The trick or treaters have come and gone and the leaves are bursting their splendid fall colors ... November is officially here! Before things get too hectic planning for the holidays, grab the November issue of Southern Living to check out these features:
Mosey on up to the ranch, for an honest to goodness chat ...
At Home With The Pioneer Woman-- A day in the life of Ree Drummond, the wildly popular Oklahoma blogger who shares her tips and tricks for the busy home cook.
Features Rees very own recipes (cowboy nachos, slow cooked mushrooms, cowboy dip sandwiches -- yum!)
Take in the inspiring sights ...
Why The Everglades Owns My Heart-- SL editor Annette Thompson and photographer Robbie Caponetto shares a glimpse into the gorgeous wilds of Florida.
Those are just a few of the stories in this month's issue, which is of course full of tips to help you plan for Thanksgiving and the months to come. Sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy.
When I first heard about hula hooping as a trend,I reacted the same way a lot of people do: "come again?"
It was this spring when I heard about people working out with a hula hoop. Skeptical that hooping could be a real workout, I started looking for Southern hoopers.
What I found lead to the story that is in the November Southern Living (p. 122) -- "Hooping For Health." The story is about East Nashville resident Sunny Becks Crumpton who teaches women of all ages to get fit, relieve stress and have fun with hula hoops. Yep, like the kind we played with as kids.
I visited Sunny at her studio Hooprama, where I learned that yes, hooping is most definitely a workout. I was amazed to watch hoopers of all ages -- from their 20s through their 60s -- move the plastic circles up and down and around their bodies, twisting and twirling to the booming music. They told me their stories about how hooping helped them lose weight, strengthen their core, and de-stress. Plus it was clear that these women were having a great time. And I know myself -- if a workout isn't fun, I am not going to do it.
I couldn't wait to get my hands on a hoop and try it for myself.
It took a couple of tries -- the hoop seemed so big compared to the ones I played with growing up. (Adult size hoops are actually easier to use -- they stay up thanks to the laws of physics. But it still takes work. A lot of it.)
Sunny explained how there are two basic hooping stances: side to side and front to back. Once I found my groove, I started to gain confidence. This wasn't so difficult, I thought, which would be right around the time I'd get out of sync and boom, the hoop dropped to the floor. So much for progressing to the more advanced tricks out of the gate.
Hoopers say this and it's true -- the repetitive motion of the hoop can be calming, almost Zen like. (OK, I wasn't exactly being enlightened out on the floor but it was relaxing once I got the swing of it.) I took my hoop home and started practicing in my backyard, and got a child's size hoop for my 3 year old.
When I asked Sunny how much time a hooper should practice every day she said that her advice is just to put on one great song and hoop through it. If you're having fun, try another, and another. The advice works -- once I put on my music there's no stopping me. The neighbors are probably tired of hearing The BeeGees blasting from my iPod speakers.
Now hooping has become a part of my routine. Nothing is better than getting home from work and hooping off the cares of the work day. Other times, when I make a long distance call to a friend I go outside and get into the hooping groove, burning calories while catching up.
My tricks are still pretty basic -- I've done my share of throwing the hoop across the backyard on more than one occasion as I try to move it from hand to hand, above my head, and other variations that when done right are super cool. My moves may be laughable, but they are fun, burn calories, and make me laugh. And in my world of Healthy Living, that's what it's all about.
Wanna try hooping for yourself? Check out the story and these resources:
Hooping.org -- This site contains everything you need, from learning the basic moves to starting your own hoop group (they're popping up all over the place!)
Hooprama Blog -- Sunny's blog about all things hooping
Hoopnatica -- Hooping and hoop dance resources, including instructional DVDs
And this video:
Let me know how it goes -- I want to hear from my fellow Southern hoopers!
This week's Southern Living Mama Blogger of the Week is Jen Houck of One Mom's World. Jen (pictured at left with her family) is a North Carolina work at home mom of two girls ages four and six and has been blogging since 2005.
Jen's chronicles daily life, including her healthy weight loss journey. So far she's lost 55 lbs toward her 70 lbs. goal.
Here she is sharing a video update on how she feels healthier since making exercise a daily part of her life (she swears by EA Sports for the Nintendo Wii.)
"I'm just so happy with myself," she says. "I feel like I'm a better example to my girls."
One of our favorite posts on her blog is one about ice skating with her best friend and their families, which puts us in the mood for cold weather activities that are on the horizon:
"You see it has been about 11 years since we both had been. We went together with my church youth group at the time and how neat it was that we went back together 11 years later. This time we got to share in the experience with our children. Let’s just say the children way outdid us. There were falls into the puddles (that would be muah and her daughter M), there was plowing into the sides of the ice skating rink, there were times we wouldn’t let go of the rails, there were times we skated around with the Kid’s bar haha… it was just some plain ole genuine fun ..."
You've inspired us Jen, and for that, you are this week's Southern Living Mama Blogger of the Week!
Also, kudos to the the women of MamaLaw, who organized the successful Blogalicious Conference held in Atlanta last weekend!
Keep them coming ladies! If you have a mom you'd like to nominate for Southern Living Mama Blogger of the Week, please let us know.
We're well into October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments in the fight so far, remember friends and loved ones and get motivated all over again to make a difference.
In the coming weeks there are so many great opportunities here in the South and around the country to get involved.
I ran in the Race for the Cure alongside colleagues from Southern Progress and 14,000 other runners and walkers in Birmingham, Saturday. Even with persistent showers, the downtown streets overflowed with pink. Within two minutes of the race start I lost my running buddies and fellow interns, (In the photo L to R: Maddie Crawford, Jennifer Barnes, Christy Roach and Katie Melick before the race) but I found the time to soak in the real meaning of the Race. I read the names pinned to runners' backs, overheard powerful stories and listened to cheers from the sidewalks.
There are 26 races in the South benefitting Susan G Komen in October and it's not too late to join in, just search for a race near you here and lace up your running sneaks. Your fundraising stays close to home; 75% of the net income of each race funds breast health programs in the local community. Check out a 5k training guide or take it easy with a fitness walk, both help the cause and get you moving.
Signing up for a race kick- starts your motivation to exercise because every workout builds up to a larger goal. In the weeks leading up to the race every time I saw a Race for the Cure sign, I felt re-energized and ran a little bit faster and farther.
The race series has progressed in leaps and bounds from humble beginnings in Dallas, Texas in 1983 with 800 runners. Now there are more than 120 races around the world. It's a venue for people of all ages to show support in their own individual way. Though most stick with a pink shirt, I saw one daring gentleman in a ballerina costume complete with a tutu.
It's official -- the new look of Southern Living is on the newsstands today with our October issue!
We've been working hard on the new Southern Living. As our Editor-In-Chief Eleanor Griffin sums it up:
“We’ve listened to thousands of our readers and we know that the Southern woman is changing. She is embracing the future as much as she values the traditions of the past. She is busier than ever and wants to cultivate her own Southern style in a new, modern way."
The new Southern Living has 15 new franchises. These include features like "Mama's Way, Your Way," which highlights a traditional Southern recipe and a more streamlined version, and "Made By Southern Hands," a roundup of stylish products made in the South.
In Healthy Living we are thrilled to debut "Lighten Up In," in which we spotlight healthy activities to do in great Southern cities.
This month we feature New Orleans. (think: less Bourbon Street and more exploring on foot and eating fresh local seafood). Yes, it can be done.
October's Healthy Living also features a Q&A with Domenica Catelli, chef and author of Mom-a-Licious: Fresh, Fast Family Food For The Hot Mama in You. Domenica shares her secrets to looking and feeling good, including recipes.
Both of these are just the first of many we're excited about.
We're looking forward to continuing to share stories about enjoying all that we love about the South, with an emphasis on taking small steps to health and balance.
As always, we want to hear your ideas about healthy living in the South. Let us know! And thanks for reading.
How many times do you watch kids run and think, "Wow, I wish I had and ounce of that energy?" They seem to run everywhere (at least mine
does) -- at home, at school, in the airport (slow down!). Turns out that
running for the sake of running can provide multiple health benefits to
kids.
According to this recent story from Health Magazine by Amanda MacMillan, more kids are getting involved with organized running. From the story:
"Running can offer something to kids—especially kids who aren’t
athletically inclined or who are overweight—that a lot of other sports
can’t: The chance to be physically active at their own pace."
I never really thought about that before. Sure, we think of children
running as part of organized sports like soccer and basketball, but it
makes sense that running as a sport of its own offers its own perks for
children. Plus running with your kids is a great way to spend family time -- even if you slow down from your usual clip.
With
the weather still warm in the South, this could be the perfect time to
get your family involved if your children are interested.
According to the story, "Active.com, an online
source for
races around the country, lists more than 230 running events for kids
and more than 30 for families in the month of September alone."
The Active.com list provides all sorts of family running opportunities, like the September 27 Kudzu Clipper 5K & Family Fun Run in Atlanta,Georgia (proceeds benefit an organization that sends kids with diabetes to summer camp) and the October 3 Harvest Fest 5K & Family Fun Run in Georgetown, Texas (proceeds support a Senior Nutrition Program and Meals on Wheels).
Here's some tips from Health to keep you and your family safe when running:
running every day probably isn’t the best way to train. For
young, developing bodies, encouraging activities that work different
muscle groups—whether it’s playing softball or basketball, bike riding,
or swimming once or twice a week—is important as well.
parents also should watch for signs of exhaustion and dehydration,
especially during hot summer months, and should always take a child’s
pain seriously: Stress fractures and overuse injuries can occur, and
ignoring them will only make them worse.
The most important thing is letting kids set their own pace and
giving them the support they need, rather than expecting them to adhere
to an adult’s training schedule, Goodrow says.
Sounds like fun. My son isn't old enough to run with me yet, but when he is you'll see us both on the trail.
Let us know: what physical activities are you and your family engaging in during these warm end of summer Southern days?
Is your child lugging home bunches of books and school supplies? Too much or poorly distributed backpack weight can strain muscles and joints, which is why it's so important to find the right one for your child.
Southern Living Contributing Editor Elizabeth Mayhew shared our tips for picking a stylist and ergonomically good backpack for your child. Check out her tips on the best -- from pre-school through college -- at this clip from this morning's Today Show.
And please let us know if you have found a great bag that works for your little (or big) ones.
I can't stop talking about my great weekend. Partly because it was an ideal active and social one and partly because my sore muscles won't let me forget it . After days of thunderstorms and unpredictable cloudy skies, I was tired of camping out in my apartment. My comfy chair and watching "Friends" re-runs wasn't cutting it. The mild weather was begging me to come outside and play, so I did. I stayed in my apartment complex, but I kicked my cabin fever with the help of a new tennis racket, an empty court and some fellow interns.
Saturday evening was perfect for tennis, at least in my novice opinion, with a light breeze and low humidity. Maddie from Southern Living's Home & Garden and Jodi from Coastal Livingand I chased the little green balls to the far reaches of the court with revised rules to keep the volleys going. We only launched two balls over the fence, so I consider it a successful outing for we three beginners.
I only started playing tennis one year ago, but I'm hooked. It's a total body workout that doesn't feel like one, until my muscles start screaming at me the next day. And best of all I get to share the experience and the great cardio with friends.
After two hours we were ready for a refreshing energy boost. I knew exactly what would hit the spot: popsicles. Natural Choice Full of Fruit bars work with my exercise routine and not against it like other frozen delicacies. The pomegranate berry bar is my favorite; with Certified Organic fruit, unexpected nutrient packed ingredients like beet juice and only 60 calories.
I think another popsicle could be a remedy for my achy arms, along with a warm bubble bath.
To kick things off, each day in August they'll post a new Kid Approved recipe -- perfect for back to school meal planning. Having trouble getting your kiddo motivated to get up in the morning? Check out this recipe for a Breakfast Pizza Cup.
Some of our other favorites:
Smart Snacks For Kids -- the puffed up chocolate chip cookies are healthier because they're made with applesauce
A few weeks ago, I thought that I had found it. Sure, I was leaving on an early morning flight, but I'd dropped my son off at school on time, packed my bags (even remembering all the chargers and files I needed for the trip), and had allowed sufficient time to get to the airport. As a mom who frequently travels for work, I work hard to find balance in my day-to-day.
Then it happened: with one good intentioned wipe of the kitchen counter tops I managed to get bleach all over my dress. Then the cell phone rang: I'd forgotten my son's nap mat. After changing faster than Linda Carter in a phone booth and rushing to his school, I realized I'd left my laptop back at the office.
Ah, balance.
It's something my friends and I spend a lot of time talking about, thinking about, and in my case, writing about. We may be at different life stages and with different circumstances, but the themes are similar: how do we manage our time so that we are physically and emotionally healthy? Or at least not completely frazzled? It's the subject of much discourse, from the blogosphere to the boardroom.
Finding balance is an ongoing process. Some of the things that help me are blocking out time on the weekends that are "errand free" -- time to take my son to the park or go to the farmer's market. I also practice yoga, which helps relieve stress and keeps me focused. And when all else fails, I turn up music and have a mini dance break. Dancing -- and humor -- help me relieve stress and then get back to the things that are most important.
Question: How do you find balance in your life? Please let us know in the "Comments" section below.
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Enough with celebrities in bikinis boasting about their weight loss (thanks to trainers and personal chefs and paydays dependent on looking good)! I prefer the story of a real Southern woman making it happen through hard work, willpower, and smart advice from the pros at Cooper Wellness Clinic in Dallas.
Meet Peg Williams.
Peg was a member of my class at Cooper Wellness Program last June. (I wrote about the program for our January 2009 issue. )The Austin resident had recently turned 50 and weighed 275 pounds. As senior vice-president of research and development for a computer company, Peg spends most of her days traveling. The challenges of staying healthy while on the road were formidable. The road was winning. “I finally got to the point where my fat clothes were tight. I knew I needed to do something. I just had to get it drilled into my head that this was about my health,” Peg said. “I saw myself in this high risk category, facing all kinds of health problems.”
Her initial physical exam at Cooper revealed high blood pressure, diabetes, and joint pain.
Peg spent a week at Cooper and left with a plan and a new attitude. “No excuses. I’m on the road at least 20 days a month and I have 1,000 excuses. I just said to myself, ‘This is good for you, good for your health. You have to do it.’”
Amanda is a Virginia stay-at-home mom of two. We've enjoyed reading about her sister's challenge to run a 5K as an alternative bridesmaid get together (her sister is getting married and wanted to find a fun, healthy way for her bridesmaids to bond).
Her sister has challenged her to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon in March 2010. The idea is that the bridesmaids, who live in various places, would all train to run the race. Kind of a fun alternative to a traditional bachelorette party, don't you think? Then, post-race, they could celebrate at Disney.
Amanda writes:
"If she can find a training plan that involves a stop at the Starbucks drive-thru window, sign me up!"
We think this sounds like a great idea for a girls' trip. What do you think? Have you had a similar healthy girls getaway? Let us know in the "comments" section.
And Amanda, we think you should do it. In fact, we're cheering you on, lattes in hand.
Last weekend I stayed at Loews Nashville, one of my new favorite hotels. It was a pleasure for many reasons, including the fact that dogs were welcomed guests. I was sans pups, but loved seeing breeds of all kind with their owners.
Loews Hotels welcome pets (they call them "VIPs" - "Very Important Pets) and pay special attention to making them feel at home. From the Loews Vanderbilt website:
"At Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, you have everything you need to feel right at home with your four-legged friend:
Gourmet room service menus for cats and dogs, prepared by our award-winning Master Chef
Creature comfortslike specialized bedding, leashes, collars, litter boxes (and litter), pooper scoopers and more
Tail-wagging amenitiessuch as dog-walking routes, pet placemats, water bowls, treats, doggie poop bags and more
Purr-fect indulgences like rawhide bones, catnip and scratch poles.
Pet-walking and pet-sitting services"
Now through September 5 select Loews are offering the "Grrreen Dog" package, which includes a room service meal for your pet made with local ingredients, an organic cotton bandanna and toy that can be recycled.
Loews has hotels in a number of Southern cities, including Atlanta, Miami, St. Petersburg, New Orleans and Washington, D.C.
Hotels that welcome pets and care about their health -- now that's something to bark about.
Let us know: Do you travel with your pets? How do you keep them healthy when you (and they) are on the road?
You might know Joshilyn Jackson from her novels. This Atlanta-based novelist, is the author of "Between, Georgia," "Gods in Alabama," and "The Girl Who Stopped Swimming."
Jackson, whose blog is called "Faster Than Kudzu" is the Southern Living Mama Blogger of the Week
Joshilyn, 41, has joined the American Heart Association as one of their "Better for You Bloggers." Starting next week she and three other "Better For You Bloggers" will write about what they are doing to reduce their risk for heart disease.
In this video for the AHA she shares that she is taking small steps to health so she can be around for her two children.
You can join Joshilyn in a 12-week challenge to lower your risk of heart disease (not to mention a ton of other health benefits by signing up here). This free program, called "Go Red For A Better U" includes tips on nutrition, stress management, and exercise from national experts, as well as an online journaling tool to keep track of your progress.
There's even a downloadable coaching tool you can put on your desktop or phone, where you can access new information every day.
Kudos to Joshilyn for taking steps to take care of her heart and for sharing her journey with all of us. Also, check out MamaLaw, which we featured here just a few weeks ago. These three D.C. moms are also contributing to the "BetterU" Bloggers campaign.
Do you have a Southern mom blogger you would like to recommend for "Southern Mama Blogger of the Week?" Let us know in Comments.
I brought my running shoes to St. Louis for Memorial Day weekend, even though they took up a good chunk of my bag. I'd like to think I'd pack my gear no matter what, but I had a specific goal in mind with this trip: run a lap around Francis Park.
This park has been a part of my life since kindergarten. My grade school is one on corner, so we often used it for activities like soccer practice, field day and fifth grade tree journals (don't ask).
Since it's Memorial Day weekend, summer is officially here!
To jump start your summer, check out this story from from the pages of June's Southern Living Healthy Living:
My Week at Surf Camp - Travel and Livings Associate Editor Amy Bickers takes us along for her week at a North Carolina surf camp with her 12 year old son. How cool of a mom is she?
Find out here, where Amy shares her experience of shredding the waves Carolina style.
This week's Southern Living "Southern Mama Blogger of the Week" is not one, not two, but three sassy D.C. moms.
MamaLaw is written by three attorneys who, between them, have seven kids. Their names are Fergie, Ny, and Jonesie.
Together they write about finding balance between home and work, all the while trying to take care of their health too.
Each Tuesday one of the moms writes a "Better Tuesdays" post in which she shares how she is taking steps to improve her health. In this post Ny shares that some of her changes include switching to whole grain English muffins, wearing a pedometer to make sure she gets in her 10,000 steps a day and, as she writes,
"The biggest little change that I've made is engaging my hubby in a discussion about healthy eating - that's what I'm most proud of."
It's not all calorie counting. MamaLaw is about real women trying to figure out how to keep their careers, homes, and families running, all while having a little bit of fun. Rock it out mamas, and keep on posting your dispatches from the front.
I did it! I ran a 5K, and it went better than expected. I only stopped once, just long enough to drink a cup of water. I will say the Jazzercise really helped me. I had zero stamina before I started it, and going consistently to class is what made me want to add something to my routine.
But I probably wouldn't have started running if it wasn't for my roommate Kaitlin. Full disclosure: Kaitlin happens to be a licensed personal trainer in addition to a fellow intern. Yes, I'm pretty lucky, but you could get the same benefit from any (relatively patient) friend. Or group of friends!
Read on for four ways my workout buddy helped me, plus three online resources for finding a group.
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.
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:
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.
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.
