Ice Skating – A Great Way to Burn Calories
I am a person that does not like the cold AT ALL! I’m also a person that LOVES to work out. I am a self proclaimed gym rat, but even I get sick of the gym sometimes Recently, I rediscovered ice skating as a fun and exciting way to exercise and socialize with friends! Plus, you can burn around 350 calories an hour ice skating.
A friend of mine held an ice skating party – nothing formal – just a text message to lots of friends to meet at the local rink for two hours of fun! I must admit that I was reluctant – I HATE being in the cold and have not ice skated since I was in high school. I was willing to try it because I liked the idea that I could really work out my lower body, so “Just Did it” and had a blast.
I encourage you to try it as well. It is a fun work out that will have you feeling a little sore that next day, but will also give you great stories and bring you closer to your friends and family. It also brings you one step closer to achieving your fitness goals!
HOT DJ ALERT- DJ ENDRA
DJ Endra
Location: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Endra Djawanai is a musician who totally dedicates his life for the world of music. He entered the entertainment world as a drummer, played in several rock and also pop bands in Yogyakarta. Along with his musical activities, he had shown a deep interest to electronic music. He was also influenced by his acquaintanceship with the hip-hop music when the breakdance was first appeared in Indonesia during the 80s. When he was on the 4th grade, little Endra often followed his uncle, a skilfull breaker, to breakdance performances. Added by his thick rock influence, Endra’s interest to the electronic music grows when in the end of 90s electronic musics are enriched by the coming of groups such as “Prodigy”, “The Chemical Brothers”, “Massive Attack”, “Arkarna”, “Orbital”, “Supercharger” etc. Since then, Endra often inserts the electronic elements into his demo songs. Since then, his music reference is more to the electronic dance music (EDM). He likes and is inspired by Fatboy Slim for his ability to make amazing remix which brought them him to wider music industry and market beyond EDM. Endra also listens to various EDM such as Ambient, Chillouts, House, Electro, Trance, etc. He does not like to be picky on the genre division of music because he listens to many as his reference. However, at present Endra chooses to root his ‘identity’ on the house music in the world of EDM. Acid House, Deep House, Funky House, Progressive House, and many other terms of genres does not matter to him..
stay-with-me-endra-djawanai-club-mix-1
Dog Health Issues: Hot Doggy! Dog Safety in Warm Weather
April 24, 2009 by THE FIRST LADY OF FITNESS
Filed under fun
Dog Health Issues: Hot Doggy! Dog Safety in Warm Weather
If you live in a climate that has sticky, hot, summer days, you may find yourself longing for cooler days. Your cat will definitely agree! In warm weather, it is necessary for you to care for your dog so that he or she does not become overheated and develop heat issues. Remember, a pet is like a newborn baby—your dog cannot tell you that he or she is hot or uncomfortable or developing health issues. You have to notice warning signs that your cat is developing health issues and provide a good living environment so that your cat does not get too hot.
When you take your pet places during the summer, never ever let your dog inside of a parked car, even for a short time. Cars quickly become ovens in the summertime, even when you park in the shade, or even if you have the windows cracked. Your pet will not be able to alert people in order to get out of your car safely and can develop dog health issues. In as little as ten to fifteen minutes, your pet could die from the heat in a parked car, and parking in the shade does little good to prevent this, since the sun continuously moves and the heat of the air alone will be bad for your pet. If your pet will be going with you, make sure that cats are allowed wherever you will be.
When the heat index is high, keep your dogs inside to prevent him/her from developing health issues. Dogs should have a 
Dogs that are not outdoors most of the time won’t know where the cooler places to hide are, or they may find these cooler places and not return home. The Thirsty Dog Portable Pet Water Bowl is a great tool to keep your dog hydrated on the go!
Thirsty Dog Portable Pet Water Bowl – 20 ounces
GREAT for anywhere anytime! The Thirsty Dog Portable Pet Water Bowl is great for TRAVEL- anywhere anytime! Comes with its own pan, and that’s all you need…for HIKES, ROAD TRIPS, SUMMER days, BEACH, CAMPING etc. . .At only $3.35. . .it is a great price too!
Hot asphalt can also wreak havoc on a dogs’ health, as it can burn his or her sensitive paw pads. If your dog goes outside, make sure that he or she is let back inside after only a few hours on the hottest days of the summer and has a water source outside. Basically, if it is recommended that seniors and children stay inside, it is good for pets to stay indoors as well.
Keep your dog well groomed during the summer as well. Brushing you dog often will help get rid of the excess hair that has been shed and is weighing down the animal. If your dog has very long hair or is overweight, provide him or her with an air-conditioned room if possible. Pet Favorite Groom Glove (As Seen On TV)
Pet Favorite Groom Glove (As Seen On TV)
As always, make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water. This can be tap water, but should be cool and changed multiple times a day when it is hot outside. Your dog is very important in your life, so make sure that he or she gets proper care when the summer days make your sweat. A great way to do this is with the Kool Dogz Ice Treat Maker!
