Monthly Archives: January 2011

The Machine

The BAD Economy Buster” Bling Bike Hunt

Sent to us from VT race girl, Valerie Thompson here is your chance to land the keys to a Sucker Punch Sally’s Sled!
Valerie tells us the Purpose of “The BAD Economy” Bling Bike Hunt is multifold.  First, to take responsibility for improving things ourselves and not rely solely on the government; second, to dramatically increase foot traffic over the holidays and into the New Year for participating merchants, and three to have some great fun doing it.
The BAD Economy Buster” Bling Bike Hunt goes like this:
◦The keys to a custom motorcycle built by none other than World Renowned Sucker Punch Sally’s of Scottsdale, Arizona will be hidden no later than February 1, 2011- somewhere in the Great State of Arizona.  The value of the motorcycle will be approximately $35K+
Weekly clues as to its whereabouts will be distributed through participating merchant stores.
Clues (via website access ID’s) will be distributed each week for 9 weeks beginning February 1, 2011. A new clue will be posted weekly on the ‘bikerhunt.com’ website for 9 weeks.
Be sure to check out the website www.bikerhunt.com for all the info on how you could end up winning the set of keys to the SPS bike!
The Body

The Key to fitness Success; Setting Realistic Fitness Goals

With the new year upon us seems all the gyms are busier than ever, must be all those new years resolutions coming out of the woodwork, and seems come every march the crowds get smaller and smaller. While it’s nice to have the equipment open up it’s also sad to see many people not sticking to their goals. Diane Heinauer the spin instructor we introduced you to last year brought up some excellent points about reaching the fitness goals you set for yourself.
First, plan out exactly what you want to achieve. “Losing weight” is not a specific goal and gives you nothing to work towards. Instead of “losing weight” how about lose 15 pounds. You now have an attainable goal that you can reach and accomplish. Once you reach that goal and decide you want to lose more, set another 15 pound goal and so on.
Second, create realistic goals. If you set your goals too high and it’s impossible to reach you are just setting yourself up for failure and disappointment. Repeatedly failing to stick to your goals means that either your goal is out of reach or that you haven’t quite figured out what to do do to reach it. It helps to have a clear idea of what you want and the basics for what’s involve in getting it.
The Simple Truth To lose a pound, you have to burn approximately 3500 calories. If you burn a total of 500 calories with exercise AND diet each day, you’ll lose a pound in about 7 days. 
If you’re eating more calories than you’re burning, you need to either workout more, eat less or a combination of the two.
Example: If my BMR is 1500 calories and I burn 500 calories while exercising, I need 2000 calories to maintain my current weight. To lose a pound a week, I’ll need to eat about 1500 calories a day and burn 500 calories a day with cardio and weight training.
•Eating a balanced diet means getting all the nutrients you need so that you feel good all day and you have enough fuel for your workouts.
•Keeping track of what you eat will help you avoid mindless snacking and eating when you’re not really hungry
•Stay hydrated. Thirst sometimes presents itself as hunger pains.
•A complete workout includes strength training, cardiovascular exercise and flexibility exercises.
•If you’re hungry throughout the day, you’re either not eating enough or your meals aren’t satisfying you. A combination of carbs, protein and fat will help you feel full for a longer period of time.  Remember having reachable goals will set you on a path to success, which will only inspire you to do more and be the best you can!
The Machine

Fuel-Efficient Auto Shopping?

If you find yourself in the market for a vechile with better fuel mileage this year be sure to read this for some great info available to you.
It’s never been easier to put a fuel-efficient auto on your shopping list.  New government data released recently shows that automakers are offering more models that run on alternative fuels and use less gasoline.
“The good news for consumers is that competition among automakers is driving progress.  Auto manufacturers are racing each other to bring fuel-efficient autos to market,” said Dave McCurdy, President & CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.  “When it comes to determining the success of energy-efficient technologies, consumers are in the driver’s seat.  As automakers, our job is to develop and introduce vehicles that run on alternative fuels or deploy energy saving technologies.”
In the federal government’s new 2011 Fuel Economy Guide, (available at  www.fueleconomy.gov ) more than 160 models are listed that achieve high mileage, in excess of 30 mpg (highway).  This guide offers special online search functions for “advanced technology” vehicles that run on alternative fuels, including biofuels, compressed natural gas, clean diesel and electricity.
In addition to new types of powertrains that operate on alternative fuels, automakers are manufacturing gasoline engines with a range of fuel-sipping technologies such as start/stop systems, cylinder deactivation and 6-speed automatic transmissions.  However, the government guide does not list all these technologies, so consumers should ask their dealer about options when seeking a new vehicle.
The number of high-mileage vehicles on sale will continue to grow in coming months as automakers introduce new 2011 models.  As many as a dozen new conventional hybrids will be available to consumers, and several types of electric vehicles will enter the marketplace later in the year.
The Body

ginger beef lettuce wraps

Here is a great fresh lighter recipe after all the Holiday indulgence .
ingredients
•1  lb.  beef flank steak or boneless beef top round steak
•1  medium  yellow or green sweet pepper, seeded, cut in bite-size strips
•1  small  zucchini, trimmed and cut in thin bite-size strips
•1/2  medium  red onion, cut in thin wedges
•1/3  cup  ginger beer or ginger ale
•3  Tbsp.  reduced-sodium soy sauce
•2  cloves  garlic, minced
•1/2  tsp.  cornstarch
• 1/2  tsp.  canola oil
•2  Tbsp.  finely chopped fresh ginger
•12    Bibb or leaf lettuce leaves (about 2 heads)
•1/4  cup  fresh cilantro leaves
directions
1. Trim fat from beef. For easy slicing, wrap and freeze beef 30 to 45 minutes or until firm. Thinly slice beef across grain; place slices in self-sealing plastic bag. In a second self-sealing bag combine sweet pepper, zucchini, and onion.
2. For marinade, in bowl combine ginger beer, soy sauce, and garlic. Divide marinade between beef and vegetables. Seal bags; turn to coat each. Refrigerate 4 to 6 hours, turning bags occasionally. Drain marinades into bowl. Stir in cornstarch; set aside.
3. Heat oil in large nonstick wok or extra-large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger; stir-fry 15 seconds. Add vegetables; stir-fry 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove vegetables. Add half the beef to wok. Stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes or until beef is slightly pink in center. Remove beef. Repeat with remaining beef. Return all to wok, away from center. Stir marinade mixture; add to center of wok. Cook until bubbly. Toss beef and vegetables to coat. Remove from heat.
4. To serve, divide beef and vegetables among lettuce leaves, top with cilantro, and roll up. Makes 12 wraps (4 servings).
nutrition facts
•Servings Per Recipe 12 wraps (4 servings) Calories258, Total Fat (g)11, Saturated Fat (g)4, Monounsaturated Fat (g)5, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)1, Cholesterol (mg)46, Sodium (mg)517, Carbohydrate (g)12, Total Sugar (g)5, Fiber (g)2, Protein (g)27, Vitamin C (DV%)168, Calcium (DV%)6, Iron (DV%)21, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet