Best Picks Magazine

Misto Refillable Oil Sprayer vs Pam

2012-02-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

Skip the Pam Non-Stick Spray with a Misto Oil Sprayer.

This Can Get Sticky
One of my pet peeves in cooking is purchasing can after can of non-stick spray. Just about all cooks use them but I would need to get at least three different flavors to cover all of my baking / sauteing needs. You know, Butter flavored for baking, Olive Oil for Italian dishes, Canola Oil for everything else.
Even worse is the unavailability of organic olive oil choices. I can purchase organic olive oil in bulk at Sam's Club which I do and per quart is is way more economical than buying these little spray cans. Then there are the propellant fumes and alcohol smell. Not something I liked adding to my meals.

I received a fabulous set of Rinaldo's Organic Garlic Gold Oil products for Christmas. Rinaldo makes gourmet garlic specialty products so just imagine a garlic lover's dreamland! With organic garlic olive oil this good, you want to savor it. Primarily it is better to finish a dish with a light spray of extra virgin olive oil rather than cook with it. The cooking heat pretty much destroys the flavorful bloom of the extra virgin so it is best added last or spritzed on.

Misto Mister
You can find oil misters in most specialty cooking stores like Sur la Tab. The one that I purchased is by Misto but other brands pretty much offer the same operation. You twist off the top and add your oil to the sprayer. Once it is in place you use the top with its attached plunger to add air to the canister. There's no chemical propellent involved, only pure air. Pump it to the desired pressure and your oil will spray easily and evenly. The Misto's instructions say to release the pressure by unscrewing the cap when not in use. I've left it pumped and pressurized with no problems.

The best thing is that I get to choose the types of oils I want and there are no added fumes, chemicals or propellants. How does it work? Fantastic. Just as effective as the non-stick aerosol sprays. Since the Misto is refillable, there are no more empty Pam cans ending up in a landfill somewhere. Perfect.

I use the Misto Oil Sprayer in place of Pam for all my baking, cooking & grilling needs.

Easy Gourmet Hot Chocolate

2012-02-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hot chocolate can be made and stored in a 16 oz Insulated Klean Kanteen

Hot chocolate is such a delicious treat and can be less calories than consuming a box of Godiva Truffles. Here is a simple no fail recipe for the best Caramel - Hot Chocolate ever. No need to stop off at Starbucks anymore:

CARAMEL HOT CHOCOLATE

6 tbsps Archer Farms Sea Salt Caramel Hot Cocoa Mix (Target stores)

2 cups Milk

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Heat 2 cups of milk in a sauce pan making sure not to bring it to a boil. Whisk in 6 tbsps of hot cocoa mix. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Pour into a thermos or Klean Kanteen and it will stay piping hot for several hours.

Steamy hot chocolate is an irresistible treat!

Valentine's Day-Dreaming

2012-01-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

Need a fresh idea for V-Day? Take your bike on a train for an adventurous day out & ride new terrain.

Do a little online shopping for something that makes you FEEL sensuous. Hint: Dior works for me.

An all time winner, the proverbial box of assorted chocolates! Yes, I see women buying these for themselves.


Spend the day at an art museum and have lunch on the town.


How about a skate date at Rockefeller Center? Romantic, classic and unforgettable.

Valentine's Day is for lovers...or so they say. It can also be a day to do the things YOU love. Here are some ideas that span from romantic to adventurous, especially for those who don't want the same old routine year after year. Do some Valentine's Day-Dreaming now to make your day extra memorable.

Holiday Entertaining: Easy Roast Turkey

2011-11-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

Perfect Roast Turkey the EASY Way

Try these simple tricks to roast your best, juciest holiday turkey ever!

1.) Skip the brine. Most large turkeys are infused with a broth solution to make it extra juicy.

2.) Rub your turkey with a flavored butter, (chive is good), and roast breast side down at 425 degrees for the first hour. Turn and continue cooking at 325 degrees breast side up. Leave the turkey uncovered and baste every hour with butter to finish cooking.

3.) Use Bell's Seasoning in your stuffing which can also be made outside of the bird.

4.) Try whole berry cranberry sauce instead of the jellied type. Whole berries add extra texture & crunch.

This super easy roasting method gives you a golden brown, crisp skin and VERY juicy breast meat.
Making your own turkey is still the most impressive and economical way to serve large numbers of guests for the holidays.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Get Glowing! Dry Brushing

2011-10-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

What is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing has been around for more than 25 years and was first made popular by health author, Paavo Airola. It has been a long term staple treatment in European Spas. Dry Brushing is a very simple yet effective way to stimulate the lymphatic system which is responsible for helping to rid the body of toxins. Cellulite represents an accumulation of fat but also stored toxins from years of exposure to pollutants. Dry brushing also improves the look and function the skin while stimulating the nervous system and improving muscle firmness.

You can best benefit from dry brushing by purchasing a natural bristle, boar's hair brush or even a loofah will work. Upon arising, do not wet your skin or shower; save that for after your treatment. Using a dry brush on your dry skin, begin at the feet and brush upwards towards your heart in smooth long strokes. Do this while including the trunk, buttocks and upper extremities which should take between 2-5 minutes. The main goal is to increase blood flow which will show with your skin turning a healthy pink. Now you can shower and remove any loosened dead skin cells dislodged during your brushing. In the shower, I like to use a natural Goat Milk bar soap with a glycerin base. This type of organic soap is nourishing and non-drying. If you wish an even deeper cleansing after your dry brushing, gently glide a Clarisonic Ultrasonic Skincare Brush over your skin. You will find that your lotions & oils penetrate more effectively after doing so.

Skinny Tone Ultra Firming Cream
Now that your skin has been exfoliated and purified, you'll want to capitalize on the toning that dry brushing is known for. You should use something that will optimize the detoxification that the manual brushing has begun. Skinny Tone Ultra Firming Cream is by Mission Athletecare and is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and botanics such as Butchersbroom, (Ruscus Aculeatus), Ivy and Goji Berry Extract. All of these are herbs are prized for their ability to detoxify your system and can work synergistically with your dry brushing regimen.

After your dry brushing and shower, apply Skinny Tone to problem areas to help firm and smooth the appearance of cellulite. You should see a marked difference using dry brushing and Skinny Tone together after one week or sooner. If you want an extra dewy glow, layer a little sweet almond oil infused with lavender over your skin. Your skin will look like 24 k gold! Here is a very good demonstration video of how to Dry Brush by "Kiki Says" on YouTube.

Johnny Weir - 2011 ITNY Honoree

2011-09-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Ice Theatre of New York Honors US Champion Johnny Weir

at its 2011 Benefit Gala and Performance

Event: Ice Theatre of New York Annual Benefit

Date: Monday, October 24, 2011, at 7:00 PM

Venue: Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers (23^rd Street & Hudson River); Performance at Sky Rink | Gala at The Lighthouse. Train A/C/E to Eighth Avenue

Tickets: Benefit $350 and up

Purchase: Contact Ice Theatre at 212.929.5811 or visit

http://www.icetheatre.org/2011-benefit-tickets-now-available-to-purchase.html

New York City, NY --- Ice Theatre of New York (ITNY), the nation’s premier ice dancing ensemble, will host the company’s annual Benefit Gala and Performance on Monday, October 24^th, at Chelsea Pier’s Sky Rink. Festivities include a performance featuring US Champion and two-time Olympian Johnny Weir and Ice Theatre of New York at Sky Rink, Chelsea Piers. Skating legend, Aja Zanova, visionary ice show promoter, Tom Collins, and founder of Fireworks Sports Marketing, Tara Modlin, will Co-Chair a star-studded benefit honoring Johnny Weir at The Lighthouse in Chelsea Piers immediately following the show. Says honoree Johnny Weir, "I'm so excited to be honored by Ice Theatre of New York because I have admired their commitment to the art and sport of figure skating for as long as I can remember. I’m also thrilled to have another opportunity to perform at my home base, New York City.”

“We honor Johnny Weir for being an enthusiastic supporter of artistic skating as well as someone who “dares to be different,” says Moira North, ITNY’s Artistic Director. Weir joins an esteemed list of ITNY honorees including Dick Button, Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, Nancy Kerrigan, Vera Wang, Paul Wylie, and Aja Zanova.

In addition to honoring Johnny Weir, ITNY will present the Ice Angel Award to Margarita Sears and the Will Sears Fund for their generous support of the creation of new works for the Company. Ice Rink Events, the leading manufacturer of modular ice technologies, will be recognized with the Arts & Business Partnership Award for supporting Ice Theatre of New York with quality ice surfaces for the proscenium stage. This event was also mentioned by ITNY Founder, Moira North in the New York City Bike Path Film at XTreme XTraining.

Johnny Weir performs an emotive "Heartbroken", which he choreographed for last year's ITNY's Gala event. Congratulations Johnny!

Cool the Heat

2011-08-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

Natural supplements and products that take the heat out of inflammation.

Summer is the time that we push ourselves a bit more with outdoor activities. Our muscles may not be up to the challenge, especially if we've not been hiking, swimming or cycling in a while. One of the main problems with muscle sprains and injuries is the burning and inflammation that accompanies them. If you already have this problem, i.e. arthritis, rheumatism, etc. then injuries can be far worse and take longer to heal. We have all heard of the RICE acronym: R=REST, I=ICE C=COMPRESSION & E=ELEVATION. The ICE is especially important to cool inflamed muscles. Still there are some things you can do to avoid excessive muscle and tissue pain in the first place.

Seabuckthorn Seed Oil:
This natural oil is rich in OMEGA fatty acids and derived from seeds which thrive in the arid poor soil of the Gobi desert. Seabuckthorn berries and especially the seeds are rich in antioxidants which have exceptional anti-inflammatory qualities. Rich Nature Labs Seabuckthorn Seed Oil is harvested from the desert of inner Mongolia which is very pristine. Additionally Seabuckthron Seed Oil has been found to be beneficial in regulating lipid profiles, increasing HDL, (high density lipoprotiens) or "good cholesterol". Dosage: 4 capsules a day.

Topricin Homeopathic Pain Cream:

Topricin is a paraben free, odorless cream that absorbs quickly and completely. One of Topricin's active ingredients is Arnica which is amazing for bruises and sprains. Apply Topricin before your workout or activity and you may find yourself pain free when you're done. Used daily, it keeps muscle pain at bay, allowing you to do more.

Crystallized Ginger:

Harvested in Thailand and packed in Hawaii, Hilo Hattie's Crystallized Ginger is some of the best and most potent I've tasted. Large slabs of natural Ginger have no bitter aftertaste and work more quickly than hard tablets. Keep a few pieces along for trips as Ginger is also good for motion sickness and nausea.

Blue Green Algae:

Blue Green Fusion is also recommended for weight loss but fractionated blue green algae has a natural alkalizing effect on the body. By moving your body's pH out of the acidic zone more into a less caustic level, tissues are spared the deleterious effects of inflammation. Dosage: 4 capsules per day or 1/2 tsp of loose blue green algae powder.

Want a good summer read with even more fitness tips like these? Pick up a copy of my book "The Secret of Staying Young" at Amazon.com!

New Film Project

2011-07-19T07:25:00.000-07:00


Moira North, founder of the Ice Theatre of New York.

NYC, NY: We have often covered Ice Theatre of New York events on their yearly calendar here at Best Picks. In fact one of the first ITNY galas we attended was to honor Moira North, founder of this prestigious institution. Ms. North is an accomplished, artistic ice skater who founded the ITNY in 1984 which is the first ice dance company to receive program funding from the National Endowment of the Arts as well as local New York city and state councils.

The Ice Theatre of New York offers a wonderful outreach program to the next generation of skaters in the inner city via the New Works and Young Artist Series. This same initiative provides free performances and skating instruction to more than 3,000 public school students each year. The ITNY also hosts free public performances at the Rink at Rockefeller Plaza, the Pond at Bryant Park and the World Ice Arena in Queens.

Moira North was interviewed for a video for XTreme XTraining with the New York Bike Path & Greenway as a backdrop. Ms. North commutes from Tribeca down to Chelsea Piers each day and teaches ice skating lessons. This makes her the ultimate cross trainer and a savvy New Yorker who is using her bicycle to leave a smaller carbon footprint. The video is in editing with a planned release of August 2011.

Summer Lights - Skincare & Makeup

2011-06-23T08:54:00.000-07:00


*Clean-fresh skin begins and ends with Clarisonic Skin Cleansing Systems*


Kett Hydro Foundation 35ml


Kett Angel Blush 15ml

Thinking of summer, we want everything light. Light salads, light clothing, airy shoes and most of all light makeup. Nothing is worse in the heat than heavy, greasy makeup that sweats off on you nice white shirt. Nobody needs that, believe me. What if you could have full coverage but with a foundation you can add water to for cool, thin layering? It's completely possible. I'm talking about airbrushing and it's not just for brides or movie stars anymore. There are travel compressors that make airbrushing very simple yet portable.

Not all airbrush makeup is alike however. You'll find some are not water soluble. You can not add any extra water to it to dilute the pigmentation or control coverage. In my experience, these also tend to clog your airbrush gun unless you use special solvent cleaners afterwards. A water soluble airbrush makeup such as the ones made by Kett Cosmetics is what I recommend. Silicon free, this makeup is easy to dilute with water and blend while being easy to clean up. The coverage is as much or as little as you would like but the real plus is how flawless the application is. Brushes and sponges can't come close to the seamless beauty of airbrushed makeup.

Start with a clean canvas by using the Clarisonic Mia to completely cleanse your skin. You will find your airbrushed makeup going on more smoothly when your skin is deep cleansed first. I have used Kett Cosmetics airbrush makeup on my television appearances, (News12 New Jersey & the CBS Morning Show) as well as an on location photo shoot with More Magazine. No touch ups were needed and the makeup did not rub off or fade. Kett Cosmetics work well with blending so you can get the perfect shade as the summer or an airbrush tan deepens your color.

The Air Star V Compressor by Thayer & Chandler can do both airbrushed makeup and spray tanning.

Summer Skincare

2011-05-21T04:22:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to take stock of your summer skincare needs and update products accordingly. This means looking at your sunblock which you should wear year round. As the weather warms you may wish to choose a lighter sunblock specifically designed to your face and décolletage. Here is a new one that I've recently tried with a light texture and maximum SPF:

NEW Neutrogena Age Shield Face SPF 110

This product claims to shield skin 6 layers deep and is oil free and waterproof. This is important because sweat and water will ruin the best of intentions. If you're not one for reapplying every five minutes then this could be the sunscreen for you. Second to using zinc house paint this product offers serious UVA/UVB protection.

