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Tips on fitness, exercise and training
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Can’t seem to stick to an exercise program?
No problem. Get a paper route in your neighborhood. An hour of brisk walking, climbing stairs and tossing papers will help you get whipped into shape. This is a good husband and wife ‘team’ project and on top of it, you get paid for delivering the papers. Now that’s a win/win!
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Eliminate muscle tension
Tighten the arms horizontally for 5 seconds and then let them fall.
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Cutting cream pies ‘neatly’
When cutting cream pies, first dip knife in hot water so that none of the filling will stick to it.
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Make quick breads faster
If you make quick breads often, mix up batches of the dry ingredients for your favorite recipes and store them in individual plastic bags, clearly labeled, in your refrigerator. The mix will be ready anytime you are. This works for cookies, muffins, waffles, pancakes, and other simple batters.
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Refrigerator odors
Instead of using the usual box of baking soda in the fridge, you can also eliminate odors by putting a piece of cotton dipped in vanilla extract. This really works!
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Vacationing at a Spa
Go for at least 4 nights to get a true perspective. Arrive at a reasonable hour and meet with spa coordinators immediately. Choose a spa that fits your needs. Overseas spas usually emphasize beauty rather than exercise, nutrition etc. Some spas are really resorts with a few spa facilities.
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Evaluating a spa for your vacation
A good gauge of a spa is the number of professionals on staff. If the manicurist also does facials, this is not a true spa. Read health and fitness magazines in advance and formulate questions. Don’t forget to have questions for the cook, hairdresser, class instructors, hikers, nurse etc.
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When vacationing at a spa, have a goal set
Having a goal helps you to schedule properly and set priorities. i.e.: weight loss. stress reduction, learning about new ideas, menopause considerations etc. List all the machines from your hometown gym; you can get a trainer to teach you how to use them more effectively.
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Packing for a spa vacation
Before you pack, find out about laundry facilities so you don't over pack. If facilities are not available, buy 9 Hanes Beefy T Shirts to wear on top. They will be cheaper to throw out than most spa laundry services. Leggings and spandex shorts are easy to pack and to wash in your room.
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When traveling by plane for a spa vacation
Carry some exercise clothes on the plane and wear your sneakers. Packing in two small bags increases the chances that one will arrive with you. If luggage is delayed, you will find the spa store very pricey!
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Setting appointments on your spa vacation
Spread your appointments so that your body has a rest from exercise; i.e. book a massage and longer services on the second and fourth days since you will probably be too tired to continue exercising. Ask a physical trainer for a short stretch routine to do in your room before you jump into the early morning walk.
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Avoid immediate overindulgence when at a vacationing spa
Do not overindulge immediately on fresh salad, fruits or high fiber foods. Ask about ingredients, ie. some chocolate sauces contain prune nectar. You will pay the price!
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Wisely utilize the services at a vacation spa
Use your services for information you cannot get from your hometown: i.e. don't waste time on a manicure if the spa offers for the same price a physical trainer or hydrotherapy.
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Spa vacations are no fashion show
Take minimum make-up and no jewelry. Most spas are very casual and women wind down quickly. Spas are not a fashion show.
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Classes and services on a spa vacation
Try one new class or lecture each day even if you walk out before the end. Try two new services, even picking what you consider "off the wall". Professional spas do not offer services that have no benefit.
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Drinking a lot of water on a spa vacation
Remember to drink lots of water. Get rid of your bathroom and locker room qualms. Some of those spandex girls used to look like you so don't be embarrassed. In the same vein, never look at the other people in a class. You are there for yourself, not to compete with anyone else.
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BBQ tip for moist meat
When roasting or grilling with a BBQ pit closed, open a can of beer and place the beer over the hottest part of the fire. The beer will boil and super saturate the air inside the pit with water vapor, beer flavors and alcohol. This will help in keeping the roasting meats moist, while adding flavor to the meat.
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Coffee fresh test
To test freshness of instant coffee, fill a glass two thirds full with water. Put a pinch of instant coffee on top of the water. If it remains on the surface, you can be ensured of its freshness. If, at the end of five minutes, it goes down at the bottom of the glass while mixing water, you can consider it not-so-fresh.
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Worms in flour
To rid flour of worms, put some bay leaves in the container of flour.
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Soften dry bread
To soften dry bread, put it in a paper bag and humidify the bag with some drops of water. Or, wet a paper towel and wrap bun, biscuit, roll, pastry, etc. in it. Microwave from 10 to 20 seconds.
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Stuck pan lids
To make a stuck lid release from a pan, heat the lid in hot water until it expands and releases.
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Descaling an electric kettle
Fill the kettle with an equal amount of water and vinegar. Bring to a boil and then let it stand overnight. Rinse the kettle throughly before using again.
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Children and food
Remember that children eat first with their eyes! Make a blend of form and color that makes eating a fun exercise.
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Frying Bacon
Rinse bacon under cold water before frying. This reduces the amount the bacon shrinks by almost 50%.
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Make perfect shaped pancakes
Use a meat baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle - perfect shaped pancakes every time.
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Egg storage
Store eggs with the large end up to keep the yolk centered.
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