There are four DVDS in the set (which can be purchased as a set or individually): Body Sculpt, Pilates Plus, Pure Arms & Abs and Thighs & Glutes. Each DVD is approximately 50 minutes, about the length of a class. The workout can be done straight through, or if you are crunched for time (or just in need of a quick butt blast) they are conveniently broken up into ten-minute segments. Just one ten minute segment will have you burning, though.

The creators, Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp, have over 50 years’ combined experience teaching Pilates, yoga, dance, and Tai Chi, disciplines that inform the Body Sculpt workout. They are founding team members of the Exhale spa. The workouts are Pilates and ballet inspired, combining some of the elements of these disciplines with strength work. DeVito and Halfpapp (husband and wife) provide easy to follow directions as you work through the programs, so you are never in doubt of how to do a move. The programs consist of many ‘strength within stillness’ postures, a phrase you will hear over and over throughout the workout. Basically, this means you will hold a posture for several seconds, providing your muscle with a little shock, giving it something new. This technique is excellent for building tone and definition, without making you bulky. And every little bit of muscle helps to raise your metabolism, burning more calories all day long. Each toning segment is followed by a thorough stretch, because one of the philosophies of Core Fusion is lengthening the muscles—which occurs when you stretch right after building muscle.

For most of the workouts, no equipment is necessary, but for the upper body exercises you will need a light set of hand weights, and a mat is always necessary for stretching. The upper body DVD will leave you amazed that three pound dumbbells can actually make your arms burn. Because you are doing the moves for minutes at a time without release, the burn comes on quickly, and so will the results. The ab series may be the hardest ab workout you’ll ever do. And the buns and thighs DVD? Well, the next day you’ll be finding areas of your body a bit sore. This too shall pass, with repeated use, but you will know, without a doubt, that you have worked out.

These DVDs can be purchased online directly from Exhale Spa’s website (exhalespa.com) or Amazon.com.

Ask to see their qualifications. Ask for references. A certified trainer will be more than happy to show you. Even if he or she is not certified, the ability to present references might be enough to assure this person knows what they are doing.

Also, beware of health clubs that have trainers on staff. Some gyms do not require any experience AT ALL for their trainers. These trainers are sometimes hourly workers given shirts that say, “Trainer” on the back…but are not required to have trained a single person or have certification as a trainer. Not to say they won’t have experience, but they are not required. Other national gym chains do require certification by the NFPT, the National Federation of Personal Trainers.

There are several schools and courses that give trainers their certification, but the National Federation of Personal Trainers is the most recognized. If a facility requires certification, most note that this body is the one they look for first. The NFPT has rigorous courses and a comprehensive test that students must pass in order to get their certificate. The classes are not cheap, so it makes sense to say that a person has to be serious to go through with the program.

All in all, the best advice on choosing a personal trainer is to meet with him or her, ask about qualifications and references, and go through a sample workout. Most trainers will sit down with you to to discuss your goals and then will design a plan. If you do not find this on your initial consultation, you might want to find another trainer. Also, oftentimes, personal trainers will have some background in nutrition as well, and can help clients come up with healthy eating plans, too. As we all know, it is diet and exercise, hand in hand, that really get the best results

Say hi… to everyone. From the postal worker to the people you pass on your morning run to the barista at the café around the corner, every person you meet is a potential friend, or a potential character reference. The more people you greet, the more people you will naturally fall into conversation with, and the more people you will eventually get to know in your neighborhood. Being exclusive from the start will dramatically decrease your chances of meeting anyone worth knowing.

Offer your help to neighbors, and ask for their help in return. Once you’ve met your neighbors, go out of your way to do them a good turn if you are able. Just like in commerce, word-of-mouth is the best recommendation for a brand of water heater or a new friend that you can get. If you are generally known in your neighborhood as a friendly, helpful person, word cannot fail to get around.

Familiarize yourself with where everything is: track down the cute cafés, bars, and parks that you like and would like to frequent. You’ll meet a lot more people hanging out in public than hanging out at home. Start introducing yourself to the employees and regulars in your new haunts. If they deem you a good fit for their group, you’ll begin to meet other people through them. Merely showing up on a regular basis is a good start. Make yourself available to friendship.

Ask the advice of your new acquaintances: what are the best restaurants around here? What community events are worth a visit? Take their advice, and then follow up. You will have something to talk about—restaurants, hair stylists, dry cleaners, kickboxing classes—and you will gain a lot of valuable information in the process.

Take a class or join a group in your neighborhood. Depending on your neighborhood, join a community garden, sewing class, cooking class, yoga class, poetry workshop, mechanics’ evening… If you ask around a little bit, you are sure to find a group already in place that appeals to you. And if there is not a Dance Party Tuesday already established in your neighborhood, consider talking to a local club or bar about starting one. By making your own group, you can attract people who are guaranteed to share your interest, if you have the time and ambition to make it happen.

Go to art openings, poetry readings, performances, and lectures offered in your neighborhood that are open to the public. You are sure—with minimal effort—to meet someone who would like to share their perspective on the event. Interesting people tend to show up at interesting events: be one of them.

Walk your dog or run around the same time everyday, and get to know the other people who walk or run at that time. Get to know who else is training for the 5k, or is a Shiba Inu enthusiast, or is starting a playgroup for small dogs.

And most importantly, keep an open mind. Accept the invitations and opportunities (using your common sense) that come your way, even if you aren’t sure a day at the racetrack is your cup of tea. You never know who you might meet, or what group of friends you may suddenly find yourself a part of by going with the flow and keeping your outlook positive.

Necessities

A yoga mat is essential. Sometimes the gym or location where your class is will have extra mats; however, these mats can be full of germs and also not have the proper padding or grip that is needed for particular stretches. You can find yoga mats at Target or Wal-Mart ranging from $12-30 in different colors. Stores also carry a small block called a yoga brick, which some people use to aid them during class. It can help in certain yoga poses but is not absolutely necessary to have. A small towel and water bottle should always be taken to class. Wear loose cotton clothing; a tee shirt or tank top with cotton pants is sufficient. Be prepared to sweat at least a little bit. For comfort, hair should be tied back so it won’t fall in your eyes during stretches. Wear flip flops to slip off as shoes are not worn in class.

Class

Yoga usually starts off with a couple minutes laying on your back with your eyes closed, meditating. Depending on which type of yoga class you’re attending, a series of stretches will follow meditation and end with another 5-10 minutes of meditation/relaxation. Power Yoga aims to get the heart rate up so the body sweats more and involves a bit more of a cardio workout. Yoga Stretch focuses on poses that stretch and relax all the muscles. Yoga Stretch is more low-key. Bikram Yoga, or Hot Yoga, is when the temperature of the room is turned up to at least 90 degrees, so that the body sweats profusely. Very little clothing is worn to this class.

Poses

There are many different poses in yoga; listed below are common stretches used in all classes, and the basics of how to perform them.

Child’s Pose

Usually class begins and ends with child’s pose. It is also used to rest in between vigorous stretches. Students are encouraged to revert to child’s pose anytime they are feeling tired. While sitting on your knees with your legs tucked underneath you, bend your body completely forward so that your head is almost touching the ground. You can either keep your forearms stretched in front of you or keep them behind you parallel with your back. Keep your legs apart from each other and your head facing downward.

Downward Facing Dog

While standing, bend over so the palms of your hands are planted firmly on the ground apart from each other. Move both feet back and apart from each other so now your body is shaped like an upside down V. Keep your head facing down. This position is usually transitioned to from child’s pose and vice versa.

Dolphin Pose

This pose is exactly the same as downward facing dog; however, instead of planting your palms firmly on the ground, rest your forearms completely flat on the ground so there is no pressure on the wrists. This position is good for people with carpel tunnel syndrome.

Eagle Pose

While standing, keep the knees slightly bent. Keeping the right foot on the ground, cross the left thigh over the right. Hook the left foot behind the right calf to hold the pose and try to balance on your right foot. With your hands, put your forearms parallel to each other (with your hands pointing toward the ceiling). Now take your left arm and cross it in front of the right arm. Stretch so that the palms are touching each other. Make sure your fingers are pointing upwards. Switch feet and arms and do the same position.

Chair Pose

While standing, bend the knees slightly. Raise your arms all the way to the ceiling and keep your palms facing toward each other.

Warrior I, II and III Pose

1. While standing, place your right foot about 3 feet behind the left foot. Bend the left knee forward, while your left foot is pointing straight in front of you and the right foot is faced slightly to the right. Either keep your hands on your hips, lift your arms straight in front of you or above you with your hands pointed toward the sky. If you hold your arms in the last position, keep your head tilted upward.

