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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Open Relationships...What do You Think?


 Photo credit:  / Imagecollect

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

This power couple may have an open relationship of the best kind, A relationship that is open from any restrictions. The two fell in love, decided to raise children together based on that love and a mutual understanding of each other.
Angelina says that she doubts fidelity is absolutely essential for a relationship, and that they are not chained together, nor do they hold each other back. Despite these claims of freedom, the couple seems completely devoted only to one another.
There is something charming about the idea of being able to do whatever (or whomever) you want without tearing apart your relationship, yet still choosing to be loyal to each other. In fact it it is more romantic than the love stories in many modern movies, and infinitely more romantic than Romeo in Juliet, the story idolized among teens, yet is all about restrictions, secrets, and ultimately death.
Brad and Angelina make a much more compelling love tale do to their fidelity by choice. (Unless they are just really good at keeping their other relationships on the down-low)


 Photo credit:  / Prphotos

 Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith

They have an open relationship in the same way that Brad and Angelina do. They believe that their relationship is based on so much more than just sexual fidelity, yet seem to choose not to act on the freedom that their spouse and best friend gives them. Jada said in US Magazine: “Do we believe loving someone means owning them? Do we believe that ownership is the reason someone should ‘behave’?”
Their relationship is based on trust, not fear of repercussions.
Love without fear is very progressive and maybe the whole world will one day embrace the idea of allowing people to love who they want with no judgment, Will and Jada, while straight, embrace the mentality that they should not judge each other for love. If these spouses can do this perhaps the rest of the world can stop judging others for same sex relationships that have nothing to do with them anyway.
Jada telling her husband: “You can do whatever you want, as long as you can look at yourself in the mirror and be okay.” was not a free pass to sleep around. It was a message that their relationship is open because as long as he is true to himself, he is true to her. It also means that she chose to trust him completely to make choices that would not harm her.


There are many more high profile couples with open relationships such as Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, Rachael Ray and John Cusimano, Robin Thicke and Paula Patton, Pink and Carey Hart and dozens more. Is this what the future holds? Will marriage be defined differently? And just how do we feel about it? I guess I am a holdout for old fashioned marriage. Sex is the most intimate thing you can share with another person, so in my book it should be confined to the person you are most intimate with in all other ways...your partner or spouse.
Maybe the answer is in redefining the vows we take. Don't promise  to be faithful until death unless, in good conscience,  you intend to try and keep that promise. It's time we made vows we know we can keep. So every couple should decide between them what the basis of the marriage or relationship will be and write their own vows. It should become as personal and individual as each complicated human being is. I am sure there would be fewer divorces if we knew exactly what we were getting from our partners in advance. What do you think???

What Really Works For Crow’s Feet, Dark Circles and Under-eye Bags

What to do for bright, wide-awake eyes

Dark Circles

There are three causes of dark circles, says Dr. Hevia. “Some people have very thin skin,” he explains, “so you see the circulation of the blood vessels underneath.” Others actually have hyperpigmentation under the eyes, which means they have more melanin concentrated there than in other areas of the face. A third type is the “shadow effect” which occurs when a person has a natural hollow under the eye, causing light to reflect in a way that creates a dusky look there. Many people have two or three of these issues at the same time.
What you can do: Since only one of the three causes of dark circles is on the skin’s surface, topical creams are really only effective for hyperpigmentation, Dr. Hevia explains. Look for products that include Vitamin C, the lightening agent hydroquinone, and non-hydroquinone lightening ingredients such as kojic acid and arbutin. Murad Lighten and Brighten Eye Treatment ($67, dermstore.com) contains 1.5% hydroquinone that’s safe to use under the eyes. Vichy ProEVEN Daily Eye Corrector ($39.50, vichyusa.com) targets dark circles and spots with Ceramide Bright, a non-hydroquinone ingredient that regulates melanin and also moisturizes.
When the derm can do: If you have one of the other two types — circulatory or shadows — hyaluronic acid gel fillers, such as Juvéderm, are your best bet. “Fillers do a wonderful job of improving the way the light bounces off the skin under the eye to take away that shadowing effect,” says Dr. Hevia.
Eye creams for dark circles, crow's feet and under eye bags

Crow’s Feet and Crepey Lids

As we age, the skin around our eyes gets thinner, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Dermatologists distinguish between crow’s feet, the “squint lines” around the eyes’ outer corners, and the crepey fine lines on the upper and lower eyelids.
What you can do: For fine lines, “You want to use creams and lotions that are very hydrating,” says Dr. Hevia. “The skin around our eyes is the thinnest skin we have on our face,” he explains, so it loses moisture quicker than other areas. Look for creams with hyaluronic acid: “It’s a water-attracting gel that works beautifully in eye creams to help to bring a plumpness back to the skin to minimize wrinkles.” Try Hevia Skin Science Day & Night Eye Complex ($110, heviaskinscience.com), which features hyaluronic acid and antioxidant red mangrove extract to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Rich in antioxidants, peptides and moisturizing ingredients, Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream ($43.50, clinique.com) reduced eye area “smile lines” by 54% in test subjects.
What the derm can do: For crow’s feet and lines on the high cheekbone area, Dr. Hevia recommends injectables such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin to reduce the action of the muscle around the eye that creates squinting. “Botox works great for the crow’s feet that are coming off the corners of your eye,” he says, but for lines under the eye or near the inner corners, hyaluronic acid fillers are a better bet.

Under-Eye Bags

We all have pads under our eyes that contain fat, says Dr. Hevia. “Genetic factors and aging make it so that over time, those pads actually increase in fat.” Allergies, salty foods and crying can also cause temporary puffiness around the eyes.
What you can do: “Most of the topical remedies for swelling under the eyes have a brief time effect,” Dr. Hevia says. “The truth of the matter is it’s only going to help for maybe 20 minutes, 30 minutes after application.” If you wake up with puffy eyes, massaging the area with the cool, metal-tipped applicator in Lancôme Génifique Eye Light-Pearl concentrate ($68, lancome-usa.com) can provide temporary relief.
What the derm can do: It may seem counterintuitive, but injectable fillers can actually help under-eye bags look deflated. “Fillers work beautifully under the fat pads, because you’re not filling the pad, you’re filling the circle under the pad,” Dr. Hevia explains. “It will totally change the way the light’s bouncing, and those pads won’t look nearly as bulging or big.” Surgery is another option; a lower blepharoplasty removes fat from the under-eye area.

Finally, The Most Important Under-Eye Tip Of All

What’s just as important as any eye cream? Sunscreen. “Most women don’t take the time to really apply it carefully in the dark area, and it’s amazing how much that can really help for patients with dark under eyes,” Dr. Hevia says. Protect your eye area like you do your face, with SPF every day, and you’ll see fewer fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles over time.

Homelessness Surrounding Disney World

KISSIMMEE — When they moved from Georgia to the theme park playground of central Florida four years ago, Anthony and Candice Johnson found work at a barbecue restaurant and a 7-Eleven. Their combined salaries nevertheless fell short of what they needed to rent an apartment, so the couple and their two children have instead been hopping among cheap motel rooms along U.S. 192.

 Theresa Muller hands a box of times to her son Timothy, 7, with her daughter Mikenzie, 4, as she moves out of her motel room she shares with her boyfriend, father and three children in Kissimmee. Muller and her family have been homeless but plan to move to a home in a neighboring county.

Theresa Muller hands a box to her son Timothy, 7, with her daughter Mikenzie, 4, as she moves out of her motel room she shares with her boyfriend, father and three children in Kissimmee. Muller and her family have been homeless but plan to move to a home in a neighboring county.

The Johnsons are among a growing number of families living in hotels in this Florida tourist corridor because they can't afford anything else and because their county has no shelters for the estimated 1,216 homeless households with children.
The problem has created a backlash among the mostly mom-and-pop businesses, with some owners suing the county sheriff to force his deputies to evict guests who haven't paid or who have turned their rooms into semipermanent residences. It also shines a light on the gap among those who work and live in this county that sits in the shadow of Walt Disney World and the big-spending tourists who flock here.
On any given day, tourists pay nearly $100 per person to get into Orlando's theme parks. There, they may be waited on by homeless parents. From their hotels, they jog past bus stops where homeless children wait to head to school. They buy coffee at Starbucks next to the motels that have become families' homes.
Starting minimum pay at Walt Disney World — the area's largest employer, just a few miles from the motels — is $8.03 an hour, though that could increase to $10 under a contract being negotiated with the resort's largest union group.
"Tourists that come here . . . I don't think they have a clue," said James Ortiz, 31, a fast-food worker who recently moved out of a motel room and into an RV park with his parents and 5-year-old son.
Homeless advocates blame the housing problem on the low-paying wages of the service economy and the rents in Osceola County, with 300,000 people. While inexpensive compared with larger cities, Osceola rents often exceed what a worker earning near minimum wage can afford, said Catherine Jackson, a consultant who recently wrote a report for the county about the homeless.
Median earnings for workers in Osceola County are $24,128 a year, according to U.S. Census figures and median rent is $800 a month. Motel rooms can go for just $39 a night.
"The fact that we're the happiest place on Earth and No. 1 travel destination is good news, but this service-based economy is actually creating a dynamic of homelessness," Jackson said.
"Many of the county's homeless moved here to find jobs in the tourism industry, so they lack the social networks of family or churches."
"Paying weekly is all we can do to survive," Ortiz, 31, said. "I can't find a house that is suitable in a decent neighborhood for me and my child to be able to pay rent, pay the utilities, pay car insurance, pay gas and buy food."
For two years, Theresa Muller has lived in motel room after motel room with her three young children, her father and her boyfriend. The owner of HomeSuiteHome has wanted her out for months.
Dianna Chane says Muller's family is violating the hotel's policy of only four people per room, and clothes, furniture, toys, garbage and boxes are piled chest-high.
Chane is among those suing Osceola County Sheriff Bob Hansell to force his deputies to evict such guests. Under Florida's lodging law, it's a second-degree misdemeanor to stay in a room after being asked to leave. Yet each time Chane has asked the Sheriff's Office to intervene, she says deputies have refused even though they follow the law for brand-name hotels. Chane says the office calls the issue a landlord-tenant dispute that should be handled in civil court.
"I can't afford it," said Chane, who figures she has swallowed more than $200,000 in unpaid rooms since 2012.
A sheriff's spokeswoman and an attorney for the sheriff said they wouldn't comment on pending litigation. In court papers, an attorney for the sheriff said there is a presumption that occupants are not transient if they say the hotel room is their sole residence.
"Hotel owners simply cannot engage long-term guests . . . then turn on a dime when they stop paying and pretend they are tourists," the sheriff's attorney said in a court filing.
Muller said she's unemployed but hopeful about a dollar-store retail job. Until then, her father's disability payments help the family try to get by. She said she found a house she can afford in a neighboring county and was in the process of moving out of Chane's motel.
"It's not a place for kids," Muller said.

 

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Dogs Trying to Make Friends With Cats





Honey Chicken Kabobs


"Honey chicken kabobs with veggies. You can marinate overnight and make these kabobs for an outdoor barbecue as a tasty alternative to the usual barbecue fare! Fresh mushrooms and cherry tomatoes can also be used. (This can also be done in the broiler.)"

Ingredients: 
1/4 cup vegetable oil                                                    
1/3 cup honey                                                    
1/3 cup soy sauce                                                    
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper                                                    
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes                                                    
2 cloves garlic                                                    
5 small onions, cut into 2 inch pieces                                                    
2 red bell peppers, cut into 2 inch pieces                                                    
skewers
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, soy sauce, and pepper. Before adding chicken, reserve a small amount of marinade to brush onto kabobs while cooking. Place the chicken, garlic, onions and peppers in the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours (the longer the better).
  1. Preheat the grill for high heat.
  2. Drain marinade from the chicken and vegetables, and discard marinade. Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.
  3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until chicken juices run clear. Turn and brush with reserved marinade frequently.


Boy that's good! Make a lot of 'em!


