowing those kinds of statistics you can get an idea for how many people write that first check and finish the program," she says.

#4 - Relevance of Curriculum

Some people go back to school online with the goal of furthering their careers. If that's the case for you, make sure any schools you're researching offer an online degree program in an area that matches your goals.

It's also important to make sure that it's a subject that's amenable to online learning, according to Govea, who oversees online learning at Brookhaven, a Dallas County Community College that offers 20 online programs and serves over 7,000 online students per year.

Govea says that Brookhaven's beginning computer classes, for example, are best taken in a face-to-face classroom setting, while more advanced computer classes can work well in an online environment.

#5 - Money Matters

It's never fun to discuss money but it's an important part of the college decision-making process.
Among online education's many selling points is that it sometimes comes with a cheaper tuition tag because the schools can operate more efficiently, with fewer buildings to maintain and utilities to pay. Plus, there are smaller charges, like an activities fee, that won't get added to your bill.

"If price is an issue for you, distance learning is a great alternative to a residential format," Bates says. But don't just assume that going to school online is cheaper. Compare various tuitions, and pay particular attention to extra charges like course fees that could come after you're enrolled.

Don't be afraid to ask these questions when it comes to your online education. Schools understand that every dollar counts when you're investing in your future.

To read the complete article click here.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Remember This.....

2011-06-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

So the other day, as I was spring cleaning or should I say getting rid of stuff before I end up with it for another year. Thinking and saying to myself, OOH let's keep it with the hopeful prospect of using it for whatever reason, which by the way I never seems to use.

So while I was sorting and arranging things, guess what I found......... My new year's resolution list!

Yes Remember that........

Like most people I created one with the hopes of sticking to and finally accomplishing some of my goals.

Yeah right.... Needless to say, I actually completed some and as usual some got left by the side of the road. Good for me, right, I got five out of my eleven resolution, especially considering I forgot all about them...

As always with resolutions, I kind lost sight of my goals around MARCH lol, but guess what I'm on it again. Wish me luck.

How about you? Where are your resolutions for the New Year and how many have you met?
Take it from me, it’s not too, especially now that the world hasn’t ended, as predicted…

Let me know how you are making out with your resolutions.

Exotic Chocolate Sling Back,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Rain, Rain Go Away

2011-06-09T07:56:00.002-05:00

Ah, it is a dreary, rainy Thursday in Chicago. We knew the sunshine couldn't last forever.

Not much to do today, but go to work, school or if you are fortunate, stay home. Unfortunately, I had to go to work, but fortunately, I get to go home early. Also, the train and bus were on time and I made it in before the rain hit.

However, I just wanted to remind everyone to be mindful when traveling in this type of weather. As I was traveling in this morning, I saw some disturbing things occur to fellow commuters and decided to offer a few tips.

1) Stay away from curbs, as some people intentionally spray water on unsuspecting commuters.
2) Be courteous with your umbrella, as no one wants to get wet. So, don't put your soggy
umbrella on seats, and put your umbrella down when going under viaducts,
3) Hold the door for someone, it takes an extra second to be kind and courteous. If the door is
held for you, say thank you.
4) Smile, nothing is nicer than seeing a heartwarming smile on this dreary day.

Enjoy your day and stay dry. For me, I am going to go home and watch movies the rest of the day......

Peace and Love,

Sandals

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-06-08T06:38:00.004-05:00

5 Tips to Keep Your Salads Slimming courtesy of The Daily Meal

For people on a diet or looking to eat better, salads seem to be the go-to lunch or dinner. But this can be problematic for a few reasons. One: If you load up on heavy ingredients like bacon or butter-soaked croutons and drench the lettuce in super creamy dressings, then you could end up eating more calories than a burger. Two: If there’s not enough flavor and fat in the salad, then you’re left hungry and end up eating more later on because you’re unsatisfied. Three: Without variety in types of salads and dressings, they can get boring fast.

What to do? It turns out that salads can actually be filling, creative, and delicious all while helping you achieve a healthier and happier you. To learn how to find a healthy balance between optimal flavor and calories, we turned to the skinny cooking pro, Allison Fishman.You may have seen Fishman as a co-host on Lifetime’s Cook Yourself Thin or picked up a copy of her new cookbook, You Can Trust a Skinny Cook. Having mastered the realm of low-calorie, quality food, Fishman shares some tips for slimming down salads and other healthy eating tips. Check out what she has to say below and let us know if you have any tricks or recipes of your own!

1. Go for Strong Flavors.
I have an asparagus dish that has strong flavors like Parmesan and anchovies, so you’ll get a big payback using these ingredients. Parmesan is seven calories a teaspoon, which is not a lot, so you’ll get a lot of taste without too many extra calories. This salad dressing has a strong, vivid flavor with an umami taste, so it doesn’t feel like a compromise. There’s also the Carrot-Ginger Dressing recipe in my book that you get in Japanese restaurants, but you never buy it. It’s creamy but it’s only shallots, ginger, and carrots. So I’d say strong flavors, and don’t be afraid to use them in a salad dressing.

2. Use Ingredients That Add Punch and Nutrients, Not Excess Calories
Every time I make a salad, I put in a handful of roasted salted sunflower seeds. Because what do we want out of a crouton? We want crunch, so I know I’m going to get more nutrition out of seeds than buttered bread. This time of year people can add strawberries but we usually want that salty kick and crunchy hit. You don’t want to just say that sunflower seeds are so high in calories and not use them because it’s important to put the treats in there as well.

3. Don’t Skimp on Flavor
For the Caesar salad that it’s my book, I wanted to make it pregnancy friendly, so I used mayo not raw eggs. I made it probably 12 times because I used low-fat mayo, and I’d make it, and be like oh it’s good, but once I tossed it with the lettuce, the flavor totally dissipated. So for that dressing use the higher fat stuff, but don’t drench the leaves, just lightly coat them. I don’t skimp on flavor, you need that. Remember you are using the dressing to coat your lettuce and if you don’t have the fat and the flavor, then you’ll be looking around for something else.

4. It’s What You Put in, Not What You Leave Out.
I think about it in terms of 'how can I get the most salad with the least amount of calories?' So I’m going to use a lot of vegetables. I have a Greek Salad recipe in my book, but I don’t do the traditional shredded iceberg and top it with some dolmades. I do it more Greek style with bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and turn it into more of a chopped salad with a vinaigrette.Same with pasta: don’t give me a half cup serving, I want a big serving. I want 2 cups, so I add other vegetables like broccoli rabe. Also air is calorie free. So if you can add air in, that’s great, like with ziti. It helps you eat more slowly since each piece takes longer to eat and you fill up in a more relaxed way. We eat with our eyes, so it’s a question of how can we slow them down? With vegetables and lower-calorie items. It’s about what you put in, not what you leave out.

5. When to Use Full Versus Low Fat Products
It totally depends on the recipe, for example, for a pasta with asparagus and pasta with beets, I use skim milk in both of the sauces. The fat from the milk is not going to help you with those recipes. For the pasta with asparagus, I whisk goat cheese with a little skim milk and make a creamy cheese sauce. That creamy sauce gets all of the pasta, and it tastes a lot like a rich, creamy sauce, but it’s not.

In my fridge, I have both whole and skim milk. In my coffee I’m gonna have whole milk, but in my cereal, skim. You’ve got to ask yourself, am I going to taste this in my coffee? Hell yes! Will I taste it in my cereal? Not really.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Hobo's Poem of the Day

2011-06-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

Strong Women

We are soft and feminine,
Pretty and stylish,
We are strong in heart,
We keep going on and on,
We persevere...

Women are dependable,
Loving, and caring,
We keep our men going,
When times are rough,
We are very tough,

There are all kinds,
Of beautiful women,
In the world...
All shapes and sizes,
Different personalities,
We make up a good,
Part of the world,

We go through a lot,
We get the worst end,
Of breakups and heartache,
We get the emotional baggage,
The periods, the cramps,
But that is only,
A small fraction,
Of who we are,

We can be anyone we want!
We're independent,
We can be doctors,
Lawyers, teachers,
Journalists, surgeons,
Accountants, soldiers,
The world is our oyster,
And we are the pearls,

Love fills our souls,
We are so full of life,
We shine like diamonds,
In the night sky,
We may rise and fall,
But through it all,
We stand up tall.

(Edited by - keisha)

Hobo Bag,
Real Women, Real Talk, Real Life

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summer Biking in Chicago

2011-06-06T08:46:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday!

What a great weekend in Chicago, last weekend. Not a lot of rain, but a whole lot of sunshine.

This past weekend was great biking weather and I logged in 50 miles over the weekend.

We just came off of Bike the Drive, where biked 32 miles on a closed Lakeshore Drive. It was gloomy, but it was incredible to ride Lakeshore Drive without any cars.

This summer you will hear me write a lot about exercise and in particular, biking. I used to run, and have not given it up for my new (last 2 years) favorite past time. Biking allows me to get where I want to be without injury to my joints, knees and instead of feeling tired, I am exhilarated. Please don't think that we "country club" ride, we really push the envelope (50 miles in one weekend) and cover all types of terrain.

Now there is nothing wrong with jogging, running, skating, etc, I have just found that biking allows me to tone up all over and really have incredible legs, without injury to my body.

As an avid Biker, I have joined Active Transportation Alliance
http://www.activetrans.org/. It is an organization devoted to making walking, biking and transit better in Chicago. Once a member you can get great biking maps and routes and information on being safe as a rider in Chicago.

It is true, once you know how to ride a bike, you always know how to ride a bike. So, I encourage anyone not doing any serious exercise, to use biking as a way to get healthier and as a convenient way to see Chicago this summer.

If you have a favorite bike route, trail, etc, send me a note.

Peace and Love,

Sandals

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

The golden years......

2011-06-05T12:09:00.003-05:00

Many of us have posted about either losing a parent or the transition of watching our parents grow older. My Mom passed way before her time so it wasn’t like I had to watch her transition into her golden years. My Dad however is a different situation. He is still alive but is well into his golden years and is beginning to show the signs of it’s time for a caregiver to step in.

