Pink Lemonade

Save Your Marriage

2013-05-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

When You Think Your Marriage is Over, Give It One More YearBy: Mort Fertel

One of the questions I'm frequently asked is, "How do you know when it's time to give up on your marriage?"

If you’re considering divorce, I suggest first trying to make it work for at least one more year.

Did you hear that?

Try for at least one more year!

And I mean REALLY try. You can always call it quits. You always have that option. But once you pull that trigger, it's over. No more chances. Your life will never be the same. Do you have kids? Their lives will never be the same.

If you end your marriage, you don't want to have a shred of doubt about what might have been. You don't ever want to look back and wonder if things could have been different. You don't want to ask yourself, “What if this? What if I tried that?”

If you have to end your marriage, you want to know DEEP IN YOUR HEART that you did everything you could to make it work.

Giving it one year of serious effort will also help you to move on with your life and into another relationship with a clear head, should you ultimately divorce. You want to come to a place of healthy closure. That is crucial! In my experience, the best way to do that is to work at your marriage for at least one additional year. I know it probably seems like a long time, but it's an investment in the rest of your life.

Here's the key point: It's a good investment for the rest of your life whether your marriage succeeds or not. Obviously, it's a good investment if you turn your marriage around. But if you don't, it will not have been a wasted year. It will have been the most important thing you could have done with that year because of the impact on the rest of your life and (if it comes to this) your next relationship.

I have seen too many cases of spouses ending their marriages prematurely, and as a result, never reaching closure in the relationship. A few years later, they find themselves in the same situation with someone else.

Sometimes the progress individuals make in relationship counseling turns out to be more beneficial for them in their next relationship than in their current one.

I remember an instance when a man’s marriage ended in the middle of a seven-week marriage boot camp. The individual asked whether he should continue with the final weeks of the program. I said, "Absolutely."

He responded, "Why? What's the point? My marriage is over."

"You're not doing it for this marriage," I explained. "You're doing it for the benefit of your next one."

Now don't get me wrong; your intention for working on your marriage shouldn’t be simply to benefit your life after marriage. You need to be intent on restoring your current relationship.

But if you fail, your effort will not have been for naught.

Bottom line is this. If you're asking, "When is it time to call it quits?"

The answer is: one year after you think you're done. If after one more year of trying everything in your power to make your marriage work you're still miserable, then you should consider moving on. Until then, hang in there and don't give up.

This topic reminds me of my situation many years ago. I remember learning late one night that my wife had an appointment with a divorce attorney the next morning. We were hours from "done." Who would have thought that we could turn things around at that point?

We did, of course.

It's never too late! In fact (and here's real food for thought), very often the turning point in a marriage is when a couple hits rock bottom. Sometimes it's not until things couldn't get worse that they can get better.

About Mort Fertel
Mort Fertel is a world authority on the psychology of relationships. He has been featured as an expert on ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS and Fox television networks, as well as dozens of publications including Glamour Magazine and Family Circle, to discuss his Marriage Fitness System. His program is endorsed by a wide variety of mental-health professionals, and he has helped save thousands of marriages. Fertel graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, was the CEO of an international nonprofit organization, and is a former marathon runner. He lives with his wife and five children (including triplets!) in Baltimore, MD.

Survival Guide to Get You & Your Family Ready for Spring!

2013-05-17T17:02:00.001-07:00

Spring has officially arrived and many families have started adding more activities to their already-packed schedules from baseball practices to school musical rehearsals. Mom Central CEO, Stacy DeBroff, has developed a survival guide for families to help them stay on top of important events and avoid "sticky situations" this spring season:

1. Organizing the calendars and not just closets Everyone automatically thinks of closets when they think of spring cleaning, but what about personal calendars? Sit down and input every event for the new month and set electronic reminders for a few weeks in advance so that you don't forget about getting presents for birthday parties or picking up snacks for the lacrosse team.

2. Oh no. Not enough memory! We've all been there. Our cameras and camcorders run out of memory as soon as our children get up on stage for their solo or crack that game-winning home-run. Make sure to transfer any existing videos and pictures that you have on your phones or cameras the night before a big event so that you have plenty of space to capture all those important moments!

3. Conserve Brain Space With so much to keep track of from band practice and dance rehearsals, our brains can get overloaded with too much information. Try shutting down all phones and computers at the end of a long day to give yourself some time to process important upcoming events.

4. Pack a "Just in Case" Bag Sometimes when we're at our kids' baseball games or running around at the playground, we realize that we've forgotten essentials that will keep us going from one activity to the next throughout the day. Think of events that are coming up such as a play date or even a spontaneous weekend getaway and pack a bag filled with water, nutritious snacks, camera and

5. Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes travel packs so that kids can wipe their hands just in case soap and water isn't available.

6. Relax and Take a Breather Let's face it. Sometimes, there are just those days where we forget to do something. Relax and take a deep breath. Worrying about missed events and priorities can sometimes make situations worse.

Poster Art for the New Rock Stars of the Kitchen

2013-05-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

Artist Eric Junker Creates Hand-Printed Limited Edition Posters and Murals for Chefs

Chefs with Posters Include: Andrew Carmellini, Suzanne Goin, David Lentz, Eric Greenspan,

Daniel Shemtob, Eric Park, Corina Wiebel and the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

After a recent write up on his posters for chefs in the New York Times Diner’s Journal led to an invitation to draw quirky murals on the walls of Lafayette Restaurant, Andrew Carmellini's new temple to French Cuisine in Manhattan, Silverlake-based artist Eric Junker has created a new category of culinary art that celebrates the distinct artistic vision of the chef and their restaurants. Since the idea was conceived, Junker has been cranking-out inspired, hand-printed limited-edition posters and murals for some of New York and Los Angeles’ most respected and forward-thinking chefs. In addition to the Lafayette murals, Junker has also created posters for Suzanne Goin (AOC), David Lentz (Hungry Cat), Eric Greenspan (The Foundry), Corina Wiebel (Canale), and the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Southern California's premier culinary benefit for pediatric cancer.

Projects in the works include poster editions for Eric Park and Jonathan Kim’s Black Hogg, Daniel Shemtob (TLT), and the foodie fundraiser, Concern Foundation. Interest in Junker’s culinary posters recently took off after a New York Times Diner’s Journal article called chefs the new rock stars, and highlighted the connection between Junker’s graphics and the classic rock-inspired posters of The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Superchunk, and Soundgarden.

Now referred to as “the artist that makes those rock-style posters for chefs and restaurants,” dining has proven a fertile breeding ground for Junker’s graphic work. “Eating out is one of my absolute favorite things to do,” says Junker. “I have so much respect for what these chefs are doing, and this is a way for me to honor their craft. I think that the chefs appreciate that these posters are hand-made in very small editions; it’s a connection with their way of thinking and working.”

The editions are hand-printed in collaboration with master fine-art printer Tim Dickson, and the chefs are usually given about 30-40 signed and numbered posters. Junker creates the posters for chefs he admires. “It’s been about having fun and connecting with the chef and their culture. Making these posters combines my love of food and art, and puts me back in touch with a passion for making posters that I’ve had since I was a kid.” After his recent gig at Lafayette, Junker also admits that there are other fringe benefits to this pursuit, “Four days in Manhattan eating decadently, drinking great wine and drawing on the walls of Chef Carmellini’s epic new restaurant, was an amazing experience.”

About Eric Junker:

Eric Junker is a Los Angeles based multi-discipline creative thinker whose background as an artist, designer, writer, teacher, puppeteer, banjo picker, and surfer fuel his insights on the merging of artful thinking and survival. He received his undergraduate degree in design from UCLA and his MFA from The Claremont Graduate University. He has performed and exhibited his work in many venues including MOCA, Track 16 Gallery, Theater of Note, Robert Miller Gallery, Canter’s Kibitz Room, and Spaceland. Mr. Junker is currently Partner and Creative Director at WJ Agency, and has taught and lectured at USC, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, Mount San Antonio College, and California College of Art. He currently lives and works in Silverlake with his calm wife and inspirationally rambunctious 5-year-old son.

Survivor on Strength

2013-05-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

How to Turn the Problems of Childhood
into the Virtues of Adulthood
Survivor Shares 4 Strengths to Build Upon

Acamea Deadwiler’s earliest memories are the two weeks when she, at age 6, and her brother, 5, nearly starved to death as her mother suffered a mental breakdown.

Her stepfather, a Navy man, was away for extended periods, leaving Acamea alone with her brother and mother, who was convinced the outside world was out to harm the family. Deadwiler’s mother kept the three shut in their home and, eventually, restricted all food for fear of poisoning.

“I often think about what I’d say if I could write a letter to my 6-year-old self,” says Deadwiler, author of the memoir, “Life, Love, and Lack Thereof” (www.acamea.com). “It would begin: ‘I would love to tell you not to be afraid but, actually, there is much to fear. Things will get worse, much worse, before they will get better. But, they do get better eventually. Somehow, despite every justifiable reason to be weak, you grow up to be strong. Though you will never understand, you will endure. You will be alright.’ ”

Deadwiler says children raised in families affected by mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence or extreme poverty, can turn the disadvantages of childhood into the strengths of adulthood.

“Don’t look at the things that happened to you as baggage,” she says. “Instead, look at the admirable qualities they helped shape and focus on building those.”
Here are four you should look for:

• Independence: When you feel like you have no one to turn to, you turn to yourself, she says. Children who suffer abuse, advertently or inadvertently, or who are neglected, often guide themselves into a new way of constructively viewing and participating in society. These children are resourceful and adaptable and are not merely products of how they’re treated by their parents. Deadwiler plunged into constructive activities like reading, writing and basketball.
• Perseverance & endurance: Some kids are sheltered their entire lives and it’s not until they’re away from the safety of their parents’ protective wing that they learn the trials of life. Those who have suffered while at home, however, are often optimistic about what the world has to offer them. They’ve already suffered and have developed the mental endurance that typically comes later in life for others.
• Outside-the-box perspective: Children who do not succumb to the emotional and mental pitfalls of bad parenting break the mold by seeking another way. Very often, this becomes a life habit that can lead to innovation in all aspects of life. “I really don’t believe in easy answers when it comes to how someone is supposed to live their life, other than to focus on the wellbeing of oneself, and others,” she says.

• How not to treat others: “The only reason we have baggage is because we choose to carry it with us,” Deadwiler says. To say that an adult’s mistreatment of another is due to the baggage of their childhood, then, is to needlessly abdicate personal responsibility. In fact, after having been mistreated, she says, this is all the more reason to treat others better.

About Acamea Deadwiler

Acamea Deadwiler is a journalist who has covered the WNBA and has written for several publications. She received her Master of Science in sport administration from Valparaiso University and is currently working on her Master of Arts in media and journalism from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Deadwiler is the author of several books.

Maintaining Balance in Life

2013-05-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

Psychologist Offers 4 Tips for Maintaining
Balance in Difficult Times

It’s no wonder nearly one in 10 Americans suffers from depression.

“Top risk factors include being unable to work or unemployed; having no health insurance; suffering from obesity,” notes psychologist Gregory L. Jantz, citing a Centers for Disease Control study.

“Unfortunately, those topics have dominated headlines for the past five years. What’s worse, by 2020, the World Health Organization estimates depression will be second most debilitating disease worldwide.”

The author of “Overcoming Anxiety, Worry and Fear,” (www.aplaceofhope.com) says these negative emotions along with sustained, excessive stress can lead to depression, which now overshadows other problems for which patients seek help at his clinic.

“Depression can be rooted in a number of problems, and those need to be addressed – simply taking a pill is not usually effective treatment. Anger, fear and guilt can all be underlying causes, even when the person isn’t aware he’s experiencing those feelings.”
A holistic treatment approach, which may or may not include medication, helps people overcome a bout of the debilitating illness, and learn techniques to manage it themselves, he says.

People at risk of depression can work at maintaining their emotional equilibrium by counterbalancing negative feelings with optimism, hope, and joy. This is most effective if they do this holistically, addressing the four main categories of human need.

“By purposefully feeding the intellectual, relational, physical, and spiritual aspects of your life positive emotions, you can achieve balance,” Jantz says.

He offers these suggestions:

• Intellectual: Be aware of what you’re feeding to your mind. Try reading a positive, uplifting book, and setting aside time in your day to fill yourself up intellectually with constructive, encouraging messages. Be aware of what you are reading and listening to, and seek to counter the negative input we all get with positive influences.
• Relational: Think of a person you really enjoy talking to, someone who makes you feel good about yourself or someone who’s just fun to be around. Plan today to spend time with that person this week, even if it’s just for a moment or two. Make the effort to verbalize your appreciation for his or her positive presence in your day.
• Physical: Physical activity is a wonderful way of promoting emotional health. Engage in some mild exercise this week. Take a walk around the neighborhood. Stroll through a city park. The goals are to get your body moving and to allow you to focus on something other than yourself and your surroundings. Greet your neighbors, stop at the park and watch someone playing with his dog, or cheer at a Little League game. Intentionally open up your focus to include the broader world around you.

• Spiritual Support: Take some time to nourish your spirit. If you are a member of a religious organization, make sure to attend services this week. If you are not, listen to some religious or meditative music. Spend time in quiet reflection, meditation, or prayer. Intentionally engage in an activity that replenishes and reconnects your spirit.
If you are not depressed but feel anxious and stressed, have trouble sleeping or find your not content much of the time, Jantz says it’s time to start taking care of yourself.
“Depression is painful and as debilitating as any other disease,” he says. “Take steps to de-stress your life and to work on emotional balance before it gets worse.”

About Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D

Gregory L. Jantz has more than 25 years experience in mental health counseling and is the founder of The Center for Counseling and Health Resources, near Seattle, Wash. The Center, “a place for hope,” provides comprehensive, coordinated care from a treatment team that addresses medical, physical, psychological, emotional, nutritional, fitness and spiritual factors involved in recovery. He is the best-selling author of more than 20 books, including “When Your Teenager Becomes…The Stranger in the House.” If you’re concerned you or a loved one may be depressed, visit www.aplaceofhope.com and click the “Are You?” tab for a self-evaluation.

2013 SF Green Film Festival Announces Full Program

2013-05-13T18:02:00.001-07:00

The third annual San Francisco Green Film Festival is pleased to present the San Francisco premieres of over 20 internationally acclaimed environmentally focused feature films. The highly anticipated festival will take place Thursday, May 30 through Wednesday, June 5, 2013 ending appropriately on United Nation’s World Environment Day. Festival tickets are on sale now at the festival website: sfgreenfilmfest.org. Tickets are $12 per screening, $100 for a weekend pass, or $200 for a full pass to the festival’s over 50 films and events.

The 2013 San Francisco Green Film Festival includes over 50 films from around the globe, with over 70 visiting filmmakers and guest speakers covering environmental topics surrounding clean energy, green chemistry, food, housing, trash, water, and art in the environment.

For ticket information and festival updates please visit sfgreenfilmfest.org.

Festival Highlights
~ Opening Night SF Premiere of Rebels With A Cause, by Bay Area filmmaker Nancy Kelly, the compelling and epic story of those who fought to save the Marin County coast.
~ Centerpiece screening and Northern California Premiere of More Than Honey, a dazzling in-depth look at honeybee colonies from Academy-Award nominated director Markus Imhoof.
~ Spotlight of acclaimed documentary filmmaker Thomas Riedelsheimer (Rivers And Tides, 2001) with SF Premieres of two new feature films, Breathing Earth and Garden In The Sea.
~ Closing Night SF Premiere of Andrew Garrison’s Trash Dance on UN World Environment Day, June 5.

Festival Feature Films

Wednesday, May 22
Tiny - A Story About Living Small - follows one couple's attempt to build a Tiny House from scratch with no building experience, and profiles other families who have downsized their lives into houses smaller than the average parking space. Fresh off its premiere at SXSW 2013, Tiny will feel perfectly sized for a special outdoor screening in the street-turned-pedestrian plaza atmosphere of Annie Alley. This sneak peek of the 2013 San Francisco Green Film Festival will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers, on Wednesday, May 22 at 7:00 PM at Spur Urban Center.

Thursday, May 30
Rebels with a Cause officially opens the SF Green Film Festival on Thursday, May 30^th. Bay Area filmmakers Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto will attend this SF Premiere. The film celebrates the compelling and epic story of those who fought to save the Marin County coast. Shows Thursday May 30, 7:00 PM at New People Cinema. Opening Night Party to follow at 9:00 PM.

Friday, May 31
Watershed, directed by Bay Area’s Mark Decena, premieres in SF premiere on Friday, May 31^st at 6:00 PM. Watershed is co-produced by Jamie Redford and explores the dramatic changes that the Colorado River has undergone and inspires viewers to make more sustainable water choices. Mark Decena and Jamie Redford in attendance.
Dear Governor Cuomo, directed by Jon Bowermaster premieres in SF on Friday, May 31^st at 8:00 PM. The film documents a music concert that was urgently produced by environmental activists in an effort to ban hydraulic-fracturing in New York. The film stars Mark Ruffalo, Melissa Leo, Joan Osborne, Citizen Cope, Medeski Martin and Wood and many more "fracktivists". Jon Bowermaster will attend the screening and the film will be followed by a panel discussion hosted by Climate One (Commonwealth Club) on fracking in California.

Saturday, June 1
Garden in the Sea (Jardin en el Mar), directed by internationally acclaimed director and cinematographer Thomas Riedelsheimer is a visually stunning documentary about art, landscape and environmental conservation. The story follows Spanish artist Cristina Iglesias as she creates a commissioned underwater installation in the Sea of Cortez. Shows at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, June 1^st.
Terra Blight, directed by Isaac Brown will premiere in SF at 2:15 PM on Saturday, June 1^st. and followed by panel discussion Cradle-to-Cradle. The film exposes the life cycle of computers, from the US gamers who play en masse, to the young Ghanaians who mine toxic waste dumps to salvage metal for their school tuition.
Shored Up, directed by Ben Kalina looks at the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and lessons learned from continually rising sea levels. Shows at 4:00 PM on Saturday, June 1^st.
Powerless, directed by Fahad Mustafa and Deepti Kakkar examines the power struggle in Kanpur, India because the balance of supply and demand for electrical power is disrupted. The conflict highlights the effects on paying customers, impoverished Indians who splice power lines for their power and the power companies. This sneak preview is at 6:30 PM on Saturday, June 1^st.
A River Changes Course, directed by Kalyanee Mam follows three Cambodians who struggle to support themselves and their families as the environment rapidly changes. Winner of the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2013.This will show at the David Brower Center in Berkeley at 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 1^st. Kalyanee Mam in attendance.
La Source, directed by Patrick Shen documents Josue Lajeunesse’s return to his native Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. He leaves Princeton New Jersey to help a rural community create a viaduct to access clean water. Shows at 8:45 PM on Saturday, June 1^st. Patrick Shen in attendance.

