Down Home

My Fundraising Page

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:23:00 +0000

My daughter is running Walt Disney Half Marathon on 9 January 2010 as a member of
the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. She is running in honor of her best friend in high school Sara Cooper who died from Non-Hodgkins Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.
Please help by going to her page and donating. No amount is too small.

My Fundraising Page

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Losing weight the healthy way

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:43:00 +0000

Maintaining a proper weight is crucial for your health. Many diseases such as diabetes, high choleserol and heart disease can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. Regardless of what advertisers may try to tell you there is no magic pill or elixer that can do it for you.

The key to proper weight control is to balance your intake with your outgoing.

Portion control and healthy eating is key to controlling intake.

Eat half the amount you nomally eat.

Eat slowly so that your brain has time to send the signal that you are full.

Avoid fast food.

Eat a variety of low fat, high fiber, nutritious foods.
Eating five or six small meals rather than 3 large ones is sometimes helpful.

Exercise, exercise, exercise.

Drink plenty of water.

It is recommended that you exercise at least 20 minutes six days a week. You should alternate cardio with weights so that different muscle groups are used daily so as to avoid muscle fatigue.

To find out more about nutrition, get a custom meal plan, get exercise programs designed to aid you in healthy weight loss and fitness go to

fitnesswithcheryl.com

Hip Hop Abs®

Dance your way to hot, sexy abs and burn fat off your entire body with Shaun T's fun, exciting dance program!

And I Said Nothing (Revisited)

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:57:00 +0000

And I Said Nothing (Revisited)

In the United States
They first came for the ARAB AMERICANS
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t Arab American.
Then they came for people from MUSLIM countries
and I didn’t speak up because I was born in the U.S.
Then they profiled PEOPLE OF COLOR as terrorist suspects
and I didn’t speak up because I must not look like a terrorist.
Then they targeted IMMIGRANTS,
and I didn’t speak up because I have legal status.
Then they arrested SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVISTS
and I didn’t speak up because I was afraid to get involved.
Then they came for YOU AND ME– –
and by that time no one was left to speak up.

-- adapted by Applied Research Center , 2003

Walk a mile in my shoes

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:59:00 +0000

Well we gave billions to people who don't need but can't feed and house and provide jobs for those who do need. Take a look at the real world around you. Not the picture perfect on your TV screen. Listen to the people who live with the inequalities that this nation has. Not to the politicians that tell you what they want you to hear. Most of them have seen the real world for so long they don't know it exists. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Once you have done this your eyes will be opened, you will be enlightened, and you will make wiser decisions that benefit the world around you not just yourself.

Whats with all the name calling?

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:03:00 +0000

John McCain's campaign got awfully negative after he picked Sarah for VP. Perhaps it is because since she obviously doesn't know the answers to the questions she has decided to take the focus off of herself by calling Obama nasty names and running down his character.

At the same time she was found to be in ethical violation of her office and has abused her power as govenor. Of course she denies this but the inver]stigators found otherwise. And since she has no sense of style the Republicans spent $150000 on new clothes so she could look good. Lucky for them that she does look good because as far as I can tell this is all she has going for her. But then that is why John picked her. She is a woman and she looks good. It doesn't matter that she can't answer a question intellegently. Sorry Sarah you are being used and abused by the good old boys network. You just don't have sense enough to see it.

Apparantly she is qualified because according to her she has foreign policy experience since she can see Russia from her porch and Canada is on the other side. According to John McCain she is qualified to be president because she has an interest in Special ed because she is the mother of a special needs child. If that qualified you to be VP or Pres then I have been qualified for years and I know a lot more people who have been as well.

As for Obama being a socialist because he wants to eliminate the tax breaks for the wealthy and give them to the lower income. He wants to "Take your tax dollars and redistribute them as he sees fit" If this makes you a socialist then you need to can our entire government now. Our tax dollars are redistributed as they see fit all the time. Thats what tax dollars are for. By the way, for those not paying attention they just redistributed our tax dollars in the biggest case of corporate welfare in history. At least Obama wants to help out the people who really need it and are suffering through no fault of their own but because the guy at the top, the one who just got our tax dollars in the "rescue" took his millions and didn't care if you made enough money to survive on or not.

See thats how "trickle down economics" works. He gets millions in salary plus perks and a nice check if he's incompetent and they fire him and you get what he wants you to have. But not too much because it would cut into his millions. Besides he just outsourced your job to someone who works for pennies a day and wants no benefits. Sorry about your luck. Plenty of jobs left. Try McDonalds or Wendys. So now you still want to complain that someone wants them to pay more in taxes. Or would you like to continue paying more while they get all the breaks.

Get real people. Wise up. We've been screwed too many times in the last eight years. Do you really think it will be different with McCain and Palin?

