With a new decade upon us, getting fit from the inside out is sure to be a popular resolution. Everybody wants a crisp, fresh start: slimmer hips, better health and less stress in their lives than they had in the aughts. It’s easy to promise yourself you will get healthy with a brand-new trainer, a membership at the hottest yoga studio in town and a diet filled with nothing but organic fruits and vegetables.
But as we head into the new year, you will realize each resolution carries a hefty price tag. With your bank account still smarting a bit from Christmas spending and your reserve accounts low due to the recession, now may not be the time to create more financial commitments for yourself.
Don’t let a lack of cash interfere with your well-intentioned motivation! There are lots of great, easy ways to get fit, wholesome and healthy without spending a dime.
Step 1 Join the library.
Join your local library to connect to a great health and fitness resource. Check out low-fat cookbooks and copy your favorite recipes. Browse through the exercise books and fitness magazines to collect training tips. Spin through the video/DVD section to see if your library has any fitness DVDs that you can borrow.
Many libraries have games available; take home a game of Pictionary, Twister or Cranium and burn some calories after dinner instead of vegging out in front of the TV. Check out craft books to pick up a hobby that keeps idle, snacking hands busy, like sewing, knitting or origami. Your library also may have a community board full of people interested in starting walking groups, committing to bike trips, taking garden tours or wanting to volunteer in the community. It’s a surefire way to fit in a little (free) exercise while getting to know your neighbors.
Step 2 Floss.
Flossing every day may help keep your blood pressure down and your heart healthy. Scientists from Columbia University published a study in medical periodical Circulation in 2005 that found a correlation between patients who suffered from gum disease and oral plaque build up and patients with increased carotid artery wall thickness.
The researchers concluded this might mean that people who have gum disease are at greater risk of developing atherosclerosis and heart disease. Negate your risk and stay healthy with studious, daily brushing and flossing.
Step 3 Take a hike.
You don’t need to sign up for an expensive gym in order to get fit this year. You don’t even need to buy any home equipment. Good, old-fashioned push-ups and sit-ups accompanied by a walking or jogging plan will keep you in great shape all year round.
Start with three sets of 10 standard push-ups and 100 sit-ups followed by 20 minutes of walking or running. Complete the routine three to four times a week. You can vary the muscle groups you target in push-ups by moving your legs away from or toward each other. Sit-ups can target different muscle groups depending on how they are performed - check out additional tips in fitness magazines at the library.
Step 4 Write it down.
Record your daily exercise and food intake in a journal or logbook. Note duration of exercise, long-term exercise goals, how long you took to eat each meal and what your emotional state was before eating. Within a few days you will have pegged down how what time of day you are most likely to exercise and identify some of your emotional eating triggers. You can use this information to help evolve your health and fitness habits. Read more… »
This sounds very beneficial. Saw this over at eHow and though I’d post it here as well.
1. Plug an Ethernet cable directly from the printer to the router, if your printer has an Ethernet port. You may need to insert and run the printer installation CD and choose the “Network” option.
2. Turn on the printer and check that it is on the network by opening the Start menu and selecting “Control Panel,” then “Network and Sharing,” then “View Computers and Devices.”
3. Alternately, you can plug the printer into the router using a USB cable. Some wireless routers come with a USB connection for printers so several computers can share a printer over the network.
4. Add the printer by opening the Start menu and selecting “Control Panel,” then “Printers,” then “Add Printer,” then “Add a Network Printer.” Follow the on-screen instructions to configure.
5. Test the wireless router to printer connection by printing a test page from the printer from one of your network computers. Enter the Control Panel, then select “Printers,” then the name of your networked printer, then “Properties,” then “Print Test Page.”
Well, this goes totally for me! LOL Saw this over eHow and have to post it here. After all, this is a VERY helpful tips! Ladies, listen up!
1. Consider the Economy a Sign to Slow Down
When the national economy reports are optimistic, it is easy to feel like you are serving your country by contributing to it. And you may feel like the economy needs you to help it thrive during the recession. Either way, shopping is not worth putting yourself into overwhelming debt, and there are ways to get what you need without going overboard.
If you tend to overspend, remind yourself about the economy and the need to be conservative. After all, you never know when a source of income could be cut off–and if it is, you want to make sure that you have enough money for the basics.
2. Identify Your Emotions
Whether you are mad, excited, happy, or just plain bored–these are all emotions that can trigger you to overspend. Before you set out to shop, think about how you are feeling. Often times, you may still be able to enjoy shopping if you set a limit for yourself. You can also go without your wallet and make the drive back if you feel you really want something. Overshopping cannot fill an emotional hole, even though it may seem like it does at the time.
Otherwise, avoid shopping due to these emotions, or you could be buying things you do not want, need–or even like!
3. Think About Your Underlying Needs
If you are lonely, you may go shopping just to be around other people–maybe even talking to the cashier helps. This is the type of underlying need, that if you can identify, you can satisfy in another way. Once you think about the reasons why you shop, you can likely find other ways to satisfy those needs. Or maybe you can real lot money and spend it more smartly; if you get frustrated at work, hit the gym afterward instead of the mall. It’s much more beneficial!
4. Utilize Alternatives
Once you identify the reasons for your shopaholicism and recognize the underlying needs, it’s time to start meeting those needs without a credit card. If you’re angry, work off your anger or resolve the issue instead of hitting Macy’s. If you are anxious, try taking a walk to calm down or do some journaling. These are wonderful alternatives that can help you break the overspending habit. You will be able to shop and regain your love of shopping–in a more healthy way–once you stop buying mindlessly.
5. Connect With Others
Plenty of people overshop–there are about 17 million Americans that cannot resist the urge, according to studies. Similarly, there are tons of resources to help you connect with others to find support and identify ways to curb your spending. Visit a site like stoppingovershopping.com to help resist the urge
Christmas is around the corner and it means, I want a little something from the husband. I think I want this!!!
1. Buy a Wii Fit board.
Assuming you already have a Nintendo Wii, the most important component to the Wii Fit is the balance board. The balance board costs about $100. During the holiday season you can find deals for as low as $80.
2. Take an Initial Fit Examination.
At the beginning of the program, Wii Fit asks you to take an overview of your weight, height, and balance. From these statistics, your Body Mass Index (BMI) will be calculated. Many opponents say that Wii Fit’s BMI calculation is not accurate because it does not account for muscle mass. Use your medical expert’s advice on what your healthy BMI range.
3. Plan your exercise program.
The updated Wii Fit Plus offers customization to users. You can order and itemize routines based on which parts of your body you want to work out. Want to work on the arms or legs? Wii fit will compile a personalized fitness program for you.
4. Play games that stimulate aerobic activity.
Wii Fit offers many aerobic activies as games. Try boxing, baseball and tennis to work the upper body. There’s also skiing for the lower body. Play games using your Wiimote and Wii Fit board. It’s more interactive than listening exercise hosts on video.
5. Learn yoga.
The yoga poses are a great introduction for beginners. Those advanced in yoga will find the lessons a great way to tighten routine poses. In addition to yoga, there are other anaerobic exercises like strength training games that focus on muscle building.
6. Get aligned with balance games.
Misaligned balance shows up as uneven distribution of weight in your body. It can also reveal posture and future back problems. These bone-strengthening exercises are arguably the hardest games on the Wii Fit.
7. Track burned calories.
For those exercising to lose weight, Wii Fit has a calorie tracker. It takes 3,500 burned calories to lose one pound. To lose a pound a week, focus on burning 500 calories a day. Check out the tracker, which assesses the time and activity spent on the board. You’ll see your caloric burn total for the session.
8. Work out regularly.
The American Council of Exercise recommends 30 minutes of exercise at least four days a week. Give yourself time to get and keep your heart rate elevated for at least 10 minutes, and consider the time it takes you to build up a sweat as your warm up. Don’t forget to stretch after the routine.
9. Assess your progress weekly.
Each week, update your statistics. Complete the balance program and weigh yourself again. Check in at the same time on the same day (e.g. Saturday morning).
10. Assess your progress after a month.
Look at your stats after a month of continuous use. Check your balance, measurements and weight. If you don’t see any significant improvement, then this program may not be for you. Still, congratulate yourself for sticking to a routine. Take that detetermination into a gym or more vigorous exercise program.
I still have my cough for almost 2 months now..this is insane! LOL I will go to my doctor tomorrow though…but if you’re suffering for sore throat like me..this is helpful! Saw it over in eHow.
1. Drink 4 to 6 glasses of water per day. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Avoid very hot drinks and sugary colas because they can irritate your throat’s delicate membranes.
2. A hot cup of water with 2 teaspoons of honey and the juice of half of a lemon is very effective. The honey soothes, and the citrus of the lemon kills germs.
3. Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water. Gargle a mouthful, spit it out and then swallow a mouthful. Repeat until the liquid is gone. Both the warm water and the vinegar will kill the germs infecting your throat.
Just a REMINDER! hehe Saw this in ehow and thought this is a nice idea to post here. I missed the husband so badly as you can see..lol Some tips,peeps!
In today’s culture marriage has lost the sanctity that it once had. Too easily people are giving up and are ill-preparing the relationship in the first place. Here are a few ways you can make your marriage last ’til death do you part.
1. Prepare to be married before you get married. This can be done with premarital counseling or just by sitting down and talking.
2. Decide how your household will operate and who will have which roles. Often finances and children are never discussed until later in the marriage and an incompatibility is discovered.
3. Talk about your religious and moral beliefs. What are your goals for the future? Where do you each see yourselves in 10 years? Is it the same place?
4. Use common sense when arguments ensue. Don’t use character assassination to make you look or feel better. You are just going to cause resentment with the other person.
5. Designate a place that you can both come to compromise. Maybe you have a peaceful place in the garden or work better together in the kitchen.
6. Implement a date night once a month and stick with it!
7. Listen to the other person and let them finish their sentence completely before responding. Cutting people off is a huge sign of disrespect.
8. Keep the spark alive. Intimacy is a very important part of any relationship.
1. One of the best security precautions you can take is to replace or re-key your locks immediately after you move in. Replacing or re-keying your exterior locks is the only way to ensure that only you control the keys to your new home. Don’t make it easy for burglars to walk through your front door with the key.
2. Your home should have deadbolts with full one inch bolts on all entry doors. These should be installed on front, back and side doors in addition to existing locksets. Another precaution: If your doors have conventional glass panels, consider replacing them with shatterproof glass or with polycarbonate material. You can install deadbolts yourself, with the easy-to-follow instructions and common household tools or you can have a qualified locksmith do the job for you. Even with installation costs, deadbolts may be the cheapest insurance you can buy.
3. Never admit anyone to your home you do not know. The best locks in the world cannot substitute for caution and common sense. A simple, inexpensive safety device is a one-way door viewer available from almost any hardware store or locksmith. The viewer lets you see who’s at your door without that person seeing you. Installation is as simple as drilling a small hole and fitting the device into place.
4. It’s important to call your local police department for a home security inspection. Many local law enforcement agencies will review your home’s security measures and point out any areas of concern.
5. For a detailed security analysis of your home, contact a bonded professional locksmith who is an accredited member of a national locksmith association. At no cost to you, your police and sheriff’s department will be glad to help when needed. Call them immediately if you see, hear or have a good reason to suspect that a crime is being committed. Many law enforcement officers, despite their demanding schedules, are willing to take the time to make a security check of your home and will point out major flaws in your home protection. Crime is everyone’s problem and preventing it is everyone’s obligation. The next home you protect from burglary may be your own.
6. Inquire about Neighborhood watch programs. Call your local police department to determine if your new community has a Neighborhood Watch program.
Now, off to check on a few things here in the house! Have a great weekend!
To those travel bugs, this is for you specially if you are traveling to new time zones..
1. Drink plenty of water as you travel to your destination and after you arrive. If you are dehydrated, it will take you longer to adapt to the new time zone.
2. Sleep on the plane to be alert and awake if you will be arriving in the morning or early afternoon. Stay awake on the plane to be sleepy upon arrival if you’ll reach your destination in the evening or at night.
3. If you arrive at your final destination in the morning, try to stay awake all day. Drink small amounts of coffee, tea or caffeinated soda to wake you up (too much caffeine will further disrupt your sleep cycle). Keep napping to a minimum.
4. If you arrive in the evening, go to sleep at your normal bedtime according to the new time zone. That is, if your bedtime at home is 11 p.m., go to bed at that time in your new location. You may want to ask your doctor to recommend an over-the-counter sleeping aid.
5. If your trip is shorter than 48 hours, schedule meetings according to your home time zone. If the new time zone is 3 hours ahead of your normal time, schedule late morning or afternoon meetings when you will be awake and alert. For example, a 1 p.m. meeting is at 10 a.m. according to your internal clock.
6. Expose yourself to bright light and exercise in the morning in the new time zone. This helps reset your internal clock.
7. Eat small meals throughout the day while you adjust to the new mealtimes. Keep a snack by your bed if your regular dinnertime occurs in the middle of the night in the new time zone.
8. Give your body time to make the switch. If you feel very drowsy during the day, take a nap for up to one hour, but make sure it’s before evening. Avoid pushing yourself too hard during the first few
days.
Tips & Warnings
* To minimize the effects of jet lag, start adjusting your internal clock before you depart. Go to sleep an hour earlier or later on the days leading up to your departure.
* Generally, it is more difficult to adjust to a time zone when you are traveling east, because you must wake up and go to sleep earlier than you’re used to.
A ton of recent studies link positive thinking to reduced stress, better health and overall enhanced mood. And while some people may seem hard-wired to be perpetually chipper, the rest of us can take heart: it can be learned.
Here’s how:
1. Take responsibility.
Montreal-based life coach Annick Robinson says clients track her down when they feel their life is in a rut. “They have limiting beliefs programmed into them”, which reinforce negative thoughts like not being smart or pretty enough, she says.
To break through, Robinson says you must accept 100% responsibility for your life – both the failures and the fabulousness. Next, for each decision you make in a day, ask yourself: “Is this healing or hurting me?”
The Payoff: By weeding out negativity in everyday decisions, you’re encouraged to make ones that are good for you. “When you make an effort, it’s amazing how you can transform yourself,” Robinson says.
2. Keep expectations in check.
It’s a simple truth: expectation can lead to disappointment. And life, for the most part, is out of our control. “Expectation is a major root cause of all our unhappiness,” says Dr. Chandrakant Shah, professor emeritus at Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Accept that you can’t really change anyone but you. When you come up against a taxing family member or an idiosyncratic colleague, your frustrations are typically tied to what you expect of them. In that challenging moment, practice acceptance.
The Payoff: This isn’t about shirking responsibility or being a pushover. Being more tolerant of people leads to less disillusion and greater inner contentment, says Dr. Shah. “Accept people as they are.”
3. Practice happiness.
Most people don’t notice when negative thoughts cross their minds, says Vancouver-based psychologist Dr. Gordon Reid. To become optimistic, you need to practice. “Take 30 seconds out of the day to just pay attention to your breathing,” he says. To help focus, Dr. Reid suggests thinking of the number one while inhaling, and the number two when exhaling. The goal is to be present and in the moment. “The stopping of our thoughts and identifying with our bodies naturally relaxes us.”
The Payoff: A calm, reflective mindset which becomes the basis of a more hopeful outlook.
Here are 3 keys to developing an amazing self confidence:
Self Confidence Key #1 - Start small.
To many times people try to build their self confidence by doing something big right from the start. While this may work at times it usually has a negative result. The reason being is this, if you try something huge to build your self confidence and fail that means that you failed big. This doesn’t help you to believe in yourself at all. Baby steps are usually best that way when you fall it doesn’t hurt as bad. When you master the baby steps start taking bigger steps.
Self Confidence Key #2 - Create a team of support.
Don’t try to build your self confidence all by yourself. You need people around you that will encourage you when times get tough or when you are feeling down. Even if the team consists of you and one other person at least you know that there is someone there that will encourage you.
Self Confidence Key #3 - Don’t quit.
As long as you don’t quit you will develop you self confidence. It may not be as fast as you would like it to be but even small growth is better than no growth. If you quit there is no way that you can build your self confidence. Just make a decision before you ever start that no matter how hard it get’s or how long it takes, you won’t stop until you develop the self confidence you want and deserve.
I saw this over at eHow as usual and thought this article is a great help. Sounds easy to follow as well. So just in case you’re having trouble with your notebook, this is a great tips and steps to follow one!
Upgrading the memory in a notebook computer is typically not complicated. A memory upgrade will help your computer to be able to handle data more quickly. An operating system like Windows vista is very needy when it comes to memory. Typically between 500 MB and 1GB is used, depending on the setup, just to run this Windows operating system. If you need to upgrade your memory in your notebook computer, this article can help you get started.
1. Unplug the notebook computer and remove the battery. This will eliminate the chance for damage to your notebook and injury to yourself.
2. Turn the notebook computer upside down. On the back are several removable doors that are held in place with several small screws. Ground yourself by touching a metal object or touch your screwdriver on the ground while touching metal. Unscrew the screws holding the back memory cover, using a small Phillips head screwdriver. Once the screws are loose, remove the back cover of the laptop memory panel.
3. Look at the label on the memory already installed in the notebook computer. Write down the specifications on the memory cards. It should say DDR, DDR2, or the newest DDR3, this is the type. The next number is the clock speed and will typically be between 100 and 1600, for example DDR2 400. The next numbers will be the bandwidth, for example PC2-3200. The bandwidth should be PC, PC2, or PC3 followed by a number divisible by 100. You will also need to record the edge connector style. Most modern notebooks use either 72 pin SODimm or 144 pin SODimm. Older notebooks may use DDR SDRAM or SDRAM.
Basically, skin exfoliation improves skin’s appearance by removing all dead cells from the surface skin. Exfoliation reveals soft, supple, re-energized skin and prevents from premature skin aging. So, here are some tips of exfoliating your skin:
* Before using any exfoliating products, check out which type of exfoliation will suit your skin.
* Avoid rubbing any exfoliating products on your face. It loosens the facial skin and can cause wrinkles. Dabbing is a safer way to apply and rinse exfoliating products.
* Do not use hot water on the face. It burns the skin and dries it out quickly. Use lukewarm or cool water for to rinsing your face.
* Exfoliate your skin in the evening.
* Exfoliation of skin gives best results during summer than winter. So exfoliate more in summer.
* Don’t exfoliate the area around the eyes. Here skin is very thin and sensitive and doesn’t need exfoliation.
* After exfoliation use a good moisturizer containing antioxidants which supplies the required minerals to your skin lost in exfoliation.
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