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Disgruntled Student
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: Sugar Notch, PA
Oddometer: 3,567
Too funny! I nominated this picture in the front page photo candidates thread.
'09 Suzuki SV650, '02 KLR250, CRF70 and 80 for the kids IBA # 56419
Newfoundland 2012
James Bay 2014
Gnarly Adventurer
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Oregon
Oddometer: 108
lol... classic
1994 X650L - with numerous goodies...
Gnarly Adventurer
Joined: Jun 2010
Location: Playa Azul & Zihuatanejo
Oddometer: 209
Estaremos pendientes !!!!!!!
... tambien me dijo un arriero, que no hay que llegar primero, pero hay que saber llegar ......
xr650L / DR 650 / TRX400FA / C90 ...
ow, my balls!
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Alaska
Oddometer: 5,301
Damn Justin, that truck looks bad! Heal up soon amigo. RJ from All American KTM sends his get well wishes too.
Awesome that all you guys are there to keep him company and help him out. Once again the adv community comes through.
Hola Mario! Te esperemos en Alaska y San Diego!
saludos, Vin
Riding the Americas: No Fumar Español
Gnarly Adventurer
Joined: Dec 2007
Location: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Oddometer: 127
Few buck$ your way
Heal Quick man, sent a few $$ your way. I plan to ride south in a few months and hope if I get in a jam I can get help as well. Keep us posted on any progress.
- Blake
Studly Adventurer
Joined: Jun 2004
Location: NW Montana
Oddometer: 781
Mario and Stan, it's great to see you there with Justin. Get well, Justin!
A big thanks to Ulysses and all the others on the scene for taking care of a brother.
What a great community.
Viva AdvRider!
Inspired by Trevor W
Joined: Aug 2010
Location: Indianapolis, IN by Kessler and Michigan Rd.
Oddometer: 1,006
Thanks for the "Space Gravy" story. It was so funny I read your whole thread and just donated $25 for your buddy. Ride safe, and keep up the good work.
DR650 Adventure Bike / Supermoto (Build thread here)
Joined: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon
Oddometer: 517
Unicorn blood and baby seal tears!
I hope Justin is starting to feel better and making progress on the road to recovery. It's nice to see he's had some friends and family to keep him company and help in his healing! The ADV community is pretty amazing.
I sent over a few bucks via the link in your blog. Hopefully you can find him some more unicorn blood and baby seal tears to help with his aches and pains.
Get well soon!
Sounds good, let's go!
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Bassett, NE
Oddometer: 2,739
Hi Ulysses,
Really great riding with you. I am honored to have met you. The way you took care of things in El Salvador getting things squared away until Ed Zactamundo's folks arrived is something I can appreciate fully. They don't call it adventure riding for nothing. Before long you may find all your best friends are ADVriders or ex-marines.
Here he is changing oil and front brake shoes in El Salvador at Marior97's shop yesterday:
and signing my gas tank. Had to yard it up to the hospital room to get Ed Zactamundo good luck signature as well:
Last saw him heading east towards Panama with Ken from Scotland while I turned west back to Guatemala.
He'll be jamming for a few days so might not hear anything until he hits Panama.
John Downs
South America and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure
JDowns screwed with this post 12-08-2012 at 07:57 AM
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: San Salvador, El Salvador
Oddometer: 313
Mucho gusto de conocerte Bryce ¡¡
Buen viaje !!
Beastly Adventurer
Joined: Mar 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Oddometer: 1,171
Beastly Adventurer
Joined: Mar 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Oddometer: 1,171
Beastly Adventurer
Joined: Mar 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Oddometer: 1,171
Thanks so much for everything, especially the big donation to Justin! Glad I could sell you an oil filter as well...haha! It was great riding with you, hope to see you again sometime. And you might want to think about picking up some bat repellent....
Take care man, keep up the dirtbagging and watch out for the wasteoids!
Beastly Adventurer
Joined: Mar 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Oddometer: 1,171
Y tu tambien! You're the man! Thanks so much for everything: the pickup, the oil change and brake job, the awesome night at the coffee farm, and the amazing BBQ! I may have to come back and buy that XR650R from you...
Hope to see you again sometime!
Beastly Adventurer
Joined: Mar 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Oddometer: 1,171
570 miles and three border crossings later....
Justin's parents showed up on the 6th of December and I said my goodbyes. It was hard to leave Justin; he is an awesome guy and had been a great friend and excellent riding partner, even though we had just met a few days before we crossed the border into Mexico. I was more than a little depressed to say goodbye, knowing that he had a long road back to recovery in front of him and that I was going to be on my own.
Justin is a stand up dude. He's funny, a great rider, and a hell of a friend. After I accidently ate all of the marijuana back in San Pedro, he checked up on me throughout the night to make sure I was okay. me.
I had a spot reserved on the Independence that was sailing for Colombia on the 13th, and I knew that if I didn't leave today, I would be spending $1,600 to fly myself and the bike across the darrien. Even leaving now, I knew I was going to have to ride hard to make it to Panama in time.
Jdowns had spent the night at the hospital as well, and after we said our goodbyes, we both headed for San Salvador, 60 miles away in order to get to Mario's shop and conduct some maintenance.
We arrived at Mario's and got down to business. I changed my oil and got some new brake pads for my front end. When I pulled out one of my oil drain plugs, I noticed that it had stretched out quite a bit. I imagine that I over-torqued it just a little too much the last time I reinstalled it. You can see the old one on the left below:
Mario's mechanics found me a new bolt (the one on the right) and I was all set. Mario has a great shop; if you are passing through El Salvador, you have to go and see him! Plus he's got an XR650R for sale....I know my brother will drool when he sees this picture....
I had Mario sign my tank:
And got a picture with Jdowns and all of the mechanics:
After finishing up the work on the bikes, Mario lead us out to his coffee farm where jdowns and I crashed for the night.
While we were unpacking, some of the caretaker's kids came out and I put a few on the bike....
This kid is going to be an ADV rider some day....
Mario came back out later with his wife and we had a little barbeque and drank some beer. At about four in the morning I woke up to hysterical screaming from Jdowns who claimed a bat had just landed on his face. Sure enough, I turned on my headlamp and there was a little bloodsucker flying racetrack loops around our room. Oh well. I just went back to sleep.
We woke up early the next morning and I linked up with Stan, a 66 year old Scottish guy on a KLR who was in a hurry to get to South America. Mario led us out of town and we said our goodbyes. Jdowns headed back for Guatemala, saying something about needing to get his teeth cleaned….
Jdowns is a stand up guy. When he found out that Justin was down, he rode 310 miles in a single day to come see him. He also gave Justin $260 towards his recovery fund. He even let me sign his tank! I'm honored.
Stan and I made good time and got to the El Salvador-Honduras border around 11:00 AM. I had managed to hold on to my Honduras aduana papers, (even though I wasn't supposed to) which made my crossing especially easy. Once again we had to fend off hoards of tramitadors (boarder helpers). Man, those guys can be annoying. Here's a tramitador hanging of the side of a semi….that's how dedicated they are to getting your business.
While Stan was wading through the murky waters off third world border chaos, I stepped out of the aduana office and bought some cokes. I then took them back into the office and used them to bribe the officials….thanks for the great idea, Jdowns!
We were across the border in a little under two hours and making tracks for Nicaragua. The roads through this section of Honduras were surprisingly good, although a little crowded with cattle drives. We covered the distance in a little over two hours and arrived at our second border crossing of the day: Honduras to Nicaragua.
Right off the bat we were jumped by about five tramitadors. I ignored them and took my papers to the first official. Unfortunately, they got their hooks into Stan and I was soon confronted by a Tramitador carrying Stan's papers and telling me that he needed my stuff to make copies. I told him, in English, that there was no way he was taking my passport somewhere without me. He just smiled and nodded. Obviously he only knew how to speak some English phrases but had no idea how to understand it. I went and made copies with him, then told him to make himself scarce. Unfortunately, he managed to hold onto Stan's documents, so I had to listen to him blabbering away in pigeon English the entire time that we took care of our Honduran paperwork.
He was a feisty one, that little Tramitador. He even had a little homemade ID badge and an embroidered shirt that proudly displayed the words "Tramitatador" and "Official". I jokingly told Stan that this guy was legit. He must belong to the "Venerable and Honorable Guild of Honduran Tramitadors". I told him multiple times that I didn't need his help and that he should get lost. Still, he kept working with Stan.
As I was walking away from the immigration office, Stan asked me if I had payed the five dollar exit fee in American dollars. What exit fee? I've already left Honduras once; no one charges you money to leave their country. Who told you that you needed to pay an exit fee?
The tramitador.
Hijo de puta! Stan had already given the little weasel five dollars. We got the money back and liberated Stan's documents from his hot little hands. We climbed on our bikes and were getting ready to ride to the Nicaraguan side when the tramitador came running up asking for money.
I wasn't laughing this time, now I was mad! This character had just tried to rip off Stan, who doesn't speak a lick of Spanish and had no idea what was going on. I told the tramitador to get the hell out of my way before I ran him down. He gave me a sad look and went off on some random speech about how god was his witness as to how he had tried to help us and how he deserved five dollars American. I was so angry; it took every ounce of self control I had not to throat punch him.
We ran down to the Nicaraguan side and took care of our business in a relatively quick amount of time. As I was waiting for Stan to finish up, I noticed that even the donkeys were getting tired of Latin American border crossings….
This poor little guy must have been working for Tramitadors all day. I managed to make friends with him….
We rolled into Nicaragua around 5PM. We searched for a hotel in the little towns that are just across the border, but had no joy. Finally just after dark, we found a seedy little Auto Hotel (i.e. place where the locals take their girls for a few hours of….well, you know) and pulled in. We didn't really want to risk going further for the night, so we crashed.
