Just in case you missed it, here is the video of Southern Living Test Kitchen Professional Norman King appearing on "The Today" show this morning. Norman shared tips on how to prepare delicious Super Bowl cocktails with Tiki Barber, Al Roker, and Meredith Viera.

For the recipes to these drinks, and for other tasty Super Bowl treats, click here for Southern Living's Super Bowl Planner.

It's the South and it's football season. Super Bowl 2009 is this weekend in Tampa Bay (Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals). 'Nough said. Are you ready for the big event?

Southern Living Test Kitchen Professional (and Healthy Living contributor) Norman King will be   appearing on NBC's "Today Show" to show viewers how to make some of his favorite party drinks this Friday, January 30.

Please tune in to catch Norman's segment, which is scheduled to air around 8:40 a.m. Eastern Time/ 7:40 Central. The segment will be broadcast live from Tampa.

Norman will be demonstrating two Southern Living recipes: Beer 'Garitas and Berry Colada Punch. (Click on the links for recipes.)

For more Southern Living Super Bowl recipes and ideas, check out Southern Living's Super Bowl Planner.

Remember that an important component of living healthy is enjoying yourself from time to time. Plus you can modify recipes to fit your dietary needs.

Related Links:

Healthy Living: Norman King's Posts

21 Super Bowl Appetizers

Game Day Appetizers

Down, Set, Pass the Goodies

Easy Game-Day Get Together

Coco Chanel once said, "A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future." Now that seems a little extreme, but we Southern women do love a little fragrance.

A story on NPR's "All Things Considered" about the re-opening of the French Museum of Perfume yesterday made me think: Are there quintessential Southern scents?

A quick and non-scientific poll amongst colleagues comes up with some similar scents: gardenia and wisteria, to name a few. So inextricably tied to memory, scent is part of the way that we tell stories about places, people, and experiences.

I'm curious: what scents evoke the South to you? Is there a particular perfume or beauty product that you are drawn to because of its connection to the South? Please leave your thoughts in the "Comments" section below.

Related Stories:

The Ultimate Southern Living Gift Guide

Live Healthy: Find Your Favorite Scent

Gardenias: A Fragrance That Captivates

One thing I learned very quickly when I became a mom: listen to people who have been there before. Sure, while I was pregnant I obsessively read baby books, but those all went out the window about two seconds after my son arrived. I learned quickly that the best tips came from other moms (and dads) who had walked the crazy winding path of parenthood.

Of course this is nothing new -- my mom talked with fellow moms while waiting in the carpool lane, and her mom talked with her friends on the family's front steps. I'm making my own connections with fellow parents my own way, during weekend play dates and monthly dinner club with neighborhood friends who are also in the trenches of parenthood.

But as parents in 2009 we have a whole other way to connect with people who are going through similar experiences -- online communities. Our version of the coffee klatch, we're able to exchange information about everything -- from the initial questions ("When to introduce solid food?" "Will the terrible twos ever end?) to the more complex issues that evolved as our children get older. And just like the coffee klatches of my mother's generation, these forums often start out as a place for us to discuss kids, but develop into communities where we discuss our adult world too.

All of that said, in the coming months we are going to spotlight online communities where parents are connecting, sharing knowledge, and figuring out life one sippy cup at a time.

First up is The Savvy Source For Parents. This website feature city guides that connect parents in specific cities, and there are a ton of Southern spots on the list: Charleston, Dallas, New Orleans, and Tampa -- just to name a few. Posts are written by moms and dads who actually live in these cities, so they know what they're talking about when they recommend kid-friendly choices in their area. (Plus it's a great resource to check out when you are preparing to travel to another city with your family.)

I liked this post from Atlanta mom Mimi Jenkins, which recommends indoor spots to play while the weather is still chilly. This post from New Orleans mom Kelly Leahy is her review of visiting a local Indian restaurant with two small children. Christine Hines writes about the best places to find storytime in Ft. Worth.  

In addition to writing about destinations in their home cities, the Savvy writers also share parenting experiences across a variety of topics, with an emphasis on raising healthy, intelligent, creative, and caring children. I'm taking notes!

Related items from Southern Living:

Readers Choice 2009: Best Family Destinations

For The Kids: Atlanta For Families

A Classic Family Retreat

Remember that feeling you had playing with a hula hoop as a kid? I remember loving my bright pink hoop, and hoping to emanate my mother's glory days as a hula hoop champ back when she was a kid in the 1950s. Well it turns out that that hula hoops are still going strong -- and some people are using them for exercise.

Southport Elementary School in Wilmington, North Carolina has teamed up with Dosher Memorial Hospital to promote healthy activity, including a hula hoop challenge with students and teachers. This story  from WECT-6 Wilmington talks about the school-hospital partnership.

Hula hoops are also being used for a variety of other health benefits. This Reuters story about the toy's popularity includes the story of a man who's rehabilitation for an injury included hooping. Some exercise instructors are incorporating it into their aerobic classes, and others are using "hooping" for meditation and de-stressing benefits.

There are even hula hoop fitness groups around the country that brings people together to hula hoop. Want to start your own?  This story provides step-by-step instructions to gathering your friends together to hoop.

So maybe there was something to that pink hula hoop after all?

Question: Would you hula hoop for exercise? What other types of "play" do you do for exercise -- tag with your kids? Kickball? Please share your ideas in the "Comments" section below.

Related Items:

Southern Living: Let's Dance

We've written lots of stories over the years about the power of walking. It's a great way to get exercise, fresh air, and to relax.  One of my favorite things about walking is that it's free--all you have to do is put forth a little effort (if you have a dog, they'll gladly do this for you!). Since our economy calls for budget-friendly options, this should top the list.

I especially like to walk outside in Alabama. Year-long, the weather usually allows this.Even though the weather's turned cooler, I've found all kinds of new ways to walk. I walked around a mall recently and found that carrying heavy shopping bags demands just as much work as strength training with hand weights.  Walking around the house doing little jobs here and there also clocks thousands of calorie-crunching steps.

We do have an outdoor track here on our work campus. Three laps around it equals one mile. The track winds around a pond and is surrounded with trees.  By the time I finish looking at the trees and geese, I've gone three laps--easy!

In other words, walking is a sure way to get somewhere with your health. Get it? Get somewhere?  Ha, ha, ha.

Here are some of my favorite Healthy Living stories on walking and budget exercise. Enjoy and then get moving!

Mood-Lifter: A Daily Walk

Budget Friendly Fitness

Walking Together with Friends

Southern flavors are so much a part of my life that when I'm eating iconic Southern foods, I don't even think about it.  I say that to prelude this post about my dinner last night.  I had shrimp gumbo--a traditional New Orleans one-pot meal.  

The weather turned cold here, as it has across the US, (Thank goodness it doesn't really snow here in Alabama!) and I wanted something like a soup, but nothing weak like chicken noodle, potato, or tomato.  I craved something familiar and something with a bite.  I turned to gumbo because I love how the flavors of okra, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, when boiled down, marry well with tongue-tingling spices. I also turned to it because it's a healthy, hearty soup that fills and warms without thousands of calories.

Never while eating my hot bowl of comfort did I think about how all the ingredients that go into gumbo are Southern-grown staples. Neither did I think about how many families in New Orleans (or anywhere else across the region for that matter) might be enjoying the same dinner at their tables, right along with me.

Now that I look back, I find that connection to be quite powerful--not only did I connect to the earth and its yield, I also connected to my people.  That is the epitome of health and wellness.

Southern Living Recipe: Chicken-and-Sausage Gumbo

If you are one of the millions of Americans who will tune into the season premier of "American Idol" tonight you know there are some things about the judges you've come to expect. Simon will banter with Ryan. Paula will get giddy over a potential contestant's performance. And Randy will most likely say, "that sounds a little pitchy, dawg."

But there's one thing about Randy you might not know. Having struggled with his weight and related health issues, this Louisiana native has overhauled his lifestyle to fight his Type 2 diabetes.

My colleague at Health Magazine Sean Kelley had the chance to talk with Randy, and wrote a great story that's posted on Health.com.

Here's a snippet:

"His secret? 'Find out what's going to really work for you. Forget about what works for your neighbor. Find out what works for you and if it will fit into your lifetyle. That's the thing you'll probably do the longest.'"

A great strategy indeed.

If you are interested in assessing how you can make changes, big or small, to improve your health and quality-of-life, check out "10 Resolutions I Can Keep" by Amy Mercer in this month's Southern Living. In it, Amy shares what she learns at the Cooper Wellness Program In Dallas, Texas. For a glimpse, check out:

10 Resolutions I Can Keep

Related Post:

At Home Gym: Good Idea, Bad Idea

I have an annual check up with my physician this morning and I'm a little nervous about it.  I heard, once, on an episode of Family Feud that in a poll they took, the doctor's office is one of the places we make the most excuses. 

"Well, doc, I would have stopped eating salty foods, but the holiday came up and...."

"But, doc, I really have been trying to eat more fruit and vegetables...."  

"Oh, was I still supposed to be off of caffeine?"

I'm a little anxious about this particular appointment because this weekend and yesterday I stuffed myself with Southwestern favorites--guacamole, tortilla chips, queso...all the good stuff that's such a part of our Southern cuisine and culture.  In fact, after my lunch yesterday at a local Mexican restaurant, I actually felt a little sick. Somewhere in that third helping of guacamole, I forgot all about moderation and portion control! Too much of the green dip left me feeling a bit green.

So, I'm wondering how my blood work will come out when I go to lab today.  I hope my cholesterol numbers (HDL, LDL) are okay, given the heart-unhealthy goodies I've been enjoying.  It's like taking a test.  All year, you've been prepared for the exam to come, and never have it.  Then, when you let yourself relax, and stop studying for a minute, BAM, there's the exam.

The thing I have to remember, I guess, is that overall, I am a healthy eater, exerciser, and so on.  Meanwhile, I'll work on my excuse for today....

Related Links:

ABC New--Nervous  At The Doctor's Office

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/HeartDiseaseRisks/story?id=4218491

How do you organize all the medicines in your house? If you are like me, you keep them out of reach of little hands, but aside from that, there's not much of an organization system. Often times I buy over-the-counter medicines, only to get home and find that I have boxes of the stuff in various bathroom and kitchen cabinets.

So I'm happy to run across this recent post from Birminghammom.com, "Easily Organize The Family Medicine Cabinet." The post contains some great tips on how to organize your family's medications and first aid supplies so they are easy to find.

The writer suggests storing medications in clear three-drawer plastic containers, which are inexpensive and easy to find. Then she provides tips on how to group medication and first-aid supplies together, as well as keeping mom and dad's items separate from the kids' and labeling various drawers according to needs.

For anyone who has scrambled to find a thermometer, cough syrup, or bandage in the middle of the night (or any other time), this system could be invaluable. A few other tips when organizing your family's medicine and first aid supply cabinet:

• Make sure to regularly check the expiration dates on medications and throw out any that have expired.
• Read labels to make sure that there aren't specific instructions for storage (i.e., refrigeration)
• And as always, make sure to keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets

Do you have tips on how you organize your family's medicines and first-aid supplies? Please share them in the "Comments" section below.

Related Posts:

At the Pharmacy: A Prescription for Time (And Gas) Savings

What price beauty? 

In the South, we pride ourselves on unparalleled hospitality. We invite you into our home, offer you a drink, and run around to please. Sometimes this hospitality, however, takes a toll on the host or hostess.  It can be tiring to serve (even when with love).

Today I gave a couple of building tours of our Southern Progress facilities to a group of well-mannered and very attentive high schoolers.  As I was getting ready this morning, I put emphasis on looking my best--what I forgot to do was put emphasis on comfort.  I really wanted to serve the groups well as possible and be a good (and good-looking) hostess. So, I decided on a pair of spiked heels. 

You guessed it. By the end of the second one-hour tour, my feet were killing me.  I have a co-worker who says it's better to look good than feel good.  While I most of the time accept that as true advice, I would have given my right arm today for a pair of flats!!

Healthy footwear is a balance between style and comfort.  Check out our Southern Living shoe story, "Fall in Love with Comfy Shoes."

My ears perked up the other day when a co-worker came by my desk asking if I would like to try a chocolate bar with hints of bacon. Doing a double take, I took a look at the wrapper and, sure enough, was a photo of a piece of bacon and a piece of chocolate.

Like any good Southerner, I'm a big fan of bacon, though I eat it sparingly. And a love of chocolate -- well that just goes without saying. Intrigued by this unexpected combination, I took a bite. It was sweet, crunchy, and a tiny bit salty -- nothing short of delicious. But it's going to have to be a rare treat -- this particular bar had 170 calories and 12 grams of fat in just three small squares.

Although there's no right or wrong way to enjoy chocolate, like so many things, there are healthier options. Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to chocolate and health, taken from the Southern Living Story "Good-For-You Chocolate":

This "Cooking Light" story explores the pros and cons of chocolate, and this Health Magazine story has a yummy recipe for oatmeal-date-chocolate chip cookies. Perhaps I'll try that instead of chocolate and bacon next time. But it sure was fun to try.

Related Posts:

"Let Them Eat Cake"

"New Year's, Resolutions, Weight Loss, and More"

Everyone I know seems to be thinking about being more fit this year, and emphasizing working out.  A good friend of mine is in week six of his all-out workout routine. I'm about to rejoin Jazzercise after a two-week holiday hiatus.

If you go to the gym or work out at a club on a regular basis, the thought to purchase home equipment has probably crossed your mind.  I mean, we could always just work outside, right, so why spend the money on  home equipment? The weather in our region is nice enough to work out all year long, but there are those days when you don't want to get outside,  but still want to work out.  Here's where the home gym comes in--you don't have to go out to a gym or club and even if it's really rainy, you can get in a good work out.

A couple years ago, I bought a treadmill off of the Internet. It arrived and, as most of us do, I used it with fervor for the first couple of months.  Then, I slacked off.  Then, I got the gusto to start using it again.  Then, I slacked off again. A cycle that is probably more familiar than not. 

According to a New York Time's article, it takes motivation to be able to successfully keep your at-home gym routine. 

Check out the article, here.

All in all, my treadmill is still sitting downstairs in the basement. I think it's covered with old shopping bags right now.  Maybe for a New Year's resolution, I'll dust it off and start working out again.  My motivation can be the fact that I paid for this thing! One can dream, can't she?

For many of us it's our first day back at work after the long holiday break, myself included. After two weeks of sleeping in, celebrating with family, and having a restful time, it can be tough to return to the swing of things.

One of my friends said that she felt like today is the first day of school -- complete with anxiety and excitement all rolled into one.

Here are some tips to help you re-adjust to being back in the office:

• Take things slowly. Don't feel like you have to read and answer every email in your in-box. Instead, scan for those that truly require immediate action.
• Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your agenda for 2009. It may take a few days for you to assess your new year work priorities. Take your time in reviewing where you left off, and choosing which projects should be tackled first.
• Spend a few minutes re-connecting with your co-workers. A friendly smile may be just what your co-worker needs to help him or her face the day too.
• Don't forget to get up and stretch. If you work at a desk there's a good chance you've been moving around more than you are used to. It's a good idea to be mindful of your posture to avoid muscle aches.

This article on "Tips For Defeating Post Holiday Blues At Work" has some other good suggestions, as does this Wall Street Journal Item.

We'd like to know: How are you keeping your stress levels down if this is your first day back? Please share any tips in the "Comments" section below.

If you followed my last post, I was wondering how I was going to make it through the holidays and stay on my fitness schedule.  Well, I didn't end up working out to the DVDs, but I did find fitness in a new way--moving!

Moving into a new house and making endless trips back and forth carrying heavy boxes gave me more of a workout than I ever thought I'd get.  I rewarded myself with pizza last night!

Now that we're in a new year and a new house, I'm thinking about all they ways I can better myself.  As Southerners we always think about each other, but it's so important that in caring and sharing with neighbors we don't neglect ourselves.

That brings me to the topic of resolutions.  Every year, we make lists of resolutions. I don't know how you do it, but I usually get three or four things in mind that I'd like to rev up or all out change about my life.  In past years, that list has included weight loss, education goals, fitness routines, money matters, learning to garden, and so on. 

This year, I don't plan to have to lose weight--but I do plan to continue to maintain a healthy workout schedule (One of the first things I bought for my house was a digital scale, so I can know precisely how I'm coming along). I am trying so hard to come to terms with my body image, size, the flab beneath my arms (Note: see the arm lipo blog I wrote several months ago, and you'll understand).

I  will cook fresher instead of always relying on packaged goods (Now, I won't give up convenience altogether, but I'll incorporate more fresh ingredients into my meals).

I also plan to take more time to appreciate the things around me--especially nature. I've always loved going to botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums, and so on.  This year, I  plan to explore those in several southern states.

One of the best things about the resolutions that I've chosen for this year is that they don't cost a bundle (which helps with the overall ongoing resolution of being pretty wise with money....barring a splurge on a pair of heels here and there....). 

What are some of the things you're planning for resolutions this year?