2. While in Warrior I pose, take your arms so that the left arm is pointing straight ahead in front of you and the right arm is pointing towards the back. While doing this keep your head facing forward.

3. Now lift your right leg off the ground and bend your body forward while balancing on your left foot. Stretch both arms in front of you with your hands pointed and your palms facing each other.

Switch feet and repeat Warrior I, II and III.

Wrapping Up

There are several variations of the poses above as well as many other positions altogether. But its helpful to get familiar with these basics in order to succeed in yoga class. Once you have these positions mastered, you will be able to move onto more challenging positions and get a better work out and overall body stretch.

Meditation

Once the stretches are complete, the instructor will ask the class to lay on their backs once again with their eyes closed and get as comfortable as possible. Lights will be turned off and music played (most of the time) so that all stress and negativity of the day and week will melt away. Meditation is a huge part of yoga, as relaxing the mind before and after stretching the muscles, brings more energy and inner peace to you.

No matter the user or their argument, social networking sites allow others a look inside members lives; some share more information than others but with over 3 billion photos uploaded to the site monthly somebody is sharing something! The argument has been made both in favor of these sites with one side arguing that it’s a convenient way to network and keep up with friends and the other side claiming that it’s a gossip-fest for the nosy and bored. No matter what side you take, you must admit that their is validity to each point.

The argument in defense of these sites makes semi-perfect sense. Everybody’s busy. Period. It’s the American way and we’ve proven that not much will slow us down. Our lifestyles make social networking sites a fabulous way to keep in touch with people that we may not otherwise have time to catch up with. Old high school friends and co-workers, cousins who live out of state and maybe even your boss. Which brings us to the other side of the argument which isn’t bad either.

Social networking sites were designed with one thing in mind — networking. It’s probably a sure thing that when the masterminds of Facebook brainstormed the idea, they had no idea that, at some point, gang members would be accused of using the site for threats directed at other gang members. Throw in the Vague Status updaters, (i.e. “don’t know if i can take much more” or the ever popular “what’s wrong with me?”) with the Mafia/Farmville junkies while you click through your ex’s wedding pictures and you’ve got the perfect cocktail that will have you staring at your computer clock in horror wondering what happened to the last three hours of your life.

No matter whose side your on, I think that we’d all agree that over-sharing is never good for anyone. Think back with fondness to the days when the only people who knew what happened over spring break were there to witness it with there own eyes, secrets between friends were shared in person and you kept embarrassing pictures in photo albums in your closet. After all, you never really know whose watching. It just might be your boss.

• Anywhere from 6 to 8 repairs for the entire product (including automobiles, boats, motorcycles, RVs, computers, and even wheelchairs)
• 3 to 4 repairs for any one problem
• Coverage is extended for the life of the warranty (referring to the Manufacturer’s Express Warranty) and up to an additional 4 years

As for used cars, you can qualify if you purchased a vehicle with a warranty still left, for example, if you purchased an extended warranty or if you bought a “certified” pre-owned vehicle. If your car does not have a warranty, there are numerous other laws that may protect you other than the lemon laws. For example, if your car was previously involved in a flood or was wrecked, you may be eligible for compensation.

In addition to these guidelines, it is important to check with your state to look at the specific requirements.  At http://www.lemonlawamerica.com/ you can select your state from the map and view the specifics and how to claim your lemon. Oftentimes it is necessary to hire an attorney to take the automobile manufacturer to court, which may seem like a daunting process, but federal law also provides that if you succeed in court, your attorney fees will be paid for by the warrantor. If you believe you might have a lemon, it is recommended that you go through the process of receiving compensation, not to mention the automobile that you thought you had purchased. Consumer protection laws are in place to help and to serve justice to all.

Tip 1: Confidence- Confidence is key; if you appear nervous and unqualified, the interviewer may perceive it to mean you don’t care.  Always appear confident even if it means faking it til you make it.

Tip 2: Physical Appearence- First impressions often make it or break it.  Being well groomed, clean and neat is vital to a good impression and is paramount to a good interview.  A tailored, conservative outfit is your best bet.