The owner had a little snack shop, so for dinner we had some rolls, peanuts, dorritos, and a can of beer. For breakfast I had had two cookies and some cold coffee. Lunch had consisted of a bag of dorritos and a red bull. I was not feeling so hot after dinner...
Day two. We woke up at quarter till five and were on the road by 6:30 AM. The objective was to try and make it into Costa Rica today. The Nicaraguan roads were fantastic! So far I think they have been some of the best in Latin America.
We rode hard all day, only stopping for fuel and piss breaks. We neared lake nicaragua and saw the two huge volcanos rising out of the water. I really wish I had been able to stop and spend the night on the island. There were also lots of windmills near the lake to pick up the huge crosswind that was blowing me all over the road.
As we passed the lake, we started passing lots of adventure cyclists on their way south. The pan american highway forms sort of a bottle neck right here, so you run into lots of fellow extranjeros heading south (or north). I stopped and talked to two Swiss guys who had ridden here all the way from Vancouver.
These guys are doing it the hard way! Shortly after we saw the cyclists, we reached the Nicaragua - Costa Rica border. I thought it would be easy, but we managed to get behind a bus load of people at customs on the Costa Rican side and it took forever....
All told, Costa Rica took us two hours to get into....not fun. We also met a pair of dudes travelling south from Canada.
As I was leaving the aduana area, I noticed this trucker:
Now that's the right idea! We pushed hard after crossing the border to reach Liberia. We got there around 4 PM and we had about another hour of daylight left; Stan didn't want to push anyfurther for the night, so he stayed put and I kept trucking. I rode another 70 miles before it got too dark to continue, then found a hotel in Puenta Arenas.
I've still got about 550 miles to go to get to the port in Panama. I'm going to push hard and see if I can do it two days so that I can give myself an extra day in Panama as a buffer. You'll all have to forgive me for the rushed nature of these reports; I've been riding from sunrise to sunset for the past few days and am starting to feel it! I'm leaving at six AM tomorrow; I'm going to try for a 350 mile day...
Ulyses screwed with this post 12-08-2012 at 06:46 PM
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Friday, 19 March 2010
1930s Fabric
As you see they are 1930s not sure what it is but I suddenly gone for this style I still love my Thimbleberries & of course have other taste but these are really nice there one or two I am not so keen on but will possible work well with the others now I just have to come up with a good project or two for them lol
I had a rest from knitting last night & no sewing yesterday either it was a rest day for sure in the craft department but well after going shopping I guess that wasn't a bad thing need to recharge my batteries lol
9 comments:
- luv2quilt2 said...
I love your fabrics. I have a few 30s fabrics, but want a whole lot more!
- 19 March 2010 at 12:10
- Tonya's Sewing Room said...
I too really like those. Have you seen the 1930 Helly Betty repro line from Moda. I love it.
- 19 March 2010 at 13:50
- Robin (rsislandcrafts) said...
At first I didn't think I would care for the 30's fabric but now I am in love with the style :)
- 19 March 2010 at 14:57
They are my favourite. You got a good selection Janice. Did you have to pay duty?
- 19 March 2010 at 15:32
- Micki said...
I have always loved 30's fabrics.
Lovely ones!
- 19 March 2010 at 19:28
- Julia said...
They are my favourite. You got a good selection...beautiful choice Janice.
You can make so many different patterns with these fabrics..
Julia ♥
- 20 March 2010 at 00:01
- QuiltSue said...
Beautiful fabrics. Makes me realise I really should look on ebay when I "need" more fabrics.
- 20 March 2010 at 07:53
- Texan said...
Thats a nice group of 30s fabrics you got :O)... will be fun to make something from those!
- 28 March 2010 at 23:15
- Khris said...
ohhh I love all your fat quarters Janice....cant wait to see what you do with them...hugs Khris
- 29 March 2010 at 07:51

subset: commoncrawl


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I noticed that my Disk Utilization was at or near 100% consistently for at least 45 minutes when my drives were just spinning like crazy.
I opened up the Task Manager and wanted to see what was causing my HDD to be constantly being utilized.
The MetroTwit although not consuming more than 4% CPU at times the Disk Utilization was at/near 100%
I stopped the Task and sure enough - back to normal at or near 0% at the moment.
Deleted that App.
Anyone else notice this?


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A mission to escort a witness from Jordan to the Netherlands leaves International Security Affairs agent Jon severely scarred: a bullet is lodged in his brain, his fiancée and fellow agent Rita is dead and their traitorous colleague Sean has nabbed their witness. While contemplating leaving the force, he finds out that his father and brother, Wan Yang, are still alive. In his search for them, he discovers that his brother is working as a mercenary for Sean, who has evil plans to force scientist Rachel to cultivate a mutating virus to unleash on the world.
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Details and Shopping
Customer Favorite
- FP Exclusive :
- Only sold thru Free People
Hand distressed leather lace-up tall boot with leather strap that goes around the middle of the boot shaft. Zips up each inner side. Boot laces up to hit the top of you knee, and the ankle strap is tight around the smallest part of your ankle. Ankle strap is adjustable with peg closure.
Artisan leather used is super soft and luxurious feeling, with high and low distressing throughout. The texture of the leather is perfectly rumpled, washed and beaten up. The toe and heel are hand sanded down to give an aged, worn in look. The leather outsole is given a hammered treatment, which adds to the vintage look and feel. Nail heads line the bottom of the outsole.
**Fits true to size. If you are in between sizes, then it is recommended that you size up. For example, 37 1/2 = 38.
*By Free People
*18 3/4" shaft height, 1" heel height
Artisan leather used is super soft and luxurious feeling, with high and low distressing throughout. The texture of the leather is perfectly rumpled, washed and beaten up. The toe and heel are hand sanded down to give an aged, worn in look. The leather outsole is given a hammered treatment, which adds to the vintage look and feel. Nail heads line the bottom of the outsole.
**Fits true to size. If you are in between sizes, then it is recommended that you size up. For example, 37 1/2 = 38.
*By Free People
*18 3/4" shaft height, 1" heel height
Rated 4.2 out of 5Â by 16 reviewers.
Rated 2 out of 5Â by DarrylCanada Okay boots, but not worth the price at all First off, i'm not a happy customer because this is the second pair of defective with zipper boots i've received but to stick to the topic-- We purchased these boots in the "olive" color. They look nothing like the picture and are very olive and not near as distressed as what is shown. Very disappointed, plus the leather/heal and strap are so thin--and the soles look like they were hacked with a knife to make some kind of distressed look which doesn't work--it looks cheezy and cheap. Sizing in the foot and ankle is true--i'm 5'4 110lbs size 6 and have very slim calves--these bag at top and unless you tie the laces around the top as shown in the first picture they bag even with skinny jeans. The leather looks like it was scratched up with an sos pad and nothing like the pics. Also, the ones i got--the band is around the ankle not the mid boot and is very thin so if you wear these a few times i would be worried that the straps would pop off while walking because you have to do this each time and the strap does not come off. I think Freepeople has to rethink pricing and quality assurance for the boots they carry. The reason i gave even a two star is because shipping was good but i actually just showed two friends the boots because i was waffling on returning because WE have to pay the return ship/customs and i'm in Canada--they said return...i'm posting this but will see if i can post pictures so you know what i'm talking about. Cheers 12.19.2012
Rated 5 out of 5Â by katieh Amazing Boots! SIZE UP! These boots are just AWESOME. I tried both colors on in a store. The sales associate said the shoes run a bit small, so I tried the 41 since these is no 40.5. I always wear a size 10 or Euro 40, but in these the 41 fit much better. They look and feel amazing. The height of these is very similar to the Joe boots and lands at the knee. The colors are as pictured. It will take you a few minutes to strap yourself into these babies, but the time is worth the effort! The only reason I did not purchase these is because I have thick thighs and skinny calves, so it accentuated my thick upper leg. If I had thinner thighs these would have been mine for sure! 12.2.2012
Rated 5 out of 5Â by paigeme80 Perfect. I just want to start off by saying I NEVER write reviews, but I felt as though I have to let the world know how amazing these boots are. I bought the "olive" color and despite being worried they were going to be bright green or something based on the other reviews, I ended up being surprised that I LOVE the color. I would call them a lighter brown with the tiniest tint of green (whatever color it is it's beautiful). I also ALWAYS have problems finding boots that feet me because I'm very short (5'1'') and have veryyy skinny calf, and often boots make me look shorter and stumpier. These do no such thing. They are the perfect height and the perfect width. Lastly, in response to people's qualm about the boots feeling cheap and coming folded up in a box- this in NO way affects the integrity of the boots. In fact it's better for the environment because their saving on making unnecessary large boxes for these boots. I have done horseback riding my whole life so I know what real leather boots are supposed to feel like when you buy them. They will come very stiff and you have to wear them a few times to break them in (often this will result in a blister or two) however they DO break in very quickly and you'll be so happy you decided to stick with them! I'm seriously buying my second pair right now....thank goodness they accept billmelater :) 3.5.2014
Rated 5 out of 5Â by pinkdaisy22 Details & Uniqueness galore!!!! When I look for boots I look for comfort & detail. These had both! I ordered the black. Which are black & brown. Super cute. I wear a size 6.5 inch shoe & I ordered the size 37. Fit is perfect. Even a little room to add thicker socks is needed. I am 5'3 & they come up to my knees. I wore them for the first time all day & no complaints! They are a bit stiff so getting them on is a chore. But, they will loosen up because they are leather. I received so many compliments wearing them. I had plenty of room wearing them over my skinny jeans. The beauty of the laces is you can tighten or un tighten as much as you need too. LOVE these!!!! I also ordered the "Kantell Lace Up Boot" & sent those back. I didnt care for the brass accents. Buy these NOW while they are still in stock!!! Cant wait to wear them with skirts & dresses too ;) 12.29.2013
Rated 5 out of 5Â by doriflerlage Awesome Boots These boots are really, really, really awesome! I originally bought the Joe Lace Up Boot as well as these to see which ones I liked more and these are the winner. The flat heel is great for everyday wear and adds a bit of a rugged look to any outfit, especially dresses! I have a wider foot and these fit tts. I do agree with other reviewers that it takes serious time to put these on. Serious. Time. Not a problem for me, though; I love them just the same. Quality and comfort is good enough for everyday/heavy use. I wear the heels off of most of my boots and the soles have to be replaced almost every year. I've had these about a month and the wear on them is minimal. This to me is a sign of good quality. :-) 11.21.2013
