Just as animals use the fall to prepare for winter, now's the perfect time to transform your home into a cozy nest where your family and friends will love to gather.

Ginny Bean, publisher of Ginny's catalog, suggests the following simple decorating touches to add seasonal warmth.

*  Put out the welcome mat - literally. Make visitors feel welcome from the moment they step through your door. Decorate your front door with a seasonal accent and an attractive mat.

*  A crackling fire naturally draws people to it. Rearrange your furniture to create a conversation area around your hearth. If your home doesn't have a built-in fireplace, there are a number of attractive electric fireplaces on the market that provide warmth with no mess or outside vent. Some even hang right on the wall.

*  Light the candles. Choose candlesticks in metallics (gold is popular now) or in warm colors. For a unique look when entertaining, Bean suggests making your own votives from apples or gourds with a votive carver.

*  Bring the beauty of outside, in. Add richness to your home by using fall's palette of warm colors. Select fabrics and accessories in warm shades of browns, reds, oranges and yellows. Increase the feeling of coziness by adding layers - think table runners on top of cloths or rugs over carpets - and texture in the form of nubby throws and pillows scattered throughout the room.

*  Drape your home in warmth. Now is also the time to replace the summer sheers for more substantial curtains, which can keep out drafts and add color and texture to a room. For added energy savings, check out the variety of thermal window treatments available.

*  Think back to black. A touch of black can add sophistication to your home decor. Use it sparingly though, perhaps in a few picture frames, a ceramic vase or a throw or pillows, because too much black can make the room look dreary.

*  Continue the theme with decorative accents inspired by nature. Brighten the mantel with a swag of fall flowers and leaves or use artificial flowers to make your own autumn centerpiece. Bean likes to use mums or natural dried grass in unexpected containers such as baskets, terra cotta pots or chipped china pitchers or bowls. Scatter a few gourds, ceramic pumpkins or a leaf-shaped accent piece throughout the room to complete the look.

Ginny's catalog is dedicated to showcasing fun and unique items for everyday life. The Fall 2010 catalog includes more than 100 pages full of practical solutions for the home, yard, kitchen and beyond, including housewares, appliances, furniture and accessories. You can also find seasonal recipes, including casseroles, stews and soups, and helpful tips on everything from organizing your home to new uses for toothpaste at www.Ginnys.com.

To request a catalog or place an order, visit http://www.ginnys.com/home.jsp or call (800) 693-0809. You can also find Ginny's on Facebook.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Bell Peppers are so fun!

They're just like little natural flavorful, attractive, beautiful bell shaped containers and decorations that you can eat! What more do you want in a veggie - except guess what, it's not a veggie, it's a fruit! Surprise!

In spite of the word "pepper" in their name they are not spicy, but are rather are tangy and sweet with green peppers being the less sweet variety. Depending upon their color they are high in vitamin C and A. You can eat bell peppers cooked or raw. Dried bell peppers are the main ingredient in paprika; a mainstay in Creole, Mexican, and many dishes we have come to know and love.

You can bake them, grill them, dice them and add them to almost any dish be it savory or a salad. They come in the most wonderful colors of red, yellow, green, orange, even purple, white and rainbow.


Here's today's TRICK:

Buy the bell shaped peppers not for taste, because the shape doesn't matter, but for ease of cutting and to avoid waste. To cut and deseed a bell pepper you will need a sharp paring knife, first cut off the top of the bell pepper below the stem, then look inside and you will see that the seeds are attached to the inside of the bell pepper by thin flesh, snip this flesh with the tip of your sharp knife, then all you need to do is using your fingers, pull out the white seeds. Then Rinse. That's it!


Here's a TIP:

To keep your peppers longer, store unwashed bell peppers in the vegetable compartment of your fridge where they should keep for a week. To freeze: wash and core, then chop them in various sizes depending upon your recipes and how you will use them. Spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet for an hour or longer. Once frozen, put into individual freezer bags (mark and date!). You will be able to use only the amount you desire if you measure out some frozen peppers, then pop the bag right back into the freezer. You can also freeze peppers whole.


And your RECIPE:



Salad Ingredients:

2 pounds bell peppers in a variety of colors, cored, seeded, and julienned

4 plum tomatoes, cut in 4 wedges each

1 large sweet onion, chopped (Vidalia or a red onion would work)

1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped


Dressing:

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped fine

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, coarsely ground


Topping:

Crumble about 1/4 cup feta cheese over top before serving.


Put salad ingredients in a large bowl and chill. Mix all dressing ingredients in food processor or a whisk until emulsified. Toss dressing with salad. Allow to marinate in the fridge for one hour before serving.


Variations:

Try using sesame oil and rice vinegar instead of the olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a nice Asian flair.


Leanne Ely, C.N.C.

Your Dinner Diva at your service on http://savingdinner.com/


Copyright (C) 2010 www.savingdinner.com Leanne Ely, CNC All rights reserved.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, the incidence of Type Two Diabetes is on the rise worldwide to epidemic proportions. This type of diabetes used to strike mostly adults over 40 years old, but increasingly it is affecting children. There are a lot of theories about why this is happening but the one that I most agree with is the high consumption of sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup) prevalent in soda and almost every processed food out there -- even those foods claiming to be good for us!

We all know the complications of diabetes; cardiovascular disease, renal failure, blindness and more. It is critical to pay attention to our eating and exercise to avoid this disease! The great news is that it IS avoidable! Even if you find out you have Type II Diabetes you can reverse it, or at least control it, with proper meal planning, nutrition, and exercise.

To be honest with you, we should all eat as if we had diabetes. This means understanding the power of food to make a difference in your overall health. The seasonal fresh food you enjoy plus the money you can save on your overall health should make everyone stand up and pay attention--not just those afflicted with diabetes.

Eating foods low on the glycemic index will help you get control of your blood sugar and help anyone watch their waistline. Simple, seasonal food, easy to cook, delicious and pretty. How can you not love that?

Just remember; think: Protein, Veggie, Complex Carbs, Healthy Fats and you've got a great meal!


Breakfast idea:   Veggie Omelet - Lightly grease your skillet heat, then pour in two beaten eggs, let cook until set, then flip with a large spatula, top with any type of chopped up veggies, fold over, heat until warm. You can put a little cheese too.


Snack ideas:   An apple with some almond butter, or yogurt sweetened with local honey and topped with berries.


Dinner?   We've got that covered! Check out our fabulous low carb menus; they're the BOMB! (Simply visit www.SavingDinnerSHOP.com and search for "Low Carb". You'll find all sorts of menus.)


Leanne Ely, C.N.C.

Your Dinner Diva at your service on http://savingdinner.com/


Copyright (C) 2010 www.savingdinner.com Leanne Ely, CNC All rights reserved.

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s oldest children’s literacy organization, and US Airways (NYSE: LCC) announced they have teamed up to kick-off the third year of “Fly with US. Read with Kids.®,” a program designed to demonstrate the importance of reading with young children. A key component of the program will include the Read with Kids Challenge, where participants can log the amount of minutes they spend reading to children. The nationwide goal is to achieve 10 million minutes between September 1 and October 31. Readers can register to participate and log the number of minutes they read to children on an ongoing basis at http://www.readwithkidschallenge.com/.

“Reading, much like flying, takes you on journeys to new places and helps you discover new worlds. By partnering with RIF, US Airways is honored to help children in the communities where our employees live and work discover the joy of reading and provide them with a better foundation for academic and economic success. Because of our past successful Read with Kids Challenges, we’ve increased our goal, but I know we can reach it by working together,” said Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of US Airways.

Since the partnership first launched in 2008, US Airways and RIF have helped log a combined total of 14 million minutes read with children as part of the Read with Kids Challenge.

RIF encourages children to experience reading as a fun daily activity to help foster early childhood literacy development. The launch of this year’s RIF-US Airways partnership coincides with the beginning of the new school year and is a timely reminder that September is National Literacy Month. The Read with Kids Challenge helps promote recreational reading habits that prepare students to achieve more in school and life.

"Motivating children to read at an early age is critical to developing successful students, and RIF is pleased to partner with US Airways to get more communities reading,” said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. "Each year, RIF sets a high goal to achieve during the Read with Kids Challenge, and I’m excited to see our nation strive to reach 10 million minutes of reading with children this year."

As part of the Read with Kids Challenge, participants will be entered to win a grand prize drawing of a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation package from US Airways Vacations, US Airways gift cards, and other weekly giveaways. US Airways, the official airline of RIF, will also reward individuals who join them in supporting RIF. For gifts of $50 or more made through the campaign, US Airways will award the donor up to 5,000 Dividend Miles. Donors can also receive Maisy Takes a Trip, a special edition book by best-selling author Lucy Cousins with a donation of at least $25. To sign up for the challenge or to make a donation, visit http://www.readwithkidschallenge.com/. More information will be available on Twitter via @RIFWEB or @USAirways, or RIF’s Facebook fan page.

Throughout the duration of the campaign, RIF and US Airways will host reading celebrations in Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia, and Phoenix. The events will feature a RIF book distribution where children get to choose a book for their own home libraries, family-friendly activities, and read-alouds where US Airways employees will interact with students and families.

Discover the Joy!



About US Airways


US Airways, along with US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express, operates more than 3,200 flights per day and serves more than 200 communities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central and South America. The airline employs more than 31,000 aviation professionals worldwide and is a member of the Star Alliance network, which offers its customers more than 19,700 daily flights to 1,077 airports in 175 countries. Together with its US Airways Express partners, the airline serves approximately 80 million passengers each year and operates hubs in Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia and Phoenix, and a focus city in Washington, D.C. at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. And for the eleventh consecutive year, the airline received a Diamond Award for maintenance training excellence from the Federal Aviation Administration for its Charlotte hub line maintenance facility. For more company information, visit usairways.com. (LCCG)



About RIF


Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4.4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF’s website at www.rif.org.

Still looking for the perfect School Bag for your teen or tween? Check out Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods’ Organic Tote Bags with trendy patterns and eco-expressions, not to mention tons of pockets and pouches for school essentials!

With Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods’ new collection of organic cotton canvas tote bags, going green has never looked more stylish! With 6 designs to choose from, the new organic cotton canvas bag is versatile, fashionable and will become that one bag that will always accommodate ones style. The tote bags are made entirely of organic cotton and use no pesticides or chemicals in the growing cycle. Each bag has four outside pockets- one big snap pocket to store valuables, two elastic holders for cups or water bottles, and one catch-all pocket. The tote bag includes a roomy interior with several snap pockets as well as a key clip for easy access. Not only do they make a wonderful book bag, they are also a great over the shoulder bag for a day out shopping, a day at the beach, or a sports bag for extracurricular activities - the possibilities are truly endless! Use coupon code BTS until the end of September to save 25% on any Tote Bag ordered from the website.


Purchase at: www.dandeliontotes.com
COUPON CODE: BTS
SAVINGS: 25% Off Tote Bags

“Swaddling a baby is perfectly safe”, says Raleigh, North Carolina-based Pamela Diamond, a certified postpartum doula and baby sleep consultant.

Newborn care experts are saying that those who advocate arms-free swaddling and anti-swaddling are misleading and irresponsible at best and potentially harmful or even deadly at worst.

“There are people out there who are spreading fear-laden messages that are patently false, lacking in evidence, data and clinical studies and go directly against decades of clinical research*”, she said. “To advise parents to use an arms-free swaddle or no swaddle is downright absurd.”

“Swaddling is a vital tool that is clinically proven to comfort a crying, screaming newborn and keep an infant safely asleep on its back.”

Dr. Harvey Karp Pediatrician concurs. An eminent expert on the subject of newborn sleep and whose work spans nearly four decades, Dr. Karp has long advocated swaddling as part of the Five S’s. On his website The Happiest Baby on the Block, Karp writes that swaddling is essential to public health because infant crying and the exhaustion it causes in parents are main triggers for postpartum depression, SIDS, child abuse such as Shaken Baby Syndrome, breastfeeding failure, maternal smoking, marital stress, car accidents, and over-diagnosis and treatment of babies for illness, among others.

Though some published reports claim otherwise, the American Academy of Pediatrics has advocated swaddling many times and has also written about the benefits of swaddling on numerous occasions.

Nowhere is the anti-swaddling trend more directly evident than in North Carolina. As part of the implementation of the Infant Safe Sleep Campaign the NC Healthy Start Foundation says the long held tradition of swaddling could lead to suffocation due to loose bedding. While loose bedding is no doubt a serious problem, it is altogether a separate issue from swaddling safety.

“Considering the millions of people that have been swaddling newborns every night and every day, if such a theory were correct, there would be literally thousands of such reported incidents over the years, and there simply aren’t,” says Michael Gatten, CEO and Founder of Miracle Industries, LLC, makers of a leading swaddling product, Miracle Blanket. “We are extremely concerned about parents being incorrectly educated regarding sleep positions that have not been clinically studied.”

As an example of the misinformation, the term “swaddling” is being exploited and illegitimately applied to various non-swaddling items to validate the use of clinical studies to promote sales. While most of these products do serve the purpose of eliminating loose bedding, they lack the very discernible scientifically-proven attributes that make swaddling safe and effective.

Arms-free swaddling or no swaddle at all, it’s pretty much the same. In both cases, experts say the efficacy and the benefits are gone. Therefore it’s crucial to separate the MYTHS from the FACTS.


MYTH: A wearable blanket or other zip-up sack is just as good as a swaddling blanket to help babies sleep.

FACT: Medical research showing the incredible efficacy of PROPER swaddling has been done using a snugly-wrapped blanket with arms comfortably immobilized; usually at the sides. Wearable blankets are not snug to apply pressure and do not keep the arms snugly inside.


MYTH: Babies need their hands free to self-soothe, develop motor skills, and to flail their arms if they are in distress.

FACT: Babies are not coordinated enough to practice motor skills and/or self-soothe (ie. suck hands) reliably until 14 weeks. Swaddling is a substitute during this time to limit startle reflex, thus preventing unwanted arousal and facial scratches.


MYTH: Wearable blankets and other zip-up sacks help babies sleep better.

FACT: Only PROPER swaddling has been shown in clinical studies to calm a fussy, colicky baby while helping baby sleep safer, better, deeper and longer on their backs, while also eliminating loose bedding.


MYTH: Wearable blankets and other zip-up sacks contribute to a decrease in the risk of SIDS.

FACT: Only PROPER swaddling has been shown in clinical studies* to reduce SIDS by as much as 30% even over back-sleeping babies without swaddling.


MYTH: Tight swaddling can interfere with lung expansion, contributing to the risk of suffocation.

FACT: Research on PROPER swaddling has shown that a tight swaddle does not inhibit oxygen absorption or respiration. And, no incident of suffocation due to overly tight swaddling has ever been reported.


# # #


*Ponsonby, A, et al, Factors potentiating the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with the Prone Position. NEJM 1993; 329:377-82 http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/329/6/377

OTHER RESOURCES & CONTACTS:


http://www.swaddlingtruth.com/
 

The new school year is quickly approaching, which means less downtime for kids and more stress for parents. To make matters worse cutbacks in physical education, increased academic pressures, and ever-growing portion sizes in restaurants and at home are making families increasingly overweight. But who says you can’t make more time for the family and squeeze in a decent workout? The trick is to do both at the same time.

Tara Zimliki, fitness expert and founder of Tara’s Boot Camp in Branchburg, New Jersey, teaches people every day how to maintain healthier lifestyles, no matter what their age or fitness level. Using her own family as an example, she helps families improve both their health and their confidence. “By making a commitment to family fitness, you can strengthen bonds and get yourself in shape, too,” says Tara. There’s also the added benefit of setting your kids on the right path for later in life, when being fit will lessen the risk of diabetes, some cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression.

Try these strategies to get your family moving – this fall and all year-round:


·  Start young. Tara advises parents to get kids moving early in life which will promote healthy development and keep sedentary habits at bay. Even your toddler needs at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity every day, and should not sit still for more than an hour at a time.· Set realistic goals. Not all children are star athletes. But keep in mind that your child may have never been given the chance to shine. You can help by being realistic about your child’s physical ability. For some kids, even a jog around the block can seem intimidating. “Running ability is mostly mental,” says Tara, “it’s important to keep your child motivated by breaking down each goal, step by step.”

·  Get animated. Running doesn’t have to be boring! Get creative with your workout. Form a conga line and play follow the leader. Flap your arms whenever you see a stop sign. Try running while hopping, pumping your arms, playing air guitar — whatever you and your kids can dream up!

·  Be a cheerleader. A recent study of 200 students in grades 2 through 11 showed that kids of all ages want their parents to help them stay active. Cheer them on frequently and show your child that activity is a priority every day. Tara says to make sure your children know that you would never be disappointed with their performance. “Remember, this is both a workout and a bonding activity,” says Tara.

·  Use community resources. Your family run doesn’t have to be confined to your block. Keep it interesting by visiting different parks or neighborhoods other than your own. You can also check out whether your child's school, or a local university or community center, offers an indoor or outdoor track for public use. · Be vigilant. Although a family jog provides a convenient way for you to get out the door and run, the advantages don’t come without risks to your child. Try to avoid running at night when visibility is limited. “Your exercise should be satisfying and safe for both you and your new companions,” advises Tara. Also, leave distractions at home – including the iPod and the dog. Make this time simply about you and your kin.


About Tara Zimliki

Tara is a Certified Personal Trainer through The American Council on Exercise (ACE), and a Boot Camp Instructor. She has competed and trained with top athletes at the University of South Carolina where she was awarded a full cross-country scholarship. Tara has a B.A. from Rutgers University and specializes in fat loss and nutrition. She is passionate about helping people change both body and mind, believing positive results stem from positive attitudes. She helps clients maintain this attitude with fun, challenging and rewarding workouts.

Tara’s love of fitness started as a child when she began running at the young age of 7. She played numerous sports but running was her passion. Tara enjoyed it so much that she continued running right up until she had children, completing the New York Marathon 8 months pregnant and even ran 1 mile the day she gave birth to her first daughter and 3 miles the day she gave birth to her second daughter. Tara has completed 15 Marathons and hundreds of races worldwide. In addition, she has won many 5Ks and placed top in many long distance runs. In 2008, Tara placed in the top 500 women for the NYC Marathon. Recently, she won the USATF New Balance Long Distance Grand Prix for women 34 & under for the 4th consecutive year. Tara’s practices what she preaches in all aspects of fitness and health and for this reason she is a trusted trainer that produces results.

For more information on Tara’s Boot Camp, including registration details and full schedule, visit http://www.tarasbootcamp.com/.

Question: I'm curious to know why you think that dropping drawers is the end-all be-all point of no return. The reason I ask is that I have studied various naked and nearly naked cultures, not just in the human realm, but also among primates, who share 98% of their DNA with ours. In these cultures, there are no drawers to be dropped, and yet they seem to be quite evolved sexually, and have children who grow up understanding sexual boundaries and living peacefully. Why do you think that is?

Answer: In order to answer this question about why dropping drawers is so important in our society when that line doesn't even exist in other societies, we have to look at some other very important disparities. For one, we have fostered a culture in which women are often seen as objects, as victims, or even as prey. Ted Bundy probably put it best when he said that as long as pornography is a part of our culture, men will continue to harm women. This may help us understand why we cannot have the sort of peaceful society where we can all wander around naked - it's just not safe for women yet. Naked cultures have the advantage that they are not constantly bombarded with images of women as victims, and they are not culturally programmed that way.

If we could take the 2% of DNA difference we have from primates and put it to good use, it's possible we could reverse these trends in our society. I have seen a direct relationship between pausing before dropping drawers to think about the consequences, and the level of suffering in relationships. If we can use our minds to help us wait a little longer before simply reacting on our impulses, we might find that our relationships will be more sustainable. Unfortunately, there is no government agency to help warn people about the dangers of things like drinking alcohol while dating, which is another danger that naked cultures are not exposed to.

The purpose of writing Hindsight, What You Need to Know Before You Drop Your Drawers was to provide people with the inspiration to exercise their ability to delay gratification, to practice pausing before dropping their drawers in order to build up the muscles of discipline. If, as a society, we can get past our need to have things right now, we can discover what freedom there is in discipline, in the ability to make choices rather than just reacting to impulses. It is possible that in the foreseeable future, we can indeed change our priorities, to value and respect those things that are naturally sacred, rather than stepping over the final boundary without pausing to think.

But there is one more important distinction between us and primates, aside from our ability to transform our way of thinking. A lot of the 2% difference between us and them is our ability to scrutinize our actions before we take them, to see the consequences and consider whether or not to drop our drawers at all. Having said that, there is no problem with taking healthy relationship models wherever we may find them, whether that be in other human cultures, animal cultures, or wherever. If we can learn something from the way these cultures have evolved into their current sexual societies, there is no reason for me to stand in the way of that! Good role models can be found in many places, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with learning everything we can from them.


- Maryanne


by Maryanne Comaroto of Maryanne Live

Featured Weekly on Pink Lemonade Online Magazine

As part of SELF's Reach Your Goals Program, they've found 20 ways to burn 200 calories (fast and fun!), read on to see which will fit your lifestyle...

Get in the Swing of Things

Try your hand at the driving range for 62 minutes, or better yet, sign up for the Get Golf Ready program. For only $99, you'll pair up with an LPGA or a PGA pro who will give you and other "swingers" five hour-long lessons. You'll learn everything you need to know to play, including how to drive, chip, putt and score (as well as how to rock sweater vests, plaid knickers and knee socks). Locate a participating club in your area. Once you're ready to play 9 or 18 holes, forgo the golf cart and walk the course instead—you'll scorch nearly 50 percent more calories per minute.

Photo: Riccardo Tinelli


Meet in a Dark Alley

Round up your pals and head to the bowl-orama. Even if you have a light beer, you'll still strike 200 calories in 90 minutes.* (Skip the beer, and you can do it in about an hour.)

*Calculations based on a 135-pound woman.

Photo: Photolibrary.com
 
 
Go Green

Pimp out your bike with a Peterboro wooden basket ($34; REI.com) and an Electra I ♥ My Bike bell ($8; REI.com). Then "run" your errands—to the market, the wine shop, the bakery—on two wheels. You'll burn 200 calories in 23 minutes (or 4.6 miles) of pedaling.


Photo: Thayer Allyson Gowdy


Strike a Pose

Vinyasa yoga, the kind in which you move fluidly from pose to pose, torches more than 7 calories per minute, making it twice as efficient as pilates in terms of sheer calorie burn. Try a butt-firming Vinyasa workout, or take a class. You'll zap those 200 calories (and get flexy and sexy!) in the first 29 minutes.


Photo: Coliena Rentmeester


Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Leash up your pooch for a 2-mile walk (about 40 minutes) to burn about 140 calories. Then give him a 10-minute bath (38 calories), preferably outside, and yourself a 15-minute bubble bath (24 calories), preferably inside. You'll be one well-groomed pair.


Photo: Thayer Allyson Gowdy
 
 
Build Your Own Boot Camp

Try this 30-minute circuit workout from Ruben Belliard, co-owner of Warrior Fitness Boot Camp in New York City. All you need is a pencil and paper, a watch, a chair and a set of dumbbells heavy enough so your 10th rep is difficult but not impossible. Warm up for five minutes, using your choice of cardio. Then do one minute of each of the following moves, pausing only to jot down the number of reps you completed: jumping jacks, push-ups, crunches, biceps curls with dumbbells, lunges, overhead presses (holding a dumbbell in each hand, extend to ceiling, then lower), squats, planks, triceps dips on a chair, mountain climbers (in push-up position, alternate bringing one knee at a time toward chest). Repeat, trying to complete even more reps than you did in your first set. Cool down for five minutes.

Photo: Jorg Badura
 
 
Leave Town

Book a spontaneous getaway at LastMinute.com. (You may be able to get 70 percent off.) You'll burn 200 calories before you even arrive by taking four minutes total to carry your suitcases to the car, then to baggage drop (hauling a 25-pound load burns 4.8 calories a minute), then reading your self on the plane for three hours—sitting simmers a little more than 1 calorie a minute. Bon voyage!

Photo: Thayer Allyson Gowdy


Sock It to an Avatar

Of course, you could hop in a real boxing ring and spar with a human partner for seven 3-minute rounds, but if you pop in your Wii Sports and box virtually, you'll be less likely to see stars—and more likely to look like a star (read: no broken noses or fat lips). Create an avatar that resembles your ex (or office meanie or boss or noisy neighbor) and throw some harmless—but seriously arm-toning!—punches for 26 minutes. Catharsis never felt this good.

Photo: Greg Delves
 
 
Be Rakish

Spend 26 minutes raking the leaves on your lawn into heaping piles (120 calories)—don't forget to jump in a few times!—and another 15 minutes carting them to the compost pile (80 calories). You'll not only torch 200 calories, but by spring, your bin will be full of rich, all-natural fertilizer and you'll be ready to plant a garden. Check out these composting how-tos, courtesy of How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew (Ballantine), as well as tons of fresh vegetable-based recipes. That's about as locally grown as it gets!

Photo: Stephanie Rausser
 
 
Plunge Right In

Go deep! You'll sizzle 200 calories in 27 minutes taking a scuba lesson. Three great reasons to try: Diving burns more calories per minute (7.5!) than working on the elliptical (7). You'll feel weightless while you exercise. And it gives you an airtight excuse to fly off to some gorgeous tropical place—you know, in the name of fitness. What could be better? (An adorable instructor, perhaps?) Locate a scuba course near you at PADI.com.

Photo: Tim Davis/Veer


Clean Your Wheels

Cruise past the car wash and save 12 bucks. Instead, slip on some shorts and flip-flops, crank up your radio and hose down your wheels (and hubs and roof) for 31 sudsy minutes. Spend another 31 minutes drying and waxing your car and soon you'll spy the reflection of your buff bod in your buffed ride.

Photo: Anne Menke
 
 
Have a Stairing Contest

Set aside 15 minutes, stand at the bottom of a flight of stairs, and do superfast step-ups. Leading with the same leg, step up and down a single stair 30 times; switch legs and repeat. Then do 10 incline push-ups with your hands on the stairs. Repeat this three-minute cycle five times.

Photo: Riccardo Tinelli
 
 
Start Kidding Around

Log on to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America website and volunteer to be a buddy to a young girl in need. Take your new pal to the local park for some old-fashioned frolicking in the grass: Turn cartwheels and somersaults for 10 minutes (43 calories), swing side by side on the swing set for 21 minutes (113 calories), and finish with a five-minute game of tag (44 calories). Giggling burns calories, too!

Photo: Arthur Elgort
 
 
Make a U-turn

Feel the need for speed? This 20-minute interval fun-run was designed by Jerry Macari, creator of the RunUrban training program in New York City: Jog for 10 minutes at an easy pace. (On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is watching Dancing With the Stars and 10 is competing on it, aim for a 4.) After 10 minutes, do an about-face and run hard (aim for a level 8 or 9) for two minutes. Rest for 30 seconds. Repeat four more times.

Photo: Riccardo Tinelli
 
 
Set out on a Dandelion Hunt

Be a weekend weeding warrior! Spend about 40 minutes picking pesky dandelions from your yard. Use the yellow flower petals (you'll need about 2 quarts) to make your very own sweet-as-sunshine dandelion wine. Store the brew for six weeks, then chill, pour and toast your can-do spirit. Find the recipe at Self.com.


Photo: Francoise Deconinck
 
 
Take the Late-Night Make-Out Challenge

For the next 10 weeknights, climb into bed with your honey and tune in to a late-night talk show. Whenever there's a commercial break, start kissing and don't stop until your favorite gap-toothed, big-chinned or deadpan-delivery host returns. You'll lock lips for about 18 minutes a night—the total commercial time per hour, according to TNS Media, a media analysis company. Smooching burns 1.1 calories a minute, so you'll kiss off 200 calories in 10 nights.

Photo: Riccardo Tinelli
 
 
Master the "Single Ladies" Dance (Finally!)

No doubt, this song will be played at every bar, club, wedding and bar mitzvah you attend for the rest of your life. Learn the moves! Warm up like Beyoncé with pliés: Stand with heels together, toes out. Keeping your back straight, lower into a squat for eight counts. View the video on YouTube and practice for 29 minutes, or about nine times through the 3:13 song—you'll know the steps, the lyrics and how it feels to be Sasha Fierce!

Photo: Christopher Stevenson/Photolibrary.com
 
 
Kick Some Grass

Join a local soccer team (locate one at Active.com) or hop into regular pickup games in the park, and see how many goals you can score in only 27 minutes. Research from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark shows that women who take up soccer as their new exercise routine sculpt stronger legs faster than those who take up running. They're more likely to stick with it, too.

Photo: Riccardo Tinelli


Discover a Swimming Hole

For homegrown directions (e.g., "You'll see a sign painted on a rock; follow the creek for a mile") to some gorgeous and swimmable rivers, quarries or waterfalls in your state, log on to SwimmingHoles.org. Many require a short off-road trek, but you'll scorch all 200 calories with a brisk 10-minute hike there, a 10-minute splash in the water and a 10-minute hike back to your car. Don't forget to bring your camera—these hidden spots are usually picturesque.

Photo: Getty Images


Wrap Up in a Snuggie

On a rainy Sunday, it's the best way to hibernate: Cozy into your couch for three hours and 14 minutes of your favorite DVD. Did you know that Titanic, by now a classic, is exactly that long? Sigh. Leo.




Photo: Thayer Allyson Gowdy


Learn more about SELF's Reach Your Goals Program
 
All photos courtesy SELF magazine from specified photographers

Shed Pounds Without Sacrifice...

SELF’s “Reach Your Goals” program helps you to shed 8 pounds in a month, that is a LOT of weight! As part of their program, they've shared some weird diet tricks that REALLY work!  Who knew that talking to yourself, carrying more cash and eating in silence will actually help shed pounds!

Eat Cheetos off china

Use plates and utensils whenever you snack, and sit down to enjoy your nibble, even if it's for only 20 minutes.


WHY IT WORKS People were more likely to perceive food as a snack if they finished eating it in 10 minutes or ate while standing up, according to a study in the journal Appetite. On the other hand, sitting down for 30 minutes made people more likely to count the grub as a meal—which might have helped them feel more satisfied and turn down extra food later on. Break out the good tableware: Using ceramic plates and cloth napkins also made diners more likely to consider food a meal.



Carry more cash

Keep dollars and cents on hand when you head to Starbucks, happy hour or dinner out.


WHY IT WORKS People who pay for their food with cash make healthier purchases than people who pay with debit or credit cards, find researchers at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Consider paper money an easy willpower booster: "It appears that people who pay with cash give more thought to what they buy and are more conscientious of the nutritional value of their purchases," says Brian Wansink, Ph.D., author of Mindless Eating (Bantam). "So someone paying this way could be more likely to choose an apple than a cookie."



Do Downward Dog
 
Hit the mat at yoga class. Try Anusara, a style focused on alignment and concentration.


WHY IT WORKS People who did yoga regularly had a lower body-mass index than those who didn't, a study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association notes. But don't credit calorie burn: Yogis were more mindful when dining—which helped them feel satisfied without overeating. The practice teaches people to tune in to their body, researchers say, a key skill for sensing fullness. Sessions also can make you more tolerant of discomfort. Remind yourself that if you can stand to hold Pigeon pose for six minutes, you can resist those brownies, too.


Make like a monk
 
Eat one meal per week in complete silence. Turn off your iPod and the TV, and even tell your dining partner to pipe down.


WHY IT WORKS Research shows that a noisy environment leads diners to speed-eat, so that by the time they realize they're full, they've already taken in too much food. But slower tunes are not an antidote, because soft music can make you linger at the table longer, leading you to eat more, Wansink says. Dialing down loud distractions during meals also can enhance the flavors, smells and textures of each dish, so you actually enjoy every bite more. Peaceful eating!


Talk to yourself

If the opening notes of Saturday Night Live have you reaching for ice cream, announce to yourself and anyone else around, "I'm not hungry, but I am going to eat this anyway."


