Recently at lunch, my friends and I started talking about our weekend plans. "Anything special?" we asked each other.  No!  Our to-do list (going to soccer games, softball games, grocery shopping, planting a garden, cleaning the house, cooking, etc.) fills up our "supposedly" down-time.  But where's the fun in all this multi-tasking?

Sometimes joy comes in treating ourselves to something decadent.

I try to be good as the Healthy Living Editor.  I get up at 4 every day and go to the gym.  I drink my water, try to watch what I eat, and practice portion control.  But let me let you in on a little secret...every now and then I like to have a Coke (a real Coke) and a bag of potato chips.  It's not all the time, but having an occasional indulgence makes me happy.

We all deserve a little treat sometime.  Tell us about your favorite indulgence in the comments section below.

Your above submission to SouthernLiving.com, including contact information, gives us the right to modify, use, distribute, reproduce, publish and display the submission indefinitely in all media, means, and forms without any payment to you.  You hereby represent that you haven't copied the content from a book, magazine, newspaper, or other commercial source.

I grew up surrounded by books, and by far most of them belonged to my dad. I really thought that was just how everyone's house was. But in recent years, my mom has been trying to reclaim the house a little, joking that she'll just start giving them away to anyone who visits.

For me, reading is a big part of being well and living healthy. Others include helping others, saving the planet, saving money and yes, decluttering a bit. So I was excited to read a post on Alternative Consumer about an Atlanta-headquartered company where you can do it all: Better World Books.

On the surface, Better World Books is an online used book seller - a.k.a a place to save a little cash. You, or my dad, can also print out a pre-paid shipping label and sell or donate books to them. And some of the money raised goes toward literacy programs around the world. They also keep books out of landfills and use Carbon.org offsets to offset the shipping. It's really a win, win, win, win.

I didn't bring many books with me when I moved to Birmingham a few months ago, but I'll definitely check the site out next time. I'm already browsing though: You can actually plug in your zip code to buy books donated from a local library, and they'll get a little cash out of it.

Let us know: Have you used Better World Books? What are some other companies or programs that work double duty by helping you and others? Where do you donate your books or other goods?

Related Links:

Words To Live By

Reading Teaches Kids Healthy Habits 

Charity Made Easy 

Recently I have been a plane hopping, car driving, lack of sleep having, super busy individual.  I been from coast to coast in last two weeks!  My most recent/current trip has been back home to California.  This weeks adventures were a homecoming for me as I haven't returned to California in about 7 years. Now, when I come visit my family and friends there is one thing I tend to do a lot of...Cook.  Everyone puts in their requests and we go to the store or more than likely many stores, hole-in the wall produce shops, farmers markets, etc., and I end up coated in food smells and my glasses heavily spattered with oil of some kind with a big ol' smile on my face as I feed the people I love.  This trip was no exception.  

The May issue of Southern Living is on newsstands. Here's a glimpse at what you'll find in Healthy Living:

Healthy Getaway: Miami - Come with me on a journey through Miami's lighter side -- from trapeze lessons to salsa dancing.

Small Plate Party -- A bite size but hearty menu featuring recipes like melon, mozzarella, and prosciutto skewers and mini crab cakes with garlic-chive sauce.

22 Ways To Save The Earth - Richard Banks gives tips on easy and affordable ways you can minimize your impact on the environment.

Strokes of Genuis -- Sara Jones unleashes her inner Picasso at an outdoor painting class, and shares how creativity can blossom when you try something new.

Related Links:

April Southern Living: Live Healthy

Shopping With Norman: Produce Alert (Fresh Asparagus Is Here)

Wondering how you can take small steps to reduce your impact on the environment this Earth Day? Here's a roundup of items from the editors at Southern Living to give you a head start:

Southern Living: The Green Hotel In Greensboro

Check out the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, N.C.. It's the first hotel in the U.S. to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The Proximity shows that you can be high on style while incorporating eco-friendly features.

Easy Eco-Friendly (Travel) Tips

Did you know that you can do your part for the environment by packing less? Learn about this and other travel tips from Southern Living travel writers here.

Eco-Friendly Kitchen -- Learn how Southern Living test kitchen professionals have reduced waste, and how you can too.

Question: What are you doing for Earth Day? What tips do you use year-round to reduce, reuse, and recycle? Please share in comments below.

A few weeks ago, I was standing in line for Dunkin Donuts (for what was surely a low-cal breakfast) at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. While checking out the selection and hoping to not miss my boarding call (I *needed* some coffee), a woman in line turned to me and said the following:

"Don't all those bags hurt your shoulders?"

This being the South, it is of course perfectly acceptable to strike up such a conversation while waiting for a latte. But I was a little taken aback that someone noticed my dirty little secret: I carry far too much in bags draped on my person. That day I was sporting the following: Kate Spade work tote, pink laptop bag, black patent leather Coach purse, and camera bag.

The best part: these bags represent the scaled down version of what I carry when traveling for work. Yep, they are scaled down because I've been dealing with neck and back pain. And after doing the research on problems caused by heavy bags, I do know better.

My solutions: I try to streamline my bags, bringing only what is absolutely necessary. I'm leaving behind extra folders with printed directions, because my handy iphone leads the way most of the time now. I switch bags from one side to the other. I try to stay mindful of my posture and self-correct when it's out of whack. I go for massage twice a month, which eases the strain caused from bags and my not so great posture.

I know I'm not alone -- tons of women have the same issue. My question: how do you deal with hauling around all the stuff you need to while minimizing strain on your body? What are the tricks of the trade for women who are going from work to gym to home -- how do you do it without breaking your back carrying gear? Please share your tips (and favorite products) in the comments section below.

New York Times Well Blog: When Your Purse Is A Pain

Healthy Living: Strengthen Your Core

I'll never forget the day I found love in the classified ads.

It was June of 2001 and I was a single girl living in Birmingham. One afternoon while drinking coffee and reading the newspaper, I came across an intriguing classified ad for a companion who sounded perfect. Always up for adventure, I got in my car and drove to meet him. Who would have known that this day I would meet the cutest, funniest, and most endearing creature ever: a pug puppy.

For those not familiar with pugs, they have stocky bodies, flat faces, a loud signature snort, and more personality than one could imagine possible in a 16-lb dog. And when that one particular puppy looked up at me, flashing his big brown eyes, wagging his tail, and of course snorting, I was head over heels.

Eight years later F. Scott Fitzpug is still my sidekick. Although a few other members have been added to our clan (my husband, son and 4-year old Lolita pug - pictured at right), I will always have a special place in my heart (and on my lap) for this fawn colored charmer.

Everyone with a special animal has a story about how he or she came into their life. For my colleague Sara, her beloved Maya was a surprise Christmas gift from her husband, hidden under her husband's jacket one winter night. Her other dog, Mr. Maxwell, came to her via a friend trying to find him a good home.

Some pets seem to find us -- walking up to our front doors as if to say, "Yep, this place will work." Other times we find them.

We want to hear: How did you meet your pet? Was it love at first sight? Please post your story in the comments section below or send them to healthyliving@southernliving.com

Your above submission to SouthernLiving.com, including contact information, gives us the right to modify, use, distribute, reproduce, publish and display the submission indefinitely in all media, means, and forms without any payment to you.  You hereby represent that you haven't copied the content from a book, magazine, newspaper, or other commercial source.

Related links:

Southern Living: Clean Pets, Happy Home

Southern Living: Pet's Place

Southern Living: Charity Made Easy

Confession:  I don't deep condition my hair nearly as often as I should. I love to wash my hair, work in a dollop of conditioner (preferably something by Pantene or Optimum, because they smell delish!), and then just walk around with it in my hair (wrapped up in a towel) for 20 minutes or so.  It's recommended that you sit under a hot dryer for 10 minutes at least once a month...but who has time for that?

