Cruisin' Companions

CHIC

Chic is a beautiful fawn and white Beagle mix who is looking for an extra special home. One look into Chic’s eyes and you can see she is just waiting for someone to whom she can give her love. 
  Chic has not had a special person to share her love with. She came from a home where she lived with 50 other dogs. Because of this she is a little shy at first, but warms up once she learns that she can trust you. She shares her kennel with a dog and would love a home with another dog with whom she could bond. Or perhaps you would like to adopt her cage mate as well! 
  No one has ever taught Chic what it means to play or how to do all those great doggy tricks. She would be grateful to someone who would show her these joys and be patient with her while she learns. She would love to take a class with you at Animals Friends University to learn the things she needs to know to please you. If you are a person or family who has the love and patience to show Chic what it means to be a cherished member of your family, please meet her. Her eyes will melt your heart. Seeing her blossom into a trusting, loving companion will be a touching experience that you will forever cherish.       Chic will be extremely thankful and repay you with years of unconditional love and friendship. 

Chich is currently learning positive behaviors in a foster home! If you are interested in meeting him, please call 412.847.7002 ext. 1 so that an Adoption Counselor at Animal Friends can contact his foster family!
The Body

Fairy DogParents

We were so impressed with this organization we came across, we had to share with you, we know most of our readers are just as passionate about animals as all of us here. Enjoy!    Fairy DogParents is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps prevent dogs from being surrendered  to shelters. They provide assistance with food, medical and general wellness needs of qualified dog recipients in Massachusetts. Fairy DogParents is 100% dependent on donations and cannot guarantee any goods or services for applicants. All payments go directly to those providing good and services. If you are faced with the choice of surrendering your dog because of personal financial circumstances you may qualify for  assistance.

The inspiration for Fairy DogParents was Ladybug – a rescue dog who changed  lives. Ladybug was 10 years old when she was adopted  and 14 when she crossed the rainbow bridge in January 2009.  Ladybug had many medical conditions and the family was fortunate enough to afford her prescription food, medications and regular vet visits.  After the family lost Ladybug they donated her prescription food and pills to the vet to help others who could not afford them.

To honor her FDP wanted to sponsor another dog who had similar needs but was at risk of being surrendered due to financial limitations.  After much research FDP could not find an organization that prevented dogs from being surrendered.

And Fairy DogParents was born- March 2009. The mission, help save dogs from being surrendered by keeping families together- you can help too!

For more info please check them out online at fairydogparents.org

The Machine

The BAD Economy Buster” Bling Bike Hunt

Sent to us from VT race girl, Valerie Thompson here is your chance to land the keys to a Sucker Punch Sally’s Sled!
Valerie tells us the Purpose of “The BAD Economy” Bling Bike Hunt is multifold.  First, to take responsibility for improving things ourselves and not rely solely on the government; second, to dramatically increase foot traffic over the holidays and into the New Year for participating merchants, and three to have some great fun doing it.
The BAD Economy Buster” Bling Bike Hunt goes like this:
◦The keys to a custom motorcycle built by none other than World Renowned Sucker Punch Sally’s of Scottsdale, Arizona will be hidden no later than February 1, 2011- somewhere in the Great State of Arizona.  The value of the motorcycle will be approximately $35K+
Weekly clues as to its whereabouts will be distributed through participating merchant stores.
Clues (via website access ID’s) will be distributed each week for 9 weeks beginning February 1, 2011. A new clue will be posted weekly on the ‘bikerhunt.com’ website for 9 weeks.
Be sure to check out the website www.bikerhunt.com for all the info on how you could end up winning the set of keys to the SPS bike!
The Body

