P.S.:  Check out the links in the sidebar to some other great sites, including the meetup sites if you are interested in participating in a variety of fun activities and cultural events, with some great, fun-loving and friendly people.
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We are coming into that wonderful time of year again... Thanksgiving.  A time to reflect and be grateful for who we are and what we have...especially our health!

I encourage you to start preparing now, at least mentally, so you will be ready to enjoy the festivities, but also be mindful of small things you can do so you will not over indulge to the point that you will regret it later.  Following are a few tips to consider:

1.  Don't fret over the big picture.  When you are out celebrating the season, stay in the moment and decide to make the healthiest choice available, right there in front of you at the time.  That also means moderation in all forms.

2.  Make up your mind to drink added glasses of water.  Not only will the additional water help you stay hydrated, it will help you to flush your system of the all the food you have eaten while also helping you to feel full so you won't stuff yourself. 

3.  Don't eat with your eyes, eat with your stomach.  Acknowledge when you feel full, regardless as to how good that Sweet Potato pie or chocolate cake looks.  If you must, take a piece home with you for the following day.

4.  Surround yourself with happy people...you being the one at the top of the list!  Laugh Often, Laugh Out Loud, Loosen Up, and Laugh at Yourself!

5.  And, lastly, but definitely not least;  Especially during this festive season, but quite frankly, any time...When you see someone without a Smile...Give them one of yours!

"Live Your Life to the Fullest!!!"       

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Nov 14-16   Sapelo / Cabretta Island Weekend Adventure Trip
Nov 17        Wine Tasting & Heavy Hors d'oeurves at Cafe Intermezzo
Nov 18        2015 Trip Planning Schedule Meeting at REI - Atlanta Store
Nov 22        Hike Big & Little Kennesaw Mountain
Dec 6          Annual Stone Mountain Hike
Feb 20-23   Adventures in Puerto Rico - Rainforest Hike & more...
Mar 21        Overnight at the Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls State Park
Aug 15        Conasauga River Snorkel - 10th Anniversary

For more information on a specific event, please send an email to: CH@CarolynHartfield.com

Come to the meeting on Tuesday, November 18
6:30p.m. - 8:00p.m.
REI Atlanta Store
1800 Northeast Expressway
Atlanta, GA 30329

I currently usher at the Fox Theatre and love it!  You can too.  They are now accepting applications for Volunteer Ushers.  Just fill out the online application and you will be contacted. 

You can use my name (Carolyn Hartfield) as how you found out about the volunteer program.  Let me know that you applied.

Download a copy of the suggested Day Hiking Checklist from REI.  Click here to download a copy.

You want to be sure you know the options when choosing hiking boots. Consider 'summer' hiking boots. Read this article from REI.

Read this article from REI to help you learn what to consider when shopping for trekking poles and staffs. 

 

Your body is more than 60% water, and even light physical activity can deplete that percentage. No fluid means no function!

This loss of fluid is called dehydration. And hydrating, or adding fluids, is the key to keeping it from happening to you.

 

 Click Here to read the article from REI.

For any activity that involves more gear than you can carry in your pocket, especially for hiking, you need a daypack.

 

Daypacks may look similar at first glance but have lots of functional differences. Read the article from REI that is designed to give you some helpful tips on finding the right one  for your needs.

 

 Click Here to read the article from REI.