ASK In Your Face

May-ed For Fitness – Do the Bride Walk For Good Posture

Allison Stuart Kaplan — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:24:14 +0000

Walk tall and proud!

You may be headed for the wedding aisle or the grocery aisle, either way, good posture is a must! Here is how we practice… Back to old school!

Get your good posture on by balancing a book on top of your head. Walk a long hallway several times, with turns. Keep your eyes looking straight ahead! And always hug your belly button toward your spine for more support.

Walk up and down your staircase several times with the book still on top of your head.
Practice pulling out a chair from your table, sitting down, standing back up and pushing your chair back into the table.
Once you have mastered these exercises, try adding 1 or 2 more books to your stack. You can hold dumbells at your side for a little more core work. I am all about getting as much bang for your buck in as little time possible!
Have an entire meal with a book or two on top of your head. Remember, NO elbows on the table. Keep your napkin on your lap. Bring your fork all the way up to your mouth. Never your face to the plate. (This is disgusting!)
Weight lifting and flexibility training are an absolute necessity! Targeted core strengthening exercises are a must! Please read or reread my articles: “A strong back is a healthy back” and “The power of pushups.”

By practicing good posture, you will automatically look and feel more confident! So stand up straight, keep your head level, and make eye contact. By doing this you will make a positive impression on others and instantly feel more alert and empowered. Start walking tall, walk proud, and have a great day! Love, Allison

Coconut Oil as Sunscreen? YES, Without Harmful Chemicals

Linda Wolschlager — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:39:46 +0000

According to interesting info I receive from coconutresearchcenter.org, they claim that coconut oil is the original suntan/sunscreen lotion. It amazes me how many uses there are for health in regards to coconut oil, but with regard to sunscreen, generally sunscreens we use have chemicals like oxybenzone, that disrupt the hormone system and certainly are not good for children (unless listed as organic). This may be a great alternative to try the next time you are in the sun.

They explain that people living on islands have been using it for this purpose for generations. When sunscreen lotions were first sold commercially the main ingredient was coconut oil. Over time, however, coconut oil was replaced with chemical sun blocking agents.

Sunscreens are rated by their sun protection factor or SPF, which is a measure of how much UV radiation is blocked. SPF numbers usually range from 15 to 100. The higher the SPF number, the greater the effect. You might think that an SPF of 30 to be twice as good as an SPF of 15 and that an SPF of 60 is twice as good as SPF 30, and so on. But that is not how it works. An SPF of 15 blocks about 94 percent of the UV radiation, an SPF or 30 blocks 97 percent, and an SPF of 45 blocks about 98 percent. SPF values above this are really meaningless.

Coconut oil is a proven sunscreen that is still used by millions of people in the tropics as their sole source of protection from sunburn and skin cancer.

How does it compare to commercial lotions? In India the oil is a popular lotion used for this and other purposes. A group of Indian researchers set out to find the answer to this question. They measured and compared the ability of various edible oils in absorbing or blocking the transmission of UV radiation. The oils they tested included coconut, peanut, castor, sunflower, sesame, olive, cod liver, and neem seed oils. The oils that blocked the most UV radiation (40 percent or more) were neem seed, sunflower, sesame, and cod liver oils. Cod liver oil was the most effective, blocking up to 90 percent. In contrast, the other four oils blocked less than 40 percent. Next to castor oil, coconut oil allowed the greatest penetration, blocking only about 20 percent of the UV light.1

Judging from this study, the SPF of coconut oil would probably be rated very low. At least lower than most other oils and especially lower than sunscreen lotions. While at first glance this study seems to question the usefulness of coconut oil as an effective sunscreen lotion, but in reality it shows its superiority.

SPF essentially measures how much UV radiation is blocked. When you block these natural wavelengths you can cause more harm than good. Getting adequate natural sunlight is beneficial and healing. Sunlight helps balance hormones and is necessary for the production of vitamin D.

Vitamin D has been gaining a lot of attention in the scientific community in recent years and for good reason. Vitamin D is necessary for the formation of healthy, strong bones and for the prevention of osteoporosis, rickets, and osteomalacia. It is essential for proper immune function and is needed to help fight off infections, inhibit the development of autoimmune diseases (diabetes, lupus, MS, etc.), and block the formation of cancer. In addition, vitamin D helps regulate blood sugar levels, moderate blood pressure, ease chronic inflammation, helps prevent dementia, and can even ease risks associated with exposure to radiation.

Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D is produced by the action of UV rays from sunlight interacting with cholesterol in our skin. There are very few good dietary sources of vitamin D. The best sources are organ meats, particularly liver. If you don’t eat liver or fish liver oils then you must get your vitamin D from sunlight. Unless you regularly eat organ meats, it is impossible to get enough vitamin D from food alone. Dietary supplements are a poor substitute for natural sources of vitamin D, and usually do not provide an adequate amount to satisfy needs. Therefore, sunlight is your best option.

Consequently, most of us are vitamin D deficient. Many of the health problems people battle with nowadays are either caused by or at least intensified by a vitamin D deficiency. Simply getting more exposure to sunlight could make a very significant difference in many people’s health.

This problem has been compounded by an obsessive fear of skin cancer which has been drilled into us by the medical community and sunscreen marketers. We are continually warned to avoid getting too much sun and always put on protection when we do. It is wise to avoid getting sunburned, but not to avoid the sun altogether as many people seem to do. If you put on sunscreen, you block out the UV rays needed for vitamin D formation. With sunscreen covering your body, you can bask in the sunshine for hours and produce little vitamin D.

