#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




 

#35 HOT OVER 40! "WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD" 10/11/12

LOUIE ARMSTRONG

AN ICON

AN ICONOCLAST

AN IDEAL

HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS SINGING ABOUT

when you need succour for your soul, turn to this song...

I believe it will sweeten your perspective.

TAKE A MOMENT...

LISTEN....

after all it's the simple things in life that bring the greatest joy.

Oh and how does this relate to being Italian?  Well, my Italian Dad introduced me to this song --- it was once of his "lessons about life."  So for me, this song is Italian!

I see trees of green, red roses too

I see them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of people going by

I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do

They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll never know

And I think to myself what a wonderful world

Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I dedicate this blog to mia familgia, and my very close amici - I look around me and realize what a wonderful world I have.  Molti grazie for having you in my life - when healthy or sick, heavy or skinny, young or older....;), flushed or flimsy.  You are always there for me. Abondanza! And especially to Spinny, Spiffy, Speedy & Sparky; Shuffles who when last seen was still in the Arctic; and all the rest of the gang.  xojo

CREATING ONE'S WONDERFUL WORLD
 -- give everyone you love a hug and special hello today- preferably in person.  Then watch everyone smile.  Now, wasn't that just Wonderful?!?




More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

#33 LAW & ORDER SVU - SEE IT 9/28 @ 3:00 PM EST on USA

 

    LAW & ORDER SVU

 

 SEPTEMBER 28TH FRIDAY @ 3:00 EST ON USA

 My episode  with this great franchise,  episode "HELL" - where I portray Doris Dinuzio, from Staten Island,  slightly nutty but seriously concerned about her neighbors whom she believes are Satanists.  Great character, script, director - the incomparable David Platt who hired me ----- the lovely makeup artists and of course working with Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Malone, and Ice T was fantastic.  Everyone from the producers to the PA's were top notch and wonderful. Thanks to all including Jonathan Strauss for giving me the CB. 

Lots of people dont even recognize me, which I consider a great compliment.  It means I did my job well!  Boroughs accent put on, hair teased out, yeah, it's me under there!



Click onto  www.imdb.com/joannabonaro
See my reel at www.joannabonaro.com
 

# 31 9/11 NEVER FORGET

      

  WE WILL NEVER FORGET

To all those who sacrificed for us on this day and for all those who continue to protect us so that we can live just simple, ordinary, everyday lives.  Thankyou.

 

 

www.911memorial.com

Oh! Say can you see
By the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed
At the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars
Through the perilous fight
All the ramparts we watched
Were so gallantly streaming

And the rockets red glare
The bomb's bursting in air
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there
Oh say does that Star Spangled Banner
Yet wave
O'er the LAND of the FREE
 And the HOME of the BRAVE!
 

#34 HOT OVER 40! REALITY SHOW BEAUTY - AHEM! 9/28/12

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

BEHIND THE K****N KURTAIN  Or (Any) Reality TV Comeliness
---- Real vs Reel beauty

I was getting an infusion and the new young nurse queried, "How does KK look so great when she wakes up?"  I am the only "actress" patient of the infusion unit;  therefore the de facto "expert."  I said to her, "What do you mean?" she replied, "Well she looks soooo beautiful as soon as she is out of bed, do you know any secrets? I never look like that waking up."  I stated matter of factly, "No one does. The secret is hair and makeup and lighting 2 hours before her head hits the pillow to be filmed, oooh soooo dreamily waking up.  Have you noticed the pillowcase is perfect too?"

Nearly toppling out of her rolling stool and into my lap she said, "Impossible!"

I explained what was obvious to me. "Don't you realize that a reality show has nothing to do with reality?"  She was agog. 
Completely  stunned.  She refused to believe me. 
"Really? ", she almost squealled, "Ooohhh nooo, I don't understand. REALLEE?"
 
Do I tear or tug at this point? I decided on a splash of cold water REAL-ity.
I said evenly,   "Look closely.  Those are fake eyelashes honey.  Nobody's skin is that perfect in Hdtv land unless they have special makeup that makes your skin poreless,  botox to make you seamless and subtle highlights and shadows to make you glow... in all the right places.  Never mind the unwrinkled sheets."  
"But" she gasped,  "she is just waking up!"
I saw I needed to be more gentle tearing away the pink tissue of tv land.  One must be careful where fantasies abound....
I explained as carefully as I could that these "reality" shows are scripted. 
"WHAT! How could that be?" she gawped.  
I was thinking, "How can THIS be? " I figured everyone knew none of this was really "real".
Much to my surprise and chagrin I was very, very wrong.   

peek-a-boo-boudoir photography studio
Illinois

Now I like the K's 'kause they are kurvy, and though pretty, I like the fact that they don't fit the hollywood sKary sKinny, beautiful beyond measure standard -  They are savvy, successful businesswomen and I am k-k-keen to that. And Heck! Some reality TV can be kick-ass fun! However, they are as manufactured and marketed as any young or older female with powerful, helpful fleets of "peeps" behind them as any.  I am including K-mom too. This was "A peak behind the camera's curtain" moment if ever there was one. 

This young nurse, (feeling substandard and inadequate, thankyou pop culture!), needed a gentle hand to steer her away from swallowing all the malarcky and understand that she was perfect just the way she was.  Refreshingly pretty, a healthy weight, and a lovely charming personality along with a generous spirit.  In other words, a real beauty and beautiful human being. 

To my horror, another nurse eavesdropped - she is 48.  She believed the same thing.  My heart hiccuped.  "Oh dear," I said to myself, "this is not good at all.  These women are feeling so terrible about themselves." 
My Joan of Arc warrior spirit was surfacing rapidly.
My internal neon billboard blinked, THESE WOMEN MUST BE SAVED!

So I  explained, tenderly, (I did afterall, have a needle stuck in my veins that would have to be removed) how it all worked.  Episode Pitches, writers throwing out ideas, fabricated scenarios, pre-determined drama, scripted key lines, molding an image of glamour and excitement, along with hair, makeup and don't forget wardrobe.  This applies to all of reality TV. There are courses now to teach aspiring celebrealities how to audition and behave. The K's are exemplified here solely because of this nurse's query.

Oh, by the way, I now had an audience of 5 nurses. They all looked a bit stunned.
Yet at the end of this "enlightenment intervention" they told me they now felt relieved.  You see, they thought they were doing something wrong.  They thought the people on TV were just superior and special - and they..... weren't.  These are NURSES for goodness sake who take care of others when they are ill, sick and weak and THESE SPLENDID females were feeling inadequate as women!  I left thinking, "well that is what the blog is all about.  Urging Women to feel satisfied with themselves, to enjoy their uniqueness, and to live life with gusto. "

So please ladies, if you get nothing else from my blogs, know that my intention is to highlight enjoying ones life, and loving yourself by eating healthily, keeping cardio fit, and enjoying everyday, no matter what anyone else says or does.
Forget the movies, the magazines, the models and manufactured icons.
Look at the lovely, kind, smart, funny and real women around you and follow their examples.

You only have one life. 
Live, laugh, love.  Fully, deeply, truly.

Go make plans with a group of gals you love right now and toast yourselves. Do it and create a wonderful memory!       
STRIVE TO FLOURISH!  HUGS JOANNA

Joanna (unretouched ladies- veins, wrinkles, freckles and all,however will admit to makeup and great lighting)

#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!

# 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!

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IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro



#23 DAD I LOVE YOU - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY 6/15/12

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to

MY DIGNIFIED ITALIAN DAD

FOR MY FATHER
A GREAT MAN AMONG MEN

DADDY I WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR BABY AND I LOVE YOU

First I want to say A BIG THANK YOU to all of you who shared your love, wisdom, and condolences with my mom, sister and me after the passing of our father on June 2nd. It has meant a lot to us.

My Dad came to this country to fulfill the American Dream.  And he succeeded.  He went through Ellis Island and he was so proud to have his name engraved on the commemorative wall there.   Though not highly educated he was a very wise, smart and religious man. 

He lived his life according to his beliefs – which were strongly rooted in his catholic upbringing – and he instilled them in us, his children.

My father believed in honor, in keeping his word, and he had what many lack these days – integrity.  If you had my father’s trust and respect – you earned it -- that was indeed precious.   He always instructed, "don't pay attention to what people say, watch what they do." How right he was.
He was well versed with dealing with people, politics and life. He was streetsmart and savvy, and extremely loyal to his friends and family – almost to a fault.  But that attribute made him who he was. 

What can I say about my dad?  He was reliable, incredibly hard working (even when out of work at one point he said, "I didn't come to America to go on the dole!" - now that is character!!!)and enjoyed life - especially during the holidays.  He believed in the importance of family and he believed in the importance of maintaining traditions.  He loved Easter and especially Xmas where he always stayed up to watch midnight mass in Rome. Though he couldn’t get to church any longer, he prayed every day and before every meal.  The traditional Italian fare for Xmas was something he revelled in and we continue the culinary traditions today with great pleasure.

He always had determination, and dignity.  He taught us what was truly of value in life which is keeping your loved ones safe, keeping a roof over your head, food on the table and being loved.  We always felt his love through good times and bad, it was something that we never questioned.  Every day he would say, “I love you and be careful.”

He was very proud of us, his daughters - he always said, "I never wanted sons, I wanted daughters and I got two beautiful, smart and wonderful ones. God was good to me."  In his 80's he would save up money and once or twice a year would call us over and give us $100 saying, "this is from your Dad, buy something nice for  yourself." That patiently saved money was worth about a million to me. That gesture of love was and will remain - priceless. 

My mom and dad were married almost 71 years.   Dad had quite the reputation growing up as a ladies man.  When my mother met him at a dance he was the perfect gentleman – and they fell in love.  They married twice, once at city hall when he was going into the army during WWII and once when he was on leave, in church.  They married on July 4^th – dad told us it was because he would be able to remember his anniversary date.  It was actually because that is when he was on leave from the army… he always loved to tell a good story. They have eaten dinner together every night for all this time. Not many of us can attest to that.

He was our Dad – we kissed him and hugged him goodnight every night of our childhood and we kissed him and hugged him goodbye every single time we parted from him in our adult lives as well.    Our Dad was unique, sometimes dramatic, sometimes vain but always had our welfare in his foremost thoughts and actions. And for that we are eternally grateful. 

We are grieving because he is not around – we have a huge void in our lives – but he is with God and we do feel solace with that.  One day we will all be together again – and that will be forever.

This poem truly sums up how we are feeling – he will be sorely missed:

God saw you getting tired

And a cure was not to be

So he put His arms around you

And whispered, “Come to me”

With tearful eyes we watched you

And saw you pass away

Although we loved you dearly

We could not make you stay

A golden heart stopped beating

Hard working hands at rest

God broke our heart to prove to us

He only takes the best

#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