Monday, April 28, 2014

Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

This recipe goes great with a New York Strip, grilled to perfection, and a baked potato
Reviewer Tommy the Italian knows just what to pair with this dish (though it could work as a main course, too). "Very good; followed recipe to the letter. Recommend this very highly. Went well with a New York strip and a glass of Syrah wine."
INGREDIENTS

2/3 cup chopped plum tomato
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese                           
1 teaspoon olive oil, divided                               
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh or 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary                
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper                               
1 garlic clove, crushed
4 (5-inch) portobello mushroom caps  
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce                               
 Cooking spray                              
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
Preparation
Prepare grill.
 Combine the tomato, cheese, 1/2 teaspoon oil, rosemary, pepper, and garlic in a small bowl.
  1. Remove brown gills from the undersides of mushroom caps using a spoon, and discard gills. Remove stems; discard. Combine 1/2 teaspoon oil, juice, and soy sauce in a small bowl; brush over both sides of mushroom caps. Place the mushroom caps, stem sides down, on grill rack coated with cooking spray, and grill for 5 minutes on each side or until soft.
  2. Spoon 1/4 cup tomato mixture into each mushroom cap. Cover and grill 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley.
  3. Notes: Since the garlic isn't really cooked, the mushrooms have a strong garlic flavor. Grill the mushrooms stem sides down first, so that when they're turned they'll be in the right position to be filled. If you want to plan ahead, remove the gills and stems from the mushrooms and combine the filling, then cover and chill until ready to grill                           

Five Power Plants to Have in Your Garden This Spring





Some of the most common crisper items can be easily grown in your own backyard. From nutrient-rich kale to indigestion-fighting mint, you can reap the benefits of organically grown greens on a dime with just a bit of know-how. All chock full of vitamins and very heart healthy.
1. Tomatoes
Benefits: Tomatoes are high in antioxidants, and a great source of vitamin C, folate and pottasium.
Planting: Plant tomatoes after the risk of frost and keep them away from potatoes. Stay away from shady spots — tomatoes require at least six hours of direct afternoon sun per day. When planting, remove the bottom leaves of the seedling and cover the lower 1/3 of the stem with rich soil.
Tips: Add a handful of crushed eggshells to the soil when planting — they will add calcium and minimize the chances of getting blossom end rot, a common disease affecting tomatoes as they mature. To improve the flavour of your tomatoes, plant them close to basil.
Time to harvest: Summer through early fall.
2. Swiss chard

Benefits: Known as an antioxidant powerhouse with anti-inflammatory properties, Swiss chard is also a good source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K.
Planting: Swiss chard seeds can be directly sowed into the garden two weeks before the last risk of frost. Unlike most other leafy greens, this annual vegetable will produce more yields season after season, with virtually no work required.
Tips: For a range of colourful Swiss Chard stalks, including white, red, orange and yellow, look for the Bright Lights variety.
Time to harvest: Summer through fall
3. Kale
Benefits: Kale isn’t called a superfood for nothing; it boasts high levels of calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A and and vitamin K.
Planting: From pots to plots, this annual plant is easy to grow. It enjoys rich, well-drained soil and while it can be easily grown from seed I recommend that newbies plant kale transplatns, which you can find at your local gardening centre. For best results, kale should be planted in direct sun in early spring.
Tips: Keep your eyes out for green caterpillars and cabbage moths, a species of white butterfly that will eat your leafy greans. Do a monthly spraying of insecticidal soap to prevent and control these creepy crawlers.
Harvest: Kale can be harvested within as little as 6-8 weeks.
4. Rhubarb
Benefits: Herbalists have traditionally used rhubarb as a laxative and to treat liver diseases. It also contains significant amounts of vitamins C, K, B-complex and the essential minerals calcium, potassium, and manganese.
Planting: This large leafy perennial isn’t for patios, terraces or even small gardens. It needs lots of space and is fast growing, so is best suited for large gardens with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Purchase crowns of rhubarb from garden centres in early spring, and plant in full sun.
Tips: In fall, cover roots using 15-20cm of leaves or clean straw. This will act as a protective barrier against snow and frost. Remove the mulch in spring.
Harvest: I recommend waiting until the next spring season before harvesting stalks. This gives ample time for root establishment.
5. Mint
Benefits: Mint leaves help to promote digestion and aids in
Planting: Mint should be sold with a warning! It grows almost too easily, so much so it will overtake your garden if planted improperly. It's best not to plant mint directly in the garden. Instead, plant it in a pot and leave it out on the patio. It grows best in sun but will tolerate partial shade.
Tips: Use slightly larger pots with greater soil mass — they won’t dry out as often. Use potting soil and fertilize regular during the growing season.
Harvest: Summer

 HAPPY GARDENING!

When to Worry About Memory Loss

Orange-Ribbon-wrapped-around-finger-brain-health


Q: I'm forgetful. should I worry?
A:
Mild memory lapses, like misplacing keys, are normal. Routinely grasping for words, losing track of bills and forgetting food on the stove are not. Memory loss associated with Alzheimers is persistent and slowly worsens over time, but you may not notice symptoms as clearly as friends and family. If you suspect you need help, don't delay. One half of patients wait too long to be diagnosed.

Q: What is Alzheimers?
A:
Alzheimers is the most common cause of dementia, a group of brain disorders that result in the loss of memory, intellectual and social skills to the point of interfering with everyday life, says the Mayo Clinic. Plaque (deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid) and tangles (twisted fibres of another protein called tau) build up in the brain and cause cells to die. Symptoms include having difficulty remembering things and making decisions, as well as changes in mood, behaviour and reasoning. Alzheimers is a progressive degenerative brain disease that is usually fatal just eight years after diagnosis.

Q: My mom had Alzheimers. will I get it too?
A:
Genetics does play a role, but only a small percentage of people with Alzheimers have the inherited form of the disease. Age is the biggest risk factor, with the risk doubling every five years after age 65.

Q: When do symptoms start to show?
A:
Most people are diagnosed after age 65, but about 5 percent have early-onset Alzheimers, which starts in their 40s or 50s. And changes in the brain actually begin about 17 years before symptoms appear.