Coconut oil protects the body from sunburn and skin cancer without blocking the beneficial UV radiation. Coconut oil doesn’t rely on blocking out the sun’s rays, it works by preventing free-radical reactions which lead to all the consequences caused by overexposure to the sun. So the SPF number of coconut oil is meaningless.

If you live in a climate that is cool during the winter, you probably do not get much exposure to sunlight for a good part of the year. If you’ve been indoors for six months and immediately go out in your swimsuit on a sunny day, your skin will be very sensitive to the sun even if you put coconut oil on. You need to “season” your skin before spending too much time in the sun at the beginning of summer. The way you season your skin is to rub a thin layer of coconut oil over all your uncovered skin, go in to the sun for 15-30 minutes, just long enough for your skin to become faintly pink, but no longer. Repeat this process in the next day or two, staying out five or 10 minutes longer. Repeat again staying out a little longer each time. After about two weeks or so, your skin will be seasoned enough to stay outdoors for hours with a single coating of coconut oil.

Courtesy of Naturalnutritionadvisor.com

Reference Sobhana, T., et al. Ultraviolet transmission through a few edible oils in the context of changing solar insolation. J Ind Geophys Union 2004;8:267-271.

Head to a Local Farmer’s Market This Summer!

Lauren — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:19:12 +0000

Farmer’s Markets are great in the spring and summer months. You can buy local produce from a farm near you. Support Michigan’s agriculture as you try new fruits and veggies! Here is a list of great Farmer’s Markets, flower markets and Cider Mills near you!

Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market – Rochester

All products grown or produced in Michigan offering the freshest produce, beautiful plants, delectable baked goods, wide array of prepared foods and so much more. Open May-October, every Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm.

Yates Cider Mill – Rochester Hills

We have cider, donuts, baked goods, fresh Michigan apples, a picnic area and a fudge shop. Our cider mill has been water powered since 1863. Pony rides as well as a hot dog stand available on weekends. We schedule tours on the weekdays until the end of October by appointment. Enjoy trails along the Clinton River. Open daily September to November.

Rochester Cider Mill – Rochester Hills

We offer pumpkins, produce, fresh baked goods and unpasteurized cider. Tours are available. Please phone for details.

Middleton Cider Mill – Utica

Fun for the whole family. Conveniently located 1/2 mile north of M-59. We have a feeding farm and picnic areas. We feature fresh cider and donuts daily as well as candy and caramel apples, fresh pies, and more.

Paint Creek Cider Mill – Rochester

Spend the day with us at Paint Creek Cider Mill in Rochester. You can now enjoy the continuing tradition of the historic Paint Creek Cider Mill 7 days a week with our new services and menu. A memorable experience awaits at an age-old destination; the Paint Creek Cider Mill now features a menu of delicious meals, healthy snacks and delectable treats including homemade soups, sandwiches, desserts, ice cream, and other treats. So pull up a chair inside, sit outside on the porch, or stroll along the scenic Paint Creek Trail with your family and friends. Whether you are looking for lunch on a Saturday afternoon, an ice cream cone on a hot summer night, or a hot cider for an autumn walk on the trail, you’ll count on us to deliver a delicious treat every single time.

Auburn Hills Farmers Market – Auburn Hills

Join us for this exciting experience in our charming Downtown. The market will be held every Thursday evening from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the municipal parking lot at the corner of Auburn and Squirrel Roads. The Market will feature Michigan and Regionally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers and artisan/crafter items.

Goodison Farm – Oakland Township

Daylily farm, over 400 colorful varieties. Farm direct prices. Catalog available. Call for hours.

Mary’s Garden – Washington

A small road side stand that specializes in bedding plants in the spring and changes to produce as soon as the family farm starts harvesting corn. Their corn is picked fresh daily just reaching the stand by 9:00 am every morning for them to open. They have a multitude of peppers in September along with tomatoes. Oh… don’t forget the fresh green beans. There are also have many other garden vegetables.

Altermatt Farms, LLC – Macomb

Altermatt Farms LLC is a family owned and operated business that has provided service in Macomb, Michigan since 1960. Prior to farming at our current location, our Grandfather and his family farmed for many years in Warren, Michigan. We have evolved from primarily being a wholesale produce farm that shipped our produce to the Eastern Market, to a farm that now has a retail greenhouse, and a farm market where we sell our fresh picked strawberries and home grown produce. At Altermatt Farms we are consistently looking to improve our growing practices of our greenhouse plants, fruits and our vegetables and exploring new and innovative ways to better our products, for the good of our communities. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff strives to provide our customers with outstanding service and quality products.

Kutchey’s Farm Market – Macomb

250 acre family farm growing bedding plants, fresh fruits and vegetables including sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, beans, pumpkins and much much more. Stop by for a visit. Open May-Mid June, Monday-Sunday 9:00am-6:00pm, and Mid-July-November, Monday-Sunday 9:00am-7:00pm.

Miller’s Big Red Apple Orchard – Washington

Miller’s Big Red welcomes you and your family to what we believe is a very special and very fun place. We have earned a well-deserved reputation for fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as for delicious homemade treats. Our pies and breads are made fresh from scratch with all home grown ingredients. Our caramel apples are delicious! Our Jams and Jellies are produced with our finest fresh fruits. We make donuts hot and fresh every day. There are many varieties to choose from. The cider we sell is made fresh with our own homegrown apples. It is an excellent combination when enjoyed with our homemade donuts. Each batch of cider is served and sold with the same homegrown pride we put into each and every one of our products.

Stony Creek Orchard and Cider Mill – Romeo

We offer pumpkins, baked goods, a farm market, a picnic area, farm animals and wagon ride into the orchard to pick your own apples on Saturdays and Sundays. Ask about group field trips and hay rides.

Westview Orchards & Adventure Farm – Washington Twp

An 188-acre award- winning sesquicentennial family farm and orchard. Located 45 minutes north of Detroit, we feature a Farm Market open 8-6 daily, June through December 24th, with homegrown fruits and fall vegetables, fresh bakery items, honey, apple cider, and more. U-Pick open with cherries in late June through mid July, peaches in early August through Labor Day, apples in late August through end of October, and pumpkins in late September through end of October, can change due to weather conditions, but a good idea of when to come and visit us for some great U-Pick experiences. Fall Family Fun from Labor Day to Halloween includes two petting barns, playgrounds, modern cider mill, wagon rides, five acre corn maze, live family shows, straw mountain, 40Ft. slide, wagon rides, black holes, weekend festivals and food. Westview’s on-farm Bakery makes donuts, signature “flips”, pies, and more. All baked fresh daily so come on in for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Unique Gift Baskets, Hostess Trays, and Boxed Apples for shipping are lovely holiday helpers available in November and December.

Birmingham Farmers Market – Birmingham

Join us every Sunday, May 2 through October 24, 9:00am – 2:00pm at the Birmingham Farmers Market City Parking Lot #6. Seasonal fresh flowers and produce are the main attraction all locally grown on family farms in southern Michigan. Honey, syrup and handmade goods available. Each week the Birmingham Farmers Market offers a variety of live entertainment from Blues to Bluegrass!

Boyka’s Farm Market – Macomb Twp.

Open beginning of May to mid-June with bedding plants and hanging baskets. Open mid-July to October 31 with fruits and vegetables. Monday-Friday, 9:00am-7:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm.

DeMeulenaere Farms – Romeo

On their farm in Romeo, they grow a variety of fresh herbs, greenhouse tomatoes, vegetables and fruit in season, hanging baskets, fresh-cut and dried flowers, pumpkins, decorative wreaths and greens. They can do a specialized wreaths, of all fresh or dried materials which they grow on the farm and plant containers for individuals. Open during the Summer, Monday-Sunday 9:00am-6:00pm.

Verellen Orchards – Washington

We offer fresh baked donuts, pies and muffins along with great cider from our own mill. You can pick cherries and strawberries or buy apples, peaches and plums in season at our roadside market. Then, enjoy it all at our picnic area that has an old fashioned train. Open all year, phone for hours of operation.

Gabriel’s Garden Lavender & Herbs – Romeo

In a region more known for its peaches, Jennifer & Michael Vasich of Gabriel’s Garden are sharing the benefits of lavender! They have only been growing the perennial favorite along with other herbs since Spring of 2005, yet for them, it feels like a lifetime. The process has been a joy to discover. “I love doing what I am doing. It makes me feel good to see how this is affecting others in such a positive way.”, says Michael. “We chose to grow lavender because we have an enormous belief in the qualities of Lavender. We started from scratch and now care for a modest 200+ lavender plants in our “Lavender Cottage Garden”, among some other 250+ herbs & perennials. We are working to add several hundred plants each year while maintaining our ‘Romantic English’ or ‘European’ garden feel, rather than that of a ‘commercial farm’.” adds Jennifer. The lavender grown at Gabriel’s Garden is primarily harvested for bundles and sachets, but the flowers are also used in soap and in the line of herbal teas produced by Gabriel’s Garden. Lavender is one of the hardiest plants to grow, loves the sun, requires lots of love, yet needs very little care and gives so much back! The farm is open to the public during seasonal events including the Michigan Lavender Festival.

Royal Oak Farmers Market – Royal Oak

The Royal Oak Farmers Market is open year round with additional hours during the summer season. The stalls include antiques, crafts, and farm fresh produce. Be sure to visit their website for the most up to date schedule.

Hy’s Cider Mill – Romeo

Working cider mill with u-pick apples and petting farm. Pumpkins, baked goods, farm market and picnic area all in a country setting. Scenic overlook. Open weekends 11 am – 6 pm, September to the first week in November.

Kutchey Family Farm Market – Warren

The farm from its quaint beginnings now covers over 300 acres of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with greenhouses in the spring. In addition to the homegrown produce, our markets now offer homemade jams, jellies, salsas and much more. Operating May – December 24 with Christmas trees, wreaths and variety of winter vegetables in our winter season.

Mount Clemens Farmers Market – Mount Clemens

The Mount Clemens Farmers Market (MCFM) is an open air experience where shoppers can purchase the freshest, locally grown produce directly from area farmers. While shopping, you will bask in the aroma of fresh food sizzling on the open grill courtesy of market chef Mark Miller from Culinary Expressions Catering. Customers also have their choice of the produce that arrives at the market mere hours after being picked. Fresh locally grown foods are always packed with nutrients and rich flavors. Staples such as corn, bedding flowers, and pumpkins are mixed with rarer treats such as okra, Italian eggplants, raw honey-in-the-comb, and more.

The market is open every Friday and Saturday from 7am – 1pm May through November. Come rain or shine our farmers and vendors can’t wait to see you soon.

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill – Armada

Apple and pumpkin picking, train or hay rides, Barnyard Funland and animal farm, and cider & donuts. You pick strawberries, asparagus, raspberries, pears and tomatoes. Haunted barn and mazes. We also feature dwarf fruit trees and thousands of Christmas trees. Wreaths, living trees and gift shop. Enjoy hot chocolate and fresh baked goods. Christmas trees Nov 16 thru Dec 23. Enjoy a relaxing and entertaining day in the country. Group tours available. Open daily 8am to 6pm from June thru Dec. U-pick fields close at 5:30pm.

Brookwood Fruit Farm – Almont

Come to Brookwood Fruit Farm and pick your own Apples! Over 40 different varieties of apples to choose from. Also available for sale in our sales room are Apples, Fresh Cider, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Pumpkins, Red Raspberries, Honey, Caramel Apples, Tart Cherry Concentrate, Tree Pruning Equipment, and other farm products. Call ahead for educational and/or group tours. Brookwood Fruit Farm is a 5th generation fruit farm and enjoys serving the community. Open Daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Southfield Farmers Market – Southfield

The Southfield Farmer’s Market is the place to be every Thursday. You can choose the freshest produce and smell freshly baked breads. Come visit us, rain or shine. Open June-October, every Thursday 8:30am-3:00pm.

Almont Farmers Market – Almont

The Almont Farmers Market is a growers-only market where you can enjoy fresh, locally grown produce in a relaxed, family-friendly country setting. At the market, you can purchase your food directly from the farmers who grew it–you’d have to pick it yourself to get it any fresher!

We’re located near corner of School Street on Van Dyke (M-53) in Almont. Look for signs. We’re open every Satruday (weather permitting) during the months of July through October, 9am – 2pm. Free parking and no admittance charge.

Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market – Farmington

The Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market, located in the heart of Downtown Farmington (Grand River and Grove Street), is alive with activity every Saturday from May through November 21, 9 am to 2 pm. Fresh Michigan grown produce, organics and florals tempt the eye and palate. Fine art, quality crafts, baked goods, jams & jellies are offered by our many vendors. Beautiful jewelry, hand-crafted soaps and toiletries, and other high quality items are available – treat yourself or the ones you love! Live music every market day, 10 – 2. Chef’s demonstrations from prominent regional restaurants (The Lark, Tribute, and the Common Grille (Chelsea) just to name a few) are offered on a regular basis, as well as educational presentations to help you develop that green thumb. You’ll want to bring the family to enjoy a vibrant, colorful and exhilarating experience strolling through Farmington’s quaint and historic downtown district. A great time for all!

Novi Farmers Market & International Street Fair – Novi

An open-air market featuring fresh produce, plants, flowers, baked goods, crafts and works of art. Family fun events add to the excitement with face paintings, local music and dance groups. Open May-October, every Sunday 10:00am-2:00pm.

Eastern Market – Detroit

Eastern Market is where Detroit goes to shop for fresh produce. For everything from luscious and colorful farm fresh fruits and vegetables to meat products (beef, pork, lamb, poultry, geese, duck and rabbit) to herbs and spices, nuts, candies and a variety of condiments and all are supplied by the retailers and wholesalers spread over this 43-acre area. This market has got everything you are looking for including a really great atmosphere! The public farmers market is open on Saturdays only, but most of the businesses in the area are open six days a week (Monday – Saturday). The Market is closed on Sunday except for special events such as the Annual Flower Day, held each year on the Sunday after Mother’s Day and Detroit Lions Tailgating.

Wixom Farmers Market – Wixom

Offering the best of Michigan from flowers to fresh produce, special sauces, honey, tea, meats, etc. Enjoy weekly entertainment, kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations & special events. Support our local Michigan Farmers & Producers. Make your day a Wixom Day!

Imlay City Farmers’ Market – Imlay City

The Imlay City Farmers’ Market runs Thursdays, May-October. Hours of operation are 1pm to 6pm. This year the market will open Thursday, May 3 in downtown Imlay City. Our vendors specialize in fresh, local foods. Vegetables, fruits, perennials, baked goods, syrup, honey and jellies are just a few of the delicious items you will find at our market! Be sure to stock up on homemade soaps and household items and stop by our antique vendor’s booth for one-of-a-kind treasures. The market accepts EBT and Debit cards. This year we will once again offer Double Up Bucks. Each Thursday a special activity will take place at the market. Free children’s crafts, story hour with the Ruth Hughes Library and special events will make Thursdays at the Farmers’ Market in downtown Imlay City a must!

To find a Farmer’s Market near you in Michigan, visit Pure Michigan.

Fashion Friday: Cruelty-Free Dresses for Summer 2012

AskInYourFace.com — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:51:59 +0000

This season, opt for cozy cotton and synthetic materials when shopping for your summer wardrobe. These dresses, all silk-free and paired with vegan accessories (hello, faux-leather belts and wedges!), are this summer’s fashion staples. Whether you’re headed into the office or meeting a new beau on a date, you’ll find the perfect cruelty-free look right here:

For the Office

LOFT Cotton Eyelet Shift Dress, $89.50

For a Family Affair

LuLu’s Shipwrecked Green Striped Dress, $36.00

For a Weekend Brunch

H&M Dress, $17.95

For a Date With Your Sweetheart

Express Hi-Lo Hem Maxi Dress, $88.00

For a Summer Wedding

LuLu’s Fleeting Glance Magenta Dress, $40.00

For a Day at the Beach

Nanette Lepore Riviera Stripe Tunic, $104.00

Which summer look are you eager to sport? Share with me in the comments below!

Courtesy of PETA.

Grilled Salmon with Tomatoes & Basil

AskInYourFace.com — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:52:27 +0000

This recipe is so beautiful and yet so simple to prepare—it’s perfect for entertaining. You just spread a side of salmon with minced garlic, sprinkle with fresh basil, then layer sliced tomatoes on top. Put it on the grill for 10 minutes and you’re done!

Grilled Salmon with Tomatoes & Basil Recipe

Makes 4 servings

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 whole wild salmon fillet (also called a “side of salmon,” about 1 1/2 pounds; see Tips)

1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, divided

2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Preparation

Preheat grill to medium.

Mash minced garlic and 3/4 teaspoon salt on a cutting board with the side of a chef’s knife or a spoon until a paste forms. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in oil.

Check the salmon for pin bones and remove if necessary (see Tips). Measure out a piece of heavy-duty foil (or use a double layer of regular foil) large enough for the salmon fillet. Coat the foil with cooking spray. Place the salmon skin-side down on the foil and spread the garlic mixture all over it. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup basil. Overlap tomato slices on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.

Transfer the salmon on the foil to the grill. Grill until the fish flakes easily, 10 to 12 minutes. Use two large spatulas to slide the salmon from the foil to a serving platter. Serve the salmon sprinkled with the remaining 1/4 cup basil.

Tips & Notes

Tips: Wild-caught salmon from the Pacific (Alaska and Washington) are more sustainably fished and have a larger, more stable population. For more information, visit Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, seafoodwatch.org.

Depending on how your side of salmon was prepared at the market, small white pin bones may still be in the fillet. We suggest removing them before you cook the fish. To remove the bones, place your hand underneath the fillet to bend it up slightly, exposing the row of bones running down the length—they will poke out of the flesh and point at an angle toward the wider end of the fillet. Grasp each bone with a clean pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers and gently pull it out in the direction of the wide end of the fillet.

Nutrition

Per serving: 248 calories; 10 g fat ( 2 g sat , 5 g mono ); 80 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 35 g protein; 1 g fiber; 367 mg sodium; 799 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium (23% daily value), Vitamin A (22% dv), Vitamin C (18% dv), Magnesium (15% dv)

Carbohydrate Servings: 0

Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 5 lean meat

Courtesy of Eating Well.

Summer Is Coming! Enjoy The Weekend May 18-20

AskInYourFace.com — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:39 +0000

Book’n Trilogy 5K/10K/Fun Run

Saturday, May 19, 2012, 8:00 am

61526 9 Mile Rd, South Lyon, MI

$27.00

For more information please visit: www.bookntrilogy.com

Join us for the 6th annual event on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Registration is open.

A Competitive 10K Route!

A 5K Route for Runners and Walkers!

A Fun Run for the kids: The Storytime Challenge!

The event benefits the Salem-South Lyon District Library. www.ssldl.info. The library will host a pancake breakfast during the race. Race registration INCLUDES a cool race t-shirt (guaranteed until May 4, after that until we run out) AND a pancake breakfast for you AND your whole family! Chip timing will be provided for the 10K Run, and the 5K Run and 5K Walk.

Prices:

10K: $25 through April 18, $27 through May 18, and $29 on Race Day

5K: $23 through April 18, $25 through May 18, and $27 on Race Day

Storytime Challenge: $10 through April 18, $11 through May 18, and $12 on Race DayRemember: Your registration fee includes a cool race t-shirt and a pancake breakfast for you and your entire family.Race entry fees are non-refundable and not transferable.

Where 61526 9 Mile Rd, South Lyon, MI 48178 (Millennium Middle School)

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May 19, 2012

Time 8:00 am–11:00 am

Who to bring Everyone

Website http://www.bookntrilogy.com

Phone 248-437-6431

Email llevier@ssldl.info

Price $27

Tickets Buy Tickets

Movie Lovers 4 Pack at Birmingham 8 and Palladium12 Theatres

Sunday, May 20, 2012, All day

250 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI

$50.00

Movie Lovers 4 Pack $50 NOW ON SALE at the Birmingham 8 and Palladium 12 Theatres!

Enjoy 4 admission tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 reg. fountain drinks, 4 sm popcorns, 2 candy. Any Sunday movie before 6PM on these select dates: May 20, June 17, July 29, August 12.

For information visit UptownEntertainment.com or phone 248-723-6230 or 238-723-6240. (This package includes $6 admission ticket)

Where 250 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009

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May 20, 2012

More dates

June 17, 2012

July 29, 2012

August 12, 2012

Time

Who to bring Everyone

Website http://UptownEntertainment.com

Phone 248-723-6240

Price $50

Fun Friday at the Painted Pot

Friday, May 18, 2012, 6:00 pm

The Painted Pot, 421 Walnut Blvd, Rochester, MI

$35.00

The Painted Pot is hosting a night of fun, just for kids ages 7 and up. Your kids will use special glaze to make a mug and a cereal bowl while enjoying pizza. This is a drop off activity, so parents, you have a couple of hours to catch dinner downtown.

You can register for this class through RARA on their website, www.rararecreation.org or by calling 248-656-8308.

Where The Painted Pot 421 Walnut Blvd, Rochester, MI 48307

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May 18, 2012

Time 6:00 pm–8:00 pm

Who to bring Kids

Website http://www.thepaintedpot.com

Phone 248-652-8255

Price $35

Pet Adoption

Saturday, May 19, 2012, 11:00 am

55220 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Twp, MI

FREE

Looking to rescue a pet that needs a forever loving home. FETCH may have that someone for you. Come visit them at K9 Cuisine N More.

Where 55220 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Twp, MI 48316 (K9 Cuisine N More 25 Mile & Vandyke)

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May 19, 2012

Time 11:00 am–3:00 pm

Who to bring Everyone

Website http://fetchdogrescue.blogspot.com/

Phone 586-232-4955

Price $0

RELAY FOR LIFE OF SHELBY TOWNSHIP

Saturday, May 19, 2012, 10:00 am

River Bends Park, 5700 22 Mile Rd, Shelby Township, MI

FREE

Julian Pavone, ‘THE WORLDS YOUNGEST DRUMMER!” & Guinness world record holder to perform at the Relay for Life of Shelby Twp. This community wide public event is being sponsored by Soft Rock 105.1 and The Advisor and will be held at River Bends Park off 22 Mile Rd. You are cordially invited to experience Relay for Life which represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated. Register for a complimentary luncheon for Survivors and one guest, sponsored by Hamlin Pub. This year will will be sponsoring the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3), a long term study for ages 30 – 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer. At the event you will complete a brief survey, provide a waist measurement and give a small amount of blood collected by a certified, trained phlebotomist. Then you will be part of a historic 20-30 year study which will involve completing a mailed survey every few years. For more information and to register visit cancer.org/cps3 also to register for the Luncheon contact Dorothy Busignani @248-663-3418 or dorothy.busignani@cancer.org

Where River Bends Park 5700 22 Mile Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48317

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May 19, 2012

Time 10:00 am

Who to bring Everyone

Price $0

Huntington Woods/Berkley Scrap Metal, Electronics & Books Recycling

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 10:00 am

Huntington Woods Department of Public Works, 12795 11 Mile Road, Huntington Woods, MI

FREE

The scrap metal container in the Huntington Woods DPW yard is available throughout the year, however, on the Huntington Woods Garage Sale weekend, the yard will be open on Sunday for the bi-annual Scrap Metal, Electronics, Book and, now, Shredding Day.

Berkley residents are encouraged to bring their scrap metal, electronics and books for recycling too.

Where Huntington Woods Department of Public Works 12795 11 Mile Road, Huntington Woods, MI 48070

Next on

May 20, 2012

Time 10:00 am–6:00 pm

Who to bring Everyone

Price $0

All courtesy of Patch.com, to find more events near you, go to Patch and select your city then select events.

Tyra Banks Applauds Vogue’s Efforts to Help Young Women, But Is It Really Enough?

AskInYourFace.com — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:28:40 +0000

Tyra Banks is toasting Vogue’s 19 international editions for pledging to promote healthy body image, but while the plan is a step in the right direction, what does it really mean for the future?

“Real progress is finally on the horizon,” Banks writes in an open letter on The Daily Beast. “Vogue is stepping up, doing the right thing, and protecting that girl. Perhaps that girl is you!”

Earlier this month, Conde Nast, which owns Vogue, announced a six-point plan for what they’ll require beginning with their June editions. “Vogue editors around the world want the magazines to reflect their commitment to the health of the models who appear on the pages and the well-being of their readers,” international chairman Jonathan Newhouse said, according to the New York Times.

The bullet points are outlined as follows:

1. We will not knowingly work with models under the age of 16 or who appear to have an eating disorder. We will work with models who, in our view, are healthy and help to promote a healthy body image.

2. We will ask agents not to knowingly send us underage girls and casting directors to check IDs when casting shoots, shows and campaigns.

3. We will help to structure mentoring programs where more mature models are able to give advice and guidance to younger girls, and we will help to raise industry-wide awareness through education, as has been integral to the Council of Fashion Designers of America Health Initiative.

4. We will encourage producers to create healthy backstage working conditions, including healthy food options and a respect for privacy. We will encourage casting agents not to keep models unreasonably late.

5. We encourage designers to consider the consequences of unrealistically small sample sizes of their clothing, which limits the range of women who can be photographed in their clothes, and encourages the use of extremely thin models.

6. We will be ambassadors for the message of healthy body image.

But is there really any way for Vogue to actually enforce these rules when “appearing” to have an eating disorder is completely subjective? Why not include a minimum weight or body-mass index that could more scientifically reflect one’s health. And like Banks suggests, perhaps there should be a guild that protects models. “When I went to Paris after graduating high school, I saw a model who was 12 years old without any supervision. That wouldn’t happen in the acting world,” Banks writes. “There needs to be more industry-wide protections for models, and we need to be more consistent with what the acting world does: protect our minors, as well as the health and well-being of models.”

Although body image in magazines has always been a hot topic, an increasing amount of people are championing a change. Earlier this month, 14-year-old Julia Bluhm made headlines after she protested outside of Seventeen magazine’s New York City offices to get more “real girls” on their pages. She also started an online petition that received over 41,000 signatures.

We certainly applaud Banks for continually being a champion of all body types and Vogue for making small steps in the right direction, but we hope these are just the stepping stones for policy that will actually make a significant change.

What do you think about Vogue’s plan? Tell us your suggestions and thoughts in the comments below!

Courtesy of: Robyn Ross tvguide.com

May-ed For Fitness: The 9-5 Guide to Staying Active

AskInYourFace.com — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:46:55 +0000

Move it!

If you feel hopeless and helpless when it comes to exercise – don’t give up, ever! Enjoy this guest post from Matt Madeiro of Make Every Day Count ~ Have a great day! Allison

Let’s see if this rings any bells.

When the clock hits 8, I sit. I plop back in my rolling chair, crack open the laptop on my desk, and spend the next nine hours with my butt glued firmly to seat. I stand on occasion to step into the bathroom, but I’m back to my post again shortly thereafter — hunched over, bleary-eyed, and nursing my coffee like it’s the greatest thing since toilet paper (I make no claims to the contrary).

When that clock hits 5, I bolt. I’m out the door in the blink of an eye, gunning my way through traffic to finally make it home. There, at long last, I do what I’ve been dreaming about doing all day: sit. I sink into the couch, smile, and seize the remote, content to shut the brain down for a few glorious hours before calling it a night.

Rinse. Repeat. See the common theme here?

We’ve grown used to idleness. The modern life too often asks us to sit, type, and keep off our feet, inviting the kind of sedentary lifestyle our waist lines are so better off without. As someone steadily entrenched in my chair over these last few months in the office, I’ve had to get creative. I’ve had to try and puzzle out how I can devote my daily 9 to 5, in other words, to the betterment—not the detriment—of my health. Here’s what I’ve come up with.

1. Move.

Any motion is better than no motion at all. That’s the core idea behind each of these tricks, and that’s the biggest bullet point worth incorporating into your daily routine. Your job might demand you spend a lot of time in a chair. You can’t always change that, but there’s nothing stopping you from doing your best to work within those (admittedly comfy) constraints.

2. Set a timer.

Most modern phones come with a built-in timer, but you can always just keep an eye on the clock if you’re not keen on the sound of an alarm. The idea, in either case, is the same: to remind yourself at regular intervals to get up out of your seat and take a quick stroll around the office. I’m the kind of worker who gets quickly absorbed in my work, eyes locked on the screen as the hours sneak by, meaning an alarm set for every 45 minutes is often the only way I remember to stand up, stretch, and do one of the tricks below.

3. Incorporate bodyweight exercises.

It’s tempting to save all your sweat for the gym, but that’s not always practical — especially when life likes to take our rigorous training schedules, punt them into a trash can, and send us scrambling on back to the drawing board.

Saving your exercise solely for the gym, too, misses a simple point: several small sets of bodyweight exercises—knee or wall pushups and air squats as an example—throughout the day can be just as beneficial as thirty dedicated minutes on the treadmill, especially if those sets are timed to interrupt hours otherwise spent barely moving at all. If you’re aiming to add a little more motion to your routine, in other words, don’t forget that you have a weight room already available. Have arms? Experiment with the Hundred Pushups program, a personal favorite of mine, and don’t be afraid to enjoy some wall pushups in the privacy of your own office. Have legs? Air squats, so long as you go slow and ease them into your routine, work the body like few other movements, and you don’t need more than five minutes to get the blood flowing before you’re forced to move back to your seat.

If you’re keen on setting a timer, too, this is the perfect opportunity to have a mini-workout. When that clock strikes 0, crank out 10 to 15 pushups, lunges, etc., and see how many you can collect over the course of the day. As the weeks progress, so will your totals, and so too will your overall fitness.

4. Capitalize on the size of your bladder.

This might be the first time in your life where a small bladder comes in handy. The next time you hoof it over to the toilet, why not spend an extra few minutes inside the stall? You can easily do twenty to thirty air squats in the privacy of that little box, and there’s nothing stopping you from doing five to ten wall pushups while you’re there. (Nothing, that is, aside from hygiene concerns). Put a thin sheet of toilet paper between each hand and the wall, however, and embrace the additional chance to work in a little exercise without having to wash your hands for the next hour. And when you walk to the bathroom in the first place? Opt for the one the farthest away from your workstation, even one that forces you to take the stairs to a different floor. The additional minutes spent walking might not seem like much, but they always add up over the course of the day.

5. Keep walking.

You’ve heard the usual tricks: take the stairs where possible, park out as far as possible, and so forth. That’s solid advice, to be sure, but there’s no reason to stop there. Why not go further? Why not keep walking as much as possible?

When your timer goes off, pace around your office for five minutes. At the end of your lunch break, don’t sneak back to spend some time on Facebook — take a walk around your office instead, or head outside to soak up the sun while you circle the block.

When you take a phone call, don’t lean back in your chair to accept it. Pop up and move around for the duration of the call instead. In the case of long calls, this can easily—and effortlessly—add minutes of walking into your daily routine, minutes you otherwise might spend with your jaw flapping and both legs stuck motionless to the floor.

6. Take a stand.

This is revolutionary thinking, so brace yourself: standing is not sitting. It’s so far-removed in how it tasks the body, in fact, that you could call it a kind of exercise in itself (especially when stacked up next to relatively motionless hours spent in a chair). Standing desks, unfortunately, haven’t hit the mainstream, but they’re still a great start if you’re looking to tackle the core problem of the modern office: big, comfy seats, and jobs that demand we spend hours getting intimate with them.

If you’re stuck with a regular desk, however, you can still see the benefits of taking a stand. It might seem like an obvious trick, but try this: when given the choice of sitting or standing, choose standing first. When you’re visiting someone’s office, stand for a decent-sized chunk of the conversation. When you’re enjoying your lunch break, don’t be afraid to stand while you eat or prepare your meal. If you find yourself closing the door to your office for a good think, why not do it up on your feet?

When you get home from work, too, don’t immediately drop down on the couch. Stand in the kitchen while you cook, stay upright while you talk with family, and just try and delay that familiar combo of TV and couch for as long as your legs allow. A sudden increase in your standing time won’t come too easily at first, but stick with it and you’ll see your endurance rise within the span of a week.

The Biggest Step

If you’ll allow a repetition: any motion is better than no motion at all. Given how many hours we spend sunk deep into our chairs, any new emphasis on steady, simple activities can go a long way to helping you keep active. The tips above might not replace dedicated exercise, to be fair, but I think they can do one better: supplement your existing routine, or even put you on the path towards implementing one in the first place.

Remember, lastly, that exercise doesn’t have to be difficult. It doesn’t demand three hours in the gym or long, sleepless nights on the treadmill, but it does ask you, now, to take an interest in your well-being, and to take small, steady steps toward improving your health.

Start today. Set a timer, stand when you can, and take a walk at every chance you get, and I think you’ll realize something exciting: your 9 to 5 doesn’t force you to sit still. Make the decision to start moving, in fact, and you might even find that your time at the office can have a positive impact on your health.

Matt Madeiro is the author of Make Every Day Count, a blog devoted to answering a single question: what does it mean to live well? He explores simple ways to do just that in his latest book, Happiness Is.

Feed Your Goddess – Taking A Look At Calcium

AskInYourFace.com — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:35:51 +0000

Welcome to our new feature where we’ll be exploring key nutritional elements and how to make sure they’re a part of your healthy eating plan. Remember, our bodies are finely tuned machines, and they depend on us to provide the highest octane fuel possible! We’re going to start with a discussion of calcium, since 90% of American women are calcium deficient on a daily basis! We all know that calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, or abnormal loss of bone tissue resulting in fragile, porous bones. But calcium deficiency can also lead to a whole host of health concerns, such as depression, insomnia, muscle cramping and fatigue, menstrual cramping, and even gum disease!

Let’s take a look at the facts: 99% of the body’s calcium is in our bones. The other 1%, which is found in blood, fluids, and soft tissue, is critical to the functioning of every single cell in the body! Calcium plays a crucial role in the following processes:

Blood clotting
Cell division
Muscle contraction and maintenance of muscle tone
Brain function
Hormonal balance
Heartbeat

And you thought calcium just strengthened your bones!

Here’s how the fine balance of calcium in our bodies works…blood calcium levels need to stay between 9 and 11 mg/dl (milligrams/deciliter). If calcium intake is too low, the body compensates by drawing calcium out of the bones to stabilize blood levels. On the other hand, if blood calcium levels are too high from excess intake, the body compensates by removing the extra calcium from the blood and making new bone with it!

The goal for optimal long term bone health is to build the strongest bones possible during your 20’s and early 30’s while bone is actively building. Once we hit about 35, our bone building days are done! The decline in estrogen following menopause can lead to significant bone loss.

Getting adequate calcium into your body daily (RDI=1000 mg for women over 25, 1200mg for pregnant or lactating women, and 1500 for postmenopausal women) isn’t really all that difficult, even if you hate milk! To optimize calcium intake, you can select from any of the following calcium-rich foods and beverages:

Low fat dairy including milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and cheese
Leafy green vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, kale, collard greens, brussel sprouts
Sea Vegetables like hijiki, wakame and kombu, often associated with
Japanese cuisine. Wakame boasts a whopping 1300mg of calcium per half cup serving…that’s 14 times the calcium in a glass of milk!
Sesame Seeds contain a startling 300 mg of calcium per 3 tablespoons!

Written by Jackie Smith – Feed Your Goddess contributor for Askinyourface.com

Feed Your Goddess – Part 2

Feed Your Goddess – Part 3

8 Top Foods to Eat for Gorgeous Healthy Hair

AskInYourFace.com — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:06:11 +0000

Of course you care how your hair looks. Who doesn’t? Ever since humans emerged from caves, we’ve used our hair to broadcast two messages: “I’m healthy and powerful,” and “Hello, honey, how about it?” Some politicians get elected just because of their healthy hair.

What you feed your body also feeds each of the 150,000 hair follicles on your head. Try these 8 top foods for healthy hair that tells everyone you’re as young as you feel — or even younger:

Green tea, walnuts, and salmon. The polyphenols and omega-3s in these foods are good for more than your heart and brain. They also help make your hair shiny. (If you’re fighting dandruff, try rinsing with green tea. It helps prevent dandruff-causing fungus.)

Fruit. Brightly colored fruit, such as peaches, strawberries, mango, kiwi, and tomatoes (yep, they’re a fruit!) are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for making collagen that gives structure to hair. Vitamin C firms skin, too.

Beans, whole grains, and other healthful B-rich foods. B vitamins (especially vitamin B6 and folic acid) ensure a good supply of blood and oxygen to your hair follicles, which encourages growth and may slow hair loss. Other B-rich foods include beans, peas, carrots, cauliflower, soybeans, nuts, and eggs.

Dark green veggies. Think spinach, broccoli, and Swiss chard. They’re great sources of vitamins A and C, which help produce sebum, the scalp oil that’s a natural hair conditioner.

Dark sesame seeds. The Chinese swear this keeps a man’s hair darker longer.

Say yes to avocados. Avocados and avocado oil may prevent dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which kills hair follicles, from getting where it needs to go.

What food should you skip for healthy hair? Pass on animal fat (the kind in red meat), especially if you’re losing hair. Animal fat can lead to more DHT production and hair-follicle damage. DHT shrinks hair follicles in men who are genetically predisposed to hair loss.

Nourish healthy hair with these delicious recipes from EatingWell:

Grilled Salmon with Tomatoes & Basil

Salsa-Braised Kale

Creamy Avocado & White Bean Wrap

RealAge Benefit:

Eating a diverse diet that includes 4 servings of fruit per day can make your RealAge as much as 6.1 years younger if you’re a woman and 4.4 years younger if you’re a man.

By Mehmet C. Oz, MD, and Michael F. Roizen, MD