Sweet & Savory Rocky Ford Cantaloupe Salsa

August 31, 2012 By Sheila Watson Kraklow Leave a Comment

Serving Suggestion

This summer has been one where I come across an abundance of summer fresh fruits at the local farmers market. I bought too much and had to find ways to use it up, that is how this recipe came to me.

After eating several tender and delicious slices of the (Colorado favorite) Rocky Ford Cantaloupe I bought from a local farmer, I had a lot left over. It is just too good to simply toss into the garbage, so I made a summer salsa out of it.

Salsas do not have to be savory and steaming hot, they do not have to be hot enough to scorch your chili-seared palate. They can be mildly hot; made with the pleasantly warm Anaheim chilis, fresh Vidalia onions, pungent but mild garlic cloves; even elephant garlic will do for this recipe, and some legendary Rocky Ford cantaloupe.

The process for making this tantalizing salsa is uncomplicated but the result of your efforts will be a complex, mouth-tingling, sweet/hot triumph.

Ingredients:

2 cups diced Rocky Ford cantaloupe

2 cups fresh Roma tomatoes, diced

2 medium sized Vidalia onions, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2-3 Anaheim chili peppers, diced

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. hot sauce

1 tbsp. chili flavored olive oil

1 tbsp. fresh lime juice

Directions:

Wash the melon with an apple cider vinegar and water solution (2 cups water to ½ cup vinegar) rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Slice the melon into wedges, cut off the rinds. then cut the wedges into a small dice, add to a medium sized bowl.
Cut the tomatoes into a small dice; add to the bowl with the cantaloupe.
Peel and dice the onion, mince the garlic, and add to the bowl.
Cut the stem ends off the Anaheim’s peppers, cut each pepper in half-length wise, and then cut into strips. Cut the strips into a small dice, add to the salsa bowl.
Add salt, sugar, and hot sauce, olive oil, and lime juice. Stir the ingredients well.
Cover the bowl with cling wrap and stow in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

For my meal using this delicious Cantaloupe Salsa I offered it as a cool summer bonus slathered over a poached chicken breast. I served it with some Microwave-Roasted Red potatoes.

I know you have used a summer fruit in an unusual way – leave us a comment below and tell us just how you did it. Did you make your own salsa, or a unique and adventurous fruit jam or preserve? Please share the recipe here.

Nutritional Information:

Per ½ cup serving

Calories: 50

Carbohydrates: 21

Fats: 3g

Sugars: 13g

Salt/Sodium: 15mg

Fiber: 1g

Pet Dyeing Hits the States – Would You do This to Your Pet?

August 30, 2012 By Denise McGrail 178 Comments

Photo Courtesy of thatcutesite.com

“I wanted Mixie to be different,” Madision Caller of Dayton, Ohio explained when she spoke about her recent request for her dog’s pet spa to change Mixie from a furry, loveable labradoodle into a sweet, non-threatening tiger. Not biologically, of course. Madison simply wanted Mixie to be part of a new trend amongst pet owners who have become bored with the typical pet apparel at their local Petsmart, are looking for something unique and, let’s be honest, a dash of shock.

A black and orange stripped labradoodle. Photo courtesy of forcesofgeek.com

“It isn’t really because I am bored with the clothes they sell at the stores. They are cute and keep Mixie warm, but I wanted to take it to a different level. Nor am I trying to create a controversy. I wanted to be a little playful. I wanted Mixie’s appearance to reflect her personality. She is my little tiger Princess.”

Madison reaches over to smooth Mixie’s recently dyed fur. Two days ago she was a suburban, tan labradoodle. Today she is an orange and white tiger; a true suburban hybrid. Dyeing a pet’s fur may seem extreme to the majority of people, but to those who dye their pets to resemble exotic animals it seems to be a perfectly normal pet grooming option.

Pet Dyeing Has been Popular For Some Time

Pet dying has been practiced in China for years, evolving into an art. Pet owners have even gone as far as seeking out specific breeds, ensuring that their pet will be able to pull-off a dye job, resembling the desired wild animal of their choice (the pet owner’s choice because most dogs are perfectly happy being, well, dogs). For instance, white Chows make excellent Panda bears. Golden retrievers are spectacular tiger specimens while poodles and Bischon terriers, with a little extra blow-dried poof, are easily mistaken for miniature camels and bison.

Is that a Panda? Nope, look again. It is a dyed Chow. Photo courtesy of thatslikewhoa.com

On this side of the globe, the trend is slowly beginning to emerge. Pet owners beware. There are couple things you should know before transforming your canine companion.

Don’t use human hair dye. Human hair dye is toxic and if ingested could harm your pet.

Do use food coloring. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) ascertains that dyeing one’s pet with food coloring is completely safe.

Don’t die cats. Cats groom every inch of themselves and ingestion cannot be avoided. Cats tend to be highly sensitive to numerous “human” things. Hair dye and food coloring are not exceptions. Don’t take a chance with your feline friend.

Do check your local and state laws. While China may embrace this playful approach, the United States is less accepting. Many states have made pet dyeing illegal.

Don’t do it yourself. Find a pet salon with experience in pet dyeing to avoid disastrous results.

So, our question to you is: Have you ever dyed your pet? Would you consider dyeing your pet? Let us know. If you have dyed your pet, post your pictures on our FB page to share with us.

Filed Under: In The News Tagged With: chows, coloring your dog, dog dyeing, exotic pets, pet dyeing

Death by Fashion- 5 worst health Mistakes in the name of Fashion

August 30, 2012 By Mawra Leave a Comment

Well not quite literally, but some of our choices in the name of fashion can end up having serious implications on our health. Here’s taking a look at top 5 fashion mistakes most of us make:

Heel it up!

Heels! There’s something about 5 inch stilettos and pumps that can make any girl fall in love. Yeah, they are gorgeous alright, but studies have revealed that trotting around in high heels can cause long-term damages.

Our body has not been biologically structured to wear heels, ever noticed how when you wear them your feet are not flat but has a ridiculous arch? That is what can lead to persistent feet ache and in the long run- arthritis, hip and back pain, and in some cases even neck and shoulder injury. This is not even taking into account the increased chances of falling prey to accidents while you are wearing heels.

Skin Hugging Clothes

Everyone loves skinny jeans, they make us look oh so..skinny? Even though not many of us are ready to confess it out aloud, wearing skinny jeans does make us a bit uncomfortable. There’s this strange feeling in your thighs and calves and it is not just skin irritation.

Skin hugging clothes hinder your body’s ability to breathe and if you wear them for a prolonged period of time, chances are that your skin looks a bit bruised at places. Super tight clothes, can both cut out the supply of oxygen and cause skin irritation, which could lead to numerous skin diseases. Also, a lot of women sleep with their bra on and some are even under-wired, this could lead to skin cancer as the bra affects the flow of blood in the body, which in turn causes cysts and lumps that can become cancerous.

Tie the Tie

This one is especially for the men. Recently, ties has come back in vogue as you can even team them up with casuals. However, remember that wearing a very tight tie can of course kill you (duh!) but when you shove the knot up right up your larynx, it cuts out the supply of blood to the brain and could also cause serious neck and shoulder injuries.

Hitting the Sack with Makeup On

There’s nothing more inviting than your bed after a hard day’s work and this is why a lot of women just go right off to sleep with their makeup on. Stale makeup clogs up pores and cause infection triggering breakouts, acne and skin rash. It also robs your skin of the chance to repair itself at night and which will make you look much older.

A heavy Shoulder Bag

Admit it; all of us carry the world inside our handbags. From spare clothes, makeup, snacks, energy drinks, wallets and just about everything else, we might have everything at our disposition but carrying a heavy shoulder or hand bag can cause serious damages.
Your handbag should, at best weigh up to 10% of your entire body weight. So, if you weigh 130 pounds, carry a bag that does not weigh more than 13 pounds.

Filed Under: Style/Beauty Tagged With: dressing healthy, fashion mistakes, healthy wardrobes

The Gazette Is Giving away A $50 Visa Gift card!

August 28, 2012 By admin

Come one, Come all!

The General Gazette For Women is giving away a $50 Visa gift card!

We just wanted to say thanks to all of you who have made our site such a success with your comments and interactions in our blog. And also thanks to you for sharing our articles on Pinterest, Twitter and of course Facebook! Our #1 goal has always been to deliver smart, thought provoking content. We have pushed boundaries and will continue to push them.

We want to help and inform women of all ages, races, sexual orientations and incomes uncensored advice, tips and random thoughts related to women’s health, fitness, relationships and the plethora of other topics that make up the scope of women’s daily lives.

Thanks again and Good luck!!

Filed Under: In The News

Gift Shopping For Teenagers- Mission Possible!

August 28, 2012 By Gayathri K. 27 Comments

Teenagers are perhaps the most unique human breed in the world- complicated and confused! By the time you begin to understand your 14 year old, she turns 15.. and you need a whole new book of strategies! They are at that crazy point when they are trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do with life. It’s definitely a befuddling period for them, but what’s even more baffling is trying to shop for a teenager! Here’s a common mantra for moms – If u like it, your teen probably won’t.

How Do I Get It Right?

Whether you’re shopping for a gift or just buying basic stuff, it’s pretty difficult to correctly guess what your kid will want. With teenagers it’s very hard to bridge the gap between what’s apt and what’s appropriate. Remember, what was stylish when you were 19 is so far out you can’t even see it on the horizon! Don’t worry my fellow mommies, being cool is complex, but not impossible!

The best way to get them, is to ask. When you take the time to really listen, you’ll be surprised at how much they unknowingly reveal about themselves. Are they into sports or books, or do they have a particular passion like dance or theater? Music is generally a shoo-in with teens and if you buy them stuff related to their favorite band, like a t shirt or a CD , you can’t go wrong. Go one step further and look up the band’s official website, so you can purchase a fan club membership or concert tickets. If you’re really not sure what they like, go for music accessories like stereo headphones, an ipod shuffle or something like a personalized CD book. Other easy ideas in this line are gifts related to their favorite star or movie, video games or sleek new laptop supplements!

Keeping it safe

Shopping for teen clothes may seem harder than climbing a mountain- one wrong choice and it’s all downhill from there! This is where you stay safe- a denim mini, black tights, cream capris etc. Let them top it off with whatever they want to wear, so it’s not a ‘my-mummy-bought-me’ outfit! I would say, the best thing you can do is getting a gift certificate from a quality store. That way you are giving them a free rein in clothing choices, plus you know the money is actually getting spent on their wardrobe!

On many occasions mothers-of-teens feel insignificant and pushed to the background! You can’t impress your kid by bordering on ordinary. Though it seems like a bold choice to decorate their room, your teenager will be mighty thrilled if you actually keep their preferences in mind. They would also love to get something they can use personally, like a funky electric toothbrush, a stylish manicure kit or even a super comfy Lazy-Boy recliner to lounge on!

Remember yourself, Mom

A friend of mine once said “It’s difficult to decide if ‘growing pains’ are something teenagers have- or are”! But remember- it was once you, and then you grew… Hey cool mommas, you have style and personality too, so be confident in your shopping and they will one day admire you for it!

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: gift ideas for your teen, shopping for your teen

Walnuts are the Alpha Way to Heart Happiness

August 28, 2012 By Vicky Elliott Leave a Comment

Imagine you are in an orchard of walnut trees. August begins walnut harvest time. Birds are chirping. You feel the strength and endurance from the trees. No wonder, walnuts are a power food. Life is good. My heart is happy. So, what mood is your heart in?

First, know your lipid levels. Remember, you gave blood at the lab. Did your medical professional state your cholesterol was high? If blood fat is high then one is more prone to heart disease, a modern weakness among women.

If your lipid profile is undesirable then try a diet shift. Shift to consuming more omega 3 fatty acids like alpha linolenic acid. Alpha linolenic acid or (ALA) is an unsaturated fat found mainly in fish. However, walnuts are rich in ALA. A diet shift should be a no brainer. This nutritionist will show you the alpha way of walnuts, that is:

the evidence
the nutrient breakdown
the concept of satiety

The Evidence

Alpha-linolenic acid or (ALA) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid. Essential meaning we must consume. Walnuts contain the most ALA over other nuts. ALA is a smart choice of fat for your heart. Walnuts also contain marvelous plant protein.

While this good mood continues, let me point out there is a scientific correlation between walnut consumption and lipid lowering. Specific alpha style fat type drives this evidence. Your proposed need for ALA is 2 grams daily. A one-ounce serving of walnuts provides 2.5 grams of ALA!

The Nutrient Breakdown

One ounce or 14 walnuts halves contain 190 calories. More specifically:

Alpha Fat Type 2.5 grams Total fat: 18 grams
Protein 4 grams
Fiber 2 grams
Magnesium 45 milligrams
Phosphorus 98 grams

For the calories, walnuts pack a nutrient punch. Walnuts are nutrient dense. Walnuts are a power food. Yes, the fat grams are on the high side; but the protein and fiber are combined for a magical synergy. Along with trace minerals like:

Magnesium helps us to keep our nerves and heart rhyme
steady and happy. Shoot for 320 mg daily.

Phosphorus provides us with good teeth and bones.
It couples with other minerals to keep our heart beat regular.

Walnuts are unique with protein and fiber. Protein and fiber can drive satiety.

The concept of satiety

Satiety is a fancy word for feeling satisfied. Within the food world, satiety is felling full. For example, a handful of walnuts will leave you feeling fuller than a handful of potato chips. Satiety is a co-factor in happy heart and optimal health.

You want to visit more orchards, right? Begin slowly, once a week, to replace a partial amount of your animal protein with walnuts. If already vegan then continue on my friend. Walnuts can be incorporated into many dishes. Shift the alpha way! Be well. Dr. V. Elliott, RD.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: best nutritional nuts, heart health and nuts, popular nuts for health

Circumcision Beneficial for Women, Too?

August 27, 2012 By Denise McGrail 2 Comments

It’s Monday which means I have already made two fatal flaws that are affecting the start of a potentially glorious week. One, I ate spicy food last night. No, I do not care to elaborate. Two, I watched the news this morning while eating breakfast. Always a bad idea because the news usually makes me want to vomit or, otherwise, puts me in a bad mood. No exceptions this morning.

Of course, while I was eating my cereal a health segment aired. Thankfully, gruesome pictures did not accompany this segment. Just cute, newborn baby boys. The topic? The American Academy of Pediatrics, following another study, announced that the benefits of male circumcision outweigh any risks. Oh, and here is even better news! Circumcision has benefits for women, too.

Let’s get some things out of the way that I know will damage my credibility on this subject. First, obviously, I am not a guy. Two, I do not have sons so I can’t even speak on parental authority (only daughters for me). But as a woman, I can speak to the fact that I am so thrilled something that a man does with his body has benefits for me.

Okay, so let me stop my Monday rant and present some facts. Men who are circumcised have a lower risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases such as the HPV virus which is known to cause cervical cancer in women. The reason for the lower risk is that certain pathogens that cause viruses have less of a chance of getting trapped in the foreskin of uncircumcised penises.

What’s my problem, you ask? I suppose I just get a bad taste in my mouth at the unintended suggestion that my fate relies solely on a man’s penis. It is as if I have no control over my situation. That is not true. The HPV vaccine is widely offered to women between the ages of 13 and 26 as a form of cervical cancer protection. Condoms exist to help prevent sexually transmitted disease. It is not as if Western women are without choices. Unlike women in Uganda where circumcision, as of this writing, is not a widespread practice (85% of Ugandan men are uncircumcised) and where condoms, safe sex education and overall medical care is not readily available to women.

The caveat of the AAP announcement that circumcision has benefits for women is that it has the potential to make women feel that they have less control over their sexual health.Whether a man is circumcised or not will not affect a woman’s potential for cervical cancer or STD’s. Why? Because we have choices. We have options to protect ourselves while being sexually active. It’s called condoms and common sense, people!

Filed Under: In The News Tagged With: benefits of circumcision, safe sex education, sexually transmitted diseases

Get Drenched In Delight With The Perfect Rain Gear

August 26, 2012 By Gayathri K. 3 Comments

When life gives you a rainy day, play in the puddles…

Some people feel the rain… Others just get wet! I fall in the former category with a crazy passion for the pouring rain. There’s nothing as exhilarating as dancing in nature’s shower or even just standing outside, with my mouth open wide, singing “Ha-ha-ha-ha”! Oh but there are definitely those days when I curse the skies above for sloshing my Reebok loafers or turning my freshly permed locks into a dripping mess of tangles and tears! But ladies, those are the days we are caught unawares. The secret to the savoring the monsoon lies in being prepared with the right rain-gear.

Step one in shopping for rain-wear is knowing why, when and where will you need it. If you intend to backpack across Europe, you’ll need something lightweight, water-resistant and breathable to support your constant activity. If you’re camping in Antarctica, both your raincoat and your nerves must be tough, thick and hopefully bright orange, so people can spot you among all that snow! If you’re shopping for standard rain gear to survive a wet day in the suburbs, here are few worthy tips:

Functionality:

A fabric is made waterproof with a special coating that does not allow water droplets to get to your skin. But at the same time, a well made raincoat must be breathable- it should let water vapor escape, meaning it should keep you dry as well as airy so you don’t get sweaty and sticky on the inside. Another thing to look for is how multifaceted it is. We ladies never leave home without a handbag so make sure you have enough space to wear it on the inside leaving your arms free. Also make sure you have a tightening cord around the face keeping your ears and hair wind free!

Durability:

Mostly made in nylon or polyester, they have varying weights ranging from wispy to laden. The bulkier it is, the better the lifetime, but so much more burdensome. Dirt, grime and body oils contaminate the surface lowering its efficacy over time. Thus maintaining rain gear well is just as important for its endurance as its construction.

Comfort:

A prime factor in purchasing a parka is giving your skin space to breathe, while not allowing cold wet winds to get inside. Sounds tricky right, but well made coats will actually leave you feeling dry and dandy in the rain.

Stylish:

Oh come on girls, you know everything we wear must be fashionable! This is where you use your creativity. Go for bright patterns and matching boots and find yourself gorgeous and glowing in the gloomy weather! But even if it’s terribly cute and multi-layered, first make sure it lives up to its name and keeps the rain out!

Cost:

High-end rain-wear features advanced fabrics, exceptional tailoring and meticulous detailing right down to protective covering over zipper heads. More economical rain-wear is cut looser and often uses waterproof coating (instead of laminates). After all a raincoat is but an external accessory, so just make sure it’s light, easy to pack and budget-friendly.

Everybody wants happiness, nobody wants pain… but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain!!

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: choosing rain gear, fashion rain coats, popular rain coat styles, shopping tips for raincoats

Zany Green Zucchini

August 26, 2012 By Vicky Elliott Leave a Comment

Late summer brims with bushels of zucchini. Zucchini is a mild tasting summer squash with a thin green skin. Both taste and skin attribute to versatile preparation. One can dice, slice, grate, or strip it, prior to cooking. Steam, stew, grill or chill is in the lineup of cooking options. Green means power nutrients.

Today’s question is: “Are you thin skinned like zucchini?”

Thin skinned meaning over sensitive, quick to take offense, or perhaps judge hastily. While you deliberate, consent to a look at some science behind vegetables and longevity. The ending will spotlight zucchini.

The Science Breakdown

Mixed evidence exists from two large longitudinal studies about the role of diet and breast cancer in menopausal women. These studies were called Women’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) and Study and Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS).

Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS)

Intervened with low low fat intake to 15% of energy
Breakdown: Showed weight loss, and yet, a not-quite-significant improved prognosis.

Women’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL)

Intervened with a specific daily diet and exercise as follows

5 vegetable servings
16 oz of vegetable juice
3 fruit servings
30g of fiber
20% of energy from fat
Walking briskly 30 minutes daily

Breakdown: Found an interaction between 5 vegetables and fruits daily and 30 minutes of brisk walking. This interaction linked to a 50% reduction in the risk of dying from breast cancer.

So did you decide?

Thin skinned people might take the above mixed evidence about diet and think out loud: “See. It does not matter if you cut back on fat OR eat more vegetables.” These are definitely the thin skins.

Close examination reveals that WHEL replaced fat calories and total calories with a finite number of fruits and vegetables. The women ate more vegetables; kept fat to 20% of energy; and walked. Know what? The zany piece might be the daily drinks of vegetable juice!

Zone in on Zucchini

Like most true vegetables, low calories exist naturally. One cup of the sliced stuff has 20 calories, over 1/3 of vitamin C need, and contributes to both your iron and calcium stores.

Vitamin C is the princess antioxidant power.
If you do not eat citrus then check out squashes.
Iron is a blood builder.
Prevent anemia by eating vegetables. Aim for five in 24 hours.
Calcium is a play maker mineral.
If you do not consume dairy then check out vegetables.

Take it from a nutritionist; fortify beverages, sauces or soups with zucchini. Juice it! Drinking is quicker than chewing. Better yet, right now, stew it in your crock for freezing into 1 or 2 cup plastic packets. As the season changes to colder, pop out a burst of vitamin C and minerals; then splash into the sauce pot.

Find this green, abundant, summer vegetable in the spotlight at your local farmers market or favorite produce grocer. Be well. Dr. Vicky Elliott, RD

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: juicing vegetables, power nutrients, vegetable servings, zucchini recipes

Beginner Circuit Training Exercises for a Hot Body

August 25, 2012 By Denise McGrail Leave a Comment

I know that not everyone has time to carve out two hours of their day sweating and grinding just to burn a few hundred calories. Sounds erotic,huh? Well, if working out was a thrilling as a midday tryst everyone would do it. I am not going to spend 400 words telling you the benefits of exercise. You already know them; decreased risk of heart attack, diabetes,cancer, blah, blah, blah. What I am going to tell you is that if you want to rock your skinny jeans, feel in control of your body and live life to the fullest, then you have to get your butt moving. You can achieve this goal by incorporating circuit training into your fitness plans.

Circuit Training Sounds Complicated

Wrong! Circuit training is a method that gives you maximum benefits with minimal time commitment. You do not need a home gym or any fancy equipment. The only equipment you need is your body and a little thing I like to call motivation. Not going to sugar-coat it. If you don’t have motivation nothing will work. You have to want it. If you want it then circuit training can help you achieve a strong, healthy body that you will be proud to show off.

Basic Training

Circuit training is a workout routine that combines cardiovascular activity with resistance training. You can run a marathon every weekend, but without resistance training your weight loss goals and muscle tone will be less than what you would achieve by adding 2 – 3 sessions of resistance training into your weekly workout plan.

The components of a basic, beginner circuit training program include incorporating a variety of resistance exercises that target specific muscle groups with no more than a 30 – 60 second rest intervals before moving on to the next exercise.The sequence that I am going to share with you today should allow f r no more than 30 seconds of rest between each exercise. When you complete these 6 exercises, rest no more than 60 – 90 seconds before repeating the entire sequence. This sequence is repeated 3x. You will notice that these exercises use no equipment. Resistance is created entirely with your body.

As your strength increases, adjust the routine. Check out our Pinterest board for advanced circuit training routines to continue to challenge you while creating a hot body!

50 Jumping Jacks

Photo from Women’s Health Magazine

10 Push-Ups

Photo from http://mscthreads.wordpress.com/tag/good-push-up-form/

20 Sit-Ups

Photo from ritahubbard.com

20 Bicycle Crunches

Photo from transformationcenter.com

10 Mountain Climbers

30 Second Plank

(increase to 1 minute on last set)

Photo from cookinglight.com

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: Circuit Training