Over the Memorial Day weekend my Dad was taken into the hospital because he was weak and dehydrated. Turns out he hadn’t been eating and had become disoriented. Thankfully someone at his senior citizen complex checked in on him and called 911.

I don’t live in the same state as my father but I have an older brother who does. So the burden now becomes his to figure out the next steps for our father once he is released from the hospital. I say burden not because my Dad is a burden but because he is very stubborn and most times refuses any assistance so this will be an uphill battle that my brother will have to face basically by himself since he is the only one living in the same state.

It’s that transition period where parents become the children and the children become the parents. The joke had always been that my Dad will probably out live us all but the reality is that he won’t. He is tired and he doesn’t want the help but he realizes his ability to get around has changed. Also, many of his friends have passed on and he is feeling very depressed.

Sooooo, how do you successfully get through this process when you are working with a dysfunctional family like many of us have? Well I’m praying and I’m trying to be there for my brother as much as I can. If anyone has suggestions or ideas or just wants to share their experience please do…..

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-06-04T02:03:00.000-05:00

Beat The Heat!! The following are tips from the American Red Cross on how we can stay cool and safe this summer.

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

Red Cross Heat Safety Tips:

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.

Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.

Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.

Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.

Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.

Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR.

Know What These Heat-Related Terms Mean:

Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Signals of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

Heat stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high—sometimes as high as 105 degrees.

General Care for Heat Emergencies:

Heat cramps or heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Stay safe this summer!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Mother Nature

2011-06-03T08:48:00.005-05:00

Over the past few months, mother nature has definitely reminded us that she is indeed, the Head Woman in Charge. With a string of devastating weather spreading through many areas of our country, it brings me back to basics. I am reminded that material posessions can be taken away at the drop of a dime. It is time to focus on those things that truly matter; my family, my religion, my health and my service.

The video below is a clip from the June 1, 2011 tornado in Springfield, MA. While part of me is terrified watching this video, there is a part of me that is drawn to the miracle of Mother Nature. She is one bad chick!

Please watch as a prayer is said for all of the families and businesses affected throughout the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RbQ2pBhnTE&feature=player_detailpage

Enjoy your weekend to the fullest!

Happy Friday,

Clutch,

Real Life. Real Talk. Real Women.

Found My Theme Song!

2011-06-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am a Marathon Finisher and will be participating in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 9, 2011! Wooooo Hooooo! But staying on track with with eating, working out and short runs has been tough. I am clinging by my fingernails and toenails!

I’ve been out of town for graduations, working late, working on an editing project, recovering from a nasty tooth infection, volunteering, teaching, taking an online course, recovering from a cold, and on and on….leaving little time for the dedication needed for training. Just writing all this makes me go WHEW! I HAVE to get back on track! I MUST get back on track! Well besides talking about it, and thinking about it, I decided that I needed a theme song. I found it in a hit by Mandisa, entitled “Stronger”. Now the lyrics can work for many situations. That’s why I find them to be especially awesome. I’m applying them to running and if needed, I’ll use them for other areas. Here are the lyrics and the video:

Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather

Oh, don't hang your head
It's gonna end
God's right there
Even if it's hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you ...

Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it's gonna end
God's right there
Even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares

'Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
In time it's gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger

Excellent, right!. Ok, here we go again, now to music! Wooooo Hooooo!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-06-01T04:23:00.000-05:00

Healthy Weight - it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle! courtesy of CDC (Center of Disease Control and Prevention)

Keeping It Off
If you've recently lost excess weight, congratulations! It's an accomplishment that will likely benefit your health now and in the future. Now that you've lost weight, let's talk about some ways to maintain that success.

The following tips are some of the common characteristics among people who have successfully lost weight and maintained that loss over time.1

Watch Your Diet
Follow a healthy and realistic eating pattern. You have embarked on a healthier lifestyle, now the challenge is maintaining the positive eating habits you've developed along the way. In studies of people who have lost weight and kept it off for at least a year, most continued to eat a diet lower in calories as compared to their pre-weight loss diet.2 For more suggestions regarding a healthful diet, visit Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight.

Keep your eating patterns consistent. Follow a healthy eating pattern regardless of changes in your routine. Plan ahead for weekends, vacations, and special occasions. By making a plan, it is more likely you'll have healthy foods on hand for when your routine changes.

Eat breakfast every day. Eating breakfast is a common trait among people who have lost weight and kept it off. Eating a healthful breakfast may help you avoid getting "over-hungry" and then overeating later in the day.

Be Active
Get daily physical activity. People who have lost weight and kept it off typically engage in 60—90 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week while not exceeding calorie needs. This doesn't necessarily mean 60—90 minutes at one time. It might mean 20—30 minutes of physical activity three times a day. For example, a brisk walk in the morning, at lunch time, and in the evening. Some people may need to talk to their healthcare provider before participating in this level of physical activity.

Stay on Course
Monitor your diet and activity. Keeping a food and physical activity journal can help you track your progress and spot trends. For example, you might notice that your weight creeps up during periods when you have a lot of business travel or when you have to work overtime. Recognizing this tendency can be a signal to try different behaviors, such as packing your own healthful food for the plane and making time to use your hotel's exercise facility when you are traveling. Or if working overtime, maybe you can use your breaks for quick walks around the building.

Monitor your weight. Check your weight regularly. When managing your weight loss, it's a good idea to keep track of your weight so you can plan accordingly and adjust your diet and exercise plan as necessary. If you have gained a few pounds, get back on track quickly.

Get support from family, friends, and others. People who have successfully lost weight and kept it off often rely on support from others to help them stay on course and get over any "bumps." Sometimes having a friend or partner who is also losing weight or maintaining a weight loss can help you stay motivated.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Love - Part 3

2011-05-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

I wrote about eros or romantic love, and phileo or brotherly love. Let’s look at agape love. I looked up a few definitions and here are a few that I found interesting:

• Agape love is unconditional love. It is love by "choice" even if you are not pleased. A good example is "God loves us with our faults."
• Agape love is selfless love of one person for another without sexual implications (especially love that is spiritual in nature).
• Agape love is represented by God's love for us. It is a non-partial, sacrificial love

This has been an interesting year full of triumphs and trials. Lately, I’ve had disagreements and or arguments with family and non-family alike and have not been feeling so loving towards them. Once I step away from the emotion of the situation, though, I remind myself that I do love these people selflessly as I desire them to love me.
As I was considering agape love and all that has been going on, I gravitated toward a beautiful song by JJ Heller entitled, “What Love Really Means”. It is simple and the poignant chorus sings “Who will love me for me? Not for what I have done, or what I will become. Who will love me for me? ‘Cause nobody has shown me what love, what love really means. What love really means.” I do recall someone loving me for me. It was my mother Mae Frances Thomas. I especially know that this was true, because once she died, my heart was empty. On my way to finding the love of God through my Savior Jesus, I tried filling that void with all kinds of stuff. It’s pretty full now, but not overflowing. I’m still working on getting to the overflow, because I figured out that that is how we will be able to spread that love to everyone. We need to have more than enough in our own hearts.

Take a listen to the song and if the chorus is the question in your heart, know that He Loves You For You!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

JJ Heller - What Love Really Means

Summer Begins

2011-05-30T07:27:00.008-05:00

It has finally arrived after all the snow, storms and natural disaters. It is now the start of Summer in Chicago. I love Chicago but the summers here are like no other. I am going to share with you the calendar for the start of the events to hit Chicago this year.

Chicago Summer Neighborhood Festivals
May-September

www.chicagoneighborhoodfestivals.us
The office Special Events assists community organizations in producing more than 400 neighborhood festivals that showcase ethnic customs, music and food.

Bike Chicago 2011
May-September

www.bikechicago.us
Bike Chicago 2011 is back with more reasons than ever to bike around the city. Making the choice to bike is one way to a healthier you and a greener city and planet.

Farmers Markets
May-October

www.chicagofarmersmarkets.us
Chicago's Farmers Markets bring more than 70 vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers to over 20 neighborhoods throughout the City of Chicago.

Chicago's Memorial Day Parade
May 28
State Street

More Information The Chicago parade is considered one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation. Since 1870, Memorial Day parades have graced the streets of Chicago. In 1997, Mayor Richard M. Daley made it an annual tradition as a day to be thankful that we live in a country where freedom, justice and democracy are proudly defended.

Chicago Blues Festival
June 10 - 12
Grant Park

www.chicagobluesfestival.us
The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago's Music Festivals.

Bike To Work Day Rally
June 17
Daley Plaza

More Information Hosted at Daley Plaza – 50 W. Washington, the event celebrates the City’s commitment to make Chicago the best big city for bicycling.

Chicago Air and Water Show
August 20 & 21
North Avenue Beach

www.chicagoairandwatershow.us
The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest spectator event in the United States and the longest ongoing show of its kind in North America.

Chicago Jazz Festival
September 1 - 4
Cultural Center & Millennium Park (Sept. 1)

Millennium Park (Sept. 2)

Grant Park (Sept. 3 & 4)

www.chicagojazzfestival.us
The longest running of the city's lakefront music festivals. For the past 30 year's, the Chicago Jazz Festival has been a Labor Day weekend tradition.

Please view the list and start enjoying your summer. Live each day as it is your last.

Much Love

Chanel

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Choose you

2011-05-29T00:31:00.000-05:00

This song is so beautiful and so real. Please listen to the words Choose You by Stan Walker courtesy of YouTube & StanWalkerVideos. It is a favorite for me!!

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-05-28T13:00:00.002-05:00

Today I just want to share something that Oprah said on her final show that rings so true for me and I think it's the best tip ever....

