I love acupuncture even though I've never had it. My dh has it regularly. I have read that it really helps with emotional eating. I think I need to have some treatments, since I'm the poster girl for emotional eating. :glare: When it comes to anything alternative, my absolute favorite is a good acupuncturist. If you have issues with needles, they can also do acupressure - which is without needles. My very skeptical dh has had amazing results with acupuncture. It really helps with pretty much anything - chronic pain, arthritis, asthma, migraines, eating issues, weight problems, fertility issues, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression and anxiety, sleep issues, even cancer patients going through treatment - you name it. Most importantly, what I really love about it, is that an acupuncturist can help develop an herbal formula that is tailored specifically to you, in addition to using the traditional needles to help health problems. Herbs have a greater synergy with acupuncture, so you may see a greater benefit if you use both. To find a qualified acupuncturist near you, go to http://www.nccaom.org or call 904-598-1005 or go to http://www.acufinder.com

I know. I really dislike paying that much to any one person or company, unless if it's really and truly worth it. Since I know I can get great info from the books that I have and the TV shows I watch, etc. As well as right here :D, I feel uncomfortable catering to what I see as greed ... I just think it's an exorbitant amount of money. $50 or so - fine, but that much??? Now ... this for about $30, I really, really want. My problem is: I need to find a good tailor. I really, really would love this, but it's only worth it, I think, if I get a good tailor. This is just one example - same outfit, but it's all about fit. I like your list. :) I have some of them. How to Never Look Fat Again is one of my all-time favorites, if not, my ultimate favorite. Love this book. I need to re-read it. I just received Dress Your Best - this is very good also, although I haven't had much time to really look at it. I still think I prefer Charla's book above, but this is very helpful as well. I just love them and their show. :D It definitely is a good book to have. How Not to Look Old is great also. Very helpful. I don't agree with every single thing, but then again, one seldom does with any author. I'm not dying my hair and most likely will just let it go grey naturally. She wouldn't approve ;). Plus, the only make up I wear is the occasional tinted lip balm ... :tongue_smilie: I love nice clothes, but when it comes to make up, I'm very low-maintenance, unlike when I was a teen and in my 20s. I also just got The Lucky Shopping Manual - thanks to recommendations here - it's chock-full of fabulous tips and illustrations. Might be a bit overwhelming at first. It will take me a while to get through this one. :D My all-time favorite is still the Charla book, but you do have some great stuff on your list. :) If I were to get just one book on color, it would be the original Color Me Beautiful. Yes, it is old, but the color stuff is timeless. Once you have your season figured out, it's lovely to get a swatch. I just got mine, since my original was blown away in a major hurricane. Got it mostly for dd, who's a winter like me. Yes, it's expensive, but so nice to have. Sandy, looking at you - I think, but I could be wrong - that you're an autumn. I definitely don't think you're a winter or summer. Most likely an autumn or maybe a spring, unless if you already know of course, and again, I could be wrong.

Nadia, you're most welcome :grouphug:. Glad that this was of some help. :)

5-HTP Helps with: • Sleep problems – quality and duration • Emotional eating and evening cravings – helps suppress appetite • Anxiety and depression as it increases serotonin levels • Melatonin production • Serotonin production • Prevents migraines after using for 2-3 months Best if taken sublingually - opening the capsule and pouring the contents on your tongue. Try to avoid eating or drinking anything for 20 minutes before and after taking it. No more than about 3 capsules a day – can safely take up to 400 mg per day – although most need less. Loses its efficacy if taken every single day – best if you take breaks – sometimes alternating days – and sometimes take a break for an entire month or so It may take 1-2 weeks to notice any effects and up to 6 weeks to notice the full benefits. Be cautious about taking this if you’re on anti-depressants

All the info I have on turmeric. CURCUMIN, AKA TURMERIC Powerful antioxidant Anti-aging properties Most powerful natural anti-inflammatory #1 anti-cancer spice To be assimilated by the body, turmeric must be mixed with black pepper and dissolved in olive, canola, or linseed oil. All of us should regularly consume a teaspoon (some say a soup spoon!) of turmeric every day, with a generous pinch of pepper and olive oil. You can use it in your salad dressings, cooking, vegetables, and soups In store-bought curry mixes, turmeric represents only 20% of the total, so it’s better to obtain turmeric directly Because powdered turmeric is a powerful blood-cleansing herb, don’t overdo it. Research has shown that turmeric in capsules is poorly absorbed by the digestive system. When turmeric is not mixed with pepper or ginger, it does not pass the intestinal barrier. Pepper increases the body’s absorption of turmeric by 2000 percent CAUTION: Some brands of turmeric powder and supplements have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals themselves. Make sure to obtain a high quality brand. ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES Turmeric is the #1 anti-cancer spice Turmeric and piperine (black pepper) can limit the growth of stem cells for breast cancer -- the cells that conventional treatment have the hardest time eliminating. Has been shown to inhibit growth in a large number of cancers – colon, prostate, lung, liver, stomach, breast, ovarian, brain, and leukemia It inhibits angiogenesis and forces cancer cells to die (through the process of cell suicide known as apoptosis) Indians have much lower cancers overall – despite their exposure to numerous carcinogens in their environment, often on a worse scale than in the West Studies have shown that it can kill off cancer cells, even within 24 hours! CAUTION: Note that it is often safest to avoid turmeric during chemotherapy as well as a three days before and after the treatment. This is because it can – rarely, but it can – interfere with some chemotherapy treatments and reduce their benefits. Turmeric regulates estrogen receptors, and helps the body eliminate carcinogens. ALZHEIMER’S AND COGNITIVE DECLINE May reduce the buildup of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease India consumes the bulk of the turmeric produced in the world. They have one-third the rate of Alzheimer's than does the United States (which affects half of Americans over 85) PROTECTS LIVER Regular consumption of turmeric has been shown to protect against fewer lesions of the liver Turmeric acts specifically on bile and also has significant anti-inflammatory properties FIGHTS TOXIC MATERIALS Other studies have suggested that turmeric may actively fight the toxic effects of heavy metals (such as mercury); certain pesticides (especially those that simulate the effect of estrogens); and several other chemical toxins present in our modern environment. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Powerful anti-inflammatory Some studies suggest it works to ease the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis It may also help with other inflammatory conditions, such as tendinitis, and it may even protect your heart Effective and healthier alternative to many pain medications – Advil, Motrin, Rx drugs IMPROVES DIGESTION Safe and effective digestive aid TURMERIC blocks the mechanisms that break down bone as you age. Turmeric also prevents arthritis by stopping the action of a protein that triggers joint inflammation.

All the info that I have on zinc - and yes, it can help with acne and skin conditions. Zinc is an antioxidant mineral that is essential for: Ovulation – deficiencies have been linked to spontaneous abortion and toxemia in pregnancy Enhances the action of vitamin D in preventing osteoporosis Useful in fighting off colds and the flu Women with PMS are low in zinc, and its deficiency may lower production of the hormone progesterone Helping curb sugar cravings and blood sugar imbalances - As an insulin potentiator, zinc is useful in managing Type 2 diabetes. Aiding digestion Protecting the body from stress Rejuvenating the powerhouse of the immune system, the thymus Helps to halt and reverse cataract growth Protects and strengthens hair and may help with hair loss 25-50 mg per day DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN 100 mg Use zinc gluconate lozenges or OptiZinc for best absorption L-OptiZinc is a patented form of bio-available zinc – bio-available means best absorbed Don't take it on an empty stomach or it could make you nauseous. Found naturally in: Wheat germ, oysters, pumpkinseeds, chicken breast, eggs, crab, turkey, lentils, barley, yogurt Zinc is required by the brain in order to produce GABA, a compound that eases anxiety and irritability. Without sufficient zinc, some antioxidants can’t respond and function normally. Zinc is often low as we age because of reduced intake and absorption. Zinc is a mineral essential to the very metabolic processes required for mercury elimination. Support your adrenal glands – an adrenal supplement is essential if you’re stressed out (and a yeast infection is certainly stressful). Also pay attention to your copper-zinc balance. Zinc deficiency and copper biounavailability are also factors in yeast overgrowth. UNI KEY Female Multiple is a copper-free multivitamin-mineral supplement especially created for women with both iodine and zinc to support endocrine function and the immune system. A lack of vitamin B6 and zinc can contribute to progesterone deficiency—a deficiency common in women. These nutrients are notoriously absent in today’s diets due to food processing, too many sugary foods, and fast-food consumption.

TIPS ON TAKING THEM My naturopath friends have always told me is that it's good to take 2 days off most or all of your supplements every week, preferably any two days that are back-to-back. So, if you need to take them on weekends. Fine. You could try skipping them on any other 2 days of the week. Another thing I do, based on what I have read and played around with - is take a break from some supplements for an entire month. Not all. Just some. They work so much better for me, when I get back on them - 5-HTP, Melatonin, even probiotics, whatever you want or think that your body could do well to take a break from in order to be more effective. The body sometimes becomes overly efficient and not challenged by supplements. That’s why taking a break and going back on them, in my opinion and experience, helps them to become much more effective.

Now, although I have info on many minerals and vitamins, I'll only include info on the ones that you requested. MAGNESIUM Magnesium is a key mineral that many are deficient in. Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy, and stiff -- whether it is a body part or an even a mood -- is a sign of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium and many other minerals are best absorbed when they are bound to an acidic carrier such as citrate, aspartate, picolinate, or amino acid chelate. The most absorbable forms are magnesium citrate, glycinate taurate, or aspartate, although magnesium bound to Kreb cycle chelates (malate, succinate, fumarate) are also good. Avoid magnesium carbonate, oxide, sulfate, and gluconate. They are poorly absorbed (and the cheapest and most common forms found in supplements). If I see these in a multi, I avoid it. Side effects from too much magnesium include diarrhea, which can be avoided if you switch to magnesium glycinate. People with kidney disease or severe heart disease should take magnesium only under a doctor's supervision.

MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE – IF I COULD If I lived in the U.S., I would try my utmost to get as much as I could from Standard Process - which you have to buy from an alternatiave health care practitioner. Standard Process is wonderful. But they don't have every single supplement. They're very specialized. ALKALIZING MULTI VITAMINS AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS Most of us have systems that are overly acidic. Working towards a system that is balanced or more alkaline is the key to overall health. These supplements are said to be very good for alkalizing the body. • http://www.auntiegs.com/index.php 12 Systems Synergistic Multiple – one tablet per meal • Vita Lea (Shaklee) – one tablet with each meal • Bio Strath – One teaspoon with each meal or tablet as indicated – I saw it on vitacost AFTER THAT I prefer searching for good brands on vitacost or amazon – reading reviews, and looking at brands. The following are brands that I like and trust: Carlson’s Nature’s Way Twin Labs KAL Enzymatic Therapy Green Magma – for green, alkalizing drink Solgar Source Naturals Rainbow Light Solaray NOW Swanson UniKey (do a google search) New Chapter Organics Brands I've heard good things about, but have not yet tried, and don’t yet know enough about: Aerobic Life Products Blue-Green Algae Country Life Darwin’s Gaia Herbs Health from the Sun Jarrow Kyo-Green Member’s Mark Metagenics Nature’s Plus Nature’s Sunshine Nordic Naturals Planetary Formulas Pure Encapsulations Puritan’s Pride Shaklee Trace Minerals Research Vitamin World Zone Perfect

I'm going to include all the info I have. The supplements you listed should be fine together. I take those and more. Yes, it can be overwhelming at first. Read the info slowly and add them gradually if you wish. WHAT I LIKE TO AVOID Many “one-a-day†formulas - Theragram-M, Geritol, Centrum usually: • Have such long ingredient lists (a red flag for me!) with synthetic coloring, waxes, and other undesirable ingredients – this is my main reason for avoiding them • Are too low in potency – most one-a-day formulas cannot possibly give you high enough potencies of nutrients. There simply isn’t enough room to pack a lot of nutrients into a single capsule. Do be aware that a good multivitamin and mineral formula requires that you take it in larger quantities – from 3-6 capsules daily. This may seem like a lot, but it’s not. When it comes to herbs, and often minerals and vitamins, most of the time, the quantity and potency is so very, very low, that it really isn’t going to do anything much at all. I prefer to research all the brands and see which has the highest dosage, or I have found that I may need to double or triple the dose. I have to admit that due to financial constraints, I seldom do this these days, unless I'm focusing on a specific health concern. I do believe that nutrition (healthy diet) is first and foremost. • Are often poorly absorbed Anything that is multi-marketed. Supplements from multi-marketed companies are obviously going to cost much more. The supplements may be good, but remember that you’re paying for a wealth system that may play on people’s greed. Any supplement (usually they are minerals) that has the word “oxideâ€. The oxide form of any is the cheapest source of that mineral. Most of the cheaper brands include oxide to cut down on costs, but these brands do our bodies no good, since they’re barely absorbed. Any supplement that has vitamin E as dl-alpha – dl-alpha is synthetic and junk. Any supplement that has calcium carbonate – ditto, as above Most brands at Walmart, Costco, etc. But this doesn’t always apply. Some brands at these larger stores are fine. You'll have to do your own research to know. Just because the supplement is sold at Walmart or Costco does not that it’s necessarily bad. You need to look at the ingredients. are the same. WHAT I PREFER Bio-available when possible – these are best absorbed. Many bio-available forms are patented and identified on the label. Anything with a short ingredient list – no soybean oil, no sugar, starches, colorings, soy, etc. – the less things in it, the better! With vitacost, you can click on side bar buttons to say that you're looking for something without soy, etc.

Once again, thank you so much for this book recommendation. Dd is enjoying it a lot and I will soon order it for ds also. If anyone is interested in a similar book, with more focus on Test Taking, I just received this and it looks really good. I'm really liking this company. :)

Praying for you all right now. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Tile - love it, particularly in this climate. :)

I'm going to try to join this thread and post more regularly. I've done several different weights and other moves - magazine stuff. Dd and I clipped out lots of magazine exercises and put them in plastic sheets and a nice folder. Love doing stuff like that. Working out to my favorite music makes a change from the usual DVDs. I crave variety. :) Will soon do some yoga poses and stretches.

This. :) I always believe that the spirit and heart is what matters. Not merely the law. God is the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful. :)

We're Baha'is and don't drink for religious reasons. No, wouldn't be upset. It's an honest mistake. :) It's happened before and it's no big deal.

Not much time right now and probably not until either later today or tomorrow morning. I have lots of info on supplements and will be happy to post them here. Here's my info on zinc. Usual dose: 25-50 mg per day DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN 100 mg Use zinc gluconate lozenges or OptiZinc for best absorption L-OptiZinc is a patented form of bio-available zinc – bio-available means best absorbed Don't take it on an empty stomach or it could make you nauseous.

:smilielol5: Chris, I'm sorry. :tongue_smilie: :grouphug:

Yes. I could do with both right now. :D

NUTELLA AND VANILLA CUPCAKE WITH NUTELLA BUTTERCREAM If you’re a Nutella lover, then this is the cupcake for you! They’re really easy to make, and versatile, too. You can mix it up with different kinds of wafer cookies in the center, or even different kinds of cake. Maybe chocolate? Or hazlenut? Or even NUTELLA? Possibilities = endless. This will make anywhere from 18-24 cupcakes, depending on how much batter you put in each tin, really. I fill ‘em as close to top as I can without making them overflow while baking. You might play it safer. And that’s okay. For the cupcakes you’ll need: 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar 3 eggs 2 t. vanilla 2 t. baking powder 1/2 t. baking soda 1/2 t. salt 1 1/3 c. whole milk 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 24 bite-sized chocolate wafer cookies a jar of Nutella For the buttercream and topping you’ll need: 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature 2 c. powdered sugar 2 t. vanilla 3/4 c. Nutella (or more, if you’d like, don’t be afraid to go your own way with it) Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Cream together the butter and sugar for the cupcakes, until fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, and then the vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stop the mixer to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is gettin’ all mixed up real nice. It should be creamy and fairly smooth. Add in the flour and the milk, a 1/2 cup at a time, alternating between the two. Once all combined, whip for a good 45 seconds to get everything all mixed and aerated. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of batter into paper-lined cupcake tins. Place a wafer (or two, if there’s room—if you’re gonna do it, might as well do it right) in each tin, and then top them with a heaping teaspoon of Nuttela. Scoop another heaping tablespoon of cupcake batter on top of that, smoothing it over the top and down around the edges of the wafer cookies. The tins should be about 3/4 of the way full, maybe a smidge more. (By the way, don’t work with the batter too much while smoothing it over the Nutella because you don’t want to mix it in. You want there to be a gooey chocolatey blob of it in the middle of the cupcake. Trust me.) Bake for about 24 minutes, until the cake sets and the tops and edges of the cupcakes turn golden brown. Allow to cool, then make the frosting! Cream together the butter and the Nutella until well combined. It helps when both ingredients are at room temperature, because they blend better and there are less lumps. Then add the vanilla, and then the powdered sugar, a half cup at a time, until it’s all mixed in. Give it a taste and add more sugar or Nutella if necessary. Sprinkle the cupcakes with some chopped up toasted hazelnuts. ---- NUTELLA SWIRL POUND CAKE 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 4 large eggs, at room temperature 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 1 1/4 cups sugar One 13-ounce jar Nutella Preheat the oven to 325°. Lightly grease and flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, tapping out any excess flour. In a glass measuring cup, lightly beat the eggs with the vanilla. In a medium bowl, whisk the 1 1/2 cups of flour with the baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer, beat the butter with the sugar at medium-high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. With the mixer at medium-low speed, gradually beat in the egg mixture until fully incorporated. Add the flour mixture in 3 batches, beating at low speed between additions until just incorporated. Continue to beat for 30 seconds longer. Spread one-third of the batter in the prepared pan, then spread half of the Nutella on top. Repeat with another third of the batter and the remaining Nutella. Top with the remaining batter. Lightly swirl the Nutella into the batter with a butter knife. Do not overmix. Bake the cake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Invert the cake onto a wire rack, turn it right side up and let cool completely, about 2 hours. Cut the cake into slices and serve. ---- DEVIL’S FOOD NUTELLA CAKE 1 Devil’s Food cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box) 1-14 oz can sweetened condensed milk 1-13 oz jar of Nutella 1-8 oz tub of Cool Whip 2 chocolate & hazelnut candy bars (I used Lindt) Follow the directions on the back of the cake mix, but only use HALF of the oil called for. This will make the cake more dense and avoid a soggy cake after the addition of the SCM and Nutella. Let cake cool completely. Poke holes over the entire cake with a chopstick or the end of a wooden spoon. Be sure not to poke all the way through the cake. (You can always make the devil’s food cake from scratch instead of using a boxed mix, just remember to reduce the oil!) Add the SCM and Nutella to a small saucepan. Simmer on low heat while stirring until just blended. Pour mixture over the cake. Crush one candy bar in a plastic bag with a mallet and sprinkle over cake. Let set for 30 mins (this lets the SCM and Nutella do their magic!). Freeze overnight. Before serving, ice with Cool Whip, crush the second candy bar and sprinkle on top.

NUTELLA CHEESECAKE 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 (13 ounce) jar chocolate hazelnut spread (nutella) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and egg until smooth. Blend in Nutella and vanilla until no streaks remain. Pour into crust and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Refrigerate overnight before serving. The longer it sits in the fridge, the better it gets. ---- NUTELLA RICE KRISPIES TREATS Treats: 6 cups Rice Krispies (or 3 cups Rice Krispies and 3 cups Chocolate Puffed Rice) 1 bag (10.5-oz) miniature marshmallows ¼ cup (2 ounces) unsalted butter generous 1 cup Nutella Topping: 1 cup Nutella 1 1/2 cups chopped chocolate 1 Tbs trans-fat free shortening Measure the cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Melt the marshmallows and butter together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the Nutella and stir until combined. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal stirring well to evenly coat the cereal. Pour into the prepared pan and use a small buttered piece of waxed paper or the back of a spoon sprayed with cooking spray to press evenly into pan. In a small sauce pan melt the remaining 1 cup of Nutella, shortening and chopped chocolate over medium/medium low heat. When the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth, pour over the cereal mixture. Gently spread the chocolate topping evenly across the top of the krispies. Allow the chocolate to set, then cut into squares and serve. ---- NUTELLA CHOCOLATE FUDGE BROWNIES Here's a few tips. I make my own brownies using a recipe that was used for many years in our bakery. It's a simple, but fudgy Chocolate Fudge Brownie Recipe. Swirl Nutella in the batter, along with a handful of Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips. When the brownies come out of the oven, let them cool down in the pan for about 15 minutes. While the brownies are still warm, spread as much Nutella over the top as you dare. Half a jar, a whole jar, it's totally up to you and your Nutella cravings! Decorate the brownies any way you like with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, chocolate jimmies or white chocolate drizzle! If you're totally lazy and pressed for time, you can skip all the ingredients and use a store bought boxed brownie mix. Add all the goodies you like, bake, spread, decorate and eat! Easy-Peasy! Grab a cold glass of milk. You're gonna need it! 4 - one ounce squares unsweetened chocolate 1 cup butter (2 sticks) 2 1/2 cups sugar 4 large eggs 1 Tablespoons pure vanilla 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup unbleached white flour 1 cup chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips, optional 1/2 - 1 whole jar of Nutella Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter or spray and flour a 9 X 13 inch glass or non-stick baking pan. Melt unsweetened chocolate and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Do not burn. Remove from heat. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, add sugar and stir until well mixed. Add eggs, vanilla and salt and beat well with a wooden spoon. Fold in flour and mix just until smooth. Do not overmix. This is also the time to fold in chopped nuts & chocolate chips. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until knife comes out clean. Cool for about 15 minutes, then spread desired amount of Nutella over warm brownies. Sprinkle with more nuts, chips sprinkles or whatever else you like! Cool completely before cutting into squares. Yields from 16-24 servings depending on size.

:iagree: :iagree: :iagree: Some recipes to share: NUTELLA STUFFED FRENCH TOAST - this is sooo good Serves 4 8 slices bread 4 eggs 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup powdered sugar 8 Tbsp Nutella Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium low heat. In a bowl whisk together the eggs, cream, and powdered sugar. Take 4 slices of the bread and spread 2 Tbsp of Nutella on each one. Sandwich together. Place each piece of Nutella filled bread into the egg mixture and soak for about 30 seconds on each side. In a large skillet: heat the butter on medium until very hot, but be careful not to over brown. Cook each piece of egg soaked bread in the butter (about 2-3 minutes on each side) until browned and crisped. Be sure to cook on the edges also. Remove to your serving plate, sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with fruit. Serve immediately. ---- DECADENT NUTELLA WAFFLES Serves 4-6 3/4 cup melted butter or margarine 4 eggs (room temperature) 1 1/2 cups flour 3/4 tsp salt 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tbsp sugar 3/4 cup sour cream 3/4 cup milk 1/2 tbsp oil 1 tsp vanilla 4-5 heaping tablespoons Nutella Bring eggs to room temperature and separate. Beat the whites until stiff like whipped cream. Melt the butter and set aside. Mix flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder in a separate bowl and set aside. Mix sour cream, milk, vanilla, oil, and egg yolks Mix in melted butter and Nutella and mix just until combined. Do not over-mix. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir just until moistened. Do not worry about the small lumps in the batter. Do not beat the batter vigorously. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites. If you can, cover and chill overnight in a 8-cup glass bowl. The batter can be used right away, however. Let the batter set for a few minutes before starting to cook the waffles, so it thickens just slightly and isn't as runny. The batter should be thick, yet easily pourable. If it’s been in the fridge, take it out to bring it to room temperature as your waffle iron is preheating. Use a vegetable oil and a basting brush or a paper towel and cover the surface of the waffle iron lightly. Preheat it. Pour and drizzle batter into the waffle iron in a constantly moving stream Pour into the waffle iron and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the waffles are light brown. It’s important to make sure that you time the cooking phase. Five minutes seems to be the optimum cooking time. If you remove the waffle too soon, you end up with something the looks like a waffle but tastes more like a pancake. If the waffle is darker or lighter than you like, adjust the baking time by a half-minute if your iron is the type that has no "darkness" control. If it does, adjust the control a half-notch but keep baking for 5 minutes.

Collagevideo is a fabulous site. You can do all sorts of searches and watch video clips. I love how you can refine your search on this site - by instructor, level, type of workout, etc. Have fun searching. :) You could always slowly build up your collection. Maybe if you workout x number of days a month, you could treat yourself to a new DVD every now and again. Something like that. I love setting goals like that for myself. If you have a Ross near you or a Suncoast – they often have very good deals on DVDs. My latest obsession are ballet based workouts - the Bar Method and other ballet ones. There have been some threads on that here. They seem very effective and I don't think they require much coordination. I'm also looking into Pilates and more challenging yoga. EASIER/LOW-INJURY Leslie Sansone has lots and lots and I have many of them. Very little, almost no risk of injury FAVORITE DVDS – USING WEIGHTS AND MIXTURE OF STUFF I like DVDs by Jari Love - very no-nonsense. I have Get Ripped and Get Ripped to the Core Great instruction Super-effective I didn't think I would like her at all and I have been pleasantly surprised. Denise Austin Shrink Your Female Fat Zones Get Fit Daily Dozen 10 Five-Minute Target Toners Denise Austin has lots and lots of DVDs - which are short and effective. But many find her annoying. I think she's funny and don't mind her voice, etc. Kathy Smith Ultimate Sculpt & Lift Weights to Lose Weight I love Kathy’s workouts. Jillian Michaels No More Trouble Zones This is a good workout if you’re looking more to tone, define and maintain what you have Uses weights Fine for beginners and those who can complete Level 1 of 30 Day Shred FAVORITE TOUGH WORKOUTS Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred What I like about it: I love the fact that it's a quick and very effective workout. Helps burn through arm fat and tones legs nicely also What I dislike about it: A few years ago, I was very, very fit and I started the Shred. I did it every other day. Never got past Level 2. I injured my ankle so badly. It took months to heal. My knees didn't do great either. I really, really want to avoid long-term damage to my joints. If you have trouble with your knees at all, be sure to take it easy on exercises like lunges. I have trouble with both my knees and it took at least a month before they stopped hurting. Some do modifications for things like the jumping jacks because they hurt no matter what, so they either bounce on a rebounder or jump they are jumping rope. If your legs have a tendency to bulk up, this may make it worse. Some have gotten permanent knee damage – knees cracking and so forth – best to not do this every single day Suggestions You are supposed to give muscle groups 48 hours to rest between intense sessions. I personally wouldn't do it 30 days in a row, since I prefer to avoid permanent knee damage and/or injury. I would do it 3-4 times a week and walk, swim or ride bikes on the other days (or take them off). I also have favorites in Pilates and Yoga. I can share those if anyone's interested.

ACUPUNCTURE helps with all sorts of pain, especially fibromyalgia CHIROPRACTIC/MASSAGE – both help immensely with pain Be aware that you should wait for any inflammation to subside before starting either. HYDROTHERAPY has been proven to help with arthritis. No medicine on the market can rival the physiological effects of water. Warm to hot water eases joint pain by reducing swelling and increasing blood flow to fight inflammation. Begin with a daily 10-minute walk, take up a gentle yoga class, or try the slow movement of Tai Chi. Doing Tai Chi twice a week reduces knee pain, as does strengthening your hips with conditioning exercises. Water aerobics, gentle yoga, and swimming help also. YOGA can provide great relief for achy knees LOSING WEIGHT is key – even 5 extra pounds of weight increases the load on your knees tenfold SLEEP - Get enough sleep. Your body needs a full night of quality sleep to fight pain. Sniffing lavender oil before sleep can help you. More illnesses are caused by a need for magnesium than for calcium. Arthritis and joint pain are caused by excessive calcium and insufficient magnesium.

Now here's the info that I have for Joint Pain: SUPPLEMENTS Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Carlson’s Fish Oil – Omega 3s are anti-inflammatory 1500 mg Glucosamine and 1200 mg Choindrotin Sulfate 3 times a day- try it for 3 months and see if you notice a difference 40-80 mg Hyaluronic Acid (HA) – “Hyal-Joint†A daily dose of B complex (50 mg) will restore spent energy 5 grams of the sugar D-ribose twice daily will stimulate the production of ATP, the fuel that powers your body’s tissues and muscles. People who suffer from excessive joint and muscle pain and fibromyalgia (widespread muscle pain) often have low levels of ribose. NUTRITION Often, dehydration causes joint pain, which progresses to stiff pain. Make sure you’re drinking enough water! Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Chia Seeds, Walnuts, Flaxseeds – these are naturally anti-inflammatory Green Tea - 4 cups of green tea daily with a squirt of lemon juice. Green tea can help reduce joint pain greatly. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Some studies suggest it works to ease the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also help with other inflammatory conditions, such as tendinitis. Try to consume a soupspoon of turmeric every day, with a pinch of black pepper and olive oil. You can use it in all your cooking. Eat 1 cup a day of red or purple fruits, such as berries, cherries, pomegranates, red grapes – or drink 1 cup of juice without added sugar – these food-based antioxidants help ease inflammation and joint disease like arthritis Eat cherries as often as possible. Consuming 20 a day (about 2000 mg of cherry fruit extract) has been proven to provide more pain relief than aspirin and other painkillers. Cherries—when tart—and their juice are rich in melatonin, the antioxidant hormone that regulates circadian rhythms and helps promote sound sleep—without which we’re more likely to pack on pounds and develop diabetes and heart disease. Anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic, and radioprotective, tart cherries and their juice contain more melatonin than is found in human blood, finds Russel Reiter, PhD, at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Eat them fresh or dried, and mix a bit of tart cherry juice with water, particularly when you’re working out—to lessen joint inflammation from exercise. Sesame Seeds provide plenty of copper, a nutrient essential for joint health – just don’t overdo copper