Tip 3: Pay Request- Decide how much you qualify for and let your potential employer know.  Hold your ground regarding your desired range but leave some wiggle room for pay flexibility.

Tip 4: No one is Perfect- A commonly asked question during interviews is ‘what are your weaknesses?’  Be honest.  No one is perfect and no interviewer wants to hear anything along the lines of ‘I have no weakness’.

Tip 5: Always appear happy, excited, and professional- Potential employers don’t want to hire mopy, unexcited people who don’t seem to have any interest in the job.

Tip 6: Getting an interview is the hardest part of the job search endeavor- If you get an interview, you are half way there, so relax!

Tip 7: Get familiar with the types of questions asked- If you have a sense of the questions you can practice, and practice makes perfect! It will also help you feel more ready so you can succeed.

Tip 8: Learn about yourself- Potential employers want to know about you and it will be a disaster if you don’t know your own self including your strengths and weakness, so reflect and learn.

Tip 9: Find out as much as you can about the job- Don’t go into the interview cold turkey. The potential job will inevitably ask questions such as ‘what interests you the most about the job?’ so learn about the job and don’t go in blind.

Tip 10: Relax and have fun- Don’t take the interview too seriously for it will only make you more nervous.  Prep for the interview and you will be fine!

The nerves will never completely disappear but, as a man once said, “We don’t want to remove the butterflies from your stomach, we only want to teach them to fly in formation”.  Use these tips as your guide and you will flourish!

If you are looking for a new workout DVD to try, have grown tired of your current collection and need to mix it up a bit, or are just starting a fitness regimen, these DVDs are must haves (or at least ‘must tries’ since everyone is unique, and there is no one size fits all workout). Try them out, and see which one fits you.

5. Workout DVD number five on the “Must Have” list is a good, solid yoga DVD. Every workout needs a stretch, and experts agree that yoga is a total body experience. It not only stretches and strengthens your muscles, it focuses your mind, it allows oxygen to reach all areas of your body and has actually been proven to make you feel better. Knowing all this, no workout is complete without a little yoga. Use it as your cool down and stretch if nothing else. One of the best to try, whether you are a beginner or an advanced yogi, is Kristin McGee’s Power Yoga. It can be broken down into segments, and she always gives modifications for beginners, but it is definitely challenging enough for the more advanced student of yoga. It leaves you feeling longer and stronger, and of course, more refreshed and alert.

4. DVD number four is Core Fusion’s Pilates Plus, or any of the Core Fusion DVDs (there are four). Pilates is another great way to both build and lengthen your muscles. The Core Fusion series is a set of 50-minute DVDs that are broken down into 10-minute segments, perfect if you are pressed for time, and great for days when you have the space in your schedule for a longer workout. Core Fusion Pilates is unlike other Pilates workouts, so if you have found yourself bored with Pilates in the past, this might be a DVD for you to try. On the other hand, if you love Pilates, this might be a good way to shake up your workout.

3. DVD number three on the must have list is an abs workout. Everyone loves to work abdominals, and a DVD that offers several workouts in one is Cathe Friedrich’s ‘Ab Hits’. The DVD features an hour and forty-five minutes of abdominal workouts—in mini-sessions of six to ten minutes. There are premixes, or you can go chapter to chapter, or just start at minute one and go for as long as you desire. The workouts are all varied—some feature traditional crunches, other planks, other s super mans, and still others oblique twists and pelvic raises. Because of the length, you can mix it up every day and your abs will never get used to the workout—a problem which can lead to plateaus if you are not careful.

2. DVD number two is another Cathe Friedrich workout. If you have never done one of Cathe’s workouts, she is someone you need to get to know. The fitness guru has her own fitness empire, which she has been steadily building for two decades. Cathe is an inspiration to women everywhere, and her newest set of DVDs also feature men, as well, so everyone can participate. Her workouts use ‘real’ weights, rather than wimpy five or ten pound weights that other female instructors often utilize, and promote form over anything else. You will build muscle with Cathe. You will learn the proper form. You will finish each workout tired, and you will call her a few names during each session, without a doubt. The DVD that is in the number two slot is ‘Butts and Guts.’ The DVD focuses on the bottom half and even seasoned exercisers have trouble getting through it in one sitting. Her DVDs offer premixes or you can do the workout straight through.

1. And finally, in the number one slot, Cathe Friedrich’s newest series, ‘STS.’ STS stands for Shock Training System. It’s a series of 40 discs, each disc used once in a three-month rotation. You’ll do the first set, Endurance, for a month, then take a week off and begin Hypertrophy. After a month of hypertrophy (building muscle), you will take a week off and then begin the Strength phase. After this month, you can then just start all over again if you wish. By the end, you’ll be stronger and will see fabulous results. The beauty of the program is that you never do a DVD twice in that three-month time span, truly a shock for your system.

All of these DVDs can be purchased online, either at Amazon.com or Cathe.com. Good luck and enjoy your workout!

For dull skin:

You can make rose water by boiling two cups of live rose petals in one liter of water. Chilled rose water lasts for up to a week and can be applied with a cotton ball and used as an astringent.

Try adding lavender to a facial steamer. Steamers are inexpensive and can be bought at many department stores. Be careful using lavender oil, which can add too much oil to your pores. Dried or fresh lavender is best.

Add fresh or dried sage and rosemary to alcohol to make an astringent. If this is too drying try witch hazel.

Add fresh rose petals to witch hazel to make an astringent.

Rub turmeric onto your cheeks to add a golden glow.

Scrub your face with dry oatmeal to remove dead skin.

Mix goats milk lotion with violet oil to make a body lotion.

Vodka and fresh mint can be used as an astringent.

Boil lettuce in water for ten minutes, drain and use as an astringent. Adds extra moisture.

Wash your face with green tea, or add two cups to your bath.

Ylang Ylang essential oil can be put onto your face with a cotton ball to give your skin an extra glow.

Make a body scrub out of sea salt and Epson salt.

Moisturize your face, heals, and elbows with coconut or almond oil.

Drink more water!

For Acne:

Add a spot of toothpaste to a pimple to relieve redness.

Boil 3 tbsp. basil leaves in 1 cup of water, use as an astringent.

Wipe your face with apple cider vinegar, cut 50/50 with water.

Mix 1/4-cup witch hazel, 2 tbsp. Aloe Vera gel, and 2 tsp. tea tree oil. Pat onto face with a cotton ball.

Use a mango facemask to unclog pores. Blend the pulp of a mango and put it onto your face; let dry, and wash off.

For Blackheads:

Add Elmer’s glue to the face, let dry and pull off. This will remove blackheads.

A lemon rubbed over the nose will help remove dirt from the pores.

For Age Spots:

Cucumber juice or puree on the face ca be used as either an astringent or a mask.

Make a facemask out of mashed chickpeas.

Rub the skin with papaya juice and wash normally.

For Wrinkles:

Make a facemask out of two tsp. apple cider vinegar and mashed banana. Let the banana dry and wash off.

Apply Miracle Whip to the face until it dries, wash off.

Simple Facemasks:

Blend 1 banana, 2tbsp. honey, 2 tbsp. sour cream.

Mix cornmeal with water until thick.

Blend ½ a peeled cucumber, 1 tbsp. plain yogurt, 1 tsp. honey, and 2-3 strawberries.

Blend an avocado with plain yogurt.

Puree 1 apricot with 2 tbsp. dry milk powder.

Applesauce and chopped fresh spearmint or mint.

Anti- Itch:

Witch hazel removes itch from burns and bites.

Dry Skin:

Rub a slice of raw potato on the skin.

Rinse your face with buttermilk.

Oily Skin:

Mix ½ cup of cooked oatmeal, 1 egg white, and ½ cup of applesauce into a facemask. Leave on for 15 mins.

Wipe your face with plain yogurt to remove excess oil.

Mild Irritations:

For minor burns add a small amount of tooth gel to the burn.

Use jojoba oil to reduce swelling.

For chapped hands apply glycerin.

Apply a banana or honey to a burn.

Tea tree oil can be used instead of Neosporin to fight infection.

Add lavender oil to a bath to sooth insect bites.

For bee or jellyfish stings use unseasoned meat tenderizer to neutralize the venom.

Sunburn:

Brewed tea in the bath will sooth sunburn as will aloe.

Dark Circles:

Cucumber slices under the eyes remove dark circles and sooth red eyes.

Carefully wipe under eyes with tomato juice.

Massage eyes with almond oil.

Apply a mix of milk and honey under your eyes and then wash off after one hour.

Drink two glasses of cranberry juice a day.