The Kool Dogz Ice Treat Maker has all the components necessary to create a customizable cool treat that’s perfect for outside playtime. Kit includes reusable, freezable bucket and durable stainless steel construction.
Kool Dogz contains:
Heavy-duty steel base & extension rod
Deep water reservoir to collect water as it melts
Ice treat recipes
Reuseable/freezable bucket with lid
Stainles steel cap bar
Amazon Kindle – Electronic Book Reader
April 17, 2009 by THE FIRST LADY OF FITNESS
Filed under Life, fun
October, 2008, I am watching a Tivo’d episode of Oprah and she seems very excited. She is talking about her favorite new gadget, Kindle 2: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)
. I am intrigued by her excitement because I usually share her sentiments. She begins to discuss this nifty new toy with its creator, an Amazon employee. Well, soon enough, we find out that it is an electronic reader. She begins to detail all of its wondrous functions….”Oh, you can download books and magazines and even blogs. You can set up an account on Amazon and with a 1 button feature, you can pay for and zap all desired reading materials to Kindle 2: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)
in seconds!” I have perked up and am intently taking it all in. You see, I am an avid reader. One of the folks that gets a little sad as I near the final chapters of a book. I LOVE books and all that they stand for. Anyhoo, I am watching and my interest is growing. By the end of the show, one thing is evident….I NEED Kindle 2: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)
. And because Oprah is so benevolent, if you order one and type in OPRAH as the promotional code, $50 will be removed from the rather large price tag of $359. Hmmmmm, how to get it, how to get it….
Rewind a few days before the Oprah episode and my husband is asking what I want for my birthday, coming in November. I say that I have no idea but I’ll let him know. Well, AH HA! I have it now! I WANT THE KINDLE! I tell him and he immediately agrees (gotta love him). So, off I go to the Amazon website with his credit card. I am eagerly awaiting the delivery….Come on Kindle 2: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)
, Come on Kindle 2: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)
.
What’s that? A box on the porch? From Amazon? YIPPEE!!!!!!! I rip it open and undo the packaging and there it is in all of its literary glory….MY KINDLE. Want to hear something cool? When I turn it on, the screen says, “Nicole’s Kindle.” I am ALREADY in love. So, I am looking at all of the buttons and turning it over and checking it out. It is everything Oprah promised.
Now, it’s time to order a book. I go to Amazon.com and peruse Kindle 2: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)
selections. I see one I like and just like Oprah said, the majority of the books (even those hard-backed suckers you’d pay $30 for) are $9.99 or less. I am giddy. I hit the button titled: “One touch ordering” and in seconds, the book’s title appears on the homepage of my Kindle. Oooh, I want to order more. So, I do.
And, I also order samples of books. You see, you can download the first chapter of any book offered in a Kindle edition, for absolutely free, so you can check it out before making the commitment. Love, love, love it.
So, my Kindle and I are together always. I download every one of my monthly book club books to my precious reader and I am loving my new friend. The pages turn by hitting a button on the side (left or right, there is a button on each side). You can mark a page or passage that you want to come back to. I downloaded a book that I have yet to read but it is called something like, “Kindle Secrets–all of the things your Kindle can do that you don’t know about.” The buzz is that you are able to surf the internet and other fun activities. Oh, and don’t let me forget, that there is a way that you can transfer a personal word document to the Kindle so that you could possibly carry around notes for school or work on your Kindle. The possibilities are endless!
Amazon has released a Kindle 2 and I hear it’s doing all kinds of great things for the same $359 price. So, check it out. If you LOVE to read, be sure to grab one or ask for it as a gift. You won’t be sorry!
A review by Amazon Kindle user Nicole Narvaez Manns.
Weight Loss in the Water: Water Aerobic Exercise
April 15, 2009 by THE FIRST LADY OF FITNESS
Filed under Fitness, fun
Weight Loss in the Water: Water Aerobic Exercise
Advice from The First Lady of Fitness, Fashion, and Fun and Pittsburgh personal trainer, Independent Beachbody Coach, and life coach, Jackie Omotalade:
There are many different ways that you can get healthy – doing water aerobic exercises is a new different, and fun way to burn calories! What many people don’t know is that not only can water aerobics help you be really healthy and get the most out of your aerobic work out, it can do a lot more, as well.
When it comes to using the water to work out, there are many ways that water aerobic exercises can fit into your life. You can either do some of these exercises on your own, or you can join a club or a group that holds water aerobic classes and they will teach you how to do them. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll be able to find that water aerobic exercise fit right in to your regular work out routine.
