Get Relief from the Heat with a Healthy Smoothie

Have you ever wondered where smoothies came from? Well, they originated on the American West Coast in the 1930s when health food stores began serving puréed fruit drinks.

They continued to grow in popularity, and became a favorite of the Hippie generation in the 60s and 70s. In the 80s, independent smoothie shops began popping up all over the country.

An innovative teenager in the 70s, Steve Kuhnau, tired of having to forego milk shakes due to his lactose intolerance, began blending his favorite fruits with ice. The wildly popular Smoothie King franchise was born.

If you are a lemon lover, try this luscious lemon twist smoothie:

1/4 cup lemon

1/4 cup papaya chunks

1/4 cup frozen strawberries

1/4 cup turbinado sugar

1 TB honey

1 cup water

1 1-2 cups ice

Blend all together until slushy. Serve with a smile.

 

Bringing Romance into Your Home

You can romance your home, without spending a great deal of money, just by making the most of accent items.  First of all, try to remember to pick up a decorative souvenir for your home when you go on a vacation or romantic weekend. As the years go by, you will enjoy the memories that these items bring back to mind.

Colorful, cushy pillows, soft plush, throws and long, flowing sheer curtains can go a long way toward making bedrooms and living rooms more romantic. Add lush candles and musky incense to permeate your rooms with romantic scents.

You can find small stone fountains to set on your tabletops at many home decor shops.  The sound of flowing water is reminiscent of a spa -- always very romantic.  You can add nature sounds to your home via music television, specialty radio or CDs.

Large bouquets of fresh flowers can be bought at most groceries. Scattering these around your home in small vases can enhance the romance. Use your imagination! Be creative and bring romance into your home.

Whether you are newlyweds or empty nesters, you can make your home a romantic sanctuary where you can find peace and tranquility at the end of a long, stressful day at work.  AND it doesn't have to cost you a fortune.

Start by scattering inexpensive, low maintenance live plants around your house. You can put them in plain ceramic pots that you can paint to match your decor. Plants actually help clean the air in your house by taking in carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen.

One of the cheapest ways to revitalize your home is to paint. Warm, earthy colors have a romantic feel, and you can add a little spice by painting chair rails, crown moldings, baseboards, window and door frames a complimentary color.

If you think you are up to the challenge, install an aquarium. There is little more peaceful and soothing than dimming the lights and watching the colorful fish swim in and out of the sea plants and rocks. Aquariums require some effort to maintain properly, but if you have the time, they can provide hours of enjoyment.

Got some money to invest? The stock market stinks right now. Why not think about a hot tub? You can come home from work, pour a glass of wine, and soak away the tensions of the day. Hot tubs soothe aching joints and sore muscles, and help people get a deeper sleep at night.

These are a few ways to romance your home. Watch next week for tips on using small home accessories and accents to further bring romance into your home through creative and inexpensive decor.

One of the best things about Downtown Disney is that it does not require a ticket for admittance.  There are no rides, but there are restaurants and stores galore -- each with their own unique flavor.

The World of Disney store carries every Disney souvenir you can imagine -- from clothes to toys to jewelry to kitchen appliances. The Art of Disney store carries some of the most breathtaking oil paintings, water colors, prints and sculptures. Even if you can't afford to buy anything, it's still fun to browse. 

The Lego store is a little boy's home planet. Be sure to watch for the giant Lego dragon in the lagoon. For the brave at heart, there is a hot air balloon that will take you high above Downtown Disney where you might catch a glimpse of Peter Pan flying off to Never Land.

Stop by the Ghirardelli store for free chocolate samples, and stick around to buy a scrumptious fudge sundae -- big enough to share. You can have a lunch fit for royalty at the Earl of Sandwich, or dine with dinosaurs at T-Rex.  Bongo's features quality Cuban cuisine and the Irish Pub serves authentic pub delicacies.

Your little girl can be transformed into a real princess at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique. (Just be prepared to spend some money.) Also look for the Cigar shop for dad, the Ceramic shop for mom, and the rock-n-roll memorabilia shop for the teens.

Cirque du Soleil has a permanent home at Downtown Disney. And don't miss the biggest arcade ever at Disney Quest. Even without the rides, Downtown Disney is still magical.  Stop by next time you're in Orlando.