The Key to fitness Success; Setting Realistic Fitness Goals

With the new year upon us seems all the gyms are busier than ever, must be all those new years resolutions coming out of the woodwork, and seems come every march the crowds get smaller and smaller. While it’s nice to have the equipment open up it’s also sad to see many people not sticking to their goals. Diane Heinauer the spin instructor we introduced you to last year brought up some excellent points about reaching the fitness goals you set for yourself.
First, plan out exactly what you want to achieve. “Losing weight” is not a specific goal and gives you nothing to work towards. Instead of “losing weight” how about lose 15 pounds. You now have an attainable goal that you can reach and accomplish. Once you reach that goal and decide you want to lose more, set another 15 pound goal and so on.
Second, create realistic goals. If you set your goals too high and it’s impossible to reach you are just setting yourself up for failure and disappointment. Repeatedly failing to stick to your goals means that either your goal is out of reach or that you haven’t quite figured out what to do do to reach it. It helps to have a clear idea of what you want and the basics for what’s involve in getting it.
The Simple Truth To lose a pound, you have to burn approximately 3500 calories. If you burn a total of 500 calories with exercise AND diet each day, you’ll lose a pound in about 7 days. 
If you’re eating more calories than you’re burning, you need to either workout more, eat less or a combination of the two.
Example: If my BMR is 1500 calories and I burn 500 calories while exercising, I need 2000 calories to maintain my current weight. To lose a pound a week, I’ll need to eat about 1500 calories a day and burn 500 calories a day with cardio and weight training.
•Eating a balanced diet means getting all the nutrients you need so that you feel good all day and you have enough fuel for your workouts.
•Keeping track of what you eat will help you avoid mindless snacking and eating when you’re not really hungry
•Stay hydrated. Thirst sometimes presents itself as hunger pains.
•A complete workout includes strength training, cardiovascular exercise and flexibility exercises.
•If you’re hungry throughout the day, you’re either not eating enough or your meals aren’t satisfying you. A combination of carbs, protein and fat will help you feel full for a longer period of time.  Remember having reachable goals will set you on a path to success, which will only inspire you to do more and be the best you can!
The Machine

Fuel-Efficient Auto Shopping?

If you find yourself in the market for a vechile with better fuel mileage this year be sure to read this for some great info available to you.
It’s never been easier to put a fuel-efficient auto on your shopping list.  New government data released recently shows that automakers are offering more models that run on alternative fuels and use less gasoline.
“The good news for consumers is that competition among automakers is driving progress.  Auto manufacturers are racing each other to bring fuel-efficient autos to market,” said Dave McCurdy, President & CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.  “When it comes to determining the success of energy-efficient technologies, consumers are in the driver’s seat.  As automakers, our job is to develop and introduce vehicles that run on alternative fuels or deploy energy saving technologies.”
In the federal government’s new 2011 Fuel Economy Guide, (available at  www.fueleconomy.gov ) more than 160 models are listed that achieve high mileage, in excess of 30 mpg (highway).  This guide offers special online search functions for “advanced technology” vehicles that run on alternative fuels, including biofuels, compressed natural gas, clean diesel and electricity.
In addition to new types of powertrains that operate on alternative fuels, automakers are manufacturing gasoline engines with a range of fuel-sipping technologies such as start/stop systems, cylinder deactivation and 6-speed automatic transmissions.  However, the government guide does not list all these technologies, so consumers should ask their dealer about options when seeking a new vehicle.
The number of high-mileage vehicles on sale will continue to grow in coming months as automakers introduce new 2011 models.  As many as a dozen new conventional hybrids will be available to consumers, and several types of electric vehicles will enter the marketplace later in the year.
The Body

ginger beef lettuce wraps

Here is a great fresh lighter recipe after all the Holiday indulgence .
ingredients
•1  lb.  beef flank steak or boneless beef top round steak
•1  medium  yellow or green sweet pepper, seeded, cut in bite-size strips
•1  small  zucchini, trimmed and cut in thin bite-size strips
•1/2  medium  red onion, cut in thin wedges
•1/3  cup  ginger beer or ginger ale
•3  Tbsp.  reduced-sodium soy sauce
•2  cloves  garlic, minced
•1/2  tsp.  cornstarch
• 1/2  tsp.  canola oil
•2  Tbsp.  finely chopped fresh ginger
•12    Bibb or leaf lettuce leaves (about 2 heads)
•1/4  cup  fresh cilantro leaves
directions
1. Trim fat from beef. For easy slicing, wrap and freeze beef 30 to 45 minutes or until firm. Thinly slice beef across grain; place slices in self-sealing plastic bag. In a second self-sealing bag combine sweet pepper, zucchini, and onion.
2. For marinade, in bowl combine ginger beer, soy sauce, and garlic. Divide marinade between beef and vegetables. Seal bags; turn to coat each. Refrigerate 4 to 6 hours, turning bags occasionally. Drain marinades into bowl. Stir in cornstarch; set aside.
3. Heat oil in large nonstick wok or extra-large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger; stir-fry 15 seconds. Add vegetables; stir-fry 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove vegetables. Add half the beef to wok. Stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes or until beef is slightly pink in center. Remove beef. Repeat with remaining beef. Return all to wok, away from center. Stir marinade mixture; add to center of wok. Cook until bubbly. Toss beef and vegetables to coat. Remove from heat.
4. To serve, divide beef and vegetables among lettuce leaves, top with cilantro, and roll up. Makes 12 wraps (4 servings).
nutrition facts
•Servings Per Recipe 12 wraps (4 servings) Calories258, Total Fat (g)11, Saturated Fat (g)4, Monounsaturated Fat (g)5, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)1, Cholesterol (mg)46, Sodium (mg)517, Carbohydrate (g)12, Total Sugar (g)5, Fiber (g)2, Protein (g)27, Vitamin C (DV%)168, Calcium (DV%)6, Iron (DV%)21, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
The Body

