#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




 

#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!

# 26 HOT OVER 40! CELEBRATE YOUR EXISTENCE 7/15/12

BLUE COLLAR BABES
ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

CELEBRATE YOUR EXISTENCE

"I HOPE YOU DANCE"

Songwriters: SANDERS, MARK DANIEL / SILLERS, TIA M.

I love the lyrics to this song.  They speak of joy, taking chances, appreciating the beauty that exists all around you, and simply loving Being.

On your birthday remember to cherish yourself, your loved ones and the simple fact of being alive.
I play this song on my birthday to remind me of what is important in life.  
The purpose of this blog is to share with you my philosophy that it's not just about looking good on the outside, it's about how one chooses to live one's life.  Make choices every day that reflect what good you want to appear not only in your life but in the lives of other's close to home and around the world. 
Find & share the beauty within and without.  

 

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat, but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance ....
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart
 

Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion, always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

And if you get the chance to sit it out or dance, please do dance, soar, move, exhult, laugh, frolic and sing.

HAPPY BIRTH-DAY -
THE DAY YOU ENTERED THIS WORLD &
ADORNED IT WITH YOUR PRESENCE.

It's July -- HAPPY BDAY AMERICA!

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro



#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

#18 HOT OVER 40! HIGHLAND HIGH TEA & HIKING AMIDST THE HEATHER 3/1/12

SCOTTISH ROMANCE

ROAMING THE MOORS,
 ROBERT BURNS &
ROBUST INDIVIDUALITY 
(Part 2)

Heather Tea at The Balmoral

I had the great opportunity to travel to Scotland recently.  This is a country with a unique culture and people who are creative, authentic and unique. You can learn a heck of alot from a Scot! 
We stayed at The Balmoral, in Edinburgh, a wonderful hotel overlooking the river with a grand view of the Edinburgh Castle Battlements. 

Yes, this was my view. Spend a day walking uphill to the main 12thc Chapel and you have earned the right to eat a hearty lunch.  

We toured with one of the friendliest, nicest, down-to-earth woman I have ever had the honor to meet.  Her name is Helen Fraser, and she runs
Afternoon Tea Tours.

http://www.afternoonteatours.co.uk/

We discovered Helen and her wonders because we wanted to experience a Scottish High Tea.  The tea and scones in Scotland
rival the ones from London. 

High Tea at Cringletie House w/ Helen!

I highly recommend Highland Tea, and Heather Tea.  Satisfying, sweet and with a touch of lemon a truly satisfying low calorie late nite treat.  But for special occasions, a Highland Tea of warm scones, homemade jams, cucumber sandwiches, and just a few wee cookies during a rainy day, fulfills all your needs. Especially when you are with your favorite guy! 

We began our journey with a wish for tea, and ended with a wonderful, warm friend. She embodies what Scottish charm and sensibility are all about. No Hollywood slickness, nor smarmy commercialism here.   Just real concern that we, her charges, did all we set out to do and more - Helen, once she discovers what you like - makes time for unexpected and delightful adventures. We frequented many castles, toured turrets, discovered exuberant gardens, meandered through mazes in the sunshine and rain,

 and drove towards, a hurricane so that we could explore the heather filled Highlands.  A mere hurricane didn't bother Helen at all.  We drove right behind it. Sublime. (She also loves to explore and walk so we kept pace very well indeed. I even got out and ran along the car down a long castle bound roadway.  I was getting too antsy sitting.) 

Now since this blog is about fitness too, I will tell you that walking the Moors, amidst the heather is a great way to not only build your appetite, but also to burn those calories.  Surrounded by an astounding array of hills, mountains, ravines and every shade of green, one can understand why the Scots are known for their robust, hardy constitutions, and their hearty sense of humour.

Glen Coe trails and Heather!

I think they embody individualism.  This is the country that gave birth to genius, Alexander McQueen. In fact, on our way to a wonderful mountain folly, at Glen Coe, hiking uphill to view the raging waterfalls, we passed a man with a homemade walking stick, white unruly hair, and a trusty dog who muttered in the Highland way, "aye" as way of greeting without stopping.   (the man not the dog!)
A serendipitously authentic Scottish experience.  He could have come out of central casting.  Alas, asking him to stop for a photo op seemed completely out of the question.

It is a bit hard to find salads and steamed veggies in Scotland.  A request for egg white omelettes warrants blank stares.  These people like hearty food. Yet, they stay thin - must be all the hiking.  Helen, however, did her best to scout out places where I could imbibe lemon heather tea to my hearts content along with steaming vegetable soups.  The bread here is outstanding so, yes, I indulged.  One small whole grain roll eaten mid-day, so fresh and delicious, was worth it. Tasty, filling and healthy. 
You must eat at Angels with Bagpipes restaurant on the Royal Mile.  http://www.angelswithbagpipes.uk.com/   A new, modern hip restaurant that won't break the budget with authentic Scottish fare and the best salmon to be had in town. 
I know, for I ate fresh, grilled fish every single night, in various restaurants. (though, I had to ask for it to be grilled, no butter, with lemon)

Shopping is wonderful too. One can find very reasonable cashmere sweaters, scarves and gloves along The Royal Mile. 
Blue Collar Babes crave cashmere. Right gals?!
For very fashionable fare, I highly recommend  ArkAngel and Felon Boutique  http://www.arkangelandfelon.com/  
Owned by a Fashion Stylist for major fashion shows, shoots, and stars.  This woman knows how to pick out the trends, showcase the hottest new designers,  and present them in a lovely, intimate shop.  Situated in the "newer" hip sections of Edinburgh. New York has nothing on her!

I plan to spend Hogmanay (celebrating the New Year with bagpipes and scotch) there one day very soon.  The Scots love to dance, hence, the Scottish jig.... but there always seems to be a reason to dance and sing, and I for one think they actually out-do the Italians.  It is quite romantic. 

And of course, there is Robert Burns and his Ode to the Lasses. 
Best lines see highlighted below!

GREEN GROW THE RASHES        by Robert Burns

Green grow the rashes, O! Green grow the rashes, O! The sweetest hours that e'er I spend, Are spent amang the lasses, O! There's nought but care on every han' In every hour that passes, O; What signifies the life o' man, An 'twere na for the lasses, O? The warl'ly race may riches chase, An' riches still may fly them, O; An' though at last they catch them fast, Their hearts can ne'er enjoy them, O. But gi'e me a canny hour at e'en, My arms about my dearie, O, An' warl'ly cares an' warl'ly men May a' gae tapsalteerie, O! For you sae douce, ye sneer at this, Ye're nought but senseless asses, O; The wisest man the warl' e'er saw, He dearly loved the lasses, O. Auld Nature swears the lovely dears Her noblest work she classes, O; Her 'prentice han' she tried on man, An' then she made the lasses, O.

The Waterfalls at Glen Coe & Helen's surprise!

TRAVEL TIP  -----   go to Trip Advisor.com  --- you will see your fellow travelers rating people, places and sites.  Trustworthy, impartial, its all about personal experience and honest opMore info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaroinions.

Oh and for the record, these are my personal endorsements - I don't get anything for them.  Part of the plan to pay it forward whenever you can.  The best part of giving is not expecting to receive. Just do it freely, but you Blue Collar Gal Hotties already know that don't you?  We are a great bunch!



#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!