[CheeryBomb]

No Chem, I haven’t tried the pizzas yet but I want to. They look mouth watering good. Maybe we can have family pizza night this weekend and make some home made pizzas! I am a total sweets person so it seems like I always try the desserts first https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif I have had the Almond Chocolate chip cookies from Mar/Apr and I just made the Strawberry Rhubarb Crumbly from May/June today. I love both of them. They’re so decadent with just enough sweet to settle any craving.

[CheeryBomb]

Oooo…creamy fresh herb sounds good, creamy lemon, basil walnut, and ranch (yum!) thank you cheerybomb!! =)

All credit for these recipes goes to Clean Eating Magazine. This is not my creation in anyway, and I am taking no credit for them. Just passing them along because I think they are wonderful! (Had to add my disclaimer just in case https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif )

Creamy Fresh Herb Dressing

This herbed dressing can also be used as a dip for crudites (raw veggies/finger foods). Just thicken the mix by increasing the amount of Greek yogurt to 3/4 cup.

6 Tbsp nonfat plain Greek-style yogurt
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp raw organic honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh dill, snipped or chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until blended. Refrigerate until serving or use immediately. Store in a sealed container in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serves 4, Makes 1/2 cup, Total time 7 minutes

Nutrients per 2 Tbsp serving: Calories 25, Total Fat 0, Sat. Fat 0, Carbs 3g, Fiber 0g, Sugars 1g, Protein 2g, Sodium 40 mg, Cholesterol 0mg
******************************************************************************

Creamy Lemon Dressing:

Break up last night’s cold cooked salmon, mix it with this fresh creamy dressing and serve it alongside rice and greens for a brand new lunch or dinner.

4 oz soft tofu, drained
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 Tbsp white wine vinegar or rice vinegar
1 Tbsp EVOO
Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp chives, chopped

Instructions:
One: Place tofu in a blender and process with lemon juice and zest, vinegar and oil, scraping down sides of bowl as needed

Two:Transfer dressing to a small mixing or serving bowl and stir in salt, pepper, and chives. Refrigerate until serving or use immediately. Store in a sealed container in refrigerator for 1 to 2 days (dependent on shelf life of tofu). Serves 4, Makes 1/2 cup, Total time 7 minutes

Nutrients per 1 Tbsp serving: Calories 50, Fat 4.5g, Sat. Fat 0g, Carbs 1g, Fiber 0g, Sugars 0g, Protein 2g, Sodium 60mg, Cholesterol 0g
*****************************************************************************************

Basil Walnut Vinaigrette

Drizzle this dressing over cooked, cooled rice or whole wheat pasta with fresh vegetables for an impromptu grain salad!

10 Fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
1/2 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp wine vinegar
1 Tbsp EVOO
2 Tbsp low sodium chicken broth (try it with low sodium vegetable broth if you are vegetarian/vegan)
Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp unsalted walnuts, chopped

Instructions:
In a medium size mixing bowl, add basil, garlic, dijon, vinegar, oil, broth, salt, and pepper, whisking to combine thoroughly. Stir in walnuts. Refrigerate until serving or use immediately. Store in a sealed container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Serves 4, Makes 1/4 cup, Total time 10 minutes

Nutrients per 1 Tbsp serving; Calories 45, Fat 4.5g, Sat. Fat 0.5g, Omega 3s 200mg, Omega 6s 990mg, Carbs 1g, Fiber 0g, Sugars 0g, Protein 0g, Sodium 80 mg, Cholesterol 0mg
**************************************************************************************************

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

This dressing does double duty as a flavorful vegetable dip. No modifications required!

5 Tbsp low fat buttermilk
3 Tbsp nonfat plain Greek style yogurt
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients until blended. Refrigerate until serving or use immediately. Store in a sealed container in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serves 6, Makes 1/2 cup, Total time 15 minutes

Nutrients per 2 Tbsp serving; Calories 10, Total fat 2g, Sat fat 0g, Carbs 1g, Fiber 0g, Sugars 1g, Protein 1g, Sodium 55mg, Cholesterol 1mg

Hope this will help you with the changes you are making to become healthier. Btw, if you haven’t already, check out Clean Eating. It’s super easy and has delicious recipes. You’re never hungry and nothing is cut out of your diet except the things that are not good for your body. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[CheeryBomb]

I just thought it would be good in sauces/dressings since they are so bad for you. I can’t eat a dry salad =) Any little bit helps. Trying to implement healthy things everywhere i can =)

Just a little tip for you…In the March/April 2010 issue of Clean Eating Magazine on pg.46, there are 9 homemade salad dressings (along with a recipe for each) . The recipes are easy and have very few ingredients, most of which are pantry staples (so no weird/exotic ingredient you can only get once a year at a random farmers market 20 miles away). Also, they are made without the use of High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar, Preservatives, or any other ingredient you can’t pronounce or don’t know what it is. Therefore, much healthier and easier on your waste line https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif
Here is the list of dressings. Let me know which ones you want the recipes for, and I’ll post them for you.

Creamy Fresh Herb
Rice Vinegar & Wasabi
Creamy Lemon
Basil Walnut
Honey & White Balsamic
Orange Herb
Tarragon Mustard
Curry
Buttermilk Ranch (Yes, you can still have Ranch!)

[CheeryBomb]

Oh please has there ever been a Miss USA without some racy photos surfacing? she was not grinding and she had clothes on.

I agree. In this day and age, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t done something "racy" according to our society. Seriously, a woman can just walk down the street in jeans and a t-shirt and be considered sexy. In fact, she had on a far less scandalous outfit in the Pole Dance Comp than she did in the Miss USA photo shoot put on by the Miss USA competition. There are so many crazy taboos and restrictions put on things in the USA that people automatically jump to the worst conclusions without doing any research. It seems that there will always be someone out there pointing a finger to blame and trying to take away another person’s success; and it’s usually due to jealousy or being afraid of something that is different or unconventional. As an America, this type of behavior makes me embarrassed. We are supposed to be the most tolerant nation in the world and yet we judge folks in a very harsh manner. If you want a Miss USA without any baggage that’s considered "too sexy" then the company needs to look for virgins that are fully covered.

[CheeryBomb]

On no, I missed April already?! Well, I couldn’t come up with a good song for April anyway. This one should be fun to do as I have been working on my spins. Now, just to find a good song…

[CheeryBomb]

Being a military wife, I am at odds with this video being posted on the Web. As a regular person, this video is brilliant and extremely entertaining and creative. As someone representing the United States and our military, I am a bit embarrassed, and I worry about the safety of these soldiers. I know I may get hate comments on this https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif , but let me explain why. I am a very open minded person who strives to always see a situation from all points of view and listen to all sides of a story. I don’t gossip. If someone else starts to gossip in conversation with me, I don’t respond to it thus moving the conversation to a different topic. So as far as this video is concerned, I am torn.

I think that it is important for our soldiers to be able to relax, unwind, and take their minds off of the stress involved with being deployed in a war zone. I am all too aware of these stressors from my experience as an Infantryman’s wife, but if this is how they are able to do it then fine. I only wish that they would not have worn their uniforms which screams out to the enemy "Look at us. We’re Americans making a silly video and posting it on the internet. This is what we all look like, these are our names. How about next time we are out on patrol, you find us and make us your prime target!" In relation to OPSEC (Operations Security), this is a perfect way to just hand over intell to the enemy. I know it may not look like much to the average person (even to me), but they (the enemy) look for different things than we do. Videos like this should not be posted on the internet at all in order to keep our soldiers safe. Things on the internet spread like wild fires and then, there is no stopping it. Anyone can see this thus causing a possible security breach. Also, I feel it’s important to represent our country and our military in a positive light. Soldiers are supposed to be professionals at all times, and videos like this one do not characterize them as such.

On the other hand, I think this remake was brilliant. However the person making this got all those guys talked in to participating is beyond me. Most men are "manly" to let their hair down, so to speak, and do something fun and funny like this. Their costumes (the ones wearing them) were original and eye catching. I know how hard it must have been to get all the scenes filmed and put together in between missions. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif Kudos to them. As I stated before, I only wish they would have chosen not to wear any piece of a military uniform and not to include anyone’s name. These wishes are purely based on protecting their safety while in theater.

[CheeryBomb]

I live in Egypt so that way far from the U.S..! do you still ship to countries that far?

What i meant by tailoring was making the pole shorter or longer you know depends on the distance between the room’s ceiling and floor!

thank you https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

You can order from X-pole in the UK and they can adjust the currencies for you on their website as well as give you info on the shipping and import fees, if any. If you are stationed in Africa with the US military (i.e. and APO) you can order from X-pole US. That’s how I got mine.

http://www.verticalleisure.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.xpoleus.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CheeryBomb]

One quick tip about your new free food, which is awesome btw. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif It sounds like there are some healthy choices there for you. Just be mindful about the amounts of refined sugar, sugar syrups, and refined bleached flour and rice that could be added to certain prepackaged items and even cooked with. These things are little monsters that can cause you to feel like you have energy but then bring you crashing down making you feel like you fell off your pole from the very top and landed on your head https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumbdown.gif Good luck

[CheeryBomb]

PoleGrrrrl

All of the previous statements from the amazing SV ladies are great advice. I would like to add that you should also focus on eating 5-6 times a day (approximately every 2-3 hours). I know that may sound like a lot, but eating several small meals throughout the day instead of 3 larger meals, helps to keep your energy levels sustained, prevents you from "crashing", and keeps your metabolism active. Focus on having a combination of lean protein (boneless/skinless chicken breasts, tofu, any kind of beans, quinoa, beef, pork, nuts, etc) and complex carbohydrates (whole grains, any fruits and/or veggies). Tosca Reno has some great, tasty recipes and meal plans that are easy to prepare and follow, respectively. Also, another great resource is Clean Eating Magazine. Again, great and tasty recipes and meal plans with shopping lists included. Best of luck to you. I’m excited to hear how your competition goes.

http://www.eatcleandiet.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (Tosca Reno’s website)

http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/minisite/ce_index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (Clean Eating Magazine website)

[CheeryBomb]

Does anyone else get knee pain from attempting center splits? Something in my right knee does not want to give, so I proceed very cautiously and slowly, but I’m wondering if there are other stretches I can do to help it release.

Yes, actually on Stacey Nemour’s splits video, she does show a knee stretch. You would just lay down on you back and rotate you lower legs around in all directions keeping the rest of your body stationary. You can place your hands under your bum for stability or you can keep them at your sides. I know it sounds weird, but you could start by rotating (from the knee down) both legs inward leading with your feet. Do this for a bit and then rotate them outward. Then both to the right, and then both to the left. It stretches and loosens up the knees and warms up the muscles around the knees.

I hope this explanation was clear enough https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif It’s kind of hard to describe. Best of luck to you. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif

[CheeryBomb]

Poledanceromance,

I don’t think you would be limited at all due to your background or non background in dance, gymnastics, etc. Does having that make things a bit easier, sure. But that doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t try to take yourself to the highest level of Pole (i.e. competition level) if that is what your dream is. The only thing it means is that you may have to work a bit harder and put more time and effort into finding your own style and movement. No matter what age you are when you start or where you start from, you can always get better and achieve more. Why sit around wasting time wondering if you can or can’t ever get to that level. We all know that practice makes perfect, so get up and start practicing. If you are willing to go the extra mile, then by all means, go for it. As long as you go into it knowing your abilities and what you will need to do to get to where you want to be, you will do great. If you never try, you will never know what you potential is. If you end up not being able to do a certain move, so what, focus on what you can do while continuing to practice on getting better at what you are lacking in. And, who knows, you may get into your training and find that you have a natural ability to captivate your audience with your own movement without having any professional training. I believe that a woman can captivate anyone as long as she is confident in herself. Look within yourself, find something that you absolutely love about yourself without adding anything negative to it, and focus on that one positive aspect. Then build to two positive things about yourself, and so on. Continue building yourself up with positives until the things you don’t like are just minor issues that you can over look. For me, I love my eyes. I always try to speak through my eyes and I really work on that in all aspects of my life. If I am giving my hubby the "come hither" look https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif or I’m telling my daughter that she shouldn’t be tearing the tissues out of the box again https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif

Anyway, I totally agree with Veena. The mind is a very powerful source. If you are constantly second guessing yourself and thinking that you can’t do it, then you can’t/won’t do it. If you are telling yourself that you can do this no matter what people think or what your background is, and that you are gonna make it to the top no matter what you have to go through or how long it will take, then you WILL succeed, and you WILL make it. The power is within yourself. Only YOU can make this happen. I believe in you. YOU CAN DO IT! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[CheeryBomb]

I have just recently received my 50mm X-pole X-pert and I love it. I searched for a while before making my decision as well. I have put it up by myself and taken it down by myself. My hubby helped me the first time but, honestly, I could have done it by myself from the beginning (I’m blessed to be pretty handy without my hubby’s help). Once you get the hang of it (it’s a really simple process), you will be fine doing it on your own. The process seems more difficult than it really is. Just read all of the instructions first to make sure you are assembling the pole correctly. Personally, I liked the X-pert over the others because it can be static or spinning, doesn’t require drilling into the floor or ceiling (non permanent), and it is bottom loading (the height adjuster is at the bottom making it easier to install). Good luck and happy pole shopping! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

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Megs – Well it’s nice to know that someone else is having the same issues as myself. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif It really stinks to be so into your workout and then not be able to finish it due to technical difficulties https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumbdown.gif I’m wondering if this is an issue of "breaking in the new pole"? I guess we’ll have to see what others say. Hopefully, there are more than just the two of us that this has happened to https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cyclops_ani.gif (Not that I wish for anyone to have this problem) I am gonna workout again today on the pole so we’ll see what happens. Thank you for sharing your input, Megs! Happy Poling! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

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Sosagely-I have started using a stretching video from Stacey Nemour. I got her information from someone else here at StudioVeena. (I can’t remember which forum though) Stacey is a Kung Fu master, and she has some great ideas. I have only done it a few times but I can feel a difference. I’m working on getting up to everyday or even twice a day. The video is only $9.95 to download it from her website or you can purchase the DVD and have it mailed to you (I just bought the digital download because it’s less expensive) The name of the video is ‘Secrets of Splits & Flexibility’. Best of luck to you. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif

http://staceynemour.com/index.html

[CheeryBomb]

Have you ever tried Quinoa? (pronounced keen-wa) It is a grain with the highest protein content of any of the other grains (6g per 1/4 cup). It is gluten and wheat free and very tasty. I don’t know if any of this info will help you, but I just hate to see someone suffering. I wish I could be there with you to give you big hugs and take all of you troubles away even though we don’t know each other. I really pray that your appointment goes well next week and that you can begin getting more answers. Hope you have a fabulous weekend. Dance bunches https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif

[CheeryBomb]

I am so glad to hear that you can still dance through all of your hard times, and that you use it to your advantage. I truly believe that dance can be the perfect dose of medicine to take pain/stress away; even if it is for just a little while. Kudos to you for wanting to go back to school. That is wonderful and very brave.

I was wondering if you have ever tried "Eating Clean" (if it’s not to invasive to ask) What it basically means is eating everything in it’s most natural state (i.e. nothing man made, little to no preservatives, no chemically altered, color added, refined foods with tons of sugar) There is a lot of information out there and it may even help fight whatever is trying to take over your body. If you find that you would like some more info, here are a couple of websites to get you started on your research.

http://www.eatcleandiet.com/
http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/minisite/ce_index.htm

Good luck with your adventure in dance, and I hope that your visit with the specialist goes well. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[CheeryBomb]

I agree with the ladies on this one. There’s no reason to risk it. Just take it down for the day.

Second, I also agree 100% with Empyrean. Learn to put up/take down/assemble/disassemble your own pole. You are an incredibly beautiful, strong, and intelligent woman, and you can do it. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_monkey.gif We will help you here at Studio Veena. Veena actually has a fantastic video demonstrating how to put the older version of the Xpole together and up. (You can find this video in the forums under the section titled "Dance Poles") It may be a bit easier with two people https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_neutral.gif , but you can definitely do it with one person. Just practice and keep trying until you get it right. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

Lastly, don’t be too shy to ask us for help. No one will judge you here and everyone is very encouraging. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif Goodluck!

[CheeryBomb]

Rubi, thanks for the tip on rolling each piece across a flat surface. My main B-pole was warped/bent. I called Xpole and they are sending me a new piece. I can’t wait until I get the new piece to try it. Hopefully, that will fix the problem. Thank you all for your suggestions, tips, and help. I really appreciate it. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cool.gif

[CheeryBomb]

Yes I have an X-Pole. It’s the new bottom loading/adjusting. I tried loosening it one third of a turn (as there are 3 locking screws on the bottom) By the third turn it was better but when I stood up to push/pull to check stability, the dome slipped. I don’t want to use it on spinning mode if the bumping/catching is going to damage the pole, and my safety on the pole is of most importance. If I put my body weight into a spin on spinning mode and the pole decides to fly with me https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif , that = a hurt and sad flying fairy https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif

Thank you for the suggestions. I will continue to fiddle with it until I feel safe using it.

[CheeryBomb]

I used to live in Colorado! I miss it so much. Where do you live? Welcome to StudioVeena. You are gonna love it here. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[CheeryBomb]

Wow! This is a redundant understatement in how gorgeous this is. I love, love, love sparkles, and I have to confess that I love Britney but this design is much better than hers https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif Your skills will definitely be noted in my book. I can’t believe I’ve missed this for the last month. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif Well, now I know where to go if I ever need a gorgeous, custom outfit. (I tend to mess up the whole thing when I try to be creative. I’d have to have several bras in case I messed up, and I probably would https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_tongue.gif ) Thank you for posting this and giving the tips. You’re very kind to do that because most people would not share the secrets and just charge you an arm and a leg to make one for you. Anyway, very rad and way better than nunchuck skills or bow staff skills.

What make and model are the panties, if you don’t mind me asking? I like the coverage on the back. I’m in the market for some that stay in place (don’t ride up https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_silent.gif ) and have good coverage but are lowrise. Are these hipsters?

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Englann, I don’t know if you have found what you are looking for yet, but I went to Walmart.com and found a lot of helpful stuff. The prices are great (of course) and there are several options. Not all of the sets are sold in stores (some are just on the website) but they offer free shipping to the store closest to you and then you can just go in and pick up your order when it gets there. Here are just a few that I found. Feel free to surf a bit and find what you are looking for. I hope this helps you too! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=12167853&findingMethod=rr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.walmart.com/ip/J-Fit-Resistance-Exercise-Bands-Set-of-4/11743086" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Welcome, Faye! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

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I have a book called ‘Eating for Life’ by Bill Phillips that talks about portion size versus serving size, not cutting anything out of your eating plan, having a free day, and he gives you wonderful recipes that are balanced, easy to prepare, and some are even freezable. From reading things on here, I believe the diet is considered a ‘clean diet’. Bill is a personal trainer and also has a workout book called ‘Body for Life’. Anyway, thought I would share my little piece of info with all of you. If you have any questions for me, feel free to ask https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

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Thank you all for the warm welcomes!

Audball-My husband is Irish. He still has some family in Ireland, and we are planning to visit while we are living in Europe.

PoledanceABCs-I am in Baumholder and would love to do a pole jam with you, once I get my pole, of course. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif