With the temps here in Florida already hitting 90 degrees, the tank top will be the main staple of my wardrobe unfortunately, until late October.  Flabby underarms and excess chicky meat just won’t do.  It’s time to dust off the free weights.  If you don’t own a set (or two) go buy some – now.  I keep 3 sets around my house in areas that I will never miss seeing them.  Here are a few exercises that will tone those arms right up.  Remember, though, you will only get lean, sculpted arms when combining these exercises with a low-carb, high (lean) protein diet.

Kid Tip: Buy your kids the 2-pound free weights and make it a family affair.  Not only will it help build healthy habits but it will keep junior occupied while you work on those arms.

Shoulder exercises
Dumbbell press – 2-3 sets, 10 reps
Lateral raise – 2-3 sets, 10 reps

Biceps exercises
Barbell curls – 2-3 sets, 10 reps
Bend elbows, lift arm from shoulder only – 2-3 sets, 10 reps

Triceps exercises
Overhead triceps extensions – 2-3 sets, 10 reps.
Kick-backs – 2-3 sets, 10 reps

* If you are new to free weights start with the 5-pound weights and then work your way up to the 8-10 pounders.

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

With the news out today linking yet another environmental substance to our children’s developmental health, this time ADHD and pesticides, I thought it prudent to share with you the 2010 ‘Dirty Dozen’ list.  These are the fruits and vegetables that you should absolutely buy organic because of the high amounts of pesticide residue found on the non-organic versions.  It’s worth the extra money people.

1.  Celery:  Celery has no protective skin, which makes it almost impossible to wash off the chemicals that are used on conventional crops.

Can’t find organic? Safer alternatives include broccoli, radishes and onions.

2.  Peaches:  Multiple pesticides are regularly applied to these delicately skinned fruits in conventional orchards.

Can’t find organic? Safer alternatives include watermelon, tangerines, oranges and grapefruit.

3.  Strawberries:  If you buy strawberries out of season, they’re most likely imported from countries that use less-stringent regulations for pesticide use.

Can’t find organic? Safer alternatives include kiwi and pineapples.

Read More Here…

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

Name: Maggie Estes

Kids: Macy (5) & Mya (18mo)

Occupation: Neurodiagnostic Technologist & now a stay-at-home mom!

Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida

Read full H&H interview with Maggie here…

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

There is no denying that stripes are hot this season.  Unfortunately, sometimes we make the wrong choices when selecting this tricky apparel.  Stick to a longer, tunic-style top to avoid a boxy horizontal disaster.  Also, too many stripes is not good.  Break up a dress with a wide belt and remember, a head-to-toe stripe ensemble is always a no-no.

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment