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Spend time on YOU…by practicing Bikram Yoga
I’ve picked up Bikram Yoga again…it’s definitely different than the yoga some people might think of if you’ve never heard of bikram.
This hot yoga is 90 minutes in a 105°F room and consists of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. I know some people don’t always come prepared so make sure you bring water, a mat, towel, and a washcloth (not everyone brings this). Another important thing is to make sure you hydrate before you go!
The postures (they’re do-able!)I live in the Boston area now (Andover, which is about 15 minutes north of Boston if there’s no traffic). I found Bikram Yoga Merrimack Valley (located in North Andover) because there was a really good Groupon deal (15 classes for $59). I went to my 12th class today and I feel great. I’ve kept a schedule of going every Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Because each class is 90 minutes and the postures are the same, don’t think that it gets repetitive or boring…every class is a challenge and it takes practice to master each posture.
This bikram yoga place is amazing. The teachers are nice and are willing to help you. Teri, the owner, pushes me and not in a bad way at all. I know there were a couple classes where I’ve never heard my name so many times before but it’s only because I wasn’t properly doing the posture. I love this place and the way I feel after every class.
Standing Bow Pulling Pose (one of many postures that I’m still trying to work on)Be prepared to be challenged but know that it is totally worth it. The plus side, no experience is required! For a list of the postures, names, and benefits, click here!
Bikram Yoga Merrimack Valley on Facebook.
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Drive a @Ford Fusion!
Ford Fusion Certified As America’s Most Fuel-Efficient Midsize Sedan
- All-new Ford Fusion is America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan after being certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to deliver 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway, 47 mpg combined in hybrid model
- Ford Fusion Hybrid beats Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg highway, 4 mpg city
- New Fusion offers greatest powertrain range of all midsize sedans with five engines, including two EcoBoost® options and hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants for true power of choice
NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2012 – The all-new Ford Fusion is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in America with an EPA-certified 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined fuel economy rating for its hybrid model.
Fusion Hybrid tops the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg highway and 4 mpg city, and delivers the highest-ever fuel economy numbers in city and highway driving for a midsize sedan.
“The new Fusion is part of our plan to offer vehicles with the very best quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value,” says Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “We are absolutely committed to class-leading fuel efficiency as a reason to buy Ford vehicles, with customers able to choose the fuel-efficient powertrain that best fits their lifestyle.”
Power of choice: Two EcoBoost engines, one hybrid, one plug-in hybrid
The all-new Fusion brings the widest range of powertrain options to the U.S. midsize segment.Fusion offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants and two fuel-efficient EcoBoost® four-cylinder engines for customers. In addition, Fusion is available with Ford’s patented Auto Start-Stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine at stationary idle to help save customers even more fuel in stop-and-go city driving. Fusion is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations with both six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions.
“Ford is bringing power of choice to midsize sedan buyers,” says Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “More than 2 million customers this year will purchase midsize cars. Our new Fusion delivers the fuel savings people truly want and value, with technologies that cost two to three times the price on some German sedans.”
Fuel economy numbers for the remainder of the Fusion lineup are:
- 1.6-liter EcoBoost: 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined
- 2.0-liter EcoBoost: 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined
- 2.5-liter: 22 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined
- Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Projected 100-plus MPGe (miles-per-gallon equivalent)
The Fusion equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is available with Ford’s patented, fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop system, which smoothly shuts off engine power when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal. This feature, available for just $295, improves fuel efficiency by 3.5 percent and reduces emissions.
Fusion Hybrid features two additional innovations to help deliver industry-best fuel efficiency: Ford’s patented SmartGauge® with EcoGuide that coaches drivers for top fuel efficiency; and ECO Cruise, a greener cruise control functionality that helps optimize powertrain elements for convenient yet economical highway travel.
Fusion Hybrid achieves a top speed of 62 mph in electric or EV mode and also has Active Grille Shutters, which make the car more aerodynamic at highway speeds to improve fuel efficiency. An underbody with aerodynamically designed panels provides even better fuel efficiency.
World-class craftsmanship, driving dynamics
The full Fusion range delivers visual quality through improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail. To deliver its world-class driving dynamics, Ford engineers equipped Fusion with a specially tuned electric power-assisted steering system, MacPherson strut front suspension and all-new multilink rear suspension that is comparable to the setups found in more expensive Audis and BMWs.“Fusion is a driver’s car,” said Raj Nair, group vice president of Product Development. “We have carefully tuned this car to reward the driving expert and flatter the novice.”
Ford’s quietest midsize sedan ever, Fusion Hybrid models are equipped with Active Noise Cancellation, which uses the audio system to mitigate powertrain noise.
Technology you can use
The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies using sensors, cameras and radar to enable the car to “see” and respond.Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and practically park itself – it can even aid drivers backing out of a parking space in which visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:
- Lane-Keeping System: Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, this system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, Lane-Keeping Aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position
- Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. The system can help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
- Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology identifies a suitable parallel parking space, calculates the trajectory, and steers the car to properly position it within the spot. Drivers operate accelerator and brake pedals
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vehicles
The all-new Fusion also offers the newest version of Ford’s award-winning SYNC® communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.
Fusion is available with the latest version of MyFord Touch®, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.
Both SYNC and MyFord Touch – powered by SYNC – help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Fusion equals growth
The midsize car segment is the fastest-growing segment in America this year. Overall U.S. industry sales are up 15 percent in 2012, while midsize car sales have grown 26 percent.To meet expected demand for the new Fusion, Ford is adding 1,200 hourly jobs and investing $555 million at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.
New Fusion models begin arriving at dealers nationwide this fall.
Press releases, videos, photos and other material related to Ford’s electrified vehicles can be found here.
The story behind the new Fusion
For more on the new Ford Fusion, check out http://FordFusionStory.com, a special mobile site featuring articles, videos and graphics that are easily shareable directly from a smartphone, tablet or computer browser to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and blogs.# # #About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 168,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com. -
My Protection…with Style!
So I’ve decided to try something new.
Something new in the realm of a “sew-in“. For those of you reading who do not know what a sew-in is, it is a weave (full or partial) that is sewn onto a person’s own hair. I know, crazy. Never the less this process was totally necessary for my hair survival. I’m in training and my job requires me to wear my hair pulled back.
Which means that status of “no edges” is right around the corner! YIKES!! I had a friend ride with me to the store where we spent hours picking out the right hair color and brand.
I was so clueless that there were different brands and that they each had something that set them apart. I spent nearly a good $300 for my hair, and to get my hair done and styled! Expensive but for two months I will not be hassling over how to style my hair. Military life is beautiful but for women it is so stressful. So I cut my hair out of that equation.
I went from this, in February 2011:
To this (one year later):
I am living proof that protective styling produces growth and many other benefits.
So of course protective styling is necessary.
Some example styles that can be done to protect your hair:
-Bantu Knots
-Two Strand Twists
-Flat Twists
-Micro Braids
-Senegalese Twists
-Cornrows
-Wigs/Weaves/Tracks/etc
-Up Do’s
The goal of all these amazing styles is to protect the ends of your hair! The ends help retain your growth. Protective also keeps your ever moving hands out of your locks. Its also used for moisture, growth, long styling, dates, get up and go, etc. I think you get the idea. If you have any questions on protective styling and how you can keep your hair looking fresh follow me on Twitter @IamInkWell.
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Book Review: Treatment Alternative for Children
This is a guest post from Edmonton, Canada from my mom and nephew!
‘Treatment Alternative for Children’ written by Lawrence Rosen caught my eye when my grandson was 17 months old. He had a cold lasted for more than 3 weeks at that time. The medical clinic advised us to let him recover with his own immune system and no need to visit the clinic. Seeing the little sweetie suffered from runny nose, phloem and no appetite makes my helpless heart ache. I immediately leaf the pages and found out a lot of valuable information. Some of ‘Guidance to Parents’ is not even known for me, as a grandma. I immediately folded the corners of the concern pages to study in detail.
Being Asian, our culture actually rejects the western medicine which was regarded as chemicals. Most of the time, we visit our own herbal medicine doctor even if the expenses are not covered by government or insurance companies. Surely using herbs to heal takes longer time and yet it is natural. Chemical stuff has quick effect yet we don’t believe it is good for long run health.
However, the drawback of Chinese herbal medicine is that most of the time, we have to cook the exact proportion of herbs. It is time consuming especially in this no-kitchen era. Besides, most of the medicine contains unbearable bitter taste which for sure refused by all the kids.
Alternatives treatment mentioned in this book gave us another natural and healthy channel to recover from illness or discomfort. This is especially true for the kids they don’t even know how to express themselves yet.
The illustration about the dry and wet coughing is similar as what Asian regarding to the yin-yang condition of our bodies. Dehydration can be cured by coconut water rather than lots of artificial glucoses medication. Anger and tantrums’ curing way is sending kids to play more out door. Baking soda can be used for insect bites. If I know this earlier, I will save a lot of money to purchase the expensive creams for mosquito bites. Water should be used for curing fever. All these useful natural medical information bring us nearer to the Garden of Eden. We are blessed and thankful.There are also lots of information for special needs, such as autistic kids, head lice, kidney stone etc. I especially like the Top Ten Treatment Lists and the Alphabetical table at the back of the book. I strongly recommend have this good and helpful reference book on the shelf for the kids until, maybe, teenager!
Get your copy on Amazon here!
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Event LOVE: 9th Annual White #Cashmere Collection
I woke up really excited on Wednesday morning, and couldn’t get myself to the newly renovated Arcadian Court quickly enough to watch the 9th annual White Cashmere Collection. I’m always really excited to see this show, simply because I’m always blown away when I see how ordinary bathroom tissue, is transformed into beautiful fashion pieces. This year my mind was not spared, and was definitely blown. The show began with an awesome acrobatic performance, followed by some words from the host of the event, long-time supporter of the collection and breast cancer survivor, Canada AM’s co-host Beverly Thomson, and then we got to hear the lovely Lolitta Dandoy’s touching story about how she survived breast cancer. Then it was time for the show!
amazing.
What is the White Cashmere Collection? “It’s Canada’s annual celebration of Fashion with Compassion. A fund-and-awareness-raiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s vision of a future without breast cancer. More than 100 Canadian designers have participated to-date!”
Rodney Philpott– “…sultry slit-to-the-hip sheath is crafted from BT “lace” and strewn from shoulder to the hem of its train with white flowers and petals.
Suhaila Niazi– “…delectable layer cake of a gown… complete with a pink ‘fondant’ bodice and tiered skirts ‘frosted’ with elaborate flowers and edged in beaded ‘icing’.”
Adrian Wu- “…great knotted and woven ropes that coil around the torso while its draped skirt balloons to the floor.”
LABEL– “…delicious, dangerously short dance dress… smooth strapless bodice with a frothy skirt created from layer upon layer of pink and white BT”
Lucci Rojas– “…delicate, painstakingly pleated and folded pennants of pink and white BT ‘fabric’ flutter to the knees where a graceful white floor-length skirt takes over.”
Golnaz Ashtiani– “…beautiful floral brocade effect from Cashmere BT ‘fabric’… with dramatic cone-like volumes…for the BT Couture Collection.”
Izzy Camilleri– “…party dress entirely constructed of hundreds of BT blossoms, in white Cashmere Envirocare.”
love!!!
Laura Siegel– “…intriguingly draped and layered dress…textural interest by adding a chunky knit shawl.”
Joel Bissonnette-“…seductive thigh-slit, halter-neck dress features a slim, tiered skirt and a cheeky corseted waist.”
Cara Cheung-“…sharp shoulders, rhinestoned seaming, ready-for-anything short flowered skirt, and cape-like overskirt.”
MY FAVE!!!!
Anomal Couture, Sonia Leclair-“…sensual cut-out gown…crafted from essentially linked lingerie elements.”
David Jack-“…aerodynamically sleek couture… takes flight with aileron-like peplums at the hips and a flowing BT fabric train.”
the train was giving me life!!
the designers 🙂
Jewellery by Karen McFarlane
head piece: MMCrystal by Michelle Merizzi
The cuteness!! (the first ever children’s wear)
lovely
fierceness!
love 🙂
Lolitta Dandoy 🙂
The eats!
le fun times!
The White Cashmere Collection was curated by Canadian fashion designer Farley Chatto, and paid homage to Classic Hollywood Glamour. It was a lovely show, and I’m so happy that I was able to experience another year!
♥Bella♥
FYI: BT stands for bathroom tissue 🙂
ps: You can also view the collection and support the cause by joining Cashmere’s unique Vote Couture for the Cure initiative on Facebook until November 19th. Fans are invited to vote for their favourite design and Cashmere will donate $1 per vote, to the Foundation in the winning designers name. Voters will also be entered in a draw to win one of four $2,500 shopping sprees. GO VOTE NOW!
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Event LOVE: Preview Reception- Walk A Mile In Her Shoes
Last week we attended the preview reception for the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes charity walk at Turf Lounge in support of the campaign to end violence against women. The evening was hosted by CP24’s Steve Anthony, who was wearing heels by the way… in fact I spotted at least six men in heels, even the male serving staff were in heels, now that’s some serious support. We sipped on signature beverages like the blistered stiletto and the sling back which was absolutely delicious, and snacked on appetizers while being given tips and tricks on how to walk in heels, as well as how to look good while rocking heels. There was even a walk off between some of the men in heels, which was hilarious by the way, but oh so touching 🙂
The GM of Turf Lounge (middle) rocking those red stilettos!
les noms…
🙂 🙂 I heart Brittany!
There’s something absolutely satisfying about seeing these men in heels don’t you think?… maybe it’s just me 🙂
Fixing us up some blistered stiletto cocktails!
Getting ready for the stiletto walk-off!
Fries never tasted soooo good!
Love!
oh my gawd! so good!
The slingback… all kinds of delicious!
They weren’t tryna rock the heels lol
He said his momma would kill him for wearing heels, so he had to hide his face! ha!
The lovely Michelle 🙂
Loves me some Anthony!
Fun times were definitely had!
Thank you for inviting me 🙂
♥Bella♥
