Keep moving this summer

Summer is such a busy time isn’t it? For those of us that live in the northwest we have to get out and enjoy the sun as much as possible. We never know how long it is going to last. We know that rain is never far away. lol But do you find yourself putting your workouts off because you want to go visit? Try and get your workouts in with unusual activities.

Tips for choosing a walking shoe

Take an inventory of your shoes and determine how many pairs are most comfortable for walking.  How many did you choose?  One?  Two?  Choosing the right walking shoe is essential in preventing foot injuries and other problems.

Sure, buying a pair of the latest styles might be fashionable, but can you honestly wear them all day without grimacing in pain?  Years ago, a good pair of walking shoes consisted of one style which was not at all flattering.  Today, however, you have a wide variety of good walking shoes to choose from, and it is in your best interest to keep your feet healthy by selecting the appropriate walking shoe.

Reunion Blues

Reunion Blues
©Lisa Barker

Recently I went shopping for some special occasion outfits.  I dressed up because I thought it might help salvage my dignity in case I didn’t find anything flattering to buy.

I’ve come to the conclusion that a tunic dress is not the style for me…unless I want to look like a snake that swallowed a rat.

Baby doll dresses make me look like I’m having a baby.

So I decided to take my mom up on her suggestion and try on today’s version of a corset to help me slim the appearance of my mid-section.  Have you ever watched a balloon artist?  That’s what I looked like – a human balloon squeezed tightly in the middle.

Aromatherapy for stress relief

Whether you’ve had a bad day at the office or had a stressful day at home, there is nothing like stress relief via aromatherapy. What is so distinctive about aromatherapy is the aroma part. That is, the use of oils which provide mental, spiritual, and physical healing. The aroma, which is experienced by using various scented oils, invokes emotions and it is the brain, therefore, where all emotions are controlled. Thus, when trying to overcome stress, the therapy is provided by the aroma.

Some explanation of HPV

Within the last year, we have been made aware, via TV commercials, about a virus which has been proven to cause cervical cancer. It is called HPV or human papillomavirus. Let’s explore this virus in depth.

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. Not only is it passed on through sexual intercourse, but through a simple touch of the skin. It is estimated that more than 50% of people who have had sex will have contracted HPV in their lifetime.

Whole Wheat Zuccini Bread

Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

3/4 cup cooked oatmeal
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated apple
2 cups raw, grated zucchini
1 tablespoon vanilla

3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl combine oatmeal, honey, olive oil, apple, zucchini and vanilla.  Beat ingredients until well blended.  In a separate bowl, sift flour, salt, baking soda, powder and cinnamon.  Stir both bowls of ingredients above together into a new bowl and blend well.  Pour mixture into 2 small bread pans.  Bake for 1 hour.  Allow bread to cool completely on a cooling rack before serving.

Potato Slices with a kick

Potato Slices with a Kick

Ingredients:

6 large potatoes
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
3/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 minced garlic clove
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut potatoes into wedges. Line wedges in a 9X13 inch, ungreased glass casserole dish. Mix all other ingredients in a small bowl and pour over potato wedges. Stir to coat potatoes well. Place in over uncovered and bake until potatoes are tender (approximately 45 minutes), being sure to stir every 15 minutes or so.

Cheesy Veggie Shells

Cheesy Shells Primavera

Ingredients:

1 12oz package of shells and cheese pasta mix.
2 tablespoons Low Fat Italian dressing
1 cup broccoli florets
1 red or green pepper cut into strips
1 cup baby peas (frozen)
1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Cook shells and cheese pasta as directed on packaging using low fat milk.  In a large skillet, warm dressing over medium heat.  Combine broccoli and peppers and add to skillet.  Cook until vegetables are somewhat tender.  Add frozen peas and cook until peas are cooked through.  Mix cooked shells and cheese with basil and add to skillet.  Top with Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

apple sauce rhubarb

Apple Sauce with Rhubarb

Ingredients:

4-5 large apples
3 rhubarb stalks
1/2 pint strawberries
1/4 cup water

Instructions:

Peel rhubarb and cut into small pieces.  Next, core and peel apple and chop.  Remove stems from strawberries.  Combine all ingredients into a pot and add water.  Cook mixture over medium heat until boiling.  Turn heat down and open cover just enough to allow a bit of steam to escape the pot.  Simmer until the majority of apples are dissolved and sauce isn’t watery looking, stirring occasionally.  Simmer for approximately 30 minutes.  Turn heat off when there is still a bit of water left in pot.  Allow to cool and then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tomato Broccoli Lunch

Tomato Broccoli Lunch

Ingredients:

1 broccoli bunch
12 cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons minced parsley
2 tablespoons chopped chives
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Wash and cut broccoli. Slice tomatoes into quarters. Place cut up broccoli in a take along bowl. Add cherry tomatoes on top of broccoli. Next sprinkle parsley, chives and salt on top of tomatoes. Do NOT mix ingredients. Cover bowl and chill in refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. Once you are ready to eat, remove lid from container and mix ingredients together. Microwave for 6-8 minutes depending on whether you want your broccoli soft or crunchy. Serve.

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