People don’t realize how much ultra violet light they absorb over the years while driving their cars.

To avoid all the drying and premature aging that comes with that, be sure to always keep a tube of sunblock in your car. Get one with a higher SPF, and no parabens.

Pick some place in your daily drive – some stop light, or a stop sign – where you can remember to put sunblock on your face, chest, and arms.

Bonus – if you’re able to stop at the beach or park for some fun in the sun, you’ll have sunblock with you in the car. Always protect your skin.

Light a little fire(cracker) under your booty today – GET MOVING!

Some songs are great driving songs, and this is one of them. If you’re like us, you have this one on the playlist for your car when you can roll down the windows (or the top) and blow down the road with the music blaring.

But today is not a driving day. Today is a day to move under your own steam, your own power, your own initiative. That’s independence. And this? Is Independence Day.

Get moving. Claim your power.

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Curious about what you can eat as a vegan?
Looking for something completely different?
Want a bunch of new recipes?

Join Marilu.com and take the ALL NEW Viva La Vegan class, starting Monday, July 6! Mother-daughter coaches Jan and Kyra will share their favorite animal-free recipes in a supportive and encouraging environment.

There is no commitment to becoming vegan. You may want to challenge yourself to try one vegan recipe a day, or one vegan meal a day. Or not. You may just want to learn the benefits of vegan eating, for further thought. That’s cool, too.

C’mon and try it!
Members are automatically enrolled in class. Not a member? Join now, so you don’t miss a thing.

• Have a picnic * even if you eat in the backyard, pack your meal in a basket and put out a blanket to sit on
• Camp out * state parks are a bargain, and the backyard is free – sing around the campfire, catch fireflies, tell ghost stories, play flashlight tag
• Visit a historical site or monument * learn a little about our nation’s history
• Gather family and friends for some games * frisbee, croquet, wakeboarding, bocce ball, badminton, softball, surfing, volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, hopscotch, basketball, waterskiing, tag … and more!
• See a parade – or walk in one * community fun at its finest
• Take a hike * enjoy a small part of the country
• Take a road trip * see the U.S.A., even if you don’t drive a Chevrolet
• Hear a band * get dancing at a music festival, or tune in to the (classic) Boston Pops concert
• See the fireworks * of course!

The year is half over already. Time for a status check on your goals and plans.

Complete the following sentences.

1. So far in 2009, I’m proud of … (celebrate your achievements!)

 

2. I can do better with … by … (be specific – and don’t beat yourself up; look forward)

 

3. I can’t wait to … (list big and small pleasures)

Are you looking for something to toss on the grill this weekend? How about a THM-friendly option?

• barbecued chicken (or baked)
• tuna burgers
• Portobello burgers (see below)
• chicken sausages (favorite brands are Applegate Farms and Trader Joe’s – just check the label for ingredients; some contain cheese or use pork casing)
• bean burgers (see below)
• soy burgers (favorite brands are Amy’s and Morningstar – check the label since some contain dairy)
• fish (salmon is delish)

Portobello Burger Dijonay
Serves 1 * Blue

1 Portobello mushroom cap
1 whole-grain bun
1-2 leaves romaine or other lettuce
1-2 slices tomato
1 teaspoon Nayonnaise or Vegenaise
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon capers

In a small bowl, mix together the Nayonnaise or Vegenaise, the Dijon mustard, and the capers. Gently clean a Portobello mushroom cap with a damp cloth, and cut the stem even with the bottom of the cap. Grill the mushroom cap approximately 3 minutes on each side. Serve on a whole-grain bun with lettuce, tomato, and Dijonay sauce.

Tex-Mex Burgers
From SusanMikYUM at www.Marilu.com
Serves 4 * Green

16 oz. can black beans, drained (reserve liquid)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped pepper (red bell for mild, jalapeño for a spicier burger)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less if you do not like spicy)
2-3 Tablespoons tahini, or one egg
1 cup whole-grain bread crumbs
2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro
Olive oil for frying
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup guacamole
4 whole-grain buns

Mash all ingredients together. If the mixture is too dry, add some of the liquid you saved when draining the beans. Fry 3 minutes on each side in a small amount of olive oil, or grill carefully. Serve with salsa and guacamole on a whole-grain bun.

Recipes courtesy of Marilu Henner.
More recipes are available when you become a member. Get vegan recipes starting next week in the Viva La Vegan class!

Have you been trying to change your habits?
Have you been struggling with maintaining a positive attitude in the midst of personal challenges?
Are you stuck in the blame-and-shame rut?

Take responsibility for your life.
Take responsibility for your weight, your health, your fitness level.
And DO something about it.

Get started now.
Get started here.
Click on the green arrow. Move. Dance. Run.
And sign up now – the next online class at Marilu.com starts Monday.

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Thanks Michael Jackson, for so many decades of making music for dancing.