What is TOPS?

I am a proud member of TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly. A wonderful dietary support group that was founded in 1948 by Esther Manz, who came up with the idea of meeting with other dieters for mutual encouragements and support, when she was with pregnant with her 5th child.

Unlike many other diet groups that uses celebrities to speak out about their groups or have costly memberships. TOPS people are just average men and women looking for the same thing. Friends who are going through what they are and supporting each other along this weight loss journey.

My own chapter meets every Tuesday night around 5pm. There we share our stories, what we do to for ourselves, for we learned that one way of weight loss might work for one person and not the other. We also share research on foods, exercises and latest health ideas.

Anyone can join. Teens to seniors. 

For more information, check out the site, www.tops.org . Or look into a local chapter and sit in for a meeting to learn more. If its right for you, come along and join in and take off pounds sensibly.

Why Should We Workout Before Work?

I find it better to workout or doing any type of fitness just before work. Such as, walking, swimming, stretching, etc.

One of my main reasons for doing such is that, if I do it early in the morning since the majority of the time I do work in the afternoon, I do get into a very healthy routine about it.  Plus, it gives me that extra boost of energy that I need to complete my day.  Otherwise, I'm tired after a long shift and all i want to do is go home, relax with the hubby and go to sleep. Then, I will loose that motivation to workout and it messes up my routine completely. So, try to set up a regular routine, that as soon as you wake in the morning to either go to the gym or even do a ten to fifteen minute stretching or walking in the morning just before you start your day and see how helpful and beneficial, it will be during your day and life. 

4th of July in Mayville, NY

our float

my mother (left), myself, &
my aunt (photo boom center)

Yesterday was the 4th of July celebration here in Mayville, NY. Here is where the whole county of Chautauqua gathers in Mayville to show their town's pride.
I, along with my mother and several others ended up walking within the parade for the Diana Warriors and Team Axle. Our group is for Cancer awareness that had been walking in the parade since 2010 when Diana the original founder of the group was diagnose with breast cancer, sadly she lost the battle.
My mom and I decided to walk for we both have family who had cancer. Plus, just recently, a very good friend of ours had just passed away from battling caner.

the parade view
down town

tail car behind us

We all need to be made aware of this and be sure to get checked yearly for it. For it is better to catch it at its early stages then to wait til its too late.

4th of July Safety Tips | July 4th Safety | ADT

Have a fun and safe 4th of July, my friends.

4th of July Safety Tips

The start of summer is the perfect time to gather with family and friends for good food and fun times. This year, celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in a safe way. Our 4th of July safety tips cover a few key summer safety topics to keep you and your family safe this holiday.

Sparkler and Fireworks Safety

More than 50,000 fires are caused by fireworks every year. Take the proper precautions when operating fireworks.

• Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks.
• Don’t point sparklers, or fireworks at yourself or others, especially while they’re being lit.
• Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire resistant.
• Don’t attempt to light multiple devices at the same time.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
• Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by. Also keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.

Water Activity Safety

As July is one of the hottest months of the year, many families turn to water activities to beat the heat. However, even fun water activities have serious risks if the proper precautions aren’t taken.

• Review safe boating practices.
• Never consume alcohol while driving a boat.
• Before boating, always check that there are enough life preservers on hand for every passenger.
• Set water safety rules for your family.
• Pools should be enclosed completely with a fence to restrict access to the area. Consider installing wireless outdoor sensors that will alert you via phone or with a chime inside your home if the sensors are activated.
• Keep a first aid kit near the pool.

Grilling Safety

July is one of the peak months for grilling fires. Enjoy grilling your favorite meals this summer while also keeping your family safe.

• Check gas grill hoses for cracks, holes and leaks.
• Keep children away from grills. Gas leaks, blocked tubes, and propane tanks can be a cause of grill fires and explosions.
• Never grill indoors, in the garage, in any enclosed area or on a surface that might catch fire.
• Keep the grill at least two feet away from decks, siding, branches and any outdoor equipment that can catch fire quickly.

If you follow these simple 4th of July safety tips, your entire family will be sure to have a safe and memorable holiday.

4th of July Safety Tips | July 4th Safety | ADT: Check out our list of safety tips to ensure a safe 4th of July. Call 1.800.651.4126.

Belly Dance Tutorial For Beginners Step By Step FULL Workout Training of...

One of my favorite forms of working out.

That's right, belly dancing. I love how it makes me feel sexy especially for my hubby and its very lively exercise.

Blood Donation

Chilling after donating

Earlier today, I did a wonderful thing. I donated a pint of my blood through the community blood bank that was place downstairs within the So-ly Yours Fitness/Community Outreach Initiative.
While I was there, I've learned the difference between what the Community Blood Bank and Red Cross. The Red Cross deals nationally while the Community Blood Bank keep thinks local.
Which is actually a good thing.
It actually makes me feel good to donate and knowing that just one pint of my blood could help 3 people.
Just remember, no heavy lifting for 24 hours. Drink lots of fluids. If feeling unwell, contact your doctor immediately.