Rated 5 out of 5Â by o00 AMAZING !!!!!! THESE arrived last night. so soft and RICH looking! I had read the other reviews about them running very small. they LOOK narrow, but they fit me just fine. I am a 7.5/8 and normally fit size 38. Glad I stuck to my guns and ordered the normal size. 39s would have been way to long. If you have VERY SKINNY CALVES you can still rock these. my calves are TINY. I just criss cross the laces aroud the back and pull tight. They look amazing. So amazing I might save my pennies for the olive pair too. 6.19.2013
Rated 5 out of 5Â by Redstarmama At Long Last! After months of searching, deliberating, and a few returns, these beauties arrived yesterday. The lace-up style gives my muscular runner's calves a slim, trim shape. I ordered a size 40 (my feet are on the small side of a size 10) and the boots are slightly loose, but nothing that a pair of socks wouldn't fix. The leather smells great and will definitely soften satisfyingly over time. The laces seem strong and there is no wrinkling at the ankle, amazingly. They are very, very tall, hitting just a tad below my kneecap. The only differences from the online photos that I have noticed are that my boots are less worn looking, and a slightly lighter shade of black-brown. Not a big deal, though, and I look forward to breaking these boots in! 12.11.2012
Rated 1 out of 5Â by Robin1 This boot looks nothing like the one pictured! Let me start by saying that I have never written a poor review on any boots I have bought. I usually write them so that people know how to size them, I know how hard it is to buy the right size off the internet. I have several pair of other high priced good quality(don't want to name the company) boots and they sometimes size differently depending on the style. That being said, the only positive thing about these boots is that they are true to size, at least for me. I wear a 9.5 and went with the size 40 and they fit good. Now, the look: When I saw these on the internet they were the most beautiful boots I have ever seen! I mean, I loved the look of them more than any of the other boots I have ever bought. Especially the distressed look and discoloration. Anyway, they were very pricy but I figured that if they are as cute as they are in the photo, I didn't care about price. Needless to say, when they arrived, folded up 3 times in a small box, I found myself extremely disappointed. I had to take another look at the box before I even took them out because I could have sworn they weren't the boots I ordered. I unfolded them from the box, and they are very thin, yet felt 'crispy'. I wish I could describe the feeling of these boots, They feel so cheap to me. And that isn't even the part that disappoints me the most. They don't look distressed in the least. The color is very drab and just plain, ugly. I could have dealt with the feeling of the leather if they looked anything like the cool, sexy boots pictured on the internet. There is absolutely NO discoloration or distress on these boots at all. Now I hate to be so hard on these boots, but if you are going to charge several hundred dollars for a pair of boots, they had better look EXACTLY like they do on the internet. Another thing I noticed now about the pics on the internet is that the 2nd and 3rd picture show the strap up higher on the boot. By the way, that strap is NOT movable, so why is it moved in the photo? I really don't appreciate getting something completely different than what I was made to believe I was ordering. These will be going back, I should have stuck with that other boot company. I posted a picture of the boots so yo you can see the color they are. I ordered the olive color. You can see that these look completely different than the photos on the website. I wish you could feel them, just so disappointing! 12.25.2012
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Mfg.: Star
Models: Star 802HA, Star 802H
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Ultra-Max gas hot plates are designed for years of maintenance free operation and reliable cooking performance. Whatever the menu item, Ultra-Max hot plates will out perform the competition. They are constructed of stainless steel front and side panels, with an attractive polycarbonate graphic panel, and a stainless steel bull nose to provide control knob protection. The body and drip pan are constructed of aluminized steel for long lasting durability. Units are shipped from the factory for operation on natural gas or liquid propane (conversion kit included). This item has the following features and specifications:
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SKU:173.285 | Mini Crossboard Black LEATHER
80 Review(s)
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A girl can't leave home without her favorite lipstick, can she? We don't think so, and with this little Lipstick Case you'll never have to go anywhere without it! Made from top quality leather, our Lipstick Case holds most standard side tubes of lipstick and features a mirror inside so you can easily apply your lipstick and other makeup. A snap closure on the underside of the flap keeps it securely shut, so you can just toss it in your handbags and forget about it. This Lipstick Case is truly an accessory that no girl should be without!
Our Saffiano Italian leather collection offers a small crossboard embossed print, creating a texture that tickles the fingers. Boasting a very firm hand feel, this top grain Italian leather is aniline dyed with a hand-glazed finish which really lets the colors shine. It's a nice change of pace from the standard smooth and pebbled textures you find in most leathers and it's our most fashionable leather collection.
This case is exactly what I wanted. The leather feels like leather should. The stitching is substantial and looks like it will be very durable. The tiny mirror inside does the job as it should. Highly recommended.
This is a great item. My first lipstick case ever and now I don't know how I did without it. It has a small mirror that is perfect size to help in applying lipstick. It is very classy looking and not to bulky. Insanely my 15 item from here in 3 months and I LOVE every single item!
Easy to find anywhere in her purse.
Beautiful piece for hard to find lipstick holder. Great colors and excellent monograms.
I gave this as a gift to my GF and it was well received. She once spoke about the cost of lipstick and I was sure she would like this case. Very good quality. I received the shipment quickly and Leatherology has good customer service.
Very satisfied with the merchandise and your handling and packaging of the order.
Thank you
I have already written a review but I will do it a second time. This is a lovely lipstick case. They are impossible to find. They make excellent gifts and are ready to go. It comes in a lovely case with a ribbon around it. No wrapping necessary. I have already bought three.
My only problem with it is that the mirror is not enlarged for those of us who need it. The same holds true with hair care products i.e. that the writing is too small to read without glasses. Otherwise, I think you have a real winner here. Please don't discontinue them.
Large enough to hold a tube of lipstick, small enough to fit in purse it is has a mirror. Well constructed.
Fantastic in every way!
Definitely a unique idea...a lipstick case. I love the pink color and quality.of the leather. Already using my purchase and I had no trouble finding it in my purse. Having a mirror inside the case was definitely a plus. Love the product. Will be a repeat customer and will recommend this company to family and friends.
My wife really like the product
I was very pleased with the quality of this product. I was apprehensive about having the initials put on it but after I received it I was very glad I did. It looks great and I know the person who will receive this as a gift will be very happy.
I love my lipstick case. I have had one for a year or so that I got from you but lost it and couldn't get along with out it so I reordered it. I have the billfold also and just ordered the checkbook cover.
Gotta love this lipstick case. Easy to find in my purse and gorgeous purple color. Thanks Leatherology for providing quality products.
I just love the lipstick case!!! I'm very impressed with the quality of the leather and the craftsmanship. It's reasonably priced too. I was so glad I picked out your company which was towards the top of the list when I did a Google search. I would highly recommend your company to my friends and family looking to buy leather goods and accessories. Keep up the good work!
Bought this as a gift for my daughter and she loved it. Can now find her lipstick which was previously buried (and lost)in her purse.
I always use a lipstick case, and this one is just right. The leather is nice quality, and the case has a mirror for easy quick touch ups!
We are pleased with the quality of this product.
I bought this cover as a gift for a young woman starting international travels.........it is perfect. Wonderful quality leather and beautifully made
Exactly what I needed for my new purse. Fit's my lip stick perfectly!
This is a very nice lipstick case. It's well made and I hope to have it with me for many years. Also, I am pleased at how quickly it came, especially considering it was monogrammed.
I am pleased with both the color and quality of the case.
I purchased this item for my Aunt. She had one similar to it, and wanted a second one. She had been unable to find one in a store where she lives, so I went on-line and found the case at Leatherology. My Aunt was delighted with the case.
Well worth it! Very happy I purchased both Red Apple and Cognac. Had both embossed with gold. Will have for years to come. May buy more colors. Fits all my lipsticks (square or round)with plenty of room. Love the matching leather around inside mirror. I've been looking for a very long time for a quality lipstick holder. Search no more!
I had to wait 2 months for this color to be offered again but it was beautiful when it arrived.
This was an outstanding product. The quality exceeded my expectations. It arrived in a nice box with a ribbon around it and the lipstick case itself was wrapped in a soft cloth. Very beautiful and much appreciated as its a gift for my mother. She will love it. I had it monogramed and it looked fabulous. It was shipped in a timely manner and arrived earlier than promised. Will definitely purchase from this company again. Thank you!
Love it!!! Great quality, should last me long time.
I was very impressed with the quality of the lipstick case in addition to the packaging. It will make a great 50th birthday gift for my daughter-in-law.
This lipstick case is very high quality and the color is perfect to help me find it deep in my purse!!!
I love it, this is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you Leatherology.
I have been looking for a leather lipstick case for quite awhile and was so excited to find your website and select from your many colors. It was exactly what I was looking for. After ordering it I received it quickly and the packaging was also top quality. I would recommend this product to anyone...well worth the price.
I am very happy with this product and the service from Leatherology.
Just what I was looking for . . .not so easy to find a lipstick case of this quality on line or at the retail level.
I love my yellow lipstick case as well as the many other products I have bought from Leatherology in the past. I appreciate the packaging as well as the speedy delivery. I certainly will continue doing business with them.
This case fills the bill: it will last, it's just the right size ane the mirror is perfect for putting on lipstick and checking your teeth. I wish that the leather were smoother and shinier; they would really complement the lovely red color.
Very happy with this. Just what I was looking for and a perfect fit for my lipstick. Glad to find something made in America.
Love the color. I plan to give as a gift.
Great product. Easy ordering on website.
The leather is very nice quality. Good size for lipstick. Mirror edges surrounded by leather. Snaps easily.
I was tired of those cheap lipstick holders that would fall apart after a while. When I received my leather lipstick case from Leatherology, I was so impressed with the quality of this product. I am so happy that I plan to get a few more colors and also give as gifts! You will be happy with this investment.
I'm very happy with product, nice wrapping. Very good quality!
I hope it will last:)
The case is exactly what I wanted. Your website was easy to use. From product to shipping you were detailed and efficient.
It is just what I have been looking for. The packaging is also very nice. I will order again from Leatherology when I need a nice gift to give.
Beautifully packaged and excellent quality. I am so pleased with this purchase. I will definitely order as gifts in the future.
This item is just what I had been in search for. i love the red color.
Very nice quality and worth the price. Comes packaged professionally and looks very appealing. Love the monogram!
Quality item.
This item, together with a few other Leatherology products, was a stocking stuffer for my wife. I was extremely impressed with the quality of the products, speed of delivery and the packaging was over the top. Needless to say, she was thrilled...and is now shopping the website herself. Thanks!
I love my red lipstick case!. Plus the service was great too.
Absolutely exquisite product!! Very happy with the quality!!
Excellent quality, pricing, service and shipping. It was beautifully packaged.
Very nice! Exactly what I wanted in a lipstick case with mirror. Thanks for the quick shipping and service.
Exactly as expected. Great stocking stuffer that will be sure to please.
Thank you so much - prompt delivery, great product, well presented and the perfect gift - wish I had ordered one for myself too!!
Perfect! This is my second one, only because I lost the first one on a plane.
Exactly what I was looking for. Arrived in timely fashion in perfect condition.
great color, good quality
Perfect...have been looking for this for years. Comes in a lovely box and is of top-notch quality. My only critique...the mirror might have been a little bigger.
been looking for a replacement for hers. terrific
I had been hunting a quality leather lipstick case. I lucked on this web site and have purchased a couple of items. Very good quality.
i love this product. Quality is great and it is very stylish.
Well made and attractive product
Great gift! Great shipping turn-around time! Very pleased! The only thing I should mention is that the Navy is very dark (almost black). Other than that, great experience:)
I had been searching everywhere for a lipstick case for my mom. This is exactly what she wanted. I am very pleased.
Well made, adorable.
Great gift item. Great quality. Had embossed with initials, nice touch but not necessary (not sure I like it as well as I do for other items). Would definitely consider this as gift for others in future, as well as may get one for myself! Once again, a great deal of energy spent for gift presentation, a wonderful surprise because I really didn't pay much attention to the packaging upon ordering. Well worth ordering!!!
The products are great, the look and feel outstanding.
I couldn't be happier. The case is exactly what I was looking for; even better frankly. Quality is excellent and I was blown away at the presentation/packaging. I plan on purchasing gifts here so my friends and family can be equally impressed. I found Leatherology while searching for a liptick case (hard to find item) and I am so pleased to have done so.
Seems nice and well made but not big enough for more than one lipstick. I was hoping it would hold 2 colors.......
So excited to find this for my mother! Love it!
very pleased with this case! excellent quality and large enough to fit all of my lipstick tubes.
Beautiful quality -- just what I hoped for.
Attractive, nice quality, timely delivery. Thank you.
Great lipstick case and fast shipping. The best selection. Love the packaging too! I will definitely be ordering again.
The lipstick case is exactly as pictured and described. It arrived really fast and was packaged beautifully.
Whether you are treating yourself or giving a gift to someone else, we want you to have an amazing and memorable experience. All items will be shipped using our signature gift packaging. Depending on the type and size, your item(s) will come wrapped in our signature microsuede sleeve, drawstring bag or soft velour bag (each with black tie accents), and be packaged inside a high-density bronze gift box. You will also have the opportunity to add a personalized gift note when you place your order.
All of this extra attention to detail is complimentary.


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Document Type
- Conference Proceeding (2)
- Doctoral Thesis (1)
- Development of fast and radiation hard Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (MAPS) optimized for open charm meson detection with the CBM - vertex detector (2007)
- The work presented in this thesis addresses a key issue of the CBM experiment at FAIR, which aims to study charm production in heavy ion collisions at energies ranging from 10 to 40 AGeV . For the first time in this kinematical range, open charm mesons will be used as a probe of the nuclear fireball. Despite of their short decay length, which is typically in the order of few 100 µm in the laboratory frame, those mesons will be identified by reconstructing their decay vertex.
- A demonstrator for the Micro-Vertex-Detector of the CBM experiment (2010)
- CMOS sensors are the most promising candidates for the Micro-Vertex-Detector (MVD) of the CBM experiment at GSI, as they provide an unprecedented compromise between spatial resolution, low material budget, adequate radiation tolerance and readout speed. To study the integration of these sensors into a detector module, a so-called MVD-demonstrator has been developed. The demonstrator and its in-beam performance will be presented and discussed in this work.
- Status of the Micro Vertex Detector of the Compressed Baryonic Matter Experiment (2010)
- The CBM experiment will investigate heavy-ion collisions at beam energies from 8 to 45 AGeV at the future accelerator facility FAIR. The goal of the experiment is to study the QCD phase diagram in the vincinity of the QCD critical point. To do so, CBM aims at measuring rare probes among them open charm. In order to identify those rare and short lived particles despite the rich combinatorial background generated in heavy ion collisions, a micro vertex detector (MVD) providing an unprecedented combination of high rate capability and radiation hardness, very light material budget and excellent granularity is required. In this work, we will discuss the concept of this detector and summarize the status of the R&D.


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- Musician's Friend Best Selection, Price & Service. Guaranteed.
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The new DeltaLab CT-40 tuner detects pitch automatically and is a handy tuner for all instruments.
DeltaLab's CTM-40 is a convenient metronome and chromatic tuner in one that lets you work with any instrument,...
Our product catalog varies by country due to manufacturer restrictions. If you change the Ship-To country, some or all of the items in your cart may not ship to the new destination.


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Meal Plan Options
All Students are required to live on campus and participate in a meal plan for all 4 years at Cal Maritime. Each student will have 1 of 3 options for a meal plan. Below is a brief description of your choices. You can select your meal plan choice on your Housing License Agreement.
The Dining Hall offers an all-you-care-to-eat buffet that includes several different options of hot meals, plus beverage, salad, sandwich and dessert bars. The Morrow Cove Café is another dining option located in the student center for made-to-order sandwiches, plus grab 'n go options. The Café is open daily Monday through Friday.
15 Flex Meal Plan allows you 15 meals a week in either The Dining Hall or Morrow Cove Café. The Plan includes Flex dollars that you can use towards additional meals in either location. These dollars can also be used at the Café to purchase drinks, chips and other items. The money not used at the semester will roll over to the following semester.
15 Meal Plan allows you 15 meals a week in either The Dining Hall or Morrow Cove Café.
19 Meal Plan allows you 19 meals a week in either The Dining Hall or Morrow Cove Café.
Dining Hall Hours
Monday - Friday
Hot Breakfast 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Lunch 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. (Mon. – Thursday)
Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Friday only)
Weekend Hours
Brunch 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Café Hours
Monday – Friday
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. / Grab n Go Lunch (Board Plan only) 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. / Evenings
8:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. (Friday & Saturday only)


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Innovative Colorant SystemUp until now, conventional colorants used for tinting paints to their desired hues would often add VOCs to the finished product. So even paints that were formulated to be zero VOC, didn't always maintain that level when it came time for application.
New ColorCast Ecotoner® from Sherwin-Williams have just changed this dynamic. This revolutionary system won't add to the VOC content of any paint when tinted. This industry-leading technology is in all Sherwin-Williams stores which means the entire line of Sherwin-Williams water-based paints and colors are tinted with colorants.
ColorCast Ecotoner® deliver beautiful color without compromise
Won't add to the VOC content of any coating when tinted
- Maintain a paint's viscosity after tinting
- Available for any hue in our color palette, as well as custom color matches
- Only Sherwin-Williams has color formulas calibrated specifically for every product and every sheen to provide outstanding color accuracy and vibrancy
- Used to tint all Sherwin-Williams latex and water-based coatings
Colorant Packaging
Ecotoner® PET plastic bottles are made entirely of recycled plastic. Sherwin-Williams received the EPA Presidential Green Challenge Award for using recycled PET bottles to develop a new resin technology for coatings. This innovative technology eliminates millions of pounds of VOC emissions while supporting the recycling of multi-million pounds of PET every year.


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The Frog Gekko Front Light has 3 super-bright LEDs and features 3 modes to make it stand out on the road: constant and two types flashing. This powerful light can be seen from up to 600 metres away. Water-resistant, the Gekko Light is safe and ready for any conditions.
Its flexible tool-less strap has an integrated clipping feature and is made of high quality, ultra flexible silicone for great flexibility and quick-release mounting. Taking just 3 seconds to attach/remove the Gekko Light to your handlebars, it can be attached to anything: helmets, handlebars, seat posts, dog collars, bag straps, trainers, prams etc.
Key Features:
Technical Specifications:
Please remember to add postal time (2-3 working days) to obtain a complete estimate of delivery to your door.
You will receive an email to confirm when your item has been sent.
You can also check the status of your order and individual items by accessing your account details and following the prompts.
Please allow 10 working days from dispatch of your order before notifying us of any late deliveries.
It may be advisable to check with your neighbours to see if a parcel has been left with them, check any outhouses you might have where it may be left if it cannot fit through your letterbox and contact your local sorting office to see if the item has been returned to the depot as undelivered and awaiting collection.
Please see our returns policy.
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Technology can boost your fitness in a number of ways. With online groups and apps to help you, you can be on your journey to a better overall wellbeing in a matter of mouse clicks. However, for 12-year experienced Certified Personal Trainer Yarixa Ferrao, NASM, CPR/AED, technology is actually hampering teenage wellness. She notes, 'With all this technology, kids and teens are losing connection with their bodies and have become more sedentary because of it. And when they start seeing themselves gain weight they may attempt joining the gym or just continue to gain it because they have no idea what to do. Plus, in the gym, unless they have a personal trainer there's no one there to instruct them and they end up doing what their friends do. In the end, they spend hours on the treadmill, which will amount to not a whole lot of progress.' Therefore, Ferrao has created a workout routine especially for teenagers. Ferrao explains, 'I know the importance of building a solid body foundation, especially as a developing teen. This is also a time to build self confidence, be mentally focused, reduce stress (teenage years can be stressful with all the expectations from parents and teachers while finding your own voice) and enjoy these years to the fullest, instead of worrying about appearance and lacking self esteem. I worked with three teens for a show on MTV called I Used to Be Fat in which the kids were desperate to lose weight, feel great, and lead a happier life. The result: They lost a lot of weight, got stronger, and gained self confidence! They also were able to experience a completely different life and a different perspective, from very down and negative, to up, open, and positive.' Ferrao recommends focusing on the core, combining bodyweight movements (styles such as yoga, functional training, Pilates, animalistic movements, Karate), and locomotion (or running, hiking, biking, sprinting and walking). She provides the following workout routine (once you've got the OK from your doctor and have done five to 10 minutes warming up, of course): 1. Cardio: Ferrao instructs, 'Instead of just doing hours on end on the treadmill, do short burst of sprints (run as fast as you can). Warm-up first for five minutes or until you feel the body get a bit sweaty. Then increase the speed to go as fast as you are able to for 20 seconds. Take a 20 second break and then repeat your 20 second sprint. Do this for six minutes and up to 12 minutes, allowing your rest periods to be longer if you need extra time to be able to perform the full 20 second sprint. Preferably do it outside. The treadmill is the next best choice. 2. Work on that core: 'To increase your metabolism, gain muscular endurance and a stronger core, don't just go out and run miles and miles and then do a ton of crunches,' Ferrao urges. 'This won't help much unless cross country is your sport.' Instead, once you finish your warm-up and sprinting, do the following routine:
All kids have a bit of puppy fat, but, as parents, you can tell when your child's weight becomes a cause for concern for their wellbeing. If your child's wellness is affected by shortness of breath, inability to concentrate, depression, and/or emotional eating, it may be necessary to talk to your child about their weight and visit the doctor. Bringing up the topic of weight with your overweight child can be difficult, so here are a few guidelines to help shape the conversation. 1. Fix your own health challenges: We could all use a little boost to our diet and exercise regime, unless you're an Olympian or something, so set an example for your child. Whether seeing you take control of your own wellness inspires your child to make a few of their own, or forces them to ask you why you're doing it, you can be the change you want to see in your kid. If nothing else, it will start a dialogue and show your child that you know how it feels to change your lifestyle. 2. Encourage athletics: Participating in sports, whether at school or an after-school club, helps kids to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and have fun at the same time. Doing sport also bolsters self-esteem, which is crucial to your child's weight loss efforts as well as their overall sense of wellbeing. If your child is too heavy to participate in competitions, or is worried about joining a team of much healthier classmates, why not start doing activities as a family until your child's confidence is stronger. 3. Don't be blunt about weight loss: When talking about your child's wellness, say "get healthier," not "lose weight." Children and teenagers don't need tough words; they're aware of their sizes. Your focus should be on helping your child reach a healthier BMI, rather than some vague ideal weight goal. The difference is in building muscle and making healthier food choice, not just cutting calories and making the number on the scale go down. Your child shouldn't be aiming for a certain look; he or she should be after a certain health level and feeling. 4. Keep unhelpful concerns to yourself: We all know that kids can be cruel, and so you may be concerned that your overweight child won't be socially accepted, especially if you have a daughter. However, despite these valid concerns, they aren't the best motivators for weight loss and can wreak havoc on your child's self-esteem. Your child needs to lose weight for herself or himself, not for the acceptance of other people or you. 5. Reward healthy behaviours: Adding a little light at the end of the tunnel can motivate your child to keep going. Offer to reward healthy behaviours, such as eating two portions of vegetables at dinner or exercising regularly. It's important to emphasise the healthy behaviours themselves, rather than the outcomes – the actual number of pounds lost will take care of itself once your child has those healthy habits in place. The vague goal of "losing weight" is rarely helpful for obese or overweight young people; you need a specific system of mini goals and rewards. 6. Get to the root of the problem: There's a tremendous amount of pressure on young people – both girls and boys – to look thin, so if your child is severely overweight then there's likely an emotional cause. There may be pain for your child to get through, a self-worth issue to work out, or a habit of eating to relieve stress. Again, don't focus on the weight itself but what is causing the excess eating and lack of self-love. Journaling, regular conversations, and healthy social outlets can help your child come to terms with the cause of the problem.
If you've gained weight as a secondary school student or since you've gone to college, there are many ways to change your lifestyle to see great weight loss results. To begin with, exercise is hugely important and doesn't feature very prominently in most teens' schedules. There are so many benefits though, not just to your weight - you'll have an improved sense of wellbeing, lower risk of diabetes and stroke, and better cardiovascular health. Most people dread the thought of working up a sweat and building their heart rate up, but the benefits are so huge. Exercise can be as intense or slow paced as you want, depending on what you choose, but as long as you're moving and your heart rate has quickened, anything goes - from jogging around the block to dancing in your living room! The best way to motivate yourself is to make your workout fun, so try different things out to see what you like. You can also make changes to your everyday routine such as using the stairs instead of the lift or walking to work and college. Get a friend involved and you'll not only enjoy it more but you'll also stay motivated to keep it up.
Where your diet is concerned, the best tip you can follow is to not go on a diet - in other words, diets that are designed to offer quick results usually fail. The best way to lose weight and be healthy at the same time is to simply cut down on the fatty and sugary foods, and replace them with healthy, homemade alternatives. Teens are notorious for eating fast food and unhealthy snacks, but these make it so much easier to gain weight. You are what you eat, so make your meals healthy and nutritious. Opt for healthy snacks such as homemade popcorn, yoghurt, pretzels and granola bars. Fruit and vegetables are also fantastic snack foods, offering a healthy boost of energy. Replace all of those cans of fizzy drink with water or the occasional glass of fruit juice, to give your body the hydration it needs without a constant supply of sugar. The body also needs protein, so make sure you get plenty of meat and dairy products, as well as peanut butter and legumes.If you're going out with friends, you don't need to feel as though you can't join in, but simply act in moderation. If you're getting a pizza, try not to eat the whole thing - share with a friend or just eat a few slices and stop when you're full. At the cinema, opt for the freshly made popcorn instead of the branded types that are laden with toffee. And you can treat yourself to an ice cream at the beach, just limit those visits to once a month rather than every week. Weight loss and a healthier lifestyle is simply about willpower, balance and forward-planning - once you have that covered, it's easier than you think. If you're unsure how to go about it, gather a great support group in the form of your family and friends who will ensure you stay motivated even when you don't feel like it. Maintaining a healthy weight can do wonders for your self esteem and confidence, as well as ensuring that weight-related health concerns are reduced. Your GP can offer advice if you're not sure how to go about changing your lifestyle - if you're new to exercise and are making drastic diet changes, it may be useful to run it by them to make sure it's safe.
