10 Signs You've Been At The Beach For Too Long!

There's nothing wrong with being a beach bum. If we could lay out all day, surrounded by sand, sun and surf, we totally would. But is there such a thing as being at the beach for too long?

If you answer yes to most or all of these questions, you may be suffering from a beach overdose.

1. You can't remember the last time you put on a pair of shoes, socks or a shirt.
2. You've got an array of epic tan lines. And you rock them with pride.
3. Wait, what day of the week is it?
4. You (and everything you own) is covered with sand. And it's really not a big deal.
5. Everyone is jealous that you're BFFs with the lifeguard.
6. Your three major food groups include deep-fried anything, ice cream and alcohol.
7. Even your pets prefer to sleep by the sea.
8. You'd live here all year if you could. Who needs a roof?
9. You've got no fear of sharks, jellyfish or riptides. However, rainy days are  your worst nightmare.
10. You've heard rumors about a royal baby and something about a guy named Weiner. But then you fell back asleep. (Adopted From http://www.huffingtonpost.com)

 

Should You Reconsider Retirement?

     Work hard, stay sharp. Delaying retirement may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, says a new French study.
      Researchers analyzed close to half a million health and insurance records of workers who were old enough to retire for an average of 12 years, and found that for every year the workers kept hustling, their risk of dementia dropped by 3 percent.
      No need to chain yourself to your cubicle for life, though. The subjects in the study were self-employed, which usually means less stress and a more pleasant work environment. The takeaway is that engaging your brain can keep you mentally strong well into old age—and working is just one more way to do so.
      It makes sense; your brain needs exercise, just like your body. “I suspect that, on average, those who elect to retire early or at the usual retirement age are less cognitively and physically fit, on average, than those who continue working,” says brain-aging expert Mary Mittelman, Ph.D., of NYU Langone Medical Center.
       Previous research supports that idea: A study in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that continuing to punch the clock post-retirement leads to better physical and mental health than just resting on your 401k, and 2010 research from the University of Chicago shows that people who have something to do—anything to do, even a pointless task—are happier than people who sit idly. (Adopted From http://news.menshealth.com)

 

Recipe Of The Month: Chocolate Fudgy Cake

Do you need a super easy and quick chocolate cake recipe to take to your next pitch-in? Then check out this month’s recipe. You will be glad you did!

Ingredients:

• 1 box family-size brownie mix
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 canister coconut/pecan frosting
• Powder Sugar

Directions:

Mix by hand. Pour into well greased Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool 10-15 min.  Use knife to cut around edges to loosen cake. Flip onto serving platter. Dust with powder sugar when cool.

Enjoy!

 

 

20 Reasons Why A Dog Is One Of The Best Investment You Will Ever Make!

1. Imagine being greeted by joyous enthusiasm, when you come home. EVERY DAY.
2. Imagine never feeling unloved again.
3. Making people happy makes dogs happy. It's like  having your own personal happiness machine.
4. Let's put it this way. You'll never find a cat showing such unabashed zeal for you, will you?
5. A dog, on the other hand, will be there for you when you need him most.
6. They care about your health, so they'll go out of their way to get you up and outside.
7. Even if it means spending all their time walking slowly at your side.
8. They never judge. They just love.
9. And when they say they'll love you forever, they  mean it.
10. You'll never eat alone again.
11. A dog can teach you everything you need to know about how to enjoy life.
12. They bring out the best in us.
13. And their loyalty NEVER expires.
14. They'll always treat you like family.
15. Dogs feel your pain.
16. And they know just how to comfort you.
17. They are all the inspiration you need..
18. And the greatest unconditional support system you'll ever know.
19. They'll throw themselves in harm's way for you.
20. A dog is the friend that will never leave you hanging.(Adopted From http://www.huffingtonpost.com)

 

Ways to Avoid an Injury While Training

If you're looking to build up your own staying power during a workout, you can take advantage of Newby-Fraser's expert advice, too. Check out her tips for avoiding an injury during endurance training: (Paula Newby-Fraser is known as the Queen of Kona—as in, the queen of the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii)

Don't Go For Both Distance and Speed Right Away

Trying to go longer and faster simultaneously is a dangerous combination, says Newby-Fraser. Nix that idea. Instead, focus first on building up your distance. "Step one is slowing down a little bit to make it sustainable," says Newby-Fraser. Once your body adapts to the distance, then you can start stepping up your pace.

Recognize Pain and Respond To It - Everyone knows that feeling of being tired and sore after a particularly long or hard workout. It's important, though, that you recognize the difference between that feeling and actual pain, says Newby-Fraser. Fatigue and   soreness should gradually get better as you go through your workout, she says. But if a muscle starts to tighten up more or hurt more, that's pain—and that's when you need to stop.

"There's no glory in pushing through," says Newby-Fraser. At that point, try spending a couple of days on the elliptical rather than running on the road, or head to the pool instead of getting on the bike. It's tough to swallow sitting out of an activity you love especially if you're on a program for a race—but, as Newby-Fraser puts it, it's better to back off for a few days than to do damage that can keep you from making it to the starting line at all.

Never Skip Warm-Ups - So you want to hit a nine-minute-mile pace or get your heart rate to 145? Great. But you must ease into it. Give your muscles, heart, and body some time to warm up, recommends Newby-Fraser—especially if you're in the middle of endurance training and your muscles are already tired. "If you can finish your workout strong, it's better than having struggled through the whole thing because you pushed it too hard in the beginning," says Newby-Fraser.

Trust Your Body More Than the Program You're On - If you're training for a race by following a program, listen up: Even if your program dictates a certain distance, speed, or heart rate for the day's workout, make sure you're checking in with yourself and confirming that your body can handle it, says Newby-Fraser. "The most difficult part of training for something is looking at the objective outline on a piece of paper and then subjectively trying to execute it," she says. No matter how much you may feel like following the program's instructions to the letter, how your body feels should be the ultimate deciding factor in how closely you stick to it.

Your Training Doesn't End When Your Workout Does

Your nutrition—especially post-workout—will have a huge impact on how you're feeling from one day to the next, says Newby-Fraser. So make sure you consider hydration and nutrition part of your training, too. If you feel awful a couple of hours after a workout or you're totally drained the next day, it could be a sign that you need to up your electrolyte, fluid, and protein intake directly following your workout, says Newby-Fraser. (Adopted From http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/)

Tips for Swimming Lessons

Before your child can join in the fun with family and friends pool side, she may need extra help learning to feel comfortable in the water. Experts recommend that it's important for school-age kids to know how to swim for safety reasons. Plus, the older a kid gets, the harder it can be for her to shake memories of feeling apprehensive at the pool. "Kids this age have the ability to listen and follow directions, so working with a skilled instructor -- or a patient parent -- can really increase a child's confidence in the water," says Lana Whitehead, founder of SwimKids USA, in Phoenix.

Your child can have real fears about buoyancy and breathing, so it's crucial to take a gradual and loving approach. "He   can begin by sitting on the edge of the pool with his feet dangling in," suggests Whitehead. Soon, he'll want to get into the water where he can stand. Next, gradually trickle some water over him, and encourage him to submerge his face. Then it's on to blowing bubbles. "Get in close with him and do big inhales and exhales at the surface of the water," suggests Whitehead. Practice these skills in the bathtub.

Take the Plunge - Inevitably, some kids will cry about going in the water even after weeks of sitting poolside. "It's hard for parents to see their child work through that kind of fear," explains Emmalee Morse, an aquatics supervisor for Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Go ahead and carry your child into shallow water -- even if she's kicking and screaming. Hold her in front of you with your arms around her. Take a toy with you, sing songs, and do anything you can to distract her and help her feel safe, Morse says.

Forget the Floaties - You may have bought your child floaties (also called water wings) for his arms to make him feel more comfortable, but experts advise against them. Not only can they give him a false sense of security, but they discourage proper form because they force his body to be vertical instead of horizontal in the water. If your child is used to floaties, taking them away might be tough. "Let him know that he's only allowed to sit on the pool steps and watch until he learns to swim without them," Whitehead says. Once he knows how to swim on his own, he can use blow-up rings or pool noodles for fun.

Learn the Basics - You can either teach your kid yourself or hire a swim instructor. "In   lessons, kids focus on proper technique, and then Mom and Dad can focus on play," Morse says. If you pay for instruction, make sure there is a lifeguard on duty as well as safety     equipment like a reaching pole and a ring buoy. Look for a swimming teacher who is certified by the Red Cross or another reputable program and is also trained in CPR. If you decide to teach your child yourself, keep the lesson time short. Matt Giovanisci, creator of Learn2Swim.org, reminds parents to make safety the top priority: If your child can't swim  the length of the pool -- called the deep-water test -- you should be within arm's reach of  him at all times. (Adopted from http://www.parents.com/kids) 

Ways You Save Money When You Retire

Here are ten ways we save money in retirement, without adversely affecting our lifestyle:

1. Clothes. You will no longer need expensive business suits, or uniforms that you have to pay for yourself.

2. Commuting costs. We no longer have to buy a commutation ticket for the train, or pay bus fare or parking fees.

3. Lose a car. If you're no longer commuting, maybe you can sell off one of your two or three cars, because you don't really need it anymore.

4. Less insurance. If you get rid of a car, you're not paying insurance on it. Maybe there are also other insurance policies you don't need. (Adopted From money.usnews.com)

5. Move. You're no longer tethered to your place of work. So you may have the option to sell your house and move to a less expensive area.

6. No more kids. You spend a lot less after your kids have finished school and moved out on their own, an event that often coincides with retirement. You won't believe how much you'll save on your grocery bill.

7. Travel. You can always spend boat loads of money if you go first class to all the hot spots. But the beauty of retirement is that you can travel mid-week, air fares are cheaper, or go during the shoulder season, when rates are lower. Your flexibility means you can take  advantage of a website, such as Cyberrentals. And, you can always go visit the kids!

8. Entertainment. Don't be embarrassed to use a senior discount at the movies, a state park or the America the Beautiful senior pass. Many state and local governments also offer discounts to senior homeowners. Take advantage of the flexibility you enjoy by not having to be at the office from 9 to 5 every day. Go out to lunch, instead of dinner. You often get the same food at a much lower cost. Play golf weekday afternoons instead of weekend mornings, at a lower rate. And check out your community offerings, from free lectures at the library to free exercise classes at the senior center.

9. Now you're the boss. You used to pay for the premium cable package, because the kids insisted on it. Maybe you don't need that anymore. Downgrade your cellphone service if you don’t use the minutes. Cancel your membership to the swim club, if you're not using it. Look through your credit card bill. What are you paying for that you no longer use? Now is the time to cancel the charges that are there for your kids, and pare down to activities important to you. (Adopted From ttp://money.usnews.com/money/blogs)

 

Reel Partner Of The Month - Purified Credit

Home Inspection Red Flags!

A typical home inspection includes a check of a house's structural and mechanical condition, from the roof to the foundation, as well as tests for the presence of radon gas and the detection of wood-destroying insects. These are the red flags that should send a buyer back to the negotiating table:

Termites and other live-in pests: The home you've fallen in love with may also be adored by the local termite population. The sooner termites are detected, the better. The same goes for other wood-devouring pests like powder-post beetles. Keep in mind that getting rid of the intruders is just the first step. Once the problem has been addressed, have a pest control expert advise you on what needs to be done in order to prevent their return.

Drainage issues: Poor drainage can lead to wood rot, wet basements, perennially wet crawlspaces and major mold growth. Correcting grading and replacing gutters is  a lot less costly than undoing damage caused by the accumulation of moisture.

Pervasive mold: Where moisture collects, so grows mold, a threat to human health as well as to a home's structure. Improper ventilation can be the culprit in smaller, more contained spaces, such as bathrooms. Faulty foundation: A cracked or crumbling foundation calls for attention and repair, with costs ranging from moderate to astronomically expensive.

Worn-out roofing: Enter any sale agreement with  an awareness of your own cost tolerance for roof  repair versus replacement. The age and type of roofing material will figure into your home inspector's findings, as well as the price tag of repair or replacement.

Toxic materials: Asbestos may be elsewhere in a home's finishes, calling for your consideration of containment and replacement costs. Other expensive finish issues include lead paint and, more recently, Chinese drywall, which found its way into homes built during the boom years of 2004 and 2005. This product's sulfur off-gassing leads to illness as well as damage to home systems, so you'll need to have it completely removed and replaced if it's found in the home that you're hoping to buy.

Outdated wiring: Home inspectors will typically open and inspect the main electrical panel, looking for overloaded circuits, proper grounding and the presence  of any trouble spots like aluminum branch circuit wiring, a serious fire hazard. (Adopted from realestate.aol.com/blog)

 

Reel Free Classifieds

Dogs That Need A Good Home! Johnson County Animal Control Call 317-736-3924

• Cecil (Maltese Mix) He walks well on a leash and likes to be petted. (8yr old) ID#:A20593390
• Hymn (Beagle/Hound Mix) She is gentle, friendly, and is a nice "in-between" size. (1.5 yr old) ID#:A20532814
• Earl (Catahoula Leopard Mix) He appears to be an easygoing mellow guy. He is playful but not rowdy. (1yr old) ID#:A20663897
• Leroy (Jack Russell Mix) He loves to have his belly rubbed and seems to really enjoy people. (2yrs old) ID#: A20553415

Reel Deals

• LAWNMOWER Toro, 6.5HP, 21” cut, self-propelled. $55. (317)513-6496
• DESK solid wood, mahog any, 4 drawer with a lap drawer, $99.00 (317) 358-1079.
• DINING TABLE WITH 4 CHAIRS—Birch, Price $522, Call 317-546-9136 after 4 PM
• THOMASVILLE HUTCH & BUFFET– lighted glass shelf, med. Oak, exc. Condition. $350/Both. Call 317-670-9208.
• JOHN DEERE LAWN TRACTOR–  11 H.P. Briggs, Runs & cuts A-1.$ 558. Call 317-549-3618 or 317-519-9669.
• BED. Rolalway, twin-size, like new, very clean, $99. Call: 317-781-0674
• BICYCLES (2) Matching His & Hers, City Cruisers, good cond. Need tires. $99/both. (317)781-0674

Charity Events

• Sat. Aug. 24, 2013, 9:AM. 5K Run. Walk at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. A 5K neighborhood fall kickoff run/walk sponsored by the National Bank of Indianapolis $15 preregistration. Location: Immaculate Hearts of Mary Catholic Church, 5692 N. Central Ave. Indianapolis. Call 317-523-5750 or go to www. ihmindy.org.
• Sat. Aug.31, 2013 11:AM. Miracle Mile Festival In Indianapolis. Festival, car show, parade, Kids Zone, giveaways, public activities, & more. 11AM to 3PM. Rain or shine. Madison Ave. from Southern to Sumner (car show at Southern Plaza). For More Info call 317-781-4769
• Sat. Aug. 31, 2013, 10:AM. Monument Circle Walking Tour In Downtown Indianapolis. A free guided tour led by volunteers from the Indiana Landmarks Center. Tour departs from the South Bend Chocolate Co. on the Circle. Each Sat. at 10 AM between now and Oct. 26th. Call 317-636-5409 or go to www.indianalandmarks.org for more info.
• Sat, Sept. 7, 2013, 9:AM. 47th Annual Penrod Arts Fair at the Museum of Art. “Indiana’s nicest day,” featuring over 300 artists, six stages of entertainment, more than 50 arts-related non-profit organization, & an extensive children’s area. 9AM to 5PM. See web site www.penrod.org or call 317-923-1331. for more info.

 

When March Madness Invades The Workplace

Bracket busters, last second shots and upsets are on their way. With March Madness in full swing, office pools are a common sight in the office. One-in-five workers (20%) said they have participated in March Madness pools at work, according to CareerBuilder’s annual survey.

Men vs. Women: Men said they are more likely to participate in March Madness in the office than women. Twenty-eight percent of male workers said they have participated in March Madness pools in the office, compared to 11% of females.

By Region: More workers in the Midwest have played March Madness brackets than any other region. More than one-quarter (27%) of workers in the Midwest said they have bet on a March Madness pool at work, compared to 20% in the Northeast, 17% in the South, and 16% in the West.

March Madness isn’t the only reason workers are signing up for office pools.

Workers also reported the most unusual office pools they’ve placed bets on:

• How long someone could keep binder clips attached to his body.
• What time during the day a co-worker would fall asleep at her desk.
• The number of words a manger would say in a meeting since he was very quiet. The winner was a co-worker who guessed 11 words.
• What a co-worker would use as his next excuse to call off work.
• How many people would call in sick the day a new video game came out.
• How late a co-worker was going to be to a meeting.
• Who would be the next pope.
• Who would win the National Spelling Bee.
• How long two co-workers would date.
• Who could grow the best mustache. (Adopted from http://www.todaysfacilitymanager.com)