This is another super simple recipe. I put together a tasty mashed potato and carrot dish.
Scrub each potato and carrot with a veggie brush. Slice or dice them uniformly. I had sliced carrots on hand so that's what I used. Place the potatoes and carrots in a pot of boiling water. While they are still firm pour the water out, and replace it with chicken stock. Add one clove of garlic, dried or fresh chives, and pepper. I also added salt after tasting it. Let the potatoes and carrots cook until they are fork tender. Add milk and butter. Add more seasonings to taste, and use an immersion blender, potato masher or potato ricer to mash the ingredients.
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Pear Sauce RecipeOnce again, this is super simple. The most difficult part is peeling the pears. Once they're washed and peeled I cut the flesh away from the seeds. I do not have a apple peeler/corer so I have to do it by hand. This takes a lot of time. Infiltrate help if someone who can help you. These pears are gorgeous. Perfect in each and every way. The smallest pear is the size of a baseball, but the average is softball size. They feel a bit hard, but are delectible once bitten into. They were given to me by my friend Mr. Ken, and I found a wonderful use for them: Homemade pear sauce. I made a huge vat of pear sauce. The measurements are estimated since I don't normallly measure my ingredients.
Once the sauce was cool I spooned it into quart size freezer bags. I froze size bags, and put a huge container in the refrigerator for the family. Enjoy it over granolaI made a quick breakfast granola with oats, raisins, honey and cinnamon. While it was still hot I added half and half to it, and ladled homemade warm pear sauce over the top. It was delicious.
When it comes to animals, there's a fine line between sanity, love and sheer obsession. There are those who don't care at all, while other's care so much it seems their heart bursts with each soul they come in contact with. Then there's someone like me who seems aloof, and acts like they don't care either way. However, that's not me by any means. My aloofness doesn't come with disliking animals, but rather that I am a responsible pet owner. I always have been, and unless I feel I can fully care for an animal for the legnth of it's life; I won't have one. It's just not fair. For years our kid's, especially my Jaden, has asked for a dog. For years I have said no. We've moved regularly, and lived in apartments. As much as I love apartment living (I really love it) it's not what I consider the best living standards for an animal. However, five months ago we purchased our home, with more than enough room for a four legged pal. However, I held off. Even with a privacy fence I held off due to the extra responsibility, and knowing when the kids get bored some day, it would be me to keep its stead. A visitor stops by: The big black dogWhen did things change? Two weeks ago, a beautiful Doberman mix showed up in our back yard while Jaden and I were planting. He was gorgeous, and didn't have a tag on his collar, which is stupidly common in this area. That meant he was fair game for Jaden. She wanted him, and I wanted her to have him. In the meantime Josh comes out, looks at the big fella, and knows he's someones. We did not keep him, and Jaden was crushed. Later, I stood at the bottom of the stairs eaves dropping on a conversation Josh was having with Jaden. It was about responsibility, and perhaps, if she started doing the things she's asked maybe mommy would let her have one. I listened to this little chat and thought it over, and over, and I watched my sweet girl pick up her clothes, and make her bed each morning there after. I decided it was time. Josh went out of town for his last week of training with Verizon, but was back for good after the weekend. I sent him numerous messages and spoke with him about the possiblitly of "looking" at dogs. During this time, Jaden and Marcus found a dog on Petfinder, and he was in a local rescue. Josh was more than willing to visit the rescue with me when he came back. This too was another standard that we talked about in the past. Buying a dog from a pet store was out of the question. It had to come from a shelter or rescue. As I write this it seems I am a tyrant, but again, it's about responsibility. The shelters and rescues are over run with poor souls that human beings don't care for. Our family would/will not add to this careless behavior. Anyhow, with one email to STARS of GA my husband and I were able to set an appointment to see Oliver, a small terrier mix. Saturday 9/5/2015 at Save The Animals Rescue Society of GeorgiaSaturday came. The sky was gray, but perfect for a pet adoption. We drove into the "country", and found the rescue, which overlooks a pond and is surrounded by trees. This is where we met Sissy. She runs the rescue, and is the final say for anyone who gets a beloved animal. We didn't know what to expect besides getting a chance to see the little fella. Meanwhile, I did know she's a wonderful caregiver for the animals. My friend recommended her and the STARS of GA rescue when we began the process of looking for a dog. She explained the process her little Dina went through as a rescue dog, and that Sissy treated her wonderfully during her stay. As fate would have it, the dog Jaden and Marcus wanted was at this particular rescue. Sissy asked about the kids, but they couldn't make it. I made a mistake with the kid's weekend schedule, and promised my mom and dad they could go to Atlanta. I felt horrible, but I promised Jaden and Marcus I would visit little Oliver; no matter what. Then it happened. She introduced us to little Oliver. He is a Terrier mix, with a black and tan mask and white chest. He came out of the gate, a bit shy, but cute as pie. He trotted, jumped a little and even let out a little bark. He was darling. Sissy asked if we had experience with small dogs and I had in the past. However, Oliver is not the typical small dog. He is active and playful, but not hyper, and not yappy. We spent an hour playing and talking, and I fell in love. Absolutely 100% in love. Josh, a big dog lover, was head over heels over the little fella. As Sissy would have it; she allowed us to adopt the little fella that day. It was glorious. Since the kids were not with us Josh and I could not wait to surprise them with Oliver. Sept 21, 2015: Several weeks laterOliver is doing famously in our house. He's the most popular one here, and receives unconditional love every moment possible. We all adore him. I catch Josh speaking to him in baby talk, which is a sight since Josh looks like a silverback gorilla. Oliver's pure joy, and a big responsibility that my kids have adapted to easily. I walk him in the early mornings when I get up, but they "run" him each morning in the back yard before school. They also make sure he's fed and watered, and pick up poop like champions. They are more apt to clean their rooms and keep things off the floor since Oliver is a bit of a chewer. Each night they help put away "Boogs'" toys, as well as take him out to the back yard each night before bed to "run" him. This entails a major game of chase with a ball stuffed in a dirty sock. Yes, that's gross, but it's what Oliver Twist loves. Oliver has been a great help with teaching the kids basic responsibilities, but also in teaching them that animals are living, breathing creatures that must be cared for. I am in loveAs for me; I'm in love. Little Oliver Twist has me seeing hearts. Yes, I said it. Each morning I look forward to letting him out of the crate, and walking him. It's just the two of us enjoying the fresh air. I spend the next thirty minutes playing, snuggling and teaching Oliver new tricks before anyone else wakes up. With some treats, and a lot of praise and love, he knows how to sit, shake and lay down. He has nearly mastered "roll-over." This fella is pawesome and unbelievably smart. Besides receiving lots of love; he's spoiled rotten. We cannot help ourselves. He has a bed upstairs and down stairs. Oliver has his own chair, and a snuggle blanket, as well a down blanket for the cold evenings. His basket of toys is piled high, and the beef bones are just part of his evening ritual for chewing. Oh, and clothes. We're waiting for those to arrive. For more information on STARS of GAPlease contact STARS of GA for information on adoptions, fostering or donations. It is a nonprofit organization that runs on fumes to keep animals in good health. Many of these animals have special needs due to the conditions found in. Many need updated vaccines, spaying/neutering, surgeries, and micro chipping. Although these are the big bills, it's the basic maintenance that adds up. Food, cleaning supplies, and man power do not come cheap, and every penny counts. STARS of GA Wish List This beauty has been at my parents house for months. Man, have I missed you! Chicken in gravy, and served over rice. I'll have some veggies with it, too. Not necessarily the healthiest, but delicious.
Seriously, it doesn't get any better than this!
My kitchen drawers are slightly narrow, and my utensil holder has a lip around it. The holder sits on the drawer ledge, but there's still space to close the drawer. It also leaves enough room below to store wooden spoons, spatulas, or other tools. The utensil holder easily slides back and forth to make the spoons accessible, also. I do have to lift the holder from the front end sometimes, but that's little concern to me. It cost about $7 for the utensil holder, and worth millions for organizational purposes. It's been a long time since I've done a restaurant review, but I've found a real gem to write about. It's Son’s Döner Kebab. It's a German fast food restaurant located at 17 College Plaza, Statesboro GA. The restaurant is small with five or six tables, and easily disregarded if you're not looking for it, but don't make that mistake. Son, the owner, serves döners (gyros) and they are worth every succulent bite. I'll be honest, I visited Germany for three days many years ago, but I don't know much about the culture. What I do know is Son serves the freshest food in Statesboro. Kaila, the best nurse around, and I, normally eat at Son’s Döner Kebab once or twice a week for lunch. Each time we enter we are greeted by the cashier, and by Son. Kaila and I are outgoing, perhaps on the obnoxious side, but Son and his staff treat us like family. They are friendly, and efficient, and we never have a long wait even when the restaurant is packed. It could not be a nicer setting for delicious food. Döner Kebab The döner kebabs are wonderful. The chicken, lamb and beef can be seen roasting on the vertical rotisseries, and fresh vegetables are piled high to choose from. Kaila and I always get the #2 with chicken, all the veggies, and garlic yogurt sauce. We never deviate from it because it's delicious! The meat is tender, and never dry. It's flooded with vegetables, and served with a side of yogurt or garlic yogurt sauce. Both sauces are a fantastic addition to the döner so you can't go wrong with either. Fries are also available, as well as Baba Tea Slushies and canned sodas. How Son's fits into my life style
One of the most difficult things for me when competing is eating out. I'm particular about it, and not just for caloric values, but due to customer service, cleanliness and freshness. I don't expect every restaurant to be stellar, but I do expect fresh food when it's advertised as that. Son's restaurant delivers on all accounts. Son’s Döner Kebab 17 College Plaza Statesboro, Ga 30458 9126817835
I saw something similar to this on a Pinterest DIY page, and mentioned it to Josh. He constructed this for me today. All I need to do now it paint it, and to add a couple more bungees to the rack.
It's big enough for my fit balls, medicine balls and the kids soccer balls. Yahoo! Let me explain something: I DON'T RUN. I hate running and jogging. I'm not against sprinting, but that's a completely different animal. I am one of the few trainers on the face of the planet who doesn't make clients run. I think there are far better ways to burn fat than jogging laps on a track. Anyhow, I've been asked for years to do a 5K, and I've never done one. However, this weekend I participated in the Pink Power Run. It is the first 5K I've ever done and it was great fun. I had a blast. No, I did not run. Ok, I'm fibbing a bit. My 5k partner, Baleigh, an awesome young lady, and I ran out of the gate, and we ran the last leg in, but we walked the rest of the course on Georgia Southern University's campus. The walk brought back many memories since I attended GSU many years ago. It was really beautiful, and with the students off for the day, it was effortless to maneuver across the campus. We finished in 50 minutes. No, we were not the fastest, and our time was demolished by a woman running with a stroller, and a baby on her hip- yes, on her hip- but we did finish! It's expected to see radiant, dark tans on the bodybuilding stage, but that comes with the sacrifice of time and skin damage. There are ways to get stage color with spray tanners and creams, but tanning beds offer glowing base tans and tight skin. However, the tanning bed is deadly by increasing your risk of melanoma skin cancer, as well as non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The negative aspects of NMSC and melanoma skin cancer far outweigh tight, dark skin. Studies show a direct link between tanning beds and an increase of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The association of use of sunbeds with cutaneous malignant melanoma and other skin cancers: A systematic review resulted in an increased melanoma development by 15% in all age groups. This increase jumped to 75% in those who used tanning beds before the age of 35. During 2014 skin cancer in the U.S. nearly reached the half million mark. The study of International prevalence of indoor tanning: A systematic review and meta-analysis resulted in more than 450,000 cases of NMSC which includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and more than 10,000 melanoma cases. Since 1973 there has been a 200% increase in melanomas. Time spent in tanning beds, as well as outdoors, with minimal or completely unprotected skin from ultra violet (UV) rays, attributes to these increases. This poses a terrible problem to bodybuilders trying to achieve the darkest tan possible. Minutes lead to hours in tanning beds; creating a perfect gateway for increased skin cancer chances. In 2014 the Surgeon General also recommended all people stay out of tanning beds, and stop believing that tan skin is healthy skin. Time spent in tanning beds, combined with unprotected outdoor activities, has led to $8 billion dollars spent each year to treat melanoma, as well as NMSC. Bodybuilders chase after that perfect base tan, which is layered with bottled color such as Pro Tan, Jan Tana, Dream Tan, and etc. However, this base tan is not safe or healthy. These risks for tan skin can be decreased by staying out of the tanning beds, especially as a young adult. Melanoma is a life threatening issue, and is reduced by using other forms of tanning. This is a ridiculous size pot of homemade chicken noodle soup. What's in the recipe?
2 whole chickens pulled off bone 12oz. egg noodles 1 cup celery sliced 1 whole onion chopped 1.5 cup of peas 1.5 cup of carrots 1 large container homemade broth 3 32oz. carton Swanson chicken broth
January is the month that anyone, and everyone, decides to hit the gym to meet one of the biggest New Year's resolutions across the nation. Which one? To lose weight and get in shape. People wait through the tough holiday season with parties and holiday meals, just to start fresh on January 1st.
Whether it's the first time you're working out, or it's your 1000th workout, it doesn't make you above some do's and don'ts of New Year's fitness resolutions or gym etiquette. 1. Do set realistic milestones Everyone sets big goals, but small milestones set the tone for your fitness journey. Whether the goal is to lose 20lb. or 100lb. it's important to set milestones that make you feel successful. 2. Do treat yourself with something other than food Our society lives for food. Our social lives are surrounded by restaurants and cocktails, and by rewarding good behavior with food. For example; if you eat all of your dinner it's okay to have a dessert. It's common practice to have a celebratory dinner with a few cocktails if you're promoted at work. Instead, put $5.00 aside every time you lose a pound or two. By they time you reach your goals you could have enough to get a nice outfit, or get a mani/pedi. 3. Do set a convenient schedule for you Setting a workout schedule that does not work with your every day activities such as work, kids or school is bound to make going to the gym difficult. For instance, go to the gym if you know you're a morning person, or if that's the only time of the day you have free. 4. Do wipe down your machines Whether you're on a bench, or a piece of cardio equipment, it's important to wipe down the machines. It helps reduce bacteria and viruses. If you're cardio royalty; don't forget to wipe down the base of the cardio machine, as well as the handles. Trainer gives tips to keep fitness resolutions
5. Don't leave the weights on the machines
It's very simple: If you're strong enough to take the weights off the rack then you're strong enough to put the weights back. There's nothing worse than racking a 600 lb. leg press because some jerk didn't rack his weights. It only makes the regular members mad, and it's certainly intimidating for someone who is new and isn't strong enough to rack it. 6. Don't go to the gym with a cold Sneezing and coughing on the equipment and the gym members is gross. It's also counter productive. Listen to your body and stay home if you don't feel well. 7. Don't expect it to be easy There is nothing easy about WORKing out. The operative word is WORK. WORK out. WORKed out. WORKing out. WORK outs. Do you see what I mean? Plan to WORK through your New Year's fitness resolutions. There is no other way to get the benefits of exercise, or to reach your goals, without WORKing for it. 8. Don't take up space because you're on your phone Technology is everywhere. That includes in the gym. However, minimize the use of your phone when in the gym, or use it in an area other than on a machine. It's extremely annoying to everyone waiting for you to finish with a bench because you're texting your friends instead of working out. If you're texting, or shuffling through your music every few minutes, you're taking space from someone who is serious. Although good hygiene is a must there are some days washing your hair is impossible. The kids are crying, you're out of time at the gym, you're late to work, the hot water is out or whatever. These are all good exceptions for not washing your hair. There's an alternative to walking around with sweat head and it's dry shampoo. Use regular household items to carry you over until you can wash your hair. Here are some DIY items to use for your dry shampoo. Single item ingredients: Household items such as baby powder, cornstarch, corn meal and white or wheat flour are used for dry shampoo when in a tight pinch. Combinations of ingredients: Baby powder and cornstarch is found in a baby bottle form, or you can mix the two ingredients together in a container. Use equal parts. Mix the two ingredients. Another combination is oatmeal and baking soda in equal parts such as 1/2 a cup of each; depending on how much you want on hand. White/wheat flour with ground almonds also makes another combination of dry shampoo by using a 2:1 tablespoon ratio of flour to nuts. Use cornstarch and cornmeal in a 1:1 ratio of ingredients. Although these light color powders are perfect for blonde hair it may "cloud" brunette shades. If you find this problematic, add unsweetened cocoa powder to your mixture and this should hold you over until you get a moment to shower. Use your fingers or a brush Place the ingredient(s) in a small container and begin by separating a segment of hair. Dip one of your fingertips, or a blush brush, into the powder and dab it on to the roots of your hair and scalp. Repeat this process with new segments to cover all the roots. After, massage and shake the dry shampoo into the hair. If your hair still looks oily repeat the process. Once the dry shampoo is applied and hair looks "cleaner" brush your hair thoroughly to remove the excess. You may want to wash your brush after because of leftover residue. Use the finger technique for or multi-ingredient dry shampoo with a heavier consistency. For recipes calling for heavier granules such as ground oatmeal or cornmeal separate the hair and sprinkle your hair at the roots. Continue to follow this procedure until all the roots are covered. If there is still dry shampoo in your hair flip your hair over and brush it to pull out any excess. *** TIP: Blow dry hair first if it's damp. Yes, it's gross, but it keeps the dry shampoo from being gummy. Dry shampoo storage. As with any of these dry shampoos what ever is left should be placed in a dry, clean container with a tight lid since moisture ruins its consistency. Make it portable and multifunctional These recipes are easily portable, and can be used for multiple uses. Place dry shampoos in a small container and throw it in your gym bag or purse. Be sure the lid is on tightly, or if you're still concerned, run tape across the top so it doesn't spill in your bag. Baby power or cornstarch can also be used for a body talc to reduce moisture if needed. Workout programs after childbirth are a way to lose weight and get in shape, but sometimes the affects of childbirth make exercising difficult or uncomfortable. However, there are ways to make your program more comfortable until your body gets back to "normal." Not sure what they are? Listen to your body and make these simple modifications to help get through the exercise program comfortably. Reduce or substitute chest exercises Chest exercises are not a problem after childbirth, but in some cases, enlarged or engorged breasts make chest exercises difficult and painful. Take it easy on exercises that concentrate on the pectoral muscles, and stop doing them if painful. Exercises that require you to lie on your chest on a bench should be excluded, or substituted with seated exercises. This is the same for floor exercises. Hand grips and wrist positioning for tendonitis Pregnancy brings on tendonitis for some women, which makes exercise more difficult. In my case, it became so bad that I could not snap buttons on baby clothes, or open baby food jars with my right hand, and gripping heavy weights was painful. It lasted for many months so I changed hand/wrist positions, as well as lightened the weights during exercises to reduce pain. Exercise becomes a balancing act After 40 weeks of shifted center of gravity; a woman's center of gravity shifts again. The heavy belly is gone, but balance takes time to regain. Even body weight lunges and squats can cause you to topple, so it's important to adjust your stance and use something to support your balance. Flexibility and stretching In general, women and girls are more flexible than boys and men. Also, teenage girls have more anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries than boys due to increased relaxin their bodies. Hormones, such as relaxin, is increased in a woman's body during and after having baby, so flexibility and stretching are important to keep track of. Stretching should be done with care so that you don't over stretch and injure yourself. Low impact exercise for incontinence Embarrassing as it sounds, incontinence is a problem for women after having a baby. While some women only suffer slightly, this was one of my most pressing issues during exercise after my children's births. High impact exercises that required me to jump were changed to low impact exercises. I also changed my chin ups and dips to assisted chin ups and dips because the gravitational pull, along with my body weight, was too much pressure and would cause an incident. I decreased heavy weights to lighter ones so I would not strain, as well. I am very predictable. Every morning I begin my day the exact same way. I get out bed, use the bathroom, brush my teeth, pull my hair back and head to the laundry room. I fold any clothes that need to be folded and start a load in the wash. After, I make my way to the kitchen for a snack. This is my light breakfast before I have a real breakfast. It's usually a piece of fruit and an iced coffee. Even if I'm out of fruit I have an iced coffee each morning. I really stink at making good, hot coffee so I use instant for my iced coffee. Iced coffee recipe
Add the instant coffee and brown sugar to your glass. Pour the milk over it, but leave enough space to add ice. Let the coffee and milk sit for a minute or two so the instant coffee dissolves. Stir, add ice and stir again. If you use half and half; add water to make up the difference in the glass. It's simple, fresh and crisp. Other options Everyone's dairy options differ. Several years ago I changed my dairy options, and sweetener during contest prep. (Click here for the 100 Calorie chocolate iced coffee). However, these days I prefer to use milk and cream even when I compete. I fit the macro's into my program and this works for me. However. you may prefer these options instead.
It's all a matter of taste, but I found that most of the alternatives make a good iced coffee. The milk alternatives are also good for for those who are lactose intolerant, or for anyone who prefer not to drink cow's milk.
I keep a cooler under my desk at work. If not, I have a difficult time resisting the foods that come in and out of the office. Here are some on-the-go snacks in my cooler. These may be something you'd consider taking to work, too.
Apples Fresh, crisp apples always nip my sweet tooth. Besides the sweet flavor, apples are a good antioxidant because their content of Vitamin C. They also contain pectin, which is a soluble fiber. This fruit is low on the glycemic index, making it a perfect snack for my contest diet. Roasted soy nuts Roasted soy nuts may not look like much, but a small handful contains a great ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. I throw them on salads to for a nice crunch, too. Raw broccoli This green veggie is full of antioxidants and phytonutrients, and also contains calcium and potassium. Yet again, this is another low calorie, nutrient dense food that I can eat a lot of to feel full. Cucumbers Cucumbers are very high in water content. They are a good vegetable to keep on hand when I'm working out in the heat. Seed Butter Although I carry roasted soy nuts, I also carry some type of natural seed butter. Sunflower seed butter and is found at most grocers, but I like WOW butter, as well. I do my best to choose seed butters in plastic containers with good lids. My favorite, most delectable snacks I have two snacks in my cooler for the delectable taste.
Cottage Cheese and Grapes The cottage cheese is not my favorite food, but it's much better with sweet grapes. This midmorning snack is ample to tide me over until lunch arrives. Walking is an exercise you can do from anywhere. Whether you plan to walk in the neighborhood or at the beach it can get your heart rate going. Add some weights to your walk and it becomes a challenge. When done properly, it's a weight-bearing exercise and a realistic way to whittle your waist. Your natural rhythm You have a natural rhythm when you walk but power walks exaggerate natural movement and creates a calorie burning, cardiovascular workout. Normally, when someone walks, there is a slight swing of the arms, but power walks focuses on both the upper and lower body, as well as your abdominal area. You've probably seen photos of the power walk and may have even tried it. With good posture, you begin your walk and add a full swing that brings your arms up high. Strides lengthen and speeds increase and arms, legs and abdominal areas engage to sculpt muscles. What muscles will you work? The swing of your arms engage your shoulders, biceps and triceps. Your good posture includes your back muscles, while you also sculpt your legs. You'll feel the movement in your thighs and buttocks. Contract these muscle groups during each step and you'll get sculpted from the simple act of walking. The secret to strengthening your waistline Your core also gets a workout during a power walk. Engage your core during walks and to strengthen your waistline and reduce its size. The entire combination of the power swing and holding in your core engages your oblique muscles, the abdominal areas on the sides of your waist. Swing your arms and hold in your abs tightly and you'll most likely be sore within the next two days. The best way to position your abdominals Hold your core in tightly by performing a vacuum while you walk. There are several ways to do a vacuum, but the standing vacuum is simple and can position your abs correctly. Stand against a wall and notice that your lower back will not be flush. After, exhale and suck in your abdominal area until your lower back is flat and touching the wall. Do not worry if you can't get your back flat against the wall since this is a movement that takes practice. Use the vacuum during the walk. If you tire release the vacuum and bring your core back in to finish your walk. Equipment to use Small hand weights are ample for this type of walk. You can also use wrist weights in one or two pound increments. Increase your weights when you feel the need, but be careful with your swing. It's easy to damage your shoulders and wrists if you don't have good control over the weight. Every year I search high and low through the Vandella Costumes website to come up with figure bikini ideas. I can't help myself. Then I call Kira and she comes up with an entirely new idea for my bikini. It is completely custom, and unique. Her designs include material, and rhinestone designs, and connectors. Connectors? On my figure bikini? I didn't realize my figure bikini could have connectors, or that she offers an enormous selection of connectors. I had no idea what the possibilities were! I assumed the the connectors were basic, rhinestone strands. Of course, that's what I get for assuming. I could not have been more wrong. There is a plethora of bikini connectors to chose from. What did I get myself into? S-connectors, marquis connectors, moon connectors, square connectors. The list goes on an on. Accentuating my personality, physique and style In the past, I was only concerned with rhinestone work on the front and back of the bikini. However, my views on bikinies have changed. Now I look at every single facet, including types of connectors. Actually, the connectors are as important to me as the rest of the bikini because some aren't a good fit for my build, or even my personality. Some accentuate my build better than others. For example, I love extremely bold connectors on the hips of bikini bottoms, but I have a wide waist. Although the connectors would look beautiful on; it would accentuate my wider waist. Instead, I opt for thinner, smaller connectors. I ran into this issue when I asked Vandella Costumes to make a bikini with HUGE connectors on my triangle top. After looking at the connectors, the suit I wanted, and my photos, Kira suggested another route because the connectors would make me look out of proportion. She chose something smaller, but one that would suit my personality. Guess what? She was right. It was a perfect fit. Contact Kira at www.vandellacostumes.com HBO_Special (Female Bodybuilding) Real Sports w/ Bryant Gumbel is a candid and honest interview for competitors, or those interested in the sport. For many viewers in the mainstream this was a surprise; not a surprise about the size of the athletes, but that the sport is not lucrative for female competitors in any way. It's also hard for some to understand the hard work endured with so little glory. The women's bodybuilding prize money at the Arnold Classic is more than $100,000 less than the grand prize for men. The video clip shows the negative aspects of female bodybuilding and the women who love the sport. Mainstream acceptance is not high The muscles may stand-out when a woman has a v-taper twice the size of a mans but the lack of support in general is another aspect that is only understood by a competitor. Blatant negative comments about size and femininity run rampant throughout the mainstream. Unfortunately, there is negativity among competitors also. Drug use is rampant Although Anabolic Steroids are rampant in many sports, bodybuilding, especially female bodybuilding, has an extremely negative reputation. The changes in femininity are the first thing noticed when it comes to female bodybuilding. For women the additional facial hair, loss of breast tissue, voice deepening voice and clitoral enlargement are symptoms that are irreversible. Economic gains are minimal There is no economic gain from being a top female bodybuilder. In this industry competitors come dead last behind promoters, photographers, supplements companies and magazines when it comes to earning potentials. It is not lucrative by any means and female bodybuilders give up so much of themselves for the pursuit of their dreams. Private sessions are common practice Private sessions have been a common practice for women bodybuilders to maintain their lifestyles. The sessions include activities like wrestling, grappling and lift and carries. Although some athleteshave allowed the sessions to turn into prostitution that is not the case for all. *** Click here for HBO_Special (Female Bodybuilding) Real Sports W/ Bryant Gumbel
With every bodybuilding, figure or fitness event it's imperative to look your best and have a bikini that fits properly. Although it doesn't have to be heavily adorned it should have a great cut, style and color that accentuates your physique. Finding a suit you love is possible, but being able to afford is a completely different story. As seen on different bikini sites such as Vandella Costumes, Merry Christine Bodywear or Go Figure Suits by Tamee Marie the prices begin just under $200 and quickly increase into high thousands; with the highest I have seen at $4800. Even gently-used pro level suits are found on DivaExchange.com for prices from a couple of hundred dollars to $3500 or more. Although these suits are gorgeous taking a bank loan for a bikini is not feasible so here are tips to save money on a bikini. Previously Owned There are many competitors looking to purchase new bikini but still have last season's suits hanging in the closet. Ask athletes you know if they have any suits on hand for sale. One of the quickest ways to find someone in your area who's willing to sell their suit is on social networking sites. Bodybuilding is a tight knit community so one of your connections can point you in the right direction. Rentals Some of the reputable posing suit makers have rental suits. There will be a rental contract that needs to be signed, as well as, the delivery of a full payment. Rentals will have stipulations and should be paid close attention to. For example; Go Figure Suits by Tamee Marie must have the full payment beforehand and a confirmation the bikini fits within the first 48 hours. If you realize after this time period there will be a $100 fee and remainder of the money will be sent back to you but means you're still out $100. Update If you fit into your previous posing suit give it a face-lift if a new one is not within your budget. Either add the embellishments yourself, or contact your suit maker, and ask for a quote on what an update may cost. Your bikini maker will not only be able to effectively add to the design, but will have supplies on hand. Borrow Ask another figure or fitness athlete if you can borrow their suit. Long before the competition date be certain the suit fits your measurements and to return it in the condition you borrowed it. Overstocks Contact your bikini maker and inquire about overstock suits on hand. In some cases posing suit makers will have extras because a competitor backed out of a show or couldn't afford the price after ordering it. The suit maker may want to get the extra stock off of her hands so she may sell you the suit for a marginal cost. Your teen's health is a priority as a coach or parent, but injuries do occur during sporting events, practices, and regular activities. Teen athletes who play sports like basketball, football, soccer, track and field, or cross country have a tendency to incur knee injuries. Injuries like cuts and bruises are minor, but anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries or strains take much longer to heal. A teen may need to sit the season out for rehabilitation to recover from the injury, or have surgery to repair the knee.
Varicose veins are unsightly in some cases, but varicose vein pain supersedes the looks. Varicose veins are genetically predisposed, and made worse by standing on your feet for hours at a time. Sitting with your legs crossed for prolonged periods of time can accentuate the problem of varicose veins, also. Since they are caused by genetics there is no way to completely avoid them, but there are several exercises that can help the painful symptoms.
Olympic Weightlifting is comprised of two power moves; the clean and jerk and the snatch. Although these are two powerful lifts, and take great strength, do not mistake them for powerlifting moves. There is a big difference since powerlifting has three lifts that are performed: bench press, dead lift and squat. Olympic Weightlifting lifts showcase pure physical strength, but only by following set rules. The judging criterion adheres to strict guidelines, and when not adhered to, elimination ensues. What causes an athlete's elimination? Some examples are not being able to lift the required weight, not making the lift within three tries, and not following the rules set by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and approved by the Olympic administration. |
Lisa M. WhiteAboutI'm not a chef; just a homecook enthusiast who loves to feed my family and friends. I'm a red meat eating, cheeseburger lover. And, there's nothing better than a cold, crisp, Coca-Cola® served with lime to accompany that.
I'm a firm believer food is love, and love is food. Categories
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