#36 HOT OVER 40! HOT HEADED BABE 10/31/12

OH, NO YOU DI'NT!

OK SO ITS HALLOWEEN, A TIME FOR TRANSFORMATIONS AND WEARING COSTUMES CHOSEN TO REFLECT ONE'S ALTER EGO'S, SELF IMAGE, INTERESTS OR JUST PLAIN WISHFUL THINKING...
A GOOD TIME TO THROW SOME EGGS AROUND TOO.
SNARKS 'n SNOOTERS BE- AWARE!

I UNDERSTAND THAT THOSE WHO FEEL THE NEED TO FEEL SUPERIOR ARE REALLY JUST MASKING THEIR DEEP INSECURITIES....  

USUALLY I CAN OVER LOOK SUCH BLATANT  IMMATURITY.
(can we get past highschool? really!)
HOWEVER AT TIMES, AS DAD ADVISED, YOU HAVE TO TAKE A STAND.
Bad behavior is bad behavior-this ain't the stage its real life.
(I am a Bronx gal - we don't take crap from anybody)

The snide aside can be overheard.
HAHAHA, QVC, HOHOHO, BRAZIL WHAT LIFT? TEEHEEHEE.   HMMMMM........
YOU WANT TO LAUGH? DISPARAGE? MOCK?
I GAINED WEIGHT BECAUSE I HAD CANCER AND HAD A HYSTERECTOMY SO WITHOUT OVARIES - I BALLOONED 40 lbs.IN 2 MONTHS! That's how my body reacted to zero hormones.

I don't need sympathy just maturity. Jeez, get a life will ya!

IT TOOK ME 7 YEARS TO DISCOVER HOW TO LOSE THE FINAL 25 lbs. AFTER ONLY BEING ABLE TO LOSE 15 ON MY OWN.
THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A SECOND. 7 YEARS
I wasn't a potato chip munching coucher either. I was really trying.
NOT 2 OR 4 MONTHS
BUT 2,555 DAYS OF HAVING TO GET DRESSED, DISLIKING THE IMAGE THAT WAS REFLECTED BACK AT ME. (perhaps, privately you can relate?)
It affected my work opportunities and my interactions with people.
 
I WAS EXERCISING AND EATING HEALTHILY SO I THOUGHT I WAS DOING ALL THE RIGHT STUFF. I WASN'T.
BECAUSE MY ENTIRE CONSTITUTION  HAD CHANGED.
I HAD TO LEARN HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF IN A DIFFERENT WAY.  A MUCH MORE INTENSE, VIGOROUS, DISCIPLINED WAY LIKE NEVER BEFORE. 
I NOW REALIZED I COULD TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED.
Not one "ok a forkful", not one " I want to sleep in today," not one " I am just too, too busy."  Now none of that was - or still is - allowed.

BRAZIL BUTTLIFT CAME INTO MY LIFE AND VIA DILIGENCE,  AND LEARNING WHAT I NOW NEEDED TO DO, (WITHOUT THOSE HORMONES taken waaaaaaay before my time),
PLUS ALOT OF COMPASSION FROM LEANDRO (& Lara - she's low profile but pivotal too) 
I DID IT. I GOT BACK TO BELONGING TO MYSELF.

It was, and will always be, alot of hardwork however, I am so glad I found that avenue; so I don't appreciate anyone trying to make less of it. It takes commitment and discipline on a daily basis.  How many individuals can attest to that?
 
So, yes, the name might sound funny. Heck it is!  Saturday Night Live could have a blast with it...... I hope they do one day. I could be the butt of the joke. With pleasure!
Oh, and let me remind you I CAN CLIMB 20 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS as a cardio warmup - and do it 4 more times in a row ---- for the nay sayers, "can you?"

"Maybe somebody was cruel to you
So you think that's what you're supposed to do
One day, it might be you
When you need a friend, but you no longer cool  ....." (Rachel Crow)

And now that my "oh no you did'nt" moment has passed,  (its better to enunciate,afterall) if you feel poofy, bloated & out of shape - contact me.  I am always willing to help out. 

             I wish you LOVE AND GREAT JOY. JOANNA


oh and I do some really crazy ear tricks too...got me my first commercial with that ability. Sure it's not Chekhov, but a nice check nonetheless. Who would have thunk it?

HALLOWEEN and HOLIDAY EATING TIP:
don't deny, indulge but with only 1 or 2 candies --- Three Musketeers in small size can fit the chocolate craving, along with KitKats --- not too fattening or calorie laden compared to other candy treats.  Apple slices covered with cinnamon work well too.

more info:
IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

#32 BRAZILBUTTLIFT ON QVC - Watch how it works! 9/12/12

More info click onto     IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU!....

AND YOU'LL HAVE A REAL GOOD TIME,

YOU'LL SEE,

YOU'LL.

HAVE. 

A REAL GOOD TIME.

(yes channeling Natalie)

 

 

http://www.qvc.com/Brazil-ButtLift-Lower-Body-Workout-with-3-DVD-%26-3-Booty-Bands.product.F05456.html

HELLO LADIES!  SO WHY THE CAPS? 

I SHOUT IT OUT ---
BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE MADE TO FEEL INVISABLE ----
AND I DON'T WANT YOU TO FEEL THAT WAY AT ALL...
OR EVER AGAIN.

I prefer the lady like term - INVINCIBLE 

ULTIMATELY ITS NOT ABOUT SIZE --- IT'S ABOUT FEELING GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF.

AND STAYING HEALTHY. 

ITS NOT ABOUT VANITY --

ITS FIRST AND FOREMOST  ABOUT YOUR MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH ....

THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS ARE THE ICING ON THE CAKE OF YOUR LIFE.  

I AM TALKING ABOUT FEELING ---   JOY.

SO TAKE A CHANCE.

I GAIN NO MONETARY VALUE FROM THIS - ZILCH. 

I JUST WANT TO SHARE WHAT WORKED FOR ME.   

GET BACK YOUR STRENGTH, YOUR INNER BEAUTY & THE CONFIDENT WOMAN IN THE MIRROR. 

 

I WANT YOU TO WAKE UP AND FEEL ON FIRE EVERY SINGLE DAY....

 

-----FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.   

http://www.qvc.com/Brazil-ButtLift-Lower-Body-Workout-with-3-DVD-%26-3-Booty-Bands.product.F05456.html

If you have questions, or concerns feel free to ask me.  I am on FB and also IMDB. I will advise you to the best of my experiences and my abilities.    I wish you LOVE AND GREAT JOY.   JOANNA



More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro




 

#30 BRAZIL BUTTLIFT ON QVC! JOIN ME! 9/1/12

QVC 

BRAZIL BUTTLIFT

w/ LEANDRO CARVALHO   SEPT 1ST SATURDAY

10 AM - 12 PM EST

LEANDRO & ME!

IF IT'S NOT FUN - WHY BOTHER?

www.leandrofitness.com

#29 HOT OVER 40! SWEAT IT SWEETY 8/15/12

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

SWEAT IT SWEETY

KEEP IT UP TO KEEP IT OFF

SWEATING IS SEXY
SWEATING MEANS YOUR WORKING IT
SWEATING MEANS YOU DID A GREAT JOB
SWEATING MEANS YOU SCALED THE LIMITS

On the days when you just can't bring yourself to go to the gym, here are a few quick aerobic exercises that will raise your heartrate and give you a quick fitness boost. 

Based on # of repetitions and performing either 1 or 2x that day, you will get in a quick workout and dispose of feeling guilty which will only lead to self sabotage.


 Simple Squats - feet flat, weight on heels, butt out, chest up, back straight and stomach tightened, knees never over toes but parallel to them,hands on knees. 25 reps

Advanced squat - bend with hands on knees and jump raising arms overhead in the air. 25 reps

Super Advanced *- squat as hands touch the floor then rise and jump. 25 reps.

Either do just one or do all 3.

Add 5/10/12.5/15 lb weights for Simple Squats and
*Add 2/3/5 lb weights for additional aerobic benefits.
(BEGINNERS SHOULD NOT USE WEIGHTS CONCENTRATE ON PROPER FORM)

Jump Rope - nope you don't even need the rope just make sure you rotate your arms as if you were doing so.  If you have a rope and its weighted, all the better.

Basic - small jumps. 50 - 100 reps.

Moderate - alternate from small to higher jumps every 5 reps.  100 reps.

Advanced - high jumps, rotate arms more quickly. 100 reps.

60 SECOND REST THEN DO AGAIN- 3X-IF TIME.

IF YOU LOOK PRETTY AFTER YOUR WORKOUT
it doesn't count!

#28 HOT OVER 40! BERRY BEAUTIFUL! - SWEET 'N SLIMMING 8/6/12

More info click onto



IMDB

www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

FORGET DIAMONDS
Blue Collar Babe's ---

RASPBERRIES ARE A GIRL'S BESTFRIEND

SO YOU WANT TO BE SKINNY, SEXY BUT CRAVE SWEETS?
- NO PROBLEM - 
RASPBERRIES TO THE RESCUE

HELPS FIGHT FAT + TASTY TREAT = SUBLIME

MMMM.... Raspberries.....yummy, sweet, satisfying and curb your sugar cravings, fight fat and burn excess fat deposits.  Yup that's right.  In studies, scientists have isolated something called "bery ketones" from the raspberry,  a family of compounds that can aid in weight control by helping your body burn off excess fat deposits.
Along with the fact that raspberries are super nutritious and contain vit C, manganese, and are a great fource of fiber.  They also contain antioxidant substances that have been linked to preventing cancer and macular degeneration to name a few benefits.
So eat up - Nature has provided us with a tasty treat that is simple to savor.


Just buy, rinse, pat dry and put in a pretty bowl. Great anytime of the day.
Just add a spoon and a smile!









A very berry treat, is to add blueberries, strawberries and raspberries --- berry pretty! Diversify!
No sugar needed, Nature provided it all.

YUM, YUM, YUM, 'SCUSE ME HAVE TO GO HAVE DESSERT NOW.....! 

# 27 BRAZIL BUTT LIFT ON QVC -- JOIN ME! July 24th

BRAZIL BUTTLIFT ON QVC 

w/ Leandro Carvalho 

TUESDAY JULY 24TH

10pm-12 am EST 
closer to midnight 

(  most probably the 9-10 pm Beauty segments -sorry can only give a window of time slot)

"DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS"  Leandro's motto

"STRIVE TO FLOURISH"  My motto

no worries, if you can't catch it will post it so you can see first hand how wonderful this exercise program can make you feel. 

Be Beautiful you Blue Collar Babes!

over 40 never felt so good.

I BELIEVE IN YOU!

If you have any questions feel free to contact me  and I will gladly help all I can. Pay it forward!

#25 HOT OVER 40! BRAZIL BUTTLIFT - FIRE UP YOUR WORKOUT! 7/4/12

FIRE UP  YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE 

 BLAST  YOUR METABOLISM &

 BURN   THOSE CALORIES, BABY!  

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS FOR YOUR BODY

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

OK Blue Collar Babes - 4th of July is around the corner and BBQ, beaches and bikinis are on order. 

Want to blast that fat and burn baby burn those calories for a great beginning of summer lift off?

Join me working out with Leandro Carvalho of Brazil Buttlift fame who will show you some mega-moves that will bring your workout into the stratosphere.

Stop looking at the magazines saying,
"How do they do it?" -- Look in the mirror and say, "I know how  they do it!" --
You can look Hot Over 40!
--- if I can, You can --- 
 Leandro knows all the right moves.
Follow me...

Leandro Fitness Video Blog #25

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxVsgu5tXL8

COMING SOON ---- QVC appearance with Leandro, live fitness demonstrations watch us on July 24th, Tuesday evening between 8-10 pm EST.

#19 HOT OVER 40! PLAN B for BLUE COLLAR BABES 3/15/12

OK SO YOU ARE AN INJURED HOTTIE -

NOW WHAT DO YOU DO?

PLAN A   That's for the highly blessed, the super rich, or those who have great publicity agents and personal trainers. 

PLAN B  -  that's for our special group: BLUE COLLAR BABES. I used to bemoan this, however, I have learned that when life throws us curves, if we love them on our bodies, then we love them anywhere else, too.

WHEN PLAN A GOES ARRAY

I was injured recently while intensely training for a 1/2 Marathon.  Damn!  What to do? What to do?  All my fitness goals for the new year de-railed.  Doctors orders. After bemoaning my fate, I came up with some alternative exercise options even though I did have to give up the marathon in April.  

Plan A ---   running 5-6 miles 5x a week, gradually adding 2 miles a week

                    until I achieved 12 miles with ease.

My fave Brazil Buttlift classes 3x a week for 2 hours each

                   time; along with free weight training on alternating days.

                   Trampoline 2x a week just when watching TV. And anything

                    else I could come up with.  Eating for intense training.

then re-opened old injuries on elbow, shoulder, bicep, neck, and hip.

SOOOOOO ~~~

PLAN B - BE A BLUE COLLAR BABE HOTTIE EVEN WHEN INJURED

Plan B  ---  water aerobics 1x week,  elliptic 30 min. 3x (no arms) on
                   a low incline and effort (Level 5-9 not  12-15), lower body

                   weight machine training 2x a week. Stairs (19 floors) also very long, hilly 2-4 mile walks.  Eating Heaps of steamed broccolli and stringbeans.

Goal -- Healing... then....getting ripped bikini season of course! 

A Blue Collar Babe Over 40,50 or even 60 (Helen Mirren is an icon!) - wears bikini's proudly.  

You can do it. Transforming is a specialty of mine.  I believe in you.

(Don't worry we will be in touch for that - failure is not an option)

I saw this card in the store and had to pick it up -- it encapsulates this philosophy:

Life is all about how you handle plan B.

by Suzy Toronto

#20 HOT OVER 40! THE SACREDNESS OF STRINGBEANS 4/1/12

 A Joanna Dinner. Notice the Italian Lemon Juice.
Pictures by Joanna Bonaro 

STRINGBEANS - SENSATIONAL,  LOW CALORIE AND WHEN SEASONED ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND.     

What can I say about stringbeans?  I wax poetic.  These have taken me from thick to thin and anything in-between. They are crunchy when raw, so that I satisfy my chewing fetish.  They let me absent mindedly munch when I am reading a book.  (A habit left-over from my 12-19thc English Lit and Acting double major college days - then it was corn muffins, but post 40 means adjustments must be made) 

When micro-waved, (yes I buy STEAMERS microwaveable bags, so that any cleaning up before or after is obliterated.  I believe in less work not more)  and seasoned with  Lemon Juice, garlic, 2 TBLspoons white wine, some H2O, and either curry or red pepper, they make a terrific dinner -- alone or with broiled sole, chicken or salmon.  Sublime!    Low Calorie -- guilt free -- finger food - no fork necessary, mindless, chewy, and tasty!  

Who could ask for anything more?  you live green to save the earth, why not eat green to save your body and your sanity?

When I am healthy and driven, or injured and held back, I rely on them.  When I go ballistic and I need to eat, eat, eat!!!!! and just pig out!!!!!!! - well it doesn't have to be so self-destructive.  It can be green and filling.  Then if I still need a Baci, well, my stomach is full, and the chocolate fix can be sated without eating a whole bar.  Stringbean's bring it back to "what am I doing to myself?" "Do I really want to do this?" (meaning the chocolate cookies or box, for that matter.) And, the next morning, "I am soooo veryyyyy proud of myself! Hurrah!"

So when my girlfriends who are over 40 and trying to lose 5,10, or even 20 pounds and ask "how did you DO it?" , "how do you KEEP IT OFF?", I tell them, hard work, Brazil Buttlift, constant activity, making magnificent food choices, and STRINGBEANS!

Just please don't use oil. If you must -- literally -- a teaspoon will do.  Salt, a smidgen, again, only if absolutely necessary.  Don't ruin the magic by fattening it up.  You will come to look at it as your saviour savory.   It will work for you if you work with it.  Add jalapenos, cumin, curry, oregano, sage, onion powder -- any spice will do.  Whatever works for you for additional taste.  I still prefer lemon overall.   Even if ultimately you give in to weakness, your stomach will still have been filled up by a nutritious, healthy substance, so you will STILL BE CONSUMING LESS.

If stringbeans don't ring your bell, then I suggest, asparagus, broccoli (VERY FILLING), spinach or lettuce.  Learn to love green!!!!!!

Yup! Opened and used. 2 for a filling dinner. So low calorie, quantity is not an issue.
pictures by Joanna Bonaro

JOANNA'S TASTY STRINGBEAN RECIPE:
2 Greenbean Steamers
1/4 cup part water and white wine
Garlic powder
Onion flakes
Red pepper powder or flakes
2 tblspn Lemon Juice or fresh squeezed lemon
Mix and enjoy!

If you are still hungry, 2-3 WASA crackers, with Weight Watchers Swiss Cheese - 2 wedges and even a glass of red or white wine.  Filling, healthy and low cal. 




My cancer fitness journey --
blogs 1,2,3,6,8,10 & 14

#22 HOT OVER 40! SURVIVING CANCER - I RUN FOR ME, MY MOTHER, FOR LIFE 5/12/12

More info click onto

IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

I AM WRITING THIS FOR MY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AS A CANCER SURVIVOR-- MAY 25th, 2002.

 I survived cancer. But hated the way I looked. 

I gained my life. But lost my self-esteem. 

For 7 years. 

Then - * I got the woman in the mirror I liked to see back again. 

I am determined to make up for those 7 lost years.

In between, I learned that we all really need and want to feel beautiful.  That society puts way too much pressure on woman to be skeletal skinny and prepubescent and that there is a huge prejudice for any woman out there who is a size 8,10, 12 or 14. 

 I had a conundrum. 

I feel magnificent as a size 4, fat as a size 10 --- so what can my philosophy be? 

"Are you a hypocrite?", I asked myself.

No.

My viewpoint is:

I am not advocating skinny, nor am I condoning too much fat.  Neither is good - both are reflections of poor eating habits and perhaps poor exercise regimes.

I decided to propose & promote a positive outlook --- 

to seek health and happiness based upon your own values.  Not Vogues.

The thinking that "taking care of yourself" is important.

A tall building won't stay upright without a deep foundation and strong supports.  The same goes for your body- it needs proper food and exercise to excel.  Take care of the inside and the outside will take care of itself. Your spirit needs to wonder and feel light.  That's why we love mountain aeries.  Feeling close to the sky transports you.  You must have moments in life when you feel as if you can jubilantly soar through the Heavens.

 

The more  you take care of yourself, the better and lighter you feel. Your mind and emotions need to feel inspired.  Creating new ways of eating, moving and then yes adorning, create a sense of well-being.

LIVING IS ABOUT HAPPINESS.

 I want everyone to look and feel as pretty as they can, based upon there own comfort levels. Because I know, I know that no matter what any woman says, she wants to look and feel beautiful.

The reason why I am a lunatic in the gym?  

Because I can be.

Because I am still here. 

I could have been LONG gone. 

I am grabbing Life and not letting go. 

No one can stop me. No one can pull me down. 

I won't let myself and I won't let anyone else.  

AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU.


No matter where you are in your journey to look good and feel beautiful, remember that you are alive and able. 
Just start.  It will become a wondrous adventure full of surprises. You will surprise yourself the most. 
I guarantee it.

 Sure there are setbacks.  Life is about "dancing in the rain" afterall. Any rebirth symbolism involved water; a sprinkle or a plunge, drinking or sweating, it's all the same.

When I am in a class and basically moving at 100 mph an hour while others drop around me.  I am not showing off. 

I am exhilarating in the fact that I can move,
that I am alive.
 

I am not competing -
I am exhulting in movement and breath and life. 
I look in the mirror and I am grateful, incredulous and absolutely amazed.

Working out has become a celebration. 

So yes, I run  for my mom who has survived not one but TWO bouts of breast cancer, and I run for me. 

The scars on my body are my testiment, her testiment, every woman's testiment.  They say "I have survived." 

YES! I RUN FOR LIFE!

If  you are a cancer survivor I would love to hear from  you. 

   

If you would like to read some other blogs about cancer, my fitness and weight loss journey and getting your groove back with Brazil Buttlift 
see blogs #1,2,3,6,8,10 & 14

Fitness tip: Brazil Buttlift w/ Leandro Carvalho  www.leandrofitness.com

*thanks Leandro - I may not be a VS model, but who cares? I feel like a gorgeous one and at my age --- that is enough for me!

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

#17 HOT OVER 40! MARILYN MONROE SIZZLE & SMARTS! 2/25/12

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

Real vs Reel Beauty 
Yes! Marilyn knew the difference.

Sizzle + Smarts = 
Sensational  

 

My favorite Marilyn photo - with a BOOK!

Since this is a blog about beauty, image and the pressures society puts on women to look gorgeous no matter the circumstances, I harken back to Marilyn. Why? Well she did re-invent herself.  She was her own creation.  And creating one's own rennaissance whether it be through fitness or schooling, or relationships, or just a new pair of jeans is what this blog is about.  Creating a life and look that makes you happy,  gives one confidence, and authenticity - that is what I would hope for you. Because you are doing it for yourself, not to be selfish and narcissistic, but to be happy and healthy and fulfilled.
You deserve it.  
Marilyn was often misunderstood, however she was a brilliant actress and business woman.  A woman before her time who fought for her beliefs, and the rights of others.
I think if she could have continued to withstand the pressures of fame, stardom and her own personal demons, she would have been a true aging beauty.  
A role model on how to age with grace and style. 
With a face that moved and continued to move us too!

A true iconoclast. A forerunner. Trailblazer.

"For decades, irresponsible biographers like Norman Mailer have represented Marilyn Monroe as nothing more than weak, psychotic, junkie, nymphomaniac, idiot. I have tried to read her life in a different way. True, Marilyn was sometimes mired in the ideology of the past: she married men to gain an identity she wished for herself; she was over-reliant on her sexuality for success in her career. But, at the same time, she displayed real agency by divorcing three unsupportive husbands who interfered with her career and her self-esteem, by fighting for her modeling and film success, by continuing to perfect her art by taking acting classes long after she was a big star, by battling Darryl Zanuck to have more control over her own destiny, by starting her own production company, by buying her own home, even by jogging through service alleys, lifting weights, and wearing jeans. All of these things were accomplished six years before the first feminist protest at the Miss American Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and eight years before the First Congress to unite Women in New York."   (Excerpted from http://www.americanpopularculture.com/)

INSIGHT FOR THE DAY:

MARILYN JOGGED AND USED WEIGHTS BEFORE THE BOOM OF THE FITNESS CRAZE, GYMS, TRAINERS AND EXERCISE GURUS ---- SO FOLLOW HER EXAMPLE ---

YOU CAN TRANSFORM YOURSELF THROUGH DILIGENCE AND DEDICATION.  And no it ain't easy, however, eventually it will actually become fun.  Trust me. I know.
UPCOMING BLOGS ON VARIOUS EXERCISE STRATEGIES DURING SLUMPS, MALAISE & INJURIES.   

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST, COMMENTS, READERSHIP, CURIOSITY, CARING, SHARING.

CHOOSE HAPPINESS - EVEN DURING DURESS.
IT WON'T CHANGE THINGS ALOT, BUT PERHAPS, IT WILL CHANGE HOW YOU DEAL WITH IT.

if you are new to this blog and want some background on my philosophies and life after cancer IN A BIKINI   see blogs #1,2,3,6,8,10 &14

#16 HOT OVER 40! RED ROSES FOR A BLUE COLLAR BABE 2/14/12

SCOTTISH ROMANCE

 ROAMING THE MOORS, ROBERT BURNS & ROBUST INDIVIDUALITY  (Part 1)

OK Ladies ---- just thought I might guide you in another direction.  I would usually choose something Italian, my all time fave, natch, however, having just travelled this wonderful country and falling in love with it I thought I might share some of what I learned.  Adventure is everything.

Laddies, learn from Scotland's national Poet, a modern day "blue collar" man.  He knew how to woo a lassie.

(Admittedly, he had a roving eye and I recommend eschewing that!)

Sometimes, just one rose, accompanied by simple words will do.  As long as it's sincere.  And a walk along a lovely, rugged shoreline helps.
(Especially if it's in The Highlands. Such rugged natural beauty you have never known! But I digress, thats for next Scottish blog.)

We Blue Collar Babes like to be spoiled but in different ways.  

Blue Collar does not mean commonplace.
Be creative! Have a great Valentine's Day! 

(Oh and ladies, be demanding, you deserve it!)

O MY LUVE'S LIKE A RED, RED ROSE
by: Robert Burns (1759-1796)

, MY Luve's like a red, red rose,

That's newly sprung in June.

O, my Luve's like the melodie,

That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass,

So deep in luve am I,

And I will luve thee still, my dear,

Till a' the seas gang dry.  

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,

And the rocks melt wi' the sun!

And I will luve thee still, my dear,

While the sands o' life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only luve,

And fare thee weel a while!

And I will come again, my luve,

Tho' it were ten thousand mile! 

LOW CALORIE TIP FOR VALENTINE'S DAY ---  
dark chocolate covered strawberries ------ healthy, delicious, romantic, seductive and only have TWO! Savor it and you won't want or need more.





Blue Collar Babes like gutsy moves - timorous gestures - leave that for the gilded set. 
WE KNOW HOW TO LIVE AND LOVE!

GUYS
What's wrong with telling someone you love them?  Nothing!

What's right with it?  Everything!
                                            As long as you mean it - no faking!

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

#13 HOT OVER 40! HAPPY HEALTHY HOT NEW YOU! 1/1/12

 TO DO LIST FOR A 2012 HAPPY, HEALTHY, HOT YOU!






 Celebrate yourself with a glass of champagne...







 Try something new just for the heck of it...





Say, "I love you" often...
Call your mother and compliment her...
Tell dad your proud of him...


 Eat really tasty food, you deserve the good stuff...
 

Take lots of long, long meandering walks...
Tell someone an unexpected truth that makes them smile...



Be especially kind to animals, children and the elderly...


Laugh as much as possible, as often as possible, and spend time with the ones who you care about the most...

Travel... explore... excite your mind...exercise your body.  LIVE!

#10 HOT OVER 40! A BRAZIL BUTT LIFT XMAS PARTY : SONG & MENU #10

I am reposting this blog from last year for it was very popular. Oh and it has been 4 years now and counting that the pounds came off and stayed off.

Xmas time is here.  The most wonderful time of the year.  Happy Holiday Cheer!  Oh no!!!! 

I held a holiday party for all of my Brazil Buttlift exercise class aficionados including guest of honor -  Leandro!  Of course  I had to make sure that the food was tasty but healthy.  I mean I couldn't have him say to me, "Joanna haven't I taught you anything?" 

After lots of planning  I share with you
MY BRAZIL BUTTLIFT HOLIDAY PARTY MENU & SONG: 

~Heaping mounds of crudite ---- fresh slices of carrots, celery, orange,yellow and red peppers, cauliflower and stringbeans. 

~Low cal artichoke and spinach dip and tabouli salad. 

~Steamed orzo with spinach, peppers and onions. 

~Roasted veggies - zucchini, peppers, carrots, onions, garlic, eggplant, light on the extra virgin olive oil and heavy on the seasonings of basil, parsely, oregano and onion flakes.

~Bowls of freshly cubed pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon.

~Mounds of Meditteranean salad -  chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and parsley.

~Thinly sliced (like 1/8th inch slivers) of bread and yes an assortment of lighter fare cheeses.

~Crisp, cold white wine,  Pelligrino with lemon, and a pitcher of orange slices in Evian water.

Very colorful, very tasty, very healthy ----  And everyone ate guilt free.

More info click onto   IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

OK! There was a surprise  Brazil ButtLift cake. 
Yes - it was the one calorie laden treat.  But I am proud to say that we all had small slices and anyway the next day was a schedule of 3 classes in a row.  So 3-4 forkfuls wasn't going to ruin it.  (I admit I slept late, but I had clean-up duties and anyway I ran 4 miles before the party)

Hand painted Brazil Buttlift Xmas ornaments (Focus!) (Don't Settle for Less!) and a Xmas song I wrote capped the evening off. 

So hope you have a great holiday season  and when you are feeling a little weak, just hum the lyrics  and shore up your resolve.  Your new year's resolution won't include losing that extra holiday five.   Cheers!

LIVE PERFORMANCE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YklRvB61i0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

BRAZIL BUTTLIFT XMAS SONG 
(sung to the tune of "Let It Snow")

OH! THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL
THOUGH OUR BUTTS LOOK SO DELIGHTFUL
OUR BIKINIS ARE PACKED TO GO
ALL DUE TO SQUATS BY LEANDRO!

WE STARTED THE WINTER SAGGY
NOW OUR PANTS ARE LOOSE AND BAGGY
WE WEAR THEM NOW NICE AND LOW
TAUT TUMMIES THANKS TO LEANDRO!

WHEN AT ST. BARTS WE FINALLY LAND
HOW DELIGHTED OUR LOVERS WILL BE
 'CAUSE HIS LADY LOVE LOOKS SO GRAND
SHE'S A HOT BOOTYLICIOUS BABY!

SO LISTEN TO THE WOMEN WHO DO KNOW
JUST FOLLOW LEANDRO'S RAD MOVES
YOUR BODY CAN BE RE-DONE
AND THE MIRROR WILL SAY, "YOU HAVE WON!"

Laugh all you want, corny but boy is it true!

HAPPY, HEALTHY, SAFE HOLIDAY EVERYONE! 
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF -
YOU ARE UNIQUE AND WONDERFUL AND ONE OF A KIND!  
AND DON'T EVER FORGET IT.    

REMEMBER, I HAVE MAINTAINED FOR OVER 3 YEARS NOW, AND SO CAN YOU.  LEANDRO HELPED ME AND I AM PAYING IT FORWARD.
IF YOU NEED MORE ADVICE OR INFO --- JUST REACH OUT. 
WE ALL DESERVE TO FEEL BEAUTIFUL! 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & THANKS FOR YOUR READERSHIP
XOXOOXX   JOANNA


Xmas fitness gift tip: Brazil Butt Lift DVD   http://www.leandrofitness.com/


Want to find out how it all began?  read blogs  from then till now about my philosophy and new lifestyle  # 1, 2, 8 & 10 

More info at: www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

and

www.joannabonaro.com