Daytime Sparkle

Work garb gets a glitzy makeover

Allover sparkle and daytime office wear need not be mutually exclusive. For spring 2009, designers covered simple basics in sequins, paillettes, and glittery crystal...
Style Tip: Tropical Prints

Do my eyes deceive me or is the beachy palm print really back for spring?

Thank Gucci designer Frida Giannini for this one. There’s an appealing kitschy-cool factor that you can’t help but love about a tropical print—cue the Frank Sinatra...............details in this site http://www.elle.com

BANDAGE DRESS

BOLD COLOUR

Disco-ball-inspired clothes and accessories, courtesy of Alexander McQueen, Balmain, and Versace, sparkle for after-work cocktails...... Details in this site http://www.elle.com

Alexander McQueen, spring 2009

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If you are new to running be sure that you have been walking for 30 minutes at least 3 days a week about 3 months before you try to transition to running.
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Do not bounce or overstride. Don't let your foot get ahead of your knee. Run from the hips down with the upper body straight up and used only for balance.
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Breath in through your nose and out through pursed lips.
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Choose shoes appropriate for running and that fit well -- they don't cause any discomfort or blisters.
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When running in colder weather be sure to wear a hat. A large amount of heat can be lost through your head.
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Replace your running shoes at least every 400-500 miles.

* Create a plan ahead of time. Before the holidays sneak up on you, create a plan for incorporating fitness and good nutrition into your daily routine. Evaluate your holiday and then determine how much time you will realistically have available to devote to working out and/or eating healthy meals.
* Schedule your workouts. Mark them on the calendar and set-aside time to complete them. Consider them as important as any other appointment or event you have marked on your calendar.
* When at a party, start by eating some of the healthy offerings. For example, vegetable sticks (without dip), fruit pieces, plain chicken pieces, etc. Then move on to some of the less healthy (but yummy) offerings. You will be less likely to overindulge on these foods if you have already filled-up on some of the healthier items. Yet, you will not feel deprived or unsatisfied.
* Avoid wasting calories on alcoholic beverages. The average alcoholic drink contains 150-200 calories per glass. Indulge in just 2-3 drinks and you’ve drunk the equivalent calories of an entire meal. If you partake in these beverages, choose wisely. For example, instead of having a full glass of wine, try mixing half a glass of wine with sparkling water or with a diet cola. This will help cut your calories in half.
* When shopping, don't search for the closest parking space. Park far away and take advantage of the walk you get.
* Don’t put your fitness goals on hold until the New Year. If you can’t exercise as often during this time period as you normally do, adjust appropriately. Don’t use the excuse that since you don’t have time for your full workout you just won’t workout at all. Instead accept your limited availability and simply reduce the frequency and/or duration of your exercise. It’s much better to cut your fitness time in half than to completely eliminate it.
* On the day of a party, be sure to eat regularly all day long. If the party is in the evening, eat breakfast, lunch and a snack before hand (just as you would on any other day). Once you are at the party, go ahead and indulge in some of the fun, delicious foods. Since you have eaten meals earlier in the day, you probably will find that you aren’t tempted to go overboard and eat everything in sight. However, if you starve all day long attempting to save up all your calories for the party, you will be so famished by the time it begins that it will be difficult not to overeat.
* On days that you really lack motivation or simply do not have time for your complete exercise routine, commit to do just 10 minutes of exercise. You’ll probably end up doing more than that once you get started. Even if you only end up completing 10 minutes, that is still a lot better than zero minutes.
* When presented with a large variety of food options, it’s tempting to want to eat everything. Rather than eating one large slice of chocolate cake or a huge plate of meatballs, select a sampling of bite size pieces of several of the desert or appetizer offerings. This way you get the enjoyment of trying many different foods without overeating.
* Exercise at home. You’ll be more inclined to follow-through on your exercise commitment if you don’t have to drive somewhere to do your workout. Plus, you won’t waste any time on driving, parking, the locker room or waiting to use equipment. Working out at home requires very little equipment (even can be equipment-free) and is quite inexpensive.
* When running errands or shopping, be sure to pack some healthy snacks to have on-hand. Then after you work-up a big appetite, you won’t be tempted to grab something at the mall food court or the fast food restaurant on the way home.

Bridal Tips

* One of the most important things to remember if you are trying to lose weight is too start early. For example, don’t try to lose 20 pounds two months before the big day. The key is to plan ahead so that you can lose the weight (or just firm up) gradually.
* Be realistic with yourself. If you’ve never been a size 6 in your life, then it is probably unrealistic to think you can magically transform just because you are getting married. Set attainable goals.
* Brides typically are short on time and long on to-do lists. This leads many to try unhealthy fitness programs or starvation diets. Don’t be tempted by diets that promise quick, drastic results with little effort from you.
* It’s very easy for brides to say “I don’t have time to exercise” or “I’m too tired to exercise”. But diet and exercise should always go hand in hand. Without activity your body can’t burn as many calories. If you are very short on time, try to exercise in small 10-minute bursts throughout the day. And, keep in mind that little things help too, like taking the stairs or parking at the outer edge of the mall parking lot.
* Eat regularly -- don't skip meals. Not only is skipping meals unhealthy, it often leads to binge eating. That often means eating very fattening foods and/or overeating all at once. To avoid this try packing light snacks to keep on hand throughout the day. Good examples include carrot sticks, cheese strings, peanut butter on crackers, etc.

* Track your workouts. Keep a daily or weekly log to track all of your workouts so that you can ensure that you are progressing in the right direction and keeping your body challenged. Track such things as frequency, duration, intensity, weight sizes, sets, reps and how you felt during and after your workouts.
* Have back up plans for all of your workouts. For example, you may plan to workout for an hour after work by doing both cardio and strength training. Then your boss asks you to say late. Your workout time is now limited to 30 minutes. Know ahead of time exactly what workout you'll do in that shortened time period so that you don't waste precious workout time or worse decide to forego it all together.
* Avoid highly processed foods whenever possible. Stick to whole foods. Complex carbohydrates are fine, just avoid the over-processed, simply carbs.

* Replace your sneakers often. At least after every 250 - 500 miles of walking/running.
* Stair climbing is a low-impact alternative to running.
* Choose exercises that you enjoy doing. You'll be more inclined to stick with a fitness regimen when it includes things you like to do.
* Change your fitness routine every 4-6 weeks to prevent a workout plateau.
* Strive to include total body workouts. These include: cardiovascular exercises, strength training (both upper and lower body), core training and stretching/flexibility.
* Measure your exercise intensity. There are several methods: heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, talk test.
* Whenever possible, take the stairs instead of an elevator.
* Stretching and flexiblity are very important aspects of good physical fitness, so don't overlook them. Ideally, you should stretch before each workout (both cardio and resistance exercises) and after each workout. If you can't do both, then make the after stretching a priority.
* When stretching before a workout, it's best to stretch after you've gotten warmed-up for about 5 minutes (your muscles will be looser).
* When working out on cardio equipment (e.g. elliptical trainers), don't lean heavily on the handrails. This will reduce the amount of calories you burn.

* Exercise is not enough. You must also include healthy eating habits.
* Make a list of all the benefits regular exercise provides you. Everything from feeling healthier, sleeping better, preventing depression, feeling stronger, etc. Post this list somewhere that you will easily see it everyday so that it can serve as a reminder why you should workout.
* Eat breakfast every day. People who eat breakfast consume fewer total calories during the day then those that don't.
* Don't waste your calories on drinks. Drink low-calorie or no calorie drinks instead (preferably water).
* Try to take at least 20 minutes to complete a meal. This is how long it takes for your brain to recognize that your stomach is full.
* Use a lot of spices and seasonings when cooking low-fat/low-calorie meals. They can make your meal taste so much better and therefore make you feel more satisfied.
* Decrease your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can decrease the burning of stored fat.
* Consume at least 64 ounces of water per day, plus an additional 16 ounces for every hour of moderate-intensity exercise.
* Each day fill a container(s) with your daily water supply so you'll always know how much you've drank and ensure you drink the required daily amount.

* Bend your elbows. This will cause your arms to swing faster which in return will help your legs to move faster.
* Keep your stride short. Don't take long strides that feel awkward.
* Think heal-to-toe. Push-off with your heal. Toes should leave the ground last.
* Keep your abs pulled in and tight.
* Include interval training walks that include periods of very brisk walking followed by slower, recovery times.