Popular culture generally paints an unfavorable portrait of bikers and motorcycle riding in general. Even as mainstream culture becomes more accepting of motorcycling as a primary means of travel, many people still dismiss bikers as rough hooligans who are looking for trouble or have just gotten out of jail. However, motorcycle riding can be anything but troublesome if you approach it with the right amount of respect and anticipation. In fact, motorcycle riding can be quite beneficial to your health in several important ways. Motorcycle Riding Provides Mental Stimulation Riding a motorcycle is quite different than driving a car. When you drive a car, you generally do not have to exert too much thought about your actions unless you are in heavy traffic or traveling around curved roads. You may be like many people and simply use the cruise control while you are driving. However, riding a motorcycle requires mental effort to control your ride. You must be ready to weave in and out of traffic as needed and always think ahead to make sure you control your cycle safely. Motorcycle Riding Provides Exercise Benefits As one Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer states, "motorcycles are both fun and practical, and many people enjoy using motorbikes for commuting or simply for the pleasure of the ride.'' Along with being stimulated mentally, you also can be challenged physically when you ride your cycle. Motorcycles are quite heavy, even though they look small and compact. As you control the handlebars, shift the gears, and manipulate other components of the bike, you may find that your arms, legs, and torso are worked out quite extensively. Motorcycle Riding Provides Social Interactions Bikers everywhere form a unique brotherhood that welcomes fellow riders often without question or hesitation. Even if a person starts out riding alone, he or she may easily find new friends as that person starts attending cycle shows or meets other bikers out on the road. Bikers typically form fast friendships that last a lifetime and are more supportive than mainstream friendships formed at school or work. Motorcycle Riding Relieves Stress and Depression Many cyclists report being in vastly better moods once they climb on their cycles and take to the road. When bikers head out on the open road, they are capable of finding relief from their everyday worries and stresses and even experience relief from depression and fatigue. Their moods are elevated because they feel free and at ease on the open road. Motorcycle Riding Requires that You Take Care of Your Safety If you have always been someone who neglected your personal safety, cycling can help you become more concerned with your physical wellness. When you are out on your bike, you must pay attention to avoid crashes and becoming injured. As you learn to take care of yourself, you can learn to appreciate your own wellness and the need for you to remain safe at all times. Many cyclists experience a boost in confidence and self-awareness after they take up motorcycle riding. Motorcycling is anything but the deviant hobby that the public may readily dismiss it as. You can improve your mental and physical health in several important ways when you take up riding a motorcycle. Writer Melanie Fleury loves a ride on a motorcycle on occasion. This does not mean that she is oblivious to the possible dangers. However, as Steinger, Iscoe & Greene, an Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer, state on their website, ''the dangers are more due to careless or dangerous drivers that are near the motorcyclists.'' She makes sure that she keeps a distance between herself and those that can be a potential risk to her. Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/4983322551/
We all have that fantasy – apart from that one about Ryan Gosling – to lose weight and have better wellness minus the effort of dieting, exercise or surgery. While this seems like nothing more than a pipe dream, your effort-free, weight loss wellbeing may me just around the corner, thanks to a revolutionary treatment called Vanquish that even usually sceptical doctors are excited about. According to David McDaniel, a leading researcher and an assistant professor of clinical dermatology at Eastern Virginia Medical School, who has been conducting an independent study on Vanquish, 'I've seen a lot of fat-removal techniques; some procedures are painful or take too long; some are effective only on small areas of body fat that can be sucked up through a small vacuum. Vanquish addresses all those problems. It can treat a large surface area uniformly. It's fast, efficient, and comfortable…I've been doing this for 30 years, and most advances have been little baby steps. This is a big technological breakthrough.' The treatment, which will become usable by an elite corps of doctor's offices this month, targets your fat cells through radio frequency waves which heat the cells and kill them off without damaging your muscles or skin. As the applicator is suspended over your abdomen about an inch above your skin, Vanquish is non-invasive, and there's no downtime or ridiculous price tag. In the US, a 30-minute session goes for $450 (£282) to $800 (£501), and it's recommended that you have four sessions. During these sessions, you may feel a warming sensation, but there should be no pain. The only risk to watch out for is a hot spot near to a bone, which your technician can readjust and fix without a problem. The FDA approved Vanquish earlier this year for deep-tissue heating, which can help your muscles to recover and heal. However, the FDA is awaiting further results before giving the device the seal of approval for fat reduction. Still, the current research is impressive; animal studies have shown that Vanquish killed 60% of the fat cells treated with it, and a subsequent Prague study done on people with love handles showed visible results within two weeks, revealing an average loss in waist circumference of 2.23 inches after two months. Robert Weiss, an associate professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the lead researcher of the aforementioned animal study, notes, 'This new technique is a real game changer—it's the safest, easiest way yet to remove fat.' 'As the panels heat up, the radio frequency waves they transmit differentiate between fat cells (which are denser and hold less water) and skin and muscle cells,' Weiss explains. 'The heat causes cell death in the fat cells; some die instantly, some in a matter of weeks…I've seen patients lose several inches after four treatments without changing their diets.' McDaniel continues, 'The results are not as dramatic as liposuction, which can remove large volumes of fat,' adding that Vanquish does not carry the risks of surgery or anaesthesia. However, Adam Kolker, a plastic surgeon and an associate clinical professor of surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital's Icahn School of Medicine in New York, asserts, 'I've seen a lot of people who've undergone various non-surgical fat-reduction treatments who were underwhelmed with the results.' Still, Kolker allows, 'It may be appropriate for small-scale changes as long as the patient's expectations are well managed.' Nonetheless, Patricia Wexler, a dermatologist to New York's A-list, believes that expectations will be high for the procedure. She points out, 'It's great for women who are in good shape, within 5 to 10% of their ideal weight, and don't want to go through surgery. A lot of women exercise and don't have a lot of weight to lose, but they've had children or seen changes in their core for other reasons.'
With obesity rates rising, doctors have been scratching their heads over the best – and safest way – to combat the disorder that seems to claim so many. Around the corner however, a new and mercifully-inexpensive augmentation may be key to curbing misbehaving appetites. You may be used to science fiction telling you the wonders (or the dilemmas) of microchips, but a small ("smaller-than-the-tip-of-your-finger" small!) one attached to your nerve may be key to quelling your need to over-eat. "This is a really small microchip and on this chip we've got the intelligence which can actually model the neural signals responsible for appetite control," Chris Toumazou, professor at Imperial College London and one of the inventors of the chip, told the BBC. The microchip would be attached to your vagus nerve – this is the nerve that controls your desire to eat, digest, heart rate and more. It's a very extensive range. In hindsight, Toumazou explained that the project was originally designed for children suffering from disorders such as cerebral palsy and epileptic seizures. The microchip in this case, used a piece of technology called MIMATE, which reads chemical signatures in the brain. Taking that very same technology, the microchip was then developed into something that could be beneficial for weight loss. What changed about the weight-loss microchip was that the chip didn't send stimulating impulses, but rather submits readings and signals to suppress the urge to eat. "As a result of monitoring these signals we can stimulate the brain to counter whatever we monitor," Toumazou said. "It will be control of appetite rather than saying don't eat completely. So maybe instead of eating fast you'll eat a lot slower." That's right – whether you know it or not, your body would be telling your brain off for eating more than you should! Creepy or creative? Inspiring or frightening? The microchip is still in development, but for many suffering from obesity, it may be the next best thing.
A well-known British money saving website has recently uncovered that as many as two thirds of people in this country put on more weight between June and September than they do at any other point of the year. It is believed that the main cause behind this is the excessive calorie intake at barbeques. Leading UK money saving website VoucherCodesPro has recently conducted a survey that demonstrated that 67% of British people gain more weight between the months of June and September, the summer months, than at any other point during the year. While it was expected that the festive season would show a big increase in weight, this turned out to be incorrect. The research also demonstrated that people at around 1,000 calories at a barbeque than at any other regular meal. The VoucherCodesPro study involved some 2,196 British people. Each of them were over the age of 18 and current residents of the United Kingdom. The questions asked were meant to determine what overall eating habits were and whether there was a link to overall health as well. In the first question, the survey aimed to determine whether people were aware of any periods during the year where they would often put weight on. The expectation was that people would choose the festive season, but, surprisingly, 67% actually pointed to the summer months of June to September. Those who said that they did indeed put on weight were then asked what they believed the cause of this was. The results were as follows:
While a lot of people go on a detox to lose weight, that's not what the lemon detox diet is for. Wellness expert Hope Gillette explains, 'The lemon detox diet, also known as the Master Cleanse diet, isn't a new addition to the world of dietary trends. In fact, this method of detoxifying the body has been around for more than 50 years in one variation or another, but was made mainstream once celebrities like Beyonce started talking about its benefits.' So why have we all jumped on the bandwagon? 'The lemon detox diet isn't an everyday kind of programme,' Gillette notes. 'The goal is to take 10 to 14 days to "flush" your body of toxins, limiting your intake to only a special mixture of fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water, as well as the intake of laxatives. The premise behind this liquid fast is the acidity of the lemons promotes the liver and the gallbladder to free themselves of toxins, boosting metabolism and circulation naturally, and giving the intestinal tract a rest period. Supporters of this diet claim that by flushing the system with the lemon detox diet, the body is returned to its most balanced state and improvements will be seen in mental clarity, overall sense of health, skin, hair and nail health, and in general function of the body's organs.' How do you do the lemon detox diet? According to Gillette, 'This detoxification programme is relatively simple. For a period of 10-14 days, this recipe should be consumed a minimum of six times daily: 2 (tbs). of lemon or lime 2 (tbs). of genuine maple syrup 1/10 tsp cayenne pepper 10 oz. water (hot or cold as preferred)' Gillette adds, 'For those who cannot immediately enjoy their lemonade, mix equal parts of lemon juice and maple syrup as a concentrate in a dark container. Keep this mixture cool. Make enough concentrate for as long as you are incapable of making the fresh lemonade juice. Every time you want a glass of lemonade, measure 4 tbs. of this mixture in a glass. Add water and cayenne pepper, stir and drink. The maple syrup supposedly preserves the lemon juice and prevents oxidation of the vitamin C and enzymes. This lemonade mix should be downed any time hunger pangs strike, and in addition to this liquid diet, a laxative should be taken in the morning and at night. The goal, according to creators, is to have several bowel movements throughout the day to keep toxins moving out of the body.' But don't all those bowel movements lead to weight loss? 'The benefits to the Master Cleanse have to do with starting the body off with a clean slate, but this programme should not be undertaken as a means to lose weight,' warns Gillette. 'Instead, it should be considered the start in a long chain of healthy decisions. While the lemon detox diet will cause weight loss because it creates a significant calorie deficit, this is not the original reason the diet was created. Unfortunately, because it has been hailed as a fast weight loss programme, this has given the lemon detox diet a somewhat tarnished name. Individuals using the programme to drop weight fast will likely get their desired results; however, as soon as the body starts taking in calories again the weight tends to come right back. What's more, the body will lose more water and muscle weight than it will fat. So, the lemon detox diet is not a healthy option for those who simply wish to lose weight.'
No matter what you're trying to achieve in life, taking small steps is the surest way to success. This is no less true when it comes to weight loss, as there are loads of little changes you can make that will add up to a lot of weight loss over the long haul. Below, we've asked Karen Hammonds to outline her favourite healthy eating tips that can help you to lose weight and look after your wellbeing. However, before you rush off and take up everything on this list, stop, pick three, and just do those this week. If that works, add another three next week. Soon you'll have an eating plan that's absolutely full of healthy strategies. 1. Keep it Small: According to Hammonds, 'Good things come in small packages. Here's a trick for staying satisfied without consuming large portions: Chop high calorie foods like cheese and chocolate into smaller pieces. It will seem like you're getting more than you actually are.' 2. Dip It Low: 'Don't give up dips,' Hammonds cautions. 'If you love creamy dips and sauces, don't cut them out of your food plan completely. Just use low fat soft cheese and mayo instead of the full fat stuff.' 3. Get Water-Wise:Hammonds instructs, 'Make a habit of reaching for a glass of water instead of a high fat snack. It will help your overall health as well as your waistline. So drink up! Add some zest to your six to eight glasses a day with a twist of lemon or lime.' 4. Herb It Up: 'Stock up your spice rack, and start growing a small herb garden in your kitchen window,' Hammonds advises. 'Spices and herbs add fantastic flavour to foods without adding fat or calories.' 5. Slim Down Your Soup:Hammonds recommends, 'Make a big batch of soup and refrigerate it before you eat it. As it cools, the fat will rise to the top and can be skimmed off the surface.' 6. Take it Home: 'Go American and doggie-bag that dinner,' Hammonds suggests. 'At restaurants that you know serve large portions, ask the waiter to put half your main course in a take away box before bringing it to your table. Putting the food away before you start your meal will help you practise portion control.' 7. Cave in to Your Cravings: 'Listen to your cravings,' Hammonds enthuses. 'If you're craving something sweet, eat something sweet – just opt for a healthier nosh, like fruit, instead of a high calorie one. The same goes for crunchy cravings – for example, try air-popped popcorn instead of high fat crisps. It's just smart substitution!' 8. Build Up to Five-a-Day:Hammonds directs, 'Ease your way into produce. If you're new to eating lots of fruits and vegetables, start slowly. Just add them to the foods you already enjoy. Pile salad veg into your sandwiches, or add fruit to your cereal.' 9. Look for High Fat Hints: 'Want an easy way to identify high calorie meals?' asks Hammonds. 'Keep an eye out for these words: au gratin, parmigiana, tempura, alfredo, creamy and carbonara, and enjoy them in moderation.' 10. Focus on Food:Hammonds advises, 'Don't multi-task while you eat. If you're working, reading or watching TV while you eat, you won't be paying attention to what's going into your mouth – and you won't be enjoying every bite. Today, every time you have a meal, sit down. Chew slowly and pay attention to flavours and textures. You'll enjoy your food more and eat less.' 11. Taste Something New:Hammonds recommends, 'Broaden your food repertoire – you may find you like more healthy foods than you knew. Try a new fruit or vegetable (ever had plantain, pak choi, starfruit or papaya?)'
Yoga is one of those activities that just keeps on giving to your wellbeing. First, people thought it was all about spirituality, then we realised it helped to relieve stress. In terms of physical wellness benefits, people use yoga to tone up and become more flexible – but what about using yoga for high-intensity, out-and-out weight loss? Luckily, now it's possible. According to fitness expert Mary Christ Anderson, 'Just when you thought you had seen every twist on yoga, here's a high-octane hybrid that firms, burns, balances, and stretches like nothing else. Start this mini session with a few sun salutations to limber up, then get cracking. Alternate doing one-minute intervals of the sliding exercises at top speed with a minute of slow and steady dumbbell moves. Do the circuit two to three times then, er, curl up in a ball: Happy baby pose (faceup, grasping your feet, knees at armpits) should bring you om again.' Before you begin, you will need:
Weight loss and lean muscle are the goals of a lot of women, but how do you achieve this without sweating it out and making a fool of yourself at Zumba? According to wellness expert Victoria Everman, Pilates is the way forward. 'Similar to yoga with its concentration on breathing, the practice of Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in just the past century,' she details. 'And although you don't usually break much of a sweat during a session, Pilates can still help you with your weight loss goals.' Jillian Hessel, a Los Angeles–based Pilates teacher with 26 years experience, explains, 'Pilates can help to build and maintain lean muscle mass while you are losing weight, help to realign posture as the body's centre of gravity changes, promote long elegant posture and graceful flowing movement, and keep you centred and energized — all at the same time.' Pilates fitness expert Ana Cabán adds, 'I find that many people are successful losing weight with Pilates because they become much more aware of their bodies and in turn treat them better and make better food choices.' In fact, there are many ways in which Pilates can help you lose weight. Here are just the best ones: 1. More Muscles, More Calories Burned: Alycea Ungaro, owner of Real Pilates NYC, notes, 'Simply stated, Pilates is strength training. We work with resistance to increase strength and hence, muscle mass. Using springs and different apparatus to increase the load to the muscles, we can affect a metabolic increase by building lean muscle mass. I enjoy adding bands, body rings and light weights to my Pilates routine because it provides variety and challenges muscles in a different way.' 2. Better Posture: 'One of the best ways to look and feel thinner is to have good posture,' says Everman. 'Pilates helps create better posture by firming not only your abs, but your back too… Not only will toned spinal muscles help you continue to lose weight via increased metabolism, standing up straight will automatically make you look thinner, thereby increasing your confidence as well.' Ungaro adds, 'All Pilates work is performed with proper alignment and attention to posture. By establishing optimal spinal alignment, you can facilitate better circulation, improved lymphatic flow and increased stamina of the muscles along the spine.' 3. Crafting Your Core: 'Pilates is all about core strength,' notes Everman. 'The benefits of core strength go way beyond flat abdominals, but it is the flat ab results of doing Pilates that help make it as popular as it is. Your core is made up of not only your front and side abdominals, but your entire back as well.' Ungaro enthuses, 'Pilates teaches people how to use their abdominals correctly—how to contract the abdominal wall rather than let it distend. This simple mechanism can be used 24/7 in your daily life. That is the single reason that Pilates flattens abs so quickly.' 4. Kitchen Inspiration: Ungaro points out, 'The benefits spill over into other aspects of your life. You will immediately stand taller, hold your waist tighter and feel stronger. This increased body awareness will make you less likely to indulge in unhealthy habits. Indulge—like that third or fourth cookie you had at last weekend's barbeque? Use your newfound confidence to "tone" up your kitchen. Your local farmers' market is full of healthy, edible inspiration that will make you think twice about the word "diet." Seeing the incredible feats your body is capable of is incredibly motivating. You will have a new respect for your body and are more likely to take better care of it.'
You might not think yoga can help with weight loss, but the right poses – done in the right way – can help you to burn fat while also taking care of your overall wellbeing. According to fitness experts Philip Knox and Devin Thomas, 'The first factor you should consider is that not every type of yoga is conducive to consistent weight loss. Some types are better for reducing stress and helping relaxation but don't provide the cardiovascular workout needed for weight loss. The second factor is consistency. As with any fitness plan, yoga needs to be done regularly and with intensity. Finally, it is important to remember to maintain a healthy diet in combination with any workout regimen.' If you're looking for a yoga class – rather than just a few poses – to help you lose weight, there are several options you can try. Vinyasa or flow yoga is made up of a series of Sun Salutations that you move through quickly, and this helps your body to raise your heart rate and burn calories. Bikram or hot yoga is similar, but you are in a heated studio that is heated up to 105°F so that you also eliminate toxins. However, if you want to try out yoga at home, there are certain poses that specifically aid in weight loss. So, which yoga poses can help you to kick-start your metabolism and build up lean muscle tone? 1. Cobra Pose: 'Even beginners can get good results from this simple yoga pose, which works to firm the buttocks and tone the abs,' say Knox and Thomas. 'Lie face-down on the floor, with the tops of your feet flat against the ground. Press your legs and hips down. Place your hands under your shoulders, palms down and fingers spread apart. Press into your hands, lifting your head, chest and upper back off the mat. Keep your gaze forward and up and your shoulder blades down and back. Push back your shoulders and feel the stretch spread evenly along the length of your spine. After a few deep breaths, relax to a prone position on an exhale.' 2. Wind-Releasing Pose: Knox and Thomas assert, 'This fat-burning yoga pose is great for targeting your abdominal area. Lie down on the floor and bring your knees up to your chest with your ankles together. Clasp your arms together over your knees as you bring your head up off the floor. Breathe deep as you feel the stretch work your abs, then relax slowly.' 3. Bow Pose: 'This advanced yoga pose can really burn fat while toning your arms, legs and abdominal area,' Knox and Thomas explain. 'Lie down on your stomach, bend your knees and reach around to grab your feet. Pull in your stomach and extend your feet upward, raising your upper body at the same time. Keep your shoulder blades down and back. Hold for several breaths, then relax.' 4. Side-Stretch Pose: 'This yoga pose can help raise your heart-rate and burn calories,' Knox and Thomas enthuse. 'Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip width apart. Rotate your torso and turn both your feet to the right. Keeping legs straight, exhale and hinge over your right leg until your torso is parallel to the floor, reaching your hands to the ground (if you can't touch the floor, you can rest them on a block). Hinge further with each exhale, moving your torso closer to your right thigh. Remember to keep breathing, then relax and repeat in the opposite direction.' 5. Warrior I Pose: Knox and Thomas note, 'This yoga pose can work your abs, thighs and arms, and is most effective if used as part of a sequence like Sun Salutation. Standing straight, step your left leg 4-5 feet to the left, then rotate both feet and your torso toward the left. Bend your left knee over your toes while keeping your right leg straight. Raise both arms high above your head with your fingertips pointing upward, looking up at your hands.'
Many people want to lose weight for aesthetic reasons, but there is more to maintaining a healthy weight than looking good. Perhaps you should be more concerned about the risks to your health, and especially to your heart. How Weight Can Cause Heart Problems There are many ways that being overweight can have a negative effect on your heart. One of the biggest risk factors for the heart is heart disease. When you are overweight, the extra weight can put a strain on the heart, increasing your risk of heart disease. Extra weight around the waist can be particularly risky because midsection fat is different from other fat in the body. Visceral fat is particularly bad for the heart, especially in women. Even dropping as few as 10 pounds can lower your risk of heart disease, so if you are currently overweight, now is the time to act. Cholesterol is another risk factor for heart disease if it becomes too high. If you have too much in your blood, it can build up in the arteries, causing them to narrow. This slows the blood flow to the heart, which can cause serious problems. Cholesterol can be especially problematic because you may not be aware that it is high, so check your cholesterol levels every few years. You don't need to be overweight to have high cholesterol, but being overweight can certainly make it worse. High blood pressure can also become worse if you are overweight. This can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. You can easily get your blood pressure measured, and if it is too high, you should do something about it. Although being overweight can affect blood pressure, eating too much salt and not doing enough activity can also affect it. If you are overweight, you may have a faster heart rate because the heart has to work harder to pump blood around your body. Over time, this can cause the muscles of the heart to thicken, known as hypertrophy, and this can lead to heart failure. Are You Overweight? Work out your Body Mass Index (BMI) to find out if you are overweight. You can do this by using a simple calculation:
Weight loss isn't just about getting the right diet and exercise regimen – although those things are important; it's about having the right attitude in place. Without the mindset you need, you're never going to see the results you want. However, according to wellness expert Dan Trink, certain things in your lifestyle might be warping your mindset. 1. Bad Relationships: 'Bad relationships lead to stress,' Trink explains. 'And there are few things worse for your body composition than stress. This applies to much more than romantic relationships. Overbearing parents and in-laws, an abusive boss, and needy co-workers, friends, and acquaintances, can stress out your system and cause you to hold onto fat, especially in the abdominal region. Cutting bad relationships can be difficult – sometimes impossible. You're pretty much stuck with the parents and in-laws, and unless you switch jobs, the boss and co-workers aren't leaving either. But make an effort to cut as many toxic people out of your life as possible and you will be happier and healthier for it.' 2. Intolerance: Trink asserts, 'This one is a real kick in the pants. You eat everything you're supposed to – eggs, fish, lean meat, gluten-free whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables – and yet, you can't shake those last five pounds of fat. You could have a more stealth version of a food allergy: a food intolerance. Such an intolerance causes inflammation in the body. Not a full-blown, swollen-faced allergic reaction, but low-level inflammation that keeps your system from running smoothly…Things such as food intolerance tests (performed through blood work) and elimination diets can identify the culprits. Eliminating these foods might be all you need to jump start your training programme.' 3. Pollution: 'Remember Britney Spears?' asks Trink. 'She wasn't exactly a rocket scientist, but she might have been on to something when she sang, "You're toxic!" Environmental toxins -pollution, cigarette smoke, cosmetics, metal tooth fillings, prescription drugs, and mercury in fish – are stored in fat cells, and have the potential to wreak havoc on your body. Since your body is smart, and prioritizes survival over ripped abs, it refuses to use these fat cells for fuel. Doing so would release these toxins into general circulation. Essentially, you are holding onto these fat cells so the toxins don't make you ill. So how do we get rid of these unwanted guests, become less toxic, and drop that last chunk of stubborn body fat? You could take measures ranging from infrared saunas, detoxifying foot baths, chelation therapy, all the way to liver and GI tract detoxifying diets. These methods can help you remove metals and toxins from your system. Such measures can be fairly dramatic depending on the source of the toxicity. Consult a specialist before taking on any type of intervention, to determine what, if anything, is appropriate.' 4. Not Working Hard Enough: Trink points out, 'Just because you've been working out consistently doesn't mean you are getting the most out of your training. If showing up is half the battle, the other 50% is the effort you bring to the gym. Most people do not realise what their bodies are capable of enduring. Are you leisurely working on a cardio machine while reading a magazine or talking on the phone? Do you continue to do the same workouts long after your body has adapted to them? If so, take a look at the folks in your gym who appear to be getting results. Chances are, they're pushing themselves, working at a furious pace, and continually undertaking new regimes. There's a reason those people have better body compositions than you do. It's not by accident or genetics; they're busting their asses – and you can too. You've already done the hard part by dedicating the time and showing up. Now just commit to working harder.'
To lose weight, you need to eat less and move more – you don't need a wellness expert to tell you that! So why, then, are we Brits not in amazingly good shape? Often, it may be a sign that you mental wellbeing is plagued by subconscious baggage that's weighing you down. Clinical hypnotherapist Belinda Hulstrom explains, 'There are a couple of things that need to happen for us to make changes: we have to want the benefits of that change, and we have to want them enough that we're prepared to do whatever it takes to get them. We also have to believe that change is possible and that often involves overcoming the obstacles that our mind has set up for us.' This is where hypnosis comes in. You spend your life surrounded by negativity, be it from the media, or even your family and friends. According to clinical hypnotherapist Mark Stephens, creator of the Think Slim programme, this then creates a self-fulfilling prophecy which prevents you from losing weight on a permanent basis. 'People use a lot of negative self-talk,' says Stephens. 'They'll say, "I'm a yo-yo dieter", or "Diets don't work". But hypnosis can take away the mental prison bars they've made for themselves.' You often eat for the wrong reasons because of your negative emotions. Stephens points out, 'People will eat when they're sad, lonely, bored or angry – and then they'll feel guilty and beat themselves up afterwards, creating a downward spiral.' In order to lose weight, then, you need to make a change to the way you think. 'No amount of emotional eating will help repair yourself,' Stephens warns. 'We need to get on top of the negative emotions and learn how to feel happy.' With the help of a hypnotherapist, you can break the negative cycle and replace these thoughts with positive ones. Stephens comments, 'With hypnosis you're bypassing the analytical and reasonable part of the mind and going straight to your subconscious, where all your memories are, and feeding it with positive suggestions. Hypnosis can help by changing people's mindsets.' The mindset you need to adopt is one of a long-term goal, rather than a short-term obsession. It's easy to lose weight on a short-term basis; what's tricky is keeping it off – and that's how hypnotherapy can help. In 1995, a study published in the Journal Of Consulting And Clinical Psychology showed that 'the addition of hypnosis substantially enhanced treatment outcome' in six studies relating to obesity and weight loss. The patients who underwent hypnosis continued to lose weight, even after the treatment had ended. Hulstrom echoes the fact that you need to change the way you think about weight loss. She notes, 'It's not about losing weight but about getting rid of something we no longer need or want and about creating a whole new relationship with food and our bodies.' You also need to train your brain. Hulstrom concludes, 'Probably the most powerful message hypnosis can get across is that you always have the power to choose. You can have that piece of chocolate cake, but you don't have to have it. Hypnosis can help create a relationship with yourself that's more honest.' This is why the Think Slim programme gives participant the following verse to memorise: I am tomorrow what I eat today, before each meal that's what I say. The more water I drink, the more inclined I will feel to only eat a nourishing, healthy, slim meal. Between main meals I drink water or tea, between each meal I stay snack-free. Excess fat I burn with every step I take, I have no desire for chocolate, ice-cream or cake. Whether it's a walk, a swim or a sport I play, I aim to be active twice every day. I stay focused on my goal and the body I deserve, and it all boils down to each meal that I serve.
Obesity isn't a just a people problem; dogs are getting fatter too. While shocking statistics reveal that 53% of dogs in the United States suffer from obesity – according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention – what's more concerning is that 22% of dog owners characterized their pet as normal weight when they were actually obese. Your furry little friend is counting on you to take care of his weight wellness. Otherwise, you could be putting his wellbeing at risk for other illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis. So how can you help keep your dog's weight in check? 1. Be realistic: Setting a reasonable goal is the primary step in helping your pup shed a few pounds. You don't want to overwork your dog or overdo his diet. Therefore, you need to consult a vet about the most compassionate and caring when plan for your canine, determining how much weight your pet needs to lose to achieve a healthy weight and a moderate, patient way in which to get there. These things take time, so don't rush it. 2. Try to squeeze in a little exercise every day: Exercising is one of the most effective ways to lose weight, whether you're person or pooch, so try to get your dog moving every day. Taking him for a daily brisk walk will work wonders for the both of you. The PPET (People and Pets Exercising Together) Study showed that working out with your dog enables you to stick with your diet plan better than non-dog owners. Just remember to gradually build up the routine. Once your dog is comfortable with a brisk walk, go for a quick jog or play a game of fetch in the park. 3. Get him to eat little and often: Portion control is vital to helping dogs lose weight, but how do you know how much your dog should actually be eating? It's easy to overfeed your pet, so take pains to check your dog's food package for the proper amount suggested, and feed him on the lower end of that suggested amount. In 2002, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine found that a calorie-restricted diet helped canines to live nearly two years longer than dogs consuming additional calories. The best thing to do is divvy up your dog's daily calorie needs into smaller portions – just like eating little and often is recommended for humans who want to lose weight. Feeding your dog at least every 12 hours improves his digestion, and also makes him less likely to binge during one big meal. 4. Choose the right foods: It's not just how much you give your dog and when, but the kinds of foods that are the solution to your canine's weight loss journey. Again, look on the label of your dog food package – what order are the ingredients in? The earlier the ingredient is listed, the more of it there is in the dog's food, and so you should be seeing high-quality ingredients at the top of the list. Dehydrated dry foods are often bad examples of this, and your pet will find fresh proteins, carbohydrates and fat sources to be more energetically useful to. To dilute your pet's calories and add more fibre, add steamed or pureed vegetables such as broccoli or carrots to his packaged meal. 5. Give him fewer treats: You love your dog and want to show him how much, but giving him treats is a bad way to do it. Those tiny snacks can really add up in the calorie department, and so you're doing your pooch no favours. Don't let treats equal more than 10% of your dog's daily calories, unless you're dishing out healthful treats such as fresh fruits or vegetables. Carrots, cucumbers, green beans and apples are all good choices.