Sunday, June 2
Vanishing Point , directed by Stephen A. Smith and Julia Szucs premieres in SF at 11:00 AM on Sunday, June 2^nd. This film is about Polar Eskimo’s “finding the way in a shifting world”. With the intrusion of technology and climate change, Vanishing Point looks at the effects on the tradition and lives of the fewer than 1000 Polar Eskimos still living in the northwest region of Greenland and Baffin Island, Canada.
Because I Live Longer than You!, directed by Henriette Bornkamm and Carl Fechner, premieres in the USA at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 2^nd. Starting when he was 9 years old, Felix Finkbeiner has collaborated with youth internationally to address both environmental and social issues. Whether he challenges politicians regarding environmental policy, works with a 15 year old Nairobi girl to fight against female genital mutilation in her slum, or campaigns with a 13 year old Iraqi boy against child abuse, Felix is inspiring and inspired whose passion gives hope for the future.
Unacceptable Levels, directed by Edward Brown will premiere in SF at 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 2^nd. “It tells the story of toxic chemicals in just about every aspect of our lives, and the egregious lack of regulation. Our ability to protect our families is at stake." - Joan Blades. Followed by panel discussion with the filmmakers and leading experts.
Trashed, directed by Candida Brady will show at 5:30 PM on Sunday, June 2^nd. Jeremy Irons takes us through the landscape of trash worldwide that result from over-consumption and wastefulness. The film profiles San Francisco’s adoption of the Zero Waste recycling and explores solutions to this urgent problem. The score for Trashed was composed by Academy Award winner Vangelis.
More Than Honey, directed by Markus Imhoof, is the Festival Centerpiece and shows at 8:00 PM on Sunday, June 2^nd. This is the bee movie to end all bee movies. We discover the world from the perspective of the bees. Markus Imhoof will be in attendance at this Centerpiece screening.

Monday, June 3
Bidder 70, directed by Beth Gage and George Gage, premieres in San Francisco just weeks after the film’s protagonist, Tim DeChristopher was released from prison after serving a sentence for an act of nonviolent civil disobedience. Shows at 5:30 PM on Monday, June 3^rd and will be attended by Tim DeChristopher and Beth and George Gage.
Switch, directed by Harry Lynch is showing at 8:00 PM on Monday June, 3^rd. The film explores the vast landscape of energy generation from coal mines to oil rigs, granted access to a hydro facility and see world’s energy sources and consumption through the metrics and understanding of a trained geologist, Scott Tinker.

Tuesday, June 4
Plastic Paradise, directed by Angela Sun will show at SF Public Library Main Branch at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, June 4^th in the Festival’s Free Youth Program. An island of garbage stars in this film as Angela Sun discovers the Pacific’s mysterious Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
In Organic We Trust, directed by Kip Pastor, the film shows at 5:45 PM on Tuesday, June 4^th and investigates the meaning of “certified organic”.
Breathing Earth - Susumu Shingu's Dream, director Thomas Riedelsheimer’s second film in this year’s festival, will premiere in California at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 4^th. Following Japanese sculptor Susumu Shingu as he creates art that come to life interacting with the natural elements, specifically, the wind.
Big Boys Gone Bananas!*, directed by Fredrik Gertten will show at 8:15 PM on Tuesday, June 4^th. As a muckraker, Gertten took on the Dole Food Company in 2009 and has since experienced the PR and legal battles that inevitably followed. A discussion on media censorship follows the screening.

Wednesday, June 5
Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth, directed by Frauke Sandig and Eric Black, premieres in SF on UN World Earth Day at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, June 5^th. Following six indigenous Maya in Guatemala and Chiapas through their daily and sacred ceremonial lives, the film provided an alternative vision of the world.
Trash Dance, directed by Andrew Garrison, is an uplifting and inspirational film for SFGFF closing night about garbage workers participating in a dance production. Premieres in SF at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 5^th. This film has won audiences over at various festivals and the showing coincides with UN World Environment Day. Andrew Garrison in attendance.

About the San Francisco Green Film Festival
The San Francisco Green Film Festival (SFGFF) is the West Coast’s leading destination for groundbreaking and compelling films on the urgent environmental issues of our time. Our mission is to educate and connect communities through forward-thinking programs of environmental films and discussions. Launched in 2011, SFGFF presents an annual film festival each spring, along with year-round community screenings and events in the San Francisco Bay Area. SFGFF brings critical and contemporary environmental issues to local audiences and highlights the vital work of our many partners, including local businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations. Since 2011, we’ve partnered with over 30 community organizations, presented over 150 programs, and inspired over 5,000 attendees.

For ticket information, and the full Festival Program please visit: sfgreenfilmfest.org.

The festival’s main venue and headquarters is New People Cinema in Japantown. Other Festival Venues Include: Goldman Theater at the David Brower Center in Berkeley, Koret Auditorium at the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch, Superfrog Gallery in Japantown, and SPUR Urban Center. Lead sponsors of the 2013 event include Earthjustice and Recology.

Bassbuds - Not Your Average Earbuds

2012-12-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

When I found out I was going to have a chance to review Bassbuds earbuds, I waited patiently for my review pair to arrive - not expecting much, just an ordinary pair of earbuds....

But the day I opened my package was the day I realized that Bassbuds are anything BUT ordinary! I opened the box and literally squealed with delight - they were PINK... and SPARKLY!! The prettiest pair of earbuds I have ever seen - my next thought was how in the world I was going to be able to keep them for myself and not lose them to my daughter - lol.

Not only are Bassbuds beautiful, they are super functional as well - they've got an integrated microphone so they work with my iPhone and (this is really cool) - you can control your iPhone, Smartphone, iPod or MP3 player right from the integrated microphone - I told you it was cool! With the click of the cute little button on the microphone, you can answer or end a call, play and pause your mp3, skip forward & backward through your music and actiate voice commands.

Bassbuds are compatible with all smartphones and feature an anti-tangle, durable, double-wrapped cable, a gold-plated 3.5mm audio jack for the best connectivity are precision-cut, high quality, light-weight and have a balanced aluminum housing. Even the crystals aren't just ordinary, they're genuine Swarovski crystals! To make them even more gift-worthy, they come with a stylish and protective storage bag along with lots of extra black, white and memory foam earbuds in three different sizes so even little ears can wear them comfortably.

Bassbuds feature Advanced Crystaltronics Sound Technology. The sound will blow you away - miles better than the standard eabuds that came with my iPhone. You can lose yourself in the music with Noise Isolation and ultra distortion-free bass and crisp treble. There's even a micro filter for extra audio purity.

So whether you're looking for earbuds that are beautiful and functional or earbuds that are high-tech and have all the high-end features, Bassbuds are the choice for you! Not only are they awesome earbuds, but they have one of the largest color selections in the world - you're sure to find the perfect color and stone combination to fit you tastes.

Visit Bassbuds today and take a look at their selection and see for yourself all the features and styles available. The perfect gift is as close as your ears!

Use code BB59856 at www.bassbuds.net/usa checkout for $30 off your order!!

Disclosure: Pink Lemonade Online Magazine was provided with a pair or Bassbuds earbuds to use for review purposes.

Chevy's - Always Fresh, Always Yummy!

2012-09-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants is Chevy's - the food is consistently yummy and they always use fresh ingredients. When Chevy's invited my family and I to come have lunch I was so excited!!

We popped into the Vallejo, CA Chevys on a Saturday afternoon ready to enjoy our lunch.

We started off with an appetizer that we had never tried before... the Crispy Chicken Flautas - they were crispy and savory, drizzled with a creamy chipotle aoli... but be sure to dip them in the jalapeno jelly, just the right amount of spicy and sweet.

Don't forget the best chips & salsa I've ever had - you can definitely fill up on these so make sure to save room for your entree!

I chose the seasonal Lemon & Rosemary Chicken Fajitas while Mr Pink chose the Steak Fajitas - I totally LOVE Chevy's fajitas - they're served sizzling hot with freshly grilled veggies on the side along with all of the fixings you need to roll them up into freshly made hot flour tortillas... nothing's better!

Our girls chose from the kids menu - Beef Soft Tacos for oldest daughter and Chicken Bites for the little miss (did I mention that she will not eat at a restaurant that doesn't serve breaded chicken of some type so I'm pleased that, although they're not mexican food, they have them available for picky eaters). The cool thing about the kids menu at Chevy's is that the kiddos get to choose their two side dishes... if you are lucky enough to have a kiddo who will go with healthier sides, they have great things to choose from like grilled veggies, carrots and celery, sweet corn tamalito (totally yummy!), applesauce and fresh fruit as part of their new "Kids Live Well" menu items - but if your kids are like mine, you'll be happy to know that they offer french fries too. Of course the girls both chose fries but we talked them into one healthier side dish also. Oldest daughter chose fresh fruit (which was kind of disappointing for her, it was an orange wedge and a quarter of a pear - not necessarily "ready to eat", they looked more like a garnish - I would have liked to see a small bowl of cubed fruit to make them more kid-friendly to eat). The little miss chose applesauce (which we never received). Did I also mention that kid's eat free on Tuesday's?? (one kid's entree free for every adult entree purchased).

I also tried a new beverage while we were there... Watermelon Lemonade - completely awesome!! I could have had a dozen glasses of it - definitely try it when you stop in!!

We left the restaurant with happy, full tummies - as always, a great experience!!

If you have a Chevy's near you, we are giving away one Chevy's "Be our Guest" card to one lucky reader which is good for an entree and a non-alcoholic beverage. If you would like to enter to win, leave a comment telling us your favorite item on the menu at Chevy's!!

Winner will be chosen at random from the available comments using random.org - giveaway ends at 11:59pm pdst on Wednesday, September 12th.

Photos courtesy of Chevys Fresh Mex

Disclosure: Pink Lemonade was provided with a free lunch for two adults and two children in exchange for this review.

Dinner Diva: Don't Lose Your Cool!

2012-08-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C

The last thing you need to be doing in the middle of the summer is turning on your oven to make dinner. Unless you like huge utility bills and the extra heat pouring out of your kitchen, that is.

I have an easy rule for summer: no oven recipes. My Menu-Mailer subscribers know this and to their great relief, I provide menus from now until September without using the oven. It's easy to implement yourself-let me tell you how you can do this.

You want to keep the heat in the kitchen to a minimum-especially if your air conditioning is insufficient. So move the cooking, if you can. Utilize your barbecue (and there are SO many great recipes just begging for a barbecue - like the one below!) as much as you can stand it. You can even grill veggies on the barby-try it, it is absolutely delicious. You can get these nifty little pans with holes in them and grill to your heart's content (kind of essential, unless you don't mind zucchini slipping through the grill slats). I toss my cut up veggies in a little olive oil and they're just wonderful grilled. Try this combo: red bell pepper, red onion, zucchini, summer squash and mushrooms. YUM!

Another keep-the-kitchen-cool idea is to use your crockpot elsewhere. We used to put it on the screen porch, but I have heard of people moving their slow cookers to the laundry room. You can have all kinds of delicious things cooking in that thing and never have to worry about heating up your kitchen. When you're dealing with woefully inadequate air conditioning, every little hint helps.

And don't forget things like main course salads, sandwiches and fast and easy stove-top suppers.

Doing all of these things will give you a summer kitchen that won't get you all hot and bothered-know what I mean?

Here's a recipe to get you grilling!

DO AHEAD TIP: Make the marinade and get your chicken marinating the night before or first thing in the morning.

Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken
Serves 6

6 (6-oz.) boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, pressed
2 teaspoons thyme

In a small bowl combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and thyme to make marinade. Put the chicken in a 1-gallon ziploc-type plastic bag and the pour marinade over chicken then seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours or overnight. If you can, squish it around every now and then to distribute marinade. Drain chicken, discarding marinade. (Don't even THINK about using it again!)
Light the barby till coals are to a medium-high heat. (Not red hot, but slightly ash-y if not using gas). Grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until cooked through. (You can also cook this on the stove top in a skillet: heat a little olive oil and cook till browned on each side, about 5 minutes per side or until cooked throughout)

Per Serving: 278 Calories; 11g Fat; 40g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 99mg Cholesterol; 112mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 5 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 Fat. Points: 7
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with brown rice, grilled asparagus (lightly steam first, brush with a little olive oil and finish them on the grill-YUM!) and a huge salad.

Need more ideas for keeping your kitchen cool this summer? Be sure to check out our Crock Cooker Ebooks for dinner "easy button" style!

Copyright (C) 2011 www.savingdinner.com Leanne Ely, CNC All rights reserved.

How to Eat and Stay Fit Like an Olympian

2012-08-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

With the 2012 Summer Olympics underway, athletes are on their A-game. And when it comes to bringing home that medal, Olympians and coaches alike understand the importance of healthy-eating, along with practice. Given your busy lifestyle and lack of time, you don’t need a team of professionals setting and monitoring your daily schedule. With simple tips from Co-founder of BeyondDiet.com and Nutritionist Isabel De Los Rios, you too can learn to adjust your eating habits and stay fit like an Olympian.

Healthy Breakfast

What you eat for breakfast has the ability to affect how you feel and perform the entire day. You may not be a formal “athlete”, but if you’re a busy parent, corporate executive or just trying to get through a demanding day, the right breakfast can set you up for a great day.

The first step towards a healthy breakfast is to make sure you eat one! Many people are just too busy to stop and make breakfast in the morning. If that seems to be the case for you, set up a “grab and go” meal that is easy to take with you in the car or eat when you get to work. Hard boiled eggs, nut butter on sprouted grain toast, mixed nuts alongside a fruit are all great options and take no time to cook in the morning. Have those foods ready the night before and you won’t have to think twice about breakfast in the morning.

Next, you want to be sure to include a protein rich food in your breakfast meal. Eggs, nuts, smoked salmon, Greek yogurt or a protein rich smoothie are all great options to ensure your breakfast is not a carbohydrate fest. Protein has the ability to keep you satiated longer and keep your blood sugar from crashing early in the day. Include protein into your breakfast for sustained energy throughout the day.

Best Foods to Eat Pre-workout

The best foods pre-workout are going to be those that give you energy without causing you to crash shortly after. Ideally, you want to be sure your meal is a combination of healthy carbohydrates and protein without it being too heavy and difficult to digest. Great combinations would be Greek yogurt with fruit, sprouted grain toast with almond butter or a trail mix that includes nuts and dried fruits.

It is essential that you try different foods before exercising and see which combinations work best for you.

Best Foods to Eat Post-workout

After a great workout, your body is ready to replenish its glycogen stores (energy in your body) with wholesome, healthy carbohydrates. Post workout is the best time to include those healthy grains and carbs into your meals. Be sure to add some brown or white rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, millet, oatmeal and/or fruit to your meal after a workout.

This does not mean you should exclude protein. Protein rich foods will be essential in helping your muscles recover and build themselves up so a healthy combination of carbs and proteins is also ideal at this time.

Great meal combinations could be chicken breast with rice or a sweet potato, warm quinoa with nuts on top, oatmeal alongside an egg or a fruit smoothie with some nut butter for added protein.

Best Foods to Maintain a Healthy Immune System

The first step to ensuring a healthy and strong immune system is staying away from refined sugars and processed foods. Those foods will not only make you feel lousy, they bring your immune system down as well.

The following foods have the ability to keep your immune system strong and help your body recover from workouts:

Coconuts and Coconut Oil
coconuts and coconut oil are rich in lauric acid, and contain the same compounds found in breast milk that strengthens a baby’s immunity. A great deal of research has been done establishing the ability of lauric acid to enhance immunity. Make sure your coconuts and coconut oil are organic ones that are unrefined, unbleached, made without heat processing or chemicals, and are non-GMO.

Locally Grown Organic Vegetables
Raw organic vegetables are truly your best source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes for keeping the immune system strong. Ideally all vegetables should be fresh, as the canning process brings the nutrient value down significantly. Visit local farmer’s markets for fresh fruits and veggies in season and choose organic whenever available.

Blueberries and Raspberries
Blueberries and raspberries contain an incredible amount of antioxidants compared to other fruits and vegetables. Wild blueberries in particular are potent immune boosters. They contain powerful phytochemicals and are lower in sugar than many other fruits

Garlic
Garlic offers many incredible benefits to the immune system. It’s antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. Ideally, you should be eating garlic every day. One of the best things about garlic is that bacteria, viruses, and yeast build up zero resistance to it, unlike with synthetic antibiotics. For optimal benefits, garlic should be fresh and used instead of garlic tablets

Essential Vitamins

Vitamin C is an important nutrient for a strong immune system. It is recommended that adult males get 90 mg daily and females 75 mg daily. Foods to include into your eating plan to ensure adequate Vitamin C intake are citrus fruits, strawberries, papayas, kiwi, dark leafy greens and broccoli. If you are eating a minimum of 6 servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, you are most likely getting the recommended amount. For those who are not, a quality Vitamin C supplement may be needed.

Omega 3’s are essential fatty acids the body needs, but cannot make on its own. That is why it is critical for us to ingest an adequate amount of Omega 3’s.

Omega 3’s have been found to play a critical role in decreasing and preventing inflammation inside the body. Chronic inflammation in the body has been linked to joint pain, heart disease, and the growth of cancerous tumors.

Quality sources of Omega 3’s are salmon, sardines, walnuts, and organic eggs. For those who do not consume these foods on a regular basis, a quality fish oil supplement may be needed.

B Vitamins are critical for energy and the immune system, especially Vitamin B6. B6 is involved in protein metabolism and cellular growth. Vitamin B6 helps your immune system keep the spleen, lymph nodes and thymus healthy. When kept healthy, these organs can then make your white blood cells.

Studies have shown that if your body has a vitamin B6 deficiency, your immune system will suffer. It will decrease your body’s antibody production and restrain your immune system’s response. In order to keep a healthy immune system, vitamin B6 should be in your diet

Foods high in B6 that should be included into your meal plans each day are potatoes, bananas, chicken breasts, oatmeal, and avocados.

For more information on Isabel De Los Rios or BeyondDiet.com, follow @Beyond_Diet on Twitter, “Like” Beyond Diet on Facebook, and visit the website: www.beyonddiet.com.

America’s Young ‘Globals’ See U.S. Role Differently

2012-08-02T14:30:00.001-07:00

Author Notes Benefits of Millennials’ Itch to Travel, Work Abroad

Just a couple decades ago, only the young adult children of the very rich, the very religious or the very adventurous ventured abroad to live and work in other cultures.

“It was a life-changing experience for those of us fortunate enough to be offered it,” says Ross Palfreyman a lawyer who recounts his two years as a young missionary during the 1970s in Two Years in God’s Mormon Army (www.mormonarmy.net).

