12/10/10
Jesus Is The Gift
Jesus is the gift that perfectly fits every heart
And it is with His love that all celebration starts.
We rejoice in Him as we remember His birth
And thank God for sending His only Son to earth.
His life led from a manger to a cross on a hill
Where He faithfully followed His Father’s perfect will.
He freely laid down everything so that we could live,
And there is no greater treasure anyone could give.
Like a scarlet ribbon His love wrapped around the cross
And He offered it to us all at the greatest cost.
So each time that we give we remember what He’s done
And honor the perfect Gift – God’s one and only son.
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I appreciate having the option to share and celebrate the Treasure & Gift of Jesus at Christmas and that I don't have to follow the throng in choosing mall gifts. I enjoy the process of online shopping at Christian sites such as Dayspring (that you see here) and choosing a meaningful gift for those I hold dear. If it is tugging on your heart too, to seek a meaningful gift for someone, please take a look at these banners for new ideas.
Words of Christmas - Christian Christmas Ornament
12/9/10
Cycling & Walking Links
I had posted these links in the body (way down) of my posting about Florida being the deadliest cycling state but if you are like me, who once I land on a webpage, am scrolling about to find and view their links, then I wanted to make them easily available to you by making them the sole focus of this post. :-).
If you have other Florida or National cycling links, please send them to me. I'd love to share them to my readers. Email: lori@health-adventure-coach.com Subject: Florida Cycling Link. Thank You.
12/7/10
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Never thought I'd have to don my long underwear, hat, gloves, scarf, 3 layers of clothing here in Florida, but Polk County is FREEZING!
Article:
I guess it would always be a wise idea to be prepared for emergencies, no matter where one lives.
Article:
Winter Kisses Polk With Temperatures in the Low 30s
I guess this is included with this ADVENTURE [An exciting or remarkable experience/quest involving exploration, mission & unknown risks] we're on!
I guess it would always be a wise idea to be prepared for emergencies, no matter where one lives.
Quote of the Day
"People say that losing weight is no walk in the park. When I hear that, I think, Yeah, that's the problem" ~ Chris Adams
My reply: " So take up thy poles & walk!" ~ Me
Pole Walking Polk Co.
Nordic Walking
Walking
Walking Poles
My reply: " So take up thy poles & walk!" ~ Me
Pole Walking Polk Co.
Nordic Walking
Walking
Walking Poles
12/6/10
Florida Is The Deadliest State For Walkers & Cyclists
.....so this is NOT good news for me...who is an avid Nordic Pole Walker and a Road Cyclist and who just relocated to Florida! Yikes! I've been chased by a dog and knocked off my bike, sustaining whiplash, bad road rash and a broken clavicle in Oregon (and bone surgery 6 months later) and my husband has been dragged under a car with his bike and sustained multiple fractures, wounds and road rash in Idaho......but we were never in the high statistic danger of being killed by a car on the rural roads of Payette Co., Idaho or Malheur Co., Oregon like we are here in Florida.
We realize now the blessed luxury we had 'back home' in Idaho: to bike from our front step to wherever we wanted to go.
It didn't take us long once we arrived here in South/Central Florida [Polk County], to realize that it wasn't safe to ride our bikes on most roads here. [We are open to being corrected :-)]
Reasons:
1. No shoulder (or, very few)
2. Few bike lanes
3. Very fast drivers and faster-than-comfortable-for-us - speed limits in urban streets
[We live in a 238-home neighborhood. The speed limit is 25 mph; my husband are I are only comfortable driving at 20 mph here due to the number of children/teens who reside in the neighborhood and who either walk the streets or play in the streets and due to the higher-than-25 mph that most residents/visitors seem to travel]
We presently road bike in two places:
Since arriving here end of September we've heard of several bicycle deaths due to being hit by vehicles and another one just this past weekend as per video above. Watch this at Tampa Bay Online
Please take a moment to read this article by USA today with the startling statistics for pedestrian and cycling deaths in Florida.
If you are a resident or visitor to Winter Haven/Bartow/Auburndale FL and would like some company to walk/nordic walk/jog/dog-walk or cycle with, please contact me as my husband and I also are looking to do these activities with others.
Please take the utmost precaution when you are preparing to head out on the roads with your walking shoes, walking poles or bicycle. Read: Bicycle Safety: How Not To Get Hit By Cars
And drivers, Please Share The Road!
12/5/10
12/3/10
7 Festive Family-Friendly Holiday Runs
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Why not challenge yourself (and your buddies) to participate in a community 5k run in preparation for those 5 lbs you may gain over Christmas? Click HERE for a list of runs, hopefully in your area!
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11/26/10
New Promotion for Snowboards & Snowboarding Gear by Tightboards
Being from Canada and later living in the Pacific NW, Snowboarding is a very popular winter sport, although I've never braved to attempt it. However for those who do have that daring nature, snowboarding offers an intense cardio workout and can burn up to 450 calories per hour. For those who are agile, this is a great way to lose those extra pounds while enjoying the release of 'feel good' endorphins outdoors.
Other benefits of snowboarding is that you will work ALL your major muscle groups, will improve flexibility and balance. In short, snowboarding is a fantastic overall cardiovascular and strengthening workout as well as loads and loads of fun. If you have your doubts, just go to a ski hill and watch the huge grins of those who are doing it.
I'm endorsing Tightboards for their wide selection of snowboards, snowboarding gear, skateboards etc. Check them out via the banners below!
Other benefits of snowboarding is that you will work ALL your major muscle groups, will improve flexibility and balance. In short, snowboarding is a fantastic overall cardiovascular and strengthening workout as well as loads and loads of fun. If you have your doubts, just go to a ski hill and watch the huge grins of those who are doing it.
I'm endorsing Tightboards for their wide selection of snowboards, snowboarding gear, skateboards etc. Check them out via the banners below!
11/20/10
Herb & Serve
Since moving to Florida 7 weeks ago, there are 2 things that I can say that I definitely appreciate having throughout all year round - and that were not available to me in the Pacific NW and those are: Farmer's Markets and growing my own herbs!
Here are some herbs that I am growing in my lanai:
MINT: is known to have originated in Asia and the Mediterranean region. In many cultures, mint symbolised hospitality and was offered as a sign of welcome and friendship to guests as they arrived. In the Middle East mint tea is still served to guests on their arrival, whilst in ancient Greece, the leaves of mint were rubbed onto the dining table, which was a sign of their warm greeting.
Mint was also often used as an air freshener and was placed in the rooms of houses, synagogues and temples to clear and freshen the air and rid the smell of unpleasant odours from the room. The Greeks and the Romans used mint as a perfume and a bath scent, as well as using it in medicine and in cooking.
The Nutritional Value of Mint: It contains a number of vitamins and minerals, which are vital to maintain a healthy body. Mint is rich in Vitamins A and C and also contains smaller amounts of Vitamin B2. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and may help to decrease the risk of certain cancers such as colon and rectal cancer. Although mint may be consumed in small quantities, the vital nutrients obtained are still beneficial to one's health.
Mint also contains a wide range of essential minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, potassium and calcium.
Here are some herbs that I am growing in my lanai:
The appearance of CULANTRO rich in calcium, iron, carotene, and riboflavin and its harvested leaves are widely used as a food flavoring and seasoning herb for meat and many other foods. Its medicinal value include its use as a tea for flu, diabetes, constipation, and fevers. One of its most popular use is in chutneys as an appetite stimulant. The name fitweed is derived from its supposedly anti-convulsant property.
