Healthy Recipe Even Spas Use

When my daughter was younger, I was a single mom and we cooked together. She was cooking by the age of 5. Sure came in handy when I wasn't feeling so well and she'd make me some soup. So now, as a teenager, sometimes she enjoys cooking, but not necessarily cleaning up her culinary preparations. Her epicurean tastes are improving and we don't always share similar delicacies; such as sushi or my cauliflower mashed potatoes with a secret ingredient. She's makes a good baked ziti though, even though I don't eat meat, I sampled some of it. She used to like my lasagna, not sure I make it so well any more.
Tonight we made Mock Mashed Potatoes with the help of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (lite). However, I used a new secret ingredient (parmesan cheese). We even made the ranch dressing from scratch, from their envelope with milk and mayonaise. It turned out very well, my husband had two helpings, but used more cheese.  Fresh dressing always tastes better. I didn't even need to add any other spices and we love garlic!
I found out about Hidden Valleys Mock Mashed Potatoes from TwitterMoms.com (http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-your-mock-mashed?utm_source=Twittermoms+Member+Newsletter&utm_campaign=f68db8e866-Elite_ServiceLive_Vlogger&utm_medium=email).
This post is part of a blogging contest from the TwitterMoms community. There is a chance this post could be selected to win a $25 AmEx Gift Card, so wish me luck! For more details, you can view the contest page here.

Presidential, 4 Diamond Resort & Spa, Special

For a limited time guests can “Buy One Night, Get One Night Free” at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. This special value deal is good from now through September 2, 2010. But guests must make reservations by June 1st to take advantage of this special offer.   Only a limited number of rooms and dates are available. It cannot be used in conjunction with other specials, group rates or package offers.  The special value rate requires stay over two consecutive nights.  So take advantage now of these historically low prices and enjoy a great getaway to the mountains!

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is a four-diamond resort overlooking Asheville's skyline and the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Built in 1913, the Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America and among Travel + Leisure’s Top five Spa Resorts in the United States. Amenities include a world-class spa, Club Floor, award winning fine dining, Donald Ross golf course, tennis, swimming, sports complex, retail shops, nightly entertainment and children's programs.
For information on The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa go to: http://www.groveparkinn.com.
To check for availability, pricing, and to book your stay, call 800-438-5800 to speak to a reservations specialist. 

Tea Time

Did you know...
Red Tea contains magnesium, which is necessary for a healthy nervous system?
Red tea is purported to increase the absorption of iron in the body.
Red tea contains potassium and copper minerals that are necessary for several metabolic functions.
Red tea is often suggested for nervous tension and mild depression as it makes a relaxing sedative.
Red tea contains no oxalic acid and can therefore be enjoyed by persons - some say even those suffering from kidney stones.
Red tea helps to control your appetite thus can be beneficial in weight management (loss).
Red tea makes a great thirst quencher and sport drink.

Brought to you by Serenity House Tea Society & Shoppe, St. Simons, GA

Osteoporosis and you

Research depicts the bone disease osteoporosis is preventable. Osteoporosis is the thinning and weakening of bones, mostly affects women after menopause and some elderly men. This disease makes the bones fragile and more likely to break or fracture.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 34 million are estimated to have low enough bone mass that they are at risk for the disease.
The most accurate test for osteoporosis is dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which measures bone density in your spine and hip.
The NOF recommends the following people get tested:
* All women 65 and older
* Postmenopausal women under 65 who present one or more risk factors for the disease (other than being white, postmenopausal and women)
* Postmenopausal women under 65 who have broken or fractured a bone

The best way to prevent osteoporosis is through diet, exercise and keeping yourself healthy.

A few more tips:
* Watch your weight, if you are underweight try and put on a few pounds
* Diet. You need a diet rich in both calcium and Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium and build strong bones
* Get some sunshine. Sunlight gives us vitamin D, so try to get at least 10 - 15 minutes of direct sunlight during the day. If you can't get all the right nutrients naturally, take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
* Exercise. Experts recommend regular "weight bearing" exercise. Weight bearing means your feet and legs bear the weight of your body, such as walking ,running stair climbing or dancing.
* Cut down on bad habits. Don't smoke, cut down on caffeine intake and drink alcohol only in moderation. All these have been linked to osteoporosis.
* have a bone density test and take medications, or supplements, when appropriate.
For more information, visit: http://www.nof.org

Walk a little, Run a Little

For those who are looking for more cardiovascular conditioning, running is better than walking. However, walking is better for weight loss when it comes to exercise.
Moderately intense exercise, like a brisk walk, burns higher percentage of fat calories than high-intensity exercise. Walking is low-impact and is great for all ages and fitness levels.
This is great for families, or moms or dads with kids, take a brisk walk around the block or your subdivision. Make a fun game of it; find different birds and other critters. Before you know it your kids will keep you on your toes with scavenger hunts along with their energizing walks.
You may even find your family participating in 5K runs/walks in and around your community for a charity.
Tip: Start slow. It's better to walk 5 or 10 minutes per day and work your way up than to overdue it and then be less frequent and not enjoying your walks. Build up to a jog or run if you desire, or are training for a 5K or marathon.

Don't put off exercise until you're training for a marathon. Gather the kids, grab a bottle of water and enjoy family fitness. Or hook up with a neighbor and make a religious habit of walking together, take the dog if you need to.