Dream of Hope

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:25:00 +0000

Make the world a better place

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:27:00 +0000

"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand."
-Woodrow Wilson

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My Power Mall has created the perfect system that will harness the Power of Online Spending to Change Lives. In fact, that is their motto. Harnessing the Power of Online Spending to Change Lives!
If you are intrigued and want to know more, please visit my website at http://www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/155545. You will be able to view a great video and have every question answered. And, if you would like a live person to talk to, please contact me at wlmailhtml:%7B979F9393-8EC3-4989-849F-BC71ED191838%7Dmid://00000020/!x-usc:mailto:cheryl@holeinthewallgifts.com.
I look forward to working with you!

How To Meet Or Exceed The Estimated MPG On Your Vehicle

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:34:00 +0000

How To Meet Or Exceed The Estimated MPG On Your Vehicle

Copyright © 2008 Butch Taft

With gasoline at or above $4.00 per gallon, all of us are painfully aware of the effect of fuel prices on our budgets. Suddenly the fuel efficiency or lack thereof of a SUV, Hummer, or large car becomes painfully evident. Even with a fuel-efficient small car, the impact on our wallets catches almost everyone's attention.

Most of us simply cannot run down to the local car dealer and buy a brand new, highly fuel-efficient hybrid car. Somehow, we just have to make the best of what we have available to us. In this article, I am going to assume that you are just like me, and I am going to assume you need to figure out how to get the best gas mileage out of the vehicle you have in your driveway. So, what can YOU do TODAY to reduce your cost of driving from here to there and back?

Slow Down. What? S...L...O...W... D...O...W...N (Taxi Humor)

When you have to drive your car, the single thing that you can do to most dramatically reduce the cost per mile is to SLOW DOWN. I know that you didn't want to hear that, did you? Whether commuting or traveling on the interstate, we all want to keep up with the traffic, which is probably going 10 to 20 mph above the speed limit, if traffic conditions allow it.

Many decades ago traffic jams began to back things up on the Golden Gate Bridge and traffic engineers began exploring ideas on how to move more cars across the bridge in less time. The answer was to reduce the speed limit from 50+ to 40 or less. With less distance between the cars at the slower speed, the total number of cars per hour across the bridge went UP dramatically.

Every car consumes energy to run. For most of us this means gasoline. The engine-transmission-rear end-power train combination requires a certain amount of fuel per second for any given speed. While the specific data varies for each power train combination, a graph of speed versus miles per gallons (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml) shows the maximum miles per gallon (and the lowest fuel cost per mile) occurs between 45 and 60 miles per hour. Above 60 the MPG drops rapidly.

For some cars, the computer and the instrument panel can team up to show your estimated MPG data, in real time. If you have the information available look at it - it can help you understand how to achieve the most fuel-efficient operation of your vehicle, in whatever conditions you drive.

According to the DOE/EPA web site (http://www.fueleconomy.gov), aggressive driving (high acceleration, high speed, rapid braking) can reduce you gas mileage by as much as 33%. If you drive with tire squealing starts, 80-mph interstate cruising speeds, and "stand on the brakes" stops - you are paying a dear price at the gas pump.

If you hate $4.00/gallon, eliminating these fuel inefficiencies could give you the equivalent of $3.08/gallon gas. Does that sound good to you? All you have to do is slow down. Now, slowing down to 60 may feel a bit frustrating at first, but just think of all the dollars you are saving, every time you get into your car! What's really important to you... fast acceleration and fast driving, or lower driving costs and more driving distance?

Minimize Drive Time

Aside from riding your bike to the grocery store, instead of the car, you can also reduce your car's expense by carefully planning your errands to minimize your total miles driven. Make one Saturday errand trip rather than 3 or 4. Think ahead. Shop once a month, instead of twice a week, or only stop at the store on your way home from work. You would be amazed at how much fuel you can save by reducing your need to drive.

Properly Inflate Your Tires

What else can you do? Check your tire pressure and adjust to the recommended pressures. Soft tires consume more energy flexing and rolling than hard tires. The Owner's Manual lists the recommended tire pressures, and there is an information plate on the car, usually around the driver's door, giving the same information.

Get a tire pressure gage and check the tire pressure in each tire when it's cold. Record the pressures and note how many PSI below recommended pressure each tire is. Drive to a service station. Recheck the pressure in each tire - it will probably have gone up some from the initial cold check as rolling and friction warmed the tire. ADD air to each tire to increase the pressure by the number of pounds each tire was low as recorded above (even if the new hot pressure is higher than the recommended cold pressure).

Make Your Car More Aerodynamic - Reduce Drag

Another savings idea - reduce vehicle drag as much as possible by removing car top luggage containers, ski racks, etc. If you feel you must use such devices, understand there is no free lunch - it will cost you in reduced fuel economy. Also, reduce the total vehicle weight as much as possible by removing any unnecessary weight in your vehicle. If you put sand bags in the trunk during the winter, to improve your traction on snow and ice, get them out of your vehicle when the ice and snow have gone.

Good Maintenance

Keep your engine running in good order. That means regular tune-ups, air filter changes, and proper oil viscosity selection. Remember, every little bit helps.

Other Resources

A number of web sites offer other information. See (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/) for U.S. Government data and for suggestions from Consumer Reports, try: (http://www.consumerreports.rog/cro/cars/new-cars/resource-center/green-car-guide/green-car=guide.htm)

Don't Be Duped - Avoid Magic Bullets

If there are DOs, there must also be DON'Ts. We love to believe in magic potions, silver bullets, and conspiracies. For generations we have been bombarded with commercials and advertisements about stuff to dump in the radiator, in the oil, in the gas, or hang on the car, which will fix our problems and make everything much better. Some of these things work, sometimes. More often than not, they offer false hope and little, if any, practical benefits.

One of the recent popular subjects is running you car on water. Many web sites talk about hydrogen-oxygen powered engines, hydrogen boost from water, etc. It is true that burning hydrogen produces heat, and water is a by-product of that process. Some automobile manufacturers are even experimenting with hydrogen engines, fuel cell propulsion systems, etc.

However, the basic method of getting hydrogen gas, in the "water powered car", is electrolysis of water using an electric current. Unfortunately, the electrolysis process requires more electrical energy to separate the hydrogen and oxygen out of the water than you will gain by burning the gases in an engine. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxyhydrogen)

Yes, it is true that some people are claiming fantastic results using the water-powered car technology, but you may also note that most the people making these claims are the same people that are hoping you will spend your money with them.

They say, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". Wait until these technologies are well proven, by reliable and independent testing facilities, before depending on them to save you money or reduce the operational expenses of your car.

Final Thoughts

If at the end of the month, you can increase your MPG and/or decrease the miles you drive, you will save money.

Studies have shown that the average person can increase their fuel mileage by at least 30%, by simply changing the way they drive. If you can increase your fuel mileage by a mere 30%, then you can expect to save about $23 per month on every $100 you currently spend on gasoline for your vehicles.

If you can drive 20% fewer miles than what you drive right now, you could expect to save another $15 on every $100 spent.

If you drive as much as my wife and I drive, you can expect to save $46 per month, on your monthly $200 gasoline expense, just by improving MPG by 30%. Then by cutting your driving distance by only 20% per month, you could expect to gain another $30 savings, bringing your overall fuel savings to $76 per month.

Every dollar counts these days.

We are not stopping at simply trying to increase our fuel mileage. There are actually people in this world who are beating the Estimated MPG on their vehicles, sometimes by as much as +100%. We will be happy if we can simply beat the Estimated MPG on our vehicles by a mere 20%. Think of it this way; every gallon of gasoline saved is $4 earned! And I am all for increasing our earning power!

About The Author:

Butch Taft writes about modern transportation for the website: http://automotivewebmasters.com/ As fuel prices continue to rise, people are thinking about what they can do to "reduce the pain at the pump." So much so that many people are have put summer vacations on hold. The author of the Automotive Webmasters ebook, "How To Increase Fuel Mileage In Any Vehicle" is already beating the Estimated Highway MPG for his vehicle, in city driving, and he will teach you - in his ebook - how to do the same: http://automotivewebmasters.com/ebooks/increase-mpg.php

Article Source: thePhantomWriters Article Submission Service

Weekly Spotlight Sept 28

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:40:00 +0000

For an additional
10% off
enter code
FALL10A

34-PIECE CAR TOOLKIT WITH LIGHT

Price: $19.95

Sale $15.96

18 WHEELER RC WITH LCD CONTROL

Price: $149.95

Sale $119.96

SNOWBUDDIES POWDERPUFF FIGURINE

Sale $27.95

Weekly spotlight for september 20

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 12:48:00 +0000

Weekly Spotlight

Hole In The Wall Gifts

For an additional

10% off

enter code

FALL10A

HARLEY DAVIDSON SCULPTED MUG SHOTS

Grab these mighty mini-mugs and enjoy a toast! Classic Harley logos give each of these little steins a touch of daring distinction. A wild gift for the collector on your list! Ceramic. Set of four in Harley gift/display box. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Each holds 2 oz. Each mug shot is 3^ x 2 1/8^ x 2^ high. .

Price: $24.95

Less 20% discount is $19.96

SNOWMAN KIDS ON SLEIGH

Winter fun for everyone! Two cheerful snowmen riding an old-fashioned sleigh. Plush fabric snowmen; wood and metal sled. 12 3/4^ x 9^ x 11 3/4^ high.

Price: $19.95

Less 20% discount is $15.96

This Week's Spotlight

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:31:00 +0000

This Week’s Spotlight
	SIMPLY ELEGANT CURIO CABINET Elegantly proportioned curio cabinet graciously accents your favorite room. Sparkling glass doors, graceful legs and stylish fittings dignify this beautiful cabinet, giving it the look of pieces costing thousands more. Birch veneer; alder legs. May require additional freight charge. Some assembly required. (Cabinet contents not included.) 22^ x 11^ x 39 1/4^ high. Price: $219.95 Less 20% discount is $175.96
	LOVE BIRDS ART-GLASS SCULPTURE From a single gleaming column of purest clear glass, a pair of swans gracefully arches their necks into the subtle shape of a heart. Lovely and romantic, this sensuous sculpture is sure to be the jewel of any art enthusiast's prized collection! Glass. 7^ x 3 1/8^ x 12 1/8^ high. Price: $69.95 Less 20% discount is $55.96
	DUCKS OVER LAKE GICLEE PRINT Bathed in the glorious light of a summer sunset, two flying ducks glide to a landing in a peaceful country lake. A faithful rendering of a heavenly scenario, bringing to mind the simple pleasures of a peaceful day. Giclee-on-canvas print looks just like a gallery original! Canvas over wood frame. 24^ x 1^ x 36^ high. Price: $99.95 Less 20% discount is $79.96
	BONSAI FOREST ACCENT TABLE FOUNTAIN As glistening cascades of water travel down the base of this stunning accent table, your imagination travels to places of peace and beauty. Fabric foliage lends everlasting beauty with no care required; polyresin base has the timeless appearance of water-worn rock. A clear-glass circle crowns the top with a practical tabletop surface; a hidden light adds a dramatic flair. Polyresin base; fabric leaves; glass top. UL recognized cord. May require additional freight charge. 19 3/4^ diameter x 30 5/8^ high. Price: $299.95 Less 20% discount is $239.96
	SPA-IN-A-BASKET Spoil yourself! Cute wicker chest contains bath items in a relaxing ^Honey Vanilla^ scent, comfy slippers and a massage tool. 11 7/8^ x 7 5/8^ x 11 3/8^ high. Price: $39.95 Less 20% discount is $31.96
	SOARING EAGLES TAPESTRY THROW Ablaze with rich color and intricate weavework, this tapestry throw captures an eagle in flight, uplifting the spirit and gladdening the heart. Tightly woven for lasting beauty and durability, this beautiful blanket is yours to treasure for years! Polyester/Acrylic fabric. Hand wash; line dry. 50^ x 60^. Price: $49.95 Less 20% discount is $39.96
	DELUXE CIVIL WAR CHESS SET Each piece of this remarkable set is a miniature work of art, marching across a frosted-glass ^battlefield.^ Lifelike horse-head corner columns hold the board aloft. A truly theatrical twist on the classic game of strategy? and an absolute ^must^ for Civil War collectors and chess fanatics alike! Comes complete with polystone pieces and etched glass board. May require additional freight charge. Each playing piece is approximately 1 5/8^ diameter x 5 5/8^ high; board is 21 1/2^ diameter x 1/2^ thick; each corner column is 3 1/8^ x 4 1/2^ x 5^ high. Price: $199.95 Less 20% discount is $159.96
	HARVEST WELCOME WREATH Adorn any entryway with the cheerful sights and splendid colors of a bountiful autumn harvest! A plaid-clad scarecrow smiles a cheery greeting from amongst his colorful bower of leaves and flowers, welcoming guests with a happy hint of fall. Straw and grapevine. 12^ x 2^ x 14 1/4^ high. Price: $9.95 Less 20% discount is $7.96

Weekly WOW item for Hole In The Wall Gifts

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:10:00 +0000

Check out this great Christmas decoration item and much more in our store.

$2.50 shipping on orders under $100.

Click here to Visit Store

Hole In The Wall Gifts

Weekly WOW!

Rosy-cheeked skiers grin with delight beside a magical river of color and light! Charming scene gets extra sparkle from dazzling color-change fiber optics; a tinkling medley of Christmas carols adds just the right note of wintertime merriment. Polyresin with fiber optics. 4 1/2^ x 3 5/8^ x 5 1/4^ high. Uses three AA batteries (not included).

Regular price $21.95

Sale price $17.56

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:20:00 +0000

cheryl@fitnesswithcheryl.com (Cheryl Adkins) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:41:00 +0000

We had a nice family get together yesterday. My oldest daughter and granchild, my son, his girlfriend and her 5 kids, my youngest daughter and her boyfriend and of course me, my husband, my granddaughter Kaci. Everyone got along nicely and we got some pictures, had some pizza, played some basketball with the kids. It was a nice way to end the summer.

l-r Kaci,Mickie,Tara,Logan,Ericka