ARUGULA has a distinct, peppery bite. It is an is an aromatic salad green.Like most greens, it is low in calories and high in Vitamin A & C. Because it is so potent on its own, it is often mixed with milder greens to produce a nice balanced salad. It can also be sautéed in olive oil. You can substitute most any green for arugula, but the closest matches are Belgian endive, escarole, and dandelion greens.In Roman times Arugula was grown for both it's leaves and the seed. The seed was used for flavoring oils. On another interesting note, Rocket or Arugula seed has been used as an ingredient in aphrodisiac concoctions dating back to the first century, AD. [NOT why I bought it.......but I'll keep that little tidbit in mind...:-)]
I LOVE LOVE LOVE BASIL. I've tried several kinds and so far, love them all! I don't need a reason or a meal to go to the plant and pick a leaf and chew it. Basil is a member of the Mint family, and like most other mints, is mainly used in medicine for its digestive and anti-gas properties. Herbalists also recommend it for stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, headaches, and anxiety. Basil is a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in the Southeast Asian cuisines of Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, often sweet smell.
THAI BASIL: It has a more assertive taste than many other sweet basils. The herb has small leaves, purple stems and a subtle licorice or mint flavor. Thai basil, which has an anise flavor, is used as a condiment in Thai and Vietnamese dishes. It is also a frequently used ingredient in Thai red curry.
BOXWOOD BASIL: I've never tried this before now,but enjoy its distinctive flavor. It was originally bred in France for a highly flavorful pesto base. Here is a sandwich idea with basil: Tomato, avocado, red oinion, feta cheese, lettuce leaf, basil, and Italian dressing in pita bread. Yummy!
Mint was also often used as an air freshener and was placed in the rooms of houses, synagogues and temples to clear and freshen the air and rid the smell of unpleasant odours from the room. The Greeks and the Romans used mint as a perfume and a bath scent, as well as using it in medicine and in cooking.
The Nutritional Value of Mint: It contains a number of vitamins and minerals, which are vital to maintain a healthy body. Mint is rich in Vitamins A and C and also contains smaller amounts of Vitamin B2. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and may help to decrease the risk of certain cancers such as colon and rectal cancer. Although mint may be consumed in small quantities, the vital nutrients obtained are still beneficial to one's health.
Mint also contains a wide range of essential minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, potassium and calcium.
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One of the ways I enjoy fresh herbs is to make a vinaigrette or marinade them in olive oil or other healthy Omega 3 oils. I've found this great Marinade Maker that makes this process much easier than what I've attempted on my own before. And....there are 20 recipes that are included with it. Just add oil and vinegar to premeasured markings on carafe and a handful of freshly harvested herbs for garden-fresh vinaigrettes and marinades. Serve them tableside in the detachable carafe. Stainless steel blade, use-anywhere convenience (batteries included).
11/17/10
Layer Up!
Skiers Rejoice! Wickers Cold Weather Clothing's Got You Covered! If you're a skier or know any hardcore skiers, you understand the reason people love being up on those slopes--the thrill of breathing in cool, fresh air and catching a little adrenaline rush coming down a double diamond! BUT, in order to devote a whole day to waste-high fresh powder, you gotta have the right gear! That's where Wickers comes in.
Ice skaters, snowmobilers, ice fishing junkies, and year round runners know the necessity of staying warm and dry in the frigid winter weather. Wickers carries an impressive line of moisture wicking garments that have been tested tough by the most intense cold weather athletes. Ask any winter weather sports addict and they'll tell you the same thing your Mother used to tell you about staying warm: LAYER UP!
Wearing layers of thinner materials creates little pockets of warmth all over your body, insulating your natural body heat. Start with a lightweight moisture wicking T-shirt, then add the light-weight Long Sleeved Crew Neck. Don't forget to layer up on the bottom too! Wickers Softsilk Thermal Underwear are a skiers favorite! Finally, protect your nose and ears with the Wickers Midweight Balaclava. Now you've got your first layer from head to toe! Add a few more layers and you're ready to hit the Slopes!
11/11/10
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