A Few Anti-Aging Secrets I Swear By (And a Few I'd Like to Try)

Since I've hitting the big 4-0, things on my body have been changing. The short list: Thinning hair, gray hair, wrinkles around my eyes and mouth, a thicker waistline, difficulty losing weight, acne (How cruel that it comes BACK in your 40s!), dry skin (Even crueler that you get it along with the acne!), sparse eyebrows and eyelashes and unwanted facial hair.

Oh, and my feet are a size bigger than they were a year ago so I've got to buy new shoes...but that isn't a bad thing.

Overall, I think I'm putting up a pretty good fight against the aging process, but everyone could use some help. Here are the secret weapons I use to help turn back the clock.

Renova (or Retin A) is a acne cream which has been shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It works by irritating the skin and causing the skin cells to divide and die more rapidly. The result is smoother, softer, younger looking skin. Renova is available by prescription. One tube costs about $90, is covered by most prescription medication plans and lasts about one year.

Clairol Root Touch Up – Every so often I go to the salon and get my hair professionally colored. Actually, I go once a year because it's expensive and I don't like spending an afternoon sitting in a chair inhaling the chemicals that are slathered on my head. The rest of the time, I slap some Clairol Root Touch Up on the grays and ten minutes later, I'm good to go.

Although there are several brands of root touch-up products on the market, Clairol is my favorite. With 18 colors to choose from, there's sure to be one to match your hair and at $6.99 a box, it's a deal when compared to a $60 salon touch up.

Crest White Strips – While smoking causes tooth discoloration, even non-smokers over the age of 40 may notice their teeth becoming a little dingy from coffee, wine and certain medications. Crest White Strips are an easy, inexpensive option for anyone wanting whiter, brighter teeth. Each day for two weeks you place the little strips on your top and bottom teeth, go about your regular routine for a few minutes, peel them off and TA DA!..a whiter smile which lasts for up to 18 months. Crest White Strips are available in grocery and drug stores. One box sells for $20 to $45.

Here are some cool-sounding anti-aging/beauty products I've never tried but am intrigued by:

Tanda Clear+ Acne Treatment Device - This little device combines sonic vibrations, gentle warming and blue light technology to give you a spa-worthy facial treatment at home. Recent studies have shown that acne light therapy in the blue wavelength range is a safe, gentle and effective method for acne removal. Regular use is said to leave your skin looking cleaner, clearer and more youthful. This acne removal system is available online at tanda.com for $49.

Tanda Luxe Skin Rejuvenation Device emits sonic vibrations and super luminous red LED light which helps improve the appearance and texture of the skin. Anti-aging light treatments have been regularly used by dermatologists to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, rejuvenate the appearance of your skin and give you a younger-looking complexion. The Tanda Luxe Skin Rejuvenation Device can be purchased on line at tanda.com for $195.

Sugaring– A few weeks ago I got a manicure and as I was having my old polish removed, the manicurist said, “You have hairy arms like a dog.

Huh?

I don't think her comment was meant to be hurtful but it did give me a complex about the amount of hair on my forearms...and the few I've been sprouting on my chin. Since then, I've been looking into methods to rid myself of this unwanted hair. Yesterday I stumbled on an article about sugaring. Sugaring is a type of hair removal which uses a paste made from natural ingredients such as sugar, water and lemon juice. The process is less painful than waxing. The cost is between $10 to $110 depending on where the hair is removed and results last for about six weeks.

I'm definitely thinking of giving sugaring a try!

Do you have any anti-aging secrets or lotions or creams that you swear by? Have you ever tried sugaring? Do you think acne light treatment and anti-aging light therapy really works to improve acne and skin tone? Friend me on Facebook, find me on Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com. Have a great weekend!

Barbeque Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf - Totally Yummy!

I haven't cooked dinner so far this week because:

1. I made homemade pierogies on Sunday. ALL DAY on Sunday. If you've ever done this, you know how much work it can be, even when you have a couple people in the kitchen working along with you.  Once you're finished, the last place you want to be is in the kitchen.
   
   
2. I wasn't home to cook last night because I went to a diet/exercise/weight loss seminar and stopped at McDonald's on my way home. Yes, I said McDonald's. In my defense, I got a salad and a bottle of water.
   
   
3. Bill did something to make me angry earlier in the week and as a result, I morphed into a complete bee-otch and decided I was not - I repeat WAS NOT - cooking anything until he admitted he was wrong. And yes I know I was being petty and immature (actually we both were) but whatever. What's important is that we got things resolved.

With things back to normal in our house, I got the urge to cook again. Tired of the same old stuff, I went searching for recipes this morning and found one for Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf.

OMG! How good does that sound?

Growing up, I dreaded the meatloaf my mother made. No offense, but the ketchup-topped concoction that had visible chunks of bread in it turned me off the dish well into adulthood. It wasn't until a few years ago that I tasted more advance versions that I realized how good meatloaf can be.

Photo Credit: Cafe Mom

I came across this recipe on the Cafe Mom website. I haven't tried it yet, but look at that picture. Isn't it incredible? How can that not be delicious? It's covered in bacon! BACON! The greatest food ever!  I'm going to make it tonight and will let you know how it goes. If you'd like to give it a try, here's the recipe:

Barbecue Meatloaf With Bacon

¾ pound ground chuck

¾ pound ground sirloin

½ cup onion, chopped

1/3 cup barbecue sauce, divided

1 heaping tablespoon of whole grain mustard

1-1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon kosher alt

½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1 whole egg

½ cup saltine crackers, crushed into crumbs

1 12-ounce package of bacon

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil and fold up the edges, making a dam to catch the drippings and fat.
• In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, 3 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, mustard, seasonings, egg and cracker crumbs.
• With your super duper clean hands, mix until combined and then form into a 9 x 5 inch loaf.
• Wrap the meatloaf in bacon and brush with the remaining barbecue sauce. Place it in your preheated oven for 1 hour our until a thermometer registers at 160 degrees.
• Remove and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve.

Are you a meatloaf fan?  What's your favorite meatloaf recipe?  Friend me on Facebook, find me on Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com.

People of Walmart - Pajamas Should Not Be Worn in Public!

Have you ever had a bad beauty/fashion day? You know, one of those days when your hair doesn't go right, you're clothes are all wrong and you feel fat? This happens to me often, especially during THAT time of the month.

If you want to feel better about yourself, do what I do. Head over to the People of Walmart site which features actual photos of Wal-mart shoppers in America.

Here's a sample:

What did I tell you? Are you eyes bleeding?

But yet, I love that site. It always makes me feel better myself and the ridiculous style and beauty choices I've made.

This weekend while I was feeling not so good about myself and stalking the site I noticed a repeating theme: That there are a lot of people who shop in their pajamas.

Apparently I'm not alone in that observation. Recently, Michael Williams, the commissioner of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, was in his local Wal-Mart when young man who was shopping in his sleepwear exposed his you-know-what to Williams and other customers. Williams immediately suggested a ban on pajama-wearing in public in Caddo Parish only to be criticized by several angry moms who said the government shouldn't be enforcing clothing regulations.

Hold up there ladies...

Yes, perhaps the government is overstepping it's bounds, but let me make this clear: Pajamas in public - at least on anyone who isn't a toddler or is not buying a package of Theraflu - are an obvious indication that you are to lazy to actually PLAN anything. Like getting out of bed more than five minutes before you leave the house. Or checking to see if there is at least one pair of jeans lying under the pile of crap in your bedroom.

Of course there's nothing wrong with pajamas – they're soft and comfortable – but is it really that hard to throw on something you don't sleep in before you walk out the door?

I will admit to occasionally wearing my pajamas when I drove Justin to the bus stop but I should note there were major differences between that and what's going on at Wal-mart:

1. I did not get out of the car.
2. I had a coat on and kept everything covered.
3. It was a situation which occurred not because of laziness, but because Justin and I had the occasional morning where we were running behind schedule.

What those jammie wearing Wal-mart shoppers don't realize is that when they're not snuggled under a comforter, those PJs show a lot more than they may have intended.  Or maybe they do realize that and just don't care. (Gag!)

And to the lady (is that a lady?) in the red Betty Boop pajamas, did you not realize that outfit was made for choosing a movie off Netflix while you're laying on your couch, not for loading up on orange juice and milk in broad daylight?

After seeing those pictures - and worse - I totally support what Commissioner Williams is proposing.

Call me a snob, but I'm someone who prefers to do her Wal-mart shopping without seeing a side of ass crack.

What do you think of people who wear pajamas in public? Have you ever checked out the People of Walmart website? Have you ever posted a picture on the site?

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Our Vacation Plans and the Italian Cruise Ship Disaster

A typical gray winter day in Pittsburgh.

A few weeks ago, on a snowy afternoon, I started searching the internet for a warm, tropical place to vacation.

I'm going to stop right here and admit to being a baby where winter is concerned. Other than a light dusting of snow and a few 20 degree days, winter has been MIA in Pittsburgh. Temperatures have hovered in the low 40s and 50s – which is awesome for January - but you know what? It would still be nice to see some sunshine.

Craving sun, I started planning a trip to the Caribbean or the Bahamas for next year at this time, after Christmas but before Justin heads back to college. Planning a year in advance would give us plenty of time to save money for the trip. It would be our get-the-hell-out-of-town-and-away-from-winter retreat. I'd love to go somewhere RIGHT NOW but with the new furnace and car repairs and Justin's books and other college expenses, the checking account is looking pretty weak. (Think pancakes and hot dogs for dinner.)

But since planning and dreaming is free (and fun) I started searching popular vacation spots online, considering and then eliminating several.

Disney World – Been there done that.

Hawaii - Too long of a flight and out of our price range.

Atlantis Resort - WAY out of our price range.

Disney cruise - Affordable in January but too babyish for a 19 year old.

Finally, I found a cruise on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines which was affordable, a short plane trip away and had loads of things to do for all ages.

Yippee! This was exciting stuff! Nothing pulls you out of a winter funk like having a dream vacation to work towards and look forward to. And then...

The Costa Concordia could be slipping into deeper water.

The very next day the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia crashed into shore of the Tuscan island of Giglio and the captain abandoned his ship.

Have you been following this story? I have and not just because we were planning a cruise. I couldn't help but wonder how it was possible in this day and age for a cruise ship to hit land.

A little digging and here's what I found:

Francesco Schettino, the captain of the ship, initially claimed the fatal crash was not his fault. He went on to say that he made a daring U-turn to avoid uncharted rock, saving “hundreds if not thousands” of lives in the process and painting himself as a hero.

Abandon ship? Not this guy!

Except that earlier this week he changed his tune and admitted to making a “navigational mistake” which caused the cruise liner to crash.

He also came up with a few pathetic and insulting excuses. As if anyone would believe this:

“The passengers were pouring onto the deck, taking the lifeboats by assault. I didn't even have a life jacket because I had given it to one of the passengers. I was trying to get people into the boats in an orderly fashion. Suddenly, since the ship was 60- to 70- degree angle, I tripped and ended up in one of the boat. That's how I found myself there.”

He abandoned the ship by accident? Uh, sure. Did Captain Smarmy slip on a banana peel?

Captain Schettino

This is going to sound incredibly mean, but have you seen pictures of this guy? The chest hair.  The gold chain. He looks like the obnoxious male every female has encountered in a nightclub. The overly confident sleaze who thinks he's God's gift to women and the world. 

At this point, Schettino hasn't officially explained what caused the deadly “navigational mistake.” But some are saying he veered to close to the coast as a favor to the ship's head waiter, Antonello Tievoli, who wanted to wave goodbye to his family members back on land.

Schettino is most likely not going to admit to that any time soon. Regardless, 2,400 tonnes of fuel need to be pumped out of the ship and state funds may be released to deal with any environmental issues. Let's also not forget that his error killed (at least) 11 passengers. Or the way he refused blame and then pretended he did something brave. I can't be the only one who finds this guy reprehensible.

The captain is currently under house arrest on suspicion of multiple manslaughter. As for Bill, Justin and me, we've put our vacation plans on hold. Just thinking about this tragedy and the loss of life is upsetting and makes me appreciate what I have. Vacations aren't meant to be tragic. They're supposed to bring happy memories. You can't help but feel for those families.

Oh, and Justin recently admitted to always having a freaky fear of boats.

Do you have any vacation plans or dreams? Do you have second thoughts about going on a cruise since this accident? What do you think of Captain Schettino's actions? Friend me on Facebook, find me on Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com.

Great Reasons to NOT Exercise (Yes I said NOT)

During the months of January and February I take a break from the gym. I'm tired from the holidays, I don't like going out in the cold and snow (although this winter it hasn't been that cold) and I don't feel like fighting the crowds of new members who jump on the exercise bandwagon for the first few months of the year.

Instead, I hang at home and work out with our Wii Fit. The New U Fitness First Yoga and Pilates “game” is my favorite and it really gives you a serious workout.

But here's a confession: The only exercise I've done in the past six days was the stroll I took around the grocery store yesteray and the few times last night when I walked to the refrigerator for a snack. 

In case you're wondering, I'm feeling guilty for being so lazy.

And I don't like feeling guilty.

To help myself feel better, I came up with reasons NOT to exercise. If you're feeling lazy too, pull up a chair, grab some cookies and read along...

You lose valuable time doing things like stalking Facebook, catching up on the latest celebrity gossip or browsing on Amazon.

Exercise makes you hungry, causing you to eat more, canceling out all the work you did.

You could go down a size. I know that sounds great, but can you really afford a new wardrobe?

It makes your body hurt. I don't want to ache all over. And if I do, I'd prefer that pain come from something I actually enjoy doing.

You could pull a muscle. As if working out isn't painful enough!

My tennis shoes get worn and dirty. They work so much better as a fashion statement when they're clean and new.

You sweat. I'm already fighting perimenopausal acne. Why on earth would I do something that could add the problem?

You smell. Enough said.

Watching television with a bag of potato chips and a pack of Oreos is way more fun when you didn't just come from the gym.

Have you been exercising regularly since the new year started or are you also in a “winter funk?”

Friend me on Facebook, find me on Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com.

Lose Weight and Make Money With Your iPhone

If you're a regular Life in the Middle Ages reader, you know that since Day One of starting this blog, I've been trying to lose 15 pounds and have written about my weight woes many times:

Some Things I Love About My 40s (and a Few I Can Do Without)

My Love/Hate Relationship With Exercise

Guess Who Lost Seven Pounds!

A Diet Update: The Benefit of Small Changes

Guess How Much Weight I Lost

Hello Diet...Good-Bye Cookies

Millions of people are using their iPhones to help with weight loss.

You also know that I never really said good-bye to those cookies, have been gaining and losing the same five pounds for a few years and consider myself a failure in the area of dieting.

But I'm not giving up yet.

And I'm always willing to try something new.

After all, my current method of exercising like a mad woman and then and eating a package of Oreos just isn't working. Not that I have been exercising like a mad woman lately. Since Christmas, I've had zero motivation to get to the gym. Zip, zilch, nada...nothing.

So what if I told you there is an iPhone app called GymPact that holds you accountable for rejoining the other workout gods at the gym? Oh, and did I mention it also pays you to work out.

Yes, you read that right. You and I can both get paid to exercise. (And if you'd like to lose weight without dieting, check out this link:  How to Lose Weight Without Dieting)

Now doesn't that sound like the best app EVER!

I know it seems too good to be true, but it is legit. GymPact users begin by creating a username and recording how many times they want to get to the gym each week. This is called your pact. Then they'll record how much they're willing to pay for each gym visit they skip. After this info is entered, they visit the gym and “check-in.” This means your iPhone will use it's built in GPS system to verify that you actually went to the gym. (No cheating!) At the end of the week, you'll receive a cash payout which is deposited into your personal PayPal account.

You're probably wondering where the money is coming from so here's the scoop: When any user doesn't make it to the gym on the days listed in their pact, money is withdrawn from their account. This money is pooled and then divided between the successful gym bunnies.

Of course you aren't going to get rich nor will you receive a massive GymPact payout, but you will get a few extra bucks. Think of it as your reward for sticking to a goal that will improve your lifestyle and your health. Just remember, it's just as easy to lose money as it is to earn it.

Oh Oreos, you know how much I love you!

If you're like me, you can see this app is clearly one of the best things ever invented. I'm the person who needs someone or something to hold me accountable for my progress. I need a reason to work out because - let's be honest - exercising sucks. Knowing that missing a gym date means losing money will most definitely motivate me to get there.

I'd like to think this iPhone app has the potential to change my life. That it will be the inspiration I need to drop those pesky 15 pounds.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Now if they could invent an app that would slap those cookies out of my hand, life would be perfect.

Would you use the GymPact app? Would getting paid motivate you to exercise regularly? Find me on Facebook, friend me on Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com.

Gay Marriage and Birth Control: Why Are We Debating These Things?

Did you catch the presidential debate last Saturday night? I didn't hang around to watch, but on Sunday morning while I was at the gym it was being replayed on television and the remote control was MIA (meaning I was to lazy to look for it) so I watched while I was on the treadmill.

Photo Credit - ABC News

In case you missed it, candidates Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and John Huntsman took the stage in New Hampshire to discuss what are supposedly the most controversial issues our country is facing. If you've been paying attention, you know the economy is a mess, Iran has a nuclear program and there's a Mexican drug war along our southern border. Debates can be boring but since there was no other entertainment at the gym, I tuned in to learn what the candidates had to say about these issues.

And was surprised when the moderators spent the majority of the debate focusing on birth control and gay marriage.

Wait. What? 

Did they really think those were the most important issues this country is facing right now?

Apparently so because for over an hour, the candidates discussed marriage equality and whether or not states should have the right to ban contraceptives. When the talk finally moved on to the economy - something most Americans can relate to - things were cut short and moved to post-debate analysis.

Apparently I wasn't the only one annoyed at the direction the debate took. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney summed up his feelings on the ridiculous line of questioning when George Stephanopoulos asked him about condoms and states rights. Romney dismissed the question as “silly,” saying that no state wants to ban contraceptives, so why bother asking such a dumb question? He said, “Contraception, it's working just fine. Leave it alone.”

Are there really that many Americans interested in the candidate's views on gay marriage and banning contraceptives? I'm thinking no. I'm also thinking the moderators need to leave the absurd, hypothetical questions out of the debate and talk about things that matter. Like how to balance the budget, when or if gas prices are going to be lowered, what can be done to keep our country safe from those who wish to attack us and how to create jobs and lower unemployment.

I'm not saying birth control and gay marriage aren't important, but they're social issues and should be secondary to economic prosperity and national security. Right now we have a president who is spending our way toward bankruptcy, who bows to foreign leaders and who won’t let us drill our own oil. In a recent CNN poll, 65 percent of Americans gave Obama a thumbs down on how he's been handling the economy and more Americans now say the the Obama administration's economic policies are making the economy worse rather than better.

Voters are hungry for legitimate conversation on issues that affect their lives and families. Perhaps mainstream media should start asking relevant questions.

Just my humble opinion.

Did you watch the debate? Where you confused by the line of questioning or did you find it interesting and relevant? Friend me on Facebook, find me on Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip - OMG! So Yummy!

I know it's early January and most of us made New Year's resolutions to exercise more, eat less, eat healthier or diet, but this recipe is so good that I had to share. It's made from two of life's greatest pleasures - cookie dough and chocolate - all rolled into one fine dessert...or appetizer...or snack.

Credit - Cafe Mom

As a bonus, it's easy to make and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. And just look at that picture. Are you not dying to have some already?

With my sweet tooth, PMS related chocolate cravings and tendency to eat when I'm feeling stressed, I'd have no problem making a meal out of this stuff.  (Okay, I'll admit it...I HAVE made a meal out of it. Which is one of the reasons why I drag myself to the gym five days a week and complain about how much I weigh.  It's no secret that I love to eat sweets and have no self-control.  But that's something we'll talk about on a different day.)

Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip (Adapted from How Sweet It Is)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cups regular or mini sized chocolate chips
• Fruit, cookies, crackers -- whatever you want to serve this with

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture starts to bubble. Set aside to cool, and whisk in vanilla.
2. Cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar for 60 seconds. With mixer on low speed, add in brown sugar and butter mixture. Mix until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
3. Garnish with additional chopped chocolate. Serve with fruit, cookies, crackers, pretzels, or just a spoon.

Do you have any great recipes you'd like to share?  Friend me on Facebook, find me on Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com.

More New Years Excitement at the McGinnis House

How have things been going for you so far in 2012? Here's the lowdown on what's been happening in our house:

On January 1^st Bill, Justin and I went shopping and out to eat. On January 2^nd our furnace broke. (If you missed that, you can read about it here: Our Furnace Broke! It's 52 Freaking Degrees in Our House.) On January 3^rd the new furnace was installed. That afternoon, as I was basking in its warm glow – and loving it! - Justin left to go to the gym.

Twenty minutes later he was back home.

With a wrecked car.

The good news is he wasn't hurt, the other person involved in the accident wasn't hurt and there was no damage to his vehicle. Justin's car, however, is another story. (See picture.) 

Although it doesn't look that bad and is drivable, it still needs to be fixed.

And estimates usually come back higher than you expect.

And our insurance rate will most likely increase.

Oh, and did I mention we have a $500 deductible and we just paid $2,200 for A NEW FURNACE!!!!

Grrrrrr!

How has the new year been treating you? Friend me on Facebook, find me or Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com.

Our Furnace Broke! It's 52 Freaking Degrees in this House!

New Year's Eve 2011. It was 50 degrees in Pittsburgh that night!

Remember a few days before Christmas when I was talking about how life was good and I was waiting for something to happen? Or last week when I was planning a spring trip to Calgary or Edmonton?

