Rena Boot Review, Karen Santilli

The first word that comes to my mind to describe these boots is “COMFY!!”
I LOVE the Rena boot, the heel is perfect for everyday wear. The leather is soft and the boot conforms perfectly to your foot. The height of the boot is just right and the upper part of the boot doesn't constrict your leg at all like some boots end up doing.

The Lovely Bones

Susie Salmon was murdered at age 14, as if that wasn't bad enough her spirit is caught in the "middle" as she watches over her family and their struggle with her death. Susie has a hard time dealing with wanting vengeance over her murderer and is forced to see the other crimes he has committed while she is in the "middle" before taking that step towards heaven. Amy and I went to see this together and immediately she informed me the book was so much better, so many important details were left out of the movie. The movie was more focused on the "middle" surreal scenes of Susie floating in this strange world of seasons constantly changing, terrifying moments, and being transcended into her family's life to see the horror they are living. After listening to Amy describe the important details that were left out of the film I wish I would have read the book! I found myself wanting the movie to be more focused on the crime, the murderer, trying to help solve the mystery, but instead I was thrown into these surreal worlds of the "middle", and to disappoint more, the cinematography wasn't that great..... We did enjoy the flashbacks it brought to us since it was based in 1973, the clothes, the toys the kids had and the interior design of middle america homes was spot on. If you have already read the book I'm afraid to say you will be highly disappointed, if you haven't read the book and you go see the movie, I'm sure you'll be ready to go out and get the book in order to get a feel for what author Alice Sebold was intending to share.

Help For Haiti

With all the world watching the devastation in Haiti several of our readers have sent in notes asking if we knew how to help. We put together a list or organizations that you can contact to find out how you can help. Lets keep the people of Haiti in our thoughts and prayers....

Hey Guys, AFA certified trainer Rich Bready from Gils Gym is bringing us more great info on starting our workouts. He talks about the very important warm up and strength training. Think of your muscle as a furnace and the fuel it burns is FAT, so yup you guessed it, that means if you want to loose some fat you need to be incorporating strength training into your work out routine. Start the year off right, maintain the most important machine in your garage, YOU!

Hey Garage-Girls you asked for it, were bringin' it!

We are starting 2010 off with lots of health and fitness information. Certified Personal Trainer Rich Bready from Gils Gym in Palmer Mass. was totally excited to work with us and share his knowledge on what we need to be doing to "maintain" our bodies. We all know that we have to maintain our machines, and the most important one being ourself. So start the year off right and maintain your way to good health!

A Sad Start to the New Year

We wish we were starting 2010 off with great exciting news, but we want to share with all our readers the sad news. Kristin Buckley, (one of the winners of our Ultimate Biker Makeover), her son Jed who has been fighting Leukemia passed away Sunday January 3rd. We know Kristin and Jed touched a lot of our readers hearts and we ask you to keep her and her family in your prayers. Kristin will need love and support from everyone. Jed fought a long tough battle and he touched many lives. Jed loved to watch Penn State Football and play video games. He had aspirations of going to Culinary school in San Francisco as he loved to cook. We know Jed is no longer in any pain and will be cooking his heart out for all the angels and saints while cheering on Penn State. Our Sincere Condolences to Kristin, Danny, Savannah and Bandit. If you would like to leave your deepest sympathies to Kristin and her family you can visit the blog she created to keep friends and family updated on Jed's Battle here.

Survive Holiday Travel

Having just endured an airport "situation" myself, I thought it would be a great time to share some tips on surviving travel during the Holidays...

Take a deep breath, you want to enjoy the holidays right??? Be prepared as much as you can before taking off!

-Lighten your load - if your traveling via air this year, ship your presents instead of trying to take them on the plane with you. Shipping gifts is actually now cheaper than paying for extra bags with airlines...

-Baggage Costs- use this website to help calculate costs so your prepared for what an extra bag might be out of pocket. luggagelimits.com

-Don't forget your only allowed 3 ounces of liquid, so gifts of perfume, alcohol and wine won't be allowed on the plane with you..

Pampered Chef

Carla, one of our good friends is a Pampered Chef Consultant and she has a site that you can order from, we wanted to share that site with you...

All of Carla's contact info is listed if you have any questions or would like to place an order. Just Visit here, Carlacooks4you

14:59, By Angela Arpin

Took a shot of wheatgrass to combat this incessant fatigue;the symptoms of a rainy Saturday. Opened a can of Campbells soup,and immediately thought of Andy Warhol,and his famous quote-how we all will have 15 minutes of fame. It made me wonder if that same theory applies to every other aspect of our lives. 15 minutes of clarity. Fifteen minutes of feeling as if someone truly understands you. Fifteen minutes of losing yourself in someone elses perception of yourself. 15 minutes of knowing your place in the world.

I am always at 14:59. Right on the verge...

Intermingle art with life. LIFE imitating art. ART imitating life. Are you innocent-or are you naive. Lets take a trip to the symbolic playground;lets jump on the mood SWINGS...climb the corporate LADDERS...pick dandelions from the adjacent field,then collapse onto the ground and make grass angels-leave our indentation in the world. Make our mark.

Stare up at the sun until the whole world becomes one giant sun splotch. Lets play HopSCOTCH & disregard the fact that it resembles a chalk body outline. Get drunk over at the monkey BARS,chuckle to ourselves at the realization that the seasaw resembles a giant replica of the scales of justice. Politics on the playground. The Democratic "elephant" in the room.

I am neither innocent nor naive. I am intolerant. I am intolerant of injustice,of ignorance...and of lactose.
Campbells-thanks for the soup epiphany.

How To Survive Thanksgiving

Not everyone has the perfect family, or the perfect holiday, but this holiday is here to remind us of all we have to be thankful for. With that being said, if Uncle Frank is driving you crazy, just chill, take a deep breath and remember what this day is really all about. Here are a few tips to help you actually enjoy Thanksgiving....

Manage Your Expectations- Forget Perfection: Perfection is overrated - in celebrations and in people. There is no textbook Thanksgiving.

Be Aware of Family Dynamics-Don't Regress: You're not 8. You, your parents, your siblings and all of your assorted relatives are complicated adults. You all have your own lives, concerns and needs. Everyone wants to be loved, and everyone fears going unnoticed.

Respect Your Differences

1. Be Empathetic: Take the time to understand where people are coming from, and you'll have a much easier time interacting with them in general.
2. Be Attentive: People are pretty interesting. They also like to talk about themselves. Ask your family members questions, and listen to their answers. Did they ever meet someone famous? Were they in a war? How did they meet their spouse? You never know what you'll discover.
3. Don't Discipline Anyone Else's Children: People have very particular ideas about child-rearing. Even if a child is throwing mushy peas at your head, do not discipline the child.
4. Don't Criticize: Don't ask your adult children if they're dating, when they're going to have children or whether or not they could stand to lose a little weight.
5. Differentiate Between Public and Private: While you may be amongst friends and family, wait for a quieter moment to come out to mom and dad or announce that you're dropping out of college. Don't force someone to perform his or her response in front of others.
6. Accommodate Special Dietary Needs: Make vegetarians and those with special dietary needs feel included by providing a couple of alternatives dishes, and don't feel insulted if they can't eat everything you've prepared.

Most Important, enjoy the day and the company. The Title of this famous Rockwell Thanksgiving print is "Freedom From Want", take the time this year to think about what that actually means.
 

Pocket Knives, The Fun Accessory!

One of our most favorite accessories is a pocket knife, they come in handy for just about anything. Everything from opening boxes, cutting annoying strings from our clothes, they also become a necessary tool when your out riding or working in the garage. One of the better manufacture of knives, Benchmade just released a cool new line of Harley Davidson knives.
The new series includes, the Mini Hardtail, Tether Knife, Levitator Money Clip Knife, and the cool limited edition Pink Nightshift

They make great gifts, but don't forget to drop a hint that you'd like to see one under your tree!

Visit h-dknives.com to locate the nearest dealer or to purchase online.

Credit Card, Identity Theft.... Keep yourself Protected!

Here are some easy things you can do to stay protected.

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials
(instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone
takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks
with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will
know how you sign your checks.

2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put
"PHOTO ID REQUIRED".

3. When you are writing checks to pay  on your credit card
accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For"
line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card
company  knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be
handling your check as it passes through all the check
processing channels won't have access to it.

4. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your
home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home
address. If you do not have a  PO Box, use your work address.

Never have your SS# printed on your checks. You can add it if it
is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine.
Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know
what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and
phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep  the photocopies safe.
also carry a photocopy of passport when traveling either
here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud
that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social
Security number, credit cards.

All Natural Homemade Apple Sauce

Here is a great way to enjoy a delicious fall treat without all the extra sugar!

Take a large bag of Apples, peel and slice up
Place in a pan, add to stove on very low. If apples are very juicy you shouldn't need to add water.
Keep a close eye on apples and as they start to soften stir and use a potato masher to achieve the perfect apple sauce texture. If there doesn't seem to be enough "juice" add no more than 1/4 cup of water.

For a great guilt free dessert take a cup of plain vanilla frozen yogurt, warm some of your homemade applesauce and pour on top of yogurt. Voila, Apple Pie Ala mode without the extra calories!

Business Supporting our Veterans.

With Veterans day fast approaching we wanted to bring some attention to those who have served and are serving our country. We have lots of readers who either served themselves or are married to servicemen. We think this is a great way to honor our vet's and hope more business's catch on....

In recognition of your service to our country, all veterans and ActiveDuty Military personnel are invited to eat free at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurants this Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. As you may recall, Applebee's launched a pilot program last year on Veterans Day offering free entrees to military service personnel and veterans. Because the response was so overwhelmingly positive, Applebee's is extending the invitation throughout the country this year. Proof of service includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform. For additional details, visit: www.applebees.com/vetsday 

And from Sam's Club:
 On Veterans Day, November 11, 2009, Sam’s Club® locations nationwide will be giving away 25,000 Hugo® canes free of charge to United States Military Veterans in need of mobility assistance. We salute our veterans for all the incredible contributions made to our country. To all who have served... Thank You! Limited quantities per club, available only while supplies last. Sam’s Club® Membership is not required. Proof of Military service may be required.

Happy Halloween.... Stay away from the candy!

Come on who can resist those cute little fun size candy bars? They look so little, one can't hurt, can it? No, one can't hurt, but when was the last time you stopped at just one? Don't worry we all have the same struggles, here are some calorie break downs on some of the more popular Halloween treats. Don't forget there are plenty of other choices besides candy, such as snack size pretzel bags and popcorn balls or all natural applesauce cups. Don't deprive yourself the sweet treat, just keep it in check!
Note: Calorie content is based on 1 serving of Halloween fun size packages, not full size servings found in the candy aisle.

Nestle’s Crunch – Fun Size 3 bars=210 calories
Peanut M&M’s – Fun Pack 2 bags=80 calories
M&M’s – Fun Pack 2 bags=180 calories
Snicker’s – Fun Size 2 bars=160 calories
Milky Way – Fun Size 2 bars=150 calories
Kit Kat – Fun Size 2 bars=100 calories
Hershey Chocolate Bar – Fun Size 1 bar=90 calories/ 5grams of fat
Reese’s Cup – 1 cup=80 calories
Butterfinger – Fun Size 1 bar= 100 calories
Twix – Fun Size 1 bar= 80 calories
York Peppermint Pattie – 1 pattie=70 calories
Twizzlers – 1 treat size pkg= 45 calories
Almond Joy – 1 snack size bar = 90 calories
Milk Duds – 1 treat size box = 40 calories
Butterfinger – 1 snack size bar = 100 calories
Milky Way – 1 snack size bar = 90 calories
SweetTarts – 1 treat size pkg. = 50 calories
1 Tootsie Pop – 1 pop = 60 calories
1 Tootsie Roll – 1 small roll = 13 calories

Flu Symptoms or Cold?

Seems we are hearing more and more about everyone getting sick, including us! ACK.... so what do you have? Just a cold, the Flu or the Swine Flu?
Because flu symptoms are very similar to cold symptoms, it's often hard to tell the difference. But there is one clue about flu that can help you know. When you have the flu, you feel flu symptoms sooner than you would cold symptoms, and they come on with much greater intensity. What symptoms will I have with flu?
With the flu, you may feel very weak and fatigued for up to 2 or 3 weeks. You'll have muscle aches and periods of chills and sweats as fever comes and goes. You may also have a stuffy or runny nose, headache, and sore throat.
The following chart can help you compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms. Use it to learn the differences and similarities between flu and cold symptoms. Then, if you get flu symptoms, call your doctor and ask about an antiviral drug. Most important WASH, WASH, WASH your hands, Stay Healthy!

Symptoms

Fever, Rare with a cold usually present with the flu

Headache, Rare with a cold Prominent with the flu

General Aches and Pains, slight with a cold, often severe with the flu

Fatigue, Weakness, Mild with a cold, can last up to 2-3 weeks with the flu

Extreme Exhaustion, Never with a cold, Early and Prominent with the flu

Stuffy Nose, Common with Cold, Sometimes with the flu

Sore Throat, Common with Cold, Sometimes with the flu

Chest Discomfort, Cough, mild to moderate hacking cough with cold, Bronchitis or pneumonia can be life threating with the flu

Prevention, Good Hygiene for both and the Flu shot or Flu mist for the flu

Treatment, Only temp. relief of symptoms for the cold, Antiviral drugs within 24-48 hours of onset for the flu

Time To Pack It In

As much as we hate to admit it, the summer season is over, most of us figured that out this week, as that blast of cold air pushed through most of the states. One part in getting ready for winter is taking care of our outdoor furniture. Here's a refresher on what you'll need to do to get your patio stuff stored away properly.
1. Give a quick scrub down, now is the perfect time to get rid of all the grime the season has left behind on your furniture. Use a soft brush to get rid of loose dirt from tables and chairs. Rub down the cushions with a sponge and a bucket of warm dish soap,(let the cushions dry fully before storing). Give tables and chairs a quick rub down with the sponge and soap before you toss it. If you aren't storing your set in the garage, cover it securely using bungee cords around legs to keep the cover in place. Use old bed sheets to wrap the cushions.
2. Grill Cleaning 101, go ahead and fire the grill up one last time for about 15 min. to burn away any leftovers. Once that is all heated up go ahead and scrap away the racks with a wire brush. Once the grill cools, remove the grease trays and wash in the sink. Wipe the grill cover, knobs and side trays. If your moving the grill to your garage, disconnect the propane tank, you can loosely cover the propane tank with a trash bag to keep it dry.
3. Clean up outdoor Stuff, have a hose lying around the yard, pull it straight, get the kinks out and take the time to wind it up nicely if you don't have one of those hose winders. Make sure all water is out so it won't freeze. Get rid of any potted plants that you aren't bringing in doors. If your keeping large pots outside turn them upside down so water won't fill them up and freeze. Pick up any leftover outdoor tools and store them away.
4. Give your yard a "once" over make sure there isn't anything left outside that could be damaged by the snow and cold weather.

Save Money on Your Pets Med's

Since pretty much all of our readers our Animal lovers we wanted to share this info with you... Walgreens has a pharmacy plan that can help out not only your human family members but also your fuzzy family. The plan costs $35 for a family or $20 for an individual, the best part, this plan covers our furry family member's medications as well (that is a one time annual cost).

So lets say your pets med's from your vet total $187.00, move that script over to the Walgreens plan and your cost can go down to $41.00 for the exact same med's with your pharmacy plan.

For more info Visit here

Be Aware, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month

It's All About Early Detection & Screening
Getting regular screening tests is the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer. Screening tests can find breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Don't forget how important these screening tests are... Mammography (including digital mammography), MRI and clinical breast exam.
The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) program is dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of the early detection of breast cancer through a nationwide campaign held in October. NBCAM started as a weeklong campaign in 1985 with 2 founding members. Today the American Cancer Society is one of many national public service organizations, professional associations, and government agencies that form the NBCAM Board of Sponsors.
The Goal of National Breast Cancer awareness month is to spread the message that early detection of breast cancer followed by prompt treatment saves lives!
To Learn more visit http://ww5.komen.org/default.aspx

Rescue Ink !
This Friday Sept. 25th 10pm on National Geographic Channel

These guys are pretty damn cool, you have to check them out friday night at 10pm on the National Geographic channel. I recently got to spend some time on the phone with Joe Panz (one of the founders of Rescue Ink), I was writing an article for Easyriders Magazine about the awesome work they do for animals. I love how the stereotype that most people want to bring down about bikers is exactly what's helping these guys get the job done of protecting animals. When someone sees a big hairy tattooed biker they immediately think trouble and while that couldn't be farther from the case, let people think that, because these guys are out to take care of animals and rescue them from abusive and neglectful situations. So let people be scared of them, let them worry about the wrath Rescue Ink will bring down on them, when it comes to helping animals out Garage-Girls is all over it and we couldn't be more thrilled about what these guys are doing to help animals! Don't miss them Friday Spet. 25th 10pm

It's no doubt well known info that we start to eat a few more calories a day once the fall season hits, According to John de Castro, a professor of psychology at the University of Texas, El Paso, "We have a tendency to eat about 200 calories more per day during the fall." What does that translate to in terms of potential weight gain? As much as three to four pounds a year. "We tend to blame much of this 'fall' weight gain on the holidays; however, there are other causes," says de Castro, who excluded the holiday periods from his research.

Why We Eat More according to de Castro More than likely, it's biological--putting on weight in preparation for the potential winter famine our ancestors faced. "It all makes sense--the fall harvest, storing up for the long winter months," explains de Castro. Historically, we have a tendency to eat when food is plentiful, because we never knew when our next meal was going to be available.

Taking Woodstock

Ok, Gotta start this one off complaining about movie previews that totally don't represent what the movie is... From the previews it looked like we were in store for a comedy about Woodstock, not so much the case here. Taking Woodstock was a "bad trip" man, a few funny moments but this movie was more of a "coming to age" story about a young interior designer, "Elliot" living in New York City who gave up everything he has to head back to the Catskills in NY to help his parents keep their dilapidated motel, the El Monaco from being foreclosed on by the bank.

While back home Elliot becomes president of the chamber of commerce and his $1.00 permit for his local music and arts festival would soon become history as he helps save the Concert and brings it to his own backyard, at the expense of pissing his community off. The movie was slow going, showed none of the best part of Woodstock, (the music) and made Amy, Britt and I feel the need to go take a shower after watching it! Not sure if the director was hoping everyone will "dose" or "smoke a fatty" before going to watch this, as it's filled with "trippy" scenes and an attempt to re-create the original Woodstock movie with the split scenes, we actually found it more annoying than "groovy".

Surf the Rainy Day Blues Away

What is there to do on a rainy day anymore? We found some pretty cool sites to surf, to help pass the rainy day blues.

1. SuperCook.com- Forget about running out to the store to buy the ingrediants you need for a recipe, with this site all you do is enter what you already have in your fridge/cupboards and super cook searches through its database of over 300,000 recipes and shares with you ones that match. Save money, save food, can't beat that during this time of economical woes!

2. Academicearth.com-The this is such a cool site, from the comfort of your own home, you can listen in to classes/seminars from some of the best schools, Like MIT, Berkley, Yale, Princeton and Harvard.

3. NameVoyager-we actually have a lot of readers on Garage-Girls that are new moms or are expecting, seems the first question everyone asks, "do you have any names picked out?" Not an easy task, especially if you don't want your child to be the 8th "Jenny" in her class. This site will share with you the low down on names, the popularity and origin, very cool surfing, check it out.

The Time Travelers Wife

Based on a best selling book about a man that comes and goes into a young girl's life. Clare (Rachel McAdams) has been in love with Henry (the handsome Eric Bana) since she was a little girl. Henry is cursed with a rare genetic oddity that forces his life to be lived on a changing time line, throwing him into his life, back and forth with no control. Clare knowingly sets herself up for heartbreak knowing Henry can show-up and leave at a moments notice. The movie was entertaining, sometimes annoying when it's just getting good and Henry does his disappearing act... Amy and I found ourselves thinking the movie was slow in parts that should have moved faster, and fast in parts that needed to move slower. Overall the story was told, but not pulling you in 100% emotionally. We both agree it's worth going to see, just to look at Eric Bana, can a time traveler be anymore handsome???

Best Time For Big Purchases

Did you know you can save Big Bucks by buying at the Right Time? Here are a few on a list of over 40 items timed for the best time to buy

• Large Home Appliances - October or January, or on a national Holiday, like memorial day
• Cars - The Very Best time is at the end of October, or the end of any month
• Clothing - Thursdays and the end of a season. Spring Season ends in May and Fall ends in November
• Air Conditioners - October
• Cookware - April, May and December
• Furniture - January and July

Find more at freeshipping.org

The Goods Live Hard, Sell Hard

Well Amy and I just can't sugar-coat this one, a more fitting title for this movie would be "The Sucked, Suck Hard, Suck Harder ", oh man big disappointment. The movie starts with a few good laughs as a family owned used car lot reaches out to Don Goods" (Jeremy Piven) and his crew of car salesman to save the business. We couldn't get into any of the characters, they all seemed gross, weird, stupid and icky. (One old creepy car salesman named Dick did have some good lines.) We did have a few "laugh out loud moments", but for the most part, found ourselves hating it. Pivens rant's that he is so good at in Entourage were just stupid and annoying in this flick, were thinking this might actually hurt his career...The movie relies on it's bad language to carry itself as a comedy but with no actual story to follow the audience gets bored real fast. Amy and I sure did!

Tattoo's with Trish, The very important, AfterCare

So now you’ve picked your artist, you’ve gotten the tattoo. It was clean and fun - sure, it hurt a little, but it’s bound to- now the important part: aftercare. The tattoo is now in your hands – and the way it looks can be determined a lot by what you do to take care of it. Your artist should take the time to talk to you about how to take care of a tattoo. There is immediate aftercare which lasts about two weeks – and then there is the aftercare that lasts the rest of the life of your tattoo.

As soon as the tattoo is finished, your artist will apply a layer of A&D ointment, or something similar to prevent your skin from drying. The one thing you want to avoid is a scab on a new tattoo. They will then cover the tattoo with a loose, thin gauze pad or paper towel pad which will protect it from elements, soak up some of the seeping blood, plasma and ink, but it will allow the tattoo to breathe. Covering the tattoo with a plastic or a non-breathable bandage will lock in bacteria and heat: it is counter-productive and can lead to an infection.

That bandage needs to stay on for an hour or so – and then you will carefully remove it and wash the tattoo using only your fingertips. Before touching make sure you wash your hands! You will need to use a light touch, and antibacterial soap and warm water. Be sure to rinse the tattoo completely when you are done, and pat it lightly with a clean paper towel or cloth or air-dry it. Never rub or wipe a tattoo.

Immediately following your cleaning, you should apply a thin coat of aftercare solution. Many people use Vitamin A&D Ointment, or an aftercare salve such as Tattoo Goo or Tat Wax. Many Tattoo shops will carry one of these options. You will need to keep up this routine several times a day for two weeks. It is important that you do not re-bandage your tattoo. It now needs fresh air to heal properly. Loose fitting clothing will help. You want to avoid things such as sunlight, tanning beds, chlorinated pools or prolonged soaking in any water or chemicals. Treat your tattoo with extra care and the color will heal its best! After two weeks have passed, you can keep your tattoo looking great by using a daily moisturizing lotion and sunscreen! You should continue this practice for the life of your tattoo.

Tattoos should be fun and expressive. They are not for everybody. You will rarely find a tattooed person who passes judgment on others who don’t have any body art. Keep that in mind if you’re a person without tattoos and you are quick to judge someone with.

Latricia Horstman has been a tattooist since 2004. She enjoys pin ups, full sleeve pieces, joke tattoos, and works with a lot of color. Check out some of her tattoos here: www.myspace.com/latricia.

For all you summer wedded couples planning on spending that perfect honeymoon in Hawaii, you might want to change your destination, or at least just don't go watch this movie before your trip! Amy and I have this to say "Yikes" been a while since we saw a good ol' Psycho thriller that keeps us guessing and trying to figure out "who's the bad guy". Is a Perfect Getaway a "block buster" deserving of an Oscar?, NO, but it's down right good ol' fashioned entertainment. Your taken through this journey with the main newlywed couple, who are romantically looking forward to starting their new lives together on the perfect honeymoon in Hawaii. By the way we loved the beautiful camera spans of awesome scenery along the island. OK, so the couple meets up with a few other strange, odd couples and news breaks out about another newlywed couple that has been murdered on the main Island, now the mind games start and for some time your left trying to figure out which couple is the hunter and which is the hunted. One thing Amy and I hate are reviews that give away the whole movie so were leaving it at that. Amy also points out if your faint at heart be prepared it is a tad bit gory and extremely graphic!

Funny People

Really? Funny People? Amy and I were thinking this should have been titled "Kinda Funny People" neither one of us found this movie to be "pee your pants" funny and we both thought it was ungodly long. Don't get us wrong it does have some good parts, but....

The movie is about a famous comedian (played by Adam Sandler) and his finding out about a serious illness, so the cliche sets in of "taking a look at your life" and "what do you really have to show for it" this cliche now becomes the motif of the movie. It had more depressing moments than funny. We think the movie caught us off gaurd as Amy and I were both just expecting to go watch a movie that was silly and funny, were we'd be laughing the whole way through.......instead we got "Kinda funny People".... Amy suggests if your movie theatre is expensive, you might want to wait for it to come out on DVD.

Summertime Sandals

When it's this hot outside you can't be walking around in your riding boots all the time, you need to let those little piggies breath girls! If your gonna wear summer time sandals why not wear a pair that will go with anything, you can dress these up or casual them down. The Long Beach Sandal by HD footwear can be worn with your totally comfortable jeans or your short shorts, or even that skirt for the summer outdoor wedding your going to this weekend! Did we mention comfort! You'll be able to rock these all day long with the cushion lining they sport. Check them out online at harley-davidsonfootwear.com

Don't forget....We also want to stress that when you are riding you better be wearing your boots, seriously don't ride in sandals people!! These sandals are for hangin' out when your NOT riding!

Ode to a dustball i.e.dust "bunny"...
By, Angela Arpin

you are a collection of my dead skins cells of which I've shed...you are the remnants of my everyday life...a collective gathering of excrements if you will-a random piece of hair...the filth of life...that sits oh so mockingly on my windowsill.
I am somewhat humbled in your presence. Oh great dustball..the lone dust bunny that alludes my dust buster; you seem to reappear out of nowhere despite my incessant cleaning....taunting me...one of you always seems to linger...I long to banish you from my life...I am sickened and in awe of you oh great dust bunny. Oh furry ball of dead skin cells...I guess we will just have to find a way to co-exist...

BRUNO

The New Sacha Baron Cohen Mockumentary depicts Bruno, the gay Austrian Model in his quest for fame in the United States. It's set up a lot like "Borat" which I finally just got to see a few weeks ago. The movie is silly, no doubt adult comedy humor and if you get offended real easy this is not the flick for you, But if you can laugh with the best of them, you will find the humor in this movie and you'll probably end up laughing your ass off. Completely insane, off the wall and probably shows more than you'll ever want to see, but it is bound to make you crack up... This movie contains adult scenes, bad language and plenty of nudity! Thinking this should be labeled as a "Shockumentary".....

Did you know

3,500 calories adds up to about 1 pound
This applies whether they are food calories coming in, or calories (burned by exercise) going out. If you eat 3,500 calories more than your body needs, you will put on about 1 pound. If you use up 3,500 calories more than you eat, you will lose about 1 pound in weight.

Fitness Pumps Up Your Heart
it creates a stronger heart, the most important muscle in the body. Your heart and cardiovascular system will function more effectively, the heart will build up less plaque and become a more efficient pump.

Pound For Pound, Muscle burns more calories then body fat.
so the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate. And, of course, you also burn calories while you're actually exercising.

Exercise Boosts Performance
after a few weeks of consistent exercise, you may feel your clothes fitting differently and see that your muscle tone has improved, Exercising consistently will strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility, and improve your overall performance.

Exercise Helps Ward Off Disease
Research has shown that exercise can slow or help prevent heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis (bone loss), and loss of muscle mass. It also helps ease some aspects of the aging process. Exercise strengthens the muscles and joints, it is going to reduce your odds of having some of those aches and pains and problems most adults have, mostly because of the inactive lives they lead. Exercise can even boost immune function -- so you spend less time down with a cold or flu.

Exercise Boosts Brainpower
Not only does exercise improve your body, it helps your mental function. Exercise increases energy levels and increases serotonin in the brain, which leads to improved mental clarity. All that makes for a more productive day.

Movement Melts Away Stress
As much as it may stress you out just to think about exercising, once you actually start working out, you'll experience less stress in every part of your life. Exercise produces a relaxation response that serves as a positive distraction, it also helps elevate your mood and keep depression at bay. You're not the only person who will benefit from more happiness and less stress in your life. When you're less stressed, you're less irritable,and that could improve relationships with your partner, kids, and co-workers.

Why I am Still Single…….. By Rebekah, Bartoli

I finally know why I am still single. Well, according to the stranger at Jack in the Box. Oh! Did I forget to tell you that I know why I am still single? LOL!

So my girl and I decided to roll through the Jack in the Box drive-thru after a couple hours out because, well, why do most people roll through the drive-thru after a night out? Your hungry!

Now, let's paint the picture. The Jack in the Box by mi casa has two entry ways into the drive-thru. There are no barricades, no dividers and no arrows to assist with direction. Now I believe that drive-thru etiquette in a situation like this is much like pulling up to a (4) way or all way stop sign. Whoever gets there first has the right of way.

Garage-Girls, Celebrate our Dad's!

We think one of the common key elements in all of us Garage-Girls is the pretty cool relationship we have with our dad's. Most of us got the gear-head bug from pops and most of us have way cool memories of being daddy's little girl hanging out in the garage, helping him work on one of his many projects. Over the years our dad's have been there for us and shared so much knowledge with us, one of those lessons being how to handle finances. So in order to pay tribute to our dad's take a minute to pick out a gift for this Fathers day that lets him know how much you appreciate him, an affordable gift that follows his advice. Otterbox has perfect gifts for dad, one that will protect his expensive electronic gadgets. Check them out at www.otterbox.com

Northernaire Wildlife Rescue

A friend to Garage-Girls sent us this site, the folks at Northernaire Wildlife Rescue are doing a pretty awesome job at helping out our environment.
Northernaire Wildlife Rescue is located in Northern Michigan on 160 wooded acres. They focus on rehabilitating wildlife and providing a safe place for the animlas to make it back out into the wild.

The Jehovahs Witness Incident By, Angela Arpin

If given the option of having a couple of Jehovahs Witnesses pound on my front door, or having a few blood thirsty zombies try to claw their way into my home,I would most definitely choose the latter. Here is why:

Last week I was awoken by two Jehovahs witnesses, at 8am-on a Saturday morning. Now, let me paint this picture for you, give you a bit of a visual. I was sound asleep in my Spongebob boxers,white wife beater that left little to the imagination. total bedhead,mascara/eyeliner still smeared on my face from the
night before,(basically I looked like an extra from a Marilyn Manson video). When out of nowhere,the silence of my Saturday morning of solace was shattered by this thunderous banging on my front door. It sounded as if the cast of Stomp was using my front door as a snare drum. For a moment I felt as if I was in the midst of a mini earthquake,thats how intense this pounding was-it was as if the
sound alone had a distinct purpose.

They stood there for a few moments with their mouths wide open. After the dust of their disdain settled,they began to ramble on about saving my life from eternal damnation,and asking me if I had accepted their Lord (I hadnt seen
anyone else on my porch,so I assumed this "Lord" of which they were speaking of,was possibly waiting in their car,or sitting on the curb havin' a smoke). I tried to maintain my composure for as long as I could;finally I interrupted them
and posed a question of my own-"oh wait, didnt one of you ladies leave your panties here last night?" I thought it was humorous, but the witnesses did not quite get my sarcasm. I just dont understand this going door to door selling
religion like a girlscout would go around selling girlscout cookies. I personally would never even contemplate knocking on a strangers door and imposing on them my beliefs-(you couldnt even sum up my beliefs (or lack
thereof) in a friggin pamphlet anyhow).

