O.M.G the Youth of Today

In celebration to the pending Black History Month we should all pledge to spend more time with our children. Not just our biological children, but any youth that may need some guidance. I know that I talk about this often, but it is a topic near and dear to me. If these kids are truly the future of this nation, we need to get them on track asap. Being a parent of a teen and spending a lot of time around them I think that we really need to listen to their cries more.

On one of my daily ventures to work I encounter a lot of them. Just when I think that I have heard it all come from their lips, they surprise me yet again. Don't get me wrong I was young once but I find it hard to comprehend some of the conversations that go on with our youth.

The fact that I was forced to listen to mainly young women talk about the drama in their love life. They speak of the things that happened over the weekend and how they were going to manipulate a young man to gain his attention.

Please take this month as an opportunity to reach out to our children. I know that all can't be saved but if we take the time to reach at least one it is amazing the influence that they have on each other.

Much Love

Chanel

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Back In The Day

Every now and then I get to reminiscing about things that I loved to do or listen to way back in the day. Lately Flip Wilson has been in my head, mainly because my parents loved Flip Wilson. I can remember when they would play his albums, yes the vinyl...lol; we (me and my brothers) had to be in another room because Flip's standup routine was risqué for kids.

Take a listen to one of Flip's routines as the famous "Geraldine Jones" from his variety show courtesy of YouTube and TV Land.



Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

9 Tips in Life that Lead to Happiness - courtesy of Lifehack.org author unknown

Are you truly happy? Do you even know what it means to be happy and what it takes to achieve happiness? These are important questions for anyone who is seeking happiness to ask themselves. I live my life to maintain my own happiness while trying my best to not cause unhappiness to anyone else. If you want to be happy you need to understand that you can be happy and that you should be happy. Many people make the mistake of believing that they don’t deserve happiness and accept their unhappy state as their destiny. The truth of the matter is that happiness, like anything else in life, needs to be nurtured. The following are a few tips that I follow to create happiness in my life.

1. Understand what it is that will make you happy. Everyone has unique requirements for attaining happiness and what makes one person happy may be very different from what makes someone else happy. Revel in your individuality and do not worry about whether or not your desires are comparable to those of your peers.

2. Make a plan for attaining goals that you believe will make you happy. Your mood will very likely increase as your pursue your goal because you will feel better about yourself for going after something you value.

3. Surround yourself with happy people. It is easy to begin to think negatively when you are surrounded by people who think that way. Conversely, if you are around people who are happy their emotional state will be infectious.

4. When something goes wrong try to figure out a solution instead of wallowing in self pity. Truly happy people don’t allow set backs to affect their mood because they know that with a little thought they can turn the circumstances back to their favor.

5. Spend a few minutes each day thinking about the things that make you happy. These few minutes will give you the opportunity to focus on the positive things in your life and will lead you to continued happiness.

6. It’s also important to take some time each day to do something nice for yourself. Whether you treat yourself to lunch, take a long, relaxing bath or simply spend a few extra minutes on your appearance you will be subconsciously putting yourself in a better mood.

7. Finding the humor in situations can also lead to happiness. While there are times that require you to be serious, when it is appropriate, find a way to make light of a situation that would otherwise make you unhappy.

8. Maintaining your health is another way to achieve happiness. Being overweight or not eating nutritious foods can have a negative effect on your mood. Additionally, exercise has been known to release endorphins that give you a feeling of happiness.

9. Finally, it is important to understand that you deserve happiness. Those who believe that they are not worthy of happiness may subconsciously sabotage their efforts to achieve happiness. If necessary, tell yourself each day that you deserve to be happy and remind yourself what steps you will take to achieve the happiness you desire.

Happiness is hard to define but most people are aware of whether they are happy or not. Many people believe that happiness is a form of luck and that some people are destined to be happy while others are destined to be unhappy. I try to incorporate the tips above into my life and have had great success in achieving happiness. The tips in this article are small but meaningful steps that you can take each day to lead you to true happiness.

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

Smile

This is a great song by Kirk Franklin. As you enter your weekend, don't forget to SMILE. No matter what you have going on, things will get better!

Happy Friday!

Clutch



Real Life. Real Talk. Real Women.

Speak Life!!

I was recently texting with an acquaintance and they were indicating that they were unhappy with their work environment. Afterwards I began to think about a time in my life when I felt the same way. It was a small organization where the owner gave new meaning to the term micromanage. I recalled how while at first angry and frustrated about the situation, I eventually learned from it. Other thoughts came to me about the situation of many other acquaintances, friends and loved ones….unemployment, underemployment, sickness, depression and on and on. When I was in the bad work situation, I was strengthened by speaking the Word. During that time I spoke a spiritual warfare prayer EVERY DAY. So now, it easily comes to mind when needed. It gave me strength to stand. When it was time to leave, I stepped right out of there and never looked back.

Besides learning how to pray through a situation, I also learned how NOT to manage people. I learned about skills that I didn’t know that I possessed, and most importantly, I learned when to speak and when not to speak. This was such an important lesson for me, a person who formerly always got the last word.

Now when I encounter challenges, I know what to do, I start looking for the lesson and also I speak to the situation and I know it has to obey me. A beautiful song that encourages me is Speak Life by Joe Pace and the Colorado Mass Choir. The lyrics begin, “Have you ever been in a dry place? Couldn’t show it on your face and you cry inside, Lord tell me why?” The song goes on to declare, “Night after night you pray, still nothing seems to ever change. Remember God's word is true, He knows the plan He has for you; by faith, this is what you must do. Just speak life to it, just speak life through it; knowing God’s not a man that He should lie. Just hold on to it, just go on through it; to every dry bone in your valley, just speak life.”

Take a listen and remember to Speak Life!



Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

EASY TIPS FOR PLANNING A HEALTHY DIET AND STICKING TO IT
courtesy of HelpGuide.org

Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you.

Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can boost your energy, sharpen your memory and stabilize your mood. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.

Healthy eating tip 1: Set yourself up for success

To set yourself up for success, think about planning a healthy diet as a number of small, manageable steps rather than one big drastic change. If you approach the changes gradually and with commitment, you will have a healthy diet sooner than you think.

• Simplify. Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories or measuring portion sizes, think of your diet in terms of color, variety and freshness—then it should be easier to make healthy choices. Focus on finding foods you love and easy recipes that incorporate a few fresh ingredients. Gradually, your diet will become healthier and more delicious.
• Start slow and make changes to your eating habits over time. Trying to make your diet healthy overnight isn’t realistic or smart. Changing everything at once usually leads to cheating or giving up on your new eating plan. Make small steps, like adding a salad (full of different color vegetables) to your diet once a day or switching from butter to olive oil when cooking. As your small changes become habit, you can continue to add more healthy choices to your diet.
• Every change you make to improve your diet matters. You don’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to completely eliminate foods you enjoy to have a healthy diet. The long term goal is to feel good, have more energy and reduce the risk of cancer and disease. Don’t let your missteps derail you—every healthy food choice you make counts.

Healthy eating tip 2: Moderation is key

People often think of healthy eating as an all or nothing proposition, but a key foundation for any healthy diet is moderation. Despite what certain fad diets would have you believe, we all need a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to sustain a healthy body.

• Try not to think of certain foods as “off limits.” When you ban certain foods or food groups, it is natural to want those foods more, and then feel like a failure if you give in to temptation. If you are drawn towards sweet, salty, or unhealthy foods, start by reducing portion sizes and not eating them as often. Later you may find yourself craving them less or thinking of them as only occasional indulgences.
• Think smaller portions. Serving sizes have ballooned recently, particularly in restaurants. When dining out, choose a starter instead of an entrée, split a dish with a friend, and don’t order supersized anything. At home, use smaller plates, think about serving sizes in realistic terms and start small. Visual cues can help with portion sizes—your serving of meat, fish or chicken should be the size of a deck of cards. A teaspoon of oil or salad dressing is about the size of a matchbook and your slice of bread should be the size of a CD case.

Healthy eating tip 3: It's not just what you eat, it's how you eat

Healthy eating is about more than the food on your plate—it is also about how you think about food. Healthy eating habits can be learned and it is important to slow down and think about food as nourishment rather than just something to gulp down in between meetings or on the way to pick up the kids.

• Eat with others whenever possible. Eating with other people has numerous social and emotional benefits—particularly for children—and allows you to model healthy eating habits. Eating in front of the TV or computer often leads to mindless overeating.
• Take time to chew your food and enjoy mealtimes. Chew your food slowly, savoring every bite. We tend to rush though our meals, forgetting to actually taste the flavors and feel the textures of what is in our mouths. Reconnect with the joy of eating.
• Listen to your body. Ask yourself if you are really hungry, or have a glass of water to see if you are thirsty instead of hungry. During a meal, stop eating before you feel full. It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly.
• Eat breakfast, and eat smaller meals throughout the day. A healthy breakfast can jumpstart your metabolism, and eating small, healthy meals throughout the day (rather than the standard three large meals) keeps your energy up and your metabolism going.

Healthy eating tip 4: Fill up on colorful fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet—they are low in calories and nutrient dense, which means they are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Fruits and vegetables should be part of every meal and your first choice for a snack—aim for a minimum of five portions each day. The antioxidants and other nutrients in fruits and vegetables help protect against certain types of cancer and other diseases.

The brighter, deeper colored fruits and vegetables contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants—and different colors provide different benefits. Some great choices are:

• Greens: Greens are packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, vitamins A, C, E and K, and they help strengthen the blood and respiratory systems. Be adventurous with your greens and branch out beyond bright and dark green lettuce—kale, mustard greens, broccoli, Chinese cabbage are just a few of the options.
• Sweet vegetables: Naturally sweet vegetables add healthy sweetness to your meals and reduce your cravings for other sweets. Some examples of sweet vegetables are corn, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes or yams, winter squash, and onions.
• Fruit: A wide variety of fruit is also vital to a healthy diet. Fruit provides fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Berries are cancer-fighting, apples provide fiber, oranges and mangos offer vitamin C, and so on.

Healthy eating tip 5: Eat more healthy carbs and whole grains

Choose healthy carbohydrates and fiber sources, especially whole grains, for long lasting energy. In addition to being delicious and satisfying, whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which help to protect against coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Studies have shown people who eat more whole grains tend to have a healthier heart.

A quick definition of healthy carbs and unhealthy carbs
Healthy carbs (sometimes known as good carbs) include whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Healthy carbs are digested slowly, helping you feel full longer and keeping blood sugar and insulin levels stable.

Unhealthy carbs (or bad carbs) are foods such as white flour, refined sugar and white rice that have been stripped of all bran, fiber and nutrients. Unhealthy carbs digest quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar levels and energy.

Tips for eating more healthy carbs

• Include a variety of whole grains in your healthy diet, including whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, and barley. Experiment with different grains to find your favorites.
• Make sure you're really getting whole grains. Be aware that the words stone-ground, multi-grain, 100% wheat, or bran, can be deceptive. Look for the words “whole grain” or “100% whole wheat” at the beginning of the ingredient list. In the US, check for the Whole Grain Stamps that distinguish between partial whole grain and 100% whole grain.
• Try mixing grains as a first step to switching to whole grains. If whole grains, like brown rice and whole wheat pasta, don’t sound good at first, start by mixing what you normally use with the whole grains. You can gradually increase the whole grain to 100%.

Avoid: Refined foods such as breads, pastas, and breakfast cereals that are not whole grain.

To read the other 5 tips click here

Here's to your health!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Kitten Heels Recommends.....

A few weeks ago while enjoying one of my favorite pastimes…browsing in the library, I ran across a slim book with a provocative title. I grabbed it and looked it over and being a believer in the subject, I figured I’d check it out. I took it home and read a few pages the next day on the “L” ride to work, my interest was fully piqued. My schedule became a little busy though over the next week or so, and the book was due back. I decided that I had to finish it and would just pay the late fee. Let me tell you, when I finally sat down one Sunday afternoon to finish the book, I laughed, I cried, I told people about it. I had to Selah, or pause and think about the story when I finished. It has been a while since a story brought me to tears. It is an awesome story told simply.

The title of the book is RAISING THE DEAD; A DOCTOR ENCOUNTERS THE MIRACULOUS. Here is the book description:

On October 20, 2006, a middle-aged auto mechanic, Jeff Markin, walked into the emergency room at the Palm Beach Gardens Hospital and collapsed from a massive heart attack. Forty minutes later he was declared dead. After filling out his final report, the supervising cardiologist, Dr. Chauncey Crandall, started out of the room. "Before I crossed its threshold, however, I sensed God was telling me to turn around and pray for the patient," Crandall explained.
With that prayer and Dr. Crandall's instruction to give the man what seemed one more useless shock from the defibrillator, Jeff Markin came back to life--and remains alive and well today.
But how did a Yale-educated cardiologist whose Palm Beach practice includes some of the most powerful people in American society, including several billionaires, come to believe in supernatural healing?
The answers to these questions compose a story and a spiritual journey that transformed Chauncey Crandall.



If you have a free afternoon, check out this inspirational gem. You may not cry, but trust me you’ll enjoy it!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Tax information you can use!

What's New on the 2010 Form 1040
by Bill Bischoff courtesy of Yahoo! Finance & SmartMoney


Due Date is April 18
Even though April 15 falls on a Friday this year, the deadline for your 2010 Form 1040 is Monday April 18. Reason: Emancipation Day is a District of Columbia holiday, and it falls on April 15. So the tax filing deadline for the whole nation is deferred to April 18 . If your return won't be ready by then, you can extend the deadline all the way out to October 17 by filing Form 4868 on or before April 18.

No More Phase-Outs for Itemized Deductions and Exemptions
For years, high-income folks have seen their write-offs for the most popular itemized deduction items (including mortgage interest, state and local income and property taxes, and charitable donations) reduced by a nasty phase-out rule. Another nasty phase-out rule reduced or eliminated personal and dependent exemption deductions. Thankfully, both phase-outs were completely repealed for 2010 as part of the Bush-era tax cuts. So you can write off the full amount of your itemized deductions and exemptions on your 2010 Form 1040 without any worries and without having to fill out phase-out worksheets to penalize yourself. More good news: the recent tax cut extension legislation repealed the phase-outs for 2011 and 2012 as well.

Liberalized Adoption Credit
For 2010, the maximum adoption credit was increased to $13,170 (up from $12,150 in 2009). In addition, the credit was made 100% refundable for the 2010 tax year (previously, it was nonrefundable). That means you'll receive a check for any leftover adoption credit after your federal income tax bill has been reduced to zero. To claim the credit, fill out Form 8839 (Qualified Adoption Expenses), and enter the credit on line 71 of Form 1040.

One-Time Break for Self-Employed Individuals
Self-employed folks can generally deduct their health insurance premiums on page 1 of Form 1040 (use line 29 for 2010). The deduction reduces their federal income tax bills, which is nice. However, the self-employed have never been allowed to deduct those premiums when calculating their self-employment tax bills on Schedule SE. Good news: for 2010 only, you can deduct health insurance premiums on line 3 of Schedule SE. So those premiums will reduce both your income tax bill and your SE tax bill. Unfortunately, this break will not be available for 2011 and beyond unless Congress extends it.

Homebuyer Credit Repayment Rules Kick In
As I explained in an earlier column, you may have to repay part or all of the credit claimed for a 2008 or 2009 home purchase with your 2010 Form 1040.
In most cases, however, only those who purchased homes in 2008 will be affected. They will generally have to repay 1/15 of the credit with the 2010 Form 1040. If this rule impacts you, fill out Form 5405 (First-Time Homebuyer Credit and Repayment of the Credit), and enter the repayment amount as an addition to your tax bill on line 59 of Form 1040.

Real Estate Tax Deduction for Non-Itemizers is Gone
For 2008 and 2009, unmarried individuals who did not itemize could write off up to $500 of state and local real property taxes by claiming an increased standard deduction. Married joint-filing couples could write off up to $1,000. This add-on standard deduction deal for real estate taxes expired at the end of 2009, and it was not reinstated for 2010.

Deductions for Sales Taxes on New Vehicle Purchases Are Gone
The 2009 Stimulus Act created a temporary write-off for non-itemizers who paid state and local sales taxes on new vehicles purchased between 2/17/09 and 12/31/09. The write-off came in the form of an additional standard deduction allowance. Similarly, itemizers were allowed to claim an extra itemized deduction for such taxes. Both breaks lapsed at the end of 2009, and they were not reinstated for 2010.

Break for Unemployment Benefits Is Gone
In 2009, the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits was federal-income-tax-free. This break was not continued for 2010. Therefore, 100% of 2010 unemployment benefits generally must be reported as income on Form 1040 (use line 19).

Your Tax Preparer Might E-File Your Return This Time
Over the last few years, Congress has made tax-law changes that place increasing pressure on professional return preparers to electronically file more and more returns. As a result, your preparer might be forced to e-file your 2010 Form 1040 even if your returns for earlier years have always been done on paper. Get used to it.

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

Dreams can come true no matter what age!

I love this story because it let's me know that age ain't nothing but a number! If you really want to start over don't let how old you are stop you!!

Second Act: Real stories celebrating life, passion and reinvention
courtesy of Yahoo! News

Laura Vikmanis
While attending an NFL football game, Laura Vikmanis decided she wanted to become a Ben-Gals cheerleader. At age 41, she never thought she would be the oldest cheerleader in the league.


Stiletto
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

7 Pains to never, ever ignore courtesy of Yahoo! Shine

Usually a headache is just a headache, and heartburn is nothing more than a sign that you rang the Taco Bell once too often. Except when they're not.

Pain is your body's way of telling you that something isn't quite right. More often than not, you have some idea of what's behind it. But when it comes on suddenly, lingers longer than usual, or just seems different, it calls for medical attention--and the sooner, the better. According to our experts, all of the following pain conditions should be considered red flags

1. Chest pain
“If patients were to become well versed in what I think of as the subtle language of the heart, many could avoid needless worry and expense,” notes Arthur Agatston, MD, a preventive cardiologist. "Studies have found that women experience a wider range of heart attack symptoms than men do." In Agatston's experience, there are three good indicators that something isn't right, and they can occur in either gender. They are chest pain that doesn't go away, varied shortness of breath, and any upper body pain that hasn't occurred before. If you experience any of these symptoms, he says, you should call your doctor or 911 immediately.

2. Severe head pain
Chances are, it's a migraine. But if it isn't accompanied by other migraine symptoms (such as a visual aura), sudden, severe head pain can signal a brain aneurysm. "A burst aneurysm can cause brain damage within minutes, so you need to call 911 immediately," advises Elsa-Grace Giardina, MD, a cardiologist and director of the Center for Women's Health at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center

3. A throbbing tooth
It's likely that the tooth's nerve has become damaged, probably because the surrounding pearly white enamel is cracked or rotting away. Unless you get it patched up quickly, bacteria in your mouth can invade the nerve. And you definitely don't want that breeding colony to spread throughout your body, says Kimberly Harms, DDS, a dentist outside St. Paul, Minnesota. If your tooth is already infected, you'll require a root canal, in which the tooth's bacteria-laden pulp is removed and replaced with plastic caulking material.

4. Sharp pain in your side
You may just need some Beano. But if you feel as if you're being skewered in your right side, and you're also nauseated and running a fever, you could have appendicitis. For women, another possibility is an ovarian cyst. Typically these fluid-filled sacs are harmless and disappear on their own. But if one twists or ruptures, it can cause terrible pain.

In both cases, you're looking at emergency surgery. “If you don't remove an inflamed appendix, it can burst," says Lin Chang, MD, a gastroenterologist and co-director of the Center for Neurovisceral Sciences and Women's Health at UCLA. A twisted cyst also needs to be removed right away, as it can block blood flow to the ovary within hours.

5. Abdominal discomfort with gas or bloating
For the past month, you've felt gassy and bloated more days than not, and it takes fewer slices of pizza to fill you up than it once did. If the symptoms are new, the worst-case scenario is ovarian cancer. In 2007, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation released the first national consensus on early symptoms of this form of cancer: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, and difficulty eating. If you start experiencing them almost daily for more than two or three weeks, consider it a red flag. Schedule an appointment with your ob-gyn to discuss your symptoms.

6. Back pain with tingling toes
If you've just helped your cousin move into her new fourth-floor apartment, anti-inflammatories should banish the pain. But if they don't work, hobble to an orthopedist. "One of your discs (the spongy rings that cushion the bones in your spine) could be pressing on the spinal nerve," says Letha Griffin, MD, an orthopedist and sports medicine specialist in Atlanta. Without proper attention, you risk permanent nerve damage.

7. Leg pain with swelling
Your calf is extremely tender in one location, noticeably swollen, and red or warm to the touch. You might have deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), commonly known as a blood clot. Resist the urge to massage the area or to try walking off the pain. If the clot breaks free, it can travel through your veins up to your lungs and cut off your oxygen supply. Instead, see your doctor right away. He or she will do a CT scan or ultrasound to check for a DVT. If that's what you have, you'll need to take blood thinners--sometimes for up to a year--to dissolve it, says Suzanne Steinbaum, MD, director of women and heart disease for the Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Take care of you!!

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

DA BEARS

As we enter a great weekend in NFL Football, I would like to say:

LET'S GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Friday,
Clutch

Real Life. Real Talk. Real Women.

Fit and Fresh Containers

In my ever loving quest to lose weight and eat healthier, I am always on the lookout for stuff, recipes, etc. that will make my life easier.

A co-worker bought me a set of Fit and Fresh containers. See them at
http://www.fit-fresh.com/. These containers are great in that they have the measurements on the container and come in sizes (1 cup, 2 cup, snack size, etc.) that make preparing and measuring food a snap. My two favorite containers are the Salad Shaker http://www.shopfitandfresh.com/detail/TCL+210FF-B and Cereal Bowl http://www.shopfitandfresh.com/detail/TCL+230FF . The salad shaker comes with two compartments and a cup for your salad dressing, along with a removable ice ring to keep your salad cold and fresh. Put the ingredients in the container and when you are ready to eat, open the salad dressing cup and shake. Lift the top and eat out of the container. The cereal bowl comes with three snap on compartments, one for you cereal, fruit and a container for your milk along with a spoon on top of the bowl and an ice ring to keep you milk, yogurt, etc. cold. Now you have self contained breakfast to go wherever you go......

They are very portable and easy to carry in your lunch tote. Besides these containers, they have a multitude of options that can help keep you on the track to good and healthy eating. It takes the guess work out of measuring and ensuring you have the right portion size for carbs, protein and fruits/veggies. I chill the ice rings and fix my lunch, breakfast, snacks every night

My co-worker ordered all of our containers from United States Plastics, http://www.usphome.com/ and got a good discount. Otherwise, you can order them from the home site or Amazon.com.

It is so worth it to visit the website, look at the containers and see if they can help you on your weight loss journey or just your journey to manage better portion control.

As always, let me know how you are doing.

Peace and Love,

Sandals

Real Life, Real Talk and Real Women

Weight Loss Wednesday

How to Eat Out and Lose Weight - courtesy of Weight Watchers.com

You don't have to stay away from restaurants when you're losing weight!

Are you steering clear of restaurants while you're trying to lose weight? Are you afraid of large portion sizes, cafeterias, bottomless bread baskets and high-calorie entrees? Believe it or not, shunning restaurants isn't a realistic approach to weight loss — and it's unnecessary. Start with this list of tips.

Dining Do's and Don'ts

1. Set a budget.

Determine how much you're willing to eat before looking at the menu. You can give yourself some leeway by scheduling some exercise on or near days you plan to eat out. Putting in gym time or going for a brisk walk will help offset a little extra eating. And remember, don't be flexible. You can loosen up a bit on special occasions, as long as you eat carefully most of the time. (Just don't let every day become a special occasion.)

2. Put on your game face.

Decide on some guidelines before you go to a restaurant, and stick to them. For instance:

• Skip the all-inclusive menu and opt for à la carte selections. Doing so might not be as economical, but you'll probably eat less.
• Take one piece of bread, then ask your server to remove the breadbasket from the table.

3. Make special requests.

You're paying good money for that meal, so you're entitled to make special requests or slight modifications. Why not say:

• Can I get that without butter? Grilled? With the sauce on the side?
• I'd like mixed greens instead of fries with my sandwich.

4. Practice portion control.

Some restaurant portions can be two, three, even four times the "normal" size–especially super-sized fast food meals. Keep your portions in check by:

• Ordering a salad as a starter and then splitting a main entrée with a friend.
• Creating your own scaled-down meal from a couple of appetizers and/or side dishes.

5. Break down (language) barriers.

If you don't know what a preparation term means, ask. In general, though, the following words translate into high-fat, high-calorie dishes:

• Au gratin, scalloped, hollandaise.
• Parmigiana, scampi, Bolognese.

To read the remaining 5 tips click here.

Here's to your health!!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Reflection

Happy MLK Day!!!!! Every time we celebrate his birthday it allows me to reflect on the current state of the world. Each time I am never amazed as to how far we haven't come even with all the progress we have had.

A few days ago while in the workplace I had a new employee over hear a comment made by a long time company employee that blew my mind. This person was on the phone and made a comment about the color of the person that had just been hired. While this is hearsay, I found it to be very disturbing but not surprising. It just adds to the already apparent view for me that racism in some form is alive and well in America. One of the major things that Dr. King fought for was that people would be judged by the content of the character and not by the color of the skin. Now 40 plus years later this is still an issue. This was the person's first day and hadn't even been given the opportunity to prove herself and already prejudices are in play.

When will things ever be seen at face value? When will a person be judged by their actions and not their color? It may be wishful thinking on my part but I believe that it could happen in my life time.

Much Love
Chanel
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

I Have a Dream Speech

As we move closer to Martin Luther King's Speech with the election of President Obama, we are also reminded of how far apart we are with the November elections.

It seems for every step forward, we take two steps backwards. In remembrance of MLK, try to be of service to someone else today. Try to be a part of a solution and not a problem. Love someone in all of your glory. Give peace a chance.

My daughter's birthday is January 16th and I am reminded every year that she ages, how I desperately want her world to be a much kinder, gentler and fairer place for children and people of all colors. The world in which Dr. King spoke of in his I Have a Dream speech.

My husband, daughter and I start the day off hearing or reading the speech. If you don't an opportunity to hear the speech today, feel free to read it at http://www.usconstitution.net/dream.html.

Peace and Love,

Sandals


Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

A Love Poem

Saying Goodbye
by Anthony West

So soft
the brief touch
of your lips on my cheek.

Was I almost intruding?"

Look after yourself "
should have been"I love you!"
Then the Jumbo flew over
my head
and I shouted
my love above the roar
and thundering thrust
. . . as if you'd hear.

Through the clouds in my eyes
I watched you fly away
and wished I'd been born with wings.

Stiletto
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

Top Ten Tax Tips courtesy of Web Tax Center

Take advantage of the top ten tips for maximizing your deductions.

1. The best income tax tip for most people is to maximize your 401(k) deductions. The deductions lower your taxable income and all earnings are tax-deferred until distributions are received after your retirement. If your employer offers a matching contribution, you have an immediate tax-deferred return on investment as well as a reduction of your wages on your W-2. Another benefit to consider is that any money in your 401(k) account is protected by law against creditors. So if you are ever hit by a lawsuit or have to file bankruptcy, your 401(k) money is safe. CAUTION: IRAs do not have the same protection against creditors that 401(k) plans have.

2. Convert non-deductible interest expense such as interest on credit cards and automobile loans into deductible home mortgage interest. You can deduct the interest on a home equity loan or line of credit on Schedule A of your 1040, and the interest on your home equity loan is deductible no matter how you used the loan money. One item to note is that if your home equity loan is over $100,000, the deductible interest expense is limited to the interest on the first $100,000 of your loan. CAUTION: Consider the loan fees and compare interest rates when deciding if it makes sense to convert non-deductible loans into deductible home equity loans.

3. Consider a qualified state tuition program. www.savingforcollege.com has a great analysis of all the different states that offer qualified tuition programs. States such as New Hampshire and Utah allow residents and nonresidents alike to participate in their program and attend college anywhere in the United States. The tax advantage is that the investment grows tax-deferred until the child goes to college and the child will usually be in the lowest tax bracket when income on the accumulated earnings does have to be recognized upon distribution of the earnings to pay for college. Qualified state tuition programs are great for high-income taxpayers and people who want to invest large amounts for their child or grandchild's education. Some states also offer tax breaks for residents of their state. Some states do not have very good qualified tuition programs, so check out your state's program at savingforcollege.com, then check out other states programs that allow for nonresident participation.

4. Donate stock instead of cash to your favorite charity. If you hold publicly traded stock that has gone up in value, you can get a charitable deduction for the full value of the stock and avoid paying any capital gain tax. EXAMPLE:You donate 100 shares of Company X that you purchased two years ago for a total of $3,000 but which had a value of $13,000 on the day the donation was made. By donating the stock directly to the charity, you get a deduction of $13,000 and you avoid paying tax on the $10,000 capital gain you would have recognized if you had sold the stock.CAUTION: You must give the stock directly to the charity. Don't sell the stock and give the money to the charity.

5. Deduct the loan interest on your RV, camper, or even your boat. You are allowed to deduct mortgage interest on your primary residence and one other residence. The definition of what constitutes a residence is very broad and includes RV's, campers, and boats as long as they have cooking, toilet, and sleeping facilities.

6. Timing your divorce can save you taxes. The formula is the exact opposite of when you get married. If both spouses earn about the same amount of money, getting a divorce before the year ends will save taxes by eliminating the marriage penalty. If one spouse earns a lot more than the other, waiting until January will save taxes by taking advantage of the marriage bonus for one last year.

7. Take advantage of your company's cafeteria plan and other tax-free benefits. For example, your company's dependent care program is a great deal if you are in the 27% tax bracket or higher. The dependent care credit only gives you a tax credit of 20% of your child-care expenses, but through your company's cafeteria plan you will be getting a tax benefit equal to the tax bracket you are in. So if you are in the 30% tax bracket, you will be getting a tax benefit of 30% as well as a reduction of your state income tax.

Another example is medical expenses. Medical expenses can rarely be taken on Schedule A due to the 7.5% of AGI limitation, but through your company's cafeteria plan, you can fully deduct your medical expenses from your W-2 wages. The only catch is that if your unreimbursed medical expenses for the year are less than what you set aside from your wages, the difference is forfeited. The definition of what constitutes qualified medical expenses is very broad so make sure to visit your dentist, optometrist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, etc. in December if you haven't used up all of your current year medical expense contributions.

8. Invest in growth stocks and growth mutual funds. The fewer times you sell and reinvest, the more money you can keep invested in the market instead of having to use part of your gains to pay taxes. Also, long-term capital gains are taxed at favorable rates, while dividends, interest, and short-term capital gains are taxed at your highest rate.

9. Make sure that your tax return numbers match the 1099s you receive from your broker, employer, or investment company. EXAMPLE: Your 1099 from your broker shows $55,342 in gross proceeds from stock sales. If the only stock you sold during the year was through your broker, the gross proceeds shown on Schedule D of your tax return should be $55,342.

10. If you are starting up a business, an LLC may be the right choice for you. LLCs offer the advantages of limited liability and partnership taxation. There are still good reasons for choosing to operate your business as a C corporation, S corportation, or sole proprietorship, but LLCs are often the best choice.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

The Power of Smell in Picking Sex Partners

I would like to share an interesting article written by Ian Kerner Ph.D. - sex counselor, found on CNNHealth.com:

Ladies, be honest: When it comes sexual attraction, how important is a guy’s smell? Not just his cologne or deodorant, but his natural scent? At Good in Bed, we believe that a woman should “follow her nose—it always knows.”
Research supports this idea: In two large studies led by Brown University olfactory expert Dr. Rachel Herz, women ranked a man’s scent as the most important feature for determining whether she would be sexually interested in him.
As it turns out, scent may be the main way in which women literally sniff out genetic compatibility with a potential mate. How we smell is an external expression of the genes that make up our immune system.
Like fingerprints, each of us has our own unique “odor print,” which is part of a region of genes known as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Women prefer the scent of men whose MHCs are different from their own.
So when we say that opposites attract, we may not be talking about differences in personality, but rather differences in immune systems. This is one of Nature’s ways of ensuring that we produce the healthiest offspring. No wonder that a woman’s sense of smell is at its peak when she’s ovulating and most likely to get pregnant.
In one study, a wide variety of men were each asked to wear the same T-shirt for two days in a row, after which the shirts were put into identical boxes. Various women were then asked to smell the shirts and to indicate which they thought would have the most sexually attractive wearers, based on the smell. The results showed that women were most attracted to men with an MHC most dissimilar from their own, while T-shirts worn by guys with similar MHC profiles tended to be rated as “fatherly” or “brotherly” but not sexually attractive. And in a survey conducted by the research firm Strategy One, 56 percent of women said they wouldn’t date a guy who smells like their dad.
So what about that cup of joe? Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, conducted research on behalf of AXE body products to determine women’s scent preferences in 10 different cities. “In each city we tested, women reported different scent preferences,” he says, “indicating that geography has a direct correlation to what scents women find attractive.”
Here are the scents that women found most preferable by region:
1. New York – coffee
2. Los Angeles – lavender
3. Chicago – vanilla
4. Houston – barbeque
5. Atlanta – cherry
6. Phoenix – eucalyptus
7. Philadelphia – clean laundry
8. Dallas – smoke/fireplace
9. San Diego – suntan lotion/ocean
10. Minneapolis-St. Paul – cut grass
I know what you’re thinking: Cut grass? Clean laundry? What the…?!
But there’s a science to these preferences. Scent can trigger powerful memories, especially from our childhoods, which is why these scents may still exert a hold on us years later. And according to Hirsch, “Research has shown that when women are in the presence of a preferred scent, they are more likely to project positive feelings on those around them, which can lead to increased attraction.”
While there is little to evidence to suggest that scent plays as powerful a role for men in sexual attraction, another study by Hirsch found that the scents of lavender, pumpkin pie, donuts, and black licorice increased blood flow to the penis by nearly 40 Percent. And as I discuss in my book 52 Weeks of Amazing Sex, “Certain scents increase oxygen in the brain, which in turn affects emotion, attitude, hormone levels, and energy. Both men and women respond positively to scents such as vanilla, black pepper and cinnamon. Other scents that are supposed to have libido-boosting qualities include frankincense, ginger, lavender, lime, orange, patchouli, and rose.”
So, enjoy that cup of coffee, mow the lawn, or fire up the grill—you never know what will happen!

Happy Smells,
Clutch,
Real Life. Real Talk. Real Women.

Chicago Cares Celebration of Service 2011

This coming Saturday January 15, 2010, is the Chicago Cares Celebration of Service In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. From the website:

Volunteer to honor Dr. King on January 15

Stand up and serve to honor Dr. King with Chicago Cares on January 15!

More than 3,000 caring Chicagoans will join together to be inspired by keynote speaker Chris Gardner before fanning out all over the city to meet the needs of seniors, adults with development disabilities, students, schools and agencies. Will you join us to declare that you care?


Celebration of Service is also a fundraiser for Chicago Cares, raising donations to sustain and grow the 215 volunteer projects we manage each month. Learn more at www.chicagocares.org.

I’ve helped out with this event a number of times over the years. The keynote speaker is always someone special. This year it is Chris Gardner. I remember a few years back catching a side glimpse of then Senator, now President Barack Obama and Mayor Richard Daley as they entered backstage.

Many of the projects are painting, one of the things I’m not too crazy about, so I usually help out in the capacity of Roadie which is one of two specialty volunteer opportunities. The other is Bus Ambassador. Roadies work “behind the scenes”, and are in early and out by 10:00am. The role of the Bus Ambassador is a little more involved and is ideal for a past Roadie who wants to step it up.

One thing that fascinates me about Chicago Cares is their ability to take thousands of people and send them out efficiently. It is something to see. If you’re looking for a great opportunity to serve, register online. I’ll see you there!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Haiti One Year Later

I found an awesome website produced by World Concern (a Christian humanitarian organization) that is all about Haiti one year later and how there is still so much work to be done. Below are bits and pieces of the different articles along with a video clip. Haiti still needs our prayers and our help!



On January 12, 2010 Haiti was forever changed!
A massive earthquake shook the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, affecting 3 million people. 230,000 lives were lost. It was one of the worst natural disasters this generation has seen. But out of the dust and rubble, hope is rising. Hearts are healing. Lives are being rebuilt. We will not give up on Haiti. People are still suffering and cholera is spreading throughout the country. A million people remain homeless, but we’re here for the long haul. Are you? Will you help? Together, we can change lives. Help heal Haiti.

Large Scale Disaster Strikes!
It’s hard to fathom the destruction that took place in just 35 seconds of violent shaking on January 12. Even photos don’t do justice to the sweeping devastation that leveled mile after mile of buildings and neighborhoods. In the days and weeks that followed, those who saw it struggled to put it into words. The trauma is etched in the minds of those who experienced it first-hand.
The 7.0 earthquake that shook Haiti left in its wake one of the largest scale humanitarian disasters of our time.

A Look Back at the First Year
For all the progress that has been made this first post-earthquake year, there is much left to do. An estimated one million people are still homeless. More than 100,000 have been sickened by cholera. Millions more are still grieving.

Yet in the midst of the struggle, we celebrate stories of healing, renewed hope, fresh starts. We’ve seen it in those we’ve helped. Their eyes reflect humble gratitude when the crumbled walls of their home are rebuilt. Their heads are lifted when they earn a paycheck to feed their families.

What We've Done Together:
World Concern's Progress Since January 2010
7,091 Haitians employed through Cash for Work program
1,284 houses have been repaired for Haitian families
530 transitional shelters have been constructed
989 livelihood grants were given out getting Haitian business owners back to work
32 churches were repaired or rebuilt

The Road to Recovery
From the time of the earthquake, predictions have been made about how long it will take to rebuild Haiti. Some say five years; others say 10. We’ve known all along it will be an arduous process. World Concern has served in Haiti for more than 30 years, and we’re not leaving any time soon. We will carry on building and repairing homes, providing jobs and income opportunities, and we’ll continue our crusade to save lives by teaching people how to protect themselves from cholera and other preventable diseases.

One person, one family, one neighborhood at a time, we’ll help Haiti start over. One year has passed, but it’s only the first of many years that will see healing and hope spreading across Haiti. Please walk with us on this long road to recovery.

To check out this website to read stories of survival and healing click here.

Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Kitten Heels Recommends.....

It’s January 2011 and finally on yesterday January 10th, readers were able to purchase LOVE, HONOR and BETRAY by Kimberla Lawson Roby. This is the highly anticipated next installment of the wildly popular Reverend Curtis Black series. As you all know, I really ENJOY books and this author. Kimberla is a New York Times, Essence, & Washington Post bestselling author of 15 novels. Here is the synopsis:

The infamous Reverend Curtis Black's sinful past is certainly no secret, as his wife, Charlotte, is well aware. But, once again, their marriage is in serious trouble. The reason: Curtis's former mistress has just passed away, and Curtina (Curtis's illegitimate two-year-old daughter) must now move in with Curtis and Charlotte permanently. Of course, this might have worked out fine, except for the fact that Charlotte can't stand the sight of her toddler stepdaughter and wants her out—although, never mind, Charlotte once gave birth to her own illegitimate child and Curtis kindly accepted that child and loved her completely. Still, despite her best efforts to keep her feelings hidden, Charlotte sees Curtina as a constant reminder of her husband's infidelity and treats the child terribly. The result: Curtis and even their teenage son confront her about her behavior, and Charlotte begins spending lots of time away from home and ultimately with an ex-boyfriend. Curtis, on the other hand, appears to be devoting himself to his parish and the new church they are building, but is he really focusing his attention on the female parishioners who are trying to lure him into bed? Needless to say, as time continues, Curtis and Charlotte find themselves slipping into very dangerous territory and not even Curtis's seven-figure salary can prevent or fix heart-wrenching consequences.

On Kimberla’s website, www.kimroby.com there’s an excerpt from the book as well as details on the book tour and a contest with over 50 prizes. The tour will be in the Chicago area is late February 2011. Reverend Curtis Black is so popular he even has his own Facebook page - www.facebook.com/reverendcurtisblack. Kim’s Facebook page is www.facebook.com/kimberlalawsonroby

I haven’t been reading much fiction lately, so this book is right on time! I can’t wait to read it! One of my Christmas gifts was a Border’s Gift Card, I can’t think of a better way to spend it!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Yes there are heros!

By RAQUEL MARIA DILLON and TERRY TANG, Associated Press Raquel Maria Dillon And Terry Tang, Associated Press – Sun Jan 9, 10:53 pm ET

TUCSON, Ariz. – A 20-year-old intern to U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said Sunday he used his hands to apply pressure to a gunshot wound to her head while holding her in his lap. A 61-year-old Tucson woman grabbed the magazine from the gunman, and two men tackled him.

All four are being hailed as heroes in the shooting that killed six and gravely injured the lawmaker during an event at a Tucson grocery store. The sheriff said the woman, Patricia Maisch, likely saved dozens of lives.

"We could have had 31 more people shot," Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik said.
Maisch was waiting in line with her husband to get a photo with Giffords at the meet-and-greet on Saturday morning.

Two men tackled the suspect — they were identified as Roger Sulzgeber, who was also in line, and Joseph Zimudie, who was at a nearby Walgreens and heard the shooting. The shooter reached for a magazine as he struggled with the men, Maisch said. "Somebody said 'Get the magazine!' so I got the magazine, and I was able to secure that," Maisch said. "That's what needed to be done."

The intern — Daniel Hernandez — started working with Giffords just five days ago. He's a political science major and a junior at the University of Arizona, and his job on Saturday was to sign in people and control traffic at Giffords' event.


When the shooting started, he was more than 30 feet away around a corner. "When I heard someone say 'gun,' I knew there was likely a gunman and she was likely the target because of her position. So I rushed to where I knew she would be," Hernandez said Sunday.

After the suspect — identified by authorities as Jared Loughner, 22 — was subdued, Hernandez said he started checking the pulses of those hurt. Then he noticed Giffords had been shot in the head, and he rushed to help the congresswoman.

"I've known them for a few years, and I consider them personal friends. So it wasn't just the person I was working for. It was, this is my friend Gabby and this is my friend Ron. And I needed to make sure that they were OK," he said.


He hugged her up against his chest and sat her upright. He tried to stop the blood loss with his hands and some frocks provided by butchers. Giffords was conscious and alert, Hernandez said.
"She wasn't speaking however, she was letting me know that she understood what I was saying by grasping my hand and squeezing when I would ask her to."


He went with Giffords in an ambulance to the hospital, where she is in critical condition but expected to survive. "I don't consider myself a hero," Hernandez said. "This is something that I've only done once and I hope I never have to go through again."


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

It's A New Day!

It's 2011, a new day soooo it's time to drop any baggage and start fresh. It's a new day!! Love yourself first this year!!


Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

Worst bottled water brand

By Lori Bongiorno Posted



How much do you know about the bottled water you drink? Not nearly enough, according to a new report released today from Environmental Working Group (EWG). "Bottled water companies try hard to hide information you might find troubling," says Jane Houlihan, senior vice president of research for the Washington D.C.-based research and advocacy group


EWG analyzed the labels of 173 unique bottled water products and company websites to determine if companies disclose information on where water comes from, how or if their water is treated, and whether the results of purity testing are revealed. The nonprofit also looked at how effective (and advanced) any water treatment methods are. Researchers followed up by calling dozens of bottled water companies to find out which ones willingly tell consumers what's in their bottles.


The Environmental Protection Agency says on its website that consumers have the right to know where their water comes from and what's in it so they can "make informed choices that affect the health of themselves and their families." Tap water is regularly tested and consumers can find their local water info online. That's not necessarily the case with bottled water, which is not required to disclose that information to consumers. "Bottled water is a food product and every one of these companies is complying with federal law," says Tom Lauria, of the International Bottled Water Association. Yet more than half of the bottled water products surveyed failed EWG's transparency test --18 percent didn't say where their water comes from, and another 32 percent did not disclose any information on treatment or purity of water.

Only three brands earned the highest possible marks for disclosing information and using the most advanced treatment methods available -- Gerber Pure Purified Water, Nestle Pure Life Purified Water, and Penta Ultra-Purified Water.

On the other end of the spectrum, these six brands got the worst marks in the EWG report because they don't provide consumers with the three basic facts about water on product labels or their company website -- Whole Foods Italian Still Mineral Water, Vintage Natural Spring Water, Sahara Premium Drinking Water, O Water Sport Electrolyte Enhance.

How does your bottled water brand stack up? Here's a look at the 10 top-selling* U.S. brands:

Pure Life Purified Water (Nestle), EWG grade = B
Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = C
Aquafina Purified Drinking Water (Pepsi), EWG grade = D
Dasani Purified Water (Coca-Cola), EWG grade = D
Deer Park Natural Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = D
Ice Mountain Natural Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = D
Ozarka Natural Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = D
Poland Spring Natural Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = D
Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = D
Crystal Geyser Natural Alpine Spring Water (CG Roxane), EWG grade = F
Filtered tap water received the best grade (an A) from EWG because if you change your filter regularly, EWG says it is purer than bottled water, plus it saves money (bottled water can cost up to 1,900 times more than what flows from your tap). Drinking tap water also takes less of a toll on the planet. EWG offers plenty of tips for filtering your tap water so that you can drink the healthiest water possible.

What should you do when bottled water is your only option? "While our top choice is filtered tap water, when you do need to choose bottled water, we recommend brands that tell you what's in the water and that use advanced treatment technologies like reverse osmosis and micro-filtration," says Houlihan. Advanced treatment technologies remove pollutants that other methods don't. You should look for bottled water products that tell you where the water is coming from and how pure it is. ed Purified Drinking Water, Market Basket Natural Spring Water, and Cumby's Spring Water.



The advice to drink filtered tap water can seem confusing when there are often reports about the contaminants found in municipal water supplies. Just last month, for example, EWG announced that cancer causing hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) is in 31 cities' tap water. Houlihan says chromium-6 is as likely to be in your bottled water as it is in your tap water and we need action from the federal government on this. She points out that a reverse osmosis filter can remove the worrisome contaminant. You can guarantee its removal in your home supply, but in many cases you don't know what's in the bottle you're drinking from.



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

On Another Note.....

Welcome to 2011! I'm sure that everyone's busy sticking to those wonderful New Year's resolutions, but is anyone concerned about the dead birds that are falling from the sky, and the dead fish that are washing ashore?

Please share your thoughts.

Happy Friday!
Clutch

Real Life. Real Talk. Real Women.

The Portion Plate

Now that the holidays are over, people are getting back on the band wagon for exercise, weight loss and healthier eating.

At work, you are probably starting to see the roll out of Biggest Losers contests, Weight Watchers and Jenny programs, along with wellness programs.

Those same conversations are happening around my company's breakrooms, lunchrooms and water coolers. We have talked about all of the above, but the thing that has caught on and has everyone buzzing is The Portion Plate http://www.theportionplate.com/. A plate is an interactive tool for teaching consumers appropriate food portions.

I know it should be simple, but Americans really have a problem with portion sizes. We assume that because it is bigger, better and supersized, it is the right portion. In actuality, we have an issue with getting the right amount of portions for our size and bodies.

From speaking with people, I know that vegetables are the last thing on their minds. Being a vegetarian, they assume that all I eat are vegetables and what sane person would give up meat. However, vegetarians needs proteins and carbs like everyone else and we actually enjoy them. My dilemma is that I might not get enough iron or Vitamin D. So, using portion control has helped me get the right amount of nutrients, vitamins, proteins and carbs that make me healthier overall.

Take a look at the website, do the interactive quiz and see how portion sizes have changed over the last 20 years. It was amazing and at the same time, almost sickening. I had to really rethink how I eat. If you purchase the plate and use the program, let me know your thoughts.

Good luck.

Peace and Love,

Sandals

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Top Ten New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make our top ten list? By Albrecht Powell, About.com Guide.

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with friends and/or family for an evening of camaraderie and fun. Work shouldn't always come first!

2. Fit in Fitness The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape for a Charity Walk, Run or Ride?

3. Tame the Bulge Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.

4. Quit Smoking If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life! Most places have or are becoming smoke-free. Look in your area for free support services, hotlines and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the smoking habit.

5. Enjoy Life More Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you! Consider one of your local holistic healing centers for products designed to bring balance to your body, mind and soul. Or just get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater performance, or head to the local spa.

To see the other 5 and read this article in it's entirety click here.

The important thing to remember about resolutions is to not beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon. Instead, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep going. Baby steps will get you there and please remember to celebrate each step that you take!!


Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Starting Off Fresh

It is now 2011!!! Thank God we made it. Now the work begins. It is time to start moving into future endeavors. Take some time out today to be thankful for all of the favors that has been given to you in the past year. Now give thanks for those events that you may not have been so thankful for. Be grateful for those because it only added to the person you woke up today to be. Once you have completed that then it is time to work.

Make a list for yourself or goals if you will. List all the things you would like to accomplish in the coming year and set a treat for each goal. Once you accomplish the goal then you can have your treat. The trick is not to go overboard with goals start with small things. We all want to lose weight or get in shape. Instead of saying I am going to lose 50 pounds by March try breaking it down into a monthly or weekly goal. Maybe it will be that you do 30 crunches every other day and work yourself into a rhythm. The key to obtaining any of them is to become determined and dilgent in what you want to accomplish.

Lets get moving and start tracking those goals for the New Year. I am going to. We will check back in three months and see how we are doing.

Remembering 2010

So as we enter 2011, we should take a few moments to remember the highlights of 2010. Zeitgeist 2010 - Year in Review courtesy of YouTube & Google.




Stiletto
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

2011

Wishing you all a very Happy, Prosperous, & Safe New Year!

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