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Include some type of strength training in your weekly exercise regimen no matter what your fitness goals are. Resistance training provides many health benefits. Read articles that discuss the benefits further.
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Don't take the all or nothing approach. It's better to do a little training than none at all. So, even if you can only fit one strength training routine in a week, you'll still benefit from it.
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If you're a woman, don't be afraid of strength training. You won't bulk up (unless you are really trying to). And, resistance training is easy to start. With professional guidance and direction, you can quickly learn how to train properly.
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Be sure you are training with the proper resistance size. Ideally, you should choose a size that fatigues you after 10-12 reps.
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Focus on correct form. If you are unable to use proper, safe form when performing an exercise then you probably are using weights that are too heavy. Choose a size that allows you to train with correct form.
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Concentrate on the muscle(s) you are working during a specific exercise and don't allow your other muscle groups to assist with the exercise.
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How long you rest between sets is important. For building muscles and getting bulkier the rest time should be longer. For more muscle endurance and leaner, sculpted muscles the rest time should be shorter.
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The frequency of your strength training depends on whether your goals are to get bigger and stronger (less often) or whether you want to get leaner and more defined muscles (more often).
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Try the periodization technique which progress you every week over a 4-week timeframe. Try a plan of starting with lighter weights and more reps, and each week increasing the weight size appropriately and decreasing the number of reps.

Weight Watchers Buddies Lose Big Together

By Mary Kearl

From couples and friends losing weight together, to sibling and mother-daughter diet successes, these weight-loss winners share their real-life stories of how they dropped the pounds using teamwork and Weight Watchers. Twin sisters Fabiana and Simona lost 98 pounds together, while husband-and-wife team Cathy and Pat lost a total of 125 pounds and one mother's slim down of 147 pounds motivated her daughter to lose 66 pounds. Click through the photo gallery below to discover why, when it comes to slimming down, two heads really are better than one.

Health and physical activity tips including information on men's and women's health and wellness including advanced nutritional products for the immune system, joint health, weight loss and general health. All five components of fitness and health: strength training, weight management, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition, and flexibility training are discussed in the Online Muscle Fitness section of the site.

Here are nine specific Total Health Fitness Tips:

Don’t Smoke - One of the main reasons why people decide not to give up smoking, and sadly, the reason why some people take it up is the effect smoking supposedly has on weight gain or loss. It is true that smoking has been associated with an increase in metabolism it is a drug!! However it is a dangerous, addictive drug and surely the tiny effect it has on your metabolism is outweighed by the huge risk of dying from lung cancer. Drink More Water - You can live three weeks without food, However you can only live for three days without fluid, just think 3 days and its all over, one could suggest that water is fairly important! Your body is anywhere between 60 and 70 percent fluid. The fluid in your body is responsible for helping to keep every system of your body in good working order, including all of your metabolic processes. De-hydrate and everything slows down. The fluid in your body will also ensure that you can move well and be active. If you start to dehydrate, your body’s ability to do basic activities will slow down and your ability to exercise effectively or even enjoy exercise will be reduced. You will feel tired, lethargic and will probably get a headache.

Eat A Variety Of Foods - For protection from the majority of illnesses such as heart disease and cancer you need a variety of foods that deliver that mix of nutrients and minerals. Aim to eat different colored fruits and vegetables. Try to eat a different food each month. Eat an apple a day as the apple pectin cleanses the body’s digestive system by removing toxins and therefore preventing degenerative health problems such as cancer.

Relax For 20 Minutes a Day - Relaxing for at least 20 minutes a day will go a long way to reduce blood pressure and your reactions to stress. Sit or lie somewhere comfortable, Breathe slowly in and out of the nostrils breathing deeply into your abdomen. Say HAM as you inhale and SA as you exhale. These suggestions are charged with positive energy and will help you control your emotions. Try once a day for fantastic results.

Floss Every Day - Flossing your teeth every day is the best way to prevent gum disease and protect your heart. Gum disease, which is left untreated, can lead to inflammatory reactions in the body that can trigger heart disease and stroke.

Drink More Tea - Try drinking more tea instead of coffee to help protect your body from damaging effects of free radicals. Tea is a rich source of antioxidants that play a big role in protecting against some cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Get Active - Aerobic activity not only burns calories but also increases your metabolism and can keep it elevated for several hours after a workout. You don’t need to spend hours each day on the treadmill or bike to reap the benefits. Exercising aerobically for as little as 20 minutes, three to five days a week will make a big difference. Extra movement throughout the day is also essential, take the stairs instead of the lift, lose the remote and move at every opportunity you can.

Get More Sleep - Lack of sleep changes your hormone levels and capacity to metabolize carbohydrates so less sleep = slower metabolism. Studies have revealed that deep sleep causes cell repair and cell growth, which will speed up the metabolism and burn calories. So aim to get at least eight hours sleep a night.

Eat More Protein - Protein stimulates the major brain chemical dopamine which keeps us alert, try chicken or tuna salads for lunch. Go for complex carbohydrates rather than white flour and sugar, as they will provide a sustained energy source as opposed to a quick hit. Another reason to leave simple carbohydrate out of the diet is that they have a negative effect on your skin and how it ages. The more sugar that is in the body the more you force a chemical reaction causing sugars to attach to proteins and this is very detrimental to your skin.........Details by http://www.healthybiz2000.com

"A survey conducted by Shape Up America! has revealed that child care responsibilities are interfering with the efforts of many families to get more exercise and at the same time we know many children are now overweight or obese. The solution is a commitment on the part of the entire family to spend more time together. I encourage you to choose activities you can do together and support and reward each other's efforts to be more active at home, at school, at work, and in your communities. I urge you to replace the use of food as a reward for good behavior and offer to take a walk with your child instead. The pleasure of your company is the best reward your child can receive and the best gift you can give."


C. Everett Koop, M.D.

In a critical tag bout on Raw in late 2008, it only took the quickest of instances for the Legend Killer to slip out of a Batista Bomb and execute a hellish RKO.

This, followed with Orton's equally lethal punt, was the last blow The Animal would endure before time away from the ring to recover.

The Road to The Grandest Stage of Them All commenced with extreme turbulence and agony for then-WWE Champion Randy Orton's WrestleMania XXIV challengers, Triple H and John Cena. At the contract signing between all three men, Orton grounded both Superstars with the RKO. (WATCH)

The Legend Killer would go on to successfully retain the gold at The Biggest Spectacle of Them All in a Triple Threat Match.


In a strange turn of events for two enemies, Randy Orton and John Cena found themselves required to work together against the entire Raw roster. While others would bend at the mere sight of roughly a dozen opposing Superstars, for the Legend Killer it just meant more opportunities to execute his patented attack.

While Lance Cade, Paul Burchill and Val Venis all succumbed to the RKO, it was a collaborative effort by Cena and Orton that laid Cody Rhodes to rest.

No popcorn was sold in Madison Square Garden during one nail-biter of a confrontation between Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy for the WWE Title at Royal Rumble 2008.

This war was too close to call until Hardy locked in for a Twist of Fate. Orton twisted back, however, right into a picture perfect RKO that put his foe's lights out......... details by http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/randyorton/rkode/.

Proving his ability to hit the RKO from just about any angle, at any given moment, Randy Orton materialized mid-ring, mid-West Coast Pop to drive Rey Mysterio mask-first into the mat on March 24, 2006


For a conniving multi-generational Superstar like Randy Orton, no legend (even an "immortal" one) is untouchable.

In the summer of 2006, Hulk Hogan made a rare appearance on Saturday Night's Main Event at the Legend Killer's request, unknowingly stumbling into a well spun scheme by his irreverent nemesis. The red and yellow succumbed to a unique "drive-by" RKO on the hood of his luxury sedan.

At the 2005 Survivor Series, Randy Orton confirmed that the bigger they are, the harder they fall ... to the RKO. Representing Team SmackDown against a squad of Raw counterparts, the Legend Killer leapt high to clinch a weakened Big Show's vast neck in his arms, bringing down 500 pounds of mass to the mat.

Orton later leveled Shawn Michaels with the same signature move to be the sole survivor of the 10-man bout