maple-glazed new potatoes

Heading to a New Years Celebration, here is a great NEW Recipe to bring, NEW Potatoes for the NEW Year!

ingredients
3 lb.  tiny new potatoes
1/4  cup  butter, melted
Salt and cracked black pepper
3  Tbsp.  white balsamic vinegar
2  Tbsp.  pure maple syrup
3  cloves  garlic, thinly sliced
1/4  cup  chopped green onions
2  Tbsp.  chopped fresh thyme
1  Tbsp.  finely shredded lemon peel
directions
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Halve or quarter any large potatoes. In shallow dish large enough to hold potatoes in a single layer, toss potatoes with butter; season with salt and pepper. Spread in single layer. Roast potatoes, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring once or twice during roasting.
2. Meanwhile, in small dish, stir together vinegar, maple syrup, and sliced garlic. Drizzle potatoes with vinegar mixture, gently tossing with a spoon or spatula to coat. Continue to roast about 10 to 20 minutes more, until potatoes are fork-tender and glazed, stirring once or twice.
3. To serve, sprinkle potatoes with green onions, thyme, and lemon peel. Makes 6 servings.
nutrition facts
Calories275, Total Fat (g)8, Saturated Fat (g)5, Monounsaturated Fat (g)2, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)0, Cholesterol (mg)20, Sodium (mg)265, Carbohydrate (g)47, Total Sugar (g)8, Fiber (g)5, Protein (g)3, Vitamin A (DV%)0, Vitamin C (DV%)81, Calcium (DV%)5, Iron (DV%)12, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
The Machine

New Years Safe Driving

Can you believe 2010 is coming to an end?  All of a sudden New Year’s Eve is here and it’s that time to remember all the good things from the past year and ring in the new year with style and celebration. Most of you will be heading out to a favorite restaurant or bar, or even to a friend’s house for festive drinks. All of us here at Garage-Girls want to remind you  this night day can be the most dangerous for drivers due to increased traffic, the potential for bad weather and higher risk of drunk drivers on the road. 

Here are some New Year’s Eve safety tips to consider before driving: 


1. Say “no” to drinking and driving 
Every minute, one person is injured from an alcohol-related crash, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Be smart and plan ahead if you’re going to be drinking at a holiday gathering. Take a cab, stay at a friend’s house or designate a sober driver. Some bars and restaurants offer safe rides home as a service to patrons during the holidays. 



2. Be a cautious, yet defensive driver 
Even if you’re not drinking at your New Year celebration, you need to be extra aware of what’s going on around you when you drive. If you spot someone whom you suspect of driving under the influence, call the police and give them the license plate number. You might save multiple lives by being proactive and thinking of the safety of yourself and others. 



3. Prepare your vehicle for cold weather 
Want to know important holiday safety tips when hitting the road? Have your car checked to ensure it’s prepared for winter driving. The battery and brakes are two essential things to have checked. Make sure tires are properly inflated so they provide the best traction possible. Also make sure your engine coolant and windshield washer fluid is full. 



4. Check the weather before heading out 
Cold weather can bring snow and rain that is traitorous to drive through, especially on New Year’s Eve. Before you drive, take time to remove any snow and ice from your vehicle, including the mirrors and lights. If the weather is particularly bad, you may want to cancel your plans or simply leave earlier or later. If you do decide to drive during bad weather, make sure you have a charged cell phone handy, and either let people know when, where and how you are traveling, or have a passenger with you for additional safety in numbers. 



5. Make an emergency driving kit. 
Should the worst happen, be prepared by having a winter driving kit in your car. It’s best if the kit includes a small bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter), a small snow shovel, a snow brush, traction mats, a flashlight with new batteries, window washer solvent, an ice scraper, a cloth or roll of paper towels, jumper cables, a blanket, warning devices (flares or triangles), drinking water and extra clothes.

The Body

5 Tips for Easing into Your Exercise Program and Sticking with It

The New Year is upon us and it is now time to really get serious about an exercise program. The parties will be over and most of us will be settling back into a more normal schedule and routine. Some of you may be starting an exercise program for the first time while others are getting back into it after a break over the holidays. Here are some ways you can ease into your program and make sure you stick with it.
1.Don’t do too much too soon. One of the quickest ways to sidetrack your workout plan is to do too much too soon. Most people decide they are going to start a workout program and GO FOR IT! They hit the treadmill every day the first week and lift weights 3 of those days as well. Soreness sets in, as well as some fatigue and the next thing you know, you are right back to sleeping in rather than completing your workouts. To stay on track, don’t go for the gold right off the bat.
2.Set reasonable goals for yourself. As mentioned in #1, set goals that are reasonable. Work out 3 days the first week with a day off in between each workout session. This will allow your body time to adjust to the new activity.
3. Avoid injuries. Nothing gets your new workout sidetracked faster than an injury. Doing too much too soon puts you at higher risk for injuries. By taking it slowly at first and gradually adding more activity each week, you will allow your body time to adjust and you will avoid overuse injuries while possibly saving yourself a bad case of shin splints!
4. Create a workout environment you enjoy. No one wants to workout in a dark basement with no music. Or who wants to run on a treadmill facing a wall rather than a television? Make sure that whether you join a gym or are working out at home that you create an environment that you enjoy so that you will look forward to your workouts rather than dread them.
5. Plan short term but think long term. Set weekly and monthly goals so that you are able to experience success often. However, keep the final destination in mind. Chart out your small successes so that you can see how each one rolls up into your final goal.
By easing into your workouts, whether they are brand new to you or you are getting back into your routine, you will keep yourself motivated, injury free and on the road to reaching your long term goals. Remember maintaining our bodies is always priority number one!
The Body

chopped holiday salad

It’s time to toss out all those Holiday sugary treats and start getting back on track, here is a great FRESH, healthy Holiday recipe that you can take along to a New Years party!
ingredients
•1  15- to 19-ounce can  cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
•2  small  green sweet peppers, seeded and cut into bite-size chunks (1-1/2 cups)
•1  medium  cucumber, cut into bite-size chunks (3 cups)
•1/2  head  radicchio or 1/4 head red cabbage, coarsely chopped (2 cups)
•1/2  of a 16-ounce package  radishes, halved or quartered (1-1/2 cups)
•1/4  cup  olive oil
•1/4  cup  lemon juice
•Honey (1 Tbsp.)
•Coarse Salt (1/2 tsp.)
•Cracked black pepper (1/4 tsp.)
•8  ounces  feta cheese, cubed
• Coarsely chopped fresh Italian parsley and/or mint
directions
1. Place beans, sweet peppers, cucumber, radicchio, and radishes in separate self-sealing plastic bags. For dressing, in a screw-top jar combine oil and lemon juice. Cover and shake well. Add honey, salt, and cracked pepper to taste, covering and shaking well after each addition. Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons dressing into each bag. Seal bags. Chill 2 to 4 hours, turning bags occasionally (beans, green peppers, and cucumber may be chilled up to 24 hours).
2. To serve, arrange vegetables and dressing along with feta cheese in strips on a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and/or mint. Makes 8 to 10 servings.
nutrition facts
•Servings Per Recipe 8 to 10 servings Calories191, Total Fat (g)13, Saturated Fat (g)5, Monounsaturated Fat (g)6, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)1, Cholesterol (mg)25, Sodium (mg)528, Carbohydrate (g)15, Total Sugar (g)5, Fiber (g)4, Protein (g)8, Vitamin C (DV%)53, Calcium (DV%)17, Iron (DV%)6, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet