Wednesday, April 27, 2011

From Richard, with love

I have been a fan of the iconic Richard Simmons from his groundbreaking Deal-a-Meal infomercial days, through his antics on Letterman's Late Shows, and every cameo in between. Lucky me! Last fall, I got to give him a hug.
[this is not the most flattering shot of either of us, I assume]

Fast forward to our family field trip this weekend, where I happened on The #1 National Bestseller Never-Say-Diet Book for just over a buck. I had to indulge myself.


So, what lies beyond the cover?
Here, let me show you. Richard won't mind. Because his life is an open book.

There are exercises, like this:
[Vowel Stretchers, for your trouble neck and mouth spots, sore from all the chewing]

And this:
[Tootsie Rolls; drop and give Richard 150, from cheek-to-cheek]

And so many more fantastic, tights-and-t-shirt toning and flexing moves that I wish I had time to post them all.

In addition to sage advice [honestly, his straight-shooting circa 1980 is ridiculously relevant still today], Richard offers up recipes that rival those found in any fitness mag:

Yogurt Garlic Dressing
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1 minced clove garlic
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon chives, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Put all ingredients in a bowl and blend well with a whisk.

Hey, it's how a fella keeps his gams gorgeous from retro to right now!
[Yes, those are Richard's man-t-hose!]

And remember, per Richard, you have all of the ingredients for your own Success Recipe:
Self Love
A Positive Attitude
and Determination

Hey, it's cheesy - but this cheese is low-fat.
Thanks, Richard - love ya from your 'fro to your big toe!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Pipe Dreams

A sky full of sunshine.
And basket full of bubbles.Happy Easter.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

My Peeps

Kitsch is timeless.
Just like Peeps.


Hatched in the early 50s, like all things retro, the chicks - and their peeps, the bunnies - are as cavity-inducing and sugar high as they ever were. And today, Marge is having her Pre-K peeps over for an egg hunt. Old-school plastic eggs with mysteries in the middle are about to be hidden - and seeked, and after a few good games of chase, chased down with a Peeps cupcake.

Happy Easter. May all your marshmallows be sugar-coated!