WHY IT WORKS Enjoy your favorite foods, because outlawing them can lead to a binge. But narrating your indulgence can make the difference between a small splurge and a sugar bender. "When you say out loud that you want a treat, you become aware of what you're eating and why," says Jean Kristeller, Ph.D., cofounder of The Center for Mindful Eating in Dover, New Hampshire. You still might opt for Chunky Monkey, but you'll be less likely to eat the entire carton.



Start with an orange
 
Peel one before sitting down to lunch on a crazed day.


WHY IT WORKS "The orange takes time and effort to peel, which forces you to slow down and helps stimulate the senses, so you're more aware of what you're eating automatically," says Susan Albers, Psy.D., author of Eat, Drink and Be Mindful (New Harbinger Publications). Plus, the water-rich fruit can help you feel fuller before you lift a fork. "Even mild dehydration can lead you to feel hungrier than you are," Albers says. To temper your tempo at other meals, mimic the pace you used to eat the orange, or sip water between bites.


Learn more about SELF's Reach Your Goals Program
 
All photos courtesy SELF magazine from Condé Nast Digital Studio

Their message, "Heroes come in all shapes and sizes" and these five children are certainly examples of those who believe that anyone has the power to make a positive difference in this world. Beginning this September (Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) and armed with determination, a first-hand knowledge of what it means to go through cancer and inspired by childlike faith that their efforts can and will make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer, these five kids set their course to help expand the research and bring awareness to the issue of Childhood Cancer and to help thousands of children and families along the way.


The children will be traveling the country (in between homework assignments and tests, of course) speaking to various organizations, celebrities and executives through their 20 minute presentation and speech to raise funds for childhood cancer and to create programs with those they speak to support children and families battling this disease. Four of the children are cancer survivors and help serve as advocates to the thousands of other children who are the littlest and bravest among us still fighting their own battle. Their heartwarming stories and innocent determination to make a tremendous impact seems to inspire all who hear them that they too, can make a difference in this world. Dalton Sherman, who was thrust into the national spotlight due to his "Do You Believe In Me" speech in 2008 which you may currently view on YouTube and who has opened for poet Maya Angelou, appeared on Ellen, The Today Show, shared the stage with Donald Trump and whom Oprah welcomed and named as one of the world's smartest and most talented kids is also a member of the group representing those children who are lucky to have their health, but who recognize the importance in making a difference in what currently is the #1 disease killing children.

Funds raised will support the programs of Angel 34, a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer and who served as a support system to four of the children during their own battles with the disease. Angel 34 was originally founded by Nicole Sheriff who at the age of 13 found herself fighting her own battle against cancer. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of childhood cancer on families, the financial burden that cancer carries with it and the hopelessness that can come with the disease, Nicole was moved with the desire to start a foundation in 2003 at the age of 14. Out of compassion for every child she came across, she vowed that she could make a difference in that child's life. It was her wish that every child have their own angel during their time of need.

Since her passing at the age of 15, Nicole's parents have continued her legacy. "I see what Nicole was able to create at the age of 14 and what the organization has grown to today. As children growing up we've been told that dreams are possible and that we can do anything we set our minds to. Here is our chance to prove it to ourselves," says Matt Carey, one of the participating kids. Angel 34 is committed to bringing hope and healing to the children and families of those affected by childhood cancer and to date has distributed millions of dollars to the cause with the proud distinction that 100% of funds raised goes to support children with cancer. Visit http://www.angel34.org/ for more info.

Funds raised from their efforts will go to support various Angel 34 programs such as:

Complimentary ICEE machine service to children battling cancer in numerous children's hospitals nationwide - ICEE drinks seem to be one of only a very few things children can keep down while going through chemotherapy

Pet therapy programs

Financial assistance to children and families

Free programs, activities and overnight stays for kids battling cancer and their families at the Angel Field B&B and Retreat Center

Medical scholarships

Awareness and Education

Research

National and community advocacy programs

The message they deliver.... Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They are in our communities, on our streets, in our companies, our offices and in our schools. They may be sung or unsung. They are children that save their allowance to give to those in need. They are volunteers that give of themselves when tragedy strikes, they are in the lives of those who reach down to bring another up. They are in anyone who sees a need and extends their heart. These five kids have chosen to make a difference in childhood cancer. How will you make a difference?


Dalton Ridge Sherman a twelve year old 7th grader in the Dallas Independent School District was thrust into the national spotlight after his 2008 "Do You Believe in Me" speech given to over 20,000 teachers and district employees about the importance of educators believing in their students. As a result, millions viewed his inspiring presentation on YouTube and he was asked to appear on Oprah, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Today Show and open for Dr. Maya Angelou. Since those appearances, this young yet inspiring young leader has shared the stage with speakers such as: Stedman Graham, Sec. of Education, Arnie Duncan and Donald Trump, with audiences ranging from 50-28,000.


Dalton is on the "A" Honor Roll and aspires to be a television anchor and after that, maybe President. He enjoys playing sports (especially basketball) and is a blue belt in karate. He's also a member of the Future Leaders Program. Dalton desires to participate in Angel 34's Kids Helping Kids Campaign representing those children who are lucky to have their health, but who recognize the importance in making a difference in what currently is the #1 disease killing children.
 
 
Matt is a warrior both on and off the court. A 17 year old junior in high school, Matt has served as starting point guard for his Varsity basketball team since his freshman year. His athletic prowess, his friendly personality and cutting sense of humor make him a natural leader. During the summer of 2009 at the end of Matt's sophomore year he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The same focus and determination he used to lead his team on the court, he now used to fight his own battle for survival. He never doubted he could beat cancer. Now classified as a cancer survivor, he hopes to help generate funds and support to help others win their fight against childhood cancer...and while he's at it, play basketball at the college level and eventually become an airline pilot.
 
 
Hello my name is Samantha, Sammi for short, and I am a cancer survivor. I am 5 now, but at just 29 months old I was told that I had leukemia. 859 days and 2,517 pills later my body has beaten this awful disease that tried to rob me of my childhood. I love to ride my bike and play at the playground. Cancer did not slow me down. Yes I may have lost all my hair, but it's back now and curlier and cuter than ever. When I go to clinic I like to help some of the younger kids that are scared of the needles by showing them they don't hurt by letting the nurses poke me and I never cry. It's sad that every time I go to clinic I see a new face, that means that another family has to go through what ours did, and now they have to learn about the world of cancer. I wish the doctors could find a way to prevent kids from ever getting cancer.
 
 
Breanna is 17 years old and is a senior in high school this year. She's a fun loving typical teenage girl who likes to go to the movies, shopping and hanging out with friends and family, and just being a socialite. In November of 2008 just before Thanksgiving vacation her life changed tremendously from being a normal teenager, living her life like any other. After a CT scan she and her family were informed there was a mass on her brain that was becoming cancerous. On December 2nd of 2008 she had major brain surgery, followed by radiation and chemo. She realized she couldn't let this bring her down, even though she still had moments of depression, she still tried to keep her head up. During her higher dosages it started to effect her legs and she had to use a walker for the longest time. After she finished treatments she had to begin physical therapy, "I was like a baby again learning how to walk and do everything else. I had to regain my strength. I'm doing good now, walking on my own again and even learned how to run again. My hair is coming in very slow because of the radiation I had to my head," she says.


"I have learned a lot from going through this. I don't take life for granted because you never know what's going to happen tomorrow. My number one quote is everything happens for a reason. So I try and learn from those reasons in order to make me a stronger person, grow into a better person and to show others that anything is possible."
 
 
Hi my name is Cheryl, I am seven years old and my little sister is a cancer survivor. Back when my sister was only 2 years old my parents told me that she had something called leukemia. They told me that she would be sick and not feeling like herself for some time and that she might even lose her hair. So I decided that I would grow my hair longer and in November of 2007 I cut it off and donated 12 inches of my hair to make a wig for my little sister for when all of her hair fell out. My sister and I are best friends, we do everything together, I helped her out on days when she didn't feel great and laid around with her on other days when it was too hard for her to get up and move.


A few months ago we have a big party for her to mark her end of treatment. My parents also gave me, "The Coolest Big Sister Trophy," it was as tall as me. My little sister is finally done with all of the chemotherapy, she's back to feeling like herself again, and has the prettiest hair now. She still has to go to visit her doctor once a month to make sure the cancer doesn't come back, but the visit doesn't take that long and she no longer has to stay in the hospital overnight so that makes us happy. I'm very happy and proud that my little sister is a cancer survivor and I want to do all I can to help other kids who have cancer too!

Adam and Jesse of Maroon 5 stopped by MTV to discuss their new album Hands All Over. They guys also dished about their sexy music videos and which band member can kick the most butt.


Be sure to follow the band on Twitter and enter the “Hands All Over” retweet contest for the chance to win daily prizes right up to release, including the album, new M5 gear and the Grand Prize: a loaded Maroon 5 iPad.

Hands All Over is available for preorder now in advance of its September 21st release. Visit Maroon5.com for more info and tour dates.

As summer winds down, it means fewer backyard barbecues, shorter days, and most of all, kids headed back to school. The transition from summer to school can be daunting for any parent and each year it seems the to-do list gets longer.

Lisa Gurry, one of Working Mother Magazine's 2009 Moms of the Year, has some ideas with the help of Bing.com that can make it a bit more manageable this fall. Her tips are:

*  Back-to-school shopping: Every school requires certain school supplies and most kids love the process of choosing the perfect new backpack or lunchbox. Some online sites, like Bing.com, offer comparison shopping tools that make it easy for you to find everything you need at a great price and get it shipped to your house, beating the crowds.

*  Pantry stock-up: Before the school year gets underway be sure to stock up on all of the essential pantry staples (snacks, desserts, PB&J, etc) so you will be prepared to pack a great lunch at a moment's notice. Having well-stocked cupboards will help streamline your morning routine and by planning ahead you will be able to get the best prices on all your goods.

*  Centralize the essentials: Don't let things get lost in the shuffle. Turn your home's coat closet or mud room into a school prep station so everyone knows where to find lunch boxes, backpacks, coats, etc, so when the morning rush to eat, dress and brush teeth has the household frenzied you can still make it out the door on time with everything you need for the day in hand. Check out www.bing.com/images to view some great design ideas.

*  Avoid the jam: If you run late, your kids run late. Before you leave to take your child to school or to after school activities like sports, music or dance classes, use mapping and traffic applications to find the best route to avoid traffic, so your kids aren't stressing out about missing anything important from the things they enjoy.

*  The back-up plan: Even the most prepared parent hits a snag once in a while. Realizing half-way to school the lunch box is on the kitchen counter or the gym shoes are at a friend's house can ruin a child's day. A handy mobile application for making mid-route stops is www.bing.com/maps. This application allows you to use your phone to easily find the closest grocery or discount chain to pick up what you need in a hurry and keep you from missing your 9 a.m. meeting at work.

Courtesy of ARAcontent