Re-post-One of my favorites-Beautiful Costa Rica!

Someone asked me what were some of my favorite posts.  This one brings up great memories so I am reposting.
:)))))


"You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present. "~Jan Glidewell

"If you are still talking about what you did yesterday, you haven't done much today. "~Author Unknown
Iguana at the JW Marriott in Guanacaste

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." ~Mahatma Gandhi







Playa Avellana
I have just returned from a relaxing and spectacularly beautiful Costa Rica! I love going there and the natural beauty never ceases to amaze me. It was great to see some old friends and meet some new!   Anyway, home now with lots of great things to write about soon! I tried some amazing Don Q Coconut Rum with a low cal Pina Colada recipe I want to share and tried some incredible CocoaWell vitamins that had to be the reason for me feeling so energetic and amazing and read a terrific book about how to be healthy and trim with the Undiet!!!! Can't wait to share all these things with you as soon as I get back into my routine here in a few days.  Time to get back to my running and eating well too because vacation was far too fun!! Here
are just a few pics of my vacation!
Deanna and I at Hacienda Pinilla

I would like to send out a special thanks to my dear friends in Costa Rica who made our visit so special and so much fun! You know who you are:)



Pretending to pose for geriatric version of Sports Illustrated. Silly

Vitamin D You Are The One For Me! 10 Reasons To Get Your Vitamin D! Eat These Foods And You Will Be Sunshine Happy

The benefits of vitamin D (often known as the sunshine vitamin) keep surprising researchers as the list of benefits from it keep showing themselves. Just take a look below at all the benfits your body can reap from a little of the sunshine vitamin.  Now I will admit absolute disappointment to not see Cheetos, chocolate and martinis on the food list below but I guess I can't have everything. 

10 Great Reasons To Get Your Vitamin D

1. Brain- Cuts stroke risk-may help prevent depression

2. Eyes-Lowers risk of macular degeneration

3. Mouth-Decreases risk of gum disease

4. Heart-Lowers chances of cardiovascular disease

5. Lungs-May reduce lung cancer risk

6. Breast-Cuts chances or breast cancer

7. Back-Lessens likelihood of chronic pain

8. Legs-Fights age-related weakness

9. Calves-Lowers risk of blocked leg arteries

10. Bones-Strengthens


Vitamin D Rich Foods


Wild salmon 3 oz = 420 IU

Atlantic mackerel 3 oz = 320 IU

Sardines 1 can = 250 IU

Shrimp 3 oz = 150 IU

Skim and 1% low-fat milk 1 cup = 100 IUS

Shittake mushrooms 4 items = 260 IU

Fortified yogurts like Dannon Light & Fit 1 cup = 80 IU

Fortified cereals:Multigrain Cheerios 1 cup = 40 IU; Post Bran Flakes 1 cup = 40 IU; Kashi Vive 1¼ cup = 80

Now with all these benefits I can understand why my cats love to find a place in the nice warm sun and curl up. Keep in mind that current U.S. guidelines recommend for 200-600 IU of D per day (depending on age) but many experts recommend at least 1,000 IU of D per day. So, by eating vitamin D rich foods, taking a vitamin D supplement or whole food multi (that is what I do-see pops in the upper left hand corner) and getting 15 minutes of sun on your hands a few times a week you will be all set!

Source-December 2008 Good Housekeeping

“The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” Jacques Coustea

Has there ever been a place in your heart and soul that feels you with awe, wonder and complete serenity? I hope so because having that place even if it is far away is such a source of unbelievable joy. I have a place like this and I think of it every day and the memories (most of them anyway-lol) give me peace.

Something happens to me when I sit on the sand and watch and listen to the waves. It is like nothing else I have experienced in my life and such a wonderful serenity and gratefulness of being there. The memories and sounds in my mind calm me on a bad day and constantly renew my faith and spirituality. I love the natural beaches of Central America because they are not full of shops, and clubs and people but instead surrounded by jungle mountains, iguanas and monkeys and my favorite meal that I can only get there. I am counting the days until I will be sitting on the beach with a foo foo drink taking in the beautiful sounds and scenery.
I hope you too have somewhere that gives you this!

“It’s hard for me to put into words why I like the beach so much. Everything about it is renewing for me, almost like therapy...Beach Therapy”

--Amy Dykens

“The beach is in our blood. Everyone in our family returns to the beach instinctively, just like the sea turtles.”
--Sandy Archibald


Sappy Sunday-Colbie Caillat- I Never Told You!

I think most of us have someone that we think of when we hear this song. Beautiful voice and I love the ocean scenes. Makes me even more excited to be at the ocean in a couple weeks!!



 

Fat, Fat I Ain't Down With That! Easy Tips To Revive Your Metabolism!

 I get a little lazy in winter since generally the swimsuit is many months away however this year I am determined to not let the holidays an...