Q: Is there a cure?
A:
Although there is no cure, studies show that lifestyle changes (including eating well, being physically fit and not smoking) may help prevent  and slow  the progression of Alzheimers and other dementias. There are also drugs that can help treat the symptoms of the disease, although they can't slow its progression.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Ask Maxy



Dear Maxy ,
I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure  and my doctor  told me to stay  away from salty  foods . I have been doing that. I haven't  told  any of my  friends or  co-workers  because I want  to deal with my health  challenges  in my own way . I don't think it should be any of their  business but that's where I'm having  difficulty . I go out to eat with my co-workers  several days a week . It's a nice  ritual  that we have developed  over the years, except  what  where  we usually eat has really salty food . I don't know how I can change  my eating habits  and keep going  to these greasy holes with them . I want to keep my privacy, keep my friends and improve  my health . What  can I do ?
Blood  Boiling
Dear Blood  Boiling ,
Your  doctor  likely also told you  that in order  to improve  your  health  significantly, you  will have to change  your  habits . You already know that you cannot eat  out at those places  several times a week  and consume unhealthy food if you want to lower  your blood pressure .
Until  you feel comfortable, you do not have to tell your co-workers about your health condition, but you can tell them that you have decided to get healthier . Tell them you have made a pledge  to yourself and that includes eating better . Ask if anyone  is interested  in doing this, too . Suggest alternative places to eat out together . Change  your pattern  entirely  by preparing  your lunch  and bringing  it from home . This will enable  you to  control exactly what goes into  your  body .
Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
I enjoy reading  your column  and agree with most of your advice, including your recommendations  when it  comes  to handling alcohol addictions  and binge drinking .
I do not work in this  field , but I've seen alternatives to AA that may be more palatable to some who  are seeking  assistance . Would you print  this  information , too ?
Austin , Texas
Dear Austin Texas ,
I actually  have  printed  alternatives  to AA in the past  and am happy to do so again . Whatever helps . I recognize  that some people  are not comfortable with 12-step programs  or those mentioning a "higher power," and others are searching  for something more specifically tailored to their needs . So here are a few suggestions .
Moderation Management (moderation.org); Hams (Harm Reduction, Abstinence and Moderation Support) at hamsnetwork.org ; Smart Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) at smartrecovery.org ; Rational Recovery (rational.org ) ; Sober Recovery (soberrecovery.com); SOS (Secular Organizations  for Sobriety) at sossobriety.org ; LifeRing ( lifering.org ); Women for Sobriety  ( womenforsobriety.org ).
I realize this list doesn't  include everything ,  so readers  can find more resources through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ( samhsa.gov ) at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) .
Maxy

Dear Maxy,
Every time I see my grandmother ... every month ...  she  gives  me a present . She is so sweet   and I really  appreciate it . My question is  should I be sending  her a thank you note  every time ? Since she's  been doing this  for years , I really haven't been writing  her notes . But then I  had  the thought the other  day  that she probably  would appreciate  a note  from me  and it  might even spark her  interest to write back .  It would be awesome  to have letters  from my grandmother  to hold onto.
What do you think ?
Should I write ?
Georgia Peach
Dear Georgia Peach ,
Since  you see your  grandmother  so  frequently, which is a blessing, and she always  gifts  you, you may want  to consider  your note to her differently . Yes  you can say thank you  for her  gift,  but more than that, share with her a few bits about your life . Tell her in regular notes  about experiences you are having . Write her in detail,  knowing that  she will likely use your  stories to brag to her friends  about your  experiences  . Choose to relay positive  stories  that she can  embrace . Keep your challenges and negative experiences to yourself to share with  your  parents, friends  or even a professional  when needed
Older people  tend to worry  more, and you have no reason  to  give her  something that will upset her . You can include  your thanks in the notes

Whenever you find  that you  really benefited  from something  your  grandmother gave  you ,  by all means , write to her and say so . She will surely write back  and then the two of you  will have a new  way  of interacting  with each other .
Cherish the time you have with her and build  memories to keep for the rest of your life.
Maxy


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Jokes Women Love But Men....Not so Much

 

 What's the difference between a new husband and a new dog?
After a year the dog is still excited to see you

 Why are married women heavier than single women?
Single women come home, see what's in the fridge and go to bed. Married women come home,see what's in bed and go to the fridge

 What is the one thing all men at singles bars have in common?
They're married!

 What do you call a woman who knows where her husband is every night?
A widow

 What are the words women hate to hear when they are enjoying great sex?
"Honey, I'm Home!"

 What's white and 10 inches long?
Nothing

 What did God say after creating man?
I can do better than that

 What are a woman's three favorite animals?
A jaguar in the garage, a tiger in the bedroom, and a jackass who'll pay for it all

 HIM:"Why don't you ever tell me when you have an orgasm?"
HER:"Because you're never home when it happens"

    What  do you call an intelligent man in America?
A Tourist

 What are the three types of men?
The handsome, the caring and the majority

 What do a clitoris, an anniversary and a toilet have in common?
Men always miss them


 How can a woman find out what life's like without a man around?
Get married

Rhubarb-vanilla pie



Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup cold, unsalted butter, cubed
  • 4 to 5 tbsp ice-cold water
FILLING
  • 7 cups chopped fresh rhubarb, cut into 1/2-in. pieces, about 750 g
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp egg, beaten
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp coarse sugar
Instructions
  • WHIRL flour with 2 tsp granulated sugar and salt in a food processor. Add butter. Pulse until finely crumbled. With machine still running, add water, 1 tbsp at a time, through the spout and continue whirling until a ball forms, 30 sec. Divide pastry in half. Form into 2 discs. Wrap each with plastic and chill in refrigerator for 30 min.
  • COMBINE rhubarb with 1 cup granulated sugar in a large saucepan and set over high. Boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, until mixture is very thick and reduced to 2 1/2 cups, 20 to 35 min. (Time will depend on water content of rhubarb.) Stir in vanilla and cool slightly, 5 min.
  • POSITION rack in lower third of oven. Preheat to 375F.
  • BEAT egg with water in small bowl. On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 pastry disc into a 13-in. circle. Lift onto a 9-in. metal pie pan set on a baking sheet. Press dough over bottom and up sides of pan, leaving 1-in. overhang. Scrape rhubarb mixture into pastry. Brush overhang with egg wash. Roll out second pastry disc into a 12-in. circle, about 1/8 in. thick. Cut into 12  3/4-in. strips.  Lay strips over pie and weave into lattice. Crimp around the edges.
  • BRUSH lattice and overhang with egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake in lower third of oven until golden brown, 50 to 60 min. Transfer pie to a rack to cool completely, 1 hour.
This is an awesome pie...absolutely delish and rhubarb is very inexpensive and so nutritious....see vitamin and caloric content below.


