The plank is a popular Pilates and yoga exercise that targets the core muscles, especially the abs, as well as the shoulders, arms, rear end, and legs. But did you know that planking is also a cooking method? Cedar plank grilling grilling is a great way of giving food a smoky taste without having to use a smoker. Includes exerc

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In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck is a terrific children's book. my favorite books of the summer. Illustrations by Tricia Tusa are gorgeous and the story uses color and the five senses. This would be a great bedtime story. Plus it reminds us to create a good sleep environment for our kids and ourselves.. Includes a yummy recipe

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Well I guess I should call this Guest Posting by Debbra S. Week, because she sent me another fabulous recipe - Roasted Corn and Grilled Shrimp. Not only does she give the Weight Watcher POINTS info, but it's a perfect dish for summer grilling. Also, she's cooked this up on a George Foreman grill, a piece of equipment every di

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Summer vacation has barely started and I’m already fighting with the children about their summer reading programs. Tips on how to get your children to read this summer including helpful links to Scholastic's website including articles on how to inspire your kids to read and make them into lifelong readers. Also includes links

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This week, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is celebrating Reading Is Fun Week to mark the start of summer reading. The RIF website provides free resources to help families celebrate Reading Is Fun Week and get ready for summer reading activities. The RIF website provides free resources to help families celebrate Reading Is Fun Wee

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Soup is an excellent food for anyone trying to lose weight or eat more healthfully. Not only does it help you cut your intake of food, it's convenient, healthy (most of the time) and easy to make. Plus it lowers the energy density of your diet. The post also includes links for 2 different types of Italian Sausage soup recipes

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These days the whole world seems to be turning green, which is a good thing not only for the environment but your bank account. Showing you 10 tips to go green courtesy of author Nancy H. Taylor and her new book, Go Green: How to Build an Earth-Friendly Community. Such tips include using low energy bulbs, using power strips, an

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One of the biggest challenges dieters face is eating at a restaurant. If you're on a diet with a fixed menu, it's impossible. That's why I gave up on the Extreme Fat Smash Diet. However, if you're on more flexible weight loss plan like Weight Watchers, dining out is easier but no without it's challenges. Of course, all the

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Recently I posted a product review of Horizon Organic's new DHA Omega-3 milk. DHA is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid that has been studied for its role in heart, brain and eye health. As part of Brain Awareness Week/Month I'm giving away 3 Horizon Organic coupons good for any ONE FREE Horizon's product up to $4.99 in value. Al

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Did you know that March is Brain and Brain Injury Awareness month? Brain Awareness Week, organized by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, was last week. Even so there are events going on all over the world all month. The post includes a comprehensive book list on brain books for kids. It also contains links to brain scienc

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Even if you're not Irish, there are lots of ways your family can celebrate this Irish-American holiday. Ideas include reading Irish folk and fairy tales (link to a book list). Learning about the history. Downloading a St. Patrick's Day coloring book. Marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Or cooking up a Honey-Almond Oat

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Another eating holiday is facing us - St. Patrick's Day. Here are five ways to cope and stay on your weight loss and fitness journey when Irish tummies are growling. Yes, you can have a beer (pick a good Irish one) but why not try a Green Monster or green tea. Get your green on and move. Do up your corn beef and cabbage the ri

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Holidays are a fact of life. And if you're trying to lose weight or stay on a diet during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and all the other celebrations and parties - life can be hell.

No matter what you do, you'll be tempted. So I give you five strategies to use during these tough times. Whether you "give in to the dark side" or s

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