“If you had wealthy parents, joined the Peace Corps or belonged to a faith with a belief in mission work, you were able to develop empathy and a broader world view at a younger age,” he says.

“In my church, young men typically go abroad for their mission trip at 19 years old and stay for two years. For Baptists, it may be a group of high school students spending their spring break building a church in Haiti. Whatever the reason, the lessons learned were the same: Less ethnocentricity, the gratification that comes from service to your fellow man, self-discipline, self-sacrifice.”

Travel abroad for work and study is no longer the experience of a select few and that has helped shape America’s young adults for the better, Palfreyman says. Surveys show they have a global world view fostered by the internet and social networks that cross boundaries.
Having online “friends” in other countries and being immediately connected to events in faraway lands through social networks such as Twitter makes them curious about and respectful of other cultures, he says.

“America’s young adults are the ‘First Globals,’ a term coined by the pollster John Zogby,” Palfreyman says. “The group of people born from 1979 to 1990 travel; they embrace and feel connected to other cultures; they want to make a difference.”

That’s exactly what his two years as a missionary did for him, Palfreyman says.
He notes these characteristics of 22- to 33-year-olds:

• Two-thirds have passports. By comparison, according to officials from the U.S. Travel Association, less than one-third of all Americans – 30 percent – have passports. Two of five Globals say they expect to live and work in a foreign capital at some time in their lives.

• 270,000 young people studied abroad in 2009-10. In 1989-90, only about 30,000 did so, according to the International Institute of Education. While Western European countries are still their top destinations, students are increasingly choosing more far-flung locales, especially China and other Asian nations.

• They want to “make the world a better place to live." A study of 10,000 adults by Campbell & Co. fundraising consultants found this group is more likely than any other generation to cite world improvement as the key reason for their philanthropy. (They also give just as much as other generations.)

• They want to make a global impact. The Campbell study found they are most likely of all age groups to respond positively to messages that focus on the global impact of an organization's work.

The problems we face today, such as global warming and regional conflicts, will require nations and cultures to work together toward solutions, Palfreyman says.

“This generation just might be able to achieve that.”

About Ross H. Palfreyman

Ross H. Palfreyman is a Laguna Beach, Calif., lawyer who began his mission work in 1973 in Thailand, during the Vietnam War and the Thai Revolution of ’73. Two years of trying to convince devout Buddhists that they’d be better off as Mormons was trying enough, he also was threatened at gunpoint and fended off parasites and rabid dogs during his “indentured servitude.” He initially wrote about his experiences for his six children. Palfreyman’s youngest son returns from his mission in Mexico in August.

Back to School Safety

2012-08-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

Can you hear me now?

According to research, 22 percent of young children own a cell phone (ages 6-9), 60 percent of tweens (ages 10-14), and 84 percent of teens.

Now that it's back-to-school time, many parents make the decision to arm their kids with cell phones. Parents generally say they do so for safety reasons; they want to be able to reach the child anytime. Cost is also a factor. Cell phone industry experts say phones and family plans are both becoming more affordable. Also, as adults swap out their old devices for newer smart phones, it is easier to pass down a used phone.

But for children, it is all about social life. A Pew study found that half of 12- to 17-year-olds sent at least 50 text messages a day and texted their friends more than they talked to them on the phone or even face to face.

Of course, owning a cell phone comes with possible outside threats. Here are 10 tips from SafetyWeb (www.safetyweb.com) to help keep your kid safe while using a cell phone:

1. Get Educated and Prepared. Talk to your kids about the dangers and consequences associated with inappropriate cell phone use. Discuss topics including sexting and texting while driving. Make sure you get caught up on the lingo of popular acronyms and initialisms. Ask your kids to save any abusive or problem messages to show an adult.

2. Select Appropriate Phone Features. If your child is under 10, they probably don't need a phone with unlimited social networking or email capabilities. Likewise, the actual phone itself doesn’t need built-in features like a web browser or video messaging. For a young child, look for basic phones. Review all pre-programmed apps and phone capabilities beforehand.

3. Use Parental Controls. If your child’s cell phone has access to the internet, find out if your service provider offers some sort of parental control feature to which you can subscribe.

4. Limit Usage. Designate time slots for talking — perhaps after homework and chores are completed, or before dinner. Don't let constant calls interrupt family time. It's easy for a chatty teen to cuddle up to a phone at bedtime, so check periodically.

5. Consider Monitoring Services. Perhaps your child is older, but you’re still not comfortable with him or her texting and emailing unmonitored. SafetyWeb provides parents with comprehensive alerts and reports on their child's cell phone calls and text message activity. This allows you to keep track of when they are using the phone (during school hours or late at night), and who they are communicating with most frequently.

6. Wait - Before Answering. Instruct your child not to answer calls or text messages from numbers they don't recognize. If it is important, the caller will leave a message and then he can decide how to respond. Explain how to block calls from unwanted numbers.

7. Pre-program numbers. To help keep your kids safe, make sure their cell phones have all important phone numbers preprogrammed into it so they can always get a hold of someone if they’re in trouble.

8. Stay Organized. Always keep your child's cell phone charger in the same place. It's best to find a central location — like maybe the kitchen counter, or a table by the door. Mark the end of the monthly billing cycle on a calendar to remind her how long those dwindling minutes have to last.

9. Practice Privacy. Tell your teen to use caution when giving out a phone number. Make sure they don't publicize their number on the Internet or social sites like Facebook.

10. Be Careful of Download Overload. Fun ringtones, games, and backgrounds - oh my! But, be careful. These such features can come with potential bugs or hidden fees.

10 Traits of Olympic Athletes Worth Copying

2012-07-30T15:16:00.003-07:00

Most of us will never compete in the Olympics, but there are lessons we can learn from Olympic athletes that can help us reach a new level of success in all that we do.

Here are 10 characteristics and behaviors of Olympic athletes worth copying, from Steve Siebold, a former professional athlete, mental toughness coach to professional athletes and author of the book 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of The World Class:

· Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is. Olympians have a “Whatever it takes” attitude. They’ve made the decision to pay any price and bear any burden in the name of victory.

· Olympic athletes embrace conflict for growth. When most people run into an obstacle, they seek escape. Olympic athletes have a plan to push forward when this happens and learn all they can from the challenge. They know facing adversity is part of being successful.

· Olympic athletes are held accountable on so many levels. One of the biggest problems is that most people have no means of accountability or a support system in place when it comes to what they’re trying to accomplish.

· Olympic athletes are learning machines. They spend hours practicing, studying their competitors, watching videos of their performances and session after session with their coaches and mentors. If the average person adopted just a fraction of their work ethic, the results they could achieve would be endless.

· Olympic champions know very good is bad. For the average person, to be classified as very good is something to be proud of. For the great ones, it’s an insult.

· Olympic athletes make “Do or die” commitments. When most people are burned out from the battle, Olympians are just getting warmed up. It’s not that they don’t fatigue; but their commitment to their dream of winning the gold keeps them going.

· Olympic athletes are consistently great. The reason they are so consistent is because their actions are congruent with their thought processes. They have a very clear mental picture of what they want, why they want it and how to move closer to their target objective.

· Olympians are coachable. Most people will only accept the amount of coaching their egos will allow. Champions like Olympic athletes are well known for being the most open to world-class coaching. The bigger the champion, the more open-minded they are.

· Olympians compartmentalize their emotions. In other words, they have the ability to put aside anything else going on at that very moment, and focus only on the task in front of them.

· Olympians think big. Ask most people what they’re thinking at any given time, and you might be surprised to learn how many think about just getting by. That’s called selling yourself short. Olympians are fearless and focused on manifesting their ultimate dream of bringing home the gold.

Chevys Fresh Mex Introduces New Kids Menus; Brings Back Popular “Two Kids Eat Free” Promotion

2012-07-30T15:11:00.001-07:00

National Restaurant Chain Brings Back Popular “Two Kids Eat Free” Promotion for Limited Time

Chevys Fresh Mex, a national border cantina-style Mexican restaurant chain, announced today the rollout of new kids menus featuring healthy, seasonal items that parents can feel good about and kids will crave. The menus, which debut on July 17, are compliant with the National Restaurant Association’s highly celebrated Kids LiveWell^SM program.

The restaurant also announced that its popular Two Kids Eat Free promotion will return through the end of this month. Guests can receive two free under-12 kids meals with the purchase of one regular adult entrée.

“These exciting new menu and promotional offerings underscore our ongoing pledge to making dining out a healthy, fun activity for kids and their families,” said Carlos Franco, executive chef of Chevys Fresh Mex. “And in keeping with all Chevys fare, our entrees for kids incorporate exciting flavor profiles and only the freshest local ingredients.”

The National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell program launched one year ago in collaboration with HealthyDining to help parents and children select healthful menu options when dining out. Restaurants like Chevys that participate in the voluntary program commit to offering healthful meal items for children, with a particular focus on increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy, and limiting unhealthy fats, sugars and sodium. Chevys has created several kids menu items that align with Kids LiveWell guidelines, including:

• Chicken Fajita with carrots, celery sticks and apple wedges (water for beverage)

• Soft Beef Taco (without cheese) with grilled veggies, and carrots and celery sticks ( apple juice for beverage)

• Soft Chicken Taco (with 1 tablespoon cheese), sweet corn tamalito, grilled veggies (pineapple juice for beverage)

In addition to making dining out healthier, Chevys also recently instituted new elements that make the restaurant experience more fun for kids, adding games like the Burrito Maze, Sabroso Mad Lib and Be the Artista; menu items such as Build Your Own Taco; and special dough balls for children to mold during the meal for the “dough ball wall of fame.”

Chevys Fresh Mex’s new kids menus and Two Kids Eat Free promotions are available in all 42 company locations.

For more information on Chevys Fresh Mex and its commitment to fresh, visit www.chevys.com.

--------------

ABOUT CHEVYS FRESH MEX

Founded in 1986 in Alameda, Calif., Chevys Fresh Mex sets the standard for “fresh” and fun with made-from-scratch recipes served up in a border cantina atmosphere that transports guests to the “Chevys State of Mind” – an escape from the daily grind of every kind. Chevys’ lunch, dinner and cantina menus feature bold flavors starting with the freshest, most high-quality ingredients, hand-crafted from scratch recipes, and blessed by the almighty sweet and smoky mesquite grill to achieve true sensory nirvana. Accented with Fresh Fruit Margaritas and infused with a little mojo, Chevys promises a restoration of spirit when guests most need the fix. Headquartered in Union City, Calif., Chevys Fresh Mex is owned by Real Mex Restaurants and operates 42 corporate and 18 franchised restaurants from coast to coast. For more information and a full list of locations, visit www.chevys.com.

What to Eat to Beat the Heat: Foods to Eat & Avoid During a Heat Wave

2012-07-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

An extreme heat wave has been sweeping the nation. When dealing with the exhausting heat and humidity of any heat wave, it’s important that you use every available defense to stay as cool as possible. “As far as eating well during a heat wave, I tell my patients to understand that that they need more water than they think,” says New York City’s medical internist and weight loss management specialist Dr. Sue Decotiis. “If you are dehydrated, you don't sweat and the symptoms may be headache, dizziness, malaise muscle cramps - even diarrhea and not merely thirst.” According to Dr. Decotiis, with each decade people become less adaptable to extreme heat.

Check Dr. Sue Decotiis' simple tips on what types of food to eat and avoid during these long, dog days of summer.

Water, Water, Water

Water is your BFF when the temperature rises, so your goal should be to consume and maintain as much water as possible. Take advantage of this and maximize the amount of foods that contain high levels of water to minimize the intense heating effects of the sun. As is the case with astringent foods, vegetables and fruits such as cucumbers and melons will hydrate the cells in your body and translate to a lower body temperature. The colder these ingredients are when consumed, the better.

“Remember, you may not realize how thirsty your body actually is in a heat wave, advises Dr. Decotiis. “Even being outdoors for 5 minutes can tax the body. Sometimes you might think you're hungry when all you actually need is water.”

Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate the body. Avoid drinking a lot of “energy drinks” and sodas. Check the label for excessive caffeine and sugars. These can make the effects of the heat worse. This also goes for alcohol, especially beer.

Eat Spicy Food

When we eat spicy foods, we sweat. When we sweat, our bodies cool down. Spicy foods have been shown to stimulate heat receptors in the mouth, cooling the body down by causing enhanced circulation and sweating.

Avoid Protein-Rich Meals

Protein can warm the body and increase metabolic heat; it's also really hard to digest. It takes a lot of different molecules and enzymes to transform a piece of meat into something the body can use. When your body performs this process, it creates heat — a process known as thermogenesis. Other foods, such as carbohydrates in the form of fruit or bread, are more easily digested, use much less energy and produce a lot less heat by thermogenesis. In fact, it can take anywhere from 50 to 100% more energy to break down protein compared to carbohydrates.

Vegetables & Fruits

Fresh vegetables such as lettuce, celery, cucumber and spinach are packed with calcium, which is crucial to your body’s thermoregulatory abilities. Thermoregulation is the process by which your body regulates its internal temperature. So how does this relate to calcium consumption? Basically, all those leafy greens give you the calcium your body needs to efficiently send signals between your body and your brain (and vice versa), making thermoregulation possible.

Staying hydrated is key during a heat wave, and one tasty way to do so is by eating water-based fruits, such as watermelons and grapes.

Whole Grains

Almost all whole grains, like barley, contain high levels of magnesium, also referred to as "nature's tranquilizer." Armed with the ability to relax muscle and nerve cells — not to mention increase the absorption of calcium in the bloodstream — magnesium helps your body maintain a more constant body temperature.

Avoid Cooking Indoors

One of the quickest ways to increase the heat in your home is to turn on your oven or broiler. Instead of cooking on the stove in the midst of a heat wave, try eating foods that don't require using the oven, such as salads and sandwiches.

Information courtesy of: Dr. Sue Decotiis, www.manhattanmedicalweightlossphysician.com

About Dr. Sue DeCotiis

Sue G. DeCotiis, MD is a Board Certified Medical Internist and New York State Licensed Physician in private practice for 20 years. She is also an attending physician at Beth Israel Medical Center as well as Lenox Hill Hospital. Dr. DeCotiis obtained her medical degree from the New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York. Her internship in Internal Medicine was completed at Lenox Hill Hospital, and her residency in Internal Medicine and Pathology were completed at Westchester County Medical Center and NYU Medical Center respectively. She is the author of A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Health, Pocketbooks (Simon and Schuster), and publishes a quarterly newsletter sent to all patients. A firm believer in the benefits of exercise, Dr. DeCotiis is an avid tennis player, kayaker and a beachcomber – and dog lover.

Money Lessons From Zuckerberg

2012-07-30T14:47:00.001-07:00

Money Lessons From The Facebook Founder

By Ike Ikokwu, CFP, CPA, MSPFP
The Financial Independence Coach

Billionaire Mark Zuckerberg made news recently when he refinanced the $5.95 million mortgage on his Palo Alto, Calif., home with a 30-year adjustable-rate loan starting at 1.05 percent. The question I keep hearing folks ask is, “Why does a billionaire like Mark need a mortgage on his home? Why doesn't he just pay it off with cash?

That, my friends, is indeed the million-dollar question. The answer lies in the fact that Mark ascribes to my definition of being debt-free. While most financial gurus believe all debt is bad, I don't. I believe that there's good debt and there's bad debt. Bad debt does not increase your personal net worth nor does it provide any tax benefits. Good debt either increases your personal net worth or provides tax benefits. A mortgage is an example of good debt.

Most define debt- free as having absolutely no debt. I define debt-free as eliminating all forms of bad debt and wisely using good debt to accumulate a pool of funds that's liquid, accessible, earns a real rate of return, in your control and that can serve as collateral. With funds accumulated in this manner, you can now make the decision to pay off the good debt that you have - if you deem that to be a prudent use of your money.

What Mark is doing definitely fits this description. If you had the choice of being debt-free with $12 million in assets and $2 million in good debt or being debt-free with $2 million in assets and no debt, which would you choose? I'd choose the former and apparently so has Mark.
So what other lessons can young Mark Zuckerberg teach us? Here are a few:

• Time Value of Money Lesson: Inflation teaches us that our money is most valuable to us today. That is why taking out an interest-only loan and deferring the payment of principal owed to the bank until sometime later in the future is a prudent money lesson you should pay attention to.

• Leverage Lesson: Leverage is the use of borrowed capital to increase the potential return on investment. The less money you put into the purchase of a home, the higher your return on investment. Using "Other People's Money" (OPM) is a proven method to accumulate wealth.

• Liquidity, Use and Control (LUC Factor) Lesson: Paying cash for a house violates a very core economic and financial principle I teach my clients which is that at all times, CASH is KING. You must do everything you can in the way you manage or invest your money to make sure you maintain liquidity, use and control of your funds. To be financially successful in life, I tell my clients they'll need a lot of "LUC."

• Collateral Capacity Lesson: Having collateral capacity on where your funds are invested allows you to use "Other People's Money" to create even more wealth. This fact alone is why Mark obtained a preferential rate of 1 percent on his mortgage loan.

• The Spread or Arbitrage Profit Lesson: This refers to the amount of money that can be made on the difference between the cost of borrowing versus what can be earned on those borrowed funds. This is one way that banks make a ton of money and a very powerful money lesson for you in regards to your own money.

• Velocity of Money Lesson: This speaks to the ability to get multiple investment uses out of the same dollar. It's the equivalent of having $100,000 in two separate investments and reaping the benefits of what each investment yields.

Apply these principles to help you win the money game!

____________________________

About Ike Ikokwu

Amazon.com Best-Selling Author Ike Ikokwu, “The Financial Independence Coach,” is a CPA, CFP and Registered Investment Adviser. He holds a bachelor’s in accounting and a master’s in personal financial planning. Ikokwu is president and CEO of Winning the Money Game with Ike, a tax and financial advisory firm, in Cumming, Ga. His book “Winning the Money Game” highlights the corrective measures that turned around his fortunes after a personal bankruptcy. Find out more about Ike and his company's services online at www.winningthemoneygame.net.

Beating the Back-To-School Bugs

2012-07-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

Preparing to send children back to school in the fall is hard work. But while parents are buying notebooks, signing up for sports and planning carpools, one back-to-school necessity doesnt always make it on the to-do-list: their childs health.

The first few weeks of school are a crucial time to get oriented to new classes and a new environment, and missing important rules and instructions can have an impact that reverberates throughout the year. This makes it important for parents to do what they can to keep their kids healthy in preparation for that inevitable germy classroom.

However, our cultural compulsion for cleanlinessconstant application of hand-sterilizing gels and liberal prescription of antibioticsmay be depleting our childrens bodies of good bacteria which may keep them from building a strong immune system.

Recent articles in Scientific American and Pediatrics have approached this issue; they noted that children who grow up in households with pets are ill less frequently than those who do not, and the recent sevenfold increase in autoimmune diseases may be partly because of the disappearance of certain bacteria.
But even in an antiseptic world there are ways to restore good bacteria and promote a healthy immune system. 70% of the human immune system is located in the gut, and maintaining a healthy population and balance of good bacteria is an important part of overall health. Probiotics such as Culturelle®, can help play a vital role in promoting kids immunity and overall wellness.*

We were sent samples of this product to try out. My oldest daughter has a very sensitive stomach & digestive issues - after taking this daily for a couple of weeks, her issues seemed to be much more manageable - it's been a much more pleasant summer without having to worry about everything she eats!

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Disclosure: Pink Lemonade received samples of this product for review purposes - no other compensation was received.

Grammy®-Nominated Singer-Songwriter Matthew West Readies New Studio Album, Into The Light

2012-07-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Grammy®-Nominated Singer-Songwriter Matthew West Readies

New Studio Album, Into The Light, for September 25 Release

Powerful lead single, “Forgiveness,” Resonating at Radio and Digital Retailers

Two-time GRAMMY® nominee Matthew West is set to follow up his critically acclaimed 2010 album, The Story of Your Life, with the release of a collection of brand-new songs titled Into The Light on September 25, 2012. The new studio album, produced by Pete Kipley, features 12 tracks inspired by letters submitted by the thousands after West invited people to send him their stories. The songs making up this sixth studio project from West were written mostly while he was on tour this spring with Casting Crowns.

After receiving over 10,000 personal stories from all over the globe for his 2010 project, The Story of Your Life, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, who has been forever impacted by the outpouring of stories, felt as though there was even more for others to say during this season of his music. West collected stories for this new project through the end of March. The tracks comprising Into the Light were inspired by stories touching on everything from drug addiction, the rejection of apathy, abusive relationships and the faith we find in the waiting.

"There is power in a story," says West. "And we all have a story to tell. Over the last few years, I have had the honor of reading over 20,000 stories from people all over the world who have answered my invitation to share the story of their lives. The songs on Into the Light are inspired by these amazing, real-life stories. Each one has had a profound impact on my life, and I can't wait to share these stories and songs with the world. I believe the stories told on this record will challenge all who hear to discover the hope, healing and freedom that can only be found when we step out of the darkness and into the light."

The lead single from Into The Light, “Forgiveness,” is quickly gaining ground at radio, with it claiming the No. 10 spot on the National Audience Chart, No. 15 at Christian AC Monitored, No. 11 at AC Indicator and No. 24 at CHR this week. In addition to already charting in the Top 10 on the National Christian Audience chart, the single garnered over 5 million audience impressions this week. "Forgiveness" has been in the Top 10 on the iTunes® Christian & Gospel Songs chart since its release earlier this month.

West penned the powerful track after hearing the story of Renee Napier, whose 20-year-old daughter, Megan, was killed in a car wreck by a drunk driver, Eric Smallridge, over Mother’s Day weekend in 2001. Smallridge was convicted of DUI manslaughter and was sentenced to 22 years in prison. However, Napier has not only forgiven the man responsible for her daughter's death—she even thinks of him like a son. In fact, she actually petitioned the court, which agreed to cut Smallridge's 22-year sentence in half; he will be released from prison this fall. After hearing this story, West felt compelled to not only write a song inspired by Napier’s courageous and humbling act of forgiveness, but he also felt convicted to give her story a voice to reach those who may not have the chance to hear it otherwise. Thus, West’s song “Forgiveness” sets the stage for the 11 other gripping stories which are Into The Light.

The video for the story behind “Forgiveness” is one of the most-watched on the popular video site GodTube, totaling over 50,000 views within just a few days of posting. To view the video, visit GodTube's site here.

Earlier this year, West joined Casting Crowns on the nationwide “Come to the Well Tour,” which visited around 40 markets from February through May. West will hit the road again this fall for a headlining tour, beginning in Dallas on September 20. Joined by MIKESCHAIR, Lindsay McCaul and Everfound, “The Into The Light Tour” will visit major markets including Chicago, Denver and Tampa, among many others. For additional information, please visit www.matthewwest.com.

About Matthew West:

Lauded by The New York Times as "a vivid and compelling songwriter with impressive approaches to the familiar," two-time GRAMMY® nominee Matthew West’s discography includes acclaimed releases: Happy (2003), History (2005) and Something to Say (2008). His 2010 studio album, The Story of Your Life, was inspired by 10,000 stories from every state in the U.S. and 20 countries. The album released on October 5, 2010, and garnered attention from CNN Online, Fox News, Billboard, Country Weekly, American Songwriter and more. The Story of Your Life gave West the largest street week debut of his career selling over 10,000 units the first week landing at No. 3 on Christian Soundscan, and No. 41 on the Billboard Top 200. In conjunction with Harvest House Publishers, West teamed up with bestselling author Angela Thomas for “The Story of Your Life” book. The Heart of Christmas marked West’s first full-length Christmas project which also boasts the Top 10 mainstream AC radio hit "The Heart of Christmas." A multiple ASCAP “Song of the Year” winner, West has had four No. 1 radio hits including his latest GRAMMY®-nominated tune, “Strong Enough.” His songwriting credits include cuts by Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio and more. Recently nominated for a Primetime Emmy® Award for Original Music & Lyrics for "The Heart of Christmas" from the film of the same name, West's sixth studio album, Into The Light, will be released on September 25, 2012.

[Get Connected with Matthew West]

www.matthewwest.com

www.facebook.com/matthewwest

www.twitter.com/matthew_west

Top 5 Beers to Toast International Beer Day

2012-07-30T13:33:00.001-07:00

Calling all beer devotees! Thursday, August 2, is not only International IPA Day, but Sunday, August 5, is International Beer Day. The global celebration of hops and yeast at their finest takes place across the world’s pubs, clubs, bars, breweries, beer gardens and backyards – and anywhere else you might fancy drinking beer! Beer lovers everywhere will gather together to toast this sweet nectar of the brewmasters! Drink something you love, or try something new. Whatever you do, be sure it's a brew!

To gear up for the celebration, head down to your local BevMo! – the selection of IPAs and craft brews can’t be beat.

Here are the BevMo! Beer Expert's top IPA picks for the ultimate hoppy, flavorful, bitter taste; you owe it to yourself and to beer to pamper your palate.

·         Bear Republic Racer Five IPA
·         Shipyard Monkey Fist IPA
·         Firestone Rsv Wookey Jack IPA
·         Lagunitas IPA
·         Green Flash West Coast IPA

Foodies benefit from this summer's drought

2012-07-30T13:29:00.001-07:00

There is a silver-lining to the national drought if you’re a foodie! With this year’s dry spell toasting more than half the nation, it’s no wonder why it’s been harder to taste the sweet summer. Kiplinger reminds us to be bitter no-more with a more positive take on America’s biggest drought since the 1950s.

Peculiarly parched seasons bring the sweetest of fruits and the cheapest of steaks to our dinner tables. Want a soda with that? With corn crops depleting due to the blazing heat, soda makers are quickly turning to America’s ample sugar stock, which is rumored to be better for you! Unfortunately, for dairy lovers, milk and other dairy product prices are expected to rise due to drought.

To read more about how the drought will affect you, visit Kiplinger.

Pillsbury Baguette Chips

2012-07-30T13:15:00.001-07:00

Looking for ways to spice up your snacking routines? Pillsbury knows just how you feel and wants to awaken your taste buds with their new Pillsbury® Baguette Chips! These hearty chips are sliced from oven baked bread and topped with savory seasonings bringing the unique and contemporary flavors of Italian Cheese & Herb and Cheddar Sun-dried Tomato to gourmet snack chips. The delicious flavors and perfect texture of these crispy chips can help you round out any recipe.

Enjoy Pillsbury Baguette Chips for a wide range of occasions: eat them alone, add a bit more flavor to your favorite dip, spice up soup, or add some crunch to your salad!
With 130 calories per serving (21 baguette chips), and 50% less fat than regular potato chips*, Pillsbury Baguette Chips are delicious snack chips that you can feel good about eating

If that’s not enough to get your mouth watering, then check out these delicious chips for yourself. To download a printable coupon for $0.75 off one package, you and your readers can visit http://bit.ly/PBCcoupon today!

*Pillsbury Baguette Chips (5g fat per 29g serving); regular potato chips (11g fat per 29g serving). See nutrition information for sodium content.

Disclosure: The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Robert Mondavi Winery Teams Up with Reprise Recording Artist Josh Groban

2012-07-30T12:48:00.002-07:00

Multi-Platinum Singer and Napa Valley Winery to Collaborate on new Wine and Promotion of New Album due Early 2013

Carrying on Robert Mondavi's tradition of coupling fine wine with the arts, Robert Mondavi Winery is partnering with multi-platinum musician Josh Groban on a series of collaborations in the coming year. Groban's performance at the Napa Valley winery on July 21^st closed the 43^rd annual Robert Mondavi Winery Summer Concert Series and marked the beginning of this new collaboration. A portion of the proceeds from Groban's closing performance were donated to his foundation, Find Your Light, which is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through arts, education and cultural awareness.

"Margrit Mondavi started this tradition of inviting visitors to the Napa Valley to slow down the rush of their daily lives and enjoy great wine, great food and great music," noted Carl Jaeger, Estate Director at Robert Mondavi Winery. "An artist with such immense talent as Josh, who shares this vision of an enriched life, helps us to communicate that message around the globe."