Health benefits of Rhubarb

  • Rhubarb is one of the least calorie vegetables. 100 g  provide just 21 calories. Nonetheless, it contains some vital phyto-nutrients such as dietary fiber, poly-phenolic anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Further, its petioles contain no saturated fats or cholesterol.
  • The stalks are rich in several B-complex vitamins such as folates, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin, and pantothenic acid.
  • Red color stalks contain more vitamin A than in the green varieties. Further, the stalks also contain small amounts of poly-phenolic flavonoid compounds like β-carotene, zea xanthin, and lutein. These compounds convert to vitamin A inside the body and deliver same protective effects of vitamin A on the body. Vitamin A is a powerful natural anti-oxidant and is required by the body for maintaining the integrity of skin and mucus membranes. It is also an essential vitamin for healthy eye-sight. Research studies suggest that natural foods rich in vitamin A help the body protect against lung and oral cavity cancers.
  • As in other greens like kale, spinach, etc., rhubarb stalks also provide good amounts of vitamin-K. 100 g of fresh stalks provide 29.3 µg or about 24% of daily recommended intake of this vitamin. Vitamin K has a potential role in bone health by promoting osteotrophic (bone formation and strengthening) activity. Adequate vitamin-K levels in the diet help limiting neuronal damage in the brain; thus, has established role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
  • Its stalks also contain healthy levels of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Gold Bars in Man's stomach ....Tummy Ache






A 63-year-old businessman admitted himself into Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, India, because he was vomiting and had other stomach troubles. When doctors asked what may have caused the problems, the man claimed that he accidentally swallowed the cap to a water bottle. Well, imagine the doctors' surprise, when they opened him up and found 12 gold bars worth almost $24,000!


Monday, April 21, 2014

Seven Ways to improve your health in one minute




60 seconds can go a long way toward improving your mental and physical health.

60 seconds can go a long way toward improving your mental and physical health. When it comes to living a healthier life, we all know what we should be doing: eating better, exercising daily, and sleeping more. But when hectic schedules get in the way, living by these mantras can feel close to impossible - who has time to think about these things, let alone ensure you're sticking to them every single day? What you'll be happy to hear is that you can boost your health each day without having to constantly think about it. "The One-Minute Wellness Coach" to the rescue! Certified nutritionist Deborah Enos shares her simple tricks that will only add a minute to your daily routine but result in some major health perks.
1. Beat Your Sugar Addiction: Swap Your Sugary Snack
Does your sweet tooth ache around mid-afternoon or after dinner? You may be battling an addiction: According to a Princeton University study, rats who were allowed to binge on sugar and then had it taken away showed signs of withdrawal. "That may very well be why it's so hard to stick to your diet after 'treating yourself' to a sugary treat," says Enos. Her simple solution: avoid the sweets in the first place and swap them for bananas with peanut butter or yogurt with berries.
"Bananas are sweet, so they can satisfy your craving, but don't have any added sugar," she says. "It's a quick, fiber-rich snack that will keep you feeling full." If you go the yogurt route, sprinkle nature's candy - berries - on top, or "make your own frozen yogurt bars by freezing the yogurt in a Popsicle tray, with fresh berries for a little more natural sweetness," says Enos.
2. Lengthen Your Life: Stand Up
Want to lengthen your life right now? Stand up! Many of us spend the majority of the day sitting. Take a second to think of all the activities you do each day sitting down: Working at your desk, traveling in the car, watching TV, eating dinner - all that time really adds up! "A study found that people who were required to sit for longer periods of time at work were more likely to experience signs of psychological distress," says Enos. Studies have also found that women who sit for 10 hours a day have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease over those who sit for five or fewer, she adds. Standing up for just a minute whenever it crosses your mind can add up to some major health benefits over time.
A review by the American Cancer Society found that women who sat for at least six hours a day had a 34 percent higher death rate than those who sat for three or fewer hours daily, says Enos. "Men who sat more than six hours had a 17 percent higher death rate than men who sat for three hours."
3. Change Your Mood: Eat Chocolate
You know that what you eat affects how you look, but what's less recognized is the effect it can have on how you feel. "Researchers found that people who ate junk food were 51 percent more likely to show signs of depression," says Enos. "And the more junk food they ate, the more likely they were to be depressed." That sheds some light on the emotional eating cycle many fall culprit to - finding solace in a bag of chips or carton of ice cream when we are sad or stressed out. Next time a low mood triggers cravings for an unhealthy binge, swap the junk for dark chocolate. "It's likely to satisfy your craving for something sweet and make you feel good at the same time," says Enos. "According to the book 'A Chocolate a Day' by Dr. John Ashton, the phenylethylamine found in chocolate has a stimulating effect on the brain."
4. Beat Snack Cravings: Brush Your Teeth
Snack cravings are constantly fighting to derail your healthy eating intentions. But they won't win any more battles of the munchies if you keep Enos' one-minute tip in your arsenal: "My favorite after-dinner snack is brushing my teeth," she says. "If I did have a sweet craving, after brushing, it's long gone." Not only will brushing help alleviate cravings, but the minty taste left in your mouth will ruin the taste of any unhealthy snack you reach for.
And this is one case where the lazy factor works to your advantage: "If I do really want to get something else to eat, I probably won't because I'm too lazy to go brush my teeth again," says Enos.
5. Take Control of Your Weight: Get on the Scale Once a Week
While experts often discourage dieters from stepping on the scale too often, not checking in enough is a common symptom of denial. "Years ago, when I knew I had weight to lose, you couldn't have paid me to get on a scale," says Enos. "As long as I didn't see the dial going up, I could go on believing that I still weighed the same as the last time I checked - about 10 months and 15 pounds earlier."
Enos' problem is common: Studies show that those who are overweight are more likely to underestimate their weight than those in a healthy weight range. In just one minute a week, you can hop on the scale and accurately assess your weight and accept the need to shed pounds if it exists. "Weigh yourself about three or four times a month to be sure you have a realistic view of your current weight," says Enos. "Just don't obsess over your weight by checking the scale daily. Small fluctuations are normal, but can be discouraging."
6. Suppress Your Appetite: Eat a Tablespoon of Flaxseed
When our stomach rumbles, we reach for whatever food is closest and often end up overeating - especially in the time frame between arriving home and dinner, when our appetites are high but we still need to prepare a meal. Luckily, Enos has a 60-second tip that will help you curb your hunger, and the before-dinner munching. "On those days when I don't eat well - a low-fiber lunch or no afternoon snack - I have a tablespoon of flaxseed as soon as I get home," says Enos. "Because flaxseed is high in fiber, it acts as a natural appetite suppressant. Just that one tablespoon of flaxseed and a glass of water really helps take the edge off of my appetite." Not sure this tip is one you can swallow? "If my method doesn't sound attractive to you, try adding some peanut butter to an apple slice, and then add a dash of flaxseed."
7. Burn Fat: Turn Off the Kitchen Lights
While nighttime eating isn't necessarily a bad habit, it is one that can lead to weight gain if you aren't taking the additional calories into account. Most of us munch at night more out of habit than hunger. Oprah made the "Don't eat after 6 p.m." mantra famous when she shared it as one of her personal tips to shed pounds, says Enos. And while this is a smart strategy, it only works if you're in bed by 9 p.m. "Each meal will keep you full for about three to four hours," says Enos. "So if you're done eating at six, you shouldn't have to worry about feeling hungry until 9 p.m. or later." Night owls, don't fret! You don't have to shut down your kitchen well before your day is over. "Just be sure to finish your last meal about three hours before your bedtime. If you go to bed at 11 p.m., don't have dinner past 8 p.m.," says Enos. "If you have an after-dinner sweet tooth, make sure to save about 100 calories for a snack."


You, pretty much, are what you eat so eat wisely, get enough rest and move around a little. It's a fairly easy recipe for a healthy life.

Prince William, Kate and Baby George Spend Sunday at an Australian Zoo






The Science of Caffeine: What’s behind that boost?






It's not just in coffee anymore. From drinks to jerky to gum, caffeine is everywhere. In this latest video, we take a look at the science behind the world's most popular drug, including why that little molecule keeps you awake and reveal just how much caffeine is too much.

Canadians really love their coffee. About two-thirds of the adult population drink it daily.
But what's actually going on when your afternoon cup of joe gives you the boost you need to get through your day?
In its latest "Reactions" video, the American Chemical Society looks at the science behind the world's most popular drug, and reveals just how much of a good thing is too much. While 75 cups of java will get you to that lethal limit, to be safe, try capping your daily dose at 400 mg — about three 8-oz cups of coffee.

New U.S. research suggests that caffeine can boost long-term memory. It's also been lauded as a great workout buddy. Coffee has even been linked to longevity, and a decreased risk of depression, suicide, heart failure, uterine cancer, liver cancer, diabetes, and recurring breast cancer.
So raise your mug to the good life — but do so in moderation. You don't want to have to deal with caffeine intoxication and withdrawal.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Marriage is much better than just living together



I'm a big proponent of marriage and all the amazing benefits that come with it. I understand people who decide to live together or "shack up" as some call it, but I don't agree with it. I say get married or be in a relationship, living separately, but don't shack up.
I've been married for @#%* years, but before you think I can't relate or don't understand shacking up, let me share that I also have experienced living with someone else, and it was nowhere near as good as my marriage.
Oddly enough, the person I was living with with actually became my husband. We were young(er) and thought living together would be awesome and we would not sacrifice our independence, but our relationship was rocky at best. I've always said living together out of wedlock lacks the commitment that marriage has, and this was evident in our relationship.
There was lack of trust, a lack of security and certainly a lack of total commitment. Our communication was very shallow, and although we were great friends prior to living together, our friendship suffered. Of course we may not have realized it, and if we did, we probably wouldn't even know why. And what I recently learned, is that it's not just my opinion - it's science.
Your brain knows the difference between just living together and being legally bound together.
I believe we need more committed relationships in the form of marriage, as opposed to uncommitted relationships which try to function like a marriage. When it becomes "official," there is a change within you and your partner;  big change in attitude and how you feel toward each other. You feel closer and more connected and more responsible for each other. You feel oriented toward the same goals and you think in terms of "ours" rather than "mine and yours".  Trust comes easier when you are married and infidelity is less frequent when you take a vow to honor someone and it's in writing and notarized.
This is why marriage is better than living together. If you aren't married, it doesn't mean your relationship is destined to fail. But that marriage commitment will subconsciously do something to you both that will enable you to have the peace, security, and the relationship we all desire. It can lead to a long-lasting, fulfilling, and amazing relationship!

Friday, April 18, 2014

Chuckles




A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. The next week the man realized that he would need his wife to wake him at 5.00 am for an early morning business flight to Chicago. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence, he finally wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5.00 am."
 The next morning the man woke up, only to discover it was 9.00am, and that he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't woken him when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed ... it said... "It is 5.00am; wake up."


During the wedding rehearsal, the groom approached the priest with an unusual offer: "Look, I'll give you $100 if you'll change the wedding vows. When you get to the part where I'm supposed to promise to 'love, honor and obey' and 'be faithful to her forever,' I'd appreciate it if you'd just leave that out." He passed the minister a $100 bill and walked away satisfied.
 On the day of the wedding, when it came time for the groom's vows, the priest looked the young man in the eye and said: "Will you promise to prostrate yourself before her, obey her every command and wish, serve her breakfast in bed every morning of your life, and swear eternally before God and your lovely wife that you will not ever even look at another woman, as long as you both shall live?" 
The groom gulped and looked around, and said in a tiny voice, "Yes, I do" then leaned toward the priest and hissed: "I thought we had a deal." The priest put a $100 bill into the groom's hand and whispered: "She made me a better offer."


A husband and wife were golfing when suddenly the wife asked, "Honey, if I died would you get married again?" The husband said, "No sweetie." The woman said, "I'm sure you would." So the man said, "Okay, I would" Then the woman asked, "Would you let her sleep in our bed?" And the man replied, "Ya, I guess so." Then the wife asked, "Would you let her use my golf clubs?" 
 And the husband replied, "No, she's left handed."

Live free or die: New Hampshire moves to decriminalize adultery



 
New Hampshire lawmakers on Thursday voted to scrap an ancient law that makes cheating on your spouse a criminal offense in the New England state whose motto is "Live Free or Die."
Governor Maggie Hassan is expected to sign the bill into law, making adultery legal in the Granite State for the first time in hundreds of years.
Back in 1791, being unfaithful in New Hampshire earned you an hour of public embarrassment on the gallows, as many as 39 lashes, a one-year prison sentence, and a big fine.
That punishment has gradually been ratcheted back to an unenforced fine, but lawmakers on Thursday said even that was too much.
A spokesman for the state Senate said the bill to repeal the crime of adultery passed Thursday with a voice vote.
More than 20 states still have laws against adultery, and some, including Michigan and Wisconsin, still consider it a felony offense.
While opinions about states policing the bedroom may be mixed, a CNN poll in January showed that 93 percent of Americans think cheating is morally wrong.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy,
My best friend  invited  me  to go on vacation with her and her family this summer,  free of charge . She knows that my funds are limited  and that I could never pay for this trip myself . I think that it's really nice  hat she would  make such a generous  invitation, but I feel weird  about it . I will hardly have money for incidentals  during  the trip . It feels weird to be a freeloader, even if  it is my friend . Her parents are cool about it . I know they have taken friends on trips with them before, like when we were in college, but we've been out of school  for two years  now . They are not showy people, so I don't think  they will make me feel bad . They love me . We have been friends  for 10 years  . What do  you think I should do ?
Broke  Guest
Dear Broke  Guest ,
Given the way  you describe  your friend and her parents, it seems  that they genuinely want to include  you in their family vacation . Indeed, it sounds like they  are including  you as a family member .
In order  for  you to say yes, though, you have to make peace with the idea and put aside your pride. Then speak to your friend and thank her for the invitation . Be clear about  how happy  you are  that they are being so generous . Admit to her that you will likely  not have much spending money because your finances  are very tight at the moment . If she understands, and I think she will, go and  have a great time .
Maxy

Dear  Maxy ,
My daughter applied  to 11 colleges  and she was accepted to all of them . The  colleges are  mostly on the East Coast, and we are trying  to figure  out which  college will be best suited for our child . It is  such a blessing to know that my husband and I do not  have to take out  additional  loans, but we are concerned  because  we want  to make the right decision  regarding  our daughter's  education . How do we decide  where  she  should go ?
Going to College
Dear  going to College,
Congratulations on so many acceptances  . You should be very proud that your daughter is so desirable to these schools . I will caution you, however,  that unless each acceptance came with an official  scholarship offer, you cannot assume that you will not  have to pay  for her education . Acceptance and admission  represent only the first  steps  in this process . Next is paying  for it .
Read  the paperwork  carefully  and identify which schools are offering  financial  support . If you need the support, weed out  any schools  that  are not offering  your  daughter money . Of the ones that are left, review  the curriculum  of each school  with your  daughter  to identify  which ones have  courses in her areas of  interest . To the best of  your  ability, help  your daughter  select  a school that will educate her based  on what she believes  she wants to study . This  will help ensure that she has  a successful  college experience. And I am sure it will be wonderful.
Best of luck,
Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
I'm a high school student  in a small town  and I'm really scared  for my health .
My maternal grandmother  died of  breast cancer  and she left behind  three daughters  two of  whom have  daughters of  their own . There's a high chance that my mother, aunts , cousin or I  will have breast cancer as well .
I'm scared to  the bone of this disease and I'm always  nervous  that my self-exams  aren't terribly accurate . I've talked to  my mom about getting  a professional  exam or  even a mammogram, but I always  feel like  she avoids  the subject  . Is there  anyway  I can get an exam  without my  mother knowing ? If not , how can I convince  her to get me one ?
Worried
Dear  Worried ,
While having a close relative  who has had  breast cancer can increase your risk factor, it  doesn't necessarily  mean  that anyone else in your family  will get it . A small percentage of the population  carries  the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene and if  Grandma had this, your mother  should  speak  to her  doctor  about genetic testing . Otherwise your  risk is no greater  than any girl your age .
But  I agree  that an exam  might put your mind at ease . Ask your mother  to make an appointment  for you with a gynecologist . If she  refuses, you can talk to your  pediatrician  about this at your next appointment, or  contact Planned Parenthood  (planned-parenthood.org) for information . Most adult women get a mammogram every one or two years. Keep up the self exams; they are important and you would notice any prominent abnormality. Survival rates from breast cancer have been steadily climbing since 1989. This is the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness among women. Also the treatment has improved in leaps and bounds.
Don't be frightened,
Maxy

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Three new ways to use your waffle iron

We love waffles, and whether they’re served alongside crispy fried chicken or topped with chocolate-hazelnut butter, they never fail to disappoint. But if you’re anything like me, your waffle maker ends up in the back of the cupboard, and often, completely forgotten about. Well, pull out that dusty old waffle iron .
Heat it up and lets be a little inventive. 'Three new ideas to try'. 

Cake waffles.


Egg waffle.

Ingredients:2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, grated
1 shallot, grated
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg yolk
2 eggs

Instructions :
1.
Preheat waffle iron. Lightly spray with oil.
2. Stir potato with shallot, salt and egg yolk in a medium bowl until combined. Season with fresh pepper.
3. Spoon mixture into waffle iron and cook until golden brown, 5 to 7 min.
4. Crack eggs into waffle iron and cook until firm, 1 min.


Ingredients:2 pieces of bread
cheese
caramelized onions
butter

Instructions:
1. Preheat waffle iron. Lightly brush with melted butter or, better yet, butter the outsides of both bread slices. Press the 2 slices stuffed with cheese and caramelized onions together in waffle iron until golden, 2 min.


Glow in the dark road unveiled in the Netherlands

Glow in the dark markings
 These "glowing lines" could replace street lights or be used in areas where there are none
 
Glow in the dark road markings have been unveiled on a 500m stretch of highway in the Netherlands. The paint contains a "photo-luminising" powder that charges up in the daytime and slowly releases a green glow at night, doing away with the need for streetlights.
Interactive artist Daan Roosegaarde teamed up with Dutch civil engineering firm Heijmans to work on the idea. The technology is being tested with an official launch due later this month. It is the first time "glowing lines" technology has been piloted on the road and can be seen on the N329 in Oss, approximately 100km south east of Amsterdam. Once the paint has absorbed daylight it can glow for up to eight hours in the dark.
Speaking about his plans Mr Roosegaarde said: "The government is shutting down streetlights at night to save money, energy is becoming much more important than we could have imagined 50 years ago. This road is about safety and envisaging a more self-sustainable and more interactive world."
Weather symbols on road 
The team also hopes to develop giant weather symbols that appear on the road

Mr Roosegaarde's projects aim to help people and technology to interact. His past projects have included a dance floor with built-in disco lights powered by dancers' foot movements, and a dress that becomes see-through when the wearer is aroused.
"I was completely amazed that we somehow spend billions on the design and R&D of cars but somehow the roads - which actually determine the way our landscape looks - are completely immune to that process," Mr Roosegaarde said.
Heijmans was already working on projects involving energy-neutral streetlights when Mr Roosegaarde teamed up with the company.
"I thought that was updating an old idea, and I forced them to look at movies of jellyfish. How does a jellyfish give light? It has no solar panel, it has no energy bill.
"And then we went back to the drawing board and came up with these paints which charge up in the daytime and give light at night," he said.
Heijmans says that the glow in the dark technology is also "a sustainable alternative to places where no conventional lighting is present".


 Now how is that for an idea......Hmmm?

Miracle Bay Stuns Doctors...Born With Eight Limbs



      Baby with four hands and four feet born at a hospital in Huizhou city, Guangdong province, China.

A baby boy born with four legs and four arms has undergone complex surgery to remove the extra limbs. The 13-day-old boy was born weighing just 3kg at a hospital in southern China on April 2 with four additional arms and legs on the right side of his body.
His conjoined twin failed to fully develop in the womb and the surviving baby was born with his arms and legs. The baby is now in a stable condition at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medial Center after an operation to remove the limbs. He was born with pneumonia and congenital heart disease and is expected to remain in hospital for some time.
His father, named only as Mr Chen, is reported by the Global Times to have blamed himself for his son's condition as he had not taken good care of his wife during pregnancy.
He said: "I only cared about my work. I just thought of making money instead of taking her to hospital for a medical checkup."
Yu Jiaking, chief surgeon at the hospital, said: "They were supposed to be twins, but one fetus did not fully separate and develop."
 We hope the baby has a long and happy life.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Laboratory-grown vaginas implanted into patients for the first time

Four young women from Mexico, who all suffer from a very severe form of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome (MKRH), now have a chance at leading a normal sex life and even having children thanks to doctors from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina. The cause of MKRH syndrome is unknown, but it affects about one in every 5,000 newborn girls, causing the vagina and uterus to be either underdeveloped or absent. The four girls treated in this study all had a vulva (the external part of female genitalia), but each had an underdeveloped vagina and an abnormally-developed uterus.
The women had tissue samples taken from their genitals, which were then grown into vaginal canals in the lab. This video shows the process of growing the tissues:






After the tissues were grown and moulded into the proper shape canal to fit the individual patients, doctors performed surgery to form a canal and then implant the grown tissues inside. After just six months, the implanted tissues had formed fully-functional vaginal tissues, with no distinction between the patients' native cells and the implanted ones. Annual followup visits over the next eight years showed the organs were normal and functional. One of the four even reported that she hopes to have a big family one day.
The techniques used in this study have been applied to other parts of the body, such as the bladder and urethra, and doctors hope that they can be useful for other types of structures and organs as well.

Beautiful

Beautiful photo of three Oklahoma girls with cancer goes viral

Friday, April 11, 2014

50 Orgasms A Day: Amanda Gryce Finds Love As She Searches For Cure





Constantly aroused Amanda Gryce can orgasm uncontrollably up to FIFTY times a day after suffering with rare condition Persistent Sexual Arousal Disorder for over a decade. Once at the edge of despair Amanda, 24, is now turning her life around after finding love - and much needed medical treatment. However, under doctors’ orders Amanda and boyfriend Stuart Triplett, 22, must abstain from sexual contact.

Tone your under-arm wobbly bits

Dear sisters,
Have you got chicken wing arms? Did they get worse over winter? Have you pulled out your sleeveless summer clothes? Take a good look in the mirror; you might need a few tightening exercises. We have screened out the best, most universally used, arm exercises. There are just four basic exercises so you will not be wasting your time on useless dance moves. These are concentrated on your biceps and triceps muscles. Bye-bye, wobbly, flapping underarms.
 You're welcome.
     

MOVE 1 Reverse Fly
1104-reversefly.jpg


Grab a pair of dumbbells and stand with your feet hip-width apart and your knees bent. Bend forward at the hips and let your arms hang straight down from your shoulders, palms facing. Raise both arms out to the sides as you squeeze your shoulder blades together. Return to start. That's one rep.


MOVE 2 Biceps Curl
1104-biceps-curl.jpg


Hold a pair of dumbbells at your sides, palms facing forward, and keep your back straight and chest up. Without moving your upper arms, bend your elbows and curl the weights toward your shoulders. Slowly lower the weights back to the starting position, straightening your arms completely. That's one rep.


MOVE 3 Dumbbell Cross Jab
1104-dumbbell-cross-jab.jpg


Stand with your feet a bit wider than hip width and knees slightly bent. Hold the dumbbells at chest height with elbows bent and palms facing each other. Extend your left arm across your body until the weight is in line with your right shoulder. As you return to start, repeat with the right arm. That's one rep.


MOVE 4 Lying Triceps Extension
1104-lying-tri-extension.jpg


Lie face-up on a bench and hold a pair of dumbbells above your head, arms straight and palms facing each other. Without moving your upper arms, bend your elbows to lower the dumbbells until they are at either side of your head. Pause, then lift the weights back to the starting position. That's one rep.
That's all there is to it...go enjoy some sunshine