As warm weather approaches and winter hats become a thing of the past, it's crossed my mind that I need to do a major mane overhaul. 

I recently had all my dead ends clipped off--you should have seen it.  it could have been the next inspiration for M. Night Shyamalan's new horror film "MAD MANE!!!" 

But anyway, I realize that with the tossing away of hat coverage, my hair will need more protection against the elements. 

So, this week I'm highlighting my favorite new product to use to combat UV rays and keep your hair healthy and beautiful.

Beauty Buzz: Aveda's Brilliant Damage Control Spray

Why it's Healthy:  This pre-styling agent keeps hair from heat damage from hot curlers which is great.  But what's better--it also contains UV protection for all hair types (YAY!).

Why I love it: Bonus--Spraying this on before styling reduces damage from combing (Which means less strands down the sink. Score!)

ATTENTION: I'm throwing an extra one in this week because it's just so great.  If you're like me and your hair frizzes out in the humidity, try Aveda's plant-based, organic jojoba enriched tresses tamer: Light Elements Smoothing Fluid. Okay, now you have everything you need for warm-weather hair.

For many of us at Southern Living, hotel rooms are home away from home, where we rest after long days of researching stories.

One of the nice things about that is when you're getting ready to head to a new city, you can ask a colleague for a recommendation. 

(Sad to say, but we know a little too much about complimentary breakfast buffets and which ones have the good stuff.)

So I was glad to read the May issue of Health, which features a story called "America's Healthiest Hotels." Health's experts ranked the ten healthiest hotels in the U.S, with high marks for those with perks like ones that stock minibars with organic food and drinks (Kimpton) and those with on-demand fitness videos in guest rooms (Hyatt Regency).

Several of these chains have locations in the South  (like the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta and the Kimpton in Dallas). The magazine's list of "Healthiest Hotels" were chosen because they offer plenty of options for travelers - vacation and business alike. Sushi making for kids at Loews? Green tea infused salmon at Westin? Attention all hotels: we like these things.

In the meantime, I'm just working at making time to hit the treadmill instead of crashing in front of the TV next time I hit the road. Grabbing yogurt and fruit instead of the bagel and bacon. And if there are in-room pilates videos to get me moving, I might just put down my laptop and burn a few calories.

Let us know: what are some of your favorite healthy hotels -- perhaps one with a great gym, non-allergenic bedding, or low-fat room service options?

Related Links:

Southern Living Editor's Picks: Rooms We Adore

Southern Living: Destination Good Health

Southern Living Tales From The Road: Choose An Eco Friendly Hotel

On a recent trip to Nashville I ducked into Trader Joe's. We don't have one in Alabama, so whenever I am anywhere close to one in my travels in the South I go. (There are Trader Joe's in Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia.) One of my favorite things about the chain is that they have healthy, inexpensive packaged meals.

I picked up several of their packaged Indian meals to bring back to the office and was not disappointed. My favorite: the Punjab Choley. This spicy (at least to me) mix of chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic was delicious. Even better is that it's actually good for you.

I showed it to Norman King, R.D., Southern Living Test Kitchen Professional. Norman took a look at the nutritional info and said that it's a healthy choice. Unlike many packaged foods there are no artificial colors or flavors or preservatives. I've been enjoying it with Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Tandoori Naan -- a good break from the same old lunches.

Question: What's your go-to lunch to bring to work? Do you prepare your meals or by packaged foods? Please share your thoughts in the "Comments" section below.

Related Links:

Power Up Lunch: Maintain Your Energy Throughout The Afternoon By Packing A Vibrant Midday Meal

Eating My Words: What's For Lunch?