If you missed those posts, you can read them here: Life is Good, Ever Been to Edmonton and Visiting the City of Calgary.

Yesterday the other shoe dropped.  

Something happened. 

Our furnace decided to stop working and we woke in a house that was 52 degrees inside. 52 freaking degrees.

If you know anything about "newer furnaces" you know they last an average of 15 to 20 years. Ours decided to stop working at age15 years and 4 months.

Did it have to crap out so quickly, especially when it received very light use (think menopause, hot flashes.)

I wasn't pushing for the full 20 years - although it would have been nice - but couldn't it have run for 3 more years? Three more months?  Until mid-February when we get our income tax refund? Did it have to break on the coldest day we've had in 10 months and right after Christmas!!!!

Out with the old and in with the new!

Granted, a broken furnace isn't tragic and there are worse things in life. But it is disheartening when you believe that this one time you'll have a chance to get ahead, have some extra money, pay off the Christmas bills, not have to keep such a tight budget and maybe...just maybe...take a short trip out of town and indulge just a little. Just. A. Little.

Except that isn't how things usually work around here. We spend our lives under the threat of Murphy's Law - anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. We work and work and then work some more. We clip coupons, we scrimp, we save and we do without. And we still can't get ahead.

Our spring trip has been canceled, the basement makeover is going to take longer than planned and we'll be eating plenty of hot dogs, spaghetti and pancakes for dinner. And yes, I know I sound like a grouch but this one time I think I'm entitled - because it's 52 freaking degrees in this house and we're about to be $2,200 poorer!

How mean of you, stupid furnace. Brrr!

Visiting the City of Calgary

Downtown Calgary at night. There are hundreds of hotels and houses to rent in Calgary for anyone looking for an extended stay.

Continuing my search for great vacation destinations, I'm now considering Calgary. (If you missed yesterday's blog, I wrote about visiting Edmonton.)

Why all the interest in Canada? The truth is, I hadn't even considered visiting Edmonton or Calgary or Canada in general until I did some online searching and learned that both are beautiful cities full of interesting activities and things to see. It's also easy to find a nice place to stay in both

If you are like me and are not familiar with Calgary, here's the scoop:

• Calgary is a fairly large city.  It has a population of 1,079,310 and is considered the forth-largest metropolitan area in Canada.
• The city's economic structure is based on the petroleum industry, agriculture and tourism (which means they know how to entertain visitors, make them feel welcome and treat them well.)
• As any sports fan knows, Calgary became the first Canadian city to host the Olympic Winter Games in 1988.
• The downtown area of the city is made up of five neighborhoods: Eau Claire, the Downtown West End, the Commercial core, Chinatown and the East Village.
• Calgary is famous for hosting several annual festivals. Some of the most popular are the Calgary International Film Festival, the Calgary Folk Music Festival, Funnyfest Calgary Comety Fetival, the Folk Music Festival, the Greek Festival, Carifest, Wordfest Banff-Calgary International Writers Festival, the Lilac Festival, GlobalFest, the Calgary Fringe Festival, Summerstock, Expo Latino, Calgary Gay Pride and the Calgary Spoken Word Festival. One of Calgary's most popular events is the Calgary Stampede, which has been held each July since 1912 and boast attendance of over 1.2 million.
• Calgary is home to several museums including the Glenbow Museum, the Chinese Cultural Centre, the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum (one of the only museums Bill wouldn't mind visiting), the Military Museum, the Cantos Music Museum and the Aero Space Museum.

A display at the Glenbow Museum.

Downtown Calgary features a variety of restaurants, bars and shopping areas. Other popular tourist attractions are Olympic Plaza, the Calgary Zoo, the Telus World of Science, the Chinatown district, the Calgary Tower and the EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts.

Like Edmonton, Calgary is bursting with interesting things to see and do, places to eat, hot nightclubs, a variety of museums and a fascinating history.

I haven't yet decided which city to visit. One thing I did decide was to get back on the diet train. That means no chocolate cake for breakfast. Anyone interested in dieting with me? I'm hoping to post a weekly progress report in the blog. (Hoping...remember, I'm a complete failure when it comes to losing weight!)

So good...but off limits now!

Have you ever visited Calgary or Edmonton? Do you know of any fun or unusual things to do in either city? Did you started a diet today or are you waiting until tomorrow since today is a holiday and – in my world – holidays are a free pass.

Wishing you all a safe, happy, healthy, prosperous 2012!