To summarize,unless its Ed Mcmahon standing on my doorstep with a million dollar over sized check, I will not give you the time of day,nor will I stand there and be lectured,no matter how nice your pantsuit happens to be. I dont know about you,but I wouldnt believe what would be spewed from anyones mouth at 8am in the morning anyhow,especially by someone dressed in a nicely pressed pants suit with perfectly applied makeup(insert assumed applause here).  Its summertime,so heed my warning folks-the religious freaks have thawed from a long winter of
suppresion,and now we must suffer their wrath.
Next time I will be prepared, and I will answer the door in a long black cloak uttering random dialogue excerpts from "A Clockwork Orange".

Time for a Makeover? By Rebekah Bartoli

My one guilty obsession, ok, maybe I have more than one, so……. one of my guilty obsessions is reality TV. I am a reality TV buff (if that even exists). I was watching Tim Gunn’s show on Bravo where individuals who have fashion challenges get Tim Gunn’s assistance with a makeover. The show made me begin to think about “makeovers” and the numerous “makeovers” I have gone through, are going through, and will go through in this journey called life.

Happy Mother's Day, Garage-Moms

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Almonds are In

One of the biggest problems people have with watching their diet is snacking foods. Have you ever thought about Almonds? They are the perfect snack.

Weight Training and Your Muscles

Exercise is important, plain and simple everyone should be exercising 5 hours a week, every week. What type of exercises you do and the steps following your workout will give you different results. It's pretty safe to say that most everyone knows that weight training, strength training is very important and should be part of your routine. Here are a few facts about strength training, your muscles, and the important steps following your workout.

With repeated resistance training, over time the protein filaments inside each muscle fiber grow thicker and more numerous, increasing the diameter of exercised muscles. This is how your muscles get "Bigger" main strength gains come from the rebuilding of the muscle fibers between workouts, you should allow at least 48 hours between strength-training sessions.

"Ashes to Ashes"
By Angela Arpin

If you flick your cigarette out your car window whilst you are driving, you should be strung up by your toes and lowered into a giant vat of giraffe feces.
I was driving home from work the other night, minding my own business, humming along to a Radiohead tune-when all of a sudden I was driving into a wave of fiery embers. My life flashed before my eyes.(Okay,maybe I'm being a bit melodramatic-the last 3 weeks of my life flickered before my eyes).

Introducing the latest Stefanie Aziere-Sattler Painting, titled "Sister Speed"

The Place - Bonneville Speed Trials on the Bonneville Salts Flats, Wendover, Utah. The Participants - Racers from all over the world that come to test their skills and machines to set land speed records each year in September. This Moment took place when record holding sisters Erika Cobb and Karlee Cobb, (daughters of Garage-Girl Laura Klock!) decided they needed one more run across the salt before packing up the Klock Werks Crew and heading back to Mitchell, South Dakota.  I knew that this moment had to be captured, immortalized as a painting.  Erika Cobb (age 17) holds the record in the P-PP 1350 class 130.392 mph, and Sister Karlee Cobb (age 14) holds the record in the M-PG 500 class 107.391 mph record and M-PS 500 class 110.724 mph record.

A Limited Edition Giclee Print is available of this Oil Painting, size is 18x30 for $195.00, there will only be 50 Giclee Prints sold in this edition.  10 Artist Proofs, size 24x36 are available for $325.00.
Aziere Art
www.chromedimpressions.com
660-827-6790
660-221-7792

Wicked Big Loser Contest Announced!

Hey are you ready to make some changes, are you ready to finally shed those extra pounds that are bringing you down? Well check this out, my brother Chris Callen from Cycle Source Magazine ignited this Wicked Big Losers contest.

The idea behind this is to help each other reach your weight goals, with a grand finale planned in Biketoberfest this October. You can follow all the action on this blog, Wicked Big Loser. This contest is open to both guys and girls and there seems to be more guys on board than girls with a total of 19 contestants. We do want to give a big shout out to Gina Woods of Open Road Radio, Athena the "Chickie" of Vagabond Choppers and Rebeca Ispas, girls we are here for you if you need any advice check out the body section here at Garage-girls we will keep you informed with exercise tips and nutrition tips.

We also want to point out that everyone involved in this contest MUST be seen by their physicians first, when starting a new rigorous exercise program you really need to see your doctor first. Of course this contest was inspired by the TV show, on the show all contestants are CLOSELY monitored by a physician. So let this be a motivator for all, lets get healthy, fit and have fun!

Time for a "Workout" Call

Don't have the extra cash to spend on a personal Trainer? Don't sweat it, let your cell phone do the coaching for free! Computer generated messages can encourage you to get your butt on the right track. Check out extracon.com and enter your goals. You can pick to have either calls or texts sent to remind you that it is time to work out! Don't worry this will keep good track of you and if you skip a day your "instructor" will get you back in line and back on track.

Tattoo's With Trish; Tattoo Shop Research

It's early saturday morning and you decide that after a long night of inspiration your ready to run out the door and get some new ink. Whoa, hang on there.... you need to stop a minute and do some research first.

You need to research the artist and the shop. There are two elements that make a good tattoo artist: first, they must be an artist – and you will be able to tell if you like their style based on their previous work, and second, they must be clean. The first thing to do when looking at a new artist is to check out their portfolio. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explain what you are looking for. A good artist will take the time to sit with you, draw up an idea, and work with you on the options available to you.

Cleanliness is extremely important. Do not be afraid to walk out of a tattoo shop if it feels unclean to you. Tattoo artists deal with body fluids and sharps. They should all be certified in Blood Borne Pathogens, and display their certification proudly. They should never have dirty hands, and should wash before setting up their space and after tattooing you. They should wear gloves at all times when touching their machines, needles, inks, etc. in their tattooing space.

They should also change their gloves when switching procedures. Their space should be clean and all the surfaces wipe-able. That means no cloth that could absorb body fluids or contaminated inks!

You should also not be afraid to ask the artist about their sterilization procedures. Each item that touches your skin needs to come out of a sterile package in front of you. They should use words like “autoclave”, “ultrasonic”, and “Hospital Grade” during their description of the sterilizing process. They need to have gloves on when taking these items from their sterile packaging. These are all important steps in the Tattoo process, do your research seek out a clean professional creative environment, then you'll be ready to move forward with your creative ink commitment.

David Uhl Daytona 2009 Commemorative

"Daytona Ink" features a modern look at the pier in Daytona and a stunning tattoo designed by Nick Pugh, the piece also marks the fifth commemorative Bike Week print in this series, joining "Censored 1933", "Rumblefish", "Buried Treasure" and "Babe".  As with these previous releases, "Daytona Ink" will only be available through the end of the rally (March 8th).  These canvas giclee prints come hand-signed and numbered with a Certificate of Authenticity and those collecting the entire Daytona series will be given first right of refusal on their matching edition number.  The original painting (measuring 27" x 40") and David's full gallery will be available for viewing at Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach from February 26 through March 7.  inquiries please contact Greg Rhodes at greg@uhlstudios.com

Chrome Cowgirl Guide to the Motorcycle Life

what a fun, inspirational, spiritual, motivating, empowering read on what it is to enjoy the motorcycling lifestyle as a woman these days. Sasha Mullins loves to ride and she wants you to love it as well. She describes the feeling of freedom, exhilaration her motorcycle brings her, she talks about all of these things that will empower you and make you who you are, a fun loving, motorcycle riding chrome cowgirl. If you have thought about grabbing life by the bars, this book will give you an insight to the lifestyle of traveling the open road on your chrome horse. The whole book is laid out in "Sasha" style, fun quirky drawings quotes from other riding ladies, chrome cowgirl language and tips for packing your ride and the must haves you should bring along. She also includes exerts form her very own personal road diary, you can read about her adventures on the road and the experiences she encounters.

February is Heart Month; not just for our Valentines!

With all the headlines heart health has been getting, we hope you all realize that heart disease is the number 1 killer for women. More women die from heart related problems than any other disease. With February being Heart Disease Awareness Month we wanted to share with you some tips to a healthier heart. We found these on webmd, a great resource for information on health, your going to want to bookmark this site!

Jody's Favorite thing, the Kicker iKick

This docking station "bumps"! We have this set up in our kitchen. Everyday when I get home I turn it on! I can hear it throughout the house. I put the remote in my pocket and can change the song or turn it up! This iKick also goes on the road to motorcycle events too, although for some reason it only plays bands like Guns & Roses at those events...

OtterBox Ipod Armor Waterproof case with headphones

So we know it's safe to say us savvy Garage-Girls like our tunes, and we never want to be without them, even while we are on the road. We also know it's safe to say most of us opt to leave our expensive ipods at home so we don't risk breaking it. Those days are so 2008, we can now travel safely and listen to our tunes with the OtterBox Ipod Classic Armor case and waterproof headphones. Perfect for riding in lousy weather, it's completely waterproof! It's also great for working out at the gym, hiking, swimming, snowboarding and whatever else us girls can get ourselves into! Check it out here

Pink Partz Sister Hat

We can't live without our Pink Partz Sister hat, it's the best size to fit in an inside jacket pocket. Perfect to take with us on the road to combat against helmet hair! This hat isn't your typical ball cap, thats what we love about it, it has style and goes with just about anything. We are in love with the black and white plaid but they do have other colors available. Check 'em out at www.pinkpartz.com

OtterBox Blackberry Curve Defender Case

No girl can be without her phone for any period of time! Thats why we are in love with Otter box cases to keep 'em protected. Trish from Baker Drivetrain can't go anywhere without her phone being right at her side (hey, it's part of the job) so when she found they had a case for her Blackberry Curve she was all over it. Surviving a fall at a trade show on a hard concrete floor This defender case from Otterbox will never leave her blackberry again. Hell because in the garage, you never know
what dangers your phone might encounter!

Check it out at www.otterbox.com

Icon Bombshell Jacket

Lets face it, you need good riding apparel to stay safe, does that mean you have to give up style, Hell No!

We love the ICON bombshell jacket because it offers all the protection we need and then some, not to mention it's no doubt cut for our girly figures.

We love the lining, defiantly takes the chill out of the air, the feel of the leather and the cool details about this jacket like the set of four buckles along the sides. Also the protection this jacket offers is outstanding, with armour in the back, shoulders and elbows. This is no doubt a garage-girl favorite for 2009.
Check it out at Icon.com

Harley-Davidson Footwear Sedona Boot

What girl doesn't love a killer pair of boots? Add in comfort and great support, you got yourself a boot you just can't live without. We love the “police style riding boot” look Of the Sedona boot. The comfort and support this boot gives you will keep you riding all day long. Nothing worse than being stuck on a 5 hour ride with a boot that's killing your feet. You won't have that problem with the Sedona!

Don't get us wrong you don't have to ride to wear this boot it looks good even if you are just hangin’ out in the garage or hangin’ downtown. This boot has us seriously hooked.
Check ‘em out at HD Footwear.com

Garage-Girl's always start out young

This is our very good friend Millicent. She is from Carlisle Pa, and her dad works on motorcycles. We love this shot of Millicent sitting proud on her 4 wheeler that she loves to ride on her many acres she's lucky to call home, because it reminds us of how we all got started out as "Garage-Girls". Hanging in the garage with family, enjoying the fun machines to ride and loving the smell of 2 stroke exhaust! Way to go Millicent, can't wait to see you again soon! Say Hi to mom, Dad and all the farm animals!

Integrity

By, Laura Klock

I could list the examples, but we’ve all heard them right? I will lose 20 pounds, quit smoking, stop drinking soda, exercise more… I’m guessing the mere mention of “New Year’s Resolutions” congers up the lists we all hear or state for ourselves year after year. I’d like to challenge you to something a little different this year.

In short, say what you mean and mean what you say. If you do, not only will you gain the respect of others, you will also respect yourself! And if you can’t do something you said, just be honest with yourself about it. Why can’t you? What’s stopping you, really? You might have to dig deep on some of this, but it’s worth it! If you’re missing deadlines because you’ve overcommitted, then talk about it, or make a list of things you realistically cannot do. Just be honest, with yourself and with others, in all things.

Every time you keep a promise that you've made, it’s an act of integrity, which in turn strengthens your character. As you act with integrity in everything you do, you will find that every part of your life will improve. You’ll gain trust and self-respect. Come on. What do you have to lose….except maybe that 20 pounds you talked about.

Happy 2009: New Year, New Goals, lots of New Fun.

We hope this New year finds all of you well and ready for an awesome year ahead, we have lots to share and are looking forward to hearing and seeing more from our readers. Garage-Girls has a busy year lined up with many shows and great projects to share. We also want to remind you all of our column in Cycle Source Magazine. We are looking to feature you girls and your rides and most importantly your stories about your love for all things related to the Garage Lifestyle. As we get ready to grab 2009 by the bars Keep your questions coming and send in those photo's of you and your rides here and don't forget to check the site and the pages of the Source! The start of a new year is the perfect time to set goals for yourself, here are a few of the top New Years Resolutions. Whatever your goals are we are here to help you reach them!

Keep your Holiday Stress level at ZERO!

Forget trying to make everything perfect, forget trying to make everyone happy, this time of year is just about being together and enjoying each other. Don't let stress ruin it. Here are some tips to help keep you free from Stress this Holiday.

• Have a positive attitude.
• Try not to worry about things out of your control.
• Problem solve with people around you. Ask them to help you alleviate stress.
• Exercise. A few extra minutes of exercise a day can benefit your overall health.
• Eat Nutritional food. Decrease the amount of fat and sugar you eat.
• Meditate, or take a class in relaxation and stretching techniques --like Tai Chi or Yoga.
• Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages
• Rest. Try to get eight hours of sleep each day.
• Get a massage. A massage can be beneficial for the mind

Don't forget to Exercise over the Holidays!

The holidays are a time to celebrate, and that usually means eating and drinking and, a little more eating. Before we know it were feeling really bloated and not so comfortable in our comfy jeans! It's been this way for years, run around, no time for yourself and eat tons at every party you go to. This year make a choice to do the Holidays differently. I think it's safe to say we all realize it's pretty impossible to make it through the holidays without indulging in the good foods put in front of us. So why should we try to make ourselves not indulge. Thats ridiculous, we say go ahead eat, just don't forget to make time to exercise!

It's so easy to find a reason to skip your workout during this busy time of the year, but consider this, now is the MOST important time of the year to keep moving. You know you will be taking in extra calories so you MUST take time to get your workouts in.

Don't forget Cardio, get some time on the treadmill or bicycle. only have 15 minutes, thats fine, fit it in. Don't forget circuit training, you can easily blast through a circuit workout in 20 minutes. If you force yourself to keep moving during the holidays you won't be feeling so bloated and guilty for having those extra holiday goodies!

Could the Ultimate Holiday Gift Really be the “F” Word?!
By, Laura Klock

I’m talking about FORGIVENESS! The holiday season is a time of love, friendship, and sharing happy times with others, yet many of us enter into the season full of anxiety, fear of getting together with family, and are simply stressed out. That can be because, along with the cards, gifts and celebrating, the holidays can also bring an assortment of not-so-peace-filled past issues and hurts among friends and family members. For many people, the holidays are less than happy, because the season triggers old feelings of loss or resentment.

Most of us will harbor (or are harboring right now) feelings of pain, anger, resentment and hurt against someone we feel did us wrong. When our feelings have been hurt by those we love and trust it can become an extremely emotional event. The wounded feelings and anger can be devastating. Resentment and blame can cause mental, emotional and even physical harm. In fact, holding onto anger might hurt you more than it hurts anyone else. It can show itself with increased stress, high blood pressure, depression, increased risk of substance abuse…yikes! This is serious stuff!

So, what exactly is forgiveness? Simply defined: the act of excusing a mistake or offense; a kind act; a pardon by treating the offender as if the offense had not occurred; the act of freeing from guilt or blame. Forgiveness is when a relationship is free of the slightest bit of anger because you have worked through any negative emotions resulting from another person's behaviors. Forgiveness is not about putting on a happy face when life is painful, or about forgetting what happened. It's about resolving old feelings that have nothing to do with today.

Holiday Eating

I know a lot of us are excited the holidays are here, but nervous at the same time. Were nervous about all the tempting food that will be around everywhere we turn. Relax, don't panic, a few steps to keep in mind and we'll all be just fine this Thanksgiving. It’s not the holidays making you gain weight; it’s all the days in between. “You’re not going to gain five to ten pounds on Thanksgiving,” said Cindy Rushton, MS, RD, LDN, Outpatient Dietitian, Glenbrook Hospital. “However, if you go from Halloween to New Year’s Day impulse eating and nibbling, the pounds will add up.”

Rushton says there are some simple rules to follow that will keep you from starting the New Year a size larger.

• Don’t eat unconsciously. Be aware of what you are eating.
• Fill your plate just once.
• Don’t deprive yourself - have what you want just small portions.
• Eat slowly and wait 15 minutes before going back for second helpings.
• Don’t keep fatty foods at home.
• Get out and get some fresh air – exercise.
• Sleep! Being overly tired makes you over-eat and head for the junk food.

Tattoos with Trish

It seems like now days there isn’t a girl out there without at least a small tattoo somewhere on her body. Some of us have a lot of body coverage, and some might have a teeny tattoo somewhere discreet. The awesome thing about this form of self-expression and story-telling is that it’s becoming more and more acceptable, and it is nearly limitless.

When I was 15 I decided I wanted a tattoo. To prevent rebellion and be supportive, my parents embraced the idea. They worked with me to ensure that I didn’t walk away from the experience with regret or an illness because I made a bad choice at such a young age. We worked on the idea for a full year, and on my 16th birthday I got my first tattoo. In the scheme of things: it’s tiny – and has since become buried in a full sleeve on my right arm. However, I can always point it out as proof that I did the right thing: I educated myself before I got it.

So if you are ready to get a tattoo that brings with it no regrets, there are a few things to keep in mind: the design, the shop/artist, the price, and the aftercare.

The design should be your first matter of concern. You need to make sure it is something you will still love in 10 years. There are lots of kinds of tattoos – and they often follow trends. In the 90’s it was really popular to get Tribal. While this might be something that someone still loves after 10 years – it’s also something that might not have personal meaning for you – and you might end up regretting it. Today, it is really popular to get something that mimics old sailor style artwork. This is neat as well – but also carries lesser meaning and will fade just like every other trend. It is a style though, and if it appeals to you: go for it. Many people choose a memory tattoo – something to symbolize their love for another person. You’re always safe with your parents, children, or a loved one who has passed – but you might regret having “Tony” across your back, when you are now dating Stan. So choose names carefully.

Food For Thought........................................

1. A sliced carrot looks like the human eye. The Pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and YES science shows that eating carrots greatly enhance blood to and function of the eyes
2. A tomato has four chambers and its red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.
3. Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
4. A walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere. Upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help to develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
5. Celery, Bok Choy and Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
6. Avocados and pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female-they look just like these organs. Today's research shows when a women eats 1 avocado a week it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And How profound is this? It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods(modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them)
7. Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well as overcome male sterility.
8. Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
9. Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.
10. Grapefruits, Oranges and other citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of the lymph in and out of the breasts.
11. Onions look like body cells. Todays research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.