I probably was the only one this year who waited until the night before the big meal to go shopping.  We had a hungry crew coming, and with all of the mixed tastes and preferences, I was in for some serious work.  A friend and I arrived at the grocery store at approximately 10:00 pm and set out to cover the isles in a speedy fashion.   As I arrived at the meat counter and asked for what I was sure to be the last and less choice rack of lamb, I was greeted by the reality that there was none to be found.  As this was the back bone of the Easter menu, I quickly shifted focus and began creating an alternative menu on the spot.  

Welcome to our new feature, The Goal Post. Life in the South isn't always slow-paced, and with family, work and community as priorities, it can be hard to keep up with it all. Every two weeks, I'll look at a different way to set goals and stay motivated, especially in terms of fitness.  I'm always looking for ideas, so please leave any advice in the comments!

It's official: last week I registered for my very first 5K! I should probably emphasize that this is huge for me. I always liked the concept of running, but I never could pull it off. In grade school, I was always one of the last  people to finish running the mile in gym class every year. And now here I am: all registered for the UAB's Dollars for Scholars 5K/10K on April 24.

I'm not super-competitive, but I'd heard that committing to something like this is great for motivation, and so far it's been true! . 

Here's what I've figured out:

• Commit to something. It's best if it's on a certain date, like my 5K. I only have so much time to prepare, so I can't keep rescheduling runs. I'll be embarrassed (and out $20) if I'm not ready by April 24th, and no one will move the race date for me.
• Tell people about it. I'm pretty sure posting it on a blog of a well-known magazine counts, but I've also told family, friends and co-workers.
• But do it for yourself.  I remember one particularly terrible clarinet recital. It was a commitment on a set day, but I hated practicing and apparently didn't care a ton about the outcome. Not good!
• Push yourself.  Registering for the 5K has helped me A LOT with this. There have definitely been times I've run farther or been more diligent about scheduling a run because my goal is so tangible.
• But not too hard.  My goal is just to finish the race. If that means running and walking, I'm 100 percent OK with it. Just months ago, I couldn't even imagine doing that. And I've already got my eye on a May race, so this isn't my only shot to run the whole thing.

I could see this applying to other things, such as a book club. You'd have scheduled meetings, and it's hard to contribute if you don't read the book!

(Just a friendly reminder: I am not a physician, nor a fitness expert of any kind. I'm just sharing my goals, and what's helped me. Always check with your doctor before beginning any sort of exercise routine.)


Related links:

Maintain the chain: easy tips for exercise motivation 

Fall fitness: running for the rest of us

Race Time: Run Your First or Fastest 5K or 10K from Health.com

Let us know: Have you ever committed to something to achieve a goal?  What are some other ways you stay motivated? Are there any great 5Ks and 10Ks in your part of the South?

This week we're doing something different on our "Southern Living Mama Blogger of the Week" -- featuring a site that features four contributors.

The "Wii Mommies Cool Guide To Fitness"is maintained by four women (two of whom are in the South) who write about their adventures in exercise with the Ninento Wii.

The site was started when South Carolinian Julie Maloney (left) shared how she lost 60 lbs using the Wii Fit. Several months later she was joined by three others moms (Jenn Hethcoat, Sarah Pinnix, and Cynthia Werry) to create the "Wii Mommies Cool Guide To Fitness."

From their website:

"Each of the four Wii Mommies writes a weekly blog post offering tips and tricks on exercise and diet. Fitness Friday posts are written by one of our forum members sharing how the Wii games are enhancing their lives on a daily basis."

Why we're following: These moms are finding ways to use new technology to fit activity and fun into their daily lives, and sharing tips with other busy women.

One of our favorite posts: Julie's Fitness Friday, describing how she got started with Wii Fitness and how it's improved her posture, strength, and helped her lose weight.

    Reading these posts has inspired me to try out Wii Fitness -- it looks like a lot of fun!

Question: Have you used Wii Fitness, or other video game technology, to get in shape? What other technology are you using to help you exercise -- applications for your iPhone? New heart rate monitors? We want tohear about it -- please leave your thoughts in the "Comments" section below.

And as always, we want to hear about Southern Mama bloggers, especially those who write about health, wellness, balance, and healthy eating. Please leave your suggestions below.

Related Links:

Healthy Living: Strengthen Your Core

Live Healthy: Maintain the Chain: Easy Tip For Exercise Motivation

Healthy Living: Amy's Workout DVD Picks

Our colleague Vanessa McNeil in the Southern Living Test Kitchen recently added this post to "Eating My Words," the Southern Living Food Blog.

The topic: how to get your kids to eat vegetables.

It's an age old conundrum that many if not most families go through at some point, even someone who is a culinary expert. Vanessa is looking for tips on how to get her six year old to eat veggies. (Side note: Vanessa, I will be more than happy to come over and eat any of your delicious food!)

So, all you parents and grandparents out there, what are your tricks to get children into eating their veggies?

Please share comments in the "Eating My Words" entry.

Related Links:

myrecipes.com: Kid-Friendly Recipes

myrecipes.com: Kid-Friendly Vegetable Recipes

As our Southern Mama Blogger of the Week feature grows, we're finding some amazing blogs out there. Thanks to everyone who is sending in suggestions -- please keep them coming. This week's blog comes from Nashville. Here's she is, the Southern Mama Blogger of the Week:

Name: Jamie Reeves

Site: Blonde Mom Blog

Why we're following:  This Tennessee native and 39-year old mom of two shares her experiences of raising two daughters, working as a writer and editor, and her adventures in retail therapy, among other things. She's funny and honest (her headlines will often make you laugh). Reading her blog is like hearing from a good friend.

Our favorite post:

We particularly like her post about the weekly hip hop class that she makes time to attend, and how important it is for moms to take care of themselves. An excerpt:

"There were only three of us in class Wednesday and the other two moms are SAHMs. They remarked that although it was a blessing to stay home with their kids, it was definitely a tough job. To which I gave a hearty Amen. They both said they really enjoyed hip hop class because it was a break and a chance to get out of the house. As one mom said, “I told my husband, this is my time!'"

Speak it sister! Reading about how other mamas make time for their health is inspiring. In fact, after reading this I am going to make plans to check out a new dance class I've been meaning to attend for weeks. Thanks Blonde Mom.

Question: What other Southern mom blogs are you reading? Please let us know in the "Comments" section below. We may choose your recommendation for an upcoming spotlight in our weekly feature.

Baseball season is almost here, and stadium offerings go well beyond peanuts and cracker jacks. I just found out Regions Park, home of minor league team the Birmingham Barons, is offering a brand-new Healthy Hits Menu. Choices include grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps, salads and fruit.

You could argue that the regular less-than-healthy foods commonly found at baseball games are part of the experience, and that's often how I feel too. Still, it's great that there are options for those who want to eat healthy, have dietary restrictions or are just looking for a change of pace.

Some minor league teams have a knack for drawing crowds and national publicity with outrageously unhealthy fare, as is the case with the West Michigan Whitecaps and their new Fifth Third Burger. It's 4,800 calories dwarf the 1,000-calorie "Baseball's Best Burger" (a Krispy Kreme bacon cheeseburger), released in 2006 by the Gateway Grizzlies, a team near my hometown. CBS postulated that the Grizzlies' burger was the world's unhealthiest. My how times have changed!

Here are two fun baseball food resources from last year:

• Looking to eat healthy at your local Southern ballpark? Check out this list of ideas from Forbes.
• And if you're traveling to one of the 30 major league baseball stadiums, take a look at this interactive graphic from the New York Times last June.  At each stadium, they chose one food to order and one to avoid. Note that these aren't necessarily diet-friendly, it's nice to know which snacks are worth the calories.

Let us know: How do you stay healthy at baseball games and other spring activities? Are there healthy options in your area? What are your favorite stadium snacks?

Related Links:

Summertime Snacks

Rickwood Classic: Minor League Baseball at Its Best

Tail-Trimming Tailgate Menus from Cooking Light