Basically, doing water aerobic exercises means that you are going to be providing your body with actual exercise. You are going to be doing aerobic work outs in much the same manner that you would if you weren’t in the water – for instance you are going to be able to run, walk, and do other movements during your work out. The difference is that you’ll be doing them in the water, which adds to the work out.
Water aerobic exercise routine can be adjusted to suit your individual needs, restrictions and fitness levels. The advantage of exercising in water is that it offers resistance in all directions as opposed to land exercises where you work only against gravity
By doing your workout in the water, you are getting more resistance than if you were doing it in the air. Everyone knows that when you try to move through water you have to exert more force in order to make the movements that you want to make. This means that as you do your water aerobic exercises, you are forced to use more of your muscle groups and you are forced to get stronger.
Most of the time you can be with a water aerobic exercise class, which will help you figure out how best to do your water aerobic exercise. This is a great way to make sure that you know what you are doing, and to make sure that you are actually getting as much out of your exercise as you can. The instructor will guide the class through a series of movements, where you’ll be able to do the same repetitive motions over and over again. Hopefully, you’ll find that this will increase your heart rate and allow you to be able to start to work your body in a great and aerobic way. By doing water aerobics, you can get exercise and strengthen every part of your body – plus, water aerobic exercise can be the most fun you’ve had in a pool since you were a little kid!
Get Fit and Save Bees!
April 14, 2009 by THE FIRST LADY OF FITNESS
Filed under Fitness, fun
Advice from The First Lady of Fitness, Fashion, and Fun and Pittsburgh personal trainer, Independent Beachbody Coach, and life coach, Jackie Omotalade:
Gardening is a wonderful, low impact work out. Weeding or cultivating can burn around 200 calories an hour. Doing more strenuous garden work such as clearing weeds or hauling rocks can even burn as much as 600 calories per hour. Experts suggest that low-to-moderate intensity activities done for as little as 30 minutes a day have health benefits.
If that wasn’t beneficial enough! Many of you have heard in the news that disorder, diseases, parasitic mites and other stressors continue to take a devastating toll on U.S. honey bee populations so much so that there a reported decline in honeybee populations. Many people have begun to wonder how they can help save the bees. Gardening can actually be used to help save the honey bees, so you can get fit and help the environment! By planting bee-friendly flowers which provide bees with food (nectar), you can help keep bees alive. Create a honey bee sanctuary in a pot on your windowsill, in your backyard, or community garden.
When gardening to encourage honey bees, choose flowers that produce nectar and pollen like:
- Sunflower
- Daises
- Cosmos
- Zinnias
- Dahlias
- Asters
- Marigolds
- Hyacinths
- Hollyhocks
- Crocuses
- Foxglove
- Geraniums
DirectGardening.com – Offers quality plants at great prices, come see what we mean!
Gardening provides the regular physical exercise listed in the prevention of heart disease, obesity, adult-onset diabetes and high blood pressure. It also provides the strength training important in the prevention of osteoporosis. Put a gallon sprinkling can full of water in each hand and you got your 8 pound dumbbells. Finish off with lifting a wheelbarrow and you got your bicep workout.
Select an assortment of flowers that bloom successively over the spring, summer, and fall, so that the bees will have food in every season.
Blue, purple, orange, and yellow flowers attract the most bees so be sure to plant plenty of them.
Plant patches of like flowers in close proximity.
Do Not use pesticides!
Do You Want To Release Tension?
April 14, 2009 by THE FIRST LADY OF FITNESS
Filed under fun
Fitness and Health tips from Pittsburgh personal trainer, life coach, and Independent Beachbody Coach, Jackie Omotalade, The First Lady of Fitness, Fashion, and Fun:
Do you want to relieve tension? Can’t afford or don’t have time for a massage? Try a Coconut scalp treatment!
The fatty acids in coconut milk and avocado milk moisturize the hair and reduce protein loss, so your hair feels soft and looks full! A scalp massage triggers a flood of feel good endorphines!
What You Need:
One avocado
One can of coconut milk
Grip the avocado gently on one side with one hand. With a large, sharp knife in the other hand, cut the avocado lengthwise around the seed. Open the two halves to expose the pit.
Use a spoon to scoop out the pit. Chop the avocado into smaller pieces and place in the blender. Pour in the coconut milk and puree for several minutes.
Work the conditioner through your hair and scalp. Massage your scalp using the pads of your fingers. Leave the conditioner on your head for 15-30 minutes. Rinse and style your hair as usual.
Redeocorate and Save Energy at the Same Time
April 14, 2009 by THE FIRST LADY OF FITNESS
Filed under fun
Advice from Pittsburgh personal trainer, life coach, and Independent Beachbody Coach, Jackie Omotalade, The First Lady of Fitness, Fashion, and Fun:
