Happy Friday

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.....

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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......

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!

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

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

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....

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

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

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

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

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)


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Real Women, Real Talk, Real Life

Son of a Gun

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

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!!

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