Here I sit with a swollen, scabbed nose grieving my youth. Until about 2 years ago I never had any real reason to go to the dermatologist. But after hitting the big 3-0 my derm and I are now practically BFFs. I see her so often that I’m actually considering making her a godparent to one of my kids so I can qualify for the family discount. Today’s visit involved the removal of some newly formed ‘things’ from my nose. These ‘things’ have a name but I can’t pronounce it and frankly, I just want to forget they were ever there. My main concern was why these bumps suddenly made an appearance. Her response? ”These thing happen. You aren’t that young anymore.” Ouch. Maybe I am should rethink our bestie status. Although I am thankful for each day on this planet, I have to say, it’s a bitch getting old.
Written by Lea Barlow •
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Name: Christie Bruner
Kids: Gracie (turns 5 at the end of August) and Jocelyn (2 ½)
Occupation: Baby Boot Camp owner & swimming instructor
Hometown: Downers Grove, IL ~ this month marks seven years in St Petersburg, FL
H&H Interview with Christie:
1. What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?
* Tuna fish (I’m a vegetarian, but while pregnant with Jocelyn I craved tuna and now eat it frequently!)
* Simply Gogurt for the kids, they love ‘em frozen (the “Simply” variety has no high fructose corn syrup, thank goodness)
* Bananas – we go through two or three a day!
2. What are you reading (honestly)?
I don’t have a very long attention span, so most of my reading is done in short spurts. Right now I am leafing through “Muscle & Fitness 101 Fat Burning Workouts and Diet Strategies” to get some new tips and ideas for Baby Boot Camp classes, as well as Bob & Kathy McKay’s “Learn to Swim” for some great techniques in baby swimming.
3. What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the kids?
Hmmm…haven’t had a break in a while. I might get one or two days a week that both the kids take a short nap at the same time, and I’ll watch a DVR of “Toddlers and Tiaras”. Puts life into perspective…
4. What would we be surprised to find in your purse?
What’s a purse?? I’m still in diaper bag mode. With my little one almost out of diapers I daydream about a wonderful purse I will be able to utilize soon. I guess something that I always throw in the diaper bag is crayons and paper, both my girls love to draw and it’s our go-to activity for waiting rooms, long lines, etc.
5. What is your favorite reality TV show?
The Biggest Loser is a big favorite of mine, but I’m also looking forward to the new season of The Apprentice. These are shows that my hubby will appreciate and watch with me. Gotta DVR the “guilty pleasures”…Toddles and Tiaras, Real Housewifes, Next Food Network Star…
6. What is your cocktail of choice?
Oh – Amaretto Stone Sour. The “stone” means with a bit of orange juice…so many bartenders don’t know this but it’s a great addition to the drink!
7. What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?
From Gracie, “Did you know, mommy? Humans can only marry humans, and mermaids can only marry mermaids.” This wasn’t right after watching Little Mermaid or anything…she really must have been thinking about it!
8. What is your favorite quotation?
Whether you think you CAN or you think you CAN’T…you’re right. ~Henry Ford
9. What are you currently working out to on your iPod?
I like the Biggest Loser workout mixes, it saves me some time searching around for individual songs I like and is a good compilation for an entire workout.
10. Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?
Dara Torres is absolutely inspiring. She is a five-time Olympian and her last games were AFTER her daughter was born! It was so amazing to see how she came back after pregnancy and achieved her dreams.
11. What is something most people don’t know about you?
That I’m not very organized! I stay pretty busy between BBC, swimming and also IronMommies – a running group for moms. I do struggle to balance time for both family and business quite often. It truly is my passion to inspire and help women step outside their comfort zone and reach their goals. It is also my passion to raise two beautiful, healthy and smart girls in a loving environment. I just wish there were more hours in the day!
12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?
I would say that moms need to keep in mind that being “Hot and Healthy” is a lifestyle change, not a diet or a quick fix. My biggest pet peeve is seeing magazine or TV commercials for diet pills or products that will help you lose 20 pounds in 20 days. It sounds too good to be true, but people want to believe it so they do. So my secret? Everything in moderation. Well balanced diet, exercise, good friends and have FUN!
* Check out Christie’s webpage at babybootcamp.com!
Written by Lea Barlow •
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Name: Mark West Pinot Noir –Vintage 2008-
Alcohol content: 13.8%
Price: $11.99
Description per label: Mark West Winery specializes in Pinot Noir- Sourced primarily from coastal appellations, these vineyards provide grapes of aromatics and flavors…blah, blah, blah… rich in texture with a lingering finish and versatile enough to compliment about any cuisine (food).
Review: To me, the name Mark West conjures up images of the silly Batman of the sixties portrayed by the great Adam West. I find the portrayal of a middle-aged, ambiguously gay bat enthusiast who is heroically bound to the younger, more flamboyant costumed crime fighter worthy of a chuckle from time to time. In seemingly every episode, the dynamic duo would slide down a fire station pole, hop in an oddly modified muscle car and pursue slap fights with heavily made-up goofballs and other oddities. Although the two West’s are probably not related, Mark West is a competent vintner of Pinot Noir nonetheless.
At the $10 price point this varietal stands nose-to-nose with most wines in the $25 and up range. The aroma is that of an earthy cherry cola. The taste is medium-bodied with subtle hints of pepper, vanilla and black fruit. The finish is a little spicy but manages to remain smooth on the backside. The bottle looks budget chic, and the alcohol content is spot on making this a great entertainment wine. In summation, my sophisticated palate rates the inexpensive blend a frugal 7.5 landing on my Cheap Champ recommended list.
Suggested pairings: Sliced tenderloin, rocky mountain oysters and celebrating 3 o’clock.
Written by Lea Barlow •
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