No heavy greasy feel either. It contains natural beeswax. If I were to score it on scale of 10, I would give this sunblock an "8". Apply a thin layer or your makeup will go south on you once it warms up.

Outdoor Entertaining

2011-04-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

Deviled Eggs topped with Hungarian Paprika on a bed of yellow peppers & spring greens PHOTO by MAM of GaveThat.com

Now that spring is here, you'll want to start making plans for some dining "al fresco". We did a simple birthday celebration in the garden with char-grilled burgers, spring salad, deviled eggs, sour-cream cucumber salad and a tray of tortilla chips with dip. Mr. Husband was in charge of the grill so I didn't have to worry about that. The rest of the menu is so easy to prepare and even the deviled eggs are quick to put together.

Weather & number of guests will dictate if a tent is needed

April Showers

Spring is notorious for unpredictable weather and afternoon showers. If it is a rather grand affair with your guests being dressed more formally you might consider renting a party tent like this one. The sides can be rolled up on extremely hot days to allow cool breezes to blow through or closed down if rain threatens.

Caterers can set up the chairs, tables and buffet menu giving you more time with your guests. However if it is a small intimate party, you might simply enlist the help of family and friends and do it yourself.

Havaleena Lights Grace surround this lit birthday of strawberries and whipped cream. PHOTO by MAM of GaveThat.com

Frame Your Work

The dessert table featuring the "guest of honor" is almost always a cake. Here is our Strawberry topped white cake with whipped cream frosting. We did a late afternoon soiree in the garden and enjoyed the main meal while it was still light and warm.

You can surround your dessert and gift table with colorful lights so that when twilight rolls around, everything will still be illuminated. The cake and presents are often the last amusements of the evening so it really looks pretty to have them framed in colorful lights. In the glass vase we have our lovely Havaleena Party Lights which are flameless, cool and safe being lit around children. These lights last for hours on only three AA batteries so no chord or outlet is necessary.

Havaleena Party Lights & a colorful disco ball light up the night!

Get Toned: Danskin 6 lb Ball

2011-04-11T12:32:00.000-07:00


*Danskin's new take on old school medicine balls.*

We're all a bit out of shape from winter but the grass is starting to grow again. Perfect timing for adding a little variety to your workout routine. Kettlebells are all the rage but you do need special training to avoid injury using them. They are not easy to hold and control despite their handles. Now while I recommend visiting XTreme XTraining for more hardcore exercise ideas, using a weighted toning ball is something that nearly everyone can start out with regardless of fitness level.

Danskin 8lb Weighted Ball

Danskin's Weighted Toning Ball is soft and latex free with an easy to grip vinyl shell. They make a perfect alternative to hard, uncomfortable dumbbells and free weights. They come in a variety of weights from 3 lbs up to 10 lbs so you can use them alone or as they do in the boxing gym, tossed back and forth between two people. In fact a weighted toning ball offers a unique strength training tool. Exercising with a toning ball improves core strength, functional movement, overall muscle tone and flexibility. Use the ball for strengthening the core muscles of your midsection (abdominals ,obliques , hips and lower back). Use the ball for overhead stretches and you'll notice your arms becoming much more defined and toned in a short period of time. Once you feel that your exercises have become too easy, move up to the next weight which is 8 lbs shown here.

When your muscles are toned, you'll find everyday tasks become easier and more enjoyable. It also helps with range of movement and motion. Multiple repetitions with low weights can produce impressive results because unlike using an exercise machine, your smaller muscles have to work to stabilize the weight. You can really get a whole body workout with these things! Here are two easy exercises for your arms, abs, hips and thighs:

The Golf Swing

Using an 8 lb ball, alternate sides for 30-45 seconds or reps. To hit your biceps in this exercise, try bending and straightening your elbows at the top and bottom of the motion. You can start with a lighter weighted ball of 3 lbs as this is a more advanced exercise. You WILL feel it!

Leg Rows

Start by reclining back on your elbows. Using a 6-8lb ball, start with it cradled between your ankles. Extend and retract your legs smoothly for 45 - 60 seconds keeping your heels above the floor. This really works the midsection while touching on your hip flexors and thighs.

Toning balls are very easy to pack and take on vacation or trips. You don't need to leave your workout routine at home when you can get it on the road. I've highly recommended using all types of toning and exercise balls in my health & fitness books as they are a great way to shape up without heavy gym equipment.

These are just two exercises to get you started but stop by at Prevent Disease.com for more Swiss and weighted toning ball moves to shape you up!

Easy Fresh Baked Bread

2011-03-22T12:41:00.000-07:00


*Now anyone can make amazing fresh home - baked bread! My first scratch loaf.*

Nothing is more fragrant in spring than a loaf of fresh baked bread! These days you can purchase an automatic bread machine for well under $200. I started out with a Zojirushi or a "Zo" which retailed for about $400 at the time. It made strange tube like loaves and was not very easy to program.

I moved on to The Breadman Ultimate which you see pictured here. It not only costs less but does way more than the Zo ever did! It came with an instructional video but I didn't use it. I found a few traditional secrets from my grandmother's Light Rolls recipe worked well with this machine. One gem from Grandma's baking bag 'o tricks is to "proof" the yeast before starting your bread. Here's how it's done:

Dissolve 2 1/2 teaspoons (for a 2 lb loaf) of granulated dry yeast in 1/2 cup of 115 degree water and 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey. After 10 minutes, the yeast should reach the 1 cup mark if it is active. Dump it into the bread machine adding your milk and oil which should also be warmed. This gives your yeast a head start over dumping it dry into the middle of the flour.

I use bread flour and bring all of my dry ingredients to room temperature. Whisk flour, sugar, salt and any other dry ingredients such as oats into the bread flour and add to the machine. Hit the start button and you're basically done! The Breadman Ultimate goes through varying kneading cycles with 3 rises. You can even control the crust color between light, medium and dark. Medium is what I used for the loaf in the photo but you can go crazy with all the kinds of breads and rolls. It even has a programmable timer so you can set up your ingredients before you go to bed and wake to fresh baked bread in the morning. What a way to welcome the day!

Bread the Old Fashioned Way (well, sort of):
If you don't have a bread machine you can simply use a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer's Dough Hook. The bread machine recipes from the books cited below work just as well with this method but the dough hook still does all the heavy kneading work for you. Better yet the Dough Hook allows you to add raisins, nuts and other extras at just the right time which is recommended after the initial knead. Simply place all of your dry ingredients in the stand mixer bowl and slowly add your proofed yeast, milk and oil while the dough hook rotates on #2 Speed. Usually about 6 minutes is good then lightly knead and allow to rise three times before baking.

These are the two books I've used:

Bread Machines for Dummies by Vance and Lacalamitia has a lot of good information if you are new to the art. The bread I made was from scratch using their "Good Old American Sandwich Bread" recipe which I improved upon with the addition of brown sugar and almond meal. This recipe was WAY better than the box bread mix as it rose higher and had a soft, chewy texture.

The second book is America's Best Bread Machine Baking Recipes by Washburn and Butt. These recipes are more involved with many starting out in the bread machine but finishing in a conventional oven.
Either book will inspire and give you confidence to bake homemade bread for your family, friends and neighbors. Watch the eyes pop when serve fresh baked bread at your next party. A simple pleasure not to be missed!

Fresh baked bread can be used in place of crackers to accompany cheese and deli meats served buffet style.

Best Juice Cleanse

2011-03-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

A successful Juice Cleanse includes more than just organic fruits!

Many celebrities are doing updated juice fasts for 3-5 days to loose weight, increase energy and simply feel better. Some even have their own organic juice products that can be delivered to your door for a mere $60 a day. I think we can do a LOT better than that! I am a certified nutritional consultant and the author of several health & fitness titles (see some of my books in the bottom right hand column). In The New Woman's Herbal & Nutritional Guide I caution breast cancer patients to beware of soy based products. Breast cancer survivors who are in remission should avoid phytoestrogens like soy. Soy is often added to many liquid diet cleanse products because of its protein value. However, it is not the best choice for your digestion. A rice based protein source such as Rainbow Light's Protein Energizer is preferred. No bloating, easy to digest and it will give you the added protein and fiber a pure fruit and vegetable juice fast will leave out. The quick weight you lose when you don't get enough protein is often muscle, not fat. You should also still take a multi-vitamin during your juice cleanse such as Rainbow Light's Organic Women's Multi.

Stainless Steel Polar Bottle- water is a must!

Juicing 101

First of all you'll want to pick fresh, ripe organic fruits and vegetables for your juice. Organic blueberries can be purchased frozen and are loaded with high level (ORAC) rated antioxidants due to their dark color. You can also purchase organic spring greens year round which will not alter the taste like cole family vegetables, (i.e. cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts).

Both frozen berries and organic salad greens blend easily into a delicious juice you won't mind drinking at all! Here is one of my favorite blends:

East Coast Juice Cleanse

1 cup crushed ice

1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries

1/2 cup organic red seedless grapes

1 cup organic mixed spring greens

1 scoop Rainbow Light's Acai Berry Blast Protein Energizer

Whirl all of these ingredients on high until liquid, adding a bit of water if too thick. I often make double and pour half in a stainless steel Polar Bottle and save it for the next day. Be sure to get plenty of water during your Juice Cleanse both inside and out. Accelerate your skin's detox by using a Clarisonic Mia shown here in in Spring BLUE!

FREE ITNY Concert Series at Rockefeller Center

2011-02-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

CITY SKATE CONCERT SERIES


ITNY's 2010 Gala Event honoring Gold Medalist Dorothy Hamill

Ice Theatre of New York (ITNY), the nation’s premier ice dancing ensemble, presents the 25th edition of the City Skate Concert Series--free ice concerts around the city. Performances feature the Ice Theatre of New York and special guest artists performing diverse and exciting repertory on the world’s most famous ice stage, The Rink at Rockefeller Plaza. This season, Ice Theatre will be performing new work by Jim May, Artistic Director of the Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble, and new work by JoAnna Mendl Shaw of Equus Projects. Ice Theatre will also highlight some of its dance-on-ice repertory, including La Revolte Des Enfants choreographed by Alberto Del Saz, In a Nutshell by Rob McBrien and Dare Greatly by Douglas Webster.

"Circle of Fashions" being performed at Rockefeller Center

Details:

What: Ice Theatre of New York's City Skate Concert Series

Where: The Rink at Rockefeller Center

When: March 9* & 16, April 6* at 1p.m.

* Raindate is the following day at 1 p.m.

Admission: FREE

YOUR Weekend Ski Trip!

2011-02-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

Getting away for the weekend for a romantic little ski, snowshoeing or snowboarding trip needn't get complicated. Save some time & space by only packing three pairs of undies. Exofficio's Give-n-Go line of women's underwear is quick drying, odor resistant and VERY durable. Here are some super essentials to take replete with backpacks and bags to pack them in! Many of these can do double duty such as Rudy Project's Daypack II which also has a removable hydration system. Whatever you do DON'T forget your ski goggles. The sun's glare as it reflects off the snow can damage your corneas and make you snowblind for up to 3 days! Rudy Project's Klonyx offer superior fog-free visual clarity and solar protection. Also include a serious sunblock. Neutrogena just came out with a new broad spectrum uva-uvb sunblock called Age Shield Face in a SPF of 110+. Worth bringing along as the sun's reflection off of the snow rivals that of a day at the beach.

We also really like the Freedom of the Hills and Don't Die Out There card decks with survival and wilderness advice on the face of each card. Available from The Mountaineers Books. Get more ideas on winter sports and baselayering from X-Treme X-Training's Winter Survival Guide.

Craft Layer 1 & Exofficio's Chica Cool Hoody

The List:

1 pair of jeans (Merona Dark Blue Just Below the Waist & Straight)

2 pair of undies, 1 bra - (Exoffico's Give-n-Go String Bikini)

1 pair cotton flannel lounge / pajama pants

2 pair of socks (Smartwool 100% Merino Wool)

1 baselayer tee (Craft Microclimate Layer 1)

1 mid-layer top (Exofficio's Chica Cool Hoody)

1 pair hardshell ski or snowboarding pants (Moonstone Banshee)

1 ski jacket (Moonstone Lucid Down Jacket)

1 pair ski gloves (Scott Sports Snowboarding Gloves)

1 pair sheepskin boots ( Ugg Baileys or Kookaburras)

1 ski cap (Turtlefur's Merino Wool Collection with no itch headband)

1 pair ski goggles (Rudy Project Klonyx)

1 Adventure Medical - Survival Kit

1 Kestrel Weather Tracker

* Travel sized toiletries, a hairbrush, a silk scarf Sport Wash Packets and Pro-Tech-Skin by Atsko

The trick to packing is NOT to pack too much! Our backpacks and duffel bags are often filled with multiple items that we never end up using for the trip. Keep it to these bare essentials and you can be packed - ready to go in under 10 minutes!

Sunrise Energy

2011-01-27T08:54:00.000-08:00


Fast breakfast! Rainbow Light's Chocolate Protein Energizer to go.

This time of year we have to get up extra early to add in time to shovel the car out or simply take the extra time needed to get from here to there. This can throw a monkey wrench into our morning exercise routine. Really researchers say getting in your workout early minimizes the risk of skipping it altogether.

Oregon Scientific's Semi Pro Weather Station

Some of us just aren't early risers but there is a way to get around that by re-setting your internal clock. This may take a few weeks to accomplish but you can simply go to bed an hour earlier to wake up an hour earlier. Simply do your same bedtime routine an hour before you usually do. Set your alarm to wake you up gently at your new time.

Actually, I'm able to accomplish two goals at once. I have a weather station like the one pictured that I can program to turn on at a certain time. The light wakes me gradually and I'm able to see the current weather conditions and broadcast for the day. I'm able to get up and quickly dress properly for the temperature and weather.

Getting yourself into a new rhythm for the season takes time but daily exposure to sunlight can help stave off the "winter blues" and vitamin D deficiencies. Exercise improves your mood and can offer a lot of cross training benefits you don't get from your usual workout. Try something new like snowshoeing or add "chains" to your regular athletic shoes for more traction on early morning snow and ice such as the Kahtoola MICROspikes shown here below. Just remember you'll need sunblock due to the reflection of the sun off the snow. Need some fresh ideas to spice up your same old, same old exercise time? Check out the newly re-launched X-Treme X-Training blog for great tips on exercising under winter weather conditions.

Get a Grip with Kahtoolah MICROspikes!

Snowbound!

2011-01-20T12:51:00.000-08:00


Ahhhhhhhhhh! Snowshoeing for fitness! Snowshoes by Tubbs, down jacket by Moonstone

Right about this time and after the fourth snowstorm of the season, something called cabin fever begins to set in. Guess what? MORE snow is in the forecast even for places like Georgia who seldom if ever get it. So much for "global warming"! My snowshoes, mini-skis and sleds get stored in our utility building at the end of each season so rest assured I intend to retrieve them before the next blizzard hits.

Moonstone Lucid Down Jacket

So how do you keep active in the winter months when the weather outside is well, frightful? Keep a positive attitude and an open mind. There are a lot of things you can do in the snow that are exciting and will help you stay fit. Tip: Engage a close friend or family member for maximum fun!

Sledding - Remember those super fast Flexible Flyers? Well even if you don't have one of those antiques, (the company still make them actually), you can use an inflated inner tube to coast down the hill.

Tubbs Women's Snowshoes

Snowshoeing - Snowshoes have come a long way since the Klondike Gold Rush days. Now Tubbs Snowshoes are made in all sizes to specially fit women and children. Snowshoeing can be done nearly anywhere: un-groomed trails, open fields and even up hills. It is a great workout and gets you out at the same time which will boost your heart rate and spirits!

Snow Skating - This is a cross between skiing and ice skating. They are sometimes called mini-skis and were featured in a James Bond movie that had 007 flying down the hill in these wearing a tux. Sled Dogs Snowskates are perfect for when you want to get the feeling of skiing without having to use the lifts. They work best on groomed ski trails but their shortness makes them great for less than perfect terrains too. Snowskating is VERY liberating! You can pretty much pull off all of those sweet snowboarding jumps with these. They are a very easy way to enjoy the snow without poles. Just wear your regular goggles, ski jacket and snowboarding pants and you're set! Want more snow-fun ideas? Visit X-Treme X-Training for gear, tips and action videos!

Shake it Up for 2011!

2011-01-14T04:27:00.000-08:00

YES!!! 2011 is YOUR year to take charge! Reduce stress, tone up and have WAY more energy for living the life. Best Picks Magazine's "Shake the Weight" Music Video will inspire you with healthy exercise and eating tips! Check out these reads: The Secret of Staying Young & The New Woman's Herbal & Nutritional Guide via Kindle or Amazon. More tips and shake recipes here:
Shake the Weight Program

Protect Your Skin from Winter

2011-01-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

Your hands and feet are often cold during the winter because of a loss of moisture and its protective barrier. Just like broken shingles on a roof, dry, cracked skin allows the escape of heat from within.

Dry, flaky skin is more often seen in the winter due to decreased humidity in the outside air and indoors due to central heating. To help combat indoor dryness, you can purchase an Air-O-Swiss Digital Warm & Cold Ultrasonic Humidifier. These are quiet and disperse an ultra fine mist into the air for quick dispersion. The AOS 7144 shown here can heat the water so it exits at a comfortable 104 F without lowering the room temperature. Air-O-Swiss humidifiers come with a filter cartridge to keep the water clean, pure and mineral free thus eliminating the "white powder" problem associated with other humidification units.

I needn't mention the importance of applying body lotion after a shower but for frequently washed areas such as your hands, you'll need something with more staying power. Pro-Tech-Skin by Atsko, (the makers of Sno-Seal), is a beeswax based product for extreme weather exposure. Going skiing? Apply Pro-Tech-Skin before putting on ski boots and gloves. Your feet and hands will be MUCH warmer through out the day! This product does an amazing job of softening rough, dry hands, and feet, keeping them moist and pliable. Has a delicious honey fragrance from the beeswax but is very creamy to apply. Be sure to check out Atsko's Sno-Seal water-proofing product for your snow boots, ice skates and gloves. This product will also help to keep your feet and hands warm 'n dry!

Shake the Weight Program!

2011-01-01T08:20:00.001-08:00

Come on, 2011 is YOUR year to Shake the Weight! Yes, we've all put on a few extra pounds from those holiday parties and treats. Plus who had time to hit the gym? Start the year off right with our week's worth of delicious shakes guaranteed to kick it up a notch. Build lean muscle and lose fat with a Rainbow Light Shake - a - Day!

You'll have a delicious shake for breakfast or lunch as a ONE meal substitute. You won't get bored because you'll find a lot of variety to be had with Vanilla, Acai Berry Blast and Chocolate Protein Energizers! Our recipes incorporate enzyme rich fruits, vegetables and nutritional supplements to add flavor, fiber and satisfaction to your shake-meal. Here's the first up with a few optional ingredient ideas.

Rainbow Light shakes mix easily with milk, water or juice. Rice based, they give you a whopping 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving. Start your day with one of these shakes and see how much more energy you'll have through lunch....without being hungry!

Here is the rich Chocolate Protein Energizer with a teaspoon of Chocolate Ovaltine and a half scoop of IVL's All Day Energy Greens added to low fat milk and crushed ice. These extra nutritional supplements are optional as the Protein Energizers are complete on their own. However, if you've over-indulged a bit, these extras can help with detoxification and energy levels. I used a shaker cup for this so it was super fast and blended completely. You don't need a blender with these Rainbow Light Shakes unless you want to add fresh pureed fruit. This is my "After New Year's Eve Party" detox mix so after all that champagne, I'm in no mood to hear the whirl of a blender. Here you go:

Rich Chocolate Protein Energizer Shake Recipe

1 scoop Rainbow Light Chocolate Protein Energizer

1 tsp Chocolate Ovaltine

1/2 scoop All Day Energy Greens

8 ozs Low Fat Milk, (Almond or Rice Milk is also good)

4 ozs Crushed Ice

Throw everything into an IVL Shaker Cup which contains a mesh strainer and shake vigorously. Pour and drink! This is an easy no-blender recipe to get you rolling PLUS it's absolutely scrumptious.

Check out some more yummy options for serving up these delicious fat trimming shakes and exercising in the cold at the X-Training BLOG's SHAKE OFF WINTER WEIGHT article. Cheers!

Holiday Party Prep!

2010-12-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

Want to get New Year's Eve Dress ready in just TWO weeks? Here you go:
1.) Get 20 minutes of gentle exercise each day, (walking, swimming or use a Universal machine), and replace ONE meal with a Rainbow Light Protein Energizer Shake. It's that simple!
2.) Stop by your local department store cosmetic counter and ask for an evening "smokey eye" look. Also try Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick on cheekbones & shoulders over a Dinair Airtan Airbrushed Tan. Read our article on Sunless Tanning with Dinair & Badger's Totally Tan Professional System!
3.) Pick out a stunning strapless dress and hit the town!

EASY Holiday Entertaining!

2010-12-16T17:47:00.000-08:00

Starting with simple hor dourves moving to the main course and then dessert! These are easy to prepare crowd pleasers that will allow YOU to enjoy your own party and guests.

Polar Bottle & Secret of Staying Young Holiday GiveAway!

2010-12-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

Ho ho ho! Spreading some Christmas cheer for you or someone you love! This Healthy Holiday Gift Basket includes: A Stainless Steel Half Twist Polar Bottle, A set of Author Signed Copies of The Secret of Staying Young and The New Woman's Herbal & Nutritional Guide, Totally Calcium Supplements and Topricin Homeopathic Pain Relief Creams!

Enter by sending an email to drmiczak@yahoo.com with Healthy Holiday Give-Away in the subject line. ENTER NOW!!! Deadline for entry is MIDNIGHT December 10th, 2010. All Prizes will be awarded to ONE U.S. resident. Sorry wicker picnic hamper not included in this giveaway.

Best Picks Christmas List!

2010-12-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, there's still time to get ready for the holidays with these last minute gift and entertaining ideas. You can also enter to win our Healthy Holiday Gift Basket listed at the top of the page so hurry! It's almost Christmas!

Best Picks Christmas Gift Guide

2010-11-26T00:29:00.000-08:00

Who says you can't buy a hug? UGGs are the closest thing to a warm hug for your feet! Here's their Rylan Slipper 1871 in chocolate. Skip all that other stuff. This is what us women really want for Christmas!

I remember when UGGs were made in Australia and stood for "ugly". That is just not the case these days. With so many styles, some with heels and smooth leather or fabric, UGG Boots have come a long way.

They have become so popular that you can even see them being worn in summer with shorts! Now that may be a fashion faux pas to some but like it or not, UGGs are here to stay.

One of the things they have going for them is sturdy construction and double sided fleece lining for extra support and loft.
Also if you're going to spend $200 + for footwear, purchase your UGGs from an authorized shoe dealer such as The Walking Company, Nordstroms or Lord & Taylor. You are more likely to encounter fakes online but Zappos is a good choice for Internet purchases and of course you can go directly to UGG Australia Online. UGGs run in whole sizes only so if you are a size 7 1/2 to 8, get a size 7. The leather stretches and will mold nicely to your foot. UGGs are made to be worn without socks so that should help with the initial snugness of the boot.

Women's Bailey Button Triplet Model 1873
The UGG Bailey Button Triplet Model 1873 is an update to their Classic Tall with wooden UGG® logo buttons and elastic band closures. The women's UGG® Bailey Button Triplet can either be worn up or cuffed down adding a little variety depending on your style. All boots in our Classic Bailey Collection feature a soft foam insole covered with genuine sheepskin and have a molded EVA light and flexible outsole.

What I like about this style is that it is a fashionable departure from what you're used to seeing in an UGG. The wide array of colors and the flexibility of being able to cuff them comfortably are additional reasons to consider these. Some customers have said that the leather on these newer Bailey Buttons is thinner and less dense than the Classic Talls. I suggest that you try them on and compare them for yourself before making your purchase. According to the UGG website, these run big. Order a full size down, i.e. get a 7 if you normally wear a size 8. I would also recommend investing in a Care Kit as shown in the photo. It contains suede boot cleaner, protective spray and a little brush. You can use it to revive your old UGGs and protect the new!

How to Avoid Counterfeit UGGs

"Every authentic UGG® Australia product beginning with the Fall 2010 season will come with two-layers of security: contained in a reflective security label and/or security sticker, allowing you to instantly authenticate genuine UGG® products." - UGG Australia Website

These new holographic security stickers are on both the shoebox and the tags. You can also look at the soles. Next to the UGG logo you'll see a small TM or trademark initials stamped. That mark is absent on fake UGGs. Another tip - off is the price. If it is too low to be true, it probably isn't a genuine UGG Boot. The UGG website link above has a way to check to see if web stores are authorized UGG dealers. Nearly all of the "low priced" UGG websites failed the test!

Lord & Taylor's Holiday Fashion + Makeup

2010-11-13T16:42:00.000-08:00

Holiday Fashion combined with the hottest cosmetic colors and trends for the 2010 season came together at Lord & Taylor, Freehold Raceway Mall, New Jersey. The show stopper was this lovely model for Christian Dior in a gold lame' strapless evening gown. The evening purse is actually a full palette eyes & lips makeup set with mirror. The Dior ‘Minaudiere’ is what the French call small, ornamental clutch bags.

Lovely Mistress of Ceremonies, Jaime Brown, kept the show moving with fashion tips, fantastic raffles and make-up savvy. Each attendee enjoyed a buffet of bagels, pastries, fruit and coffee. They also received a schwag bag of facial spa certificates, beauty and makeup product samples from Lord & Taylor's cosmetics department.

Model wearing pieces from the Free People Collection with the massive gift with purchase being offered by Lancome this holiday season. One of the best buys because with a $35 purchase, you get to pick the FREE 8 piece set you want. Total value is up to $110! This Holiday 2010 Glam More Gift is going on until November 28th 2010 so I recommend that you jump on this one. I did!

Here is a little black dress that goes...perfect for the Holidays utilizing a few ideas from the fashion show. This ExOfficio Go-To 3/4 Sleeve Dress is so comfortable because it's engineered with Dri-release fabric. It even has a secret invisible zippered pocket for your theatre ticket, credit card or lip gloss. Get on a plane, arrive at your in-laws looking fabulous! No ironing needed. We dressed it up with this natural animal fur ring that has a Velcro clasp. You'll want something soft and warm like this next to your skin this winter!

It's a wrap! Just another look for our Exoffico 3/4 Sleeve Dress from their Go-To Collection. This Joolay Ruffled Natural Brown Rabbit Fur Scarf is so soft and warm, it can be worn in a number of ways. Comes in white and gray but I took THIS one home! Warm, toasty and perfect for traveling to that office party or family affair when showing too much skin is just too much. Make-up by Melissa, artist for Bobbi Brown, Lord & Taylor. Right now, Bobbi has a Beauty Rules tote bag and deluxe sized samples with any $75 purchase while supplies last. Also, check out their SUPER VIP event on December 7th 2010 with BB's elite make-up artist, Ricky Gurtman.

Don't forget our Healthy Holiday Give-Away with a stainless steel Half Twist Polar Bottle, a set of Author Signed copies of The Secret of Staying Young and The New Woman's Herbal & Nutritional Guide, Totally Calcium and Topricin Soothing Homeopathic Creams! Deadline is MIDNIGHT December 10th, 2010 so enter NOW!

Seasonal Seafood: The World is Your Oyster

2010-11-08T14:14:00.001-08:00

One of my quick and easy favorites using fresh seafood from the season! Perfect for a party menu too.

Along with the falling leaves and nip in the fall air, my mind naturally turns to oysters and shrimp this time of year. They are both indispensable for party trays, recipes and hors dourves. Oyster stuffing is a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving turkey if you've never tried it. Oysters have been a part of Christmas celebrations long before Victorian times. Shrimp can be added to a pot of steamed vegetables and ramen noodles as shown here for an oriental-inspired dish.

Either way, these delicious treats from the sea are loaded with protein, calcium, iodine and other good for you nutrients. Oysters are great and accessible this time of year into the New Year while large and jumbo shrimp can be purchased fresh or frozen.

Here's how to get going starting with how to open a live oyster for oysters on the half shell:

I usually start at the back hinge of the oyster using a flat, short oyster knife. You can wear thick cotton work gloves if you are doing a lot for a party or hold your oyster in a towel as shown here.

Insert the oyster knife in as far as possible into the hinge space and rock up and down. It should pop open from that point. I usually give the knife a little twist as well to expand the space.

After opening the oyster from the rear hinge, bring the oyster knife around and free it from the heavy muscle attaching it to the shell.

I usually flip the oyster over so it rests in the larger part of the shell hollow so it can hold the most "liqueur" for serving. You can even put two or three oysters in one large shell.

Some people like their raw oysters straight up but those in the lead photo have been topped with a dash of Mc.ILHenny Co. Tabasco Pepper Sauce. You can also use fresh lemon juice but whatever you do, keep it light so that the delicate flavor of the oyster can shine through. You can get more step by step instructions on how to open and serve an oyster at: About.com Gourmet Food

Shrimp is wonderful as an addition to Spanish Paella or served in a shrimp cocktail. When I attended the Ice Theatre of New York's Benefit Gala, the cocktail reception had waiters serving cold steamed jumbo shrimp. If you want to make your own shrimp cocktails, just purchase a good cocktail sauce that contains horseradish. They are always a major hit! Very easy to prepare, just don't overcook them. Steam just until they are no longer translucent but white and opaque in the center and pink on the outside. If you are using frozen, precooked shrimp, add them at the very end of your cooking process so they will just thaw through and not cook any further.

You can do this! These are two hits that are on the gourmet trays of the most posh holiday parties. Get cracking now and when Thanksgiving and Christmas roll around, you will be SO ready. Remember to enter the Healthy Holiday Give-Away featuring a Stainless Steel Polar Bottle, author signed copies of The Secret of Staying Young and The New Woman's Herbal & Nutritional Guide, Topricin Homeopathic Cream and Totally Calcium supplements! Hurry because the entry deadline in December 10th 2010!

Healthy Holiday Give-Away!

2010-11-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

Here's to your health & comfort with our Healthy Holiday Give-Away gift basket! 1 US winner will receive: Author-signed copies of The Secret of Staying Young AND The New Woman's Herbal & Nutritional Guide by Dr. Marie J. Miczak, A Stainless Steel Half Twist Polar Bottle, Totally Calcium Powder Packs, Topricin Body & Foot Pain Relief Creams.

Simply send an email to drmiczak@yahoo.com with Healthy Holiday Give-Away in the subject line before MIDNIGHT, December 10th, 2010. One winner will be chosen and announced on December 2nd, 2010! Winner may choose one of the styles of stainless steel water bottles shown here. Sorry, wicker picnic hamper not included in this give-away.

Johnny Weir's ITNY 2010 Gala Video Performance of Heartbroken

2010-10-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

Johnny Wier's signature performance of "Heartbroken" for the Ice Theatre of New York's 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala. Weir did the choreography and costume design especially for the Ice Theatre of New York. Watch for the interview with Johnny joined by Sarah Hughes at the end of his performance!

Johnny Weir was a guest performing artist for this year's Ice Theatre of New York's 25th Anniversary Benefit Performance. Johnny is a 3 time National Champion, World Bronze Medalist and a 2 time Olympian, (recently at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games). As you can see in the video, from his original choreography to his unique costume design, Johnny is one of the most avante-garde performers on ice today. Johnny joined in the celebration of the Ice Theatre of New York's 2010 Home Season and has contributed his outstanding artistry and creativity to their events.

Johnny Wier on the ice as Dorothy Hamill receives her bouquet and award from The Ice Theatre of New York. See Dorothy Hamill's Complete 2010 ITNY's Gala Performance!

This event is held each year at the Sky Rink Chelsea Piers, NYC with the cocktail reception following at The Lighthouse Restaurant on Pier 61. Johnny Weir, Sarah Hughes, JoJo Starbuck were the celebrity guest skaters on program this year.

Blast From the ITNY Past:
The lovely Ivana Trump and my escort Joseph Y. Miczak attending the 2006 21st Anniversary ITNY Gala reception at the Lighthouse Restaurant.

ITNY 25th Anniversary Gala Honors Dorothy Hamill VIDEO

2010-10-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

Dorothy's timeless performance to Moon River, (Henry Mancini) as honoree of the Ice Theatre of New York's 25th Anniversary Gala! This special performance took place on Monday night, October 25th, 2010 at the Sky Rink, Chelsea Piers. Watch for the personal interview with Ms. Hamill at the cocktail reception which followed.

The Ice Theatre of New York pulled out all the stops for their 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala this year. This year's honoree, Olympic Gold Medalist, Dorothy Hamill was joined on the ice by skating greats: Two time Olympian Johnny Weir, 2002 Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Hughes and two time Olympian JoJo Starbuck. This was a sold out event with more than 750 in attendance. ITNY's founder, Moira North, skating legend Dick Button and fashion designer Vera Wang came on the ice to present Dorothy with her award for the evening. (Pictured here is a unique jewelry piece designed & donated by Vera Wang for the Silent Auction)

The cocktail reception which followed was hosted by the Lighthouse Restaurant on Pier 61. Vera Wang was on the scene first so I enjoyed speaking with her briefly between photos. Dick Button who is a fixture and main supporter of the ITNY stopped by to say "hello" with former honoree, Aja Zanova of Prague, Czechoslovakia. Later came Johnny Weir, Sarah Hughes and Moira North who posed for photos and interviews with Dorothy (see my interview with Dorothy at the end of her skating performance in the video above).

The Ice Theatre of New York is supported in part by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and is widely known as the Nation's Premier Ice Dance Company. The ITNY's community outreach program aimed at inner city children offers inclusion rather than exclusion to those seeking to be part of what is now called "theatre on ice". As one of the founding skaters in Ice Capades, Hamill has had four ABC television skating specials in her honor and worked with disadvantaged children in Harlem. Hamill is a most a fitting candidate for this distinction. ITNY's past honorees I have covered include, Moira North, Aja Zanova, Nancy Kerrigan and Paul Wylie.

A Blast from the ITNY Past:
Dick Button and Dr. M. enjoying the reception at the 2006 Ice Theatre of New York Gala honoring Czechoslovakian skater Aja Zanova.
Notice all the fur I'm wearing. It was a LOT colder in October back in "those days"!

Bill Boggs Host of Chef Foy Day

2010-10-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

October 24th is now Chef Dennis Foy Day! Left to right celebrity host, Bill Boggs, Estella Foy and Chef Dennis Foy. The event included video clips from Bill Bogg's Corner Table television show from the Food Network and a tasting of culinary treats from local restaurateurs.

Big Boys Brisket busy preparing a delicious organic smoked chicken with apple cole slaw. This chicken was so moist and tender. Served hot, the cold Granny Smith apples & slaw set it off perfectly. This was hands down the most delicious chicken!

This lobster tail delight was executed by The Shipwreck Grill of Brielle, NJ. A Smoked Paprika sauce was used to poach the lobster which was finished with a Chili Oil. It was served on a scoop of sweet potato-chorizo hash which included European peas. Fabulous!

On the left we have a lovely Braised Short Rib on a Chinese Pancake finished with Hoisin Sauce prepared by The Black Trumpet of Spring Lake, NJ.
On the right is a delicious wild green salad with candied pecans and a light, fruity vinegarette from The Labrador Lounge of Normandy, NJ. This is all part of the Farm to Table Movement sweeping the Garden State.

Be sure to catch four time Emmy winner, Bill Boggs on PBS television for My Generation!

Bobbi Brown's Fall Make-Over Event

2010-10-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

New York City based DJ JVC, aka Jimmy Connolly keeps the mix going at Bobbi Brown's Fall Make-Over Event! Old School 80's tracks down to Lady Gaga and everything in between. His high energy club style DJ-ing really made the event.

My new fall palette is everything rosy! Peony Blush, Desert Rose & Rosy 7 Treatment Lip Shine and Blushed Rose Pot Rouge pictured here. What to see more? Stop in at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics for the full scoop!

After my Bobbi Brown make over with make-up artist Amelia who took about 20 minutes to pull this look together for me. I am SO ready for the Ice Theatre of New York's Gala Event on Monday!

My favorite picks for the day? Well, I just couldn't resist Bobbi Brown's Smoldering Eye Palette, Peony Blush, Rosy 7 Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 and her Skin Foundation in Natural which was a PERFECT match, (naturally)!

Fall Fashion Sense

2010-10-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

Cozy Comfort in Smartwool separates, turtleneck sweater in Deep Purple Heather & action Simerset skirt all made of 100% Merino wool! Silk cardigan by Heke Silk. Italian Leather boots by Apepazza.

Warmth, comfort and great looks! Who says you can't have it all? Just invest in a few smart pieces this season for a comfortable pulled together look that will take you anywhere you want to go. Town or country, the choice is yours!

SMARTWOOL

Women's Midweight Turtleneck
I really enjoy my cashmere sweaters but always have to wear a liner-shirt under them. When I received this SmartWool turtleneck sweater, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical. However, once I tried it on and noticed the softness of the wool and added features such as flatlock seams, I knew this was a sweater I could live in. Even on a cool, windy day this midweight, semi fitted sweater keeps you very toasty yet breathes thus preventing over-heating. The curved hemline means this top won't ride up and princess seaming means no ugly side seams. Made of 100% SmartWool interlock knit this is a classic look taken to a fresh, modern level.

Women's Simerset Skirt
This skirt is as soft as a pair of sweatpants but look SO much better! There's really no need to go back to sloppy exercise clothing when you can be comfortable AND look fantastic in these SmartWool separates. This skirt has softness yet is structured to give you a clean line with a princess seam detail and a vent at the left front of the hem. It is warm and moves with you without cinching up as you walk. A warm pair of tights underneath and you are ready for anything! 100% SmartWool terry back knit.

Visit SmartWool online for these and MORE fall fashion essentials.

Apepazza Italian Leather Zippered Boots
This season Ugg boots may still be in but the bedroom slipper look needs a rest. You can see the clean lines that a classic pair of black boots brings to this outfit. Now imagine this ensemble with a pair of puffy Uggs on bottom. See what I mean? Sorry but sheepskin boots don't go with everything despite what the magazine ads would have you believe. These Apepazza boots are made of Bologna leather which is so very soft and supple. I've had practically no break in time with these boots. The partial invisible zipper is hidden by being situated on the inside of the ankle and the leather tabs at the top facilitate removing them. Beautiful details and a well balanced heel is sure to turn heads.

Accessories: This season leopard prints are definitely in so grab a scarf or some arm candy with this pattern to update what you already have.

Drink to Your Health!

2010-10-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

All Day Energy Greens and Go Ruby Go from IVL Products are two of my favorite ways to sneak in those much needed 5 servings of fruits & vegetables each day. Photo: Go Ruby Go drink prepared in a tall glass and our estate's organic tomatoes.

Yes, yes. We all know how important it is to get those 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. We also know how easy it is to fall short when the lettuce we "just brought" is now wilted and summer fruits are no longer in season. I pride myself on fresh juices made in my Vita-Mix but some days, I have to get out early and don't have time for the "morning grind". Another benefit is that fruits and vegetables help to alkalize the blood. High acidity in the body is linked to inflammation such as arthritis, gout, retention of fat and other health problems.

This is where I've found All Day Energy Greens and Go Ruby Go drink mixes to be in a class all their own. I have used different green energy powders in the past but have to admit, I didn't notice much of an "energy surge". Many energy drink mixes are made with fillers or high amounts of fruit pectin which may add fiber but are not high on the nutritional list.

All Day Energy Greens' first ingredient is alfalfa leaf powder. Alfalfa is a powerhouse of nutrition and is the most cultivated legume in the world. Alfalfa has been used as a medicinal herb for over 1,500 yrs, especially by the Chinese who used young alfalfa leaves to treat digestive and kidney disorders. Alfalfa is high in B vitamins and minerals such as calcium. Since it is from a plant source, the calcium found in alfalfa is easily and completely absorbed. Still this is only one of the ingredients in All Day Energy Greens. It also contains soy lecithin which is excellent for emulsifying fats, organic barley grass and other organic seeds, fruits, vegetables and herbs. It even contains a full array of digestive enzymes to help utilize this product to the full. I noticed a definite lessening in stiffness after working out and more energy with my first container. The taste? Really delicious!!! One scoop exceeds the equivalent of 5 servings of vegetables and fruits so while it is not a replacement for them, it can be a very helpful insurance policy.

Go Ruby Go is such a treat! I use it to help make less palatable drinks such as my Organic Kelp and blue green algae powders taste good. The first fruit/vegetable on the list of Go Ruby Go is tomato. Rich in lycopene and antioxidants, it is one of the many vegetables we grow in abundance in our gardens. The second ingredient is red raspberry which is another highly nutritious fruit that Native Americans used by women to help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles.
What you will like about Go Ruby Go is that it doesn't taste like tomatoes, (no V-8 taste), but is light and fruity. It blends so easily in water, coconut milk or green tea and makes a great smoothie with fresh blueberries. Just like the All Day Energy Greens, it gives extra confidence that you are getting everything you need and more with the addition of antioxidant berries, fruits & probiotics. I think you will be truly pleased and pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to get your 5 a Day with these drink mixes. Your energy will definitely improve as will your digestion and regularity. That's what eating fruits and vegetables will do!
IVL Products- All Day Energy Greens & Go Ruby Go

REMEMBER!!!! Enter the Polar Bottle - Eat Clean Diet Cookbook GIVE-AWAY ! Entry deadline is MIDNIGHT October 24th, 2010 so hurry!

Hungarian Kielbasa & Cabbage

2010-10-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hungarian Kielbasa & Cabbage is a favorite fall gourmet dish in my home. Simple & easy to prepare it is very rich in delicious antioxidants! Here is a traditional recipe from my sister-in-law's authentic Hungarian kitchen.

Hungarian Kielbasa & Cabbage

1 small head of green or Savoy cabbage
1 medium onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 medium carrots
10 plum tomatoes
3 small potatoes, (diced)
1 tsp Emiril's Original Essence
1 tsp of Szeged Hungarian Paprika
1 tsp of sugar
1/2 cup red wine
1 lb of Kielbasa, (sliced)

Spray a large Dutch Oven with Pam. Mince the onion, garlic, carrots and plum tomatoes almost to a puree using a food processor. Pour these vegetables into the pot and add the roughly chopped cabbage. Dice the potatoes & slice the Kielbasa to add to the pot along with seasonings, sugar & wine. Set on low, cover and let it cook all day, stirring occasionally. This recipe will also work in a Crock Pot.
I only use traditional Szeged, (pronounced seg-ged) Paprika from Hungary. It has more flavor than Spanish paprika so you need to use only a little in your recipes.

Fall Beauty Haul!

2010-09-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

Haute Couture Beauty goes the way of art & fashion with these picks for flawless skin. The perfect canvas for your fall look starts with proper exfoliation and moisturizing! PHOTO Dr. M's Coco-Rose Microdermabrasion Soap with Coconut & Rose Oils in a glycerine base.

This Fall Beauty Haul includes skin care products for your entire body such as Lisa Hoffman's Moisture Masque, Dr. Miczak's Coco Rose Microdermabrasion Soap and Coco Rose Lip Treatment Balm as home spa treats. Once you begin to realize that skincare doesn't stop at the neck, you'll be anxious to wear those lovely strapless dresses again. Did someone say, "Christmas Ball"?

It takes a bit of effort but the results are incredible with a few key products I've come to rely on.

Exfoliation:

NEW!!!! Dr. Miczak's Coco Rose Microdermabrasion Soap
I use my own Original Microdermabrasion Soap Line and just come out with two NEW products for fall. It's my Coco-Rose Microdermarasion Soap with exfoliating crystals set in a base of 100% Organic, Virgin Coconut and Rose Oil. Rich and highly emollient, it removes even the heaviest makeup, leaving your skin soft, polished and smooth. Use it everywhere you want to see fresher, younger looking skin.

Seal in Moisture:

NEW!!! Dr. Miczak's Coco-Rose Lip Treatment Balm
To go with my new Coco-Rose Soap, here's my signature Coco-Rose Lip Balm using high amounts of coconut & rose oils in natural beeswax. This balm is paraben free and can be used on lips, laugh lines and the eye area. After exfoliation, protecting your newly emerged skin cells is so important to keep them plump and fresh. The little pot container allows you to take your treatment wherever you go for smoothing applications during the day.

Nourish:

Lisa Hoffman's Vitamin A & C Serum
A very small amount of this product goes a LONG way. Antioxidants are integral to keeping free radical damage at bay, however they are destroyed by sunlight.

Tip #1: Apply your Vitamin A & C Serums and antioxidant products at night before going to bed. This way it will have a chance to reverse damage from the sun you've sustained during the day.

Tip #2: Do you skin a favor from the inside out by including salmon, avocados, spinach, blueberries, coconut milk and raw nuts in your daily diet. These foods will get your whole body in sync glowing, healthy skin from head to toe. Remember to get your 8 glasses of H20 too!

Renew:

Lisa Hoffman's Spa Moisture Masque
This product is loaded with marine botanicals, kaolin and natural ingredients to moisturize and brighten your skin with only one treatment. Another product that does not require a heavy application. Apply the liquidy pink masque to your skin and wait 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water and you'll see a brighter, more even tone after just application.

All of these products will give your skin an almost immediate lift in color, firmness and clarity. When used long term, they bring about faster skin cell turnover similar to what we had in our 20's. You don't have to spend a lot but you'll need to spend something on your skin's upkeep. My advice is not to skimp on this beauty basics. Order Dr. Miczak's Skincare Line products by clicking on the Microdermabrasion Soap banner ad to your right!

Goodies from Lisa Hoffman Spa, Erno Lazlo, Salvator Ferragamo, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Tote by Este Lauder & Vegas Pouches from Stephanie Johnson!

Birthday Alternatives

2010-09-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

These scrumptious Red Velvet Chocolate Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion where a traditional layer cake would be welcome! Get the recipe for these goodies at GaveThat.

With my birthday quickly approaching this week, I began to muse over alternatives to the huge
layer cakes and even ice cream cakes I've had in the past. I even belong to the Baskin-Robbins Birthday Club, so that's how much cake has played a role in our celebrations!

Here I am with last year with my 80 lb birthday cake. I lift weights but thing was even giving ME trouble. Just a LITTLE too much really! What you shouldn't do is get stuck making and cooking an elaborate meal (and cake) while neglecting a chance to enjoy YOUR day. Yes, for once it is all about you and there's nothing fun about cooking and cleaning up for your own birthday. Here are some other fresh alternatives for your special day:

A Picnic in the Park "Frenchie Style"

Buy one large French baguette or loaf of French bread. Add Mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and sliced turkey breast. Slice into serving sections and wrap in foil. Throw it in a blanket and pack a bottle of your favorite wine. Voila! A celebration "al fresco" with NO cleanup.

Accept an Invitation

If people know it's your birthday or another special occasion, accept any invitations for them to host a little get together for you. It can be at a friend or family member's home or where ever! You get to be surprised by the menu and arrangements while being waited on. This takes some advance planning though so let others know this is what you'd like if they ask what you want for your birthday.

Take Off on Your Own

If you've not had much down time and the first two ideas aren't in the plans, you may have to go it alone. Go see that museum exhibit, play or concert you've been aching to catch all year. You might just have to fly solo but don't let that stop you. We are somehow programmed to think that spending our birthday alone makes us some kind of social failure. Not true. Sometimes there just won't be others who share your passion to join in. That should NOT make you miss out on participating in something you'd really like to do on your special day.

ITNY 25th Anniversary Gala Honors Dorothy Hamill

2010-09-20T17:13:00.000-07:00

The Ice Theatre of New York will host their 25th Anniversary Gala honoring Olympic Gold Medalist, Dorothy Hamill on Monday, October 25th, 2010. Known as the innovator of the "Hamill Camel" Dorothy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and remains a strong inspiration for all cancer survivors.

Come celebrate her life and achievements at this festive show and reception! The event will feature a special ITNY skating performance at the Sky Rink on Chelsea Piers, (curtain goes up at 7 pm), followed by a cocktail reception and dinner at the Lighthouse Restaurant. Dick Button, Paul Wylie & Vera Wang! Details and tickets, visit The Ice Theatre of New York's Gala Invitation

A Peanut Free Lunch

2010-09-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

PHOTO: Sunbutter Sunflower Seed Spread in Natural Crunch on a slice of Arnold Oatnut, whole grain bread. A delicious alternative to peanut butter.

Ah, the summer is all but over and it's time to come up with some ideas for that brown bag. Whether you are commuting to work, working out or packing lunch for someone special, here's a NEW twist on an old favorite. Sunflower Seed Butter!

Many children, (and adults), these days have peanut allergies. Children often swap sandwiches at lunchtime for something they would prefer. I would be horrified to think that my child traded her PB & J to a child who shouldn't have it! However, this peanut butter alternative is SO delicious, I guarantee your little one will keep it all for himself.

I'm talking about Sunbutter. One taste of this scrumptious Sunflower Seed Spread and you'll wonder what you ever saw in "Skimpy" Peanut Butter! Sunbutter is all natural with no hydrogenated fats, (aka Crisco). They offer 5 styles Natural & Natural Omega with Creamy, Natural Crunch & Organic featured here in the photo. Specially selected sunflower seeds are roasted and ground to a consistency which will replace peanut butter in any recipe. Hello peanut butter cookies!

Better still is the fact that Sunbutter is made in the USA in a peanut free - nut tree free manufacturing facility. This is important because even residual amounts of nut oils can cause severe reactions for people who are allergic to them. Do yourself a favor and check out this nutritiously dense, high protein seed spread. You may never want to go back to peanut butter after you do! Find it locally at Wegman's and I believe most Whole Food Stores carry Sunbutter as well but you can visit them online for more recipes and ideas.

REMEMBER! The X - Training BLOG is doing a Polar Bottle - Eat Clean Diet Cookbook Give-Away so click this link and enter before Midnight, October 14th 2010!

Back to School Cool Skincare

2010-09-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

These are the essentials that nearly every high school or college student needs! Going back to school doesn't mean having to bring acne along too. With this little "care backpack", you can face the new term with ultimate confidence. Here's our Teacher's List:

NEW!!! Polar Bottle's Half Twist Stainless Steel Water Bottle
We all know how important proper hydration is to beautiful skin. Water helps remove toxins that can show up as breakouts and rough skin. The best hydration begins within and these new Half Twist Stainless Steel bottles from Polar Bottle are just the thing! Since these are made of stainless steel, you can go beyond water and pack along your favorite green tea or smoothie. Either way, every drink adds to your water quota of the day which should be between 6-8 cups.
Right now the X-Training BLOG is doing a FREE Give-Away of a Thermal Polar Bottle & The Eat Clean Cookbook by Tosca Reno so click this link to enter!

NEW!!! BLUE Clarisonic Mia Ultrasonic Skincare Brush
Portable, blue and ready to go! The New Ice Blue Clarisonic Mia is the perfect gift for your favorite co-ed. Small but mighty, it offers the same benefits as its big brother, the Clarisonic Plus. Using ultrasonic technology, the Clarisonic Mia effectively removes, oil, dirt and makeup 6x more effectively than manual washing. The gentle exfoliation is perfect for acne prone skin, keeping it clearer and smoother. Better still, it does all of this in 1 minute! The smaller size also makes it easy to pack to take the school showers or dorm bathrooms. This allows the immediate removal of sweat and toxins after gym class which would usually get sucked back into the skin.

Retin-A (Trentinoin) Micro Pump - REBATE!
Retin-A is only available by prescription but has a 30+ year track record for its effectiveness in dealing with acne, fine lines and wrinkles. A new innovation in the Retin-A line is the Micro Pump. The pump allows for a metered amount to be dispensed so there is no guessing and less waste. The new microsphere delivery system means that the product is gradually released into the skin, not all in one shot as with the regular gel. The Micro Gel is in fact more of a creamy consistency and not irritating or drying. Worth taking a trip to the doctor's office! Even better is the above offer for up to a $50 rebate on your purchase of Retin-A Micro Pump, (0.04% and 0.1%)

NEW!!! Coconut Microdermabrasion Crystals Soap
One of the problems many us face with the fall is the dryer air + dryer skin = flakiness. I developed this new Coconut Oil Microdermabrasion Soap primarily for the newly discovered health benefits of this plant oil but found it to be very moisturizing! Highly emollient and rich, it is perfect for dry skin. Can be used on the face or body and removes mascara and makeup like a dream. The spa grade Microdermabrasion crystals in the "bumpy face" of this new soap gently remove dead skin cells revealing fresher, plumper, healthier ones underneath. It really is an all in one skin treatment bar for face and body that you will not want to do without. See all of my 4.5 oz full sized Microdermabrasion Soaps in Original Blue, Rose, Seaweed and now Coconut.

Eating healthy is also very important to beautiful skin so make sure to include a few of these beauty foods in your diet every day:

Avocado

Shrimp

Kale

Salmon

Wheat Germ

Yams

Eat Clean Cookbook & Polar Bottle Give-Away!

2010-09-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

End of Summer Give-Away! Celebrate early fall deliciously with The X-Training BLOG's Clean & Green Give-Away! 1 US Winner will get:

A New Copy of Tosca Reno's Eat Clean Diet Cookbook with over 150 Recipes!
A Thermal Polar Bottle, (BPA & Phthalate free), in Rave, pictured laying down in the photo above!

To Enter: Simply send an email to drmiczak@yahoo.com with Clean & Green Give-Away in the subject line. One US Winner will be chosen on October 25th, 2010 so enter now! Check out the X-Training BLOG for some fantastic "green" drink ideas for a healthy start to the fall.

Easy Agave Chicken

2010-08-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

Sweet, succulent rotisserie chicken marinated and basted in Organic Blue Agave Syrup and served over Spanish Rice. Easy, elegant and so delicious! Ole'!

This time of year we're so busy squeezing the most out of the waning days of summer. Nobody, (I know anyway), wants to be stuck in the kitchen cooking. We've done a lot of grilling this season but this chicken was done indoors in my Showtime Rotisserie Oven. Yep, just set it and forget it! Here's how easy it is:

Easy Agave Rotisserie Chicken

Marinade chicken in this mixture for at least 3 hours prior to cooking or overnight:

4 tbsps Naturel Organic Blue Agave Sweetener

1 tsp Chipotle Blend Seasoning by B-B-Q Grill

4 tbsps of your favorite Barbecue Sauce

Load your marinaded chicken pieces into the rotisserie basket or lay on the grill. Cook until there is no pink in the middle. The Agave allows the chicken to completely caramelize, giving it a sweet, golden color. Serve over Spanish Rice for a truly authentic southwestern experience!

Stepping Out with Pearl Izumi!

2010-08-13T09:14:00.001-07:00

Pearl Izumi is the first name in athletic shoes. Here's their SyncroGuide III running shoe, my gear of choice! Ankle Socks by Pearl Izumi. Remember: The New York Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is October 16 & 17, 2010 so get in it to end it!

Newly designed for 2010 the syncroGuide III offers the most stable platform imaginable for proper balance and stride. Many sprains and tendon tears are caused by rolling over your ankle. The syncroGuide III offers excellent motion control, arch support and cushioning your muscles and joints will thank you for! It has just enough padding in the all right places while holding you up with incredible structure for a comfortable ride. Available from Pearl Izumi Online

One way to prepare for your morning walk or run is by way of preemptive strike against muscle tiredness and tendon pain. I've found that by using Topricin Foot Therapy Creme before I head out, I am kink free for my walk and able to fully stretch when I take a break.
This is a Homeopathic formula which is recommended by doctors and chiropractors for arch pain, ankle swelling and sports injuries. It does work extremely well and Topricin has no unpleasant odor or greasy feel. It quickly absorbs completely into the skin so you can be on your way. Available at Whole Foods and Wegman's. This is not an area to pinch pennies! Get the best running shoes and the best foot therapy creme for a synergistic energizer for your daily walk or jog!

Topricin Foot Therapy Cream, effective to treat foot and ankle pain.

Blackened Agave Salmon

2010-07-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

Fast & Easy! Total prep time 5 minutes. Agave & fresh ground black pepper means this tasty seafood twist is sure to become a summer favorite.

BLACKENED AGAVE SALMON

1 3-4 oz piece of salmon or a salmon patty
1 tsp Naturel Organic Raw Blue Agave Syrup
1 Dash Old Bay Seafood Seasoning
1 Sprinkle of Cracked Black Pepper to Taste

Heat pan over medium high heat. Spray with Pam and add your salmon fillets, drizzled with Agave Syrup. Cover with lid and sear for about 1 minute and flip. Add crushed black pepper & Old Bay seasoning to flipped side. Do not over cook! Serve hot over Organic Baby Lettuce Greens.
Agave syrup is made from the desert Agave plant which is also used to produce Tequila and is up to 3 times sweeter than sugar but has fewer calories. Using it in this recipe allows for quick blackening of the salmon without drying it out. Your fillets will be incredibly juicy and tender with this recipe. Reminds me of the incredible Pan Blackened Salmon I first enjoyed in Cape Cod, MA.

PHOTO: Light & Dark Organic Agave Syrups by Naturel. Organic Agave Syrup is making its way into a lot more products than just Tequila these days.
Chocolate #9 is 100% sweetened with Organic Agave and boasts slow burn energy in a Belgian style dark chocolate shot! It tastes like a dark chocolate pudding and is much better for you than Enervitene Sport Gel and Cliff Shots.

Summer Day Get-Away!

2010-07-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

I remember the spontaneity of those wonderful summer days when we just packed a beach bag and headed off to Sag Harbor for the weekend. We stayed at our little chalet right on the beach or sometimes at a sweet picturesque cottage further inland. Other times called for a short day trip to the lake. Either way it was last minute packing at its finest. I really wish that I had a back pack like this back then!

Believe it or not everything you see in the photo above plus a full on hydration system fit in this Rudy Project Daypack II. The water bladder is removable and adjustable to feed from either your left or right shoulder. Rent a beach cruiser and stow your sandals, athletic shoes or helmet using the mesh holder shown below. Comfortable air-flow shoulder straps & waist belt complete the picture.

Better still are the tricked out zippered pouches and pockets many with mesh lining to allow sandy sandals and wet clothing to dry quicker. This is a high quality bag with rugged over-sized zipper pulls that I LOVE! Holds a LOT more than what is pictured. Here's my quickie beach packing list for your day into evening get away:

"BEACH ME" PACKING LIST
1 swimsuit
1 Speedo swim cap
1 wide brimmed, soft floppy sun hat
1 Pair Sunflower Sunglasses in Demi Turtle by Rudy Project
1 pair of Flip Flops
1 Beach towel
2 pair Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs by ExOfficio for quick drying & comfort
1 Zephr Shirt by ExOfficio, (sheer white blouse doubles as a beach cover)
1 Terry Bohemian Flare Cycling Skort has a sheer, light chamois built in
1 Pair Dig Her Capris by ExOfficio
1 Dryflylite Blouse by ExOfficio
1 Travel Cosmetic Bag with: Aveeno 100+ SPF Sunblock, Clarins Liquid Make-up, comb, Bobbi Brown 15 SPF Lipstick, Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Wipes by Tender Corp.
1 Kestrel 4500 Weather Tracker to stay on top of the temp, heat index and changing weather conditions coming on shore.
Oh yes and a super good read for the day, (not that you'll have time to do it)!

So last minute plans for a day or even a weekend beach trip won't throw you. Its really fun especially when you combine a bicycle ride or stroll on the boardwalk and dinner at the local "clam shack" to end the day. Pack your beach bag now, pick a day and GO. Summer is just too delicious to waste!

Summer Shades

2010-07-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Dr. M in her NEW Rudy Girl Ability performance glasses from Rudy Project. These Multi-Laser lenses do more than just look good. They offer serious eye protection from UV rays and road debris. They resist fogging even in high humidity! Sterling Cycling Helmet also by Rudy Project.

We often take our eyes for granted. I have seen first hand the effects of years of UV exposure on my older patients' eyes. Cataracts and wrinkling around the eye area are signs that you didn't do all that you could to protect them from the sun. That is why I wear Transitions adaptive lenses year round. Many days it may appear to be cloudy with not much sun. Wrong! The sun is still in force but only in a diffused form and still able to do damage. My Transitions lenses automatically darken according to the level of protection I need. Best investment in eye wear I've ever made! Now here's the second:

Rudy Project's Technically Cool Eye Wear

Rudy Girl Ability in Raspberry - Made in Italy. These offer wrap around design for full sun and wind protection for your eyes. These Multi-Laser Red lenses are inter-changeable and the nose piece is adjustable for extra comfort. Weighing in at a super light 25 grams, the only thing you'll notice is how comfortable your eyes feel.

NEW from Rudy Girl Collection!

List: $174.50

These not only offer fantastic vision protection but LOOK GREAT on! I use them for cycling, walking and hiking but they also look killer on the beach, for boating and water sports. These are ultra light, high performance lenses that resist fogging even under the most hot and humid conditions. How about 87%? The Ability Glasses stayed clear as a bell as you can see in the photo above! Check out all the new styles & colors in the Rudy Girl Collection at Rudy Project Online

Kickin' Back!

2010-06-29T12:04:00.001-07:00

Summer is the perfect time to get some exercise but you've got to get up early to beat the heat! How else do I get around the sweltering temperatures? The right footwear is a big start. Starting with my socks, can you believe these are made of WOOL? No I haven't lost my mind. Wool socks in the heat of summer are a good idea when they are made by SmartWool.

I am wearing the NEW MODras mini lifestyle socks. They are so thin and light with absolutely NO itchy wool feel. They are virtually seamless and feel great during and after your walk or run. They have a supportive arch brace and a non-binding roll top that your ankles will love. 75% wool, 22% Nylon & 3% elastic but they are 100% comfortable! Visit SmartWool online.

Sperry Topsider Women's SB1070 athletic / boat shoes

These are not only excellent for jogging but their special water displacing soles makes them equally as at home on slippery boat decks. They are my favorite athletic shoes but have gone with me canoeing and even on a whale watching ship off the coast of Maine.
Great arch support and grip even on slippery surfaces! More features:

Low Water Absorption Materials are Quick Drying
Dual-Density Compression Molded EVA Midsole Offers Shock Absorbtion & Stability
AEGIS™ Microbe Shield Protects Against Bacteria that Cause Odor
Removable Full-Length Molded Footbed Offers All Day, Underfoot Comfort
HRC® Forefoot Cushioning Through EVA Compound Provides Additional Cushioning
GRID® Patented Technology Provides Superior Cushioning and Stability
Arch Lock Offers Increased Stability and Arch Support
New Hydro-Grip™ Rubber Traction Compound is the Ultimate Performance Traction Outsole Compound
Non-marking Rubber Outsole with Quadro-Grip Wave-Siping™ for Ultimate Dry / Wet Traction & Added Stability

Sunless Tanning with Dinair!

2010-06-18T11:36:00.001-07:00

Now is the time to head for the beach! Sun protection has never been better and there are high tech ways to fake a beautiful tan. Aveeno's NEW Active Naturals SPF 100+ Continuous Protection Sunblock for the face is non-greasy, fast absorbing and won't mess with your makeup.

Dinair Airtan sunless airbrush tanner and airbrush makeup in Golden Tan are perfect for adding a realistic bronze glow to your face and body. I especially like using Badger's Totally Tan Airbrush Tanning gun! Check out Gavethat.com for their June Bride Give-Away through July 31st to win a Dinair Studio Airbrush Makeup Kit and Clarisonic's Skin Renewal Serum.

June Bride Give-Away!

2010-06-17T08:51:00.001-07:00

Gavethat.com
is are celebrating all of you June Brides with a Bridal Registry Give-Away! Visit and enter to win a full sized bottle of Clarisonic's Skin Renewal Serum and Dinair's Studio Airbrush Makeup Kit!

My Review of Trangia Gas Primus Burner

2010-06-11T06:03:00.001-07:00

Originally submitted at CampSaver.com

TRANGIA GAS BURNER:Gas burner, Primus system.Fits in lower windshield as alternative to the spirit burner.High efficiency, easy control.Weight: 8.11 oz.

Gourmet Cooking Outdoors

By Dr. M from NYC/Metro Area on 6/11/2010

Pros: Great temperature control, Lightweight, Stable, Powerful, Compact, Easy to Light

Best Uses: Backpacking, Bicycle Tours

Describe Yourself: Professional/Guide

What Is Your Gear Style: Comfort Driven

I am the editor of the X-Training Blog, at: http://www.angelfire.com/ak/anakee/skatewear/ and already own the Trangia 27-5 cook set this burner fits. The Trangia Gas Burner fits securely within the windshield and is very easy to control via the regulator. The food cooked quickly and evenly without burning. We were quite impressed with the quality and construction of this gas burner. It even comes with its own carry pouch. Almost like cooking on a restaurant gas stove!
NOTE: Trangia Gas Burner provided for review by Campsaver.

Trangia Gas Burner in Action for Breakfast!

Tags: Picture of Product, Cooking a Meal w Product, Using Product

(legalese)

Bridal Registry Give-Away

2010-06-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

Dinair Studio Airbrush Makeup Kit

Ah yes, June is the month for weddings and anniversaries! If you are looking for the perfect gift, check out Gavethat.com's Bridal Registry Special. Not only will you get fabulous gift ideas for that special bride, (could it be you?), or an anniversary treat for someone special.

Better still is Gavethat.com's GIVE-AWAY of this fantastic Dinair Studio Airbrush Makeup Kit and Clarisonic's Skin Renewal Serum! Dinair is THE name in makeup artistry using the airbrushing technique. In fact they have been doing in longer than just about anyone else. This kit pictured here gives you all of these items including the airbrush compressor and gun. Once you see what a difference airbrushing makes, you may not want to go back to the old conventional way of applying makeup!

Be sure to visit Gavethat.com during the month of June to enter this beauty bonanza of gifts from Dinair and Clarisonic. Bells will surely chime!

Clarisonic Skin Care

Airbrushed Dinair Makeup is applied best over clean, exfoliated skin. That is why we recommend a deep cleansing with the Clarisonic Ultrasonic skin cleansing systems. Follow up with Clarisonic's Skin Renewal Serum and you'll have even better results with your airbrush makeup. The perfect compliment! Visit Gavethat.com during the month of June to enter to win Clarisonics Skin Renewal Serum AND a Dinair Studio Airbrush Makeup Kit!

Easy Smoker-Grilled Chops

2010-05-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day signals the official arrival of summer. Why not kick it off with these crowd pleasing favorites from the best American grills? We have a Texas Smoker which imparts a delicious flavor to the meats when we use wild cherry, mesquite and other aromatic woods. The flavor trick however is the marinade. I use a combination of wet and dry rub ingredients and let them sink into the meat for at least 2 hours before going on the grill. Here is my quick and easy recipe:

GRILLING MARINADE & SAUCE

1 cup your favorite barbeque sauce, i.e Jack Daniels, Bubba's

1 tsp Emerils Original Essence Seasoning,

1 tsp McCormick's Grill Mates Roasted Garlic & Herb

Cover the chops with an ample amount of barbeque sauce. Next sprinkle on the dry seasonings. Cover or seal in a zip lock bag for at least two hours. Best results come from smoking them first and finishing the process by grilling. Both can be done on a Texas Smoker.

These chops are so tender and juicy! My marinade becomes a delicious glaze and helps prevent the meat from drying out. The trick is not to over-cook your pork chops. 8 minutes on each side should do for thin chops, a bit longer for thicker ones. You can even marinade them the night before if you are expecting lots of guests. They simply go from the fridge to the grill when the coals are ready. Enjoy!

Clarisonic & Opal Give-Away!

2010-05-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

Right now, Gavethat.com is holding a Clarisonic Mia & Opal Skin Care Systems GIVE-AWAY!!!! Read our article: Spa Pleasures at Home to find out what these incredible products can do. Follow this link below and enter before midnight, May 31st, 2010!!!!

Enter Gavethat.com's Clarisonic & Opal GIVE-AWAY

Spring Gardening Joys

2010-04-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

Perk up your spring gardening with these lovely Liberty of London tools and Sunflower Tote!

There is something very therapeutic about working with good soil. Even the simple things that lead up to the actual planting such as composting and turning over the earth connects us to a simpler time. A time when we were tied to the earth in a very intimate way.

Getting a new set of gardening tools or just cleaning / repainting your old ones is a easy way to ignite your gardening passion. Pick up a pair of pretty brightly colored gardening gloves so you associate the activity with something lovely. The orange and yellow metal container pictured here can be used to store your things and the tote makes a good place to carry the tools which are sure to get a little muddy after use. One you empty everything out, use the tote bag as a waterproof pad. With a little foam added, you can lay it down on the ground to keep your knees dry and protected from the hard, damp ground.

Another idea you might consider is gardening in pots or containers. I have succulents planted in the strawberry pot pictured here but all sorts of herbs also do well. Place them on a sunny porch and harvest your ever-bearing strawberries and spices as needed!

Containers are also very popular now for tomatoes but you can make your own Topsy Turvy style planters. We did last year and planted both Rutgers and grape tomatoes in them. They were very clean and gave a fair amount of yield. We just got the largest hanging plastic planters we could find and poked 3 inch diameter holes in them. Next we filled with a mixture of compost, Miracle Grow Gardening Soil and about 1 tbsp of Magnesium or Epsom Salts. The only thing is with terracotta pottery, you'll need to water a bit more frequently because the sun's heat is conducted through the minerals within the clay. This can be a good thing for plants like strawberries that like a dryer, warmer soil.

If you are new to gardening, this is an easy way to ease into it. Planter gardening is becoming very popular because it reduces bending and stooping. You can also shift your pots and containers to sunnier or less windy spots as the season dictates. The rewards of fresh organic produce just steps outside of your door are perhaps the best inducement to invest in a little gardening savvy!

Clarisonic & Opal: Spa Pleasures at Home

2010-03-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System and the Opal Skin Infusion System make the perfect pair for your "home-spa".

Clarisonic & Opal: Spring Skin Detox is my article on the Clarisonic Skincare Line. It was published at Gavethat.com so click on the link to read the full review. One of the nicest things you can do for yourself is take a vacation away from the everyday. Now that may not be too easy but considering that stress can elicit a whole host of unhealthy symptoms, we should take time for ourselves.

I have gone away to some wonderful spas for European facials and herbal body wraps. They are wonderful for both mind and body. However for a bit more than you would pay for a visit, you can invest in your own home spa essentials such as pictured above.

The Clarisonic Plus Skin Cleansing System offers interchangeable heads for your face and body. It is completely immersible and does and incredible job cleansing your skin, much in the way the Sonicare toothbrush cleans your teeth. It is the same technology after all. The Opal is the newest addition to the Clarisonic line and offers a very effective skin infusion system to plump up fine lines and wrinkles. The target areas for the Opal are the eyes but it is just as effective around the mouth, neck and forehead. When used in tandem, you have a complete system that will give you spa results at home. In fact the Clarisonic Skincare brush is already used in some of the top retreats in the world. Now you can have these same spa pleasures at home for yourself!

I Love a St. Pat's Day Parade!

2010-03-09T16:55:00.001-08:00

Hanging out with one of the St. Pat's Day Parade Pipers in front of Connolly's Station Pub

With winter weather still looming it was really great to finally get out and enjoy some sunshine at one of the first outdoor events of the season, the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The best and biggest is on 5th Avenue in New York City so by all means if you can go...GO!

What to Bring
These open air happenings allow the community to come together and you may find one going on locally in a nearby town or county. Pack a folding chair such as one used for camping that folds up and fits in a sleeve for carrying. Many parades are two or more hours long and seldom start on time. Also bring a canteen or stainless steel water bottle with plenty of water and a few munchy snacks like nuts, granola bars or pretzels. Prices for such simple things as these are incredibly high at the vendor's stands so it pays to bring your own. Bring along the Essential Wrap from ExOfficio as shown draped over my shoulders above to keep warm while sitting and a hat with a pair of good Ray-Ban sunglasses.

Traveling
Driving to a parade destination may seem like the cheaper and most efficient way of getting there. However, many other people are likely doing the same so there may be a great shortage of available parking spaces available. You don't want to have to walk blocks or even a few towns over to get to the parade route. Check out the possibility of coming in by rail or bus. Weekend tickets are often discounted as "off-peak" rates apply. Buy a round trip ticket and you won't need to miss your connection home because you were busy trying purchase a return ticket. Also purchasing a ticket from the machine will often save you the extra surcharge levied when purchased from the conductor. Keep all tickets in a safe spot and note your transfers, if any. If you are worried about missing your connection home, set your cell phone alarm to sound in enough time to leave. When you factor in traffic, gas, tolls and parking fees, you may find that mass transit is the way to go. Works for me! Photo: Taking the train in comfort and style to the St. Patrick's Day parade route.

Plan Your Day
I can't stress enough how important it is to leave early! You'll want to get there at least a full hour before the parade begins, perhaps much earlier for the larger cities. Have all of your travel schedules made out the day before and check for any delays before leaving the house. If the parade or event has a Facebook page, check that for additional information on the locations of bathroom facilities, water and possible places to eat after the parade. You may even arrange to meet someone from your town or area who will also be attending. When the day is done, you could have some pleasant company to travel home with.

Check your state community calendar or office on tourism for all postings of upcoming weekend events. Most parades and festivals are FREE and a great way to enjoy some wholesome outdoor entertainment and fresh air.

IRISH RIVERDANCE-STYLE

TRADITIONAL STEP DANCE ON ICE

THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY AT

AT THE RINK AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER

WHAT: Ice skaters will do a traditional Irish Riverdance-style step dance to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, as part of their free-to-the-public program at The Rink at Rockefeller Center. The program will conclude with a finale to the perennial, Irish musical favorite, St. Patrick's Day Parade.

WHO: All skaters are part of the Ice Theatre of New York

WHEN: Wednesday, March 17th--St. Patrick's Day, 1:00-1:30 PM

WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller Center--5th Ave. (between 49th & 50th Streets)

CONTACT: Tanja Yokum: tanja@teuwen.com Office Phone: (212) 244-0622

Ready for Spring?

2010-03-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

In my opinion, it is never too early to get ready for spring! Still, there is a lot of fun you can still have in the snow! Stop on over to the X-Training BLOG with a few delicious ideas on how to Shake Off Winter Weight. This will jump start you into the season with less stress and more energy to get the most out of your morning walks, jogs and yes, those gas saving bicycle commutes.

With gas headed to above $3.00 a gallon before summer, shouldn't you think about walking and bicycling to do your local errands? If you start now, your spring walks and rides will be a breeze! You don't need to get left behind at home. Start today and you'll be singing and saving in the sunshine before long.

Cozy Comforts

2009-10-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

Fall is here! Shorter days and cooler temps mean opportunities to get out there and enjoy! I like comfortable, well broken in leather boots for most treks. Ugg boots seem to be here to stay as I have always been comforted by my sheepskin bootie slippers. These are all as welcome as a hot cup of cocoa right now.

Even though home heating costs continue to be on the rise, there's a lot you can do with less heat. One thing you can do is make sure that your air is properly humidified. Dry air feels cooler and can dry out your nasal passages making them more prone to airborne infection. I use Air-O-Swiss humidifiers and have noticed a decline in respiratory infections since setting them up in my home and studio. The models I use pre-heat the water so they will not lower the ambient temperature in your home. Definitely a must!

You can also save a lot by turning down the heat a night. I use goose down comforters year round on my beds but you can also get a lot of comfort from an electric blanket. Mine is made of Egyptian cotton, so it breathes thus avoiding the "night sweat" problem of most acrylic blankets. Likewise you can purchase a goose down mattress topper. They take a bit of work, needing to be lofted every three days or so, but add a new dimension of warmth and softness to your sleep experience. I was introduced to one at a very upscale hotel and promised myself that I would purchase one as soon as I returned home. When the cold wind blows, you will be very glad to have a cozy bed to retire to. You will also sleep better. How many times have you woken up because your mate had accidentally uncovered your side of the bed? Brrrrrrr!

Hats are really essential but if you are not the hat type, at least incorporate hoodies into your wardrobe. Since most of the body's heat escapes through the head, it makes sense to keep it covered in some way. Hooded jackets and sweatshirts such as the C.F. Martin Logo pigment dyed one here are perfect for a jog or walk. It also gives you added protection from the elements should it rain or heaven forbid, snow while you are getting some exercise. Add a knit hat and you are ready for even colder temperatures. The point is to not let the cooler weather changes make a miserable Grinch out of you. Dress in layers using natural, breathable fabrics while out and for your bedding. You will find yourself enjoying fall in style!

PHOTO: Dr. M. in C.F. Martin's Pigment Dyed, Full Zip Sweatshirt. Available online at the C.F. Martin & Co. 1833 Shop

Your Cabin Vacation!

2009-07-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

Roughing it in style! A cabin in the forest can be a a wonderful alternative to a hectic, planned vacation.

Last year we took a fantastic tour of New England which included staying in Cape Cod and visiting Nantucket Island. We spent a lot of time on the ocean for both travel and recreation, (we took the whale watching excursion out of Provincetown), with a stop off at the Breakers in Newport R.I. on the way home. While it was an exciting trip with every minute filled to the brim with sightseeing, perhaps a quiet respite would be in order this year! A vacation should provide recreation but not to the point of exhaustion. Maybe you'd like to sleep in or just spend some time with a good book. How about cooking over an open fire? Renting a little cabin in our country's many parks and reserves might be just the thing.

SO WHAT DO I BRING?

Once you've rented a cabin and seen what amenities they have to offer, i.e. running water, electricity, hot showers, garbage stations, etc., you'll know what to pack. Dried and even canned goods are fine here but you'll need to discard all food scraps and containers in sealed or covered containers. Critters love to stiff out such treats at night and a good campsite will provide a sanitary place to store your garbage.

Cabins which provide some type of bed frame and pad are desirable but if not, you'll need to purchase camping cots. Some that I have seen have legs so you are off the floor. They retail for about $139.00. and can be used again for tent camping.

WHAT'S COOKING?

Many cabins offer a fire pit for charcoal or wood cooking. I would recommend bringing a Crockpot for soups and stews for a single pot dinner. Then depending on the weather, you have the choice to eat / cook outside or not. I have a Trangia 27-5 cookstove with 2 non-stick saucepans, 1 fry pan, a windshield, a burner and a teapot. These all nest into a very small unit and can be fueled either with spirits or a gas bottle. Taking along a "mess kit" like this will save on having to bring lots of pots, dishes and pans. You'll want to make sure that you have enough fresh fruit and veggies for extra hydration and don't forget those snacks! Cheese doesn't need much refrigeration and is a good source of calcium and protein. Our little teapot is very handy for heating water for tea, coffee or even instant cereals such as oatmeal and farina.

STAYING IN COMFORT

If the cabin has electricity, be sure to bring a small box fan. The nights may be cool so a personal heater or even an electric blanket would work. Being too cold or too hot can turn your stay into a miserable event so it will pay off to plan for either extreme. Pack as if you are staying in a motel but include a few extras that you won't find in a cabin. Here's a short list:

1. Towels, Robes & Washcloths

2. Shampoo, toothpaste

3. Water resistant sandals for the shower

4. Insect repellent, (PIC Coils work well)

5. 2 small lamps, 3 flashlights

6. Ice chest for perishables or a small refrigerator if you're staying more than 3 days.

Remember, you'll have to make your own entertainment. Bringing along a portable DVD player, radio, book or guitar might just save the day! Of course you don't want too many distractions as taking in the whole natural experience is part of the aura of cabin life. You needn't repeat "Frontier House" but simply understand that certain things that we take for granted such as indoor plumbing and sinks will now be accessed outside.

Simply remember that the bane of most outdoor adventures includes insect bites, heat, cold and hunger. Plan your best to head off these issues and you can truly enjoy your cabin vacation in style.

PHOTO: Little Martin LX-1E is a 3/4 sized scale guitar perfect for packing along and pickin' on the porch as seen below!

Party Hosting Ideas

2009-06-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

Here's is a beautiful light centerpiece, perfect for a beer tasting party.

With more people opting to stay home this year, there is no need to opt out of entertaining as well. If you have had your kitchen re-done within the last few years, this is the time to make that investment pay off. You can cater your own affair right at home but you needn't lay out a huge banquet every time you invite people over. Here are some great ideas for entertaining at home where the featured guest is a bottle of wine or beer.

Hosting A Wine or Beer Tasting Party

You can host a "participatory" wine or beer tasting party. Guests are free to bring a few bottles of their favorite wine or beer. You simply supply the glasses, cheese or other appropriate snacks for the evening. The emphasis is on TASTING not guzzling so small tumblers are quite the ticket for a party like this. Set out the bottles of beer or wine and instruct your guests to:

TASTE LIKE A PRO The true secret to tasting like a winemaker or brewmaster is to take your time and use all of the senses to experience the drink.

LOOK Study the wine or beer in the glass. Hold it up to the light. What do you notice?

SWIRL Swirling the wine or beer in the glass helps release the flavor.

AROMA Researchers tell us that 90% of what we taste is actually smell.

TASTE Pay close attention as the beer or wine sits on your tongue. Different regions of the tongue pick up different tastes.

CLEANSE Before moving on to the next sample eat a cracker and have a drink of pure water. This will cleanse the pallet for the next round of flavors.

You can have index cards next to the samples so that your guests can take note of the ones they like and leave comments on what they noted in flavor, aftertaste and balance. A party like this is wonderful opportunity to learn more about what is available and how to really enjoy a fine glass of wine or a tasty brew. There are so many wines as well as types of beer such as ales, stouts, lagers, etc. You may find yourself overwhelmed with so many choices! I purchased a case of Samuel Adams Brewmaster Variety Pack. It contains six distinct styles of beer and gave me a great education on the differences in flavor and texture offered by various brewing processes. I also visited the Yuengling Brewery in PA a few years ago and had my first dark porter in the tasting room at the end of the tour. Do a little research on the types of cheese that compliment the most common variety of wines. As for beer, hot, savory appetizers are always good. The main point is that you'll want to relax and enjoy the evening with your guests. If you keep the menu simple and let the wine or beer be the main attraction, you'll find yourself free from a lot of preparation and work.

If you are set on going out for an evening with friends and the restaurant allows you to carry in your own alcoholic beverages, this idea will work in this setting also. You will save on purchasing high-priced alcoholic beverages at the restaurant while trying some of your friend's favorites. It really is a great way to spend an evening with friends and family with no clean up involved on your part! If you'd like more information on various types of beers or holding tasting events such as this visit George Killians at http://www.georgekillians.com/

Philadelphia Art Museum

2009-05-10T09:25:00.001-07:00

The Philadelphia Museum of Art with banners for Cezanne & Beyond

If your travel plans have been somewhat curtailed by the economy and rising gas prices here is a fantastic one-day, get-away! Many park systems and colleges offer bus trips to museums and other points of interest at discount prices. Why? Well, your taxes and mine go towards maintaining the parks and state colleges in our community. They will often offer such trips, making a smaller profit for themselves than a commercial tour.

Planning Your Day It is always good advice to find out a little information on the show or exhibit you are planning to see. Will there be a lot of walking? How long is the bus trip? Is lunch provided? After getting these basic details, plan and pack accordingly. Some charter buses allow you to leave some non-valuable items such as magazines, books, sweaters, wraps, pillows, etc. on board in the stow-away bins located above the seats. Those things need not be brought into building with you but you should keep a bottle or stainless steel container of water with you. Make sure you write down your bus number and set your cell phone alarm to ring at the time you need to re- board at the end of the day. Once you enter the museum, be sure to get a map as seen here. This will lay out all of the exhibits and galleries that you may wish to visit in an orderly fashion, saving time and steps.

Plan your day to include periodic stops for eating, (if it is nice outside, try lunching al fresco) restroom breaks and foot massages. Comfortable clothing and footwear are essential to a great day out. Side trips should also be planned as they can be a wonderful part of the whole experience. Skip the audio tours too. They tend to heard everyone to the same pieces, causing you to miss the other offerings of the exhibits. You'll even hear that the markers have the same information as what is being spoken in the headphones.

Relax & See What You Want! One of the biggest problems when taking a "guided tour" is pressure to keep up with the group. If you'd rather avoid the tourist trap, I suggest you do a little reading on your own after consulting your map and make your own plans. You will be able to see much more of what YOU are interested in while taking the time to smell the roses. Here I am relaxing at a waterfront gazebo in my comfy sear-sucker pants from ExOfficio and Born of England shoes. We scoped this place out ahead of time and made plans to visit it as part of our personal tour. By doing this, we attended much more than the art exhibit. We went back in time to visit a 12th century French cloister with larger than life paintings by Peter Paul Rubens nearby. Next, we traveled to the orient to experience Asian art and a full sized Japanese Tea House in a garden setting. In the European Art 1500-1850 gallery we found the Knight's Armory and an English Drawing Room.