"What I knew for sure from this experience with you is that we are all called. Everybody has a calling, and your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it. Every time we have seen a person on this stage who is a success in their life, they spoke of the job, and they spoke of the juice that they receive from doing what they knew they were meant to be doing. We saw it in the volunteers who rocked abandoned babies in Atlanta. We saw it with those lovely pie ladies from Cape Cod making those delicious potpies. ... We saw it every time Tina Turner, Celine, Bocelli or Lady Gaga lit up the stage with their passion. Because that is what a calling is. It lights you up and it lets you know that you are exactly where you're supposed to be, doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing. And that is what I want for all of you and hope that you will take from this show. To live from the heart of yourself. You have to make a living; I understand that. But you also have to know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world." ~Oprah Winfrey

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-27T07:14:00.002-05:00

Have a Wonderful and Safe Memorial Day Weekend!

Happy Friday,

Clutch

Real Life. Real Talk. Real Women.

Once a man/woman.... twice or six times a child

2011-05-26T09:18:00.002-05:00

Have you ever heard that saying before? The concept is very real especially now a days due to the economic structure of the world.

Seems like the decisions we made as grown-ups have been shot to hell....

This makes returning to our parents, not a shameless or trifling act but one out of necessity.

Thus we revert to being a child again….We turn to our parents and grand's to ask how are we expected to survive with the little we are now blessed with?

We scratch our heads and wonder how they survived without modern technology and excess of things that we are accustomed to having.

Unfortunately, it makes you feel like a child again, having to return home to your parents, grandparents roof and rules. For some of us we may have to do this several times until we get it right.

Fortunately, all I can say is that you are blessed if you have parents, a village or friends to help you through these trying and uncertain economic times that continue to cause some of us to revert back to being a child!!!!!!

Exotic Chocolate Sling Back,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-05-25T07:33:00.004-05:00

Fitness Routines: Choosing One That Suits Your Lifestyle
courtesy of How to be Healthy & Fit.org

Hearing that word “exercise” can frighten a lot of people and turn them off the idea of physical fitness. Don’t panic, because the road to good health doesn’t have to be unpleasant! Starting off slow and getting to know what exercise is all about could change your life and be possibly life saving. A few things may be holding you back from a regular exercise routine so take a look at your lifestyle and figure out what you can change to make fitness a part of your life.

Time
In this day and age, most people are too busy to take enough time for themselves. A lot of people are always on the go so trying to add a regular exercise routine into their lives may seem out of the question. Well your personal health is not worth that sacrifice! Taking a walk on your lunch break at work can get you at least 2 and a half hours of exercise a week. Spending time with your family can be turned into that gets everyone out of the house and off the couch for an hour a few times a week. Once you change your routine and get into new habits you’ll discover how easy it is to get in even just a quick workout everyday.

Money
A good work out routine definitely doesn’t have to be costly. Gym memberships can be expensive and buying a whole bunch of new exercise equipment may not be something you want to invest in immediately. You also don’t need to buy yourself a bunch of new supplement and vitamins to get started adding a fitness routine into your schedule. Going for a hike or jog is free and there are strength training exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home with no equipment. You can eat healthy buy just choosing the right food when preparing your meals. Especially when you’re starting off, there isn’t much you’ll need. You may decide to invest in a yoga mat or a few weights down road, but you can decide what you’ll need once you figure out what kind of workout routine works best for you.

Health and Wellbeing
The benefits you’ll get from a healthier lifestyle aren’t limited to just looking better or losing weight. Being in better shape can have a huge affect on your mood and can battle depression. Having a regular exercise routine can also greatly impact your ability to deal with stress. If you’re already feeling down about yourself or need a lifestyle change, make a commitment to get started today! If you haven’t been active much (or at all) in a long while, then it might seem a bit rough at first, but it does not take long to get over that initial hurdle to a place where exercise becomes purely pleasurable. Give physical fitness a chance and you will be opening a door to an invaluable experience.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Hobo's Poem of the Day

2011-05-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Virtuous Women

Good Women
like Jewels Gems and Rubies
Rare and Distinguished and Unique
Virtuous Full Of The Spirit women
Kind Loving and Sweet.

Powerful Serving Women
Discerning Compassionate
and Pure
Sincere Holy Women
Biblical and Crystal Clear

Godly Dedicated Women
Committed Faithful and True
Praying, Praising, Fasting Women
Denying themselves too.

Obedient Wise Women
Who know the Voice of the Lord
Quiet Teachable Women
Who are United in One Accord.

Submissive, Honorable, Reverent Women
Who teach Daughters how to pray
Sensitive, Spirit-led Women
Who follow in God's Way

A Virtuous Women who can Find?
Where does this queen Reside
Virtuous Women are Made
and it starts from the Inside.
(By Debbie Bennett)

Hobo Bag,
Real Women,Real Talk,Real Life

American Cancer Society Walk and Roll

2011-05-23T08:28:00.002-05:00

We made it.

A special thanks to my sister Miriam Moore, daughter, Malaika Shuck and niece Camille Moore for sticking it out on a miserable, wet Chicago Sunday to bike for Cancer Patients around the world.

The weather was brutal, we started out in the rain and persevered in 22 mph winds to bike 15.50 miles in deplorable conditions. Our husbands and families thought we were crazy and really, who takes 12 year-old children with them in these conditions. Did I mention that it was cold, as well. Everyone knows how I hate, hate, hate the cold.

Well for one thing, we raised over $1,000 and secondly, Cancer patients don't get a break because it is cold and raining.

So, we dug deep and rode for 1 hour and 40 minutes, not always happily. There was some moaning and complaining and lots of "Te-Te, I'm never doing this again..." or "Mommy, I should never get in trouble again..." and finally, my twin sister gave me the "You know this is nuts look and why are we here again".

In the end, we made it and it felt great. Well, not the soaked to your underwear part, but it felt good that we accomplished this as mothers and daughters. Miriam and I never had the experience of riding a bike with our mother for joy or persevering through something and being able to laugh, want to cry and then feel the sheer joy of accomplishment at the finish line.

Our "girl power" was totally evident and I am proud to have completed this adventure with my sister, daughter and niece. I thank them from the bottom of my heart, as we biked for Cynthia and Letitia Reed. Letitia will never be able to bike, walk or run with her mother again. Cynthia died in 2009 and it was my pleasure to participate and raise funds for Letitia, so that a cure is found for all cancers, so that no other daughter has to bike or walk alone.

When it was all said and done, the four of us found the strength, we bonded and then we had a great breakfast......I relish giving my daughter the power to have this type of accomplishment and knowing that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to, even brutal Chicago weather.

So, a special thanks to all of our sponsors and donators. An especially great thanks to Letitia Reed for putting the Cancer Fighters for Life Team together and may her mother know that she raised an incredibly strong and courageous daughter, that I am proud to bike, walk or roll with.

Peace and Love,

Sandals,

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Schwarzenegger

2011-05-22T23:35:00.005-05:00

Okay is anyone else tired of this story? I don't understand why so many find this so hard to believe. I understand and agree that the way all of this went down was totally bogus on so mnay levels but lets face it...he is HUMAN and not the character he portrayed in any of his feature films.

I guess America is so surprised because he had the audcaity to do something like this to Ms. Shiver. When we look at that big picture they are a married couple just like any other that have their issues. It is crazy to have to deal with crap like this in the public eye though.

Hollywood never ceases to amaze me. Men and women have affairs everyday some even under the spouse's nose. Out of those affairs lots of times children are conceived. I think that all marriages have there ups and down but I think the worse thing that he did was to continue to live in that house with is wife and mistress as if life was normal. You have to try and fugure out what was going through his mind at that time. How could someone in good conscious continue a lie like that for 14 years! That in itself speaks volumes about his character.

Did he think that it would never come out? Did he think that he is Arnold and no one can deny him? Or did he figure however and whenever it comes out that the blow would be less painful now that everyone was older?

I think that Arnold was only thinking of himself and what he could accomplish with Ms. Shriver at his side and he had to keep it that way until he had no more use for her. In my opinion that was the biggest betrayal of all...keeping her around for self gain.

Much Love

Chanel

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Oprah's Farewell!

2011-05-22T02:18:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard, which I'm sure everyone has, Oprah's final episode is due to air on Wednesday, 5/25. On Monday & Tuesday her surprise farewell star studded extravaganza will air.

I don't get to watch Oprah as often as I'd like and I'm not a fan of the DVR because I don't want to be tied to watching a ton of television. But you can bet I am going to do everything in my power to make sure I watch her last three episodes.

Here is a list of just a few of the stars that will be on Monday & Tuesday bidding their farewells....

Tom Hanks, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Will & Jada, Jamie Foxx, Haley Berry, Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes, Dakota Fanning, Rascal Flatts, Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle and Tom Cruise just to name a few!!!

25 years is quite a run and she is going out with a bang....So yes I'm going to tune in because even if you don't particularly care for Oprah Winfrey there is no denying her power and influence. Oprah is the queen of daytime talk shows and she did it her way!!

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-05-21T02:38:00.001-05:00

How To Have Pretty Feet courtesy of About.com
From Terence Vanderheiden, D.P.M., former About.com Guide

To have pretty feet, you do not always have to go to the salon. With a small amount of time and effort, you can give yourself a fabulous foot makeover.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 30-45 Minutes
Here's How:

1.Remove Toenail Polish
This will allow you to inspect your toenails and look for any problems. It is best to use a non-acetone polish remover. Polish removers that contain acetone are very harsh on your toenails. You should give your toenails a break from polish every now and then. Keeping your toenails constantly painted may cause your toenails to become discolored.

2.Soak Your Feet
A relaxing foot soak for 15-20 minutes will do wonders. You may add aromatherapy salts or oils to the water. Do not use water that is too hot. This will cause your skin to dry out more. Use a toenail brush to gently scrub your toenails at the end of your soak. If you have an open sore on your foot, check with your podiatrist before soaking.

3.Trim Callouses and Corns
Use a pumice stone, emery board or callous file. It may take a few trimmings before you are able to remove all of the hard skin. Removing callouses will help prevent cracks from forming in your skin. You should trim your corns and callouses after soaking because they will be softer and easier to trim.

4.Trim Toenails
Use a stainless steel nail nipper. You should try and cut your toenails straight across and then gently round the corners with an emery board. You can push your cuticles back, but you should not cut them. You should trim your toenails after soaking because they will be softer and easier to trim.

5.Paraffin Wax Treatment
The paraffin wax will make your feet feel incredibly soft. The warmth of the wax helps to increase blood flow and opens up the pores in your skin. When your pores are open, they are able to absorb more moisture. When you feel the wax begin to cool down, wrap your feet in a towel to make the warm feeling last a little longer.

6.Apply Lotion and Massage
Lotion is needed to moisturize your skin. Apply the lotion after soaking or waxing because this will help the lotion soak in better. Take the time to massage your feet as you apply the lotion. Your feet will thank you. Put on socks or wrap your feet in saran wrap after you apply the lotion. This will help the lotion absorb better.

Tips:
1.Treat Athlete’s Foot
If you have itchy, red, peeling skin in between your toes or on the bottom of your feet, you may have athlete’s foot. Try an over the counter antifungal ointment, cream or powder. Ointments and creams seem to be more effective than powders because they are better absorbed by the skin.

2.Treat Fungus in the Toenails
If you start to see discoloration in your toenails, this may be a sign of fungus. Try using over the counter antifungals such as ointments, creams, lacquers or tea tree oil to prevent spreading. Before applying a topical treatment, rough up the toenail with an emery board. This will allow the topical treatment to soak in better.

3.Stop the Sweating
Excessive sweating (perspiration) can be a breeding ground for fungus and odor. Try an over the counter anti-perspirant (like you use on your underarms). Make sure it is an anti-perspirant and not a deodorant. If odor is a problem, get a shoe insert that has charcoal as an ingredient. Charcoal helps absorb odors.

4.Choose Your Shoes Wisely
Sometimes the shoes you wear to make your feet look pretty end up doing the opposite. Certain shoes may cause blisters, corns or callouses. Shoes that are too tight can aggravate bunions, neuromas and hammer toes. Even though your feet look the same, one is usually slightly larger than the other. Buy the shoe size that fits the larger foot.

What You Need:
•non-acetone polish remover
•aromatherapy oil
•toenail scrub brush
•pumice stone
•emery board
•nail nipper
•cuticle pusher
•paraffin wax

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Is It Sunday Yet?

2011-05-20T07:12:00.003-05:00

Why, do you ask? For many reasons. However, the main reason being that it will be time for the Bulls to Cool of the Miami Heat and get one step closer to a series win. Game 2 wasn't their best performance. The Heat are good enough to not get swept, but I do believe that the Bulls will defeat them.

Let's GO BULLS!!!!!!!!

Happy Friday,

Clutch

Real Life. Real Talk. Real Women.

Kitten Heels Recommends......

2011-05-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

I had to renew my antivirus software the other day. I had seen the warning for a week or so and kept trying to tell myself that it couldn’t have been a year already. I also didn’t want to pay for it. I went ahead and clicked on the renew button and found that for $10 more I could get more protection. So I selected the higher priced product and proceeded to the checkout screen. Before entering my credit card information, I happened to notice the promotion code box. I clicked over to another tab and did a quick search on promotion codes for the software and POW, up popped results from one of my favorite websites, www.retailmenot.com. I clicked on the link and saw several options for the software. I clicked back over and entered the code on the checkout page and saved 25%. It was great because I ended up with MORE coverage for LESS THAN the cost of my former subscription, yea!!!! One of the things that I like about Retail Me Not is that users can indicate whether or not a code is any good and the success rate is right there. This site includes Coupon Codes, Grocery Coupons, and Printable Coupons. They have a newsletter and a Community section where you can sign in with an existing email account from Google, Yahoo, or Facebook. Once logged in you can share coupons and comments. The Community is described as, …a place for like-minded bargain hunters to share and discuss the latest and greatest online shopping deals. You guys know me by now, I enjoy finding deals. If you do too, check out Retail Me Not!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-05-18T08:48:00.001-05:00

Wellness Notes:Your Abs & Your Health

courtesy of

You don't need six-pack abs to be healthy. But excess weight - especially around your mid-section - may indicate health risks down the road. Let's look at those risks and at how to shed pounds from your belly, whether it's for your health or your bathing suit.

What are the Abdominals?
The abdominal muscles are actually comprised of four muscle groups. What you think of as the 'six-pack' area is only the front. On either side of that area are the obliques, plus there are two internal groups of ab muscles behind those.
The abs help stabilize your spine. If you have lower-back pain, then weak abdominals could be part of the problem. The shape of your abs can also point out potential health risks; if you already knew that, well, the latest research shows that what you heard might be wrong.

Apples and Pears
The old wisdom told us that the shape of your body indicated your heart risks. Being pear-shaped (more weight around your hips and legs) meant a lower heart disease risk, while being apple-shaped (more weight around the middle) meant a higher risk. But it seems that's not quite right.

New analysis shows that any excess fat is bad for your heart. Researchers reviewed 58studies with a total of nearly 222,000 adults tracked for a decade or longer. The results, published in the journal Lancet this March, found that, when it comes to fat, it's not where, but how much, that raises your heart risk.

Still, belly fat is different than other fat. Your body stores and processes it differently. As a result, belly fat still indicates a higher risk of type-2 diabetes, an accompanying Lancet article noted. So apples do have greater health risks.

The Myth of Spot Reduction
Even though belly fat is different, you can't lose just belly fat - not with crunches, not with the latest infomercial abs gadget.

A toned mid-section requires ab exercises, yes; it also requires proper nutrition and a balance of cardio and strength training. Exercise builds muscle, but if you're carrying extra weight at your mid-section, you won't see that muscle.

These three steps can get the job done:
1. Cardio - Work up a sweat in a vigorous group-fitness class or on the treadmill, bicycle or tennis court. If you're trying to lose weight, plan to work your way up to a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio on most days of the week. You can do less, but your progress will slow.

2. Core work - Perform multi-joint exercises to work your core (i.e. your abs plus your lower back and pelvis). For example, push-ups - which work your chest directly, but engage your abs for balance - give you a twofer.

3. Eat well - For a flat stomach, you need a healthy, portion-controlled diet that emphasizes fresh veggies and fruit, lean protein and whole grains. A beer belly isn't just from beer; sweets, fatty meats and other low-nutrient foods also help pack on the pounds.

To read the article in it's entirety please click below:
Go - Your Healthy Living Newsletter

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Equipment

2011-05-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

I was recently browsing through one of many unread books to determine if I was going to read it. It is a book about success in life. In one section it talks about George Washington Carver who was an outstanding scientist, educator, humanitarian and also a man of faith. In the book, a poem that he often recited was included. The poem is by Edgar A. Guest and it was recited by George Washington Carver during a commencement address in Selma, Alabama, May 27, 1942, as reported by Tuskegee Institute. I found it to be inspiring. Here it is.

Equipment

Figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You’ve all that the greatest of men have had,
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes
And a brain to use if you would be wise.
With this equipment they all began,
So start for the top and say, “I can.”

Look them over, the wise and great
They take their food from a common plate,
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces they tie their shoes.
The world considers them brave and smart,
But you’ve all they had when they made their start.

You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if you only will.
You’re well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have legs and arms and a brain to use,
And the man who has risen great deeds to do
Began his life with no more than you.

You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place,
You must say where you want to go,
How much you will study the truth to know.
God has equipped you for life, but He
Lets you decide what you want to be.

Courage must come from the soul within,
The man must furnish the will to win.
So figure it out for yourself, my lad.
You were born with all that the great have had,
With your equipment they all began,
Get a hold of yourself and say: “I can.”
---Edgar A. Guest

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

I can check off another step!!

2011-05-16T07:49:00.003-05:00

It has been an eye opening challenging weekend for me but I can put another check mark in the box on my list of steps that I have to go through to become a certified group fitness instructor.

This weekend I went through 18 hours of some really grueling training that I did not think I was going to be able to complete. But it is amazing what our bodies can do when we just push and when we REALLY want something!!

I want to share a quote that was shared with us over the weekend because it's this very quote that has me on this extraordinary journey......

"A lot of people have gone further than they
thought they could because someone else
thought they could" ~Zig Ziglar

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real People

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-05-14T00:29:00.000-05:00

4 Diet mistakes that age you
by The Editors of Prevention courtesy of Shine from Yahoo!

What if the fountain of youth were in your own kitchen? While we’ve come to expect certain physical and mental changes as an inevitable part of getting older, the fact is that the foods we eat—or don’t—may speed those processes along, aging us before our time. The reason is simple: “We eat too many processed foods,” says David Katz, MD, director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center. “They’re often high in calories and low in nutrients such as vitamin B12 and omega-3s, so we end up with islands of deficiencies in a sea of excess.” These inadequacies can result in symptoms we tend to assume are due to aging, such as the four below. Work with your doctor to determine whether adjusting your diet or adding a supplement can help you look—and feel—younger.

Mistake #1: You avoid all animal protein.Why it’s aging you: You may lack of vitamin B12. which is essential for energy.
Found only in foods that are derived from animals, this nutrient helps regulate your metabolism and energy production and is key to maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system. “Fatigue is a classic sign of B12 deficiency, which usually occurs in people who don’t eat very much animal protein,” says Danine Fruge, MD, associate medical director of the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Miami. Chewing a lot of antacids to relieve heartburn can also lead to B12 deficiency because antacids interfere with B12 absorption.

Food Fix: Have two servings of nonfat dairy foods, such as fat-free milk or nonfat yogurt, and 3 to 4 ounces of lean protein daily. Good sources of B12 include seafood such as fish, clams, oysters, and mussels, as well as lean beef and pork, chicken, and fortified cereal.

Supplement Solution
Take 500 to 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 in tablet form every day to raise and maintain your B12 levels.

Mistake #2: You avoid supplements.Why it’s aging you: You miss manganese and copper, which help prevent joint pain.
Because manganese and copper are both essential for maintaining joint cartilage and flexibility, “in most cases, supplementing these nutrients reverses the joint deterioration and eliminates the pain,” says Dale Peterson, MD, director of the Comprehensive Wellness Center in Sapulpa, OK. “The body can actually repair a significant amount of damage if it’s given the proper support.”

Food Fix: Nuts, beef, and spinach are good sources of these nutrients, but you won’t be able to eat enough to get all your copper and manganese, so opt for a supplement, Dr. Peterson advises. Take 2 mg of copper and 5 mg of manganese each day. Within 2 to 3 months, your joints should feel less painful.

Mistake #3: You avoid fish and fat.Why it’s aging you: Fish and healthy oils (like olive) offer the best source of omega-3 essential fatty acids ,which help prevent memory loss.
“These fatty acids are part of the brain’s building blocks,” explains Andrew Weil, MD, director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. “If you’re not getting enough in your diet, the architecture of the brain becomes weak, and brain function, including memory, suffers.” But it’s not only the amount of omega-3s that’s important; the balance between omega-3s and omega-6s is equally crucial. “Our diets are flooded with omega-6 fatty acids, mostly from processed foods,” says Dr. Weil. “The more omega-6s you eat, the more omega-3s you need to balance your levels. Most of us aren’t eating enough omega-3s and are eating too many omega-6s.”

Food Fix: First, reduce your consumption of refined and processed foods much as possible, and cook with olive or canola oil. Then, eat 3 1⁄2 ounces of wild salmon and 3 1⁄2 ounces of herring, sardines, or halibut each week. Add 2 tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed to cereal, whole grain side dishes, or shakes daily, and garnish salads or cereal with 1 tablespoon of walnuts 5 days a week. Finally, enjoy 9 to 12 almonds 4 times a week.

Supplement Solution
Take at least 2,000 mg of fish oil daily.Look for 1,000 mg capsules of combined docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Mistake #4: You favor packaged foods over whole.Why it’s aging you: Packaged foods are high in blood pressure–spiking sodium—and fresh fruits and veggies contain blood pressure–lowering potassium.
“Having too little potassium in your diet magnifies the toxic effects of excessive salt intake,” Dr. Fruge says. Most processed foods have added sodium but no extra potassium, so if your meals come from boxes, you’re likely at risk. Worsening the situation, when your kidneys try to flush out the salt, you lose even more potassium. “The imbalance damages blood vessels, driving up blood pressure,” Dr. Fruge notes. “Eating better can correct the problem—I’ve seen people drop thirty points in three days.”

Food Fix: Cut your sodium consumption to no more than 1,500 mg per day, and eat seven to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

Here's to your health!!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

What Year Are We In???

2011-05-12T09:34:00.000-05:00

To my recollection, I thought we were living in the 21st Century, but after the events of last week, apparently not.

In past history and/or uncivilized times, men fought each other for either fun or sometimes sport to entertain pharaohs, kings, etc. Usually this was against their will.

Recently, there has been rejoicing in the street due to the death of another human being. While in America, many people believe that person DESERVED to die. Do we need to celebrate in the street? This person was possibly beloved by his family and they will miss him. We on the other hand can be relieved and happy that this person is no longer walking the earth, but we can do it with a certain level of decorum. Yes, justice is necessary, not rejoicing until it feels like a national holiday.

Here’s hoping for peace and kindness for all men, women and children.

But this is just one's person's opinion and not the view of the majority...

Exotic Chocolate Sling Back,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesdays

2011-05-11T07:40:00.005-05:00

5 Reasons to Skip Your Workout
By Lucy Danziger and the staff at SELF courtesy of Yahoo! Health

I dedicate this section to give weight loss tips and workout tips but the below article, in my opinion, is very important so I want to share. In our quest to be healthier, look better & feel better we still have to take it easy and listen to our bodies!!

Sometimes a good sweat session is just what the doctor ordered: Exercise has been shown to help ease menstrual cramps, joint pain, headaches, stress and depression, for starters. But if you’re not feeling up to your workout, your body might be trying to tell you that it needs a break. Here are five science-backed reasons to throw in the towel (for today).

Something hurts
There’s the good, normal kind of postworkout pain—the achy soreness you feel for a day or two after you’ve pushed your muscles a little harder than usual or tried something new—and the bad kind that feels like more of an ouch and lingers, explains SELF contributing expert Lisa Callahan, M.D., codirector of the Women’s Sports Medicine Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. If a pain persists longer than 72 hours, causes swelling at the site, keeps you up at night or hurts more when you exercise, it’s time to sit on the sidelines and call your doc.

You’re sleep-deprived
Insufficient zzz’s could be as devastating to your well-being as lack of exercise, says James B. Maas, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. “Your body uses sleep to restore itself both physically and mentally, yet people continue to put it off as if it’s optional,” says Maas. If you’ve been falling short of the seven to eight hours of nightly shut-eye experts recommend and feel downright exhausted when your alarm goes off in the morning, hit snooze and leave your workout for another day. Bonus: The extra rest will give you more energy to punch through that last mile or set of reps when you do hit the gym again.

You feel dizzy, thirsty or clammy
These are signs of warm weather injuries like heatstroke and exhaustion, cases of which are up 133 percent in the past decade, a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine warns. Heatstroke can happen even on mild days, so always keep water handy, and if you start to feel the above symptoms, rest, drink up and call it quits for the day. Better safe than sorry!

Your stomach’s been feeling queasy
A little bit of indigestion is no biggie, but if you’re throwing up or experiencing severe diarrhea, you’re already on your way to dehydration and exercise will only make it worse. A 12-hour bug causes most upset stomachs, so you should be fine after a day in bed (or in the bathroom). Just be sure to drink plenty of clear fluids in the meantime.

You have a fever
If the thermometer reads above 100 and you feel exhausted or achy all over, you could have the flu, so trade your gym clothes for your PJ’s and get thee to bed! You’ll likely be too zonked to work up a non-fever-induced sweat anyway. Plus, you’re contagious a full day before you have any symptoms and for the first few days after symptoms strike, and I’m betting your fellow gymgoers don’t want the flu any more than you do. So rest up, drink plenty of fluids and don’t even think about those sneakers until your fever breaks and you’re feeling normal again.

Here's to your health!!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Hobo's Poem of the Day

2011-05-10T09:00:00.001-05:00

A Time To Believe
by B.J. Morbitzer

To believe is to know that
every day is a new beginning.
Is to trust that miracles happen,
and dreams really do come true.

To believe is to see angels
dancing among the clouds,
To know the wonder of a stardust sky
and the wisdom of the man in the moon.

To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart,
The innocence of a child's eyes
and the beauty of an aging hand,
for it is through their teachings we learn to love.

To believe is to find the strength
and courage that lies within us
When it's time to pick up
the pieces and begin again.

To believe is to know
we are not alone,
That life is a gift
and this is our time to cherish it.

To believe is to know
that wonderful surprises are just
waiting to happen,
And all our hopes and dreams are within reach.

If only we believe.

Hobo Bag,
Real Women, Real talk,Real Life

Let's Not Forget.....

2011-05-09T08:11:00.003-05:00

As we look forward to warmer weather, sunshine, flowers blooming, kids getting out of school and inching closer to summer, there are some other things to celebrate. We all know May is for the celebration of Cinco de May, Mother's Day and Memorial Day, but did you know a lot of other things are celebrated or there are a lot of other fun facts. May happens to be my favorite month of the year, as my twin and I were born in May and my wedding anniversary is in May. I still don't know how I got a January baby. Alas, there are a lot of other things to celebrate in the wonderful month of May. Enjoy the rest of May!!!!

May 10 - Clean Up Your Room Day - for all children and I think some adults...
May 12 - National Nurses Day - Especially to my favorite nurse, my sister Felicia
May 13 - Tulip Day - They signal Spring
May 14 - National Dance Like a Chicken Day - could be fun with the kids....
May 15 - National Chocolate Chip Day - Mmmmm
May 18 - Visit Your Relatives Day -
May 21 - Armed Forces Day, American Red Cross Founded
May 22 - Buy a Musical Instrument Day
May 25 - National Missing Children's Day, National Tap Dance Day
May 27 - Golden Gate Bridge Opened
May 29 - John F. Kennedy was born
May 30 - Memorial Day - celebrate all of our veterans
May 31 - World No Tobacco Day

May is also, American Bike Month, Asparagus Month, Healthy Vision Month, Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month, Better Hearing and Speech Month just to name a few.

Enjoy your May and wish me luck as I participate in two major bike-a-thons, Amercian Cancer Society Walk and Roll (15 miles) and Bike The Drive (32 miles).

Peace and Love,

Sandals,

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T00:55:00.000-05:00

Pumps, Purses & Positivity is wishing a very Happy Mother's Day to all!!

The History
(AKA Her-story)
of Mother's Day courtesy of Mother's Day Central

Celebrating motherhood is a historical tradition dating back almost as far as mothers themselves. A number of ancient cultures paid tribute to mothers as goddesses, including the ancient Greeks, who celebrated Rhea, the mother of all gods. The ancient Romans also honored their mother goddess, Cybele, in a notoriously rowdy springtime celebration and the Celtic Pagans marked the coming of spring with a fertility celebration linking their goddess Brigid together with the first milk of the ewes.

During the 17th century, those living on the British isles initiated a religious celebration of motherhood, called Mothering Sunday, which was held on the forth Sunday during the Lenten season. This holiday featured the reunification of mothers and their children, separated when working class families had to send off their young children to be employed as house servants. On Mothering Sunday, the child servants were allowed to return home for the day to visit with their parents. The holiday's popularity faded in the 19th century, only to be reincarnated during World War II when U.S. servicemen reintroduced the sentimental (and commercial) aspects of the celebration American counterpart.

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-05-07T06:57:00.000-05:00

Forget Frugality: Focus on Earning More
by Ramit Sethi courtesy of Yahoo! Finance Provided by

Think of the last 10 pieces of personal finance advice you've read. Do any of these sound familiar?
• Cut back on lattes!
• The world's top 10 coupons
• Don't go on vacation this year!