As Josh begins writing and recording his next album next month, he will work closely with Robert Mondavi Winery's Director of Winemaking, Genevieve Janssens, and Winery Chef, Jeff Mosher, to further unite the Winery's values of wine, food, and the arts. They will collaborate on a yet-to-be-named Napa Valley wine, made at Robert Mondavi Winery and scheduled for release next year. In addition, the winery intends to create promotional programs and materials such as special in-store displays featuring Robert Mondavi wines and a new Groban album, to be released early next year. Downloads of Groban's newest singles will be made available through in-store Robert Mondavi Winery displays, online and through mobile applications.

"I am honored to be partnering with the Robert Mondavi Winery," Groban says. "Fine wine and the arts are a natural pairing, so collaborating with the people at Mondavi to promote their wines and my upcoming album feels like an organic and inspired endeavor."

About Josh Groban

Possessing one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music, singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban has entertained fans across the globe with his multi-platinum albums and DVDs (25 million sold worldwide), electrifying live performances, and comedic film and television appearances. The 31-year-old Los Angeles native is the only artist who has had two albums appear on the Top 20 Best-Selling Albums list of the past decade, according to Billboard. Last year, he appeared in the feature film Crazy, Stupid, Love as well as on NBC's The Office, and completed a sold-out world tour. During the tour, Groban partnered with Americans for the Arts to raise money to support his newly created Find Your Light Foundation, which is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through quality arts education. www.joshgroban.com

About Robert Mondavi Winery

Founded in 1966, Robert Mondavi Winery is the shining symbol of California's Napa Valley. The first major winery built in Napa Valley in the three decades since the repeal of Prohibition, Robert Mondavi Winery went on to establish the foundation for the modern-day California wine industry. With the philosophy that great wines reflect their origins, Robert Mondavi Winery pursues the fullest expression of the terroir of Napa Valley. For additional information about Robert Mondavi Winery visit www.robertmondaviwinery.com.

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands is the world's leading premium wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers, storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes, and talented employees worldwide. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Arbor Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Ruffino, Jackson-Triggs, Inniskillin, Kim Crawford, Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.

About Warner Brothers Records

Warner Bros. Records is one of the most successful recording companies in music history and home to some of the most influential and innovative artists of our time. The label was founded in 1958 by Jack Warner, the last of the original pioneering Warner brothers, as an offshoot of Warner Bros. Studios. In 1996, the company acquired Frank Sinatra's legendary Reprise label to form Warner/Reprise. With a visionary approach toward discovering and nurturing musical talent, the Warner Bros. family of labels is currently home to an impressive generation of major artists including Avenged Sevenfold, Birdy, The Black Keys, Cher, Green Day, The Flaming Lips, Gary Clark Jr., Goo Goo Dolls, Gucci Mane, Jason Derulo, Josh Groban, Kimbra, Linkin Park, LP, Maybach Music Group (MMG), Meek Mill, Michael Buble, Muse, Neil Young, Neon Hitch, Outasight, Muse, Regina Spektor, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Seal, Waka Flocka Flame, Wale and many others. The rich and diversified catalog includes recordings by Black Sabbath, Miles Davis, Dire Straits, The Grateful Dead, The Kinks, Madonna, Randy Newman, Prince, The Ramones, R.E.M, Talking Heads, James Taylor, Frank Sinatra, The White Stripes, Van Morrison, Van Halen and others. Now in its sixth decade, Warner Bros. Records' is committed to presenting the world's best music and attracting the most exciting and original artists. www.wbr.com

10 Years Reveal Official Music Video For "Backlash"

2012-07-30T12:37:00.001-07:00

10 YEARS REVEAL OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE "BACKLASH" ON FUSE NEW ALBUM "MINUS THE MACHINE" OUT AUGUST 7

"The song is a linchpin of the Knoxville group's sixth studio album, and the clip is
a dark affair as mesmerizing as the single's winding rhythms." - FUSE TV
As 10 YEARS gear up for the August 7 release of their forthcoming album MINUS THE MACHINE, the group has premiered the video for the first single "Backlash" as well as an exclusive in-studio interview on FUSE TV. Watch the dark clip and interview HERE . The hard driving track also debuted at #35 on the Active Rock radio chart and continues to climb garnering more spins, hitting #27 this past week.

The group -- Jesse Hasek (Lead Vocals), Brian Vodinh (Guitar/Drums), Ryan "Tater" Johnson (Guitar/Screams) and Lewis Cosby (Bass) -- will release MINUS THE MACHINE on their own label Palehorse Records, a partnership with Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group (ILG). The disc is sonically powerful, haunting, and textured, while lyrically exposed, intimate, and personal; it truly represents the soul of 10 YEARS.

Minus the Machine will be the band's fifth studio album, following their successful 2010 release Feeding The Wolves, which broke into the Billboard Top 200 list at #12. Billboard proclaims "10 Years hits a sweet spot between rock and metal" and Outburn declares the band "succeeds at making solid rock songs with subtle unique touches and nuances."

Fans can pre-order the deluxe version of Minus The Machine right now on iTunes.

Baby Phat for Girls

2011-06-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

Baby Phat... it's a brand that I never thought I would be putting on my daughter. Sure, I'd heard of it, but had never seen it at any of the stores where we shopped. Last month, I got the opportunity to check out some of their girls clothes first hand and I do have to say I was impressed.

The first thing my nine year old daughter told me when she saw the website with the adorable clothes was "I HAVE to get some of those!" A few weeks later, a sample pair of shorts arrived in the mail and she screamed in delight when she came home from school to see them lying on her bed in all their sparkly splendor.

She has worn them more times than I can count since she got them and every time she receives several compliments on how cute they are. The shorts are well made and wash up well (something I was not so sure about when I saw the "distressed" portions on the front - but no worries, they came out great!).

The size is true (the do not run small or large) and she tells me they're quite comfortable. My only complaint is that the metallic layer of the belt is separating from the belt itself, but that seems like an easy fix with some superglue.

So what did I find when we discovered Baby Phat Girls clothes?? Cute, stylish girls clothes, lots of selection and just the right amount of "bling". The prices are fairly reasonable (especially now - they're having a BOGO sale on all full-priced items on their website!). Would I shop for Baby Phat clothes again?... yes Would I buy more?.... yes Would my daughter be thrilled?... definitely

How to Throw a Royal Wedding Party

2011-04-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

The wedding of the decade is right around the corner, but even if you don’t plan to hop the pond for the actual event, there’s no reason not to celebrate in Windsor style. The key to throwing anyparty is to have it be more fun than stress, and Julie Subotky has all the tips for hosting a successful wedding watch soirée—with a royal touch.

As the founder of Consider It Done, a personal concierge and lifestyle management company devoted to getting life’s sometimes often tricky and sometimes tedious tasks accomplished, Julie Subotky has planned after parties for Guns n' Roses, organized charity events for the Mayor's office, and catered to the every whim of celebrities and socialites alike. In her new book, Consider It Done: Accomplish 228 of Life's Trickiest Tasks (Three Rivers Press; $15.00 paperback), she shares tips on accomplishing tasks from the essential to the zany, and breaks down the essential elements of a great TV viewing party: dress, food, entertainment and décor.

So as the world watches Westminster Abbey on April 29, here’s how you can commemorate the day by hosting a viewing party for friends from the comfort of your own castle:

DRESS: When it comes to a viewing party, it’s fun to go over the top with a theme. This means costumes. Make it a big deal, just like you are a guest at the wedding. Encourage your guests to wear old bridesmaids dresses - you always wanted another use for something that you spent $200 on and only got to wear once.

Never a bridesmaid? Here’s the perfect opportunity to dress to the nine’s and wear the most British looking hat you can find.

FOOD: As for the food, the obvious choice is theme food for whatever show you’re watching. You can always go with cuisine native to a show’s setting so for a royal wedding? Tea & crumpets are the logical choice. But remember to break out your nicest china, it's a regal occasion, after all so dine in style. And consider blue wedding cake as your something blue (in honor of Kate’s ring!).

Looking for something more? Check out websites like www.slashfood.com, which have a lot of creative theme recipes, for inspiration. Cheese and bread, cookies, and finger sandwiches are always good options, too. Don’t forget champagne for toasting the happy couple!

ENTERTAINMENT: If you are watching the wedding in real time, you won't be able to fast forward. The procession will take a longtime so create games to keep your guests entertained. One idea: the guest list has been kept under lock and key, so have each guest make a list of their best guesses as to who will be at the wedding. As the cameras pan the crowd - if you have someone on your list you get a point. The winner goes home with a prize.

Locate a copy of Princess Diana and Prince Charles' wedding and count how many things are new for Kate & William. Watching both weddings at the same time is like taking a trip down memory lane.

DÉCOR: Go all out with invitations. This is royalty we're talking about - make it a special invitation and people will want to come celebrate. There are plenty of suggestions online or create a custom label and paste it on a champagne bottle.

Display a large photo of Kate and William so that guests can take photos with the bride and groom. Print them right then and there - get some frames (you can even do a simple frame and have guests decorate them at the party). Arts and crafts will help pass the time watching the ceremony, plus you'll have instant party favors for your guests to take home.

Remember, TV viewing parties, especially royal ones, are great opportunities for mixers, because they provide at least one guaranteed topic of conversation. They’re also easy to plan and it’s always more fun to watch together as a social event, instead of something you do in your sweatpants alone on the couch.