Sea Changes, Health Challenges and Foodie Fun

I haven't worked out regularly. Family illnesses, another new writing job, a change in venue in my Examiner column, and time consuming personal challenges got in the way of my doing so.

Beyond testing and writing reviews for exercise videos, I'm just doing resistance training now and then. I'm not posting reviews on all the fitness DVDs I get. Because, frankly some of the workouts, well, frankly suck. Frank should pay me for the press.

The reasons are simple for not reviewing some exercise DVDs. The host is a bore or too cheerful, or a drone. The setting is not inspirational, or doesn't apply to the workout venue. Or the exercises / workout is a rip off from other routines. Think chatting Cathy in her too neat and tidy pink and purple exercise room, or in a cheap film studio. If you're doing one more version of Taebo, kick boxing, or whatever the latest trend is at the moment, I don't need another wannabe.

By the way, Kettlebells have a flaw. It's easy to skip negative reps. This equals a lack of muscle stimulation and growth. I think Jon Benson said so in a newsletter. Read up, kiddos. I digress.

Maybe I should warn you all off these mediocre or bad exercise videos. But the titles are new and often obscure. I'm not that worried you'll end up blowing a few dollars on a so so fitness DVD and not financially survive. If your budget margin is that tight, go here, or here.

I digress. I like to.

Things are settling down somewhat now. Summer is coming and hopefully that will mean more time to devote to non essentials - like blogging!

Yes, blogging is no longer a priority. It's not that I don't want to, I really do miss it. But when writing time should be devoted to better paying projects, I have to put my freelance writing first. My Examiner column, which started with my being assigned as a "Fitness Examiner" and later the "Nutrition Examiner" is now a completely different ball of wax. I'm now the "Healthy Recipes Examiner" and I love it!

I started at Suite 101 covering diet and nutrition, but quickly moved to the Food Section. Yes, a dream has come true, I am a Food Writer! Like old times, when my son was little and I was immersed in writing cookbooks, I'm hip deep in recipes and food experiments. Yum!

(I did gain ten pounds due to lack of exercise. As a family we've been sick with allergies, colds, and other crappy conditions most of this year. But I plan to workout more and eat less carbs soon.)

God willing and the sea don't rise, I'm back to blogging as often as my schedule will allow. For now, check out my recipes at the Examiner Food Section and my recipes at Suite 101.

I Am Your New Healthy Recipes Examiner, But..

Examiner.com assigned me to the Healthy Recipes Examiner beat. And I love it. I love developing recipes and cooking as much as any vocation I've pursued. Just before I became pregnant with my son in 1999, I had completed my first self published comb bound cookbook, "Wild Man Gourmet." It did well on eBay until I pulled it when the economy dipped in 2002. eBay's fees were an obstacle with profits low.

After WMG, I went on to write and publish several more cookbooks while Bruno was a toddler. It was more than fun, it called to the creative foodie in me. So, this is a dream job for me. I'm a food writer of sorts!

But...some of my fitness reviews aren't showing up at Examiner. I don't think they purposely dropped them, they still draw traffic. My problem is my back ups are on my laptop. Her hard drive fried itself in butter one night when she mistook herself for fresh liver.

So, maybe I'll find time and re-review the good stuff here. Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to workouts. But I'm not making any promises.

Dance off the Inches Cardio Striptease DVD Review

If you’re looking to spice up your workout, and even add a dose of zest to your love life, Megan Armand’s Dance off the Inches Cardio Striptease is exactly what you’re looking for. This workout DVD has the edge over most exercise videos that teach striptease. It’s tastefully presented and gives women who embrace its sexy workout empowerment. Your body is powerful and beautiful no matter your present shape or size. And it’s time to enjoy being a sexy woman with curves.

The five rules for choosing a diet.

The Dance Off The Inches series is based on the premise that anyone can dance and most of us love dancing. No matter your fitness level or age, you can get up and dance to the music. Dancing burn fat and calories and strengthens your heart. And you’ll be having so much fun, you may forget you’re getting in a workout.

Get your Bio Vibe on and get sexy and fit fast.

Megan Armand is a delightful dance instructor and very easy on the eyes. Your guy may just want to join in on this exercise DVD. Dance off the Inches Cardio will help you peel off the pounds while you peel off your clothes. Signature striptease moves are skillfully taught and once you learn these sexy, sensational gyrations, you’ll want to exercise every chance you can get.