If you boil all the advice down, there are just two ways to improve your financial situation: earn more or cut costs. So why don't more personal finance experts talk about earning more? Because most of them don't know how.

And so we get lectures on frugality, giving us obscure advice like how to save on paper towels. With each tip, we get diminishing returns. And we start to believe that personal finance is about "No, No, No!" No, you can't spend money on lattes. No, you can't go on vacation. No, you can't buy those ans.

It's no wonder that most Americans simply ignore their finances. We don't want someone constantly lecturing us on what we can't do.

I believe personal finance should be about saying "Yes."
Yes, you can afford that extravagant coat, or iPhone or even a trip to the Bahamas. In fact, I believe in conscious spending, or spending extravagantly on the things you love -- as long as you cut costs mercilessly on the things you don't.

Once you've cut on the basics, the single best way to live a rich life is to earn more money.

How to Earn More Money

The simplest way to earn money on the side is to turn your existing skills into side income. Nearly everyone has skills that others would pay for. Can you play an instrument? Consider being a music instructor. Are you obsessed with personal organizing? Hire your services out as a personal organizer. Do you have expertise in Excel, Web analytics or even free-lance writing? Many employers would love to hire you as a free-lancer.

This is a new way of thinking, and it makes many people uncomfortable. "That's ridiculous," they say. "Nobody would pay me $25 per hour."

To them, I say two things:

1. You already pay service providers for things you could do yourself. Have you ever eaten at a restaurant? Changed oil? Gotten your hair cut? We all pay others for their services. Now, I want you to flip this around and charge for your own services. People will pay -- as you already pay others.

2. You don't know if your offer of services will work until you test it.

Twelve months ago, I declared it the year of earning more money and wrote a series of posts on the topic. I then launched an online course on earning money, in which I took hundreds of people from around the world and taught them how to turn their skills into side income.

Dean Soto was one of them. He has a wife, two children and a demanding full-time job. How could he find enough time to earn money on the side? Dean went through several exercises to determine which of his skills would be profitable. He realized that the information technology skills he used at his day job could also earn him money on the side -- if he found the right clients. But his side income needed to be worth giving up his scarce time with his family.

Once he figured out a potential idea, he used his network to meet people and ask what their needs were. He found his first client by accident. When he heard Dean's asking rate -- $30/hour -- he scoffed and insisted Dean charge more.

To account for his busy schedule, Dean used a clever retainer technique, which lets him work flexibly as long as he gets the work done. "I come home from work around 5 p.m.," he said. "Then I spend time with my family until about 9 p.m. and spend about an hour a day on my side work."

"I never thought I could do something like this," he said. "Now I'm like a boxer, looking to take little jabs and see where there's an opening."

Last year, Dean earned $22,700 on the side. He raised his hourly rate from $30 to $60 and then $150 per hour. The best part? "My wife loves it," he said. "She's able to stay home, which is her dream, and my kids have their mother all day."

There's nothing unique about Dean. But he is remarkable for taking action instead of being blinded by the frugality brigade that so permeates personal finance.

Frugality is important -- to a point. But after we cut back to a reasonable level, our biggest win will come from earning more money.

To read this complete article click here.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Something to make you say hmmmmm.........

2011-05-06T00:29:00.000-05:00

For as long as I can remember, there has been a statement/saying that is often used at one point in people’s lives when they are experiencing pain, mental anguish, grief, or some other devastating life experience.

Oftentimes, people will mention it to help the other person feel better and give encouragement of a brighter day.

What is it you ask....? It is “This too shall pass”. Now you recognize it and have probably had it said to you or said it to someone else.

Now my question for the day is: “Suppose whatever you are going through does not pass?
Suppose it stays with you and no matter how hard you try to dispose of it from your system, life, etc. it stays. Suppose you get medical assistance, church guidance, prayer, counseling, etc. and it still does not pass.

How does that make you feel? What do you say to the person that continues to experience despair and bad times?

Does that make you say hmmmmm or do you still revert to the saying...... This too shall pass?

Think about this and let me know your thoughts.

Exotic Chocolate Sling Back
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Social Media Nightmares

2011-05-05T08:22:00.002-05:00

I have long been a strong advocate against "TMI" too much information. With advent of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc., people feel the need to share every minute detail of their lives, their unsolicited opinions and just make inane comments that lead to problems, quickly penned apologies and in some cases, backlash.

With the recent events of the past few weeks, I hold strongly to my belief that these social media forums have gone long past their wanting to keep people connected, send photographs of the grandkids, getting back in touch with people you miss, etc. Now, people are tweeting their opinions about politics, elections, people's choices of names for their kids, etc.

Famous people, politicians are being ridiculed on the social media outlets for their choices, as well as, they are setting themselves up for unpopular opinion by commenting openly on issues that should better be left to conversations among family and friends.

No matter what my opinion on President Obama's execution of the Osama Bin Laden strategy, I do not feel comfortable openly ridiculing our leader's choice of action, nor do I feel like two billion people need to know whether I agree with him or not. I named my daughter what I wanted and Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon should be able to name their children what they want. As long as, it is not your name, why should the tweeters care. If you are in a position of leadership, famous or live by popular opinion, please don't say anything that can cause backlash. Several sports stars are in trouble for making perceived Anti-Semitic comments, comments about President Obama not releasing pictures of the executed body, suggesting that Mariah Carey's choices for names are not right. Who cares..... But, obviously lots of people care and these comments go viral and what seemed like an innocent comment to your fellow tweeters, is now major fodder for the news outlets, people are being fined, losing jobs. Look at Gilbert Gottfried. There is a new AFLAC Duck in town.

I live in Chicago, Illinois and I don't want to see pictures of the countless number of people that have been shot, stabbed or murdered. Why is this one so different, dead is dead. The partially decomposed body of a 12 year-old that has been missing for two years, was found today. Does anyone really want to see that?

For now, I will hold onto my tweetless, facebookless, myspaceless life and go on interacting face to face with my family, friends, co-workers and ladies at the beauty shop.....

Just my two cents.....

Peace and Love,

Sandals

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-05-04T06:48:00.002-05:00

Fitness 101:
The Skinny on Toning Shoes by Molly courtesy of

We're constantly bombarded by gimmicks that promise abs of steel or no-effort weight loss. But every now and then, one of these "gimmicks" stays around for a while. So, I took a leap of faith (and a chunk out of my wallet) and bought a pair of Sketchers Shape-Ups®.

Background on the Brands

The first toning shoe, the MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology), became popular for relieving pain in the back, knees, hips and other joints. It was not marketed as a toning shoe but as physiologic footwear that improved posture and health.

After rave reviews for MBT, Sketchers developed their very similar Shape-Ups, sold with the slogan "Get in Shape without Stepping Foot in a Gym" (which really bothered me). They claimed their shoes would promote weight loss, tone muscles, reduce cellulite, and much more.

MBT's and Sketcher Shape-Ups feature a soft wedge insert meant to cause a rolling motion, similar to walking barefoot in the sand. This wedge is intended to correctly align your spine, eliminating forward head posture and other bad habits that may, over time, lead to orthopedic issues.

Reebok entered the scene and took a slightly different approach with their EasyTones. Their shoes have two air pods that cause instability (like standing on a BOSU® Balance Ball), which supposedly makes your muscles work harder.

The Latest Research

According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), none of these shoes live up to their claims of burning more calories or strengthening and toning your muscles.

ACE's Chief Science Officer, Cedric Bryant, PhD, cited a recent study from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse that compared the three types of toning shoes with traditional running shoes.

The verdict? The new shoes work no better than traditional running shoes at engaging the muscles of your legs and core. For the number of calories burned, the study again showed no significant difference between the four types of shoes.

The Comfort & the Dangers

While these shoes may not provide any additional toning or strengthening, they seem to be getting more people walking! Nearly every user I interviewed - especially healthcare workers who are on their feet all day long - loved her toning shoes because they are comfortable.

From my own experience, they are comfortable ... eventually. They're very awkward at first, partly because they're so bulky and partly because you do walk differently. But honestly, it didn't take long to get the hang of them.

I do feel like my posture is better when I wear them. My hips, which give me trouble from time to time, have been quiet. I'm not sure if it's from the shoes or just pure coincidence, but either way, I'm happy about it.

But beware! Toning shoes can also be dangerous. I've spoken to a few people who have fallen while wearing them. I've tripped a few times myself (but haven't fallen, thank goodness!). The instability that supposedly makes them unique can also backfire.

Which brings me back to my frustration with Sketchers' anti-gym slogan: when you use a BOSU or do any other balance-exercise at the gym, you can safely focus on just that. But if you're unstable when you walk - and while you walk, you also text, talk, window-shop, herd your kids, etc. - you put yourself at risk!

The Bottom Line

If toning shoes will motivate you to walk more, and you love the way they feel, go out and buy a pair. Just walk carefully and don't count on them to tone your legs like the girls in the commercials.

Step lively,
Molly

Molly Napolitano has over 20 years of experience in developing medically based fitness and rehabilitation programs. She earned her master's degree in Exercise & Sports Science at the University of Florida in 1989 and went on to specialize in exercise prescription for the elderly.

In 1991, Molly became the Director of ReQuest Physical Therapy, where she was able to oversee the treatment of thousands of patients. ReQuest was one of the first physical therapy centers to be located inside a fitness club. During that time, she taught many fitness club owners how to open and operate rehabilitation centers inside their facilities. She has presented nationally and internationally at various health and fitness conferences including IHRSA, Club Industry East & West, Athletic Business, and Can-Fit-Pro.

Molly loves teaching women how easy it is to get fit, improve their health, and unleash their true inner confidence. She is the President and CEO of Just You, Only Better - a 30 Day Fitness & Confidence Makeover for women. She writes a weekly blog for women focusing on fitness, confidence, fashion, beauty and health issues. She also hosts free self-esteem workshops for young girls and their mentors through the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty.

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To see the full article click below:
Go - Your Healthy Living Newsletter

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Death of Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-03T07:38:00.005-05:00

Now that Bin Laden is dead, how do you feel? Do you have mixed feelings? Has your concern for our country's safety elevated? Well I will say I for sure have mixed feelings. I'm very happy that he has finally been caught and I do hope it brings some closure to those who lost loved ones on 911. But I also feel a little nervous about the "what next" factor. I feel like it's a drive by that just went down and the retaliation is going to be even worse.....

Share your thoughts with us.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

First certification done deal!!

2011-05-02T09:15:00.002-05:00

WOOOHOOO!! As some of you may know I have been on a mission to become an instructor at my local YMCA. It's something that I've wanted to do for a long time but I have let "things" get in the way. This year I decided it's time to put my foot down and do what I really want to do and even if I don't make it at least I know I tried my best!! Well I am truly on my way. I've gone through two sets of training sessions and have passed. I have one left to conquer and it is the hardest of them all of course.

So for anyone reading this post please go for your dreams, it's worth it and you won't be happy until you do. I will keep you posted on how I do.

Have a great week!

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Zoë Kravitz

2011-05-01T03:23:00.000-05:00

Zoë Kravitz Spreads Her Wings in 'X-Men: First Class'
by: Matt McDaniel courtesy of Yahoo!Movies

When you're lucky enough to inherit talents from both of your famous parents, which path do you choose for your career?

It's a question 22-year-old Zoë Kravitz finds herself having to answer. She's the daughter of Grammy-winning rocker Lenny Kravitz and former "Cosby Show" star Lisa Bonet. And while she did get musical chops from her dad, she's chosen to follow her mother into the acting biz. This summer, she'll be seen in the highest-profile film of her young career as a mutant in "X-Men First Class".

Click here to see the trailer

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-04-30T02:57:00.000-05:00

When the Customer Is Wrong: Airlines courtesy of Yahoo!Finance

It's one of the oldest adages of the retail world: "The customer is always right."
Of course, very often the customer is wrong. Every day customers behave in ways that make the lives of waiters, cashiers, customer service reps and other retail workers miserable. And in many cases, these customers don't even realize how annoying they're being.

To rectify this, we've decided to talk to the people on the other side of the desk, with the hope of educating consumers on what sort of behavior makes life difficult for the people serving them. In the first part of the series we spoke to people in the restaurant industry, and in part two we asked hotel workers how to be a responsible guest. We turn now to the airline industry, where we asked flight attendants and customer service representatives for tips on keeping the skies friendly.

Get Off the Phone
This is a common complaint in most retail industries, but it bears repeating here: It's rude to talk on the phone while interacting with the person behind the counter. And when you're at the airport checking your bags, it slows things down for everyone, says Mary Ann DeVita Goddard, a former customer service representative for Continental Airlines.

"Passengers would walk up, stand in front of you, continue their conversation, and expect you to know where they were going and how many bags they were checking," she recounts.
Respect the people behind the counter enough to put your phone away when you're speaking with them. And if not for their sake, do it for the people behind you who are delayed by your chatty ways.

We Don't Want Your Germs
If there's one thing worse than seeing a passenger approach with a phone glued to his ear, it's seeing a passenger approach with a ticket in his mouth.

"When they had to show their ID, they would walk up with it in their mouth," recalls Goddard, who worked at both baggage check and at the gate. "It was the same with the boarding pass. And they would expect you to take it."

We've all been there -- you've got your hands full with bags, and you want easy access for your ID or boarding pass, so you wind up holding it in your mouth. But handing someone a ticket that was just in your mouth is extremely gross. Put it in your pocket.

The Tray Table Is Not a Changing Table
Speaking of gross, please note that the tray tables are for eating, not for changing diapers.
"There are passengers that are traveling with babies who don't realize the airplane has changing tables in the lavatory, so they'll try to change babies on the seat or tray," says Bobby Laurie, a flight attendant who blogs about his experiences on the Inflight Team blog network. "People will eat off that table, and it's not cleaned after every flight."

We repeat: The tray tables are not cleaned after every flight, and even if they were, changing a diaper on a surface that someone is going to eat off is not OK. Be considerate of future passengers, and don't put the flight attendants in the position of having to stop you mid-diaper change.

Speaking of Babies ...
There are few air travel topics more controversial than babies and small children on planes, and if it's a headache for passengers, it's a safe bet that it's a major headache for the flight attendants who have to deal with both the crying babies and the passengers complaining about said babies.
Laurie acknowledges that there are no good solutions to the problem, short of RyanAir's (probably fake) plan to offer child-free flights. He does recommend bringing ear plugs if you don't have noise-canceling headphones, and suggests that passengers traveling with babies bring a supply of earplugs for surrounding passengers.

Most importantly, he says to recognize that flight attendants aren't babysitters.
"Some people just pass their babies off to you when they go to the bathroom, but we're not here for that," he says. "[And] realize that airlines don't have stuff to keep kids occupied, so come prepared with games and books."

Everyone Has to Be Somewhere
When flights are delayed or overbooked, the customer service representative manning the gate can quickly become the most put-upon person in the terminal. And that's especially true if there aren't enough passengers willing to be voluntarily bumped from the flight, which means that someone with a ticket isn't getting on.

"Some people come up and bang on the counter and scream and yell," recounts Goddard, who says she always had a lot of sympathy in these situations. "If I thought I was going on vacation and I got bumped, I would be disappointed, too."

Still, she urges travelers to understand that shouting your way onto the plane means someone else gets bumped instead -- someone who could have an even greater need for getting to their destination on time.

"Everyone has to be somewhere, but some people really need to be somewhere, like if they're visiting a sick family member or going to a funeral," she says.

Situations like these aren't fun for anyone, and passengers have a right to feel aggrieved. But screaming will only make someone else's day worse, and if you have a pressing need to depart on time, your best bet is to politely state your case.

Take Your Seat ...
Not all seats are created equally, and if you're on a flight that isn't sold out you might be inclined to stake out better real estate -- say, a seat that's further from the lavatory or that has more leg room. But wait until the plane is in the air and the seatbelt light is off to go searching for greener pastures, because the plane can't take off until you're seated.

"There is tremendous pressure on gate agents and flight attendants to get flights out on time," says Erik, a flight attendant for a major airline who asked that we didn't use his full name. "We have to answer for it later if the flight is late, so someone wandering around the plane looking for that first-class experience that they didn't pay for when everyone else is ready to go ... is obnoxious."

Listen to the Flight Attendants
Sure, the flight attendant said to stow your carry-on bag under the seat in front of you. But as long as it's out of the way, it doesn't matter where you put it, right?

"Let's say you abort the takeoff and come to a screeching halt on the runway, or skid off the edge of the runway and come to an abrupt stop -- the bags are going to move forward," explains Erik. "No one is going to want another persons' or their own carry-on bag sticking out and blocking their egress in a smoke-filled cabin."

In other words, it's for your own safety. The same holds true for putting your tray up ("Nothing like getting snagged on a tray table while trying to escape from a burning airplane," he says) and turning off your cell phone. That last one has plenty of dissidents, who argue that a single phone can't interfere with the plane's communications. But phones can also serve as a distraction during take-off and landing, when accidents are most likely.

Overhead Etiquette
"The overhead bin is shared space, and each bin should fit three people's luggage in it," says Erik. "But sometimes that one passenger will put their jacket, briefcase, and roll-aboard suitcase in there. What about the other two people in that row?"

Hogging the overhead bins is not only inconsiderate to your fellow fliers, it also makes things tough for the flight attendants, who get blamed by the other passengers when they can't find room for their own luggage.

And when it comes to actually loading your luggage, don't just set your bag down and expect the flight attendant to do it for you. Laurie says that workplace safety regulations dictate that flight attendants are only supposed to help you guide the bag into the compartment -- not lift it for you.

"Passengers will pack their carry-on to the point where they can't even lift it, then expect us to lift it for them," says Laurie. "Technically we're not supposed to lift it unless you're disabled or elderly."

Please don't be that passenger!!!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

NBA Playoffs

2011-04-29T07:04:00.004-05:00

With the NBA Playoffs well under way, I am so excited that MY Chicago Bulls will be advancing to the next series, after winning a tough fight against the Indiance Pacers.

As much as I love the Bulls, I am even more excited about the Miami Heat facing the Boston Celtics. If you love basketball as much as I do, this is going to be an amazing series! The big guys are going to have to bring their A-Game. There will be a lot of superstar power in this series, and the outcome will come down to teamwork.

Be sure to follow nba.com for game times and results.

Happy Friday,

Clutch

Real Life. Real Talk. Real Women.

Prayers go out!!!

2011-04-28T09:36:00.006-05:00

Dozens of tornadoes kill 201 in 6 Southern states

Click on the link below to check out some raw footage of one of the several hundred tornadoes that swept through 6 southern states.

On behalf of the Pumps, Purses & Positivity family our hearts and prayers go out to all those that have been affected by these devastating tornadoes.

Click Here

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-04-27T08:16:00.003-05:00

Weight & The Workplace
Article By: The Weight Watchers Research Department

A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that there is a definite connection between weight and work.

Many worksite environments have become more sedentary over the years and this has an effect on weight. For example, one study found that the more time employees spent at their desks, the greater their odds of being overweight.1 The number of hours worked also doesn't help. A 2005 study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that men and women who worked the most overtime also boosted their odds of gaining weight.2

Burden of Excess Pounds at Work
While the worksite environment can contribute to weight gain, excess weight itself has a negative financial impact in the workplace. Companies spend up to 52% more on obese employees in annual healthcare costs than they do on employees at a healthy weight.3 A large part of these costs are due to the way the excess weight worsens other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. These costs come from a variety of sources, including physician visits, prescription drugs and outpatient and inpatient hospital charges..

Excess weight also has a negative effect on productivity while on the job. Heavier workers experience more disability and have more health-related absences than thinner workers, resulting in lost income. For example, one study found that heavy workers were more than twice as likely to report high level absenteeism (more than one sick day per month) than workers at a healthy weight.4 It's not simply about absenteeism, however. Excess weight is also linked to "presenteeism," -- that is, time spent on the job but performing at less than full capacity due to stress, injury or illness. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that obese workers lost substantially more productive time than workers at a healthy weight. Surprisingly, two-thirds of the lost time was explained by presenteeism, while the remaining one-third was from health-related absences.5

Small Changes = Big Improvements
The good news is that weight loss can reduce medical costs and improve job productivity and performance. Weight losses of 5-10 percent of initial body weight or the prevention of weight gain can translate into substantial health and economic benefits.6 According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) task force, worksite weight management programs that include diet, exercise, support and behavior skills are the recommended strategy to prevent or control overweight and obesity in the workplace.7 And there is proof that these programs work. For example, implementing a worksite lifestyle-based weight-loss program has been shown to result in a reduction in risk factors for heart disease that is sustained for at least one year. The health outcomes for those with other conditions, including diabetes, can also be significantly improved using this approach.8 Fortunately, many employers have started to provide these types of weight-loss programs in the workplace.

Bottom Line: Losing a small amount of weight will not only improve health, but will also lower medical costs and have a beneficial impact on job productivity and performance. If offered, worksite weight management programs, including those offered by Weight Watchers, are an excellent choice.

Here's to your health!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

FOOTNOTES
1 Mummery WK, Schofield GM, Steele R, Eakin EG, Brown WJ. Occupational sitting time and overweight and obesity in Australian workers. Am J Prev Med. 2005 Aug;29(2):91-7.
2 Lallukka T, et al. Psychosocial working conditions and weight gain among employees. Int J Obes (Lond). 2005 Aug;29(8):909-15.
3 Burton WN, et al. The Economic Costs Associated with Body Mass Index in a Workplace. J Occup Environ Med. 1998 Sept;40(9):786-792.
4 Tucker LA, Friedman GM. Obesity and absenteeism: an epidemiologic study of 10,825 employed adults. Am J Health Promot. 1998 Jan-Feb;12(3):202-7.
5 Ricci JA & Chee E. Lost Productive Time Associated with Excess Weight in the U.S. Workforce. J Occup Environ Med. 2005 Dec;47:1227-1234.
6 Oster G, et al. Lifetime health and economic benefits of weight loss among obese persons. Am J Public Health. 1999 Oct;89(10):1536-42.
7 Katz DL, et al. Public health strategies for preventing and controlling overweight and obesity in school and worksite settings: a report on recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2005 Oct 7;54(RR-10):1-12.
8 Eddy DM, et al. Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of strategies for managing people at high risk for diabetes. Ann Intern Med. 2005. Aug 16;143(4);251-264.
Science Center

Tornado hits St. Louis Airport

2011-04-26T09:27:00.002-05:00

This is just amazing! Thankfully there were no lives lost in this tornado last week. Video courtesy of Youtube.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Bike the Drive

2011-04-25T09:04:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday!

I am back from my glorious 12 day vacation of sunshine, heat and great food. Unfortunately, I came back to dreary, rainy and cold Chicago weather. But, I know what I signed up for and it's great to be home.

One bright spot for this rainy April is the upcoming Bike the Drive, http://bikethedrive.org/signup . It is bike riding at its best along a car-free Lakeshore drive. That's right, no cars on lakeshore drive, from north to south (about 30 miles)

If you always wanted to see Lakeshore drive, ride along the lakefront, but didn't want the congestion, now is the time to joins thousands of Chicagoans, as well as, tourists for a great scenic ride along Lakeshore drive. You know you've seen the bike-riders, walkers, baby carriages and skaters on the lakefront and thought you've always wanted to do those things, but it just looks too congested. Well now is your time to ride on Lakeshore drive, without cars, baby carriages, skaters, etc. This year my husband and I will riding along with my sister, brother-in-law and other couples for an enjoyable day of stress-free, sightseeing, exercise and a kids-free day. Hopefully, there will be lots of sunshine and good weather.

So, come out and enjoy Lakeshore drive, get some exercise and help the bikes take over the drive.

Please let me know if you are going to ride.

Peace and love,

Sandals,

Real Life, Real Talk and Real Women

HAPPY EASTER!!!

2011-04-24T03:35:00.000-05:00

Pumps, Purses & Positivity wishes everyone a very happy & blessed Easter!

PPP's Tip of the Week

2011-04-23T00:42:00.000-05:00

Women: Stay Healthy at 50+
Checklists for Your Health
courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Daily Steps to Health

•Be tobacco free. For tips on how to quit, go to: http://www.ahrq.gov/path/tobacco.htm or visit http://www.smokefree.gov.

•Be physically active. If you are not already physically active, start small and work up to 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming, and bicycling are just a few examples of moderate physical activity.

•Eat a healthy diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.

•Stay at a healthy weight. Balance the calories you take in from food and drink with the calories you burn off by your activities. Check with your doctor if you start to gain or lose weight.

•If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. Have no more than one drink a day. A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.

Here's to your health!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Good Friday

2011-04-22T07:10:00.003-05:00

Have a "Good" Friday and a Great weekend!

Clutch,

Real Life. Real Talk. Real Women.

It's Official!!

2011-04-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

As I blogged about before, I’ve joined the Kingdom Running Club (KRC) and will be participating in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 9, 2011.

So for the past few months, we’ve met once a week to receive mind renewal teachings, gear and nutrition and other information. It’s been interesting, getting used to getting up early, by 7:30am, and applying the information. I’d looked over the schedule and had been thinking that I had plenty of time to mentally prepare for actually running. I mean, the schedule clearly indicated “Running on lakefront – April 30th”. Well imagine my surprise when I received the weekly KRC email on Wednesday March 23rd, which indicated that we were to arrive at 6:30am and be prepared to run around the mall where we meet on Saturday March 26th!. “Be ready to what?!” Aw man! I showed up slightly late but ready. After a stretch, we were off! I actually ran for a block or so, and then began to power walk. After a few minutes I ran again. And I went back and forth until I completed my one time around which was the equivalent of 1.2 miles. It was great AND awful! My thighs were sore for two days! But you know what, it’s all good, its official I’m on my way! Wooooo Hooooo!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-04-20T00:15:00.000-05:00

The Bosu Ball!!

Okay, I have been trying so many different workouts just so that I can stay excited and can continue to shock my body. I talked about the TRX which I still love but my new favorite is the bosu ball. It's the half moon looking ball that really looks harmless, but it packs quite a punch!!

My gym recently added Bosu Boot Camp to it's list of classes and I tried it for the first time on Monday night. MAN, talk about a workout!! The bosu literally kicked my butt and I'm still pretty sore and it's been two days!

If you are already going to a gym check to see if they have a bosu class, if not check into purchasing the bosu. You will get at least one DVD with the bosu ball and it is actually cheaper than most gym memberships! You will get a core workout that you won't believe and you can also count on getting quite a cardio workout as well.

Remember keep trying new things and find something that you really like...this way you will probably have a better chance at sticking with it!!

Courtesy of diet.com and Youtube the video below shares some typically bosu exercises.

Here's to your health!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Kitten Heels Sorta' Recommends.....

2011-04-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

A recent book club assignment has led me to the wildly popular book, THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett. A few ladies in the book club already read the book and liked it. I’m about half-way through the book and I must say that I’m torn. I really don’t enjoy books written in Southern dialect. Usually because there are inconsistencies, as some words will be spelled as they’re pronounced, while others aren’t, for example spelling going as goin’, while not spelling the as ‘da. I believe that I really don’t need the dialect written out. While reading I find that if a character is Southern or Midwestern or foreign I naturally hear their voice in the dialect. I pretty much like the story overall, but am annoyed by the dialect and the treatment and injustices that some of the characters face. I like it enough to continue. Here’s the synopsis:

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.
Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.
Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.
Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.
Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

You know a book is popular when at least two things happen, 1 – a movie is in the works and 2 – a lawsuit has been filed. The movie is set to come out in August 2011. There’s a pretty good line-up of stars so I might check it out. The lawsuit was filed by the author’s brother’s actual maid. Her name and some of her life experiences are similar to of one of the characters. I read an article that implied that perhaps the lawsuit had to do with family dynamics also. The outcome should be interesting.

I’m going to finish the book mostly out of curiosity. I do want to see how the characters end up. Like some of the reviewers on Amazon, I won’t be reading it over and over, one time will do. I sorta recommend it because it is so popular and provocative. You too should check it out……..maybe :).

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Relationship Restoration

2011-04-18T00:01:00.001-05:00

or
Happy Monday!!! I guess I do lots of thinking about life in general. My mind is always searching and thinking about all aspects of life. Most recently I have been thinking about life after the age of 35. When you are in your twenties everything seems possible as if you can conquer the world. I think that when you get into your thirties you start to become very realistic about life and the people in yours.

You start to see that some people and circumstances need and should become obsolete. You start to see that not everyone and everything was meant to be in your life for a lifetime. In reflecting on all these things I began to think how you can restore those things that should have remained a constant in your life. The things that I think about include but are not limited to like God, family, real friends, real loves and real people. So many times over the years people have crossed my path that I feel have been genuine human beings that truly have my best interest at heart. At the same time, just as many I have come across that meant nothing to me except to provide self-gratification for themselves. Now what can I do to regenerate those good relationships while discarding the bad?

1. Take care of me and my needs. Anyone that has your best interests at heart care about your needs more than their own.

2. Love me more. No one loves me more than me. If anyone seems to, be careful because there could be potential for a dangerous situation.

3. Treat others the way I would like them to treat me. Don’t seek out companionship because it is convenient. No one wants to be a just because you had nothing better to do fix.

4. Let others know that you appreciate them. I try and do it as often as I can.

5. I must be open to nontraditional circumstances. You could find the ultimate relationship in the most uncommon setting.

Much Love

Chanel

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Commander!

2011-04-17T14:26:00.002-05:00

Kelly Rowland's Commander is the first song in my latest weight lifting routine. I never really got into the song before but now it pumps me up as I'm pushing the weights so I thought I share just in case you haven't heard it before. Enjoy....courtesy of YouTube.

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women