Since many of these exhibits were dismantled in their country of origin and set up inside the museum, it was just like visiting it there. I've been to The Breakers, the summer home of the Vanderbilt's of Newport, R.I. and can see where they got their inspiration. The palaces of Europe! You can be inspired too but without having to leave the U.S.A.

Ah Yes, Shopping! Museum gift shops are notorious for overly inflated prices for no other reason than they are museum gift shops. However we did find three different shops within the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Two were fairly large but a smaller annex offered ticketed items at 50% off. Guess where we shopped? I purchased a lovely little crock of French spices for under $10. After I use the spices, I'll still have the jar as a memento of my visit to the Cezanne & Beyond show. The point is that you don't have to spend a lot these days. Look for the sales and discounts that can also be had by being a museum member. If you plan to visit often during the year, this is a good way to save even more. The point is to tailor your trip to your specific needs and interests. Don't feel intimidated or afraid to leave the beaten path. We were able to visit virtually all of the galleries on the ground, first and second floors but still had time for an outdoor snack and trip to the waterfront where we saw three wedding parties arriving for photos. Now that was taking in the full experience of what the Philadelphia art district has to offer. You can too! Check your local department of tourism and see what local attractions there may be of interest to you. You'll save time, money and have a great time with just a bit of planning.

Stately Treasures

2009-03-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

Stage performance of Shakespeare's, "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

The Best Things in Life Are FREE!

One of the best kept secrets in the state of New Jersey is the vast history and accessibility of our state's capitol. The Capitol Complex, located on West State Street, Trenton gives visitors a wonderful sampling of culture, arts, history and literature all within walking distance.
Highly recommended is a visit to the New Jersey State Museum. It is actually four museums in one and according to its executive director, Eric Pryor, allows the visitor to do and see so much, all in one day. He mentioned that the museum is part of the Capitol Complex which offers tours to the Statehouse, Library and Barracks all within walking distance. When we visited, there was a Swedish exhibit on display in the 3rd floor gallery. In the auditorium, which is a free standing building located in front of the museum, we were treated to Shakespeare Live's, rendition of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by a troop of talented young players. Weekend offerings include free live performances by local musicians and actors. Parking is also free as the state employee parking becomes fully available to tourists over the weekend. The museum is looking forward to opening their newly constructed planetarium this spring. There are many archaeological displays throughout the building itself from a tyrannosaurus Rex skull to delicate, decorative pottery. Likewise, the museum also offers grade appropriate archeology workshops and programs during the week.

The Museum Gift Shop
One of the best finds along the tour was the museum's Friend's Gift Shop. Nestled away on the second floor, were found some interesting treasures. Unlike most museum gift shops, the items displayed here were chosen with care. What did we find? Hand made, woven baskets from a local weaver! After our disappointment with the Chinese made Nantucket Light Ship baskets of Cape Cod, this was a redemptive moment indeed. Handcrafted, beautifully constructed, stamped and very reasonably priced, these baskets by Mary were a true find.
When I spoke with the artist, she was well versed in the work of other basket makers, (the mark of a true artist), and said that she likes the plain but practical aspect of her work. May is also well versed on the history of basketry within the state of New Jersey. Her information on the New Jersey Pound Fish basket makes for great reading regarding a by gone practice of commercial fishing which flourished up until the early 1900's. Her beautiful baskets photographed here, are displayed for sale at the museum's gift shop. Baskets such as these have so many uses but are also a statement of artistic expression. Finding May's handmade baskets was indeed one of the highlights of our visit to New Jersey State Museum. It is living art-history which is still being created by a New Jersey artisan.

Photo: Handwoven baskets by craft artist Mary May

Other lovely items we found were printed umbrellas that worked quite well for us as we were leaving in the pouring rain! To your right is a display of beautifully made scarves, shawls, hats and jackets. Once again, this is not your ordinary museum gift shop but more of an artist's boutique. No tacky tourist stuff here. The prices were quite reasonable, especially for one of a kind, handmade items. Showing your New Jersey Arts Council Card gives you a 10% discount at this and other museum shops in the state. Remember that weekends offer a special treat of free live performances on Saturdays at the museum's auditorium with free parking in the garage. The next program is part of the Family Arts Festival featuring performances by Seth Reichgott: "The Appalachian Tale" and Tap Team Two & Co.: "Hoofing in America" plus art making workshops throughout the day. Date: Saturday May 9th, 2009, Time 11:00 am - 5 pm. Admission and parking are FREE. Visit all the events the museum has to offer online at: http://www.newjerseystatemuseum.org/

Entertainment Tonight!

2009-02-17T16:22:00.000-08:00

A "Light Buffet"! Havaleena Party Lights in a vase, neon light sculptures and flashing party glasses from Coolites

I'm one of those die-hards who refuses to allow the economy to suck the fun out of my lifestyle! Now that doesn't mean you should be insensitive and throw money around. What I'm going to show you will not cost tons of money and be a lot more fun than hanging out at a nightclub. Just start thinking out of the box. How about getting a movie from Netflix, (or even better, the library), inviting a few friends, family or neighbors over to watch? Another idea is to invite some musically inclined people over to play together. This is otherwise known as a jam session but you can likewise invite someone to perform and have the guests chip in to pay the musician for the evening. Feed him and I'm sure he'll come back. How about a Karaoke Party? Karaoke is great fun and you can invite your friends to bring along their favorite songs to sing. Instant entertainment!

We had studio soiree over the weekend and the picture above is a shot of part of the buffet table. Hot pizza snacks, cheese and summer sausage on crackers, cheddar popcorn and drinks were set out on our light show table. You can also use left over all-white flashing Christmas lights too. Run them around the edge of the table or make interesting light sculptures on the wall behind the buffet. We put three Havaleena Party Lights in a clear glass vase for a real "wow" effect. Havaleena lights are cordless, smokeless and will shine for more than 22 hours on three, AA batteries. No flames so we were able to place them near curtains. Our clear, colored glasses are by Coolites and flash in multi-colored sparkles. The point is, make it glitter. This is the time for tinsel town to revive!

Host a Karaoke Party

A lot of your friends, (if not their children), probably already own a portable Karaoke machine. Ask around. If not, the Singing Machine is the one that I have and can recommend. This unit is a semi-professional model and not portable as it has twin stereo tower speakers and a full color screen. You can even plug in your iPOD and play your uploaded tunes over this karaoke system. DJ's are paid a lot to supply music to bars and clubs. Why not do it yourself at your place?

We decorated our karaoke system with a tube of programmable flashing party lights. This way we can choose a pattern to go with the beat of the music. It adds to the "studio" effect and the evening. We have quite a few dedicated karaoke CD's that show the lyrics right on the screen. Your guests will love it! The main thing is for you to enjoy the evening with them. Keep it simple. Spending hours in the kitchen fussing over gourmet messy foods is out. Finger food like mini quiche is definitely in. Go with a theme. It was Valentine's Day so that night we had a big heart shaped box of chocolates on the buffet for everyone to enjoy. This is not a big ticket, catered affair but you can still infuse classy fun into your evening without going broke. Live music whether it is being sung or played also adds to the special and memorable mystique of your party. None of these ideas take weeks of planning or deep pockets. Keep the numbers small and intimate. You'll find yourself enjoying your home entertaining more, with less. Be sure to read our related article, Entertaining Moments of Spring linked above.

Quickie Quiche

6-8 whole eggs

2 cups milk

1 cup grated cheddar, colby or munster cheese

1/2 tsp Hungarian Paprika

1/2 cup sauteed onion

1 cup chopped spinach or broccoli

2 unbaked deep dish pie shells

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sautee your onions. Whisk your eggs, Paprika and milk together. Line the bottom of the pie crust with your cheese, onions and vegetables. Pour in the egg and milk mixture and top with extra Paprika. Bake 40-60 minutes or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Variations: Add bacon, ham or smoked cheese!

Cheers!

Your Winter Get-Away!

2009-02-05T15:51:00.001-08:00

Snowshoeing is great winter fun and can be done anywhere there is enough snow. Here I am on location at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. Pilot's Hat by Dorfman - Pacific, Goose Down Jacket and hardshell pants by Moonstone, Gloves by Scott, Snowshoes by Tubbs.

Snowshoeing 101

Who says you have to skip that winter ski trip? Did you know that you can cross country ski nearly anywhere there is snow? You can also snowshoe as I am showing in these photos. Snowshoeing is great fun, easy to learn and can take you over virgin, snow covered trails in style. You can even use them for a jog in the snow! No need for a slope or ski lift either. You can go both up and down hills and trails quite easily. Since you actually float over the surface of the snow, your feet don't sink down, leaving them quite warm and dry. It doesn't matter if the trail is "groomed" or not. Snowshoes take you anywhere you want to go, regardless of the conditions. My Traditional Tubbs Snowshoes fit easily over my suede Ugg boots which allow the bindings a little extra grip. Make sure to bring your snow boots when you go to purchase a pair of snowshoes. Test them in the bindings, not your street shoes! You'll want to wear a pair of hardshell snowpants such as the Gore-Tex Paclite's I have on in the picture. The flattened, sealed, full zipper legs allow you to open them up for a bit of ventilation. When closed, they don't allow snow to blow in. Zippers also help with bulkier snow boots. A good goose down jacket is indispensable out in the snow. Unlike polyester fillings, down is highly breathable yet warm. We were out in 21 degree weather with wind gusts up to 10 mph but were completely warm. Since we were enjoying the snow in a state park and brought our own equipment, there were no parking, ski lift or admission fees. A free day out for a perfect winter get-away. Along with our recreational gear, we brought along some energy bars, a bottle of water and a camping chair with a beverage holder. Livin' large folks! Get a few more winter outdoor ideas from this article: Living it Up! http://drmiczak.blogspot.com/2009/01/welcome.html

Snow Skating

How would you like to have all the fun of skiing but without having to maneuver long, bulky equipment on the slopes? Ever hear of Snow Skates? Well, I didn't until a few years ago and they have to be the coolest thing on the planet next to skis. They are called Sled Dogs and look like ski boots without the skis attached. These snow skates are actually quite short but are waxed just as you would your regular skis. They can be used with or without ski poles and work well on downhill runs or cross country courses. Needless to say, you don't need to check into a ski resort to use them. Simply don a pair of hardshell pants, (you'll probably go down a few times at first), and take off! Use ski poles at first to help with balance. After you get comfortable, you can try a few skateboarder moves which are incredibly easy on Sled Dogs. In fact, how I learned snow skating was to employ a skateboarder or surfer's stance, (goofy or regular), with my dominant foot leading a bit. They do behave like skates so you can dig in for hockey stops or even skate backwards going downhill as shown in the photo above but be sure to check over your shoulder!

When people first saw me using my Sled Dogs they yelled, "Hey, you forgot your skis!!!" After coming back up the hill, I showed them I did in fact have skis...mini skis. Once again, choosing gear that works in many terrains and is easy to operate, increases your enjoyment. Nothing is more frustrating than hauling heavy skis and bindings, paying for access to the trail and then spending the entire day falling. I don't know about you but that doesn't sound like a fun date to me. Sled Dogs combine what I already know, (that is how to skate), with what I didn't know, (well, that was how to ski). It allowed me to expand my skills and try something new. Challenges are good. Better still, just when you've had about all you can stand of complaints over the bad economy and cabin fever to boot, there is a wonderful, priceless outdoor adventure just waiting for you. Each day is a gift and surely not to be wasted. Blues skies, crisp, clean air, watching the hawks ride the draft. What a gorgeous day out! Once you get home from your winter get away, how about making some delicious blueberry muffins? Here's my favorite recipe:

Best Picks Blueberry Muffins

1 1/2 unbleached flour

1/4 cup of brown and 1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/3 cup liquid vegetable oil

1/3 cup milk

1 cup fresh blueberries
--------------------

Preheat over to 400 degrees and grease tins or use muffin liners. Combine all dry ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk. Combine the oil, egg and milk in another bowl and add to dry ingredients mixing lightly. Fold in blueberries and fill the cups 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes until done. Scrumptious!

When you think about it, with a bit of forward planning and a touch of imagination, you can plan your own Winter Get-Away replete with an itinerary of other places or activities available in the area. This is how you maximize your gas while making it a complete day away. Since it was rather cold, we opted to limit our outdoor time to about 2 hours. After that we went to the mall for a bit of window shopping and were still home in plenty of time to make the blueberry muffins.

Some of the best memories that I still hold dear are those times where my parents did things with us. Fun things. I can remember my Dad taking us sledding at a local park. Just watching him execute a picture perfect belly-flopper on his Flexible-Flyer reminded me that he was once a child too. I think my brother was the one who invented snow boarding because he would fearlessly stand on his sled and ride it downhill like a surfboard. Crazy times but those are the sweet thoughts that get you through the tough ones and we all have them. The trick is to find some space and let go for a while. You'll find yourself renewed and able to keep a positive attitude no matter what the climate.

Spend some quality time with those you love! Check out our gear at the far right.

Living it Up!

2009-01-28T13:16:00.000-08:00

Get Some Perspective...

Someone say: "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy ride"? Not necessarily. Quality of life does not always depend on how well the stock market is going. You needn't sit home paralyzed with fear because of the downturn in the economy. Now is the time to explore new hobbies, relationships and places. We simply need to step up to the challenge.

Photo: "Blimey! Is that a white-breasted nuthatch?" Winter Bird Watching in one of our beautiful, National Parks...absolutely free. Now that's getting some perspective!

A good place to begin your plan of attack is at your local library. Through books and travel guides, you can find out about local places of interest right within your county or state. Here's a few for starters: Take a nature hike. Visit an art museum. Take in a classical concert. Go bird watching. Join a book club. Learn to play an instrument. There are so many things that can enrich our lives, many of which cost little or no money. You may need to take the path less traveled to find them but that's all part of the adventure! The point is to try something new. There in nothing worse than letting your circumstances defeat you. Since many of these activities are free, there is no reason why you can't participate.

If you prefer to revisit something you are already familiar with, look around your house and dust off some of that athletic equipment you haven't used for years like your bicycle, cross country skis or running shoes. You've already made the investment. Now make it pay off. You'll feel so much better just by getting out and into the fresh air. Even in inclimate weather, (what's that really?), if you can get out for at least 30 minutes of exercise, you will reap exponential benefits.

Want to see what such a fine day out looks like? Check out:

Snow Bound: National Treasures

http://www.angelfire.com/ak/anakee/skatewear/index.blog/1354377/snow-bound/

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2009-01-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

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