Facts On Fitness!!

Ok- now that you have a plan and hopefully have started putting to action, let me give you some good reasons to exercise.  Everybody knows that exercise is good for you, but do you know how good?  Here are some of the benefits of regular exercise:

1. Exercise improves your mood:Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help you calm down. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression.

 

2. Helps combat chronic illness: Regular physical activity can help you prevent, or manage, high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular physical activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries. Regular physical activity can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

 

3. Helps manage your weight: This one's a no-brainer. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn — and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. You don't even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but physical activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.

 

4. Exercise boost your energy levels: Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular physical activity helps your entire cardiovascular system, the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels work more efficiently.  When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.

 

5. Promotes better Sleep: A good night's sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood, and physical activity is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. 

 

6. Exercise can be fun! Physical activity doesn't have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you're moving, it counts!

 

- Tallie Bell

Help Out Our Military Families Over Seas!!

Military Families that are stationed overseas can use coupons up to 6 months after the expiration date!  So, instead of just tossing our expired coupons, let’s help out our military families!

A Few Tips!!

• Cut all of your coupons you will be sending.  It will cut down on shipping costs.  
• They can only use regular Manufacturer coupons.  So don’t send store coupons of any sort.
• Send your coupons out quickly after they expire.  If your coupons are expired longer than 2 months, don’t send them.

It may take a little of your time to do this.  But think of how many people are serving our country!  This is a great way for us to help out and say “Thank You!”

If you are interested in helping out, please give your expired coupons to Megan Taupa'u :)

Ever Wanted To Learn How To Make Your Own Dry Shampoo??

Using powder to "shampoo" your hair is a long standing ritual in the world of beauty. It always amazes me when I hear someone balk at the idea, insisting that a daily wash is better. A daily wash not only strips your hair of it's natural oils, it encourages your hair to break. Hair powder is perfect on the mornings when you skip a wash, ideal for post working out or a quick refresher for your hair and bangs before you go out on the town.

The premise behind hair powder is fairly simple: Your work a small amount of powder through the roots of your hair and the powder will absorb excess oil. Oil that might be matting down your hair or giving you a "stringy" look. If you're trying to prolong a blow-out or simply have fine or limp hair, hair powder is your answer.

This organic recipe is a easy and talc-free. All of the ingredients can be bought at your local food co-op in the bulk bin section located in the bath and body department

http://www.readymade.com/projects/organic_hair_powder

Love Redbook?

If you are a Redbook lover, take advantage of this great deal!!  Two years for only $5!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LXHJF0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=swagg-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B000LXHJF0

Use code: MOMMAGS5 at checkout to get it for $5

You Grow Girl!!

Because of the heat, you will need to make sure that your watering is consistent. You may even have to provide shade on the tenderest of plants. Cut back the azaleas after they bloom for next year's display. Check for potato bugs. They love the heat and will destroy quickly.


Work is love made visible.
Desi

Looking To Save A Little Money?

Head on over to http://www.shoppingsavers.wordpress.com/  

for coupons and great deals! 

Thanks Katrina!!

Temple Rededication this Sunday!!

The Atlanta temple will be rededicated on May 1!  We will not be holding our regular services that day.  The rededication will be broadcast at 9 am and noon at the Warner Robins building, so we can all be a part of it!  Children under 8 will not be able to attend, so please make other plans for them.  Please do not forget your recommend!

Save the date!

Our next Relief Society activity will be held on May 19th at 6:30 pm.  Please leave a comment if you have a daughter who would be interested in babysitting that evening.  More details to come soon!  Hope to see you there!

Did you know.....

The Atlanta temple will be rededicated on May 1?  We will not be holding our regular services that day.  The rededication will be broadcast so we can all be a part of it!

More details to come soon!

From Emily's Kitchen...

Here is a great fool-proof, make-ahead roll recipe for the upcoming Easter weekend.  I make these for most holidays, because I can make the dough the night before. 

Feather-Light Overnight Rolls

Prep Time: 0 hr 0 min | Cook Time: 0 hr 0 min | Servings: 1 serving | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
1 c water
1 c salted butter
¾ c sugar
2 t salt
1 c cold water
4 ½ t yeast
½ c warm water
4 eggs, beaten
7 ½ c flour

Directions:
In a 6 quart pan bring 1 c of water to a boil. Add 1 c butter, sugar, and salt. Remove from heat. Add the 1 c cold water. In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in ½ c warm water. When the first mixture is lukewarm, add yeast mixture and beaten eggs. Stir briefly. Add flour and stir together with a wooden spoon (it will be really sticky dough). Cover pan with lid and refrigerate overnight. When ready to roll out divide dough into thirds. Roll each third out into a large circle about 1/2 “ thick (I use the outside of a large pie plate as a big “cookie cutter” after it is rolled out so that I can get the circle even). Spread dough lightly with butter. Cut dough into 12 wedges (like a pie) and roll up like crescents. Place on 3 large greased baking sheets. Lightly coat the tops of the rolls with melted butter. Cover lightly with oiled plastic wrap. Let rise about 4 hours (if it is warm in the kitchen it could take only 2 ½ or 3 hours). Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes. Makes 36 rolls.

**The roll recipe can easily be cut in half for smaller families, or
those who eat less :)**

Free summer activity ideas

100 FREE things to do with your kids/grandkids this summer.
Geocaching
Local Letterboxes

I know I can't be the only one slightly dreading the "I'm BORED" comments that are coming in a few weeks :) enjoy, maybe we'll see you out there.

From Emily's Kitchen....

This is not a recipe, but it is one of my favorite quotes about cooking.  I read recipe books like they're novels.  I know it is strange, but it's what I do :).  While reading one of my pie cookbooks, I came across this quote.  The author of the book comes from a large matriarchal family in the South.  I got a good laugh out of it and yet I think it is true: 

"Mama used to tell me, 'Young women overlook an essential part of their womanish power when they think their feminine charms are unleashed in the things they buy at the lingerie shop.  A man sees petticoats and brassieres wherever he turns; but a homemade chocolate pie cooling on the kitchen table, well, that isn't something he's gonna see everywhere.'"
Patty Piner, author of Sweetie Pies: An Uncommon Collection of Womanish Observations

Here is another great quote from President Gordon B Hinckley:

"Someone has said that there is no more beautiful picture than that of a good woman cooking a meal for those she loves."  President Gordon B Hinckley, To The Women of the Church

What do YOU want to see?

I could post crafts that interest me until I'm blue in the fingers ;) but what good would that do? I want to find new things to inspire everyone to get their craft on!! So where do YOUR interests lie?

Here are a couple fun crafts that caught my eye tonight.

Printable teacher thank you cards (free)
DIY your own chalk board paint in ANY color
Reversible ribbon headbands
Tissue Paper pom-poms

From February's activity centerpieces. Just alter the size of your tissue paper to make them larger or smaller. We used 6 sheets of 8x8 tissue for the centerpieces. Hobby Lobby has lots of colors to choose from and they are under $2 per pack. You can get 6-8 pompoms per pack, so lots of bang for your buck. Try rounding the edges or cutting them to a point for a different look. Make some HUGE ones and hang them from the ceiling for fun room decor. Here are mine hanging from the light over my kitchen table:

Bloom Where You're Planted!! Tomorrow Night!!

Don't Forget!! 

We are so excited for our next activity, "Bloom Where You're Planted" April 14th at 6:30.  After our spiritual message that evening, you will have the option to participate in one of two activities.  In the first activity, you will be learning a little about gardening, and walking away with a few seeds of your own.  In the second, you will be learning how to make a floral wreath.  You are welcome to do either activity, however, if you choose to make a wreath, you will need to provide your own materials.  Materials needed are listed below:

• Grapevine wreath (any size you choose)
• Greenery (Ivy, or other greenery that drapes)
• Flowers (An easy way to do this is to get "bush flowers"  These are flowers that are already in an bunch)
• Ribbon (This is optional... only if you want a bow)
• If you have any wire cutters, please bring them. 

We are so excited for this activity, and are thrilled that we will be able learn so much from the sisters in our ward!

Did you know....

We have a facebook page!!

We are listed under Perry, Georgia.  Come find us, or leave your email address as a comment and we will come find you!!

Looking To Save A Few Bucks??

Who couldn't use a few extra dollars?  Head on over to http://www.shoppingsavers.wordpress.com/ to see some great deals!!

Welcome To Mostly Sweet With A Few Nuts!!

We are very excited to announce the beginning of the unofficial Perry Ward Relief Society blog!!  We hope that it will become a source of information and entertainment that you can use in your daily lives!  We will strive to provide you with information on a variety of topics, including gardening tips, healthy living suggestions, and upcoming events.  Please enjoy the blog and check it often!

Quick Tip On Nutrition

Next time you have a salad, top it off with cottage cheese instead of dressing.  Not only will you save fat and calories, but because cottage cheese has a lot of protein, it will make your salad more filling!

- Cassie Wood

Facts On Fitness!!

One of the toughest things about getting fit is getting started. With Summer right around the corner, I thought I’d give you a few ideas that might motivate you to workout and get healthy and fit for swim suit season.

The first thing you need to do is eat.  Yes that’s right, I said eat!  Your body will not have the energy it needs to workout if you skip meals, especially breakfast.   So, get yourself up and start out with a healthy breakfast.  Now that your body has the fuel it needs, write yourself up a little plan.  If you don’t know where you are going it is hard to get there, right?   Yes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail!   Your plan can be super simple, just make sure you have one.   You can simply write down the days of the week you want to work out and what workout you plan to do that day.  If you are just starting, start slow.  Set a goal to workout 3 days a week, 30 minutes a day.  Workouts can be anything that increases your heart rate and gets you sweating like walking, biking, lifting weights, swimming, or an in-home workout video.  If you are lucky enough to have a gym membership you have a variety of workout equipment at your fingertips.  We'll talk more about specific workouts in later weeks, but just work on getting a workout plan this week.

- Tallie Bell

The Cleaning Corner!!

Cleaning Tip #1

 I find that one of the most easy and dramatic things that you can do to spiff up your house is to de-clutter.  Get all of the unnecessary things off of the counter.  Those appliances you don't use every day, put them away in a cupboard.  Some knick-knacks and decorations are nice and cute, but too many can cause a room to look messy, plus adding many more objects to have to dust and clean around.  Keep it simple and it will look 20 times neater. :)

- Wendi Winter

No Sew Buntings

Buntings are everywhere these days, and for good reason. They are ADORABLE! What a fun way to add some color to your house for a party or holiday. I'm a big fan of this tutorials quick and easy no sew approach. Just pick up some scrapbook paper from the craft store and a spool of ribbon and you'll be done before you know it. Go check it out: HERE

You Grow Girl!!

Now is the time to be harvesting your onions and putting up. It is also the time to be preparing the ground for your tomatoes. If you started yours from seed, they will be ready to put out in about two weeks. You should have already had lime in. It takes awhile to start to work in your soil. As soon as the azaleas have stopped blooming, it will be time to prune them for next years blooms. Mark your daffodils so you can separate them this fall.
The hummers are back so get your feeders out.


Work is love made visible.
-Desi Ellis

Bloom Where You're Planted!! April 14th, 6:30

We are so excited for our next activity, "Bloom Where You're Planted" April 14th at 6:30.  After our spiritual message that evening, you will have the option to participate in one of two activities.  In the first activity, you will be learning a little about gardening, and walking away with a few seeds of your own.  In the second, you will be learning how to make a floral wreath.  You are welcome to do either activity, however, if you choose to make a wreath, you will need to provide your own materials.  Materials needed are listed below:

• Grapevine wreath (any size you choose)
• Greenery (Ivy, or other greenery that drapes)
• Flowers (An easy way to do this is to get "bush flowers"  These are flowers that are already in an bunch)
• Ribbon (This is optional... only if you want a bow)
• If you have any wire cutters, please bring them. 

We are so excited for this activity, and are thrilled that we will be able learn so much from the sisters in our ward!

From Emily's Kitchen.....

Here is a delicious recipe for glazed Easter ham that our family enjoys every year.  It is important to not skip the first step where you bring the wrapped ham to room temperature in hot water before putting it in the oven.  Because the more time the ham spends in the oven heating up, the more moisture it loses, and it can end up getting dry.

Maple-Orange Glazed Ham
Servings: 10
Ingredients:
1 (7-10 lb) spiral-sliced bone-in, smoked ham, plastic or foil covering intact
1 large plastic oven bag
¾ c maple syrup (not imitation)
½ c orange marmalade
2 T unsalted butter
1 T Dijon mustard
1 t ground black pepper
¼ t ground cinnamon


Directions:
1)  Place covered ham in a stockpot or large container and cover with hot tap water.  Let it stand for 45 minutes and then drain, cover again with hot water, and let stand for 45 minutes longer.
2) Adjust oven rack to the lowest position and heat the oven to 250.  Unwrap the ham, discarding all plastic parts.  Place the ham in the oven bag, gather the top tightly so the bag fits snugly around the ham, tie the bag, and trim the excess plastic.  Transfer the ham to a large roasting pan and cut 4 slits in the top of the bag.
3) Bake the ham for 60-90 minutes (10 minutes per pound of meat).
4) Remove the ham from the oven and increase temperature to 350.  Cut open the oven bag and roll back the sides to expose the ham.  Brush the ham with 1/3 the glaze and return to the oven until the glaze becomes sticky (10 minutes).  Remove the ham, transfer to cutting board, and brush with another 1/3 of the glaze.  Tent the ham loosely with foil and let rest for 15 min.
5) While the ham rests, cook the remaining glaze with 6 T of the ham juices over med-high heat until thickened and saucy.  Serve the sauce separately for dipping. To make the glaze for basting the ham:  Heat maple syrup, orange marmalade, butter, Dijon mustard, pepper, and cinnamon together in a small saucepan over medium heat; stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and syrupy.  Keep it on low heat to avoid thickening while basting.


- Emily Gutke