- Write it down. Commit to your goals on paper.
- Get obligated. Make a commitment with a friend to work out together.
- Make an investment. Join a gym or take a healthy holiday.
- Know your fitness personality. Indoor or outside, a.m. or p.m., alone or with a group. Plan accordingly.
-  Depend on measurements. Throw away the scale, own a pair of tight jeans and never grow out of them.
- Reward yourself. Treat yourself to a non caloric reward, like a massage or facial.
- Set realistic goals with realistic time restrictions.
- Work out wear works. Select attire that you feel comfortable in --form fitting attire or loose sweats.
- Maintenance is progress. Reward yourself for not gaining weight or losing fitness.
- Role models for motivation. Select a realistic role model with a body type similar to yours.
- Create a friendly fitness environment. Keep your athletic shoes near your bed and a spare pair in your car. Make it convenient to use the tools you need.
- Short term goals. Short term goals are easier to achieve and will boost your morale.

(SOURCE: Sheila Cluff, Owner of The Oaks at Ojai and The Palms at Palm Springs.)

(SOURCE: Shopping in Exotic Thailand, Ron & Caryl Krannich)

It is common for menstruation to become irregular or stop temporarily, especially in temperature extremes. This does not require medical attention but may cause stress for sexually active heterosexual women.
(Ed. note: However, it's best to check it out if condition persists)

(SOURCE: Thalia Zepatos, A Journey of One's Own, The Eighth Mountain Press)

Does a day at the amusement park or a weekend at the beach leave you exhausted? How can we truly enjoy our play time again? One strategy we suggest: Think local, think small. Combine a walk in a nearby park with a stop for afternoon tea. Really pay attention to the animals and plants you encounter along the way. Identify them and learn more about them. Also, notice your breath, your body sensations, your thoughts.

(SOURCE: Dr. Annette Naber, holistic specialist, www.eduvacations.com)

Ingredients:

10-ounces of broccoli flowers

1 medium avocado, pit removed, scooped out and chopped

1 lime, juiced

1/8 teaspoon salt

½ cup cilantro, chopped

½ ripe tomato, seeded and diced

½ small yellow onion, finely diced

½ small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced

Parboil the broccoli flowers for 7 minutes and then drain under running cold water. In a food processor bowl fitted with a sharp blade, combine the broccoli flowers and avocado. Pulse very briefly. Add the lime juice and salt and pulse again to blend, keeping as chunky as desired (authenticity requires some chunkiness!).

Add the cilantro, tomato, onion and jalapeño and pulse about 3 times. Again, do not over-process the guacamole.

Variations: Instead of broccoli flowers, you may use 10 ounces of edamame "beans" or asparagus spears (parboiled 3-5 minutes and then drained under running cold water).

Makes 2 cups of low-fat, creamy guacamole.

(SOURCE: Created by the culinary staff at Rancho La Puerta).

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you'll never walk alone.

(SOURCE: Sam Levenson's words read by Audrey Hepburn -- actress and humanitarian to her family on the eve of her last Christmas. Published in Kiehl's newsletter Winter 2001)