Cheat

There are numerous opportunities throughout the day to cheat. Not against another person but she cheats herself out of things.

I can try and cheat time by speeding, and we can cheat ourselves out of a great workout by not trying heard enough; but, one of the greatest temptations is all the different foods that follow us through each day making us want to cheat our diet. We are surrounded by food, whether it's in a grocery store, cappuccino spot, the mall or work. A recent potluck lunch at my work proves how hard it is to stay in a healthy zone. Here's a sampling of what was brought: cold sesame noodles, lasagna, pasta salad, potato salad, beef lomein, baked beans, a variety of items form the bake shop, bags of chips and chocolate and Fig Newtons. There was not one salad of veggie dish brought from home, nor was their any fruit offering. Whew... whether there's a diet in the works or not this is one carbohydrate nightmare almost guaranteeing all employees will crash and burn about 90 minutes after consumption....just in time for a 3:00 coffee break.

Now it's your turn to invite her to another potluck meal. It's okay to have a few carbs on menu, just remember to mix it up a bit. Baby, you are the vegetable platter in her day.

She buzz words

• Leaf
• Rake
• Scarecrow
• Crow

Right now she could be

• Writing a paper
• Grading a paper
• Reading a paper
• Paper training a puppy

She pet

Many travel with their pets; some even receive frequent flier miles for them. Bringing an animal on an airplane has become quite commonplace. If the animal's carrier can fit under the seat, AirTrans, Spirit, and JetBlue allow pets in the cabin. Book early; there is a limit as to the amount of animals allowed in the cabin. JetBlue is the only carrier that allows animals in the cabin for an international flight and they also offer frequent flier miles. Large animals must travel in the cargo area under specific regulations and for a fee. Pet Airways is the first airline exclusively for pets, l offers pet travel between major cities at various rates ranging from $150 to $250. Animals will ride in the cabin where seats have been replaced by kennels and attendants will monitor animals during the flight.

She reads

• Getting a Grip: On My Body, My Mind, My Self, by Monica Seles (youngest tennis star to win the French Open), includes her 10-year struggle with an eating disorder.
• Breaking into the Boys Club: 8 Ways for Women to Get Ahead in Business by Molly D. Shepard, Jane K. Stimmler & Peter Dean
• Ms. Typed: Discover Your True Dating Personality and Rewrite Your Romantic Future by Michelle R. Callahan
• Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity by Kathy Ireland
• Your Dogs IQ: How Clever Is Your Canine? by David Taylor

She loves

• Sleeping on clean sheets
• The scent of sunscreen
• A newly stocked office vending machine
• A fresh pot of tea or coffee

She's heard it all

Here are a few of what Reader's Digest considers to be the most irritating phrases in English. I'm sure she can add to them:

• At the end of the day...
• With all due respect..
• It's not rocket science..
• Absolutely..

She clean

Her makeup collection needs a fall-cleaning just like her house. Here's a list of what she should keep and what she should replace:

• Mascara: should be changed every season (four months). She should take no chances with eye products; bacteria could cause an infection.
• Eyeliners: replace once a year.
• Foundation: replace once a year unless product starts to separate; then replace immediately.
• Concealer: replace once a year.
• Lipstick: replace every six months unless it's come into contact with a cold sore, then throw it and start fresh.
• Eye shadow and blush: replace once a year.

She's protective of her food

She's had one-too-many items of food either taken or sampled from out of her office refrigerator. A new sandwich bag that looks like it has mold inside should keep the coworkers away from her food. www.thinkofthe.com

She quote

"When someone asks how old I am, my instinct is to say '28.' Why 28? I got pregnant at 29-every year since has been a blur." - Megan McCafferty

She's lovin'

• Pop Chips: low in calories, never fried, and they are popped crunchy and delicious.
• Holey Donuts: great tasting donuts without the fat and calories. www.holeydonuts.net

• Get more She Prep at www.ShePrep.com