Summer cooking is absolutely my favorite. Fresh vegetables feel and taste so alive and life-giving. There is nothing better than eating something delicious which is also healthy.

In my last post, I spoke about finding the absolute beginner workouts. Today, I am going to take it to the next level.

It is important to combine aerobic exercise with strength training. For this, I recommend alternating Sculpting With Weights Level One  and Cardio Level One for best results.

Over the last few months, I have needed a little extra help finding peacefulness. We all have life circumstances that spin us off into the land of fear and high anxiety. I guess I should speak for myself and not assume that none of my readers experience perfect peace all the time. If you have found the secret to perfect peace, please let me know.

In the past week, I have gotten several questions about blenders, so I thought I would tell you about my experiences.

Eight years ago I decided I needed to get super healthy. I had a breast cancer diagnosis in 2008 which motivated me to want super nutrition and I wanted it fast. When I get anxious, I tend to stop eating, but I can usually manage to drink healthy shakes. A blender seemed like the best answer. I had no intention of messing around with anything that was inaccessible or of low quality.

Do you ever get the big huge urge to DOsomething, write something, scream something, create something big, loud, and impressive? It is the kind of urge that demands attention and a wild heart, the kind of primal urge that will not be denied. It is that strong feeling thatcompels us to write a song or poem, paint a bold painting, solve a never before solved math problem, or maybe write a blog or even a book.

Do you ever get tired of hearing, “Just relax?” I actually say it to myself all the time, and I say it to others more often than they would like. It can probably be put in the category of overused words. You know, the words that have lost their gravitas; words like “love” or “inspiring.” I am sure you can think of some yourself.

Dear Friends of BlindAlive,

The BlindAlive community is my second family and I know that many of you are wondering about my latest cancer scare. I believe in transparency so here is the latest update.

How do you feel about wearing socks that don’t match? I am curious -- what is your initial gut reaction to this question. Imagine yourself in the office of your favorite therapist and this question is posed to you. How do you really feel?

Pilates came into my life almost eight years ago. I had heard of it long before that but I had not tried it for myself. I was satisfied with what I knew how to do which was yoga and Jane Fonda workouts.

I do not like secrets and I have been quiet about this for longer than is comfortable for me.

As many of you who have heard my first podcast, recorded over a year ago,  know, I had breast cancer almost 8 years ago. At that time I chose to have both breast removed with reconstruction. Further treatment was not recommended. Tamoxifen was suggested but for me that felt wrong. I decided to treat myself in the ways that work best for me, and I do not regret that decision in any way.

Believe it or not, there is controversy over the necessity of using a mat for yoga or Pilates. I found many articles that support both sides. It is important to do your research and decide for yourself

As for me, I love my mat for many reasons.

It is simply the most ingenious fitness tool there is. It can be used to tone the entire body and it takes up practically no space and weighs almost nothing. I admit